Best Bet:
1. PHILADELPHIA (-4.5) vs San Francisco. The Eagles are coming off two hard fought losses and are embarrassed. They thought they’d be at 4-1 at this point, not 2-3. The 49ers are 2-3 and the ship is sinking fast for Mike Nolan and Co. I see Philly playing this game with a sense of urgency as they can ill afford to fall another game back in the best division in football (NFC East), and I see them putting a hurting on the Niners by the bay. Look for the Eagles to control both lines of scrimmage, for McNabb to have consistent success through the air while on defense, taking Frank Gore out of the plan and forcing O’Sullivan to beat them. I see Philly taking a commanding lead early in the 3rd quarter and never looking back.
Next in Line:
2. NY GIANTS (-7) vs. Cleveland. The Giants are hot right now. In fact, the Giants have been hot since week 16 of last season. Eli has come into his own and the team is hitting on all cylinders. The Browns, who got their 1st win two weeks ago vs. Cincy, in a game they probably would’ve lost had Carson Palmer started for the Bengals, are coming off a bye week and ready to take on New York at home in a Monday night showdown. Unfortunately for the Browns, New York is bringing in its 12 game road winning streak (if you count all three NFC playoff games and the Super Bowl) to the Dawg Pound, and it’s not going to stop here. Look for the Giants to establish their running game early and often and then hit some big plays through the air as the offense welcomes Plaxico back. On defense, I see the Giants controlling the line of scrimmage and once NY gets up big, releasing the hounds and Tuck and Co. notching at least 4 to 5 sacks in this one. Giants score big to move to 5-0.
3. CAROLINA (+1.5) vs. Tampa Bay. The Panthers usually bring their A game when they face their division rival Bucs, and I see that trend continuing here. In what should be a hard fought, low scoring affair, look for Carolina to pull out a close victory with some big plays from the passing game and in particular Steve Smith. If they do get a lead, I think you’ll see a heavy dose of Williams and Stewart out of the back field as they go on to win 17-13 or 20-17.
Money Line:
Initially we had the Bengals over the Jets, but word just came in that Carson Palmer will miss the game with an elbow injury.
So instead will go with the ARIZONA CARDINALS (+210) vs. Dallas. The Cowboys are a better team than the Cards, no question, but Arizona is a completely different football team at home than they are on the road and opposing teams seem to have trouble playing in the desert air. I don’t see the Cards doing too much on the ground besides controlling the clock so they’ll have to get it done through the air, which is what I see happening. Look for Warner to have a big day and Fitzgerald (and Boldin if back) to get open consistently vs. Dallas’ secondary. The Cowboys are in a bit of a funk right now offensively (have been in a funk defensively in all games except vs. GB) and are ripe for a let down after beginning the season 4-1. We’ll see if the Pacman situation from Thur morning carries over but look for Arz to win a high scoring affair in the 27-24 range or 30-27.
