The Doc's Week Two Picks
As usual, the weekly picks
got off to a slow start. If you've been following the site for a while,
you know that week one is certainly not one of my favorites. It's simply
too hard to determine how each team is going to come out of the gate.
From what we saw in the preseason and the end of last season, how many
of you thought that the Bills would even keep it close with the Pats?
OK, those of you who raised your hands either really know what they're
doing, or you were one of those kids who raised your hand in school
while another kid was giving the right answer. That way, you could
always claim that you knew it all along.
Anyway, if past seasons
are any indication, the Doc will get stronger as the year plods along.
Picks appear
in bold.
Oakland (+3) at
Kansas City
Before last weekend, I would have had very little interest in this game.
However, it looks as though Tom Cable actually knew what he was doing on
Sunday night. Even with Al Davis trying to do everything he can to
sabotage his own franchise, it looks as though the Raiders running game
will be very potent this year.
Houston (+7) at
Tennessee
Trust me, having watched the Texans play in person last week, it's not
like I think they're good enough, but I like them to cover for two
reasons this week. First, I think they'll play with a purpose to try and
get rid of the taste of the crap sandwich they ate last week. Second, I
have no confidence in the Titans offense.
New England at New
York Jets (+4)
Considering I picked the Patriots to win it all this year, this pick
is pretty bothersome. But, it's amazing how quickly the Patriots'
seemingly impenetrable offensive line has deteriorated over the past 20
months. They look slow and lack the punch to keep defensive lineman at
arm's length. Going to a ravenous Giants stadium to face Rex Ryan's
blitz packages doesn't look like a pleasant trip.
Cincinnati at Green
Bay (-9)
Chicago showed us that the way to stop the Packers is to bring the
house and make Aaron Rodgers throw from his back. Unfortunately for
Bengals' followers (are there still any out there or are they just
followers of Chad Ochocinco's Twitter account?), they just don't have
the personnel to make that happen. In addition, if you think Carson
Palmer looked jumpy last week, wait until he sees Dom Capers' version of
the 3-4.
Minnesota (-9.5)
at Detroit
Alex, I'll take Minnesota for 20. And no, the outcome of this game will
not be in the form of a question, just an emphatic statement.
New Orleans (+1)
at Philadelphia
I know that a lot of you are thinking that I'm making this pick because
of the absence of Donovan McNabb. While that's partially true, even with
Donovan McNabb, I'm not sure the Eagles could keep up with Drew Brees
and the Saints. Also, I don't think Brees will be anywhere near as
generous as Jake Delhomme.
Carolina at Atlanta
(-6)
Speaking of Mr. Generosity, one more game like that and he better
expect to get the Leodis McKelvin treatment from the fans. This time,
though, I don't think they'll stop at vandalizing the house. Between the
talent on the offensive line and at the running back position, John Fox
should consider running the option. That way, his quarterback won't be
expected to do much more than getting the ball to DeAngelo Williams or
Jonathan Stewart.
Arizona at
Jacksonville (-3)
When I saw the final score of the Arizona-San Francisco game, I
thought that the Cardinals must have had an off game. After actually
watching it, I can tell you that while that's true, Mike Singletary's
defensive backfield blanketed the Cards' receivers and the front seven
battered Kurt Warner like a cat's chew toy. I think Jack Del Rio will
take the same approach with a more talented team.
St. Louis at
Washington (-9.5)
I would hate to be a fan of either of these teams. They're both in
for long years and this game might be the least interesting on the slate
this week.
Cleveland at Denver
(-3)
Oops, I spoke too soon.
Seattle (+1.5) at
San Francisco
I know it was against the Rams, but the Seahawks' offense looked pretty
impressive last week. Despite Matt Hasselbeck's rust, they were balanced
and did a great job getting the ball to their playmakers. On the flip
side, even though I like the way Mike Singletary is progressing as a
coach, I don't think he's got the horses just yet.
Tampa Bay at Buffalo
(-4)
This one's pretty easy: last week the Bills surprised me...the Bucs
did not.
Baltimore (+3) at
San Diego
Even though he hasn't been a huge part of the offense recently,
LaDainian Tomlinson will be missed. I don't think Darren Sproles is big
enough to carry the ball 20 times a game, which is what it will take to
beat the Ravens. Defensively, if last week was a sample of what we'll
see from the Chargers, Tila Tequila won't be the only one renouncing her
love for the Bolts.
Pittsburgh (-3) at
Chicago
Someone on the Bears' staff needs to get with Jay Cutler and let him
know that the opposition will be in the white jerseys this
week. Many people have accused me of having a man-crush on the Bears'
quarterback, so I can't explain how difficult is was for to say that. If
he thought he faced a tough front seven last week, I have a feeling he
won't be too thrilled once this one gets started.
New York Giants (+3)
at Dallas
To me, the point spread and total are irrelevant. I want to know the
over/under on punts hitting the scoreboard. The Giants may try to do it
on purpose just to rankle Jerry's feathers a little. Seriously though,
New York has done a good job getting to Tony Romo the last few times
they've played and I think that will continue. And after watching the
Bucs 5.6 yards per carry at work, I think Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad
Bradshaw are anxiously awaiting facing the Cowboys' questionable run
defense.
Indianapolis (-3)
at Miami
That shattering sound you heard last week in Atlanta was Miami's glass
slipper from last year breaking into pieces. I think the Dolphins will
be exposed as a one trick pony this year.
Last Week:
7-9
Season: 7-9
|
