No Giant weaklings to feast on this week
Cowboys (-1) over GIANTS
Don't think we'll see another game as we did when these two NFC East rivals met to open the season, as Dallas beat the New Yorkers, 45-35. That was the highest-scoring affair in the 90-game history of this series. Since the opener, the Cowboys have tightened the defensive screws on their opponents, and except for an uncharacteristic 48-point explosion by New England, the 'Boys have not allowed more than 24 points since Week 1. Now we look at the Giants' 6-2 mark, and it hasn't been built by Home Depot. It has been built on the backs of such NFL bottom-feeders as the Jets (1-8), Falcons (2-6), 49ers (2-6) and Dolphins (0-8). Throw in the Redskins (5-3) and the Eagles (3-5), and this 6-0 streak New York has enjoyed has been run off against teams with a combined record of 13-36. Not exactly championship quality, so we're all over Dallas.
Lions (+1) over CARDINALS
Kinda hard to ignore Detroit right now. Not only the NFL's fifth-ranked offense that erupted for 44 points against Denver Sunday, but a defense that is putting up superb numbers. Traditionally, you might expect such defensive powers as Pittsburgh, New England or Baltimore to be at the top of the charts when the discussion turns to interceptions and takeaways, but not this season. The Lions lead the league in both interceptions (14) and takeaways (24). Detroit has covered three in a row and seven of the last nine and should not have much trouble with the 'Sunshine Boys' from Arizona. QB Kurt Warner and RB Edgerrin James were once dominant players in this league, but are both well past their prime. Warner was 10-for-30 for 172 yards and two picks Sunday, while the Edge rumbled - or should we say stumbled - for 15 yards on nine carries. Certainly not a winning formula.
Browns (+9) over STEELERS
With the Monday night lights shining bright, the 75-year all-time anniversary team of Pittsburgh greats took the field. How can you match that intensity again this week? Well, you can't. The Steelers are the better team, and will win this game, but after watching Cleveland cover six of its last seven, we're gonna grab the fat 9-point spread and run to the bank.
Rams (+11) over SAINTS
Not expecting a dramatic upset (like Gardner-Webb topping Kentucky), but we are looking for a slight letdown from New Orleans. The Saints have ripped off four straight wins, while St. Louis has yet to crack the win column. It's an obvious W for the home team. But RB Reggie Bush is banged up and when New Orleans puts it on autopilot, resting the face of the franchise, it'll allow the winless Rams to sneak out of town with a backdoor cover.
CHARGERS (+3) over Colts
When two fabulous teams butt heads, a play to the underdog is highly profitable, especially the way San Diego has performed since 2004. The Lightning Bolts are phenomenal as an underdog, covering 12 of their last 15. And even with a shaky start to the season, the Chargers can always count on their home field, where they have won 11 of the last 13. Maybe not a win, but definitely a cover.
Eagles (+3) over REDSKINS
If you're looking for a silver cloud in the midst of this gruesome season, here ya go. The Birds have won two in a row on the road, and have covered five of the last seven as an underdog.
Broncos (+3) over CHIEFS
Denver does not give up 40 points or more very often, but when it happens, Mike Shanahan's Broncos are a perfect 7-0 against the spread in the next game. Guess how many they gave up Sunday? Yup, 44.
I also like:
Jaguars (+4) over TITANS
DOLPHINS (+3) over Bills
PANTHERS (-4) over Falcons
Vikings (+6) over PACKERS
Bengals (+4) over RAVENS
RAIDERS (+3) over Bears
SEAHAWKS (-10) over 49ers
