Monday, Sept. 15
Here's my first look at the Week 3 NFL card.
Tampa Bay at Atlanta (Thursday) - Maybe the Bucs will fare better as 'dogs since they are 0-2 as favorites losing both games straight-up to the Derek Anderson-led Panthers and Austin Davis-led Rams. This is Tampa Bay's lone scheduled prime time game. The Falcons have big guns again on offense and the Buccaneers have a cluster injury problem in their defensive front seven, but Atlanta still is bad on defense giving up 472 yards in each of its first two games.
San Diego at Buffalo - The Bills are in prime shape to open 3-0 drawing the Chargers traveling cross-country for an early start in a letdown spot after a huge home win against the Super Bowl champs. Thinking and believing the Bills can go 3-0 are two different things, however.
Dallas at St. Louis - It certainly would be a plus for Dallas if suspended cornerback Orlando Scandrick gets reinstated. The Cowboys are tough when they play smart - which isn't that often - riding DeMarco Murray, having Tony Romo pick his spots and taking advantage of sub-par opposing quarterbacks.
Washington at Philadelphia - It's heartbreaking to see Robert Griffin III get injured again. But the Redskins are better off in Jay Gruden's offense with Kirk Cousins. I'll never forgive Mike Shanahan for ruining RG III's career by callously and selfishly keeping him in that playoff game against Seattle two seasons ago when Griffin was so obviously hurt.
Houston at NY Giants - The Texans went 2-0 last year, too. Then they lost the rest of their games. That's not going to happen this season. Still, if the Giants can get any kind of pulse from their offense they should win. They better. Losing on the road to Matthew Stafford is one thing. Falling at home to Drew Stanton is quite another.
Minnesota at New Orleans - This is going to be a very distracting week for Minnesota. The Saints are near-impossible to fade at home where they are 17-0 SU, 16-1 ATS with Sean Payton coaching. New Orleans is 0-2 and finally getting to play at home. The Saints averaged 34 points at the Superdome last year.
Tennessee at Cincinnati - The Bengals may be the best team in the AFC right now. The Titans did a lot of regressing this past Sunday at home against the Cowboys. Jake Locker proved that he can't be trusted to elevate his game.
Baltimore at Cleveland - The Browns are close to being 2-0 while showing no quit. Baltimore figured out two things last week - Ray Rice can't be part of their team anymore and Joe Flacco should be nothing but a glorified game manager.
Green Bay at Detroit - Revenge is a better handicapping tool for college, but the Packers have to think payback for that 40-10 Thanksgiving whacking the Lions gave them last year. Aaron Rodgers didn't play in that game. The Packers' defense, though, allowed 30.8 points per game on the road last year and surrendered 36 to Seattle opening week. Green Bay's defense has yet to step up.
Indianapolis at Jacksonville - The Colts are just 9-9 on the road during the Andrew Luck era and traveling on a short week. Chad Henne is brutal, but at least he's not Blaine Gabbert. Blake Bortles would give the Jaguars a needed spark. It's time Gus Bradley made the move.
Oakland at New England - The Raiders can't play on the East Coast with an early start time. Actually, the Raiders can't play period. They were held to their lowest yardage total since 2009 in their opener against the Jets and then just picked up garbage yards this past Sunday against the Texans after falling behind 27-0.
San Francisco at Arizona - Difficult game to handicap right now until Carson Palmer's status is unknown. Drew Stanton has made five career starts in the NFL. He has a 5-to-9 touchdown-to-interception ratio, has displayed a high degree of inaccuracy and been sacked 21 times during those starts.
Denver at Seattle - Rematch time. The Broncos hope they matchup up better now to the Seahawks with key defensive newcomers and a switch to a power running game with Montee Ball. Maybe they get Wes Welker back this week. Even though the Seahawks buried the Broncos on the scoreboard, 43-8, at the Super Bowl they only outgained Denver by 35 yards done in by a minus 4 turnover ratio. The Broncos, though, have yet to play a complete game. That's what it would take to spring the upset.
Kansas City at Miami - I prefer the Dolphins in an underdog role, but can't seriously look at the Chiefs unless they have Jamaal Charles and Eric Berry in the lineup.
Pittsburgh at Carolina (Sun night) - Carolina has gone under in 11 of its last 12. Maybe that's the way to look as Pittsburgh hasn't scored a touchdown in the last six quarters and Cam Newton is adjusting to all new wide receivers. Pitt's aging defense has extra rest this week.
Chicago at NY Jets (Mon) - The Bears redeemed themselves from opening week. Jay Cutler certainly can take advantage of the Jets' inviting secondary. On the flip side, Geno Smith is improved, plays better at home and has the runners to hurt the Bears' weak rush defense.
I passed on the two opening week Monday night NFL games, but am involved in tonight's Eagles-Colts game. I also like a prop bet very much. I was 4-0 on my Super Bowl props the last time I included props with my play. This can be found on my home page at: /pregamepros/pro-bettor/bettor.aspx?id=7746#capper.
As always, no bad luck!