Week 2 saw my outrights go 11-5 for a second week running, despite some of my most questionable calls ever (I publicly apologise for the Redskins), and my spread tips took a drastic upturn as well - also hitting 11-5. The cherry on top of this particularly profitable cake was my SFBOTW hitting for a second straight week with Peyton throwing down on Eli.
Week 3 has some more excellent match ups to peruse, with an abnormal amount of close games to call (plus a couple of sure fire blow outs)...
Week 2:Outright = 11-5
Spread = 11-5
SFBOTW = 1-0
2013/14:
Outright = 22-10
Spread = 18-13-1
SFBOTW = 2-0
All Time:
Outright = 188-101
Spread = 158-127-4
SFBOTW = 10-8-1
Animal Corner = 4-2-1 (returning soon)
Thursday Night
Chiefs @ Eagles -3 Sky Sports 1
KC confirmed their position as play-off contenders by narrowly defeating the visiting Cowboys last week, whereas the Eagles lost out in a shoot-out to Rivers and the Chargers. Despite the loss, it was another impressive outing for the much lauded Chip Kelly offence – and had a couple of Vick’s deep bombs to Jackson been inches less wayward it could have been a very different result. I can’t see Alex Smith matching scores with Vick the way the Chargers did, so this one is only going one way unless the Chiefs’ defence can slow down the Eagles to an extent nobody else has yet.
Eagles -3
Sunday First Wave
Texans @ Ravens +1
This game should be another tight one for the 2-0 Texans, who rallied hard to beat SD in week 1 and narrowly saw off a spirited Titans performance at home in week 2. The Ravens will be another tough opponent, but have not been on form themselves this year after getting blown out in the opener and narrowly beating the lacklustre Browns at home last weekend. I see the Texans edging it, but as to whether the game will be a scrappy defensive affair or a shoot-out I have no clue.
Texans -1
Giants @ Panthers -1
I almost feel bad for the Giants... I assumed my week 1 vote of no confidence would be all they needed to ball out and take the NFC East by storm. As it is, they vying with the Redskins for the sorriest them in what was supposed to be a formidable division. Whilst some of their woes can be blamed on a tough opening brace of games, eventually the lack of talent on their roster (and turnover strewn QB play) has to be held accountable. I see them losing again to the Panthers this weekend who, whilst also 0-2, have been a drive away in both their losses.
Panthers -1
Packers @ Bengals +2.5
GB boasted a very impressive, and at times brutal, win over the visiting Redskins on Sunday – and it is safe to say at this point they’ve done their homework on shutting down running QBs. Andy Dalton is, no disrespect to the man (unless we’re talking about his penchant for pre-game Christian rock and rubber wedding rings), not going to beat a defence with his legs. The Bengals therefore will be hoping that rookie Gio Bernard can continue his impressive performance against the Steelers and spur them to victory here. I don’t see it happening, as the Packers have just too much firepower not to mention a full head of steam going into this game.
Packers 2.5
Rams @ Cowboys -4
Interesting clash here between two middle of the pack teams. The Cowboys certainly have the better post-season shot by way of their softer division, but I’m not convinced they are a better team than St. Louis, especially after having made some all too familiar mistakes that resulted in an ugly late loss to the Chiefs at the weekend. The Rams ran the Falcons close, but also walked away with nothing leaving both at 1-1. I’ll give the benefit of the doubt to Dallas here, if only due to the home field advantage, but wouldn't be shocked to see go in the visitors’ favour.
Rams +4 (Cowboys win)
Browns @ Vikings -6.5
Other than Jacksonville, these two teams have the dubious honour of having probably the worst QB situations in the league right now. Ponder is showing absolutely no signs of improvement for Minnesota, and will be luckily to last the year let alone into next season, whereas the Browns have been forced to replace the injured Weeden with ex Patriots and Steelers QB Brian Hoyer (and not Jason Campbell). This adjustment for me sets the odds firmly in the Vikings’ favour, as even with Ponder hamstringing their offence, Peterson is good enough to put sufficient points up on his own to see them past the Browns.
Update: The Browns have just traded their best offensive player to the Colts for almost certainly less than what they drafted him for. They aren’t going to win this game.
Vikings -6.5
Buccaneers @ Patriots -8.5
The Patriots are the obvious choice to win this game, but whether due to injuries or simple decline they aren't the Pats of old. Either way, and despite their shortcomings, I like to them to beat a Buccs team that seems to have given up on Freeman already. 8.5 is a large spread, however, so I'll take Tampa to keep the game within their grasp.
Buccs +8.5 (Pats to win)
Buccaneers @ Patriots -8.5
The Patriots are the obvious choice to win this game, but whether due to injuries or simple decline they aren't the Pats of old. Either way, and despite their shortcomings, I like to them to beat a Buccs team that seems to have given up on Freeman already. 8.5 is a large spread, however, so I'll take Tampa to keep the game within their grasp.
Buccs +8.5 (Pats to win)
Cardinals @ Saints -9
This game should be an entertaining one, with both teams fresh off of narrow wins. The Saints are undefeated so far, but could be in danger of losing here unless they can muster more than what they showed last week versus Tampa. Arizona, on the other hand, matched scores well with Detroit and grabbed the win (though not in the manner I suggested). I still think NO win this game, but it likely won’t be decided until within the final 2 minutes. 9 points is far too generous in my opinion, and I'm jumping on it in a flash.
Cardinals +9 (Saints to win)
Chargers @ Titans -3
I expected the Eagles/Chargers game to be a shootout. What I didn’t except was that it would be the Chargers who would be leading the game with Philadelphia chasing it. Incredibly the Eagles blitzed Rivers 51 times with only 1 sack to show for it (a misstep from rookie Fluker). This doesn’t mean that the Chargers o-line is suddenly fixed, but it is a sign that Rivers and Royal’s prolific early season form could continue. Despite their offensive success, I don’t expect another high scoring affair here, with the 1-1 Titans presenting stiff opposition off the back of their close run lose to rivals Houston. Despite their strengths (notably a stingy defence and strong ground game) they are likely an easier opponent than the Texans or Eagles, so I am going to stop coddling SD and predict a dominant win. They had better deliver.
Chargers +3 (and to win)
Lions @ Redskins -1 Sky Sports 3
Ok, ok, I know that predicting the Skins to beat GB was dumb. Super dumb. Maybe the dumbest one I’ve ever made. So you’d probably think that in the wake of that car crash I’d be all over the Lions in a heartbeat. However, I would never forgive myself if I turned my back on Washington now and they pulled it out the bag…
Illogical feelings aside, it’s a terrible match up for the Skins, who’s pass defence has been one of the worst in the league this year and now has to face off against Megatron and co., not to mention the deadly Lions d-line that should make RG3’s life a misery from start to finish. I’m having to reign myself back from giving the Redskins more chance, and this is the easiest team they’ve played yet (so it’s not out of the question they win here), but I am going to try and be sensible about this.
Lions +1 (and to win)
Sunday Second Wave
Falcons @ Dolphins -1
Incredibly, to me at least, the Dolphins are favourites here. I know they are 2-0 and the Falcons are minus Steven Jackson, but their wins are against Cleveland and a regressed Colts team. I think the Falcons will command this game, relying on their more than capable passing attack, and Miami will be found out. If I’m wrong here I’ll happily jump on board the Dolphins’ play-off bound bandwagon, but I don’t think I am.
Note - this feels like a classic Vegas trap game, so if you see an inordinate amount of flags going in the Dolphins' favour start questioning just how legit the NFL really is.
Falcons +1 (and to win) SFBOTW
Bills @ Jets -1
EJ Manuel is having what is turning out to be quite an impressive year for a rookie (so far at least), and would be receiving a lot more praise for the Bills’ 1-1 start were it not for the impossibly high bar that was set last year. The Jets meanwhile have also surpassed all expectations with their 0.500 beginning, but the close scoreline in last week’s narrow loss to the Patriots somewhat masked an ugly performance from their rookie QB. I could see the Jets grinding out another gritty win here at home, but the smart money is on the Bills to grab their first divisional win and nip at NE and Miami’s heels.
Bills +1 (and to win)
Jaguars @ Seahawks -19
There aren’t many sure things in the NFL, but this is one of them. The spread is gargantuan, and I can see Jax easily laying an egg here.
Seahawks -19
Colts @ 49ers -10.5 Sky Sports 3
With their latest steal trade asset Richardson, the Colts boast a far more balanced and formidable attack. While this won’t be enough to see them past a dominant (and no doubt very angry) 49ers team, it should make the game more competitive than it otherwise would have been. Kaepernick and co. had a torrid time of it at Century Link last week, but look for them to get back to winning ways at Candlestick in this one. Not too sure about this one, but I think Luck will put up enough, even in garbage time, to squeeze this below the spread.
Colts +10.5 (49ers win)
Sunday Night
Bears @ Steelers +2.5
No team has had their hopes more quickly dashed this year than the Steelers (ok, maybe the Browns now – but I’m not sure they ever really had hope), and with their multitude of key injuries it is going to be a long season for Pittsburgh fans. The most likely outcome here is the Bears take advantage of a battered opponent and grab the win here, sinking the hosts to 0-3. That said, even when they’re down Pittsburgh have enough venom in them, especially on defence, to make life difficult for anyone... so even with Chicago’s offence clicking this should still be a tight one.
Bears -2.5
Monday Night
Raiders @ Broncos -14.5
Sure, it was only the Jaguars, but a win is a win when you’re the Raiders. They aren’t going to make the playoffs this year, but if Pryor continues to impress they might win enough games to avoid having to use a valuable 1st rounder on another QB. Meanwhile at the other end of the AFC West’s talent gap, Manning and the Broncos easily saw off lil’ bro in a confident cross country win. Even after losing pro-bowl LT Clady for the year to a Lisfranc injury, Denver are just too good to even come close to losing at home to Oakland. 14.5 is a large one for a divisional game, but at home the Broncos should cover.
Broncos -14.5
