2-2 last week. Nothing to be proud of. I've started off in a big hole, but drawing from experience I'm sure I'll dig my way out of it.
Might wanna stay away 'til then.
Cincinnati +8.5
The public loves to hate the Bengals. I guess you can't blame 'em, but when a number like this comes out (+7.5), and they still hate the Bengals, you gotta scratch your head.
The Bills will have trouble with a solid Cincy pass defense, and RB Henry, who hasn't been too successful when healthy, will play hurt. Above that, OC Gilbride has never done a thing anywhere he's went because he can't stay committed to the run. This week, and season, the offense will struggle from being one-dimensional.
Dillon is out, which hurts. But Kitna has taken much better care of the football recently, and has built a nice rapport with Johnson and Warrick. Buffalo has a top ranked pass D, but the QB's they've played; Brady, (mentally defeated before the game even started), Brunell, Fiedler, and McNabb, haven't been anything to sneeze at.
Cincy's good enough to play with the Bills anyway, but if Johnson and Warrick win their battles with Winfield and Clements, the Bengals could very well be celebrating back-to-back road wins for the first time since '95.
Arizona +7.5
I'll be the first to tell ya that this Arizona team ain't so hot. But Dallas giving over a touchdown to anyone at this point is ridiculous.
The Cards strength on D is vs. the run (3.4 YPC), and Hambrick will find it much tougher to find success than he did vs. the porous Jets run D. If they can't run, then it's on Quincy Carter, who could end up being the most inconsistent QB in the league.
If Q torches them, I'll accept my loss gracefully, but this ain't the guy I want to lay over a touchdown with. Possible field goal battle here.
Chicago +4.5
As maligned as the Bears have been thus far, I must say, I really like this matchup, and not just for sheer contrarian reasons.
The Chicago running game showed some life last week, and there's no reason they shouldn't be able to run on the Raiders. RG Villareal made a huge difference on Monday, and the Oakland DE's are predominantly pass rushers. The DE's are also the main reason the Raiders have trouble with mobile QB's and keeping them in contain. Stewart may play well for a change here. A-Train is focused and playing well, and without Romanowski the Raiders defensive depth will be a factor.
The Bears have made some defensive changes, but if nothing else they gain speed. Oakland's still without Porter, and OL Kennedy and Mo Collins are nicked up. The Bears suck vs. the run, but the Raiders rarely run. Hall of Famers Rice and Brown are past their prime, and the San Diego DB's made them look much better than they are. And, of course, you still have the Raiders penchant for stupid penalties.
The Bears don't have to play great D, IMO, to get the cover here, though. If Kordell and Thomas can move the ball on the ground, and they should, the Bears OL will keep that pass rush at bay and score enough points to keep it close.
Jacksonville -3
The Jags will improve as the season progresses, and it starts today. Del Rio's put his stamp on the team with Leftwich and it's all uphill from here.
Jax is solid against the run, and Boston's too busy flexing in the mirror to make a difference in the passing game.
Freddie T's playing at a high level, and Jimmy Sniff will be a huge boost to the offense, Brunell or not. Remember, when Sniff held out two years ago until a week before the season started, he still came in and made(approximately) 10 catches in Week 1.
The Jags have had too much bad luck this year to lose this one.
Marty! Say hello to 0-5. Again. But good luck making the playoffs this time. This ain't Washington.
Well, I'm out. Proceed with caution, and best of luck to all.
Space.
Might wanna stay away 'til then.
Cincinnati +8.5
The public loves to hate the Bengals. I guess you can't blame 'em, but when a number like this comes out (+7.5), and they still hate the Bengals, you gotta scratch your head.
The Bills will have trouble with a solid Cincy pass defense, and RB Henry, who hasn't been too successful when healthy, will play hurt. Above that, OC Gilbride has never done a thing anywhere he's went because he can't stay committed to the run. This week, and season, the offense will struggle from being one-dimensional.
Dillon is out, which hurts. But Kitna has taken much better care of the football recently, and has built a nice rapport with Johnson and Warrick. Buffalo has a top ranked pass D, but the QB's they've played; Brady, (mentally defeated before the game even started), Brunell, Fiedler, and McNabb, haven't been anything to sneeze at.
Cincy's good enough to play with the Bills anyway, but if Johnson and Warrick win their battles with Winfield and Clements, the Bengals could very well be celebrating back-to-back road wins for the first time since '95.
Arizona +7.5
I'll be the first to tell ya that this Arizona team ain't so hot. But Dallas giving over a touchdown to anyone at this point is ridiculous.
The Cards strength on D is vs. the run (3.4 YPC), and Hambrick will find it much tougher to find success than he did vs. the porous Jets run D. If they can't run, then it's on Quincy Carter, who could end up being the most inconsistent QB in the league.
If Q torches them, I'll accept my loss gracefully, but this ain't the guy I want to lay over a touchdown with. Possible field goal battle here.
Chicago +4.5
As maligned as the Bears have been thus far, I must say, I really like this matchup, and not just for sheer contrarian reasons.
The Chicago running game showed some life last week, and there's no reason they shouldn't be able to run on the Raiders. RG Villareal made a huge difference on Monday, and the Oakland DE's are predominantly pass rushers. The DE's are also the main reason the Raiders have trouble with mobile QB's and keeping them in contain. Stewart may play well for a change here. A-Train is focused and playing well, and without Romanowski the Raiders defensive depth will be a factor.
The Bears have made some defensive changes, but if nothing else they gain speed. Oakland's still without Porter, and OL Kennedy and Mo Collins are nicked up. The Bears suck vs. the run, but the Raiders rarely run. Hall of Famers Rice and Brown are past their prime, and the San Diego DB's made them look much better than they are. And, of course, you still have the Raiders penchant for stupid penalties.
The Bears don't have to play great D, IMO, to get the cover here, though. If Kordell and Thomas can move the ball on the ground, and they should, the Bears OL will keep that pass rush at bay and score enough points to keep it close.
Jacksonville -3
The Jags will improve as the season progresses, and it starts today. Del Rio's put his stamp on the team with Leftwich and it's all uphill from here.
Jax is solid against the run, and Boston's too busy flexing in the mirror to make a difference in the passing game.
Freddie T's playing at a high level, and Jimmy Sniff will be a huge boost to the offense, Brunell or not. Remember, when Sniff held out two years ago until a week before the season started, he still came in and made(approximately) 10 catches in Week 1.
The Jags have had too much bad luck this year to lose this one.
Marty! Say hello to 0-5. Again. But good luck making the playoffs this time. This ain't Washington.
Well, I'm out. Proceed with caution, and best of luck to all.
Space.
