NFL YTD: 1-2 (-1.40*)
Road trip to Lambeau Field begins in just a few hours. Before I go:
Seattle(-4') over Arizona (1*)
Holmgren's Seahawks delivered what was probably their most complete game under his tenure in winning their first home opener since about 1986. If they catch the breaks when it comes to injuries, I won't be a bit surprised if come December of 2003, the Seahawk defense is one of the most improved units in football from where it was in September of 2002. But it happens one game at a time, and there is no dodging the fact that a slide this week in this divisional game would be a BAD, BAD beat. That's not the direction this team appears headed.
Minnesota(-8') over Chicago (1*)
BobbyBlueChip broke down the Bears shortcomings quite crisply in the matchup forum. I'll add that Chicago was 0-6 ATS in divisional games last year. Teams are never as bad and rarely as good as they appear in a given week, but with Culpepper valuing the football, Chicago seems destined to face pressure in this game that leaves me at a loss to see how they set the tempo to their liking in virtually any aspect of the game.
Kansas City(-3) over Pittsburgh (1*)
In a big early test at home, the Chiefs should show they are the better team in Week No. 2 and serve notice that they will be the better team in December.
Philadelphia (-5') over New England (1*)
The Super Bowl champs were pretty much locked and loaded for a statement game last week at the Eagles expense, most simply demonstrated by the two extraordinary catches that produced the only touchdowns of the game. The Patriots were far more dreadful and draw even tougher duty this week. The fierce and ambitious Eagles will be in a hitting mood before their bye, and McNabb should have time and opportunities to do the things he does best.
Green Bay(-6') over Detroit (1 Biscuit)
I'm not looking to sell my share of stock just yet. The Vikings had the Packers exactly where they wanted them last week; I doubt the Lions have that advantage this week. The depleted receiving corps is absolutely the area of vulnerability which Favre and the Packers will need to play through. Last week the Cardinals did not sack QB Joey Harrington and rarely pressured him; I doubt he enjoys that luxury against the opportunistic Packers this week. I expect the Packers to cover this number, and believe it or not, I expect the Packers will key the effort with their defense.
GL
Road trip to Lambeau Field begins in just a few hours. Before I go:
Seattle(-4') over Arizona (1*)
Holmgren's Seahawks delivered what was probably their most complete game under his tenure in winning their first home opener since about 1986. If they catch the breaks when it comes to injuries, I won't be a bit surprised if come December of 2003, the Seahawk defense is one of the most improved units in football from where it was in September of 2002. But it happens one game at a time, and there is no dodging the fact that a slide this week in this divisional game would be a BAD, BAD beat. That's not the direction this team appears headed.
Minnesota(-8') over Chicago (1*)
BobbyBlueChip broke down the Bears shortcomings quite crisply in the matchup forum. I'll add that Chicago was 0-6 ATS in divisional games last year. Teams are never as bad and rarely as good as they appear in a given week, but with Culpepper valuing the football, Chicago seems destined to face pressure in this game that leaves me at a loss to see how they set the tempo to their liking in virtually any aspect of the game.
Kansas City(-3) over Pittsburgh (1*)
In a big early test at home, the Chiefs should show they are the better team in Week No. 2 and serve notice that they will be the better team in December.
Philadelphia (-5') over New England (1*)
The Super Bowl champs were pretty much locked and loaded for a statement game last week at the Eagles expense, most simply demonstrated by the two extraordinary catches that produced the only touchdowns of the game. The Patriots were far more dreadful and draw even tougher duty this week. The fierce and ambitious Eagles will be in a hitting mood before their bye, and McNabb should have time and opportunities to do the things he does best.
Green Bay(-6') over Detroit (1 Biscuit)
I'm not looking to sell my share of stock just yet. The Vikings had the Packers exactly where they wanted them last week; I doubt the Lions have that advantage this week. The depleted receiving corps is absolutely the area of vulnerability which Favre and the Packers will need to play through. Last week the Cardinals did not sack QB Joey Harrington and rarely pressured him; I doubt he enjoys that luxury against the opportunistic Packers this week. I expect the Packers to cover this number, and believe it or not, I expect the Packers will key the effort with their defense.
GL
