The Week 2 Picks

Welcome to Week 2, a week that features multiple intriguing division match-ups and five games with double-digit point spreads. In terms of picking winners, double-digit lines make things pretty easy. But how many points are too many to leave on the board? Always tough to call. And yes, I’m hedging...

Sunday, September 17, 2006

The Match-up: Oakland (+12.0) @ Baltimore
The Skinny: Either the Chargers defense is one of the best in the NFL, or the Raiders or just that bad. Actually, it’s probably a little of both. Or a lot of both. No relief in site for Oakland, as the Raiders head to Baltimore. The Ravens are coming off their own dominant defensive effort in Tampa in which they made Chris Simms look like, well, Aaron Brooks.
Straight Up: Baltimore
Against the Spread: Baltimore

The Match-up: New Orleans (-2.0) @ Green Bay
The Skinny: It seems to be a regular occurrence now, but there used to be a time when it would be headline news if the Packers were a home dog, especially against a team like New Orleans. I’m not ready to stick the fork in Brett Favre just yet. But check with me again on Monday.
Straight Up: Green Bay
Against the Spread: Green Bay

The Match-up: Houston (+13.5) @ Indianapolis
The Skinny: The Texans traded for Green Bay RB Samkon Gado this week, meaning their running back depth chart now reads Wali Lundy, Ron Dayne, Samkon Gado. I don’t know, do you think that Reggie Bush guy might have helped out any? Even Sam Bowie thinks the Texans botched the 2006 draft.
Straight Up: Indianapolis
Against the Spread: Indianapolis

The Match-up: Buffalo (+6.5) @ Miami
The Skinny: Miami should be well rested coming off an 11-day layoff, and they had chance to beat the Steelers in the season-opener. Buffalo, on the other hand, came from ahead to lose on a safety in New England a week ago. I’m guessing they won’t stay that close to the Dolphins.
Straight Up: Miami
Against the Spread: Miami

The Match-up: Carolina (-1.5) @ Minnesota
The Skinny: So, even without Steve Smith, the 0-1 Panthers who were dismantled by Atlanta at home last week are favored in Minnesota, fresh off their road win Monday in Washington? That tells me a lot.
Straight Up: Carolina
Against the Spread: Carolina

The Match-up: Tampa Bay (+5.5) @ Atlanta
The Skinny: If you thought Ray Lewis made life difficult for Chris Simms, wait until you see what John Abraham does. I know it was only one game, but I can’t think of a free agent defensive player that had as much of an impact as Abraham did last week in Carolina.
Straight Up: Atlanta
Against the Spread: Atlanta

The Match-up: New York Giants (+3.0) @ Philadelphia
The Skinny: The Giants and Eagles were both impressive a week ago - the Eagles in victory, the Giants in defeat. Either way, we learned a lot about both teams. We’ll learn a lot more after the NFC East opener at the Linc.
Straight Up: Philadelphia
Against the Spread: Philadelphia

The Match-up: Detroit (+8.5) @ Chicago
The Skinny: Lions WR Roy Williams was running his gums this week, saying that there’s not a defense that can stop the Lions’ offense. Actually, I can think of a couple. At the top of the list are the Chicago Bears. Across the field this week are the Chicago Bears. Williams said film study revealed that the Lions were close to scoring 40 points against Seattle. They finished with six. I do expect better a better offensive effort from Detroit, but not enough to upset the Bears (as predicted by Williams).
Straight Up: Chicago
Against the Spread: Detroit

The Match-up: Cleveland (+10.0) @ Cincinnati
The Skinny: The Bengals offense was very ho-hum against the Chiefs last week, but that could change if T.J. Who’s-your-momma returns to the line up and gives Carson Palmer another target. Chad Johnson has been surprisingly quiet coming into a game against a secondary to which he once sent cases of Pepto Bismol. Makes me think he’s planning something big.
Straight Up: Cincinnati
Against the Spread: Cleveland

The Match-up: St. Louis (-3.0) @ San Francisco
The Skinny: Even though he only threw one touchdown pass against the Cardinals, Niners QB Alex Smith already matched his TD total from 2005. The new Rams game plan appears to be predicated on running the ball and playing good defense. Coincidentally, Mike Martz is no longer their coach.
Straight Up: St. Louis
Against the Spread: St. Louis

The Match-up: Arizona (+7.0) @ Seattle
The Skinny: There are some who feel Arizona can challenge Seattle in the NFC West. An upset of the Seahawks in Seattle this week would go a long way towards building their case. While I like Arizona’s receivers, I’m not crazy about their offensive line. I could see the underrated Seahawks defense taking over this game.
Straight Up: Seattle
Against the Spread: Seattle

The Match-up: Kansas City (+10.5) @ Denver
The Skinny: If Trent Green didn’t think he was Batman, I would take Kansas City and the points in Denver. As it turns out, Damon Huard will get the start for the Chiefs. I said Damon Huard. Suddenly Jake Plummer isn’t looking so bad, is he?
Straight Up: Denver
Against the Spread: Denver

The Match-up: New England (-6.0) @ New York Jets
The Skinny: Perhaps having some closure to the Deion Branch debacle will help the Patriots focus on the guys that are actually on the field. Tom Brady and company get untracked this week against the Jets.
Straight Up: New England
Against the Spread: New England

The Match-up: Tennessee (+11.5) @ San Diego
The Skinny: The new version of the ‘85 Bears host a Tennessee team featuring Kerry Collins at QB. It warrants mentioning that Collins was dismissed by the Raiders in favor of Aaron Brooks, who San Diego had their way with on Monday. Could be another big game for Shawne Merriman and company.
Straight Up: San Diego
Against the Spread: San Diego

The Match-up: Washington (+6.0) @ Dallas
The Skinny: Instead of spending Monday night bumping elbows with Tom Cruise, Daniel Snyder should have been on the phone trying to address his quarterback deficiency. Mark Brunell and the Redskin offense converted on only four of 13 third down chances, and that cost them the game against the Vikings. The Scientologist can’t help you there, Danny, but I hear Jeff George is available.
Straight Up: Washington
Against the Spread: Washington

Monday, September 18, 2006

The Match-up: Pittsburgh (-1.5) @ Jacksonville
The Skinny: Not sure why so many people are saying Jacksonville "upset" Dallas last week. The Jags (who were 12-4 last year by the way) were favored to win the game. Needless to say, I was not surprised that they delivered. Dethroning the World Champions who may or may not have Ben Roethlisberger back under center? That would qualify as an upset.
Straight Up: Pittsburgh
Against the Spread: Pittsburgh