Pilfo's Parlay Week 3
September 24th 2010 - Pilfo             

Cinn - 3 / Atlanta + 4 / Oakland + 4.5

What has happened to the Panthers? I'll tell you what has happened. They have focused on the power running game so much for so long that their passing game went out the window. Now teams key in on the run and stop it by stacking the line. Then the passing attack is so bad that the Panthers get behind in the game and have to rely on the passing game. You need balance in this league to succeed. Clausen will get clobbered in his first start. The Bengals are one of the most balanced teams in the league. This is their easiest game of the season so far and they will enjoy playing it. Reality stars Ochocinco and T.O. thrive while Benson gets some healthy stats. The Bengal defense get 6 sacks.

Prediction: Bengals 31-13

The Superbowl Saints were a bit exposed on offense last week against the Niner defense. They also lost Reggie Bush which is a key weapon for them. Brees gets back in a dome this week so his passes should be back to normal but I believe the Atlanta defense will rattle him a bit by using exotic blitzes. The 3rd down conversions will slip a bit without Bush in the game. The last 4 games these two teams have played has given the Saints a 110-109 edge. The Falcons division winning hopes are on the line this week as they need to knock off the Saints if they want to win the division. Ryan looked great last week and the Falcon running game is good no matter who is running the ball. The Falcons should be able to move the ball against the Saints defense.

Prediction: Falcons 24-23

The Raiders are back. Well at least for one week. The Raiders offense behind Gradkowski will flourish in the Arizona Sun. Unless the dome is closed. I digress. The Raiders running game and passing game should improve immensely now that they finally have a real leader in the huddle. The Raiders are loaded with talent they just need someone to show them and Gradkowski is that guy. The Cardinals have look so so bad in their first two games that one wonders if they can even win 4 games this year. Derek Anderson is far from being an average quarterback. When you have a guy like Fitz on your team and you can't get him the ball what hope is there. I'm afraid the stadium may be empty with 6 minutes left to go in the game. Always go with the team on the rise with a reason to live vs. the team on the decline who's motivation has been lost.

Prediction: Raiders 34-17