St. Louis Rams +13

I have heard the reports of Marc Bulger’s broken ribs, and I am well aware that the Rams are off to a rather bad start, with the Cowboys doing just the opposite. But I still think that 13 points is too many for this Cowboys team to cover against a potent offense. Yes, the Rams offense is potent even if they haven’t shown it just yet. Last week the Rams played a good Tampa defense in bad Tampa weather, on grass. The week prior they racked up the yards, if not the points, against the 49ers. Bulger got off to a similar start last year, only throwing 2 TD passes in his first three games, doing exactly the same this year. Today he gets to face a defense that will yield yards and points. Even is Bulger is unable to perform due to his ribs, backup Gus Frerotte can also chuck the ball around. Brian Leonard, the rookie from Rutgers, will get to showcase his talents and his versatility will cause the Cowboys problems. Expect Dallas to bring a lot of pressure all game with the Rams still adjusting to a ton of injuries on their offensive line. If they do blitz a lot, it will open up more lanes for the Rams QB. The Cowboys D gave up 312 passing yards against the Giants and 273 passing yards against Miami. Yes they only gave up 10 points to the Bears but lets not forget who was QBing the Bears last week. Dallas’ offense is very good and this game may well turn into a track meet, but 13 is too many and I like the Rams.

Minnesota Vikings +1

Green Bay is off to a great start; Minnesota is off to a not-so-bad start considering what was expected of them. Last week the Vikings lost to a bad Kansas City team, while Green Bay pulled off another impressive win against San Diego. Why is this line only 1 point?! Favre’s dome struggles are well documented and perhaps that is what everyone is thinking. There has been some slight line movement with some books, but nothing substantial. I am taking the Vikings based solely on their history against Favre and also because I am not yet a believer of the Packers.

Oakland Raiders +4

Two proud organizations with little left to be proud about. The Dolphins are banged up on defense and the Raiders have athletes on offense. I can see this game being decided by a FG, with either team winning. Oakland should be 2-1 if not for that weasely time-out called by Coach Shanahan that made Janikowski re-kick the game winning FG in Denver. I know that Shanahan didn’t do anything ‘illegal’ but the way the coaches sneak and wait for the split-second prior to the snap is bush-league psyche out stuff, laughable. So glad that last night Urban Meyer wasn’t able to shake the FR kick from Auburn with the same cheesy tactic.

New York Jets -3.5

Buffalo always gives the Jets a tough time and today should be no different. Even with the history of these two teams, and the Jets inability to stop the run, I am going to side with the Green and White because I believe the Bills are too banged up on all sides of the ball. I mentioned in my pre-season summary how difficult the Bills first 5 weeks are, and they are running the risk of getting into the dangerous position of being out of the playoff hunt before Week 5 even happens. Despite the desperation I am sure the Bills feel, I am going to pick the Jets, but without much confidence.

Atlanta Falcons +2.5

Everyone in America is loving the Texans, because of that I will give my love to the Falcons. Yes the Texans are off to a nice start, and yes the Falcons are still trying to find their way. I believe today is the day that they find their first win of the year. There is no reason, there is no f’n reason why people should go out all over town and praise a Texans team that has been ridiculed for their play on the field and their decision making off the field ever since their inception. The people scream for the Texans; so I am backing the Falcons.

Detroit Lions +2.5

New QB for the Bears which should excite all Bear fans, and most Bear players. What is not exciting for Chicago is that they will be without two starting CBs and they must face a team that not only wants to but must throw the ball to be successful. Brian Griese needs to be in mid-season form and I am not so sure he will be. The Lions did a lot of talking in the off-season and today is their day to show they can walk the walk.

Cleveland Browns +4

Revenge abounds in this game. The people of Cleveland will always hate the Ravens, and Jamaal Lewis will too. I am not a believer in the Ravens, and my feelings toward Coach Billick have soured over the years. By that I mean, I am just not willing to rank him among the elite coaches any more. Tough to figure out this Browns team, but am more comfortable with them today, than against them.