CHI (-7) at NO - Our hearts go out to Brian Urlacher and his family as he copes with the death of his mother. My money says Chicago's franchise inside linebacker will be back for the sunday afternoon battle in the Big Easy. Expect a Brett Favre like comeback following a death in the family effort as the Bears try to ground another NFC powerhouse offense. Drew Brees and the Saints were overshadowed last week by Green Bay, but put up some impressive numbers on a Suberbowl Defense (Brees 419 yards with 3 TD's, 81 rush yards NO). Jay Cutler looked impressive and comfortable in year 2 in the Mike Marx offense against a average Atlanta D. Matt Forte needs at least 25 touches to keep this one close. Take New Orleans as they look for their first win in their home opener. NO 31 CHI 20.
KC (+9) at DET - Todd Haley is already on the hot seat and Detroit looks to be this years underdog pick. Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson look to be gellin' and a healthy Jahvid Best brings an explosive threat out of the back field, in the flat and on the screen. KC's 213 total yards against a slightly improved Bills defense won't be enough. Expect Suh to show Matt Cassell the turf multiple times. Detroit wins big at home. DET 28 KC 10.
JAGS (+9) at NYJ - The Jets will look to get off to a quick start unlike last Sunday night against Dallas. I expect Rex Ryan to have the troops ready to run downhill and stifle the Luke McCown led Jags offense. If the Jets stack the box and limit MJD to fewer than 75 yards this contest will be done early. With McCown forced to pass in the second half expect 3rd and out galore and blanket coverage by the leagues best secondary. Mark Sanchez may not toss the rock 44 times again as they will be playing with the lead but look for Burress and Holmes to have big games. Jets with at home. NYJ 24 JAGS 9.
ARZ (+4) at WASH - There's not a lot of talk about this game but I am eager to see Rex Grossman and Kevin Kolb in their second weeks with new teams. Grossman was very impressive going 21-34 for 305 yards and 2 touchdowns (albeit against a weak NYG defense). He is the clear leader of this team out to prove something in the competitive NFC East. Kolb's debut performance (18-27 for 309 yards and 2 touchdowns) was overshadowed last week by Cam Newtons 422 yards and 3 scores. Kolb looks to have acclimated well in a shortened offseason in Arizona. Tim Hightower faces his ex-team for the first time and I expect a giant effort out of the new Redskins back. Mike Shanahan's play calling will be the difference in this game. Washington goes 2-0 to open the season. WASH 20 ARZ 16.
FRIDAY
OAK (+3 1/2) at BUF
BAL (-6 1/2) at TEN
SEA (+14 1/2) at PIT
GB (-10) at CAR
SATURDAY
TB (+3) at MIN
CLE (-3) at IND
DAL (-3) at SF
HOU (-3) at MIA
SUNDAY MORNING
SD (+7) at NE
CIN (+3 1/2) at DEN
PHI (-3) at ATL
STL at NYG
No comments:
Post a Comment