A 9-7 record isn’t a bad way to start the season, but it’s not surprising either. I’ll give it another shot for the second week:
Buffalo in Miami – 6 1/2
Neither team looked too good in the first week, but Buffalo gave the Patriots a scare. However, Buffalo’s defense may suffer if Spikes doesn’t play. Miami wins its first game at home after a heavy defeat on the defensive fields.
NATIONAL TEAM: Miami – 6 1/2
Carolina in Minnesota+2
The Panthers bounce back after being made a fool of by the Falcons. The Vikings won Monday, but they didn’t look so special. The Redskins were just worse. I usually like home dogs, but the Panthers have a history of playing well on the road.
SELECTION: Carolina-2
Cleveland at Cincinnati – 10 1/2
I’m going to make this simple. The Bengals looked good last week and the Browns looked bad. The Bengals have owned this series of late and their defense will shut down a poor Cleveland offense.
NATIONAL TEAM: Cincinnati – 10 1/2
Detroit at Chicago – 8 1/2
Lots of big spreads this week. Green Bay made the Bears look better than they are and I was actually impressed that the Lions last week held the defending NFC champion Seahawks to exactly zero touchdowns. Are the Cowardly Lions showing they can play?
NATIONAL TEAM: Detroit + 8 1/2
Houston at Indianapolis – 13
I don’t like setting so many points, but this is just a mismatch. The Colts, playing at home, against a struggling team seems like a block, but I’ve been burned before when things seem so obvious. I’m still debating this, but for now, I’m going with Indy.
NATIONAL TEAM: Indianapolis – 13
New Orleans at Green Bay + 2
I know traditionally, Green Bay doesn’t lose at home. And since they’re getting points here, this is a sure thing, right? Mistaken. The Packers were shut out by the Bears last week, and the Saints didn’t look too bad. Reggie Bush is the real deal, and Aaron Brooks’ stupid decisions no longer haunt this team. They have a pro bowl QB leading them.
NATIONAL TEAM: New Orleans – 2
New York Giants at Philadelphia – 3
Philly looked good last week as McNabb threw for three touchdowns and looked like a pro again. The Giants were slightly outplayed by the Colts, but they also looked pretty good. This is one of the best games of the week to watch on TV. I think this one will be close, so I’m going to go with the team to get some points, plus I think the Giants will do whatever it takes to avoid starting the season 0-2.
NATIONAL TEAM: New York Giants +3
Oakland at Baltimore – 11 1/2
Even though the Ravens beat the Bucs pretty bad last week, I’m still not convinced. Their defense resembled the Ravens of a few years ago. The Raiders might be the worst team in football, looking like a high school team when they embarrassed themselves Monday night vs. The Chargers. I say the Raiders recover enough to get into the spread.
NATIONAL TEAM: Oakland+11 1/2
Tampa Bay at Atlanta – 5 1/2
Tampa is expected to bounce back after being blown out by the Ravens last week. Chris Simms is finally starting to look like his dad this weekend, as the Bucs have owned this series of late. With John Abraham listed as questionable, I think the Bucs pull this off.
PICK: Tampa Bay+5 1/2
Arizona at Seattle – 7
The Seahawks didn’t look too impressive in the last weakness against the Lions, but I think that had more to do with the Lions getting better. This week they are at home and have won the last vs. The Cardinals Although the Cardinals look better, they still get beaten on the road this week.
NATIONAL TEAM: Seattle-7
Saint Louis in San Francisco +3
3? Only 3? The Rams are a middle of the pack kind of team and the 49ers are a bad team. The Rams’ defense is better than the Cardinals’ defense, to whom the 49ers added 27 points. Don’t look for a repeat offensive performance from Gore, Bryant or Smith. Steven Jackson, however, has a field day.
SELECTION: San Luis – 3
Kansas City at Denver – 10 1/2
This is a tough one for KC without starting QB Trent Green, who suffered an injury last week. Larry Johnson will take over while the Chiefs at least stay close. Denver can start Cutler sooner than we think if Plummer keeps playing the way he did in Week 1.
NATIONAL TEAM: Kansas City +10 1/2
New England at New York Jets +6
The Jets almost looked like a football team last week vs. The Titans, one of the worst teams in the league. Facing off against one of the best teams in the league, the Jets will fall apart. Pennington is probably the weakest quarterback in the NFL and it’s only a matter of time before he finishes his season. Look for a big day from Dillon, Maroney, Watson and Brady.
NATIONAL TEAM: New England-6
Tennessee at San Diego – 11 1/2
Well, you know how I feel about the Titans and the Chargers looked good last Monday night. They’re giving a lot, but home-field advantage on the West Coast is big on this one. Phillip Rivers looked more comfortable than I thought he would and LT is the best running back in the game. They beat up the Titans like they beat up the Raiders.
NATIONAL TEAM: San Diego – 11 1/2
Washington at Dallas – 5 1/2
Without Portis, the Redskins aren’t worth much. He’s listed as questionable, and it would be a fool for him to try to quickly come back from his injury. Dallas looked so-so last week, but Bledsoe will fight like hell to keep his job, which could be in jeopardy. Playing in front of a Texas crowd, Dallas wins.
NATIONAL TEAM: Dallas – 5 1/2
Pittsburgh in Jacksonville chooses them
What about the Steelers and pick em games? The Jags look good, but the Steelers are better. Once again, on national television, the best team wins.
NATIONAL: Pittsburgh