NFL Week 2: Time To Recoup Some Funds

Last week, I had seven winners against the spread, so not really a money making weekend, but picked 10 winners straight up so better than .500 there.

So how about this week?

• Oakland goes to KC and is getting 4 points.  I love the Raiders, but after Monday night I need to see something before I put my money where my mouth is.   At Arrowhead I'd be laying on the points on KC.
• The Packers are giving 3 points at Green Bay.  I think they'll win by at least a TD so give the points on that one.
• The Titans go to Cincy in a state of disarray.  Cincy is perpetually in disarray though.  Jeff Fisher will get it straightened out there even if he's saddled with Kerry Collins.  The spreads range from even to Titans -3.  I'd take the Titans up to that -3 number, but no further.
• Chicago goes to Carolina and I am convinced the Bears have found whatever it was they misplaced last season.  Carolina was solid in San Diego last weekend, but they are giving -3.5.  I like the Panthers, but not enough to lay points on them so I am going with the underdog Bears.
• Jacksonville hosts Buffalo.  I have a rule about betting home teams in Florida in September (Dolphins excluded until they are respectable again).  The conditions with the heat and humidity are stifling and difficult for visitors to adjust to, so even though Jacksonville is giving 6 points, I'll take them.
• The Saints head north to play the Redskins.  The game is even, which is surprising because the Saints impressed me last weekend and the Redskins didn't seem to have much fight in them.  Take the Saints up to -2.5.
• Minnesota hosts Peyton and the Colts.  One game doesn't make a trend, but I really didn't like what I saw from the Colts Sunday night.  They didn't seem crisp and I am wondering if they have jumped the shark.  The Vikings are +2 in this one so I am taking the points.
• The Giants get a bye week as they travel to St. Louis to play the Rams.  The Giants are giving a big number (-9).  The Giants offense really didn't show me much even though they won.  I generally don't like road teams laying a TD or more, but I don't like the Rams at all.  I wouldn't bet this one, but if I did it would be on the Giants.
• Seattle hosts San Francisco and is laying a big number at home (-9).  I don't like San Fran, but I don't see myself laying 9 points on Seattle.  I'd the 49ers and the points, but that doesn't mean I think they'll collect a W in the standings.
• Tampa hosts Atlanta and is giving a big number (-8.5).  I have no frickin' clue what to make of either of these teams yet.  If you're betting this one, you're the kind of person who splits a pair of Jacks in blackjack when the dealer is showing a 7.  Save your money, but take Tampa if you must.
• Miami goes to Arizona and the Cards are giving 7.  That's a gift that should be taken.  Take the 'fins because despite beating SF, I did not like what I saw from Arizona, very undisciplined and seemingly unfocused, the kind of team that would let a team they should clobber hang around.
• The Jets are suddenly a favorite at home against the Pats (Jets -2.5).  I would spot the Jets the videotaping of signals, electronic interference to the Pats helmet communications and still take the points on the Pats.  As Rome would say "Jet Fan, you beat the 'Fins which isn't exactly like being Tiger Woods, it's more like putting past the windmill when you're trying to show off to your kids.  You're not there yet Jet Fan so put your money back in your wallet and save it for the trip to Scores."
• Denver is getting 2 points at home against San Diego.  I think the Bolts will be angry after chunking their home opener.  Give the points and take the Bolts to bounce back.
• Cleveland thinks that they are going to bounce back at home against Pittsburgh.  Ummm...  No.  Take Pittsburgh laying all the way up to 6.5 points.  At 7, walk away.  I like the under at 45 as well.
• For some reason the scheduled Monday nighter is more attractive than the Sunday night game, what's up with that NBC?  Philly goes to Dallas and is getting a TD.  Dallas to win, Philly to cover and pick the over up to 47.
• Houston is hosting Baltimore and you may know that parts of Houston are being evacuated this evening in advance of Hurricane Ike, so the NFL has moved the game to Monday night.  We all wish the best for the folks in Houston all the best in weathering Ike.  The logistics will be screwy and at best they'll be playing in a depressed half-filled stadium, if they can even get the game in on Monday.  The game is off-the board, so no pick in this one.  Watch for the impact on these teams in week 3.