The Hail Mary - Week 3

I wasn't home for football last Sunday and it was a tough experience. I enjoyed seeing the women compete in a bikini contest but even with beautiful woman around me, I couldn't help but feel I was missing something. I will be home this weekend and aside from having to record the Sunday night game so I can tend to my duties as number one fan of Ron Burgundy Football Club, will watch all the football I can stomach.

Week 3 - Sunday, September 26

San Francisco (0-2) at Kansas City (2-0), San Francisco favored by 2 1/2

Most teams that are 0-2 are panicking just a little bit. However, as a 49ers fan I am not in panic mode yet. Firstly, the Niners play in the NFC West, where 7 wins might be enough to take the division. Secondly, there were many positives to take out of the heartbreaking loss to the Saints on Monday night. The defense looked formidable as was expected from them this season, and Alex Smith led a beautiful game tying drive in the fourth quarter. However, I don't like the Niners in this game. They have been awful on the road under Mike Singletary and as evidenced by the Monday night opener a couple weeks back, Arrowhead Stadium is a very intimidating place to play. My panic level might rise just a bit after the Niners fall to 0-3. Yes, I am hoping the reverse jinx applies here.

Prediction: Kansas City 20, San Francisco 17

Detroit (0-2) at Minnesota (0-2), Minnesota favored by 11

This is definitely the most ridiculous line from Vegas thus far in the 2010 season. Minnesota has shown nothing to make them double digit favorites against anyone, including the Lions. Brett Favre looks old and atrocious, and the Vikings wide receiving corps looks non-existent. The Vikings should just hand the ball off to Adrian Peterson and try not to get in his way. The Vikings have to get a win here as the schedule is brutal for the next few weeks. I think they get off the schneid but it won't be easy.

Prediction: Minnesota 24, Detroit 21

Buffalo (0-2) at New England (1-1), New England favored by 14

The Bills are pathetic and the Patriots should be everyone's Survival pool pick this weekend. That being said, the Patriots stink bomb against the Jets doesn't have me convinced they can cover a 14 point spread.

Prediction: New England 27, Buffalo 14

Atlanta (1-1) at New Orleans (2-0), New Orleans favored by 4

This early season matchup could determine NFC South supremacy for the year. In my previews I predicted that the Falcons would be the surprise winners of the South so I have to go all in with that pick. Whether it is Michael Turner or Jason Snelling at RB, I think the Falcons will do just enough to get the win.

Prediction: Atlanta 24, New Orleans 23

Tennessee (1-1) at New York Giants (1-1), New York Giants favored by 3

Both teams are coming off awful performances in Week 2. The Giants have been a mistake prone football team through the first two weeks of the season and their defense has carried over their inconsistent play from last season. The Titans had 7 turnovers in last weekend's loss to Pittsburgh and QB Vince Young was pulled from the game. We will see what kind of resolve Young has with how he bounces back in this game. This is a tough one to call, so I will go with the home field advantage, although I like the Titans to cover.

Prediction: New York Giants 21, Tennessee 19

Pittsburgh (2-0) at Tampa Bay (2-0), Pittsburgh favored by 2 1/2

The Steelers defense has been incredible through the first two games. Time and time again it continues to be shown that when S Troy Polamalu is healthy, the Steelers are a completely different defensive team. Despite having to throw Dennis Dixon and Charlie Batch at quarterback the Steelers are finding ways to win games. The Buccaneers are a early season surprise. The win over Cleveland at home didn't gain them much attention, but winning at Carolina and shutting them down defensively got my attention. Batch will get the nod for the Steelers in this one, so expect a heavy dose of Rashard Mendenhall. I think the Steelers defense will make life miserable for Bucs QB Josh Freeman.

Prediction: Pittsburgh 17, Tampa Bay 7

Cincinnati (1-1) at Carolina (0-2), Cincinnati favored by 3

Boy, I was completely wrong about Panthers QB Matt Moore. I thought he had a bright future ahead of him and instead he was benched after making just 2 starts. The Jimmy Clausen era begins for Carolina. As a Notre Dame fan I got to see plenty of Clausen. I am not really sure what to make of his pro prospects. I remember being impressed by Brady Quinn in college and he has been a complete bust in the pros. The Bengals defense bounced back nicely last weekend, although helped by playing the inept Ravens offense. I expect them to have a similar performance this weekend against an equally inept Panthers offense.

Prediction: Cincinnati 20, Carolina 13

Cleveland (0-2) at Baltimore (1-1), Baltimore favored by 10 1/2

Thank God that I have Red Zone now or I might have been stuck watching this bore fest.

Prediction: Baltimore 18, Cleveland 10

Dallas (0-2) at Houston (2-0), Houston favored by 3

The Cowboys are proving once again that when met with any sort of expectations they will fall flat on their faces. Their three headed monster at running back has done absolutely nothing. The Texans are giddy after their comeback win against the Redskins and their first 2-0 start in franchise history. However, they should be concerned over the amount of passing yards they have given up in both of those wins. Another concern is the suspension of tackle Duane Brown. This game will be a shootout and I like the Cowboys to pull the mini upset.

Prediction: Dallas 35, Houston 31

Washington (1-1) at St. Louis (0-2), Washington favored by 3 1/2

I didn't get to see the Redskins blow a 17 point lead in the second half against the Texans last week and that is probably a good thing. This week against St. Louis looks like a guaranteed win. However, during the Jim Zorn/Jason Campbell era this is exactly the type of game the Redskins would lose. Hopefully, things will be different in the Mike Shanahan/Donovan McNabb era. The offensive line is banged up for Washington, and it is unknown if rookie Trent Williams will play. Even if he doesn't I just don't see how this Rams team can beat Washington.

Prediction: Washington 24, St. Louis 14

Philadelphia (1-1) at Jacksonville (1-1), Philadelphia favored by 3

Things are never boring in Philly. One day after declaring that Kevin Kolb was his starter for this game, Andy Reid reversed course and named Mike Vick the starter. Reid made the right call, although he was an idiot for ever declaring Kolb as his starter in the first place. The Eagles offensive line is in shambles and if they let the immobile Kolb stand back there he would get concussed again. Vick can run with the best of them and he still was sacked 5 times by the Lions. While I agree with Vick as the quarterback that doesn't help the Eagles defense, which looked very poor against Detroit. David Gerrard sucks but the seems to raise his play to adequate at home and I think that will be enough to give Jacksonville a somewhat surprising win.

Prediction: Jacksonville 24, Philadelphia 20

Indianapolis (1-1) at Denver (1-1), Indianapolis favored by 5 1/2

The Broncos are dealing with the tragic suicide of WR Kenny McKinley and it will be difficult for them to be mentally prepared to play the Colts. The last two teams to play the week of losing a teammate to death (Redskins lost to Buffalo, Cincinnati lost to San Diego) have both played hard but come up short. Even if the Broncos didn't have this heavy emotional toll over them they would lose simply because the Colts are far better than them.

Prediction: Indianapolis 34, Denver 21

Oakland (1-1) at Arizona (1-1), Arizona favored by 4

I mean I knew Jason Campbell sucked but even I didn't think he would only last six quarters as a starter in Oakland. He went from being the next Jim Plunkett to being the next Billy Joe Hobert. The Cardinals were revealed for the horrible team that they are by the Falcons, and I think Bruce Gradkowski can pull off the upset in the desert.

Prediction: Oakland 14, Arizona 13

San Diego (1-1) at Seattle (1-1), San Diego favored by 5 1/2

One thing seemingly hasn't changed for the Seahawks under Pete Carroll. They are still a great home team, and a just as bad road team. The Chargers struggled at Kansas City in the opener, and it will be even louder in Seattle. I think as long as Philip Rivers limits his guh huh's and keeps his cool, the Chargers will sneak away with a win.

Prediction: San Diego 28, Seattle 24

New York Jets (1-1) at Miami (2-0), Miami favored by 2 1/2

Braylon Edwards has been the story this week following his DUI and his windows being way too tinted. The breathalyzer proved to be his downfall, although those bullshit field sobriety tests probably didn't help his cause. Because of Edwards arrest, not much attention has been paid to how well Mark Sansucks played against the Patriots last week. Don't get too excited Jets fans, even a blind squirrel finds a nut from time to time. The Dolphins defense has looked fantastic under new Defensive Coordinator Mike Nolan, while the offense has struggled. I hope Chad Henne and Brandon Marshall can get on the same page soon, as the potential is there for a great combo. Also, Ronnie Brown and my man Ricky Williams need to stop fumbling the damn ball. The games between these teams are always close and I expect nothing different here.

Prediction: Miami 19, New York Jets 16

Monday, September 27

Green Bay (2-0) at Chicago (2-0), Green Bay favored by 3

Great Monday night game. Two long time rivals, both undefeated, both looking for the early lead in the NFC North race. The Chicago crowd will be ramped to the gills for this one and it will be a stern test for the Packers. The Packers didn't seem to miss RB Ryan Grant last week, but then again they probably could have beaten the Bills if they were playing 9 on 11. QB Aaron Rodgers wasn't impressive in his first road game and will have to play better in this one. Bears QB Jay Cutler has been great so far, but I keep waiting for him to start throwing costly picks. Give Bears Offensive Coordinator Mike Martz credit, he has done a tremendous job of finding ways to use RB Matt Forte as a receiver, much like Marshall Faulk back in the day. This will be another great Monday nighter, and the Packers will get a statement making win.

Prediction: Green Bay 28, Chicago 21

Last Week Straight Up: 11-5
Overall Straight Up: 18-14

Last Week Against the Spread: 11-4-1 (hell yeah!)
Overall Against the Spread: 16-14-2