Best Bet:
1. CAROLINA (-7) vs. Atlanta. Atlanta always gave Carolina fits when #7 (Mike Vick) used to line up behind center. He could always be counted upon for a game breaking run that would usually tip the scales in the Falcons favor. Those days are gone just as Vick’s career, but back to the topic. I see Carolina getting to a lead and just punishing Ryan and co. Forcing the rookie QB to pass instead of keeping the offense balanced with the run should open up the flood gates for the Panthers.
Next in line:
2. CLEVELAND (+3.5) at Cincinnati. I like Cleveland in this game. They’ve been hurt by poor play and an absence of offensive play makers (Stallworth and Jurevicus), but Cincy’s Defense can be handled and I see a steady dose of Jamal Lewis on the ground to open up the passing game to Braylon and Winslow. I think the score will be high, but I see the Browns bouncing back.
3. SAN DIEGO (-7.5) at Oakland. Since 2004, the Chargers have owned Oakland, and I see that trend continuing this week with a big win up at the Colosseum. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Raiders’ coach Lane Kiffin fired after this game as well and an end to the current soap opera with Al Davis. I think SD will put up big points on Oakland’s D and take away Oakland’s ground game; after that, there’s not much else.
Money Line:
1. HOUSTON (+280) at Jacksonville. The Texans are 7.5 dogs, but I don’t see this game as one-sided as Vegas. Jacksonville can’t run the ball this season because they are playing without their two starting interior offensive lineman. Don’t let what happened last week at Indy fool you; Indy was without its best defensive player (Bob Sanders) and playing very thin. Anyone could run on them. I see Mario Williams and co. pressuring Garrard and keeping this game close. If Houston can get its offense untracked, they’ll pull this out.
Season 0-0.
