Tweet
Early Games
Chargers at Patriots
Noon
Patriots by 4 1/2
Synopsis
San Diego finally unleashed RB LaDainian Tomlinson last week, as he ran for 192 yards and three TDs vs. the Giants. He'll be operating here against a depleted New England defense, now without key S Rodney Harrison. Even without him, the Pats pulled out a win last week in Pittsburgh, and this team proved last year that it can win despite many injuries to its defense. RB Corey Dillon should be able to operate vs. San Diego's run defense, which gives up 3.6 yards per carry, No. 9 in the AFC.
Bottom line/pick
Despite the cries of New England's demise, we're still firmly in believe-it-when-we-see-it mode. Patriots 23, Chargers 17.
* * *
Broncos at Jaguars
Noon
Jaguars by 4
Synopsis
Denver is coming off a victory Monday vs. KC, but now goes on the road against a team with a stout defense. The Jags are allowing just 252.7 yards a game, No. 1 in the AFC, although they aren't as strong vs. the run as vs. the pass. Denver, which reeled off 221 yards on the ground against KC, can be expected to give the ball to RB Mike Anderson. Jacksonville RB Fred Taylor, coming off a 98-yard outing, faces a defense that had struggled vs. the run until containing KC last week.
Bottom line/pick
Denver is streaky, and was overwhelmed in its only road game (vs. Miami). Now it has a short week of preparation. Jaguars 23, Broncos 20.
* * *
Texans at Bengals
Noon
Bengals by 9 1/2
Synopsis
The Bengals are roaring on offense and defense, are 3-0 for the first time since 1990 and are trying to reach 4-0 for the first time since '88. All the talk is about the revved-up offense, but the defense is the catalyst - 50 of Cincinnati's 88 points have been set up by the defense coming up with turnovers. Things are quite the opposite with Houston, which generates a league-low 170.5 yards per game and fired its offensive coordinator after its last contest. The defense is permitting 352 yards per game, tied for 25th.
Bottom line/pick
Cincy should cruise here. PICK OF THE WEEK (to win and vs. point spread). Bengals 34, Texans 17.
* * *
Colts at Titans
Noon
Colts by 7
Synopsis
The surprising Colts (all defense, little offense) have the perfect setting to get QB Peyton Manning and his cast on track. Tennessee gave up 360 yards to the Rams last week and ranks 20th in the NFL in defense. Manning has just two TD passes after throwing 49 last year. For the Titans, RB Travis Henry serves the opener of a four-game suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy and QB Steve McNair has a sore foot.
Bottom line/pick
Colts RB Edgerrin James goes for his third consecutive 100-yard rushing game and Indy finally comes alive offensively. Meanwhile, the defense remains strong. Colts 27, Titans 16.
* * *
Lions at Bucs
Noon
Buccaneers by 6 1/2
Synopsis
Look for Tampa to hand the ball often to Carnell Williams, who's off to the best start by a rookie RB in league history, as he has a league-leading 434 yards. He'll be operating against the NFL's 22nd-ranked run defense, but he has a sore foot. Detroit was off last week and is playing for the first time since it was blown out in Chicago and Joey Harrington was intercepted five times. Detroit kicker Jason Hanson is expected to play after missing the Lions' last game because of a hamstring ailment.
Bottom line/pick
Not quite ready to leap on board the Bucs bandwagon yet, but don't trust Detroit on the road. Bucs 17, Lions 13.
* * *
Rams at Giants
Noon
Giants by 3
Synopsis
This should be an offensive show, as both teams can score but struggle on defense. Complicating matters for NY is having cornerback William Peterson out with a back injury. But QB Eli Manning is coming off his best performance as a pro (352 yards passing, two touchdowns) and will be working against the league's 27th-ranked pass defense. NY's running game is clicking, too. The Rams probably will be without WR Isaac Bruce (toe injury), but Kevin Curtis is a capable replacement, and QB Marc Bulger likes to spread the ball around.
Bottom line/pick
The Rams are no bargain on the road, have to pass on taking them. Giants 30, Rams 24.
* * *
Bills vs. Saints
Noon
Line: Saints by 1
Synopsis
This game will be played in San Antonio, the Saints' new home away from home. And they're in much need of stability after having been on the road for their first three games and losing the last two amid 10 turnovers and many penalties. Buffalo suffered a key loss last week when LB Takeo Spikes suffered a season-ending Achilles' tendon injury, which will hurt the league's top-rated pass defense (106 yards allowed a game). Meanwhile, QB J.P. Losman will spend much of his time handing to Willis McGahee, who should find plenty of holes here.
Bottom line/pick
The Saints finally can get back some stability. Saints 23, Bills 17.
* * *
Seahawks at Redskins
Noon
Redskins by 2
Synopsis
Seattle RB Shaun Alexander averages 5.6 yards per carry, tops in the league, but goes here against the league's best run defense (just 2.8 yards per carry allowed). Washington can be expected to try to grind it out and keep the score low, giving the ball often to Clinton Portis as it tries to keep the momentum going following a bye week and its big comeback vs. Dallas. Washington tries for its first 3-0 start since 1991.
Bottom line/pick
Seattle is notoriously bad on the road and now travels across the country and faces the NFL's third-ranked defense. That's not a good sign for the Seahawks. Redskins 17, Seahawks 12.
Late Games
Jets at Ravens
3:05 p.m.
Ravens by 7
Synopsis
Things have deteriorated for NY, which is down to its third-string QB (Brooks Bollinger) after Chad Pennington and Jay Fiedler suffered shoulder injuries last week. Bollinger, who has thrown just nine passes in two NFL seasons after arriving from the University of Wisconsin, is backed up by Vinny Testaverde, who was signed a few days ago. The Jets will keep things simple, with Bollinger handing to Curtis Martin. That's a bad sign vs. Baltimore's fifth-ranked run defense, which allows just 91.5 yards a game and now can tee off.
Bottom line/pick
Never go with a QB making his first NFL start, as is the case with Bollinger. Ravens 20, Jets 16.
* * *
Eagles at Chiefs
3:15 p.m.
Chiefs by 1 1/2
Synopsis
Philly QB Donovan McNabb is beat up but is expected to start despite having a bruised chest, an abdominal strain and a sore shin. Still, he has back-to-back 300-yard passing games and has the team leading the league in offense (444 yards per game). KC's supposedly improved defense was ravaged last week by Denver. The Chiefs' offense has stalled since T Willie Roaf suffered a hamstring injury in the opener, and he's expected to be sidelined again.
Bottom line/pick
KC traditionally is tough at Arrowhead, and the Eagles are without standout K David Akers (hamstring injury). Todd France comes off the practice squad to replace him. Chiefs 27, Eagles 24.
* * *
Vikings at Falcons
3:15 p.m.
Falcons by 6
Synopsis
Atlanta QB Michael Vick pulled out a win last week by throwing, but this team really lives by the ground game. They run for a league-high 183.7 yards per game, nearly 18 yards ahead of second-place Tampa Bay. And they'll head to the ground here against NFL's second-worst run defense (142.3 yards per game allowed). Minnesota QB Daunte Culpepper finally had a good game last week as he's had difficulty adjusting to life without WR Randy Moss, but now goes on the road. In two losses Culpepper gave up eight interceptions.
Bottom line/pick
No reason to trust Minnesota on the road, especially with a bad matchup as it can't stop the run. Falcons 30, Vikings 13.
* * *
Cowboys at Raiders
3:15 p.m.
Raiders by 3
Synopsis
Dallas rallied to beat SF across the Bay last week, but gets a tougher test here vs. Oakland's formidable passing attack, which churns out 282 yards a game, No. 3 in the NFL. Considering Dallas has trouble stopping passing teams (it ranks 24th in the league vs. the pass) and CB Anthony Henry has struggled, this bodes well for Randy Moss to have a big outing. Dallas likes to give the ball to Julius Jones, but the Raiders' run defense is solid.
Bottom line/pick
Dallas QB Drew Bledsoe is reinvigorated, but Oakland is poised to finally gets its first victory over homesick Dallas, which has stayed in the Bay Area all week. Raiders 30, Cowboys 23.
Sunday Night
49ers vs. Cardinals (In Mexico City)
7:35 p.m.
Cardinals by 2 1/2
Synopsis
This will be the first NFL regular-season game played outside the U.S., and a crowd of 85,000 is expected at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City in what technically is a Cards' home game. Arizona will be without QB Kurt Warner (groin injury). He'll be replaced by Josh McCown, who started 13 games last year and will be throwing against a 49ers unit that has lost two DBs (Mike Rumph, Ahmed Plummer) to injuries in the last week. That's bad news for a team that has allowed an NFL-worst 101 points.
Bottom line/pick
These teams have combined for just one win. We'll side with the better defense, usually a wise move in a tough call. Cardinals 24, 49ers 23.
Monday Night
Packers at Panthers
8:10 p.m.
Panthers by 7 1/2
Synopsis
Green Bay is 0-3 for the first time since 1998. The offensive line is weak, contributing mightily to the Pack being 26th in the NFL in yards per rush (3.3) and 25th in rushing yards per game (79). Brett Favre is in danger of just his second four-game losing streak in 13 seasons as Green Bay's QB. The Panthers came alive offensively last week - Steve Smith caught 11 passes for 170 yards and three TDs - and faces a so-so Green Bay pass defense. Carolina DE Julius Peppers should get his first sack of the year as he gets to maneuver against a suspect offensive line.
Bottom line/pick
Green Bay keeps sliding, sliding, sliding. Panthers 27, Packers 17.
Chargers at Patriots
Noon
Patriots by 4 1/2
Synopsis
San Diego finally unleashed RB LaDainian Tomlinson last week, as he ran for 192 yards and three TDs vs. the Giants. He'll be operating here against a depleted New England defense, now without key S Rodney Harrison. Even without him, the Pats pulled out a win last week in Pittsburgh, and this team proved last year that it can win despite many injuries to its defense. RB Corey Dillon should be able to operate vs. San Diego's run defense, which gives up 3.6 yards per carry, No. 9 in the AFC.
Bottom line/pick
Despite the cries of New England's demise, we're still firmly in believe-it-when-we-see-it mode. Patriots 23, Chargers 17.
* * *
Broncos at Jaguars
Noon
Jaguars by 4
Synopsis
Denver is coming off a victory Monday vs. KC, but now goes on the road against a team with a stout defense. The Jags are allowing just 252.7 yards a game, No. 1 in the AFC, although they aren't as strong vs. the run as vs. the pass. Denver, which reeled off 221 yards on the ground against KC, can be expected to give the ball to RB Mike Anderson. Jacksonville RB Fred Taylor, coming off a 98-yard outing, faces a defense that had struggled vs. the run until containing KC last week.
Bottom line/pick
Denver is streaky, and was overwhelmed in its only road game (vs. Miami). Now it has a short week of preparation. Jaguars 23, Broncos 20.
* * *
Texans at Bengals
Noon
Bengals by 9 1/2
Synopsis
The Bengals are roaring on offense and defense, are 3-0 for the first time since 1990 and are trying to reach 4-0 for the first time since '88. All the talk is about the revved-up offense, but the defense is the catalyst - 50 of Cincinnati's 88 points have been set up by the defense coming up with turnovers. Things are quite the opposite with Houston, which generates a league-low 170.5 yards per game and fired its offensive coordinator after its last contest. The defense is permitting 352 yards per game, tied for 25th.
Bottom line/pick
Cincy should cruise here. PICK OF THE WEEK (to win and vs. point spread). Bengals 34, Texans 17.
* * *
Colts at Titans
Noon
Colts by 7
Synopsis
The surprising Colts (all defense, little offense) have the perfect setting to get QB Peyton Manning and his cast on track. Tennessee gave up 360 yards to the Rams last week and ranks 20th in the NFL in defense. Manning has just two TD passes after throwing 49 last year. For the Titans, RB Travis Henry serves the opener of a four-game suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy and QB Steve McNair has a sore foot.
Bottom line/pick
Colts RB Edgerrin James goes for his third consecutive 100-yard rushing game and Indy finally comes alive offensively. Meanwhile, the defense remains strong. Colts 27, Titans 16.
* * *
Lions at Bucs
Noon
Buccaneers by 6 1/2
Synopsis
Look for Tampa to hand the ball often to Carnell Williams, who's off to the best start by a rookie RB in league history, as he has a league-leading 434 yards. He'll be operating against the NFL's 22nd-ranked run defense, but he has a sore foot. Detroit was off last week and is playing for the first time since it was blown out in Chicago and Joey Harrington was intercepted five times. Detroit kicker Jason Hanson is expected to play after missing the Lions' last game because of a hamstring ailment.
Bottom line/pick
Not quite ready to leap on board the Bucs bandwagon yet, but don't trust Detroit on the road. Bucs 17, Lions 13.
* * *
Rams at Giants
Noon
Giants by 3
Synopsis
This should be an offensive show, as both teams can score but struggle on defense. Complicating matters for NY is having cornerback William Peterson out with a back injury. But QB Eli Manning is coming off his best performance as a pro (352 yards passing, two touchdowns) and will be working against the league's 27th-ranked pass defense. NY's running game is clicking, too. The Rams probably will be without WR Isaac Bruce (toe injury), but Kevin Curtis is a capable replacement, and QB Marc Bulger likes to spread the ball around.
Bottom line/pick
The Rams are no bargain on the road, have to pass on taking them. Giants 30, Rams 24.
* * *
Bills vs. Saints
Noon
Line: Saints by 1
Synopsis
This game will be played in San Antonio, the Saints' new home away from home. And they're in much need of stability after having been on the road for their first three games and losing the last two amid 10 turnovers and many penalties. Buffalo suffered a key loss last week when LB Takeo Spikes suffered a season-ending Achilles' tendon injury, which will hurt the league's top-rated pass defense (106 yards allowed a game). Meanwhile, QB J.P. Losman will spend much of his time handing to Willis McGahee, who should find plenty of holes here.
Bottom line/pick
The Saints finally can get back some stability. Saints 23, Bills 17.
* * *
Seahawks at Redskins
Noon
Redskins by 2
Synopsis
Seattle RB Shaun Alexander averages 5.6 yards per carry, tops in the league, but goes here against the league's best run defense (just 2.8 yards per carry allowed). Washington can be expected to try to grind it out and keep the score low, giving the ball often to Clinton Portis as it tries to keep the momentum going following a bye week and its big comeback vs. Dallas. Washington tries for its first 3-0 start since 1991.
Bottom line/pick
Seattle is notoriously bad on the road and now travels across the country and faces the NFL's third-ranked defense. That's not a good sign for the Seahawks. Redskins 17, Seahawks 12.
Late Games
Jets at Ravens
3:05 p.m.
Ravens by 7
Synopsis
Things have deteriorated for NY, which is down to its third-string QB (Brooks Bollinger) after Chad Pennington and Jay Fiedler suffered shoulder injuries last week. Bollinger, who has thrown just nine passes in two NFL seasons after arriving from the University of Wisconsin, is backed up by Vinny Testaverde, who was signed a few days ago. The Jets will keep things simple, with Bollinger handing to Curtis Martin. That's a bad sign vs. Baltimore's fifth-ranked run defense, which allows just 91.5 yards a game and now can tee off.
Bottom line/pick
Never go with a QB making his first NFL start, as is the case with Bollinger. Ravens 20, Jets 16.
* * *
Eagles at Chiefs
3:15 p.m.
Chiefs by 1 1/2
Synopsis
Philly QB Donovan McNabb is beat up but is expected to start despite having a bruised chest, an abdominal strain and a sore shin. Still, he has back-to-back 300-yard passing games and has the team leading the league in offense (444 yards per game). KC's supposedly improved defense was ravaged last week by Denver. The Chiefs' offense has stalled since T Willie Roaf suffered a hamstring injury in the opener, and he's expected to be sidelined again.
Bottom line/pick
KC traditionally is tough at Arrowhead, and the Eagles are without standout K David Akers (hamstring injury). Todd France comes off the practice squad to replace him. Chiefs 27, Eagles 24.
* * *
Vikings at Falcons
3:15 p.m.
Falcons by 6
Synopsis
Atlanta QB Michael Vick pulled out a win last week by throwing, but this team really lives by the ground game. They run for a league-high 183.7 yards per game, nearly 18 yards ahead of second-place Tampa Bay. And they'll head to the ground here against NFL's second-worst run defense (142.3 yards per game allowed). Minnesota QB Daunte Culpepper finally had a good game last week as he's had difficulty adjusting to life without WR Randy Moss, but now goes on the road. In two losses Culpepper gave up eight interceptions.
Bottom line/pick
No reason to trust Minnesota on the road, especially with a bad matchup as it can't stop the run. Falcons 30, Vikings 13.
* * *
Cowboys at Raiders
3:15 p.m.
Raiders by 3
Synopsis
Dallas rallied to beat SF across the Bay last week, but gets a tougher test here vs. Oakland's formidable passing attack, which churns out 282 yards a game, No. 3 in the NFL. Considering Dallas has trouble stopping passing teams (it ranks 24th in the league vs. the pass) and CB Anthony Henry has struggled, this bodes well for Randy Moss to have a big outing. Dallas likes to give the ball to Julius Jones, but the Raiders' run defense is solid.
Bottom line/pick
Dallas QB Drew Bledsoe is reinvigorated, but Oakland is poised to finally gets its first victory over homesick Dallas, which has stayed in the Bay Area all week. Raiders 30, Cowboys 23.
Sunday Night
49ers vs. Cardinals (In Mexico City)
7:35 p.m.
Cardinals by 2 1/2
Synopsis
This will be the first NFL regular-season game played outside the U.S., and a crowd of 85,000 is expected at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City in what technically is a Cards' home game. Arizona will be without QB Kurt Warner (groin injury). He'll be replaced by Josh McCown, who started 13 games last year and will be throwing against a 49ers unit that has lost two DBs (Mike Rumph, Ahmed Plummer) to injuries in the last week. That's bad news for a team that has allowed an NFL-worst 101 points.
Bottom line/pick
These teams have combined for just one win. We'll side with the better defense, usually a wise move in a tough call. Cardinals 24, 49ers 23.
Monday Night
Packers at Panthers
8:10 p.m.
Panthers by 7 1/2
Synopsis
Green Bay is 0-3 for the first time since 1998. The offensive line is weak, contributing mightily to the Pack being 26th in the NFL in yards per rush (3.3) and 25th in rushing yards per game (79). Brett Favre is in danger of just his second four-game losing streak in 13 seasons as Green Bay's QB. The Panthers came alive offensively last week - Steve Smith caught 11 passes for 170 yards and three TDs - and faces a so-so Green Bay pass defense. Carolina DE Julius Peppers should get his first sack of the year as he gets to maneuver against a suspect offensive line.
Bottom line/pick
Green Bay keeps sliding, sliding, sliding. Panthers 27, Packers 17.
Comment