Week 4 - Early Games

So maybe Atlanta really is pretty good and perhaps Jacksonville really is just that bad. Some other teams came alive at least for a game and others are already looking ahead to the #1 pick in next year’s draft.

WEEK 3 RESULTS

Spread: 7-9

Straight Up: 8-8

Let’s get right to the games:

CAR @ BAL (-3)

So week 2, Baltimore beats Pittsburgh by 20. Then last week, Pittsburgh beats Carolina by 18. Logic then would say that the Ravens then should have an easy win against the Panthers. Last week the Steelers ran all over the Panthers defense. Enter “where did he come from” RB Lorenzo Taliaferro, who ran wild for the Ravens last week (91 yards, 1 TD). Whether or not he remains in the lineup, he showed that the Ravens can still run. Oh right – then there is that little element of the Panthers coming to Baltimore to face former star WR, Steve Smith. Smith, coincidentally, would be leading the Panthers in receiving yards if he were still playing for them. Then again, he might have even more if Cam Newton were still throwing to him. I think this game will be close throughout, but I can see Smith making a great catch at the end to put the Ravens in field goal range for the game winner. I’ll take the points, but Baltimore for the win.

Spread: CAR

Straight Up: BAL

Score: 20-18 

GB @ CHI (-1) 

All cheese heads have got to be disappointed thus far with their Packers. Aside from a come from behind win against the Jets, Green Bay has looked flat all year. Meanwhile, Chicago has done enough to set out to a 2-1 record. Both teams have lacked the impact usually seen from their RB’s and neither team has been overwhelmingly good on defense. Can the Packers offensive line give Aaron Rodgers enough time to make some big plays? Will Jay Cutler stay out of his own way long enough to keep turnovers to a minimum? The latter has so far this year (8 TD’s, 2 INT’s). Unfortunately for the Packers, I see more problems currently than solutions, which Rodgers’ will to win won’t be enough to overcome. I’ll take the Bears.

Spread: CHI

Straight Up: CHI

Score: 24-17 

BUF @ HOU (-3)

This week the first place Bills square off against the first place Texans. You read that correctly. Both teams are coming off of their first loss of the season. For Buffalo, there may be cause for concern if E.J. Manuel fails to gain any fluidity on offense. At times Buffalo finds its drives stalling simply because they cannot move the ball. Houston has far less reason for concern. True, they do turn the ball over at times, but their defense seems to be built to withstand such occurrences. I think this is the week where Andre Johnson finally feels good about ending his holdout. If Ryan Fitzpatrick can find him the ball, I expect some huge numbers. Either way I like Houston returning home covering and for the win.

Spread: HOU

Straight Up: HOU

Score: 28-10 

TEN @ IND (-8)

Week 1, Tennessee scored 26 points in a win. Indianapolis, meanwhile, scored 24 points in a loss. Since then, the Titans have only scored 17 points total in two games, while the Colts have put up 71. The point is in the points.  Tennessee can’t score and Indianapolis can. Even if the Titans are able to stop Andrew Luck (who hasn’t even had to throw a TD yet to WR’s Reggie Wayne or T.Y. Hilton), is there anyone who can step up for the Titans and score? I don’t think so. Jake Locker has not had much help this year and I don’t see that changing. This game may even give the Colts a chance to really develop their running game a bit more. If the Titans score more than 10 points, I’ll be surprised. I think Indianapolis covers and wins big.

Spread: IND

Straight Up: IND

Score: 35-10 

DET @ NYJ (+1)

Lions look to be hitting their stride.  Too bad for the Jets who can’t seem to keep a lead.  Can Geno Smith keep the turnovers to a minimum? I don’t think so. I think this game will be ugly, which plays to Detroit’s strengths. I’ll take the Lions.

Spread: DET

Straight Up: DET

Score: 21-13 

MIA @ OAK (+4.5)

Oakland can’t win, but they seem to cover nicely. Miami looked good week 1, but really hasn’t showed much since.  I think the Dolphins get back on track here in a close game. I’ll take the points, but like Miami for the win.

Spread: OAK

Straight Up: MIA

Score: 24-21 

TB @ PIT (-7)

The Bucs were embarrassed last week. Meanwhile, the Steelers went out and dominated the Panthers. I don’t see Tampa Bay winning much just yet, but for whatever reason I think they give Pittsburgh a run for their money. I’ll take the points, but Pittsburgh for the win.

Spread: TB

Straight Up: PIT

Score: 26-21