The second week in a row where the picks have not been too good with a 10-6 record without the points and an 8-8 record with the points. Through three weeks I’m 32-16 SU and 27-20-1 ATS. In a few weeks I’ll base the predictions on my team efficiency ratings but for now Ill still just wing it. I now have all the picks up for the week…
Ravens (-3) over STEELERS- I admit to having a hard time here. Baltimore has looked awful the first three weeks of the season and their defense looks to be one of the worst in the NFL. That being said the Steelers have lost one of the most important players in the NFL and have replaced him with a completely different type of player. Mike Vick looked so disinterested in football last season as QB for the Jets, and that was before the season spiraled out of control. I just have a hard time picturing him completely changing things around with the change in uniform. The Steelers have a very effective running game but that offense only clicks with Big Ben running the show. Ravens 20 Steelers 13
Jets (+1.5) over DOLPHINS– Jets injuries are a concern but if Miami is already questioning the coaching staff, that’s a bad sign. Jets 24 Dolphins 17
Texans (+5.5) over FALCONS– I expect Atlanta to win this game but I believe the running game of the Texans and the big play ability of DeAndre Hopkins will keep it within 6. Falcons 29 Texans 24
Raiders (-3.5) over BEARS– Hard to imagine the Raiders as a favorite on the road. Chicago should do better than last week but I have a hard time picking them to do anything. Raiders hang on from a late Chicago flurry. Raiders 28 Bears 24
BENGALS (-3.5) over Chiefs– Cincy is playing well and won’t falter until they match up with a top level team. The Chiefs are certainly not a top level team. Bengals 27 Chiefs 19
Jaguars (+9) over COLTS– Going back on the Jags this week after they burned me last week, but how are the Colts a 9 point favorite over anyone these days? Colts 24 Jaguars 20
Giants (+5.5) over BILLS– Buffalo is the better team, but I’m used to seeing Rex hit some trap games off a win where they underperform. I think this may be one of those games. They do enough to win, but not cover. Bills 28 Giants 24
Eagles (-3) over REDSKINS– Eagles are still stuck in neutral on offense but defensively they are playing pretty well and that should be enough. Eagles 17 Redskins 13
Panthers (-3) over BUCCANEERS– Even being on the road I feel this is screaming to take Carolina which probably means a Bucs win, but Carolina should be solid defensively and Newton can creat enough on offense. Panthers 27 Bucs 10
Browns (+7) over CHARGERS– San Diego has disappointed the last two weeks and while they are back home this is a big spread to cover, even against the Browns. Chargers 27 Browns 23
BRONCOS (-7) over Vikings– Denver may have some problems on offense, but I think the Denver defense makes life so hard on Minnesota that the Broncos should pull away in the end. Broncos 21 Vikings 10
Packers (-7.5) over 49ERS– Don’t see the 49ers having much of a chance unless the Packers have a complete hangover after the primetime games. Packers 37 49ers 17
CARDINALS (-7) over Rams– Unless the Rams find a pulse on offense this won’t be close. Carson Palmer may be having the best year of his career for Arizona who is just in a groove right now. Cardinals 37 Rams 14
Cowboys (+3) over SAINTS– Probably not what NBC expected when they got this for Sunday night, but it sounds like Brees will play and the Saints defense is so bad any team should score a lot on them. Even without their big two players I like Dallas better as the more complete team. Cowboys 29 Saints 23
SEAHAWKS (-10) over Lions– This is not the kind of game where you would expect the Lions to do well. Too tough of an environment against too good of a team for this to even be close. Seahawks 35 Lions 17