After last week's 10-6 performance, my record against the spread this season has moved up to 17-14 (.548), which isn't too bad, but still not up to snuff. Week two provided me with some confidence and some good foresight on how to pick during week 3. There are a larger than liked amount of games that I stood unsure of, but I believe that I will continue the hot streak and ride it into this week's picks.
As was the case last week, my picks are all on the left side in bold. So here goes:
NY Jets -2.5 v. Tennessee - The Jets are coming off of two big wins with faith in their rookie quarterback and defense. Tennessee had a strong defense in week 1 and blew open their running game with Chris Johnson in week 2 against Houston, but I see the Jets coming out full of confidence with a great scheme to beat the Titans in the Meadowlands.
Jacksonville +4 @ Houston - Just like Chris Johnson did, this is where I expect my man MJD to break out this season and have a huge game on the ground for the Jags to take a win.
Kansas City +8.5 @ Philadelphia - McNabb is out, Vick is unhappy about his situation and Kevin Kolb is getting the start for Philadelphia. Matt Cassel and Brodie Croyle are fighting for a job and whichever one gets the start is going to do everything they can to get the job done. I have the Eagles winning the game, just not by more than 8.
Baltimore -13.5 v. Cleveland - I've been burned a number of times by the large spread, but if you can't score, you can't win and as of right now, Cleveland can't score. Jamaal Lewis will be on the sidelines with an injury and Ray Lewis and the rest of the Raven defense could potentially pitch a shutout.
NY Giants -6.5 @ Tampa Bay - I haven't gone with Tampa Bay yet and I don't plan on starting this week. The Giants simply have a solid team and I can see them blowing this game wide open.
Washington -6.5 @ Detroit - It's Detroit. They haven't given me a reason to take them since they couldn't cover 13 against the Saints. I haven't done well with Washington either, but I have to lean their way here.
Green Bay -6.5 @ St. Louis - This game got me stuck. I went back and forth a few times and decided to take Green Bay because I like them more. I'll most likely take a loss due to that decision making.
Minnesota -7 v. San Francisco - 2-0 taking Minnesota and 0-2 going against the 49ers? Brett Favre and AP haven't let me down yet. Frank Gore had a huge game last week, but Minnesota has a better team than Seattle.
Atlanta +4.5 @ New England - The disclaimer that goes out every week, I would never pick for or against the Pats, but last week I came out victorious with the Jets and Atlanta definitely scares me more than New York.
Chicago -2 @ Seattle - After Seattle got beat down by the 49ers in week 2 and Cutler showed signs of life, with or without Urlacher, Da Bears are taking this one back. Ditka.
New Orleans -6 @ Buffalo - The Saints are explosive and haven't given me a reason to go against them yet, especially with a spread under a touchdown.
Miami +6 @ San Diego - Miami played a hell of a game against Peyton and the Colts last week and the Chargers have been getting pushed around so far this season. I think the Chargers are better or without LT, but Sproles can't carry the load by himself.
Cincinnati +4 v. Pittsburgh - Switched this one at the last minute, decided to go against my gut based on my previous picks with both of these teams. 0-1 taking Pittsburgh and losing both games that I picked and went against the Bengals, so basically I switched on a whim while winging it, we'll see if it pays off.
Oakland +1.5 v. Denver - Oakland has impressed me and Denver hasn't. As long as JaMarcus Russell can manage the game and not turn the ball over, I think the Raiders can control the clock and win the game. After a lot of debating, I almost switched to Denver and just couldn't do it for some reason.
Indianapolis +2.5 v. Arizona - This one had me going off and on as well, but I don't think I could ever go against Peyton with a spread under a field goal.
Carolina +9 @ Dallas - I have Dallas winning, but both teams have been so piss poor with production and effort I'm basically taking the spread because I don't think either team has a chance to win the game. I'll consult Tony Dorsett.
Week 3 Latest Lines provided by Vegas Odds
Thanks to stephen_bolen for the photo of Ray Lewis.
Thanks to BGSU86 for the photo of Brett Favre.
Thanks to Eyeshotpictures for the photo of JaMarcus Russell
8-6 going into Sunday night. Hoping for another 10-6 week which I still don’t see as impressive, but it isn’t bad either.
with all these predictions, do you bet?
Nope, I don’t. I used to, a lot and with a 9-7 record this week, that’s why I don’t anymore. I used to be really good at it too, but I also would never choose all 16 games in one week, this is just to see how well I can do in an entire season picking each game.
Also, I think by week 5 I’ll be more in the 12-4, 14-2 range on a weekly basis once I get to see more out of each team each week plus injuries and benchings and the whole shabangabang.
then you can bet!