The Week 2 Picks

If you’re not cheating, you’re not trying.

I’m not sure who originally penned that phrase, but growing up playing sports, I heard it uttered countless times. I guess the implication was that athletes bend the rules in order to gain a competitive edge.

Here’s another one I heard a lot - It’s only cheating if you get caught.

Well, this week, the Patriots got caught. A team representative was nabbed for videotaping the Jets coaching staff in an effort to determine defensive calls and things of that nature. Obviously, it worked (the Pats rolled, 38-14). What’s worse, New England coach Bill Belichick is apparently a repeat offender, having been accused of these types of tactics before. It’s not like Roger Goodell came down hard. Belichick was assessed a $500,000 fine, the team another $250,000, and the Patriots will forfeit one of their two 2008 first-round picks. Personally, I think a suspension would have been in order, especially with some of the other, stiffer punishments doled out by the commish.

With all this in mind, I wonder about the legitimacy of the Patriots’ 24-21 win over the Eagles in Super Bowl XXXIX. As stated in this article, the evidence is damning. New England amassed only 45 yards in the first quarter, and 268 for the remaining three. The Eagles would blitz, and the Pats would run a little screen pass to that side.

Hmmmm…

So am I just crazy? Or am I a conspiracy theorist? Or am I a bitter Eagles fan who now feels like we deserved a better fate in that game?

Yes, yes, and yes.

And, if they were to somehow, some way award the Eagles a victory in that game, would I celebrate it three years later?

You bet your asterisk I would.

Sunday, September 16, 2007

The Match-up: Houston (+6.5) @ Carolina
The Skinny: So the good Jake Del-overrated showed up last week for the Panthers. Will he show up again?
Straight Up: Carolina
Against the Spread: Carolina

The Match-up: Atlanta (+10.0) @ Jacksonville
The Skinny: Neither of these teams impressed last week, with the Jaguars losing at home to Tennessee and the Falcons falling to Houston. If their opener is any indication, the Falcons should be able to run the ball at will, which will at the very least keep it close.
Straight Up: Jacksonville
Against the Spread: Atlanta

The Match-up: Indianapolis (-7.0) @ Tennessee
The Skinny: It seems like forever ago that the Colts opened their Super Bowl defense with a 31- point dismantling of the Saints. I bet Vince Young sees it every time he closes his eyes.
Straight Up: Indianapolis
Against the Spread: Indianapolis

The Match-up: San Francisco (+3.0) @ St. Louis
The Skinny: While San Francisco didn’t look great in winning last week, St. Louis looked awful in losing. Just a hunch here, but both teams are likely better than they showed a week ago.
Straight Up: San Francisco
Against the Spread: San Francisco

The Match-up: Green Bay (Pick) @ New York Giants
The Skinny: Now starting at quarterback for your New York Giants – the Pillsbury Throwboy!!!
Straight Up: Green Bay
Against the Spread: Green Bay

The Match-up: Buffalo (+9.5) @ Pittsburgh
The Skinny: A gimpy Travis Henry racked up 139 yards against Buffalo in Buffalo last week. Willie Parker should be chomping at the bit right now.
Straight Up: Pittsburgh
Against the Spread: Pittsburgh

The Match-up: Cincinnati (-6.5) @ Cleveland
The Skinny: Memo to Browns brain trust – I know you think you’re trying to protect your investment by keeping Brady Quinn on the sideline in a baseball cap. You’re going to have to start him sooner or later. Why not now?
Straight Up: Cincinnati
Against the Spread: Cincinnati

The Match-up: New Orleans (-3.5) @ Tampa Bay
The Skinny: Even in their hey day, the Buccaneers defense was susceptible to the run. Enter Deuce McAllister.
Straight Up: New Orleans
Against the Spread: New Orleans

The Match-up: Minnesota (+3.0) @ Detroit
The Skinny: With a win on Sunday, the Lions could be 2-0 for the first time since the Barry Sanders administration. But the Vikings are my sleeper for a reason. Their defense was sensational last week, and Adrian Peterson is as good as advertised.
Straight Up: Minnesota
Against the Spread: Minnesota

The Match-up: Dallas (-3.5) @ Miami
The Skinny: At least the Cowboys will be challenged by Miami’s defense.
Straight Up: Miami
Against the Spread: Miami

The Match-up: Seattle (-3.0) @ Arizona
The Skinny: Good omen for the Seahawks – they are 30-6 when Shaun Alexander runs for over 100 yards. Even if he has to carry the ball 30 times to get there.
Straight Up: Seattle
Against the Spread: Seattle

The Match-up: New York Jets (+10.0) @ Baltimore
The Skinny: I’m not sure why this line is so high. I’d venture to argue that the drop off from Steve McNair to Kyle Boller is greater than Chad Pennington to Kellen Clemens. I almost want to take the Jets to win outright.
Straight Up: Baltimore
Against the Spread: New York Jets

The Match-up: Kansas City (+12.0) @ Chicago
The Skinny: If the Bears defense can replicate their effort of a week ago, when they put the clamps on San Diego’s potent offense, Kansas City has pretty much no shot.
Straight Up: Chicago
Against the Spread: Chicago

The Match-up: Oakland (+10.0) @ Denver
The Skinny: Weird win for the Broncos last week. They outgained Buffalo 470-184, yet needed a Jason Elam field goal at the gun to beat the Bills. Not sure if I’m encouraged or discouraged by that kind of performance.
Straight Up: Denver
Against the Spread: Denver

The Match-up: San Diego (+3.5) @ New England
The Skinny: So, will “Videogate” be a distraction to the Patriots? Or, will they be able to beat San Diego without taped assistance? Until proven otherwise, I still don’t feel comfortable going against New England at home.
Straight Up: New England
Against the Spread: New England

Monday, September 17, 2007

The Match-up: Washington (+6.5) @ Philadelphia
The Skinny: Last week’s game illustrates just how important special teams are. If the Eagles could fair catch a punt, they’d be 1-0 right now. Welcome home, Reno Mahe!
Straight Up: Philadelphia
Against the Spread: Philadelphia
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Week 1: 12-4 straight up; 7-7-2 against the spread
Season: 12-4; 7-7-2