Well, we got a little hosed on the fix in the Steelers game last week, so this week we look to get back on track for Week 12 of the NFL season.
Best Bet
1. Indianapolis Colts (+3) vs. San Diego Chargers
The Chargers have had Peyton and the Colts number for the past few years now, but as Bob Dylan once said, “times they are a changin…” That was when Merriman was in the lineup and the Bolts knew how to get after the quarterback. There really hasn’t been one game this season that San Diego has asserted its will on the opposing QB and it’s not going to begin this week. With the hopeful return of S Bob Sanders to the secondary, look for Indy to keep the Chargers’ offense in check while Peyton and Co. have a field day against the D. We like the Colts to pull off the mini-upset.
Next in Line
2. Denver Broncos (-9) vs. Oakland Raiders
This is a big line to give Denver, but the Raiders, outside of a returned punt for a TD last week vs. Miami, haven’t amassed more than 10 points offensively in a game since Week 7. With no threat of an offensive explosion from Oakland this week either, look for Shanahan to once again bury his former employer and for Cutler to have a big day through the air.
3. Carolina Panthers (+1) vs. Atlanta Falcons
This game is almost too close to call, as evidenced by the betting line, but we’ll go with experience—both at head coach and the quarterback position—and go with Carolina. Even though Delhomme has played poorly the past few weeks, the running game is on fire and the defense is really getting after the opposing team. That will continue as the Panthers widen their lead in the NFC South.
4. New York Jets (+5.5) vs. Tennessee Titans
See money line below for analysis.
Others we like
5. Dallas Cowboys (-10.5) vs. San Francisco 49ers
The Cowboys haven’t had a very strong all around game for sometime now but in the 2nd week after Romo’s return, look for a one-sided affair in Big’ D. The Cowboys D has been playing quite well of late and we see Dallas putting up at least 30 on the Niners in this one.
6. Chicago Bears (-7.5) vs. St. Louis Rams
The Bears are not very good and they’re giving 7.5 points on the road! This tells you how awful things have gotten in St. Louis. Without Steven Jackson the lineup, the Rams play more like an NCAA Division II team in college. The Bears easily in this one.
7. Baltimore Ravens (-1) vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Anyone think McNabb/Reid will right this ship? Us neither. Look for the Ravens to shut down the Eagles anemic running game of late and force McNabb into turnovers. Flacco and Co. will do just enough to pull out the victory thus ending the Eagles’ 08 season.
Money Line
New York Jets (+200) vs. Tennessee Titans
Statistically it is very difficult to go perfect in an NFL season. You need luck, skill and help from the refs (Patriots) to avoid a letdown on the way to a 16-0 campaign. This week the Titans look for ripe for an upset. The Jets are playing well defensively and with the insertion of rookie tight end Dustin Keller into the game plan, it has opened up the running game and outside passing game. In what we see as a close game throughout, look for the Jets to pull off the upset by the skin of their teeth.