The Doc's Week Three Picks
Well, things were much
better in the second week of the season for my picks. We rebounded well
with an 11-5 record, even though the Indianapolis-Miami game almost made
me throw up several times. Hopefully, this week won't be quite so
nerve-wracking.
I think this is the week
where some of the balance comes back to the league. The Jets and 49ers
will see their first losses and both may come convincingly to the Titans
and Vikings, respectively. In addition, the Packers and Patriots will
pull themselves back up. Lastly, the law of averages may finally catch
up to the Lions. With the Redskins in town, this is as good a chance as
any to pull out a win. I don't think it will happen, but Washington does
a good a job as any team I've ever seen making bad teams look good.
Picks appear
in bold.
Tennessee (+3) at
New York Jets
It's not that I think that the Titans are a better team as much as I
can't see a Jeff Fisher coached unit starting off at 0-3. Look for Chris
Johnson and LenDale White to have big games. In addition, Mark Sanchez
has to come back down to Earth sometime.
Jacksonville at
Houston (-3.5)
The Texans' offense was firing on all cylinders last week against
Tennessee and I certainly don't see the Jags doing any better. Even
though Maurice Jones Drew will have a good game with a couple of
touchdowns, they simply don't have enough to keep up with Matt Schaub,
Steve Slaton, Andre Johnson and the rest of the boys.
Kansas City at
Philadelphia (-7.5)
I don't really understand what Vegas has seen from the Chiefs that
makes them think they can keep this game in the single digits. Kevin
Kolb looked good in a losing effort against a good team last week, and
the Eagles will have a motivated Michael Vick that will be used in many
different capacities.
Cleveland at Baltimore
(-13.5)
There are two things about this Ravens' team that surprise me: how
good the offense and Joe Flacco look and how bad the defense looks.
Facing the Browns will allow each to be better. Is there anyone out
there who thinks the Browns will be a truly relevant franchise again? I
don't.
New
York Giants (-6.5) at
Tampa Bay
Tom Coughlin's crew did not look good on Sunday night, and with Kenny
Phillips done for the year and Justin Tuck nicked up, this game is a bit
more difficult. However, I don't think the Bucs can do enough
defensively to keep the Giants' offense in check.
Washington at Detroit
(+6.5)
Unlike many, I'm not calling my shot with the Lions this week.
There's a chance they could win, but I don't think they will. Like last
week, though, I'm counting on the Redskins to play down to their
competition and barely eek this one out.
Green Bay (-6.5)
at St. Louis
So far this season, the Packers haven't been anywhere near as impressive
as I thought they would. Case in point, last week I thought they would
absolutely roll the Bengals. Losing at Lambeau to Cincinnati is pretty
damning evidence that my confidence may have been misplaced. But, the
Rams' effort has been admirable so far this season for first year coach,
Steve Spagnuolo, it simply won't be enough.
San Francisco at
Minnesota (-7)
For those of you who have followed the site for a while, you know
that I'm fond of Mike Singletary and the job he's done so far this
season with a sub-standard offense. I think this is the game it catches
up to them. Their offense falls right into the hands of the Vikings and
what they want to do: stop the run and force the offense to throw the
ball to beat them. I just don't think Shawn Hill is capable of pulling
it off.
Atlanta at New England
(-4.5)
Call it blind devotion or whatever you want, but Tom Brady has to
get a grip here sometime soon. I think the Falcons will be a good
matchup for him to get comfortable again. Outside of John Abraham, they
don't have much of a pass rush and their secondary is not much better.
My only concern is how a banged-up Pats' defense can hold up against a
stout running game.
Chicago (-2) at
Seattle
It's not that I don't have faith in Seneca Wallace, but I just don't
have faith in Seneca Wallace. While he played well at times last year,
the difference between a 4-12 and 9-7 Seahawks' team is a healthy Matt
Hasselbeck. I think the Bears' job got easier when he cracked his rib.
New Orleans (-6)
at Buffalo
This is another line that makes me wonder what I'm missing. The way the
Saints are playing right now, I'd give someone a couple of touchdowns
and the Bills. I think Buffalo is a better team than I gave them credit
for, but New Orleans has a "1999 Rams feel" to them right now.
Miami at San Diego
(-5.5)
I was pretty impressed with the Dolphins last week. It's been
several times since Monday, but it's true - they did everything a team
has to do to beat anyone. However, they've got three things going
against them this Sunday: a short week, a trip across the country, and
they have to recover from what had to be one of the more demoralizing
losses in recent history. I don't think that Tony Sporano is that good.
Pittsburgh (-3.5)
at Cincinnati
OK, this is another one that has that "taking-candy-from-a-baby" kind of
feel to it. I realize that the Bengals have played better than almost
all of us expected, but seriously, only three and a half? I'll take that
defense and Will Farrell's body double any day.
Denver (-2) at
Oakland
Last week's Chiefs and Raiders' game was one of the ugliest I've seen in
the last few years. It makes me wonder how bad this AFC West could
really be this year. I don't think the Broncos are as good as their 2-0
record looks, and it will show here. Look for one of the worst displays
of quarterbacking that you've ever seen between Kyle Orton and JaMarcus
Russell. I'm just thankful I won't have to watch it.
Indianapolis (-2.5)
at Arizona
After last week, I believe that Peyton Manning is a witch and I'm not
going against him until he proves otherwise.
Carolina (+9) at
Dallas
First of all, I agree with Tony Dorsett. Tony Romo has done nothing to
deserve the praise that he's been given. He just doesn't make the big
plays when the lights are the brightest. Second, I think the Cowboys
will win, but Romo will make enough dumb plays to keep the Panthers in
it.
Last Week:
11-5
Season: 18-14
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