Week 3 Picks

Week 3 Picks

Kansas City @ Atlanta (-6)

I don't really care if Atlanta is starting Matt Ryan against Kansas City. The Chiefs got blown out by Oakland at home with Thigpen at the helm. The Chiefs are easily the worst team in the NFL so this line would have to be double digits for me to take the Kansas City

Pick: Atlanta -6

Oakland @ Buffalo (-9.5)

Everybody loves Buffalo after impressive victories against two playoff teams to open the season. And with good reason--they can stop the run and put up enough points to win most games. However, Buffalo hasn't had success in a while so I expect this young team to trail early against a desperate Oakland team but eventually rally. This game will be closer than people expect but Buff should be able to hold on at home.

Pick: Oakland +9.5

Houston @ Tennessee (-5)

Since Hurricane Ike postponed the Houston/Baltimore game last week, the Texans have had two full weeks to prepare for Tennessee. Don't be fooled, the hassle of relocating to another city for a couple of days because of a hurricane (see: Saints, New Orleans) is trying on a mediocre team. I don't care if the booze hound Kerry Collins is leading this team, the Titans have a great defense and should win this game handily.

Pick: Tennessee -5

Cinci @ NYG (13.5)

Cincinnati is a desperate team and in must-win mode. The Giants are good, but not great, so I see this game being closer than people expect. Plus, the Giants play better on the road. In the end, the Giants D-line should terrorize the Cinci O-line enough to pull out a narrow victory.

Pick: Cincinnati +13.5

Arizona @ Washington (-3)

The Cardinals played the Skins in Washington last year and the game was fairly close so I think a similar result will occur here. The Cards have looked good, but then again, playing Detroit and San Francisco can make a lot of teams look good. The Skins are very solid at home and seem to be buying to Coach Zorn's system.

Pick: Washington -3

Miami @ NE (-12.5)

This line can't go high enough. It has been determined it doesn't really matter who plays QB for the Patriots, so Matt Cassel handing the ball off 50 times a game doesn't change the outcome. The Dolphins are bad, but not as putrid as they were last year. In addition the Dolphins always seem to play Miami closer then expected. That said, I see the Pats winning by a few touchdowns.

Pick: New England -12.5

Tampa @ Chicago (-3)

The Bucs are well coached and coming off an easy victory over the Falcons. The Bears played the Panthers close at home, so this game should be close. This game might finish with fewer points then a middle school girls basketball game, but Robbie Gould should kick enough field goals for the Bears to pull off a narrow victory.

Pick: Tampa +3

Carolina @ Minny (-3.5)

I sincerely hope Gus Frerotte throws a touchdown and immediately head buts the wall at the Metrodome. The Vikings just need their QB to be serviceable, since they have a stifling defense and a great running game. Should be close, but Minny pulls it out at home.

Pick: Carolina +3.5

St. Louis @ Seattle (-9.5)

Vegas is begging the country to take the Rams with this one, but I'm not buying it. Seattle brought in former WR Koren Robinson to handle receiving duties, and while this wouldn't usually be a great sign, the Rams are just that bad. I like the Seahawks big.

Pick: Seattle -9.5

Detroit @ San Fran (-4)

Detroit hasn't won a playoff game since the Polk administration while the 49ers pulled off the upset victory in Seattle last week. Frank Gore should run wild in this game. San Fran 72-zip at halftime for this one.

Pick: San Francisco -4

NO @ Denver (-5.5)

These clubs are quite similar: terrible defenses, great offenses. Cutler is the greatest diabetic quarterback ever, and Brees has a giant birthmark on his face. Something has to give. Cutler will abuse the New Orleans secondary, but the Denver defense will give up at least 4 touchdowns. Denver got lucky against San Diego (thanks Ed Megawhey Hochuli) but I think they ride the momentum to another shootout win. This line is too high though.

Pick: New Orleans +5.5

Pitt @ Philly (-3)

Pittsburgh won big against Houston and ugly at Cleveland. The Eagles played a great game against the Cowboys, but the short week will cost them. McNabb won't have the same amount of time to throw it to DeSaun "Leon Lett" Jackson against the Pitt D, so I like the mini upset here.

Pick: Pittsburgh +3

Jax @ Indy (-5.5)

Both of these preseason Super Bowl contenders have been banged up. However, the Colts get center Jeff Saturday back from injury which should completely change the running game and pass protection. Jacksonville just can't run the ball with their decimated offensive line, so I like the Colts by a touchdown.

Pick: Indy -5.5

Cleveland @ Baltimore (-2)

The Ravens get an extra week to prepare for the Browns, but the fact remains, Joe Flacco is leading Cleveland so...yeah, I like the Browns here. Cleveland has had a tough schedule facing the Cowboys and Steelers to open the season, so I don't think their record is as bad as people think. Cleveland in a somewhat close game.

Pick: Cleveland +2

Dallas @ GB (+3)

The Cowboys look like a juggernaut, but don't sleep on the Packers. Aaron Rodgers and his mustache have looked pretty good so far and with the Cowboys coming off a short week and playing away tips the scales in Green Bay's favor.

Pick: Green Bay +3

NYJ @ San Diego (-9)

Discovered by the Germans in 1904, they named it San Diego. This Monday night matchup has the look of a blowout. San Diego was robbed last week, and suffered a last second loss two weeks ago. Just like last year, they start slow but eventually get back on track. While the Chargers roll big, Norv Turner will continue to shave using a cheese-grater.

Pick: San Diego -9.

I went 11-4 against the spread so you best take this advice to the bank.