Here’s who we like for Week 10.
Best Bet
1. Baltimore Ravens (-10.5) vs. Cleveland Browns
In the past two weeks, Cleveland’s GM was fired and the team, coming off it’s blowout loss to the Bears, has switched back to Brady Quinn at QB, which will have little effect on a team that’s mailed in 2009.
The Ravens however will be fighting for their playoff lives from here on out and will bury the Browns on Monday. Offensively, look for Ray Rice and Co. to score at will; defensively, Baltimore won’t give up more than 10 points.
Next In Line
2. Tennessee Titans (-6.5) vs. Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills have two distinct weaknesses: passing the ball and stopping the run. They’re now getting Trent Edwards back behind center and this will make their offense as inept as it was prior to his injury.
And defensively, their hands will be full all afternoon; Chris Johnson has amassed 363 yards and four TDs in the past two games and will torch this unit on Sunday.
3. Cincinnati Bengals (+7) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Bengals have been too kind to gamblers to not take the seven points and run with it. They’re also playing their best football to date. The Steelers are also on a roll, but both teams know each other well and we expect this one will be decided by less than four points.
4. New England Patriots (+3) vs. Indianapolis Colts
See Money Line Analysis
A Few More
Arizona Cardinals (-9.5) vs. Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks are beaten up at too many key positions to like their chances to cover the point spread on Sunday. Arizona’s playing well on both sides of the ball and we like Warner and Co. to put up over 27 points in this one. And defensively, Hasselback, who will be under constant pressure all afternoon, should be good for a few costly turnovers.
Miami Dolphins (-10) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
All of the good feelings experienced by Buccaneer players and fans in their win over the Packers in Week Nine will evaporate on Sunday. The Dolphins defense, playing at home, will present all sorts of problems for rookie QB Josh Freeman and we expect a rout in Week Ten.
Detroit Lions (+16.5) vs. Minnesota Vikings
Games between these two teams are usually close regardless of each team’s record. So, while the Lions blew a 17-point lead on the road to Seattle in Week Nine, they do have Calvin Johnson back in the lineup and could catch the Vikings taking them a little too lightly.
Money Line
New England Patriots (+125) vs. Indianapolis Colts
These teams actually mirror one another right now. Neither team runs the ball particularly well but both feature explosive passing attacks. And defensively, both teams have noticeable weaknesses which will be hard to mask against these potent offenses.
We expect both teams to come out passing to set-up their running games. And that’s where the Pats will have an edge. They’re currently ranked third in the league against the pass but feature bigger bodies up front to limit Joseph Addai’s effectiveness.
The Colts aren’t too shabby against the pass either, ranking ninth in the league to date, but their smaller defense has trouble stopping the run and even more so now that S Bob Sanders is out for the year.
This game will be extremely close throughout the night, but in the end, look for Brady and Belichick to be the deciding factors in a 21-17 victory for the Pats.
2009 Record Against The Point Spread
Overall 60%
Best Bets 5-4
Next In Line 19-9
Others We Like 13-14
Money Line 7-2
