NFL Bargain Bets: Week 2
September 13th 2007
by Old Man Winner
NO -3.5 @ TB
The Saints were
embarassed on national TV last week. They are a prideful bunch (Katrina's
kids last year) and will be chomping at the bit to redeem themselves. They
also have a few extra days to prepare for this game. The Bucs, on the other
hand, are already a distracted mess. The cadi has been dinged, David Boston, a
pre-season projected starter, is gone after his DUI (of growth hormones???),
and the defense just continues to slip. Last year in Tampa the Saints ran away
with the game (31-14). The Saints should be giving at least 7 in this game.
Min +3 @ Detroit
When I first saw
the spread on this game was 3 pts. I thought nothing of it. Then my eyes
popped out of my head when I saw that Detroit was favored! Give me a break.
The Lions beat the Raiders and become favorites? I don't think so. The Lions
may have great receivers and a serviceable quarterback, but that won't be
enough this weekend. The Vikings were my pick of the week last week and easily
strolled to victory. I expect them to do the same again this week. A. Peterson
should blow up again this week against a porous Detroit defense that couldn't
stop the lowly Raiders offense. The Vikings may give up one or two passing
TD's, but should gain over 200 yards on the ground and keep Detroit's offense
on the sideline for the "lion's share" of the game (yes, intended).
Den -9.5 vs.
Oakland
Denver has had
Oakland's number since the day Shanahan arrived. This has always been a grudge
match. Shanahan hates Al Davis and always wants to rub his nose it for being
fired by him years ago. The formula is almost always the same, Denver uses
power runs all day long and just waits for the weak Raider line to crack.
Sometimes Oakland gets lucky enough to cover the spread - but not this time.
Oakland looks to infuse the big arm of Culpepper into the game after the
Raider's starter from last week (what is his name again?) jammed his index
finger (ok - and ankle sprain too). Culpepper still is not completely
comfortable with the offense. Last year Oakland had the #1 pass defense in the
league. Unfortunately, they weren't tested much as teams didn't mind just
running all over them. This combination plays right into Denver's strength
with a solid O line and an improved runner. Oh, did we bother to mention
that the Broncos QB also shows great progress every week and that they now
have two shut down corners? GAME OVER
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