Ok, so a bit of a rough go last week, but the first couple of weeks to the NFL season are always tough (plus David Akers missing two field goals for the Lions did not help much either). In any event, let’s try and right the ship. As always home team in CAPS
PICK 1
Rams +4 OVER COWBOYS
Dallas had a heart breaking game last week. For anyone who watched it, it seemed like Dallas was in total control of this game and then as they almost always do, let it slip away. Hats off to KC, but if Dallas doesn’t sustain to brutal turnovers, Dez Bryant does not drop that deep ball and Jason Garrett does not decide to kick the late field goal (which still left them down by one) instead of going for the touchdown late, Dallas easily wins that game. However, the previous season is the 2007 to present Dallas Cowboys in a nutshell, so while I think they beat the Rams, I doubt they cover the spread while doing it. Take the points and the Rams
PICK 2
Giants +1 OVER PANTHERS
Ok I know the Giants have looked shaky in their first two starts and that they have no run game, but what this game means for the Giants is that if they lose, they are going to be 0-3 and likely to miss the playoffs (although they do play in the now weaker NFC East). This is a very tough pick to make given how bad the Giants played of late and how good the Panthers looked at home against Seattle. My mind says the Panthers, but given that the Giants have alligator blood, I have to take the Giants because of what this game means to them.
BRONZE PICK
Lions +1 OVER REDSKINS
I have no idea how the Redskins are giving points in this game. Through two weeks there defense has been the worst defense I have ever seen and the lions were a couple of makeable field goals away from being 2-0. Plus the Lions have a very good defense that should be all over the hobbled RG 3 early. To me this is a no-brainer. Take the Lions.
SILVER PICK
Atlanta +1 OVER MIAMI
Look, I know Miami’s record says they are 2-0, but there record is flimsier than Jason Garrett’s decision to kick that late field goal instead of going for it against the Chiefs late (sorry to pile it on fellow Cowboys fans, but that game really stung). Atlanta was one endzone drop against the Saints from being 2-0 and these are the kind of games the Falcons live for, early season against suspect opposition. Miami has looked ok this season, but given all of the weapon’s in Atlanta’s arsenal, the smart money is on them.
GOLD PICK
Colts +10 OVER 49ERS
I had planned on making the Packers at -2.5 over the Bengals my gold pick, but I could not resist taking the new look Colts with 10 points over the 49ers. I know, the 49ers got their rears handed to them against Seattle and are looking for redemption at home, but with Trent Richardson in the backfield for the Colts they have a boosted run game and a back who can block for Andrew Luck. Unless there is something seriously wrong with Trent Richardson other than Randy Moss Syndrome (i.e. he will only be motivated in the right environment) this was a huge pick up for the Colts who have been searching for a franchise back since the departure of Edgerrin James. If the offensive line can hold against the 49ers pass rushers, and Boldin can be shut down the way he was against Seattle, this can even be a winnable game for the Colts. This is the kind of game where legends are made, so if Andrew Luck truly is the future, I want to see it Sunday. Or at least for him not to lose by more than 10.
