CONTRIBUTOR
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GAME 1
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GAME 2
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GAME 3
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Kevin
2009 Record: 48.7% (19-20)
2008 Record: 63.3% (31-18-2)
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Chargers at Cowboys (-3.5)
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Saints (-10) at Falcons
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Eagles (-1) at Giants
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Chargers +3.5
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Falcons +10
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Eagles -1
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With the obvious exception of the two
unbeaten teams (Indianapolis and New
Orleans), San Diego has the NFL's longest
winning streak (7 games) in the NFL. The
Chargers' offense is firing on all cylinders and
is averaging 28.5 points per game (third-best
in the NFL). During their seven-game winning
streak, they have scored 30+ points five
times and 20+ points in all seven games. And
if you have to bet in a December game
involving the Cowboys, which side would you
want?
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I don't expect the Falcons to beat the
Saints. However, as the Patriots did in their
perfect regular-season two years ago, they
played a lot of close games down the
stretch. We are seeing that with the Saints
lately. They needed overtime to beat the
Redskins last week as four of their past six
games have been decided by 10 points or
less. Anything can happen in divisional
matchups and giving double-digit points on
the road is a little rich for my blood.
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The Giants got a much-needed victory over
the Cowboys last week. With a 2-5 record in
their past seven games, it would be
premature to say that the Giants have
turned things around. The Giants have
allowed over 20 points in seven consecutive
games and the Eagles get playmaker
DeSean Jackson back this week. This
season, the Giants are 1-6 ATS against
opponents with a winning record.
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Dan
2009 Record: 53.8% (21-18)
2008 Record: 60.0% (30-20-1)
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Packers (-4) at Bears
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Broncos at Colts (-6.5)
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Lions at Ravens (-14)
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Packers -4
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Broncos +6.5
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Ravens -14
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Well, just like my hometown Patriots I have
gone into a 2 week skid, but I will have a
bounce back week, and it starts with the
Packers over the Bears in Chicago. The Bears
finally stopped a 4 game losing streak by
beating up on the Rams, while the Packers
took care of the Ravens in Lambeau last
week. In the season opener, Jay Cutler
started out hot by tossing 4 picks to the
Packers defense, and he hasn't improved
much since then. Besides Cutler, the Bears
defense has been a letdown this year, and I
don't see the picture getting any brighter as
they will take on an offense firing on all
cylinders. I will let the numbers do the rest of
the talking, Green Bay is 3-0-1 in their last 4,
and 7-4-1 overall against the spread this
year. Chicago has posted a 4-8 record Vs the
number and is 5-12-1 in their last 17 against
the Pack. Too much of a good packers
secondary, too much Aaron Rodgers, too
much Ryan Grant, and the Bears and simply
not getting enough points even though they
are at home in Soldier Field.
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Well, is it time for the Colts to fall, and
more importantly this is a statement game
for the Broncos to show that they belong in
the discussion of AFC title contenders? The
Colts had another machine like
performance against Tennessee last week,
while the Broncos come in off a smack down
of the Chiefs on the road. I think this
matchup bodes well for Denver; they have
one of the top corners in the league in
Champ Bailey who has the ability to keep
Reggie Wayne in check. The Broncos also
have a veteran safety in Brian Dawkins, and
couple that with coach Josh McDaniels’
extensive knowledge of the Colts offense; I
think it will be a long day for Peyton
Manning. After Dawkins held a players only
meeting, the Broncos have gone out and
belted their last two opponents, while at
times Indy has had good fortune, and
made the one play to swing the game in
their favor. I would look for a strong day
running by Buckhalter and Moreno, while
Dumervil and company will make life
difficult for the Colts. This is the week that
the Colts will fall at home, as the Broncos
badly need this game to keep their edge in
the wild card race.
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Just the game that Joe Flacco needs to put
his stats back into the positive category, as
he looked like an all pro Vs the Ravens first
3 games against cupcakes to start the
year. Last week, the Ravens played an
uninspired game on the road losing to the
Packers, while Detroit hung tough for a
while but came up short in the end to the
Bengals. Baltimore needs this game in the
worst way, so that they can keep their
dimming playoff hopes alive, and I always
like a team that is going against a team
ranked 32nd passing defense and 19th in
rushing. The Lions have also lost an
astonishing 18 games in a row on the road,
and to make news worse they will have to
start Daunte Culpepper this week at
quarterback. The Ravens have always done
well picking on the leagues less fortunate,
as they are 9-0 against teams with a losing
record. Look for huge days by both Ray
Rice and Derrick Mason, while the Lions
only have Kevin Smith and inept
quarterback to get Megatron the ball. This
will be a classic Ray Lewis led thrashing,
and I wouldn't be surprised if Culpepper
passes for less than 150 yards. I would lay
the huge amount of points here, as
Baltimore has everything to play for.
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Sean
2009 Record: 60.5% (23-15-1)
2008 Record: 52.9% (27-24)
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Eagles (-1) at Giants
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Redskins (-1) at Raiders
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Dolphins at Jaguars (-2.5)
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Eagles -1
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Raiders +1
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Dolphins +2.5
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Philly destroyed the Giants in their first
meeting, and the Giants despite beating the
Cowboys last week have been playing some
pretty bad ball. If it wasn't for two huge
plays, Jacobs long TD, and Hixon punt return,
the Giants might have lost on Sunday. The
Eagles need to keep pace with the Cowboys
for 1st place as I think the Cowboys will get it
done at home vs the Chargers. Just a hunch
on that one. McNabb big in this one.
Eagles 31 Giants 23
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Been burned by the Raiders before this
year, let’s hope I am right this week. This
is a tale between two teams from different
ends of the spectrum. The Raiders are on
a high after going into Pittsburgh and
beating the world champs. The Redskins
are at a low after the meltdown against the
Saints. I expect that low to continue this
week. East coast teams travelling west
historically aren't good plays. Oakland has
some weapons on offense, and Gradowski
can actually get those weapons involved.
Raiders 20 Redskins 12
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This is just one of those hunch games. I
have been playing the hunch and have
been successful lately with my hunches.
This might as well be the 1st round of the
playoffs for Miami. If Miami loses and falls
to 6-7 they are done. Jacksonville would
improve to 8-5, and Denver will get to 10
wins I'm almost sure of, so must game for
the Fish. Defensively I think they can keep
the Jags offense in check, and I think they
make a big couple of plays on special
teams and win this one outright.
Dolphins 21 Jags 20
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Jamie
2009 Record: 46.2% (18-21)
2008 Record: 55.1% (27-22-2)
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Packers (-4) at Bears
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Chargers at Cowboys (-3.5)
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Dolphins at Jaguars (-2.5)
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Packers -4
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Chargers +3.5
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Dolphins +2.5
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Huge rivalry game but I'm taking the road
favorite here. The Packers are the way better
team right now on both sides of the ball. Look
for Cutler to have 3 interceptions in this one
as the pack start to wrap a wild-card spot.
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Ahh yes December time for the Cowboys to
fade away. That trend continues this
weekend as the Chargers should win this
out-right. The Chargers continue their
strong late season play in this one as they
roll to the AFC west crown. And once again
the Cowboys fade in the NFC East.
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Earlier in the year I predicted the Fins to
repeat as AFC East champs. After a strong
win vs the Pats, they have a shot and have
been in every game pretty much this year.
Look for the Dolphins to win this one as well
making it 2 money line bets on the week
as Tuna and the Fins keep the pressure on
the Pats.
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