Week 4

September 28 2008 @ 07:27

Favorites came through with a 9-7 record in Week 3, while home teams were also 9-7.

But neither of last week's two double-digit favorites covered the spread. As a 131/2-point favorite over the Bengals, the Giants only managed to win26-23 in overtime. The New England Patriots were favored by 121/2 over the visiting Dolphins, but lost 38-13.

There were two other winning favorites who didn't cover the spread. Favored by 91/2 over the visiting Raiders, the Bills gave the home fans a thrill with a24-23 win, while the Broncos, favored by 51/2 over the visiting Saints, squeaked out a 34-32 victory.

My record against the spread

Last week: 8-8

Season: 26-23

Arizona at NY Jets (-2.5)

Last week: Arizona lost to Washington 24-17; Jets lost to San Diego 48-29.

Surprisingly, the Jets are favoured here after a dismal exhibit against the Chargers last week allowing a whopping 48 points. The Cardinals lost their first game of the season at the hands of a surging Redskin crew. However, Cardinals’QB Kurt Warner is continuing his resurgence with six TD passes against a lone interception. On the other side of the field, Brett Favre has yet to deliver for the Jets as he doesn’t appear to be on the same page with his wide receivers. Favre is also nursing a sore ankle but is expected to keep his streak alive but how efficient will he be remains the big question. The Jets who played Monday night may have a preparation disadvantage as they had to travel back from the west coast while the Cardinals decided to remain on the east coast. The bigger concern for the Jets could be its defence, which gave up less than 300 yards and 20 points in each of their first two games but was burned for five touchdowns by San Diego's offense. Jets nose tackle Kris Jenkins left the San Diego game with a back injury and is questionable for Sunday’s game and his impact could be sorely missed like it was in San Diego. Take Cardinals.

Green Bay at Tampa Bay (-1.5)

Last week: Green Bay lost to Dallas 27-16: Tampa Bay beat Chicago 27-24.

Aaron Rodgers and the Packers look to bounce back from their prime-time defeat in Dallas Sunday when they visit Tampa Bay. The Packers were frustrated with their performance against the Cowboys, as they allowed 453 yards of offense, including 217 rushing yards. The Packer’s defence will also be without cornerback Al Harris and you can’t underestimate his value; his leadership and experience are irreplaceable. Buc’s QB Brian Griese was magnificent at times in leading his team to an overtime victory at Chicago last week but he has a tendency to throw many picks at inopportune times even with the lead. The Bucs have two fresh running backs in Earnest Grahamand Warrick Dunn and they need carries to get into a cadence. A sustained running attack would help the Bucs keep the Packers off the field and gives the Bucs the best chance of winning their third game in a row. If Tampa Bay can avoid penalties- they are ranked in the league- and concentrate on running the football, they should pick the Packers’ defence apart, who allowed 217 yards rushing last week, and prevail. Take Buccaneers.

Washington at Dallas (-11.5)

Last week: Washington beat Arizona 24-17; Dallas beat Green Bay 27-16.

The Cowboys have won by 18, by 4 and by 11 in their first three games, and I believe they will win again, but by how many points? Jason Campbell is improving as a quarterback for the Redskins, he has completed 16 straight passes over the last two games and his support system on the perimeter with Santana Moss, Antwaan Randle El, Chris Cooley and Clifton Portis are all proven performers with experience. Dallas demonstrated a nice combination of offense and defence last Sunday night at undefeated Green Bay, where they won 27-16. The Cowboys rushed for 217 yards and passed for 236, and the defence kept the Packers out of the end zone until the final two minutes when the outcome was already decided. Washington's pass defence has actually been pretty good at not giving up the big play. Unfortunately for them, they appear to be vulnerable to the short pass. So that should allow for Tony Romo to hook up with Jason Witten early and often. The Cowboys lead the NFL in offense yards (448.0 yards per game) and are third in the league in scoring (32.0 points per game). Romo has thrown for 892 yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions, while Barber has rushed for 285 yards and four TDs. Barber ran for a career-high 142 yards and a touchdown against the Packers. Indeed, this formidable offence is far too explosive for the Redskins to keep up. The spread is high granted but still…Carefully take Cowboys.

Philadelphia at Chicago (2.5)

Last week: Philadelphia beat Pittsburgh 15-6; Chicago lost to Tampa Bay 27-24.

The Eagles are a more complete team, while the Bears rely on the unusual to stay competitive. With Brian Westbrook's status uncertain and Donovan McNabb at less than full strength, Philadelphia may be forced to rely on its defence again Sunday night at Soldier Field when it tries to deal the Bears a third straight loss. The Eagles made Pittsburgh’s experienced offence look average last week, and I think they will do the same to Chicago. Eagle’s opponents have converted just 3 of 22 third down opportunities of six yards or more. The Bears’ offensive line has been adequate thus far in handling pressure but the Eagles’ blitz-happy defence will represent a huge challenge for Chicago. On offence, the Eagles are a different team without Westbrook, and Donovan McNabb is a different quarterback when he is forced to rely on Correll Buckhalter and Lorenzo Booker. The Bears have played the run well and will try to make McNabb beat them with his arm. He will do just that. Take Eagles.

Baltimore at Pittsburgh (-7.5)

Last week: Baltimore beat Cleveland 28-10; Pittsburgh lost to Philadelphia 15-6.

The early lead in the AFC North will be on the line Monday night in Pittsburgh, where the beat-up Steelers will try to find some answers for the Ravens' top-ranked defence in one of the NFL's most physical rivalries. The Ravens have enjoyed recent success against the Steelers, winning four of the past five meetings. However, they have lost six of the past seven games at Heinz Field. Without Willie Parker, Pittsburgh has lost a lot on offence. And not just as a running back, but as a blocker. Rashard Mendenhall will have to adjust to the speed and viciousness which Baltimore will bring to pressure Ben Roethlisberger. Mendenhall will be running into the NFL's top-ranked defence. Baltimore has given up an average of just 161.5 yards through its first two games, 72.5 fewer than the league's No. 2 unit, which belongs to Pittsburgh (234.0). The Ravens might have to turn quarterback Joe Flacco loose. It's his first game on the road, and it's a nationally-televised game on MNF. Pittsburgh is going to hit Flacco with a lot of blitzes, so he'll have to take some chances. In the past, the Ravens have been able to hit some long passes against the Steelers corners. This game will be a close one, look for the Ravens to cover. Take points and Ravens.

Atlanta at Carolina (-6.5)

Last week: Atlanta beat Kansas City 38-14; Carolina lost to Minnesota 20-10.

The Panthers aren't going to give up the free passes the Chiefs and Lions did, so it's unrealistic for the Falcons to expect to score in the 30s this week. A close game here. Take points and Falcons.

Denver at Kansas City (8.5)

Last week: Denver beat New Orleans 34-32; Kansas City lost to Atlanta 38-14.

Sooner or later, the Chiefs will bust their losing streak, which is at 12 games dating back to last season. This won't be the week. Take Broncos.

San Francisco at New Orleans (-5.5)

Last week: San Francisco beat Detroit 31-13; New Orleans lost to Denver 34-32.

A revamped offense has given the San Francisco 49ers reason to be optimistic. Despite having an even more prolific attack than the 49ers, the New Orleans Saints are having a harder time finding the bright side of the season's first three weeks. Take points and 49ers.

Minnesota at Tennessee (-2.5)

Last week: Minnesota beat Carolina 20-10; Tennessee beat Houston 31-12.

The Titans are off to a surprising 3-0 start and have a string of winnable games coming up before their schedule gets tougher. The Vikings, meanwhile, have been inconsistent. Take Titans.

Houston at Jacksonville (-7.5)

Last week: Houston lost to Tennessee 31-12; Jacksonville beat Indianapolis 23-21.

After a dominant rushing attack and a late field goal helped them barely avoid their first 0-3 start in five years, the Jaguars look to build on their first victory when they host the winless Houston Texans on Sunday. Spread is indeed yet, Take Jaguars.

Cleveland at Cincinnati (-3.5)

Last week: Cleveland lost to Baltimore 28-10; Cincinnati lost to NY Giants 26-23.

The Bengals' 26-23 overtime loss at the New York Giants can be interpreted as a sign that Cincinnati is getting its act together. The now-healthy trio of Carson Palmer, Ocho Cinco and T.J. Houshmandzadeh is finally starting to click. Take Bengals.

San Diego at Oakland (6.5)

Last week: San Diego beat NY Jets 48-29; Oakland lost to Buffalo 24-23.

The Chargers offense is too talented for the Raiders to hang with for an entire game. The Raiders don't have the offensive firepower to overcome a large deficit, so their lone chance is to keep the game close and hope to find a way to pull it out in the end. Not likely. Take Chargers.

Buffalo at St-Louis (7.5)

Last week: Buffalo beat Oakland 24-23; St-Louis lost to Seattle 37-13.

On offence the Rams have scored 3, 13 and 13 points. On defence, they have allowed 38, 41 and 37 points. The question is, will Trent Green make that big of a difference for the St. Louis Rams? Unlikely. Take Bills.

Bye: Detroit, Indianapolis, Miami, New England, NY Giants and Seattle.

By: Aengus Moorehead @ 07:27 | Category: Football  | Comments: 0 | Permalink

Week 3

September 21 2008 @ 08:59

Favorites posted a 5-8-2 record in Week 2, while home teams were 5-9-1 and home underdogs went 2-3. In two games, the winning team did not cover the point spread: the Steelers, favored by six points over the Browns, won 10-6, while the Cowboys, who were seven-point favorites at home, nipped the Eagles 41-37 in an entertaining offensive display. Home teams are favored in 15 of the 16 games this week, with the Super Bowl champion Giants a 131/2-point choice over the disappointing Bengals and the Patriots a 121/2-point pick over the Dolphins.

My record against the spread

Last week: 10-5

Season: 18-13

Arizona at Washington (-2.5)

 Last week: Arizona beat Miami 31-10; Washingtonbeat New Orleans 29-24.

The Redskins are motivated and encouraged after their come-from-behind triumph over the Saints. However, there was little cause for celebration mainly because the Saints played without three starters and two key backups on defense. The Cardinals should be at full strength, and veteran QB KurtWarner is among the NFL's most underrated quarterbacks. The Cardinals haven't committed a turnover, a big reason they are 2-0 for the first time since 1991. Warner has done a nice job of not forcing passes into coverage and hanging on to the ball when he's sacked. Warner was intercepted twice in the first half of last season's game against Washington, leading to the Redskins taking a 14-0 lead and winning the game. RB Clinton Portis has been efficient at moving the chains but has yet to scurry for that elusive big gain this year. In fact, the Cardinals did a pretty good job of containing the eccentric halfback in last year’s affair. The Cardinals could be 3-0 for the first time since 1974 when they won their first seven games with pro-bowler Jim Hart at the helm. Figuring out how to stop the Cardinals isn't easy. It's dangerous not to bring pressure against quarterback KurtWarner. If he's allowed to throw on time, he will pick a secondary apart and he will have time since the Redskins are not known to blitz. Take Cardinals.

Carolina at Minnesota (-3.5)

Last week: Carolina beat Chicago 20-17; Minnesota lost to Indianapolis 18-15.

This is the ideal scenario for the Panthers as Steve Smith makes his way back into the line-up because the Panthers can throw against the Vikings who are not deep at cornerback. Look for the Panthers to spread their receivers out in three-wide sets. They've relied on two-tight end formations in Smith's absence, but three legitimate targets on the field might be more than Minnesota can cover. Gus Frerotte, yes, that old gent is starting for the Vikes and he might be in way over his head. Adrian Peterson may ease the burden off a depleted offense but he is all alone in this all but a lost quest, plus he was limited in practice on Friday and is questionable for Sunday because of a hamstring injury. Take Panthers.

 New Orleans at Denver (-4.5)

Last week: New Orleans lost to Washington 29-24; Denver beat San Diego 39-38.

This game is expected to be a high scoring contest. Both of these teams have very good offenses and suspect defenses. With Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush sharing backfield responsibilities, the Saints will try to control the game on the ground in order to keep Bronco QB Jay Cutler off the field. The Broncos applied almost no pressure on Philip Rivers last week and if that tendency continues, their defense will get picked apart by Drew Brees. If Jay Cutler, who completed 36 of 50 passes last week for a career-best 350 yards, four touchdowns and one interception, can duplicate last week’s masterful job against a banged up Saints’ secondary, the Broncos should then prevail. Take Broncos.

Pittsburgh at Philadelphia (-2.5)

Last week: Pittsburgh beat Cleveland 10-6; Philadelphia lost to Dallas 41-37.

Nursing a sprained shoulder, Pittsburgh QB Ben Roethlisberger will try to lead the Steelers to their first win in Philadelphia in 43 years on Sunday against McNabb and the high-scoring Eagles. If Roethlisberger is limited, he can at least find the AFC's leading rusher lined up behind him. Willie Parker has gone over 100 yards in each of his first two games and looks to be fully recovered from a broken leg he suffered last December, but the Eagles haven't allowed a 100-yard rusher in the first two games. The Eagles have beaten the Steelers seven straight times in Philadelphia and haven't lost a home game to their cross-state rivals since 1965. Both teams have strong offensive lines and fast defensive fronts. The team that gets the most quarterback pressure will win. The Eagles have something to prove after blowing a fourth-quarter lead against Dallas last week and they'll have the home crowd behind them. Take Eagles.

NY Jets at San Diego (-8.5)

Last week: Jets lost to New England 19-10; San Diego lost to Denver 39-38.

After being on the wrong end of an officiating gaffe that cost them a win, the Chargers will try to bounce back Monday night when they host Brett Favre and the New York Jets. San Diego has allowed an average of 437.0 yards of offense in its first two games, and after ranking fifth in scoring defense last season at 17.8 points per game, is giving up 32.5 this year. Star tailback LaDainian Tomlinson has been hobbled by a toe injury and hasn't scored a touchdown in two games. He ran for just 26 yards on 10 carries against Denver. He returned to practice in a limited role Friday and is listed as questionable for the game. This is a desperation game for the Chargers and I do think they will win. But the Jets will not make it easy. Take points and Jets.

Kansas City at Atlanta (-4.5)

Last week: Kansas City lost to Oakland 23-8; Atlanta lost to Tampa Bay 24-9.

While the Chiefs lead this series 5-1, they've lost their first two games for the third straight season. They will lose a third game this weekend. Take Falcons.

Houston at Tennessee (-4.5)

Last week: Houston did not play; Tennessee beat Cincinnati 24-7.

The last time the Titans started 2-0 they went to the 1999 Super Bowl. The Titans have won the last six times in this series by an average of 6 ½ points. Take Titans.

Oakland at Buffalo (-8.5)

Last week: Oakland beat Kansas City 23-8; Buffalo beat Jacksonville 20-16.

The Raiders gained a confidence by winning on the road last week, but Kansas City is not in the Bills' class. High spread nevertheless take Bills.

Tampa Bay at Chicago (-2.5)

Last week: Tampa Bay beat Atlanta 24-9; Chicago lost to Carolina20-17.

Although he won his first start in three years, Bucs QB Brian Griese was not sharp. His former Bears teammates are well aware of his weaknesses. Take Bears.

Cincinnati at NY Giants (-12.5)

Last week: Cincinnati lost to Tennessee; Giants beat St-Louis 41-13.

Bengals QB Carson Palmer's passer ratings in the first two games have been the worst of his career. The Giants have been a better team on the road. Still, take Giants.

Miami at New England (-12.5)

Last week: Miami lost to Arizona 31-10; New England beat NY Jets 19-10.

Despite the Patriots' success since Belichick took over in 2000, they're just 9-7 against the Dolphins over that span; their worst record against any AFC East opponent. Take points and Dolphins.

Detroit at San Francisco (-3.5)

Last week: Detroit lost to Green Bay 48-25; San Francisco beat Seattle 33-30.

Detroit hasn't had answers against San Francisco lately, losing 10 of 11 in the series since 1988. Take 49ers.

St-Louis at Seattle (-9.5)

Last week: St-Louis lost to Giants 41-13; Seattle lost to San Francisco 33-30.

That the Rams are 0-2 is hardly a shock, but more was expected from the Seahawks, who have won the last six games in this series. Take Seahawks.

Cleveland at Baltimore (-1.5)

Last week: Cleveland lost to Pittsburgh 10-6; Baltimore did not play.

The season began with great expectations, but the Browns could be out of the playoff picture before September ends unless they win in Baltimore. It won’t happen. Take Ravens.

Jacksonville at Indianapolis (-5.5)

Last week: Jacksonville lost to Buffalo 20-16; Indianapolis beat Minnesota 18-15.

The Jaguars are banged up and desperate, but they will find no relief away against the Colts. Take Colts.

Dallas at Green Bay (+2.5)

 Last week: Dallas beat Philadelphia 41-37; Green Bay beat Detroit 48-25.

The Cowboys' offense will be too much for the Packers to handle. Take Cowboys.

 

By: Aengus Moorehead @ 08:59 | Category: Football  | Comments: 0 | Permalink

week 2

September 13 2008 @ 17:46

Favorites posted a 10-6 record in Week 1, while home teams were 11-5. Home underdogs were 3-4. The only winning favorite that didn't cover the point spread was the Patriots, who were favored by 16 with Brady starting at QB.

My record against the spread

Last week: 8-8

Season: 8-8

Tennessee at Cincinnati (-1.5)

 Last week: Titans beat Jaguars17-10; Bengals lost to Ravens 17-10.

The unsettled situation with Titans QB Vince Young warrants prudence. The troubled quarterback struggled in his season opener and was booed handsomely before he injured his knee late in the fourth quarter. Veteran Kerry Collins is slated to take over Sunday against the Bengals who were less than impressive in their lost against Joe Flacco and the Ravens last week. The Titans are 1-3 under Collins’ command but he looked sharp last week against the Jaguars while engineering an impressive fourth quarter drive after relieving the injured Young. The Titan’s defense was also impressive but could be without All-Pro tackle Albert Haynesworth who suffered a mild concussion. The Bengals, who ranked in the top 10 in total offense each of the last two seasons, were held to eight first downs and an NFL-low 154 total yards last week. Carson Palmer didn't get much help from his offensive line, which gave up two sacks after allowing only 17 all of last season. Palmer was also knocked down repeatedly as the pass protection continued to break down. It does not bode well for the Bengals against a Titan defense that sacked QB Davis Garrard seven times last week. Take Titans.

Green Bay at Detroit (+2.5)

 Last week: Packers beat Vikings 24-19; Lions lost to Falcons 34-21.

 Green Bay has made a habit of exposing Detroit's defense in recent years, winning five straight and 13 of the last 15 against the Lions. The Packers totaled 71 points in two meetings last season, racking up 481 total yards during a 37-26 win at Ford Field on Thanksgiving Day. Packers RB Ryan Grant painfully racked up 92 yards against a stingy Viking defense and this week he’s facing a Lions’ defensive core that gave up 318 yards to Atlanta, you do the math. The Packers’ corners will have their hands full against the Lions’ big receivers, Calvin Johnson and Roy Williams, they will have to play physical and do it early in the game. The Packers must avoid unnecessary penalties; they were called for 12 infractions last week for a league leading total of 118 yards. If they can circumvent this thorny aspect and get back to the fundamentals, the Packers should prevail. Take Packers.

 San Diego at Denver (+2.5)

 Last week: Chargers lost to Panthers 26-24; Broncos beat Raiders 41-14.

These teams will face off for the first time since that ominous clash last Christmas Eve. The animosity between these two AFC west rivals culminated on that fateful day where tempers flared and taunting was aplenty. Clearly, these two teams do not like each other and the Chargers’ supremacy exhibited last year – 41-3 and 23-3- has rattled the Broncos. For the Chargers, last week’s stunning loss to the Panthers has them in early desperation mode. Indeed, the Broncos will have a golden opportunity to take a two-game lead in a division that appears to be a two-man race. This game is going to be all about the San Diego defense; it will be tested especially with Broncos WR Brandon Marshall expected to return after a one game suspension. The combination of Marshall and rookie WR Eddie Royal, who had a sensational opener, could open up lots of possibilities for QB Jay Cutler. Health is also an issue with the Chargers; LaDanian Tomlinson (toe), Antonio Cromartie (hip), Antonio Gates (hip), are all probable but definitely hurting as well as the Chargers’ chances. Take Broncos.

New England at NY Jets (-2.5)

Last week: Patriots beat Chiefs 17-10; Jets beat Dolphins 20-14.

The Patriots will miss QB Tom Brady badly. On the other hand, Jets QB Brett Favre won't get away with completing hail-mary rainbow passes against this defense. New York has not defeated New England at the Meadowlands since a 20-19 win on Sept. 11, 2000, when Brady was the Patriots' fourth-string quarterback and Bill Belichick was in his first season coaching the team. Brett Favre will try to do better than he did the last time he matched up against the Pats and coach Bill Belichick. In November 2006, New England beat Green Bay, 35-0, and knocked Favre out of the game with an elbow injury. Favre went 5-for-15 for 73 yards. For the Patriots, Matt Cassel stepped in adequately for Brady against the Chiefs, completing 13 of 18 passes - including a 10-yard touchdown to Moss - for 152 yards as the Patriots held on for a 17-10 win. Cassel backed up star quarterbacks Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart at USC, and has not started a game that counted since 1999 but a strong running game will limit the opportunities for Cassel to make a mistake. Take Patriots.

Chicago at Carolina (-2.5)

Last week: Bears beat Colts 29-13; Panthers beat Chargers 26-24.

Take Panthers

Buffalo at Jacksonville (-5.5)

Last week: Bills beat Seahawks 34-10; Jaguars lost to Titans 17-10.
Take Bills

Oakland at Kansas City (-3.5)

Last week: Raiders lost to Broncos 41-14; Chiefs lost to Patriots 17-10.
Take Raiders

Indianapolis at Minnesota (+1.5)

Last week: Colts lost 29-13 to Bears; Vikings lost 24-19 to Packers.
Take Colts

NY Giants at St-Louis(+8.5)

Last week: Giants beat Redskins 16-7; Rams lost to Eagles 38-3.
Take points and Rams

New Orleans at Washington (-1.5)

Last week: Saints beat Bucs 24-20; Redskins lost to Giants 16-7
Take Saints

San Francisco at Seattle (-7.5)

Last week: 49ers lost 23-13 to Cardinals; Seahawks lost 34-10 to Bills.
Take Seahawks.

Atlanta at Tampa Bay (-8.5)

Last week: Falcons beat Lions 34-21; Bucs lost to Saints 24-20
Take points and Falcons.

Miami at Arizona (-6.5)

Last week: Dolphins lost 20-14 to Jets; Cardinals beat 49ers 23-13.
Take Cardinals.

Pittsburgh at Cleveland (+5.5)

Last week: Steelers beat Texans 38-17; Browns lost to Cowboys 28-10.
Take Steelers.

Philadelphia at Dallas (-6.5)

Last week: Eagles beat Rams 38-3; Cowboys beat Browns 28-10
Take Eagles.

Baltimore at Houston
This game has been postponed due to Hurricane Ike and rescheduled to Sunday November 9th.

 

 

By: Aengus Moorehead @ 17:46 | Category: Football  | Comments: 0 | Permalink

Week 1 NFL

September 6 2008 @ 22:19

 NY Jets at Miami Dolphins (+2.5)

The addition of certain Hall of Fame QB Brett Favre makes the Jets a favorite. Thankfully for Favre, the Jets have strengthened their offensive line in the offseason by adding perennial pro bowler Alan Faneca and Damien Woody. Miami will have No. 1 overall draft pick Jake Long, a left tackle, to protect newly acquired Chad Pennington. It would be sweet redemption for Pennington - who was released by the Jets – if he were to out dual the man who took his job in New York. The bigger questions may be on defense for a team that allowed an AFC-high 437 points last year. The Jets twice took advantage, scoring 71 total points in a pair of victories over Miami. Nevertheless, the Dolphins should squeak by. Carefully take the Dolphins.

Cincinnati at Baltimore (+1.5)

The Bengals beat the Ravens twice last season, thanks in no small part to six turnovers in each game by the losers. It is difficult to find a rational reason. Baltimore has dropped three straight meetings against the Bengals and six of the last seven in the series between the AFC North rivals. Cincy’s WR Chad Johnson is questionable for the opener with a shoulder injury, leaving the workload to T.J. Houshmandzadeh. Behind both centers, veteran Carson Palmer will definitely have the edge over rookie Joe Flacco who can only be an improvement as Kyle Boller’s replacement. Take the Bengals.

 Dallas at Cleveland (+4.5)

 The Cowboys were second in league scoring to the Patriots last year and with a similar roster there is no reason why they shouldn’t replicate this season. The defense didn't disappoint either, holding rivals to an average of 307.6 yards, ninth-fewest in the NFL. On offence, the Browns aren’t too shabby themselves, ranking eighth in total yards (351.3) and points (402) behind an inspired season from quarterback Derek Anderson, who passed for 3,787 yards and 29 TDs. Anderson, who suffered a concussion during the pre-season, is scheduled to be at the helm for the Browns, same goes for Anderson’s favorite target receiver Braylon Edwards who returned to practice Monday after missing three weeks with a severely cut foot. However, the defense is the real concern for the Browns. With the addition of nose tackle Shaun Rogers and defensive tackle Corey Williams in the offseason, the Browns hope to improve defensively after ranking 30th by giving up 359.6 yards per game in 2007. Still, the Cowboys should prevail. Take the Cowboys.

Minnesota at Green Bay (-2.5)

The Packers have swept the last two season series between these rivals, but that was in the Brett Favre era. Aaron Rodgers has one of the league's better receiving units to ease his transition. Both Donald Driver and Greg Jennings compiled more than 900 yards last season, and Jennings, in his second year, had 12 touchdowns. Rodgers should get plenty of air time since that the Vikings allowed 264.1 yards per game passing, the most in the league in 2007. However, newly acquired defensive end Jared Allen, with his league leading 15 ½ sacks last year, could be a disruption for Green Bay’s offensive line core. But Green Bay should also be able to rely on its defense. The Packers' allowed only 18.2 points per game last season, second in the NFC. They will have their hands full with rookie of the year RB Adrian Peterson. Even though he faded late in the season, Peterson remains a force to be reckoned with. Carefully take Packers.

Tampa Bay at New Orleans (-3.5)

Take the Saints.

 Jacksonville at Tennessee (+2.5)

Take the Jags.

 Houston at Pittsburgh (-6.5)

Take the Steelers.

 St-Louis at Philadelphia (-6.5)

Take points and the Rams.

 Kansas City at New England (-16.5)

Carefully take the Patriots.

 Seattle at Buffalo (-1)

Take the Bills.

 Detroit at Atlanta (+2.5)

Take the Lions.

 Arizona at San Francisco (+2.5)

Take the Cardinals.

 Carolina at San Diego (-9.5)

Take points and the Panthers.

 Chicago at Indianapolis (-9.5)

Take the Colts.

Denver at Oakland (+2.5)

Take the Raiders.

By: Aengus Moorehead @ 22:19 | Category: Football  | Comments: 0 | Permalink

Washington at Giants

September 4 2008 @ 13:37

Washington Redskins at NY Giants (-4)

Just a week or so before the start of the regular season, the NY Giants were stunned with the season-ending injury to Pro Bowl defensive end Osi Umenyiora. In fact, four starters from last year’s winning formation will be missing in action for the opener against the Redskins; joining Umenyiora is newly retired Michael Strahan, safety Gibril Wilson and linebacker Kawika Mitchell. The Giants are accustomed to poor starts; no one considered the Giants Super Bowl contenders after they lost their first two games last season by a combined 80-48. However, the defense allowed only 97.7 rushing yards per game, an average of 3.8 yards per attempt and with Clinton Portis as the Redskins’ primary weapon they remain a one-dimensional offense thus putting the pressure on QB Jason Campbell who has yet showed a skilled game management.

The Giants have been unable to establish a true home-field advantage. The Giants were an abysmal 3-5 last season at Giants Stadium, but Manning’s leadership and self-belief in his ability will be the intangible in this caper. Take the Giants.

By: Aengus Moorehead @ 13:37 | Category: Football  | Comments: 0 | Permalink