NFL Week 2

Sorry for the absent picks yesterday...there was some technical difficulty which could not be overcome. However, we are back for the NFL today.

I have 4 picks for you today.

First, take Tampa Bay +5 1/2 at Atlanta. This is a classic case of "this team isn't that bad and that team isn't that good." Tampa looked horrible in their opening game and Atlanta looked terrific...but this is the NFL and that usually means great line value. I think that Atlanta will have a tough time duplicating their defensive effort with injuries to their two starting ends. Tampa will look to bounce back and 5 1/2 is WAY too many points.

Next up, take Carolina +1 1/2 against Minnesota. Minn went to Washington and beat the Redskins, but we all saw how bad the Skins looked in the preseason right? The Skins are not a good team this season...they just aren't (especially with a banged up Portis) and Minn didn't even look that great in beating them. Carolina is one of the favorites to win the SB and their defense should have no trouble in shutting down Chester Taylor and Brad Johnson (read that again) in a victory.

Next, go with Philli -3 at home against the Giants. Philli is out to prove that they are past T.O. They looked very impressive in beating Houston, but they are getting no respect b/c it was the Texans. Now they look to prove something against the G-men and they have even more motivation as New York swept Philli last year. I don't buy into Eli on the road...look for him to be giving his pouting face by mid third quarter in this one.

Finally, go with San Francisco +3 at home against the Rams. This just in...Alex Smith might not be a bust after all. He looked quite impressive in the loss to the Cardinals and Frank Gore is a beast. They have the offensive weapons to beat a lot of teams this year, the question is their defense. However, I love to bet against the Rams on the road on grass and this is just that situation. I look for the Lams to lay a big egg in San Fran.


As an extra game, I hear that Dr. Moonlight is all over Arizona +7 at Seattle. The trend of teams coming off a loss in the SB is that they suck the next year (especially against the spread). Well, Seattle won (but didn't cover) a hideous game in week 1 to make that trend seem like it might be in effect this season as well. How much is Seattle going to miss All-World left guard, Steve Hutchinson? Looks like a lot as Shawn Alexander was not impressive in the first game without him. Arizona keeps this one within the number.

(all games are 2*)