I made an error in last week's column. I said that the
Giants losing last Wednesday night might be my only loss all year. I
was wrong because I meant my only loss on that day. In my defense,
there were a decent amount of upsets in week one, and many teams did
not look too good. Upsets are good though, I think, for the league
because may be some teams are better than expected, which makes for
more parity, something the NFL wants. It isn't good for people like
myself, however, because it clearly affects my won loss record. I like
challenges though, and I am challenging myself to have a better week.
Last week wasn't terrible, but starting 7-9 against the spread wasn't
my ideal beginning. It is time to get serious.
As always, home team in CAPS.
CINCINNATI 7 Cleveland
The Bengals got blasted last week, and the Browns are the opponent to
right the ship. The Browns almost pulled off an upset last week, but it
was due more to Philadelphia's awful play than anything else. Brandon
Weeden had one of the worst day's of any quarterback I have ever seen.
I don't expect it mto be much better this week. I like Cincinnati here.
Bengals 27-17
Houston 7 JACKSONVILLE
The Texans got off to a good start last week, and so did
Jacksonville-sort of. The Jaguars did lose, but should have beaten
Minnesota, even though the Vikings stink. Houston needs to win these
games this year. Last year they had some bad losses. They can't afford
that this year. This won't be one of them.
Texans 30-13
New Orleans 3 CAROLINA
The Saints were stunned last week, and this game won't be easy either.
The Panthers did lose last week, but some have them going to the
playoffs this year. Not me. I think they need another year. New Orleans
needs to win this game. They can't afford to start 0-2.
Saints 26-21
Dallas 3 1/2 SEATTLE
The Cowboys won in week one, and they get an extra couple of days rest
for this game. They won't need it. The Seahawks are mediocre
at best, and they could have a long year. Tony Romo looked really good
in week one. Don't worry Cowboys fans. He will blow it eventually.
Cowboys 31-14
Washington 3 1/2 ST. LOUIS
What a debut for Robert Griffin III. He looked really good and led the
Redskins to an upset of New Orleans. The Rams are improved, but are
going nowhere this season. The Redskins could make an already
competitive NFC East even better. It is a long season though, but they
could be fun to watch. I like them here.
Redskins 24-17
BUFFALO 3 Kansas City
Both teams got off to a real rough start last week, and I don't know
who looked worse. Both teams have high hopes this year, but obviously
one of them has to start 0-2. I am not sure why Buffalo is favored
here, because they aren't going to win this game.
Chiefs 26-23
NEW ENGLAND 13 1/2 Arizona
Both teams won last week, but the Patriots were more impressive. Some
people think this game might be tougher than expected for New England.
Not me. Remember Kevin Kolb is starting at quarterback for Arizona.
That is all anybody needs to know. I don't see any problems for the
Patriots.
Patriots 34-17
SAN DIEGO 6 1/2 Tennessee
The Chargers got off to a good start last week, but Tennessee did not.
Both teams had playoff thoughts this year, but they better keep
thinking. Neither team is particularly good. They aren't bad either,
but the AFC is very tough this year. I like the Chargers here.
Chargers 30-20
PHILADELPHIA 2 1/2 Baltimore
One team looked great last week, the other looked awful. I don't need
to explain which team was which. The Eagles better start playing better
or they are in big trouble in their division. The Ravens aren't in
trouble at all. They will win the AFC North and have a very solid
playoff run. Right now ( and most times actually ) it is hard to trust
Michael Vick. This week I trust Joe Flacco and Baltimore more.
Ravens 23-21
SAN FRANCISCO 6 1/2 Detroit
The 49ers got off to a terrific start last week, and though the Lions
did win, they struggled. I think the Lions really need to make the
playoffs this year. Not so much because I predicted them too, but they
have too much talent to not make it, even in a tough division. I think
the 49ers will win, but the Lions should be able to keep it close.
49ers 31-26
Minnesota 3 INDIANAPOLIS
The Vikings won last week, but that doesn't mean they are any good. The
Colts lost last week, and they definitely are not good. They do have
promise though, unlike Minnesota, who I think is going nowhere. The
Vikings aren't good enough to be favored by three points over anybody.
I'll take the Colts here.
Colts 23-20
NEW YORK GIANTS 7 Tampa Bay
The Giants have had some extra rest, and they will need it this week
against a pretty good Tampa Bay team. The Giants lost in week one, and
they cannot afford to start the season 0-2, especially in the NFC East.
The Bucs are playoff contenders, but I don't see how they can win here.
Giants 30-17
ATLANTA 3 1/2 Denver
The Falcons looked real good last week, and so did Peyton Manning. I am
not sold on Denver though, or Peyton Manning-yet. I think a lot of it
last week was emotion. Give me a few more weeks to get a real idea on
how good Denver is. The Falcons are good, and many are thinking
playoffs. We will see. I will take them here.
Falcons 24-20
Game of the Week
PITTSBURGH 5 1/2 New York Jets
I think Pittsburgh is like a lot of teams this week. They can't afford
to start 0-2. They aren't as good as in previous years, but they are
still very good. I think the Jets are too. They looked great last week,
but they need to be better than great here. I don't think they will be.
I like the Steelers.
Steelers 27-21
Stinker of the Week
Oakland 2 1/2 MIAMI
The Raiders aren't great, but the Dolphins are just plain bad. I like
both sets of cheerleaders though, especially the Raiderettes. Based on
that, I'll take Oakland.
Raiders 23-16
Record For Week One: 7-9 ( 10-6 without spread )
Record Through Week One: 7-9 ( 10-6 without the
spread )
Game of Week Record: 0-1
Stinker of Week Record: 1-0
Jim Poore has been a long time contributor to Patriots Insider with his weekly picks column. Let him know what you think. Email him here:
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