With Eli Manning struggling, Eagles should pick up Giant victory

POSTED: November 7, 2008

by Vegas Vic

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EAGLES (-3) over Giants

It's 7-1 coming to town against 5-3, and 5-3 can't afford to lose and fall three games back in the NFC East. Both teams are playing well, with Eagles winning three in a row, covering three, and outscoring the opposition, 93-47. The New Yorkers have won three in a row as well, covered all three, but Eli Manning has been in a funk. After compiling a superb 102.2 passer rating in the first four games, Eli has fallen way, way off, dropping down to 78.5 the last four. If the passing game is weak, the Giants will rely on their league-leading rushing attack (5.2 yards per carry), which actually plays right into the Birds' strength. The D has allowed only two teams to rush for more than 90 yards. And with Donovan McNabb putting up huge numbers Sunday (28 of 43 for 349 yards), this looks like a W for the hometown heroes. The only reason this game did not attain best-bet status is New York's ridiculous 13-2 road record over the last year-and-a-half.

Cowboys 20, Eagles 16

Eagles 40, Giants 17

Raiders 13, Eagles 9

Panthers (-9) over RAIDERS

We have been a big Al Davis fan for many years, but after watching some of his antics, and some of his bizarre decisions over the past five seasons, it might be time for Mr. Combover to hand the pigskin off to someone else. Since 2003, Oakland has been a disaster, going 4-12, 5-11, 4-12, 2-14, 4-12, and is sitting at 2-6 here in 2008. Taking weirdness to a new level, Davis and the Raiders decided to waive cornerback DeAngelo Hall. The same DeAngelo Hall they signed to a monster, $70 million contract in the offseason. Here's what teammate Gibril Wilson said: "I've never been in a situation where you cut one of your best players. It's almost like we're throwing in the towel." Wow. Exactly what does throwing in the towel mean? It means losing four of your last five games and getting outscored, 128-47. And it means Best Bet.

Saints (+1) over FALCONS

New Orleans is working on a 4-0 run against Atlanta, and if you're wondering why, it's Drew Brees. In the four games against the Falcons, Brees hit on 91 of 133 for 1,087 yards, seven touchdowns and only one interception. That should not surprise, you since the Breezy one currently leads the NFL with 2,563 air yards, and the offense tops the charts with 403 total yards per game. Brees vs. rookie Matt Ryan? No contest.

LIONS (+7) over Jaguars

Two teams coming into the season with high expectations, and both are way off target. No one really expected Detroit to contend, but no one expected the Lions to be 0-8, either. For Jacksonville, it's even more stunning. The Jaguars rocked a 12-6 record last season, and got to the second round of the playoffs. Now the Jags are struggling at 3-5, have covered only two of eight, and will have trouble winning by more than a TD in Motown.

Seahawks (+9) over DOLPHINS

As he always does, Bill Parcells has brought the culture of winning to another NFL city. Miami is 4-4, which doesn't sound like such a big deal, but after 1-15, it's humongous. The only problem is, the Fish are favored by nine points. Seriously? If you scroll back over the Dolphins' work as a favorite the last 4 years-and-change, you'll find they have covered only four of the last 19. That's 21 percent, so you gotta give Seattle a little love.

BEARS (+3) over Titans

Tennessee ain't - repeat ain't - gonna post a 16-0 number. Guaranteed! And if you have a problem with that, e-mail me at the paper and suggest a wager. I'm ready to take on all squares.

Chiefs (+15) over CHARGERS

Not a prayer for Kansas City to wind up with a W, but the Chiefs have been competitive the last 2 weeks, losing to the Jets by four (28-24) and the Bucs by three in overtime (30-27). Plus, this bundle is worth a little tumble.