Green Bay Packers @ Detroit Lions

Lions +3.5
Its been Green Bay’s defense that has carried the day for them, even though the media and everyone else wants to blow Brett Favre. I am working on getting over my dislike of the attention Favre gets and trying to focus on what matters. Here is what matters, the Lions have lost two in a row and dropped their first contest of the year at home. Favre has a history of poor performance in a dome and the Packers defense is going to face a lot of WRs that can stretch the field. If the Lions don’t find a way to run the ball more and more effectively it might not matter. I am banking on the Lions coming out pissed off from last week’s loss to the Giants and keeping it close if not winning it outright. A late FG win by the Packers wouldn’t surprise me, though a blowout Packer win would. Given that I believe the Packers are the most well-rounded NFC team, my confidence in this game is minimal. Therefore, I will take the Home Dog, but not for much.

New York Jets @ Dallas Cowboys

Cowboys -14.5
The tendency for people is to look at last week’s Jet game and think they have gotten better. In turn, people will see Dallas’ less than impressive win over the Redskins and think the Cowboys are vulnerable. Both conclusions would be wrong. The Jets are not back, and while the Cowboys do have vulnerabilities, the Jets will not be able to take advantage of them. Dallas has too many weapons and the short week benefits the more talented team. This game could get ugly, but even if it doesn’t, 2 TDs is not asking too much of Dallas. I feel good about this one, good enough to go 4-stars on the Cowboys.

Indianapolis Colts @ Atlanta Falcons

Colts -12.5
Too bad most people won’t be able to see this game, not because it will be a great game but because most people will be emerging from their food coma, going for more to eat or grabbing another drink, and we should be able to watch a football game. Instead, the NFL Network has this broadcast and most of us will be shut out. This is a lot of points for a banged up Colts team to cover, even against the Falcons. Atlanta is starting Joey Harrington today for whatever that is worth. Common sense says to go with the Colts, and so I will, but not for much. I am keeping this one at 2-stars.