HOUSTON (40 ½ ) @ NEW ENGLAND (+1)
Well, before you start penciling in third string QB Jacoby Brissett , to start for the Patriots, hold the phone. You know how tight lipped Bill Belichick can be, and how he doesn’t prematurely like to tip off the Media, about the status of his players. Latest word is (as of Tuesday), Garoppolo , may play on Thursday night, and that his shoulder is coming around. Either way, Garoppolo, or Brissett, Bill Belichick has a game plan, and seen Houston’s QB Osweiler last season, play his Patriots. Regardless, the Patriot defense has played well this season, and I think they will come together, and compensate for the loss of their number one, and number two QB’s. The Pat defense has vastly improved on their pass rush, by acquiring Chris Long, and now this front seven can consistently pressure the opposing Quarterbacks. This is what Belichick will concentrate on, against Osweiler, constant pressure, versus a poor Houston Offensive line. Last week, Osweiler went 0-4 in passing, when he faced a heavy rush from Kansas City. As for Houston, they have respectable wide receivers, that can cause coverage fits for the Patriots secondary. The other factor for Houston, is that last week, their defensive front seven, recorded 5 sacks, 10 pressures, and no missed tackles. New England’s weakness, is their offensive line. With the Patriots actually being labeled as the “underdogs” at home, I think they are giving Houston too much credit here, playing the Bears, and Chiefs. Patriots, on the other hand already faced two elite defenses, Arizona, and Miami, and won. The third time is a charm. Short week, Houston has to travel, and we will see how good the Texans are, when they are tested in Foxboro on Thursday Night. PREDICTION: NEW ENGLAND 23 HOUSTON 17, TAKE NEW ENGLAND +1, AND PLAY THE UNDER 40 ½.
DENVER (41.0) @ CINCINNATI (-3)
Andy Dalton was reportedly "hobbling pretty badly" following the Bengals' Week 2 loss to the Steelers. This injury, shouldn’t keep him from starting in this important divisional game. However, if he does start, consider what happened to Seattle QB Wilson last week, when he played on his bad ankle. Not saying that Dalton has the foot speed of a Wilson. What I am saying, is that injury can affect his game. On top of that, the Cincinnati Offensive Line is struggling. They allowed 7 sacks, week one vs. Jets, and played poorly against the Steelers last week. Denver, has an elite defense, and I think the Denver defense will give the Bengal offense fits, even without De Marcus Ware. The Denver offense, has a nice edge with RB CJ Anderson, after his excellent performances to open the season. Cincinnati, has showed they have had trouble stopping the run, in their last two games. If Denver can run the football, this may be the determining factor in this game. An established Denver running game, will allow Rookie QB Siemian, to throw from a clean pocket. The Bronco’s offensive line has been suburb, and could make this happen. Besides Cincinnati having issues with their starting QB, the Bengals cannot get their running game on track, and now face a Denver front seven, that can also stop the run. PREDICTED SCORE DENVER 20 CINCINNATI 17. TAKE DENVER +3, PLAY THE UNDER 41.0.
OAKLAND (47.0) @ TENNESSEE (- 1 ½)
Two awful NFL secondary’s, facing off, means one thing. This will be a high scoring game. The Raiders free agent acquisitions on defense, has been a bust. Not only they cannot play pass defense, they haven’t a pass rush? Same can be said about Tennessee’s secondary, and a front seven that lacks a pass rush. Oakland, has the weapons on offense to exploit Tennessee’s secondary , with QB Carr, and his wide receiver corp. On the flip side, Titan QB Marcus Mariota’s offensive line, protects him well inside the pocket. The glaring advantage the Titans have in this contest, is that the Raiders pass coverage against Atlanta’s Tight End, was exploited. Last week, Atlanta’s Tight Ends, caught 8 passes, for 159 yards. This week, Mariota, will be seeking his favorite receiver, Tight End, Delanie Walker. Walker caught 6 passes in week #2, and I project him, to have a big game here in this spot. Tennessee’s defensive front seven, plays well against the run, and Oakland doesn’t possess a running game. Lastly, Oakland has to travel East, to play this contest at 1 pm. PREDICTED SCORE TENNESSEE 27 OAKLAND 24, TAKE TENNESSEE -1 ½ , PLAY THE OVER 47.0.
ARIZONA (47.0) @ BUFFALO (+4 ½)
Let’s first examine the Buffalo Bills, and where they now stand. They are winless, and already two games back in their division. The owner, is doing a Jerry Jones, by getting involved in the football operations, and fired their Offensive Coordinator. The Bills can’t play defense. Receiver, Sammy Watkins, their top offensive player, dealing with his injury, and not 100%. The rest of their receivers are banged up. Buffalo has no pass rush, due to their injured, or suspended front seven, and lastly they shown no evidence they can stop the run. This is a perfect spot for QB Carson Palmer, to get back on track. Based on NYJ QB Fitzpatrick’s outstanding performance against Buffalo last week, there isn’t any reason why Palmer cannot duplicate that feat. Look also for RB David Johnson to have a huge game, and keep Buffalo’s defense off balance. How about the great Larry Fitzgerald? Who on Buffalo, will be able to cover him? Buffalo, will have their offensive woes continue. With a New Offensive Coordinator, Chandler Jones pass rushing the QB, against a weak blocking offensive line. The Bills last resort, will be to run RB Le Sean Mc Coy, against and outstanding defensive front seven, with a safety that can tackle like an old school Ronnie Lott. PREDICTED SCORE: ARIZONA 34 BUFFALO 23, TAKE ARIZONA – 4 ½, AND PLAY OVER 47.0.
BALTIMORE (47.0) @ JACKSONVILLE (+1)
This is one of my big plays of the week. Jacksonville doesn’t have a pass rush. Last week QB Rivers, had pass protection all day against the Jags, and they managed to score 38 points, without their top receiver, and lost RB Danny Woodhead. Baltimore’s QB Flacco, should be able to work from a clean pocket, and take advantage, just like Rivers did. Jacksonville, is missing their best defensive back, and offensive lineman. So expect Baltimore’s Suggs, to be able to rush Bortles from the blind side. The Raven front seven is stout versus the run, and the Jags will get no help there. Here is the most important reason why I like the Ravens. Teams flying out to London, immediately after their games, are only 6-16, Against The Spread. PREDICTION: BALTIMORE 24 JACKSONVILLE 20, TAKE BALTIMORE -1, AND PLAY THE UNDER 47.0.
CLEVELAND (41 ½) @ MIAMI (-9 ½)
Cleveland lost Josh McCown to injury last week, and never were able to get back on track after a 20 -2 lead. Too bad, McCown showed he could move the ball down the field, and was a big upgrade over RG3. Now, the third string QB Cody Kessler takes over the signal calling this Sunday. Problem is, that Kessler was considered a late, late round pick, and Cleveland elected to draft him in the third round. A typical Brown’s front office move. I read the scouting report on him, and the bottom line, the reports state that he doesn’t have the arm to play in the NFL. Kessler is in for a nightmare. Mc Cown last week played good football, considering the fact that he was sacked or knocked down 10 times. With that type of offensive line protection, how is Kessler going to make the big plays? Cleveland goes up against a good front seven on defense, led by Suh. So Kessler, can expect the same pressure that McCown faced in week 2. On offense, Miami, should have a big day vs. Cleveland’s defense. The Browns don’t have a pass rush, and QB Tennehill, will be able to sit in a protected pocket, and hit his favorite receivers Parker, and Landry. Miami, will have to pass more, and run less, without RB Foster, and Cleveland’s excellent run stop unit. On the plus side for Cleveland, they have pass catcher Corey Coleman. With all this said, Miami looks like the clear winner. However, Vegas set the line at -10, - 9 ½? go figure. I like the Dolphins, but the question is, can they cover? I don’t like this game, but I am forced to take Cleveland and the points. PREDICTED SCORE: MIAMI 24 CLEVELAND 17, TAKE CLEVELAND + 9 ½, PLAY THE UNDER 41 ½.
WASHINGTON (47.0) @ NEW YORK GIANTS (-4 ½)
Turmoil, has started already in Washington. The killer clubhouse controversy. Once that cat’s out of the bag, it might become a long season for the Skins. I never seen a divided locker room, have a winning season. There is only two ways you can look at this. QB Cousins, rebounds from his slump, and shows his team that he is a leader, and a winner. Or, He can continue down that path of self-destruction, and allow his team to fall to 0-3. So you can see what a pivotal game this is for Washington, especially when playing a divisional rival. Washington has the ability to slow the Giants pass rush. The skins offensive line, has played well despite all their issues. In the trenches, The Giants have a stout front seven that can stop the run. The match ups of Norman versus Beckham, and Washington challenging a good NY Giant secondary is another. I think the Giants are the better team, however, Washington’s motivation , is not to fall to 0-3, and will put a 100% effort on the field comes game time. PREDICTED SCORE: NY GIANTS 24 WASHINGTON 21, TAKE WASHINGTON +4 ½, AND PLAY UNDER 47.0.
DETROIT ( 48.0) @ GREEN BAY (-7 ½ )
Green Bay, is on a magical mystery tour. They came into this season 100% healthy on offense, and yet Rodgers isn’t on the same page with his receivers. They have just played poorly, and I can’t put my finger on it. The Ironic thing about GB, their offensive line played well. The problem was, when the GB receivers weren’t open, Rodgers had to extend the play by leaving the pocket constantly. GB’s front seven played well, and the secondary was a “no show”. Although the Packers pressured the passer, the cornerbacks were beaten. As for Detroit, QB Stafford looks like he is headed for a good season. He is good enough to exploit Green Bay’s suspect secondary. Their running game may be challenged, and their offense should be predominately, “pass”. GB, and Aaron Rodgers , should be able to discover their passing game at home. Detroit has now suffered from injuries to it’s defense. They lost their top Pass rusher, and top linebacker. They only have a few quality players ready to suit up on the defensive side of the ball. There should be high scoring, and GREEN BAY 28 DETROIT 23, TAKE DETROIT +7 ½ , AND PLAY OVER 48.0.
MINNESOTA (43.0) @ CAROLINA (-7)
Coming off a huge National TV audience win, are the Vikings due for a letdown? Peterson is most probably out for this game. Don’t get me wrong. Minnesota has a nice team, even after losing Bridgewater, two weeks later, Sam Bradford was ready to pick up their pieces. The Vikings have an outstanding pass rush, and they are strong against defending the rush up the middle. Overall, Minnesota is starting to become an elite defense. For sure, the Vikings will slow down Carolina’s offense, and don’t expect the Panthers to duplicate their score of 46 points from week 2.On offense, the Vikings are pedestrian at best, and Stefon Diggs is their best, or only real offensive weapon. Minnesota will face a Carolina without Norman. Norman’s departure has made a big impact on the Panther secondary. The unit isn’t as tenacious as it was in 2015. After two games, Cam Newton wasn’t on top of his game. It wasn’t until later in the second game, when he blew the doors off San Francisco. However, Carolina as a team, didn’t look that impressive against San Francisco last week, and the jury is still out. I do not like this game, and I feel the line at -7 is a push at best. I will take the Panthers at home to win, but not cover. Like I said, the Vikes might still have a Sunday Night hangover, from last week. PREDICTED SCORE: CAROLINA 23 MINNESOTA 17, TAKE MINNESOTA +7, AND PLAY UNDER 43.0.
SAN FRANCISCO (40 ½) @ SEATTLE (-10)
Well, I guess we found the Achilles Heel (I mean ankle) on Russel Wilson. The lack of his mobility, cost Seattle the game against the Rams last week. The other issue Seattle is having, is pass protection from their offensive line. The blocking has been nonexistent. So moving ahead to this game, Russell Wilson, should be ready to go, and hopefully at 100%. San Francisco’s offense isn’t that good. Last week, 10 of their 27 points came off turnovers. Seattle has an elite defense. The SF offensive line, is having their issues, and RB Hyde (The 49er offense) will be stopped by Seattle’s front seven.Gabbert, isn’t a good Quarterback, and he will have problems dealing with the Seahawk defense. San Francisco, hasn’t any pass rush, and just like Newton last week, Wilson should have a field day.San Francisco has one of the worst NFL defenses. So don’t expect the same results from Seattle, like you witnessed last week. PREDICTION: SEATTLE 23 SAN FRANCISCO 7. TAKE SEATTLE -10, AND PLAY UNDER TOTAL 40 ½.
LOS ANGELES (42.0) @ TAMPA BAY (-5)
After week 2, the Rams are flying on cloud nine, after defeating Seattle. The Tampa Bay Bucs, and Jameis Winston, played terrible, and were embarrassed. Although the Rams may have the best defensive line in the NFL, I expect Winston to arise to the occasion, and play with reckless abandon. All indications in this match up say, that not only is LA better defensively, they may have the edge offensively. TB secondary is struggling, as well as stopping the run. This will open the door for RB Todd Gurley, to possibly run for 100 yards. So I ask this question. If LA wins the matchup over TB on paper, why is Tampa Bay -5 point favorites? This game could be a trap. Here is why I like Tampa Bay. Winston has the edge in the passing game, and Case Keenan, is struggling at QB. Keenan, doesn’t have enough talented receivers at his disposal. Tampa Bay, wants to rebound off that awful loss to Arizona, Los Angeles, by defeating Seattle is due for a letdown, Los Angeles, hasn’t left the friendly confines on the West Coast since September 1, 2016. The furthest the Rams traveled East, was a preseason game at Minnesota. Now the Rams, have to travel over 3,000 miles East, to play Tampa Bay. Lastly, the Rams will be looking ahead next week, when the play Arizona. The wise guys have their money on TB, and the public has heavily placed their action on LA. PREDICTED SCORE: TAMPA BAY 23 LOS ANGELES 17, TAKE TAMPA BAY -5, PLAY UNDER 42.0.
PITTSBURGH (46.0) @ PHILADELPHIA (+3 ½)
All hail Rookie QB Carson Wentz, how he single handedly took down the mighty Bears, before a national audience. All the hype, and all is well, in the City of Brotherly love. Not so fast. Let’s see who the Eagles played their first two games. They played Cleveland, and Chicago. What’s wrong with that picture? The true test, will be against the Steelers this Sunday. Roethlisberger, will be facing a suspect Eagle secondary, that have no depth at cornerback. With Antonio Brown, and Company, you can expect a barrage of passes coming their way. As for the Eagles, Carson Wentz better beware of the Steeler Blitz. For years, Pittsburgh, calls the most NFL Blitz packages in the NFL. The Steeler pass rush, will assert constant pressure on Wentz, and this will limit him to a short passing game. The Pittsburgh secondary, shutdown AJ Green last week, and they will shut down Philadelphia’s aerial attack. The only thing I don’t like about this game is the line -3 ½. If Philly is really that good, this game could be won by a field goal, and the Steelers will lose on the spread. Regardless, I will stick with Pittsburgh. PREDICTED SCORE: PITTSBURGH 27 PHILADELPHIA 23, PITTSBURGH -3 ½, PLAY OVER 46.0.
NEW YORK JETS (43.0) @ KANSAS CITY (-3)
The NY Jets, and QB Fitzpatrick come off a huge win over Buffalo. Fitzpatrick, had a career game. He wasn’t affected by Buffalo’s pass rush pressure, and destroyed an inept Buffalo secondary. You can say, that this game was a confidence builder for Fitzpatrick, who since the playoffs, has fizzled. Now, Fitzpatrick faces almost the same situation in week 3. KC has issues with their secondary, and lacks a pass rush. If Fitzpatrick has a clean pocket to work from, the Jets will have a chance to win. I assimilate this game, with week one, when SD blew a huge lead, and managed to lose the game. San Diego scored 27 points, and I don’t see why the Jets can’t do the same. The difference, the Jets have a better defense than the Chargers, and the Chargers would have won, and scored more points, if Allen didn’t go down to a season ending injury. Both teams have a stout front seven, that can stop the run. Regardless of Jamal Charles’s return, the Jets have a tremendous defensive line. QB Alex Smith, is a short passer, he has trouble connecting with his intermediate, and deep throws. This should help Revis, and the Jet secondary. PREDICTED SCORE: NY JETS 27 KANSAS CITY 24, TAKE NY JETS +3, PLAY OVER 43.0.
SAN DIEGO (52.0) @ INDIANAPOLIS (-3)
This game at a glance, looks like it’s going to be a shootout, and a high scoring game. The Colts secondary, is the worst in the NFL, and is missing five corner backs. So expect Rivers, to exploit the Colts weakness, and have a huge passing day. As for QB Luck, he faces a team, that doesn’t have an effective pass rush, like Denver did last week, and he too should put up some numbers on offense. RB Melvin Gordon, will dominate the running attack, versus a banged up, and injured Colt front seven. The Colts are a mess, can’t block, pressure, or stop the run. Lastly, immediately following this game, Indianapolis has to fly to London. Teams traveling to London in that spot are 6 and 18. PREDICTED SCORE: SAN DIEGO 28 INDIANAPOLIS 27, TAKE SAN DIEGO +3, PLAY OVER 52.0.
CHICAGO (45.0) @ DALLAS (-7 ½)
After Monday Night Football, who in their right mind would wager on Chicago? Jay Cutler, is a failed leader, that also has a sprained thumb, and may not play on Sunday. So up steps back up Brian Hoyer. I guess Hoyer can’t do any worse. Chicago, has no playmakers on offense, except Alshon Jeffrey. The Bears defense is Missing in Action, and can’t stop the run, or pass. The Bears are banged up, and lack depth. Dallas Rookie QB Prescott, he can duplicate Wentz’s performance against the Bears last week. The Cowboys are utilizing Prescott’s strengths, running play action bootlegs. The only question I have about Dallas in this game, is their nonexistent pass rush. Those members of the Dallas front seven, that can assert a pass rush, are all on suspension. Both teams, can rush the football against each other. I don’t like the game, but there is no way I will pick Chicago, even getting over a touchdown, as an underdog. PREDICTED SCORE: DALLAS 27 CHICAGO 17, TAKE DALLAS -7 ½, AND PLAY UNDER 45.
ATLANTA (53 ½) @ NEW ORLEANS (-3)
Both teams offensively, should be able to light up the Superdome. Both teams defensively, lack a pass rush, and possess inept secondaries. So expect a shootout, and a high scoring game. The Falcons, have had trouble scoring TD’s in the red zone, and have trouble stopping the run on defense. That’s all I have to say. PREDICTED SCORE: NEW ORLEANS 31 ATLANTA 27, TAKE NEW ORLEANS -3, TAKE OVER 53 ½ .
Well, before you start penciling in third string QB Jacoby Brissett , to start for the Patriots, hold the phone. You know how tight lipped Bill Belichick can be, and how he doesn’t prematurely like to tip off the Media, about the status of his players. Latest word is (as of Tuesday), Garoppolo , may play on Thursday night, and that his shoulder is coming around. Either way, Garoppolo, or Brissett, Bill Belichick has a game plan, and seen Houston’s QB Osweiler last season, play his Patriots. Regardless, the Patriot defense has played well this season, and I think they will come together, and compensate for the loss of their number one, and number two QB’s. The Pat defense has vastly improved on their pass rush, by acquiring Chris Long, and now this front seven can consistently pressure the opposing Quarterbacks. This is what Belichick will concentrate on, against Osweiler, constant pressure, versus a poor Houston Offensive line. Last week, Osweiler went 0-4 in passing, when he faced a heavy rush from Kansas City. As for Houston, they have respectable wide receivers, that can cause coverage fits for the Patriots secondary. The other factor for Houston, is that last week, their defensive front seven, recorded 5 sacks, 10 pressures, and no missed tackles. New England’s weakness, is their offensive line. With the Patriots actually being labeled as the “underdogs” at home, I think they are giving Houston too much credit here, playing the Bears, and Chiefs. Patriots, on the other hand already faced two elite defenses, Arizona, and Miami, and won. The third time is a charm. Short week, Houston has to travel, and we will see how good the Texans are, when they are tested in Foxboro on Thursday Night. PREDICTION: NEW ENGLAND 23 HOUSTON 17, TAKE NEW ENGLAND +1, AND PLAY THE UNDER 40 ½.
DENVER (41.0) @ CINCINNATI (-3)
Andy Dalton was reportedly "hobbling pretty badly" following the Bengals' Week 2 loss to the Steelers. This injury, shouldn’t keep him from starting in this important divisional game. However, if he does start, consider what happened to Seattle QB Wilson last week, when he played on his bad ankle. Not saying that Dalton has the foot speed of a Wilson. What I am saying, is that injury can affect his game. On top of that, the Cincinnati Offensive Line is struggling. They allowed 7 sacks, week one vs. Jets, and played poorly against the Steelers last week. Denver, has an elite defense, and I think the Denver defense will give the Bengal offense fits, even without De Marcus Ware. The Denver offense, has a nice edge with RB CJ Anderson, after his excellent performances to open the season. Cincinnati, has showed they have had trouble stopping the run, in their last two games. If Denver can run the football, this may be the determining factor in this game. An established Denver running game, will allow Rookie QB Siemian, to throw from a clean pocket. The Bronco’s offensive line has been suburb, and could make this happen. Besides Cincinnati having issues with their starting QB, the Bengals cannot get their running game on track, and now face a Denver front seven, that can also stop the run. PREDICTED SCORE DENVER 20 CINCINNATI 17. TAKE DENVER +3, PLAY THE UNDER 41.0.
OAKLAND (47.0) @ TENNESSEE (- 1 ½)
Two awful NFL secondary’s, facing off, means one thing. This will be a high scoring game. The Raiders free agent acquisitions on defense, has been a bust. Not only they cannot play pass defense, they haven’t a pass rush? Same can be said about Tennessee’s secondary, and a front seven that lacks a pass rush. Oakland, has the weapons on offense to exploit Tennessee’s secondary , with QB Carr, and his wide receiver corp. On the flip side, Titan QB Marcus Mariota’s offensive line, protects him well inside the pocket. The glaring advantage the Titans have in this contest, is that the Raiders pass coverage against Atlanta’s Tight End, was exploited. Last week, Atlanta’s Tight Ends, caught 8 passes, for 159 yards. This week, Mariota, will be seeking his favorite receiver, Tight End, Delanie Walker. Walker caught 6 passes in week #2, and I project him, to have a big game here in this spot. Tennessee’s defensive front seven, plays well against the run, and Oakland doesn’t possess a running game. Lastly, Oakland has to travel East, to play this contest at 1 pm. PREDICTED SCORE TENNESSEE 27 OAKLAND 24, TAKE TENNESSEE -1 ½ , PLAY THE OVER 47.0.
ARIZONA (47.0) @ BUFFALO (+4 ½)
Let’s first examine the Buffalo Bills, and where they now stand. They are winless, and already two games back in their division. The owner, is doing a Jerry Jones, by getting involved in the football operations, and fired their Offensive Coordinator. The Bills can’t play defense. Receiver, Sammy Watkins, their top offensive player, dealing with his injury, and not 100%. The rest of their receivers are banged up. Buffalo has no pass rush, due to their injured, or suspended front seven, and lastly they shown no evidence they can stop the run. This is a perfect spot for QB Carson Palmer, to get back on track. Based on NYJ QB Fitzpatrick’s outstanding performance against Buffalo last week, there isn’t any reason why Palmer cannot duplicate that feat. Look also for RB David Johnson to have a huge game, and keep Buffalo’s defense off balance. How about the great Larry Fitzgerald? Who on Buffalo, will be able to cover him? Buffalo, will have their offensive woes continue. With a New Offensive Coordinator, Chandler Jones pass rushing the QB, against a weak blocking offensive line. The Bills last resort, will be to run RB Le Sean Mc Coy, against and outstanding defensive front seven, with a safety that can tackle like an old school Ronnie Lott. PREDICTED SCORE: ARIZONA 34 BUFFALO 23, TAKE ARIZONA – 4 ½, AND PLAY OVER 47.0.
BALTIMORE (47.0) @ JACKSONVILLE (+1)
This is one of my big plays of the week. Jacksonville doesn’t have a pass rush. Last week QB Rivers, had pass protection all day against the Jags, and they managed to score 38 points, without their top receiver, and lost RB Danny Woodhead. Baltimore’s QB Flacco, should be able to work from a clean pocket, and take advantage, just like Rivers did. Jacksonville, is missing their best defensive back, and offensive lineman. So expect Baltimore’s Suggs, to be able to rush Bortles from the blind side. The Raven front seven is stout versus the run, and the Jags will get no help there. Here is the most important reason why I like the Ravens. Teams flying out to London, immediately after their games, are only 6-16, Against The Spread. PREDICTION: BALTIMORE 24 JACKSONVILLE 20, TAKE BALTIMORE -1, AND PLAY THE UNDER 47.0.
CLEVELAND (41 ½) @ MIAMI (-9 ½)
Cleveland lost Josh McCown to injury last week, and never were able to get back on track after a 20 -2 lead. Too bad, McCown showed he could move the ball down the field, and was a big upgrade over RG3. Now, the third string QB Cody Kessler takes over the signal calling this Sunday. Problem is, that Kessler was considered a late, late round pick, and Cleveland elected to draft him in the third round. A typical Brown’s front office move. I read the scouting report on him, and the bottom line, the reports state that he doesn’t have the arm to play in the NFL. Kessler is in for a nightmare. Mc Cown last week played good football, considering the fact that he was sacked or knocked down 10 times. With that type of offensive line protection, how is Kessler going to make the big plays? Cleveland goes up against a good front seven on defense, led by Suh. So Kessler, can expect the same pressure that McCown faced in week 2. On offense, Miami, should have a big day vs. Cleveland’s defense. The Browns don’t have a pass rush, and QB Tennehill, will be able to sit in a protected pocket, and hit his favorite receivers Parker, and Landry. Miami, will have to pass more, and run less, without RB Foster, and Cleveland’s excellent run stop unit. On the plus side for Cleveland, they have pass catcher Corey Coleman. With all this said, Miami looks like the clear winner. However, Vegas set the line at -10, - 9 ½? go figure. I like the Dolphins, but the question is, can they cover? I don’t like this game, but I am forced to take Cleveland and the points. PREDICTED SCORE: MIAMI 24 CLEVELAND 17, TAKE CLEVELAND + 9 ½, PLAY THE UNDER 41 ½.
WASHINGTON (47.0) @ NEW YORK GIANTS (-4 ½)
Turmoil, has started already in Washington. The killer clubhouse controversy. Once that cat’s out of the bag, it might become a long season for the Skins. I never seen a divided locker room, have a winning season. There is only two ways you can look at this. QB Cousins, rebounds from his slump, and shows his team that he is a leader, and a winner. Or, He can continue down that path of self-destruction, and allow his team to fall to 0-3. So you can see what a pivotal game this is for Washington, especially when playing a divisional rival. Washington has the ability to slow the Giants pass rush. The skins offensive line, has played well despite all their issues. In the trenches, The Giants have a stout front seven that can stop the run. The match ups of Norman versus Beckham, and Washington challenging a good NY Giant secondary is another. I think the Giants are the better team, however, Washington’s motivation , is not to fall to 0-3, and will put a 100% effort on the field comes game time. PREDICTED SCORE: NY GIANTS 24 WASHINGTON 21, TAKE WASHINGTON +4 ½, AND PLAY UNDER 47.0.
DETROIT ( 48.0) @ GREEN BAY (-7 ½ )
Green Bay, is on a magical mystery tour. They came into this season 100% healthy on offense, and yet Rodgers isn’t on the same page with his receivers. They have just played poorly, and I can’t put my finger on it. The Ironic thing about GB, their offensive line played well. The problem was, when the GB receivers weren’t open, Rodgers had to extend the play by leaving the pocket constantly. GB’s front seven played well, and the secondary was a “no show”. Although the Packers pressured the passer, the cornerbacks were beaten. As for Detroit, QB Stafford looks like he is headed for a good season. He is good enough to exploit Green Bay’s suspect secondary. Their running game may be challenged, and their offense should be predominately, “pass”. GB, and Aaron Rodgers , should be able to discover their passing game at home. Detroit has now suffered from injuries to it’s defense. They lost their top Pass rusher, and top linebacker. They only have a few quality players ready to suit up on the defensive side of the ball. There should be high scoring, and GREEN BAY 28 DETROIT 23, TAKE DETROIT +7 ½ , AND PLAY OVER 48.0.
MINNESOTA (43.0) @ CAROLINA (-7)
Coming off a huge National TV audience win, are the Vikings due for a letdown? Peterson is most probably out for this game. Don’t get me wrong. Minnesota has a nice team, even after losing Bridgewater, two weeks later, Sam Bradford was ready to pick up their pieces. The Vikings have an outstanding pass rush, and they are strong against defending the rush up the middle. Overall, Minnesota is starting to become an elite defense. For sure, the Vikings will slow down Carolina’s offense, and don’t expect the Panthers to duplicate their score of 46 points from week 2.On offense, the Vikings are pedestrian at best, and Stefon Diggs is their best, or only real offensive weapon. Minnesota will face a Carolina without Norman. Norman’s departure has made a big impact on the Panther secondary. The unit isn’t as tenacious as it was in 2015. After two games, Cam Newton wasn’t on top of his game. It wasn’t until later in the second game, when he blew the doors off San Francisco. However, Carolina as a team, didn’t look that impressive against San Francisco last week, and the jury is still out. I do not like this game, and I feel the line at -7 is a push at best. I will take the Panthers at home to win, but not cover. Like I said, the Vikes might still have a Sunday Night hangover, from last week. PREDICTED SCORE: CAROLINA 23 MINNESOTA 17, TAKE MINNESOTA +7, AND PLAY UNDER 43.0.
SAN FRANCISCO (40 ½) @ SEATTLE (-10)
Well, I guess we found the Achilles Heel (I mean ankle) on Russel Wilson. The lack of his mobility, cost Seattle the game against the Rams last week. The other issue Seattle is having, is pass protection from their offensive line. The blocking has been nonexistent. So moving ahead to this game, Russell Wilson, should be ready to go, and hopefully at 100%. San Francisco’s offense isn’t that good. Last week, 10 of their 27 points came off turnovers. Seattle has an elite defense. The SF offensive line, is having their issues, and RB Hyde (The 49er offense) will be stopped by Seattle’s front seven.Gabbert, isn’t a good Quarterback, and he will have problems dealing with the Seahawk defense. San Francisco, hasn’t any pass rush, and just like Newton last week, Wilson should have a field day.San Francisco has one of the worst NFL defenses. So don’t expect the same results from Seattle, like you witnessed last week. PREDICTION: SEATTLE 23 SAN FRANCISCO 7. TAKE SEATTLE -10, AND PLAY UNDER TOTAL 40 ½.
LOS ANGELES (42.0) @ TAMPA BAY (-5)
After week 2, the Rams are flying on cloud nine, after defeating Seattle. The Tampa Bay Bucs, and Jameis Winston, played terrible, and were embarrassed. Although the Rams may have the best defensive line in the NFL, I expect Winston to arise to the occasion, and play with reckless abandon. All indications in this match up say, that not only is LA better defensively, they may have the edge offensively. TB secondary is struggling, as well as stopping the run. This will open the door for RB Todd Gurley, to possibly run for 100 yards. So I ask this question. If LA wins the matchup over TB on paper, why is Tampa Bay -5 point favorites? This game could be a trap. Here is why I like Tampa Bay. Winston has the edge in the passing game, and Case Keenan, is struggling at QB. Keenan, doesn’t have enough talented receivers at his disposal. Tampa Bay, wants to rebound off that awful loss to Arizona, Los Angeles, by defeating Seattle is due for a letdown, Los Angeles, hasn’t left the friendly confines on the West Coast since September 1, 2016. The furthest the Rams traveled East, was a preseason game at Minnesota. Now the Rams, have to travel over 3,000 miles East, to play Tampa Bay. Lastly, the Rams will be looking ahead next week, when the play Arizona. The wise guys have their money on TB, and the public has heavily placed their action on LA. PREDICTED SCORE: TAMPA BAY 23 LOS ANGELES 17, TAKE TAMPA BAY -5, PLAY UNDER 42.0.
PITTSBURGH (46.0) @ PHILADELPHIA (+3 ½)
All hail Rookie QB Carson Wentz, how he single handedly took down the mighty Bears, before a national audience. All the hype, and all is well, in the City of Brotherly love. Not so fast. Let’s see who the Eagles played their first two games. They played Cleveland, and Chicago. What’s wrong with that picture? The true test, will be against the Steelers this Sunday. Roethlisberger, will be facing a suspect Eagle secondary, that have no depth at cornerback. With Antonio Brown, and Company, you can expect a barrage of passes coming their way. As for the Eagles, Carson Wentz better beware of the Steeler Blitz. For years, Pittsburgh, calls the most NFL Blitz packages in the NFL. The Steeler pass rush, will assert constant pressure on Wentz, and this will limit him to a short passing game. The Pittsburgh secondary, shutdown AJ Green last week, and they will shut down Philadelphia’s aerial attack. The only thing I don’t like about this game is the line -3 ½. If Philly is really that good, this game could be won by a field goal, and the Steelers will lose on the spread. Regardless, I will stick with Pittsburgh. PREDICTED SCORE: PITTSBURGH 27 PHILADELPHIA 23, PITTSBURGH -3 ½, PLAY OVER 46.0.
NEW YORK JETS (43.0) @ KANSAS CITY (-3)
The NY Jets, and QB Fitzpatrick come off a huge win over Buffalo. Fitzpatrick, had a career game. He wasn’t affected by Buffalo’s pass rush pressure, and destroyed an inept Buffalo secondary. You can say, that this game was a confidence builder for Fitzpatrick, who since the playoffs, has fizzled. Now, Fitzpatrick faces almost the same situation in week 3. KC has issues with their secondary, and lacks a pass rush. If Fitzpatrick has a clean pocket to work from, the Jets will have a chance to win. I assimilate this game, with week one, when SD blew a huge lead, and managed to lose the game. San Diego scored 27 points, and I don’t see why the Jets can’t do the same. The difference, the Jets have a better defense than the Chargers, and the Chargers would have won, and scored more points, if Allen didn’t go down to a season ending injury. Both teams have a stout front seven, that can stop the run. Regardless of Jamal Charles’s return, the Jets have a tremendous defensive line. QB Alex Smith, is a short passer, he has trouble connecting with his intermediate, and deep throws. This should help Revis, and the Jet secondary. PREDICTED SCORE: NY JETS 27 KANSAS CITY 24, TAKE NY JETS +3, PLAY OVER 43.0.
SAN DIEGO (52.0) @ INDIANAPOLIS (-3)
This game at a glance, looks like it’s going to be a shootout, and a high scoring game. The Colts secondary, is the worst in the NFL, and is missing five corner backs. So expect Rivers, to exploit the Colts weakness, and have a huge passing day. As for QB Luck, he faces a team, that doesn’t have an effective pass rush, like Denver did last week, and he too should put up some numbers on offense. RB Melvin Gordon, will dominate the running attack, versus a banged up, and injured Colt front seven. The Colts are a mess, can’t block, pressure, or stop the run. Lastly, immediately following this game, Indianapolis has to fly to London. Teams traveling to London in that spot are 6 and 18. PREDICTED SCORE: SAN DIEGO 28 INDIANAPOLIS 27, TAKE SAN DIEGO +3, PLAY OVER 52.0.
CHICAGO (45.0) @ DALLAS (-7 ½)
After Monday Night Football, who in their right mind would wager on Chicago? Jay Cutler, is a failed leader, that also has a sprained thumb, and may not play on Sunday. So up steps back up Brian Hoyer. I guess Hoyer can’t do any worse. Chicago, has no playmakers on offense, except Alshon Jeffrey. The Bears defense is Missing in Action, and can’t stop the run, or pass. The Bears are banged up, and lack depth. Dallas Rookie QB Prescott, he can duplicate Wentz’s performance against the Bears last week. The Cowboys are utilizing Prescott’s strengths, running play action bootlegs. The only question I have about Dallas in this game, is their nonexistent pass rush. Those members of the Dallas front seven, that can assert a pass rush, are all on suspension. Both teams, can rush the football against each other. I don’t like the game, but there is no way I will pick Chicago, even getting over a touchdown, as an underdog. PREDICTED SCORE: DALLAS 27 CHICAGO 17, TAKE DALLAS -7 ½, AND PLAY UNDER 45.
ATLANTA (53 ½) @ NEW ORLEANS (-3)
Both teams offensively, should be able to light up the Superdome. Both teams defensively, lack a pass rush, and possess inept secondaries. So expect a shootout, and a high scoring game. The Falcons, have had trouble scoring TD’s in the red zone, and have trouble stopping the run on defense. That’s all I have to say. PREDICTED SCORE: NEW ORLEANS 31 ATLANTA 27, TAKE NEW ORLEANS -3, TAKE OVER 53 ½ .
