The Weekly Blitz - Week 6
Every week, I pick three games against the spread (ATS) and here are my week six picks:
Falcons -3 (over Bears): Last week, the Falcons exploded for 45 points against the 49ers, who gave up only 53 points in their previous four games. In the process, the Falcons posted 477 yards of total offense including "Rowdy" Roddy White's record-breaking performance (210 receiving yards). And last year, Michael "The Burner" Turner played considerably better at home where he scored 14 of his 17 touchdowns. In the ten home games Turner has played in the Dome, he has rushed for 100+ yards six times. And in those games, the Falcons are 9-1 straight up. Look for the Falcons to follow up last week's strong road performance with a strong showing at home.
Ravens +3 (over Vikings): These two teams are similar -- strong defenses, strong running games and improved passing offenses (compared to last year). And although both teams started 3-0, they enter week six with different perspectives. While the Vikings look to remain undefeated, their opponents have a combined record of 7-17. Meanwhile, the Ravens are desperate for a win after tough back-to-back losses against the Patriots and Bengals, respectively. This game will be some good old-fashioned smashmouth football and in a close game, I'll take the points.
Panthers -3 (over Bucs): The Panthers' offense has struggled in 2009, but they got their first win last week against the Redskins. This week, they face a Bucs' team that ranks 30th in scoring defense (28 ppg) and 28th in total defense (379.8 ypg). And the Bucs' defense is a "balanced bad," meaning they are the only team with the dubious distinction of allowing more than 150 rushing yards and 225 passing yards per game. Since 1992, Carolina is 11-6 ATS vs Atlanta.
To view picks from our three other "handicappers," click here.
Falcons -3 (over Bears): Last week, the Falcons exploded for 45 points against the 49ers, who gave up only 53 points in their previous four games. In the process, the Falcons posted 477 yards of total offense including "Rowdy" Roddy White's record-breaking performance (210 receiving yards). And last year, Michael "The Burner" Turner played considerably better at home where he scored 14 of his 17 touchdowns. In the ten home games Turner has played in the Dome, he has rushed for 100+ yards six times. And in those games, the Falcons are 9-1 straight up. Look for the Falcons to follow up last week's strong road performance with a strong showing at home.
Ravens +3 (over Vikings): These two teams are similar -- strong defenses, strong running games and improved passing offenses (compared to last year). And although both teams started 3-0, they enter week six with different perspectives. While the Vikings look to remain undefeated, their opponents have a combined record of 7-17. Meanwhile, the Ravens are desperate for a win after tough back-to-back losses against the Patriots and Bengals, respectively. This game will be some good old-fashioned smashmouth football and in a close game, I'll take the points.
Panthers -3 (over Bucs): The Panthers' offense has struggled in 2009, but they got their first win last week against the Redskins. This week, they face a Bucs' team that ranks 30th in scoring defense (28 ppg) and 28th in total defense (379.8 ypg). And the Bucs' defense is a "balanced bad," meaning they are the only team with the dubious distinction of allowing more than 150 rushing yards and 225 passing yards per game. Since 1992, Carolina is 11-6 ATS vs Atlanta.
To view picks from our three other "handicappers," click here.
