Top Shelf Games: Talent-rich, highly competitive and aged in oak barrels... spiritually speaking
Detroit Lions at San Francisco 49ers (-6.5)
Handshake-Gate 2.0 is the Lady Blitz Game of the Week. San Francisco definitely answered a lot of questions (and criticisms) I had about that offense last week in Green Bay. Detroit may be able to muster a little more D-Line heat than the Packers could, but Alex Smith knows how to shred a weak secondary these days. No contest-- 49ers by at least a touchdown. Also, Jim Harbaugh has a new zebra-striped enemy to replace Coach Schwarz with now.
Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers (-5.5)
I have to say, I'm definitely less confident in the Packers than I was a week ago. Yes, the 49ers have an elite defense and a very respectable offense right now, but the Packers were absolutely hog-tied without their usually-peerless passing game to cover up for a weak D and rushing game. Nonetheless, I think Coach Mike McCarthy is strong enough to make some early adjustments and help the Pack eke out a win against the Bears tonight, even if they don't beat the spread.
Baltimore Ravens at Philadelphia Eagles (-2.5)
How about those Ravens on Monday night? Even with a shorter week to prepare, I think Baltimore has it in the bag against Philadelphia, whose O-Line is looking way too shoddy to handle Haloti Ngata & co. these days. Let's hope Michael Vick realizes that players with purple jerseys don't play for his team either or this game could be a total Ravens rout.
I'm certain the Jets overperformed last Sunday against the Bills, who were not who we thought they were. Still, it's hard to get a good picture of how effective Pittsburgh will be, especially losing key talent on offense against a stalwart NYJ defense. My gut says the Steelers will find a way since Mark Sanchez is no Peyton Manning and it is tough to win any away game at Heinz Field.
Denver Broncos at Atlanta Falcons (-3)
Here's the story of two quarterbacks that started off with a no-huddle bang last week. Brent Grimes' season-ending injury could certainly create some problems for Atlanta in slowing down Peyton Manning, but out with the old and in with the new. Matt Ryan looks primed to outduel the Great One and will do so in high fashion at the Georgia Dome this weekend.
Well Drink Games: They may surprise you from time to time without all the high expectations
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New York Giants (-7.5)
If there's any game I'd be willing to stamp an upset on, it would be this one since the Giants continue to be one of the most inconsistent and unpredictable teams in football while the Buccaneers showed some real signs of life in Week 1. Nevertheless, the Giants have had extra time to rest while getting a much clearer picture of the Schiano system than the Carolina Panthers could have going cold turkey last Sunday. New York will get back on the horse this week in order to stay in early contention.
New Orleans Saints (-2.5) at Carolina Panthers
I got a real bad feeling about this one. Par usual I hope I am wrong, but we all know how the Saints tend to play outdoors and how they now apparently play against option quarterbacks under Steve Spagnuolo's fledgling system. If NOLA wins, it will be because the Saints capitalize on turnovers and give a serious boost to their run game. If the Panthers win (and I think they will), it'll be because they learned a thing or two from the Redskins about how to utilize Cam Newton.
Kansas City Chiefs at Buffalo Bills (-3)
In the files of Teams I Want to Believe In, KC goes to America's saddest city in the battle for 0.500. Given that the Chiefs were able to go toe-to-toe with the Falcons for a decent amount of time last week, I think they have the edge over a Bills team that's very much still trying to find its identity, especially with Buffalo's big injury issues on offense.
Washington Redskins (-3) at St. Louis Rams
Can he do it again? I need not say more about RG3's lights-out performance against New Orleans last week. That kind of show isn't likely to repeat in carbon copy, and like the Giants v. Bucs, the Rams will have a better handle on the Washington playbook than the Saints did. Nevertheless, I like the 'Skins chances in this one. Matt Stafford's bone-headed interceptions were the only thing keeping STL in the game last week and RG3 has provided no evidence to suggest he'll give the Rams the pleasure.
The 12th Man has a funny way with opponents, but if the Cowboys could punch the reigning Super Bowl winner in the mouth at home, they'll be just fine in Seattle. I look forward to many more obscene shouts of glee from Rob Ryan as he sends in his mercenaries to terrorize poor rookie Russell Wilson. Nevertheless, I consider this a Well Drink game because the Dallas O vs. the Seattle D could be a treat if both parties bring their A-Game.
House Punch Games: Most likely to be lop-sided, sloppy and/or otherwise painful to digest
Arizona Cardinals at New England Patriots (-13.5)
The only real question here is whether or not the Patriots will beat the spread, and the answer is yes, yes they absolutely will.
Minnesota Vikings (-1.5) at Indianapolis Colts
At this point, I believe in Andrew Luck's resilience after a rough opener way more than I believe in the Minnesota Vikings' ... well, anything. This is a critical early opportunity for Chuck Pagano to instill some regular reason confidence in his young draft star, and I'm hopeful that Luck will rise to the occasion provided the Colts can keep AP under 150 yards.
Oakland Raiders (-2.5) at Miami Dolphins
Yech-- poor Oakland got the short end of the long snapper this past week. Special teams horrors like that don't often repeat themselves, and if the Raiders were otherwise good enough to compete with the Chargers, they are good enough to keep the Dolphins' [few] Sun Life faithful in tears this Sunday.
Cinncinati Bengals (-7) at Cleveland Browns
I can actually see Cleveland getting the better of Cincy given their strong defensive showing against the Eagles last week. But the thing is, Brandon Weeden will have to prove himself a competent manager of games and Andy Dalton will have to hand the ball over to the Dawg Pound on a silver platter 3 - 4 times for that to happen. Nevermind, the Bengals got this thang.
Houston Texans (-7) at Jacksonville Jaguars
Poor Houston. Like New England, they're stuck in the House Punch bowl again this week through no fault of their own. I'm willing to concede that the Jaguars have shown incremental signs of improvement through the preseason and Week 1, but baby steps aren't going to put you in contention with an Olympic sprinter. The Texans by a mile.
Tennessee Titans at San Diego Chargers (-6)
Jake Locker still has a lot to prove and Philip Rivers sort of doesn't. Unless the Titans' defense gets exceptionally opportunistic with the Chargers' average play, they just aren't ripe enough on offense to get it done on the road.
So How's My Pickin'?
Last Week's Record: 8 - 8
Season Record: 8 - 8
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