PHILADELPHIA (-7.5) vs NY Giants
TJ: Even if Vick can’t play this week (and he will), I have no faith in the Giants to put up the kind of points it takes to keep up with the Eagles. They simply no longer have an elite defense, and their offense sputters, especially with Eli lacking confidence and the running game slowing down. We’re only two weeks in, so the stats don’t mean too much yet, but Philly has the #2 rushing attack in the league, and even though the Giants run defense has played well against the ‘Skins and Rams, LeSean McCoy is on another level, and will rack up yards against them. Pick: Eagles.
DP: Eagles
Detroit (-3.5) vs MINNESOTA
TJ: The Lions have a cake schedule in the first 11 weeks and could easily be 8-3 heading into a final six games that feature Packers twice plus Saints and Chargers. Detroit could be dangerous. I don’t like anything about the Vikings except Peterson, and he’s not going to be able to carry this team on his back. This line should be bigger. Pick: Lions.
DP: Lions
CAROLINA (-3.5) vs Jacksonville
TJ: I classically hate both of these teams, and that hasn’t really changed, despite Cam Newton’s heroics. That being said, the guy is due either for a win, or to come crashing back to earth statistically. I say Jacksonville sucks enough to get Newton his first W, but mostly because their offense will put up about 3 points total. Pick: Panthers.
DP: Panthers
NEW ORLEANS (-3.5) vs Houston
TJ: If Houston wins this week, I’ll take it all back, but up until now, I just refuse to take them seriously. The Saints played the Pack close, and blew out the Bears, and I think Brees and those receivers are in rhythm now. I think they’ll put up too many points against Houston, and prevent them from taking advantage of their rushing attack. Pick: Saints.
DP: Saints
BUFFALO (+8.5) vs New England
TJ: I love the way Buffalo has played in the first few weeks, and I’m especially fond of Ryan “The Amish Cannon” Fitzpatrick. I don’t think they can beat New England, but I think they can score points and keep it closer than 9. Pick: Bills.
DP: Pats
San Francisco (+2.5) vs CINCINNATI
TJ: I don’t like a single thing about either of these teams. Shit QB’s, shit defenses. Maybe Harbaugh will turn out to be a good NFL coach, but it’s too early to tell. Guess I’ll take the home team. Pick: Cincy.
DP: Bengals
CLEVELAND (-2.5) vs Miami
TJ: I don’t feel too good about my Browns, but Miami is a wreck. Aside from Chad Henne, they have no bright spots at all, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Brandon Marshall screws Henne up by the end of the season, too. I’m disappointed with the Browns’ rushing defense and their offense in general, and I don’t see how they’re really going to improve over the course of the season. Again, without much else to go on, I’ll take the home team. Pick: Browns.
DP: Browns
Denver (+6.5) vs TENNESSEE
TJ: I just think Tennessee is a mess. Hasselbeck was bad last year in a situation in which he was comfortable and respected, so I can’t see how he can be good as the new guy on a messy team in a tougher division. Denver’s not much better, but they seem to be on the right track, so I’ll take ‘em with the points. Pick: Broncos.
TJ: I just think Tennessee is a mess. Hasselbeck was bad last year in a situation in which he was comfortable and respected, so I can’t see how he can be good as the new guy on a messy team in a tougher division. Denver’s not much better, but they seem to be on the right track, so I’ll take ‘em with the points. Pick: Broncos.
DP: Titans
ST. LOUIS (+3.5) vs Baltimore
TJ: Baltimore’s week 1 win over the Steelers seems kind of flukey now. They can’t pass and they can’t defend the pass, and that makes them vulnerable, especially if they fall behind early. Shit, they made Kenny Britt look like Jerry Rice last week. The Rams have some issues (worst rushing defense in the league), but I like them getting points at home, especially if they can score first. Pick: Rams.
DP: Ravens
OAKLAND (+3.5) vs NY Jets
TJ: The Jets don’t really scare me this year. Sanchez still struggles with control, and Tomlinson is a year older. On the flip side, The Raiders lost Asomugha, and their defense has really suffered for it. I guess I have to go with the home dog here. Pick: Raiders.
DP: Raiders
Kansas City (+14.5) vs SAN DIEGO
TJ: This line can’t get high enough to make me take the Chiefs. They’re showing no signs of life at all, and I like San Diego to walk away with the division. Pick: Chargers.
DP: Chargers
Green Bay (-3.5) vs CHICAGO
TJ: I still think Green Bay is the best team in the NFC, maybe the best team in the league, but the pass defense needs to get it’s shit together. Jay Cutler is generally a sure cure for any passing defense’s ills. The Bears are coming back to earth after one of the luckiest seasons in recent memory last year, and this should be a blowout loss. Pick: Green Bay.
DP: Packers
TAMPA BAY (-1.5) vs Atlanta
TJ: I like Tampa Bay and want to see them do well, but that rushing defense is scary bad. Atlanta should be able to take advantage with Turner, but their crappy pass D could give it all back if Freeman plays well. Both of these teams won more games than they should have last season, and I don’t think either one is a serious superbowl contender, so I’m sticking with my pattern and taking the home team. Pick: Bucs.
DP: Falcons
Arizona (-3.5) vs SEATTLE
TJ: This game sucks. I like Arizona to win the division, so I’m going to take them to win, even though it’s in Seattle, where the Seaskanks go from super-shitty to a-little-shitty. Pick: Cards.
DP: Seaskanks
INDIANAPOLIS (+10.5) vs Pittsburgh
TJ: Indy is bad, I admit that now, but they’ve got to play a little better eventually, and 10.5 is a lot of points to be getting at home. I think Pittsburgh plays conservative and wins by 10, so I’ll take Indy to cover. Pick: Colts.
DP: Steelers
DALLAS (-6.5) vs Washington
TJ: Washington is a paper tiger. Rob Ryan’s defense will screw with Grossman’s tiny Gator brain, and he’ll throw three picks. Romo (hero for now) will do just enough to win, and will hold on to the ball. Pick: ‘Skins.
DP: Redskins
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