Best Bet
1. Washington Redskins (-9.5) vs. St. Louis Rams
While the Redskins aren’t particularly a very good team, except on defense, at this time, the Rams are extremely bad in every facet of the game. Their only strong point is their running attack which will be stifled by DT Albert Haynesworth and the Skins front seven.
Expect a dominant defensive effort from Washington and for Portis and Co. to rattle off yards and points against the Rams porous defense. Best bet of the week.
Next in Line
2. Atlanta Falcons (-6) vs. Carolina Panthers
The Panthers lone hope in this one is that they’ll be able to get their running game (Williams, Stewart) on track to keep John Abraham and Co. off Jake Delhomme. Delhomme has become a turnover machine of late and doesn’t possess the ability to win games on his own.
The Falcons on the other hand should have a field day running the ball as the Panthers have been unable to stop anyone, and this will open things up for Ryan and the passing game. This could turn into a rout.
3. Houston Texans (+6.5) vs. Tennessee Titans
The Texans opening day loss to the Jets wasn’t the first time a team with high expectations stumbled out of the gate, so we’ll give them a pass. This week, they get their No. 2 receiver Kevin Walter back, a viable threat opposite Andre Johnson who should help open up the running game to keep the Titans defense honest. And over the last few years, for whatever the reason, the Texans have played the Titans tough, keeping the score close until the end.
4. New York Giants (+3) vs. Dallas Cowboys
See Money Line analysis
Others We Like
New England Patriots (-3.5) vs. the New York Jets
Rex Ryan can talk all he wants, but until he beats New England on the field, it doesn’t matter. And while we expect this game to be close, thanks to the Jets stellar defense, look for Brady and Co. to win by at least four.
Even with the Patriots scrambling to find an identity on defense after the trade of Richard Seymour and injury to Jerod Mayo, Belichick will have a game plan in place to confuse Mark Sanchez and force him into a few costly mistakes.
Green Bay Packers (-9) vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Nine points is a lot to give, but the Bengals will probably still be in emotionally drained after last week’s final second loss to the Broncos, a game they should have won with ease. Expect the Packers offense to come out hitting on all cylinders and it defense to harass Carson Palmer all afternoon.
San Diego Chargers (-3.5) vs. Baltimore Ravens
The Chargers have been notoriously slow starters under Norv Turner but this is a game they should win and cover the point spread. After Monday’s win, they’ll make some adjustments to their run defense and bring a lot of pressure after Joe Flacco. And offensively, look for them to use the passing game heavily in this one and in place of their running game, the screen/dump off to Sproles.
Money Line
New York Giants (+130) vs. Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys will come out amped for its inaugural game in the new stadium, but that emotion will only go so far. The Giants are a veteran team featuring a dominant defense in 2009. Even with the absence of DT Chris Canty, they’re still six deep and led by Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora. And because of that line, Romo won’t have the time – or success – that he did against the Bucs last week.
Offensively, the Giants will pound the ball on the ground until they’ve softened up the D and neutralized DeMarcus Ware and the pass rush. Then they’ll pick and choose their spots to use the play action to go up top for a big play (Smith, Manningham).
Expect a close, physical game, as they almost always are when these two teams face each other, but one that the Giants will ultimately win.
