Record: [0-0]
BALTIMORE +3
Risking $1,100 to win $1,000
My first dog pick of the week!
1. Tampa is favored by 3 at home, which means the oddsmakers see this game as a tossup. In the NFL, home field advantage is worth 3 points in the line. So, if this game was played on a neutral field it would be a Pick 'Em. The public is leaning towards Tampa Bay (54%). Why not go with the dog in this situation?
2. I think Baltimore will have a more balanced attack with McNair this year, considering he's healthy. Opposing defenses need to respect Baltimore's passing game now, which should open up some running room for Lewis and Anderson. Lewis is hurt right now, so Anderson will get the start, but I think Anderson is better for this team anyway. Also, Mason is reunited with McNair. That combination wreaked havoc on opposing defenses when the two played for the Tits.
3. Simms showed improvement as the season progressed last year, but I'm still not sold, especially against a fierce pass rush. The Buc are still trying to re-tool their offensive line. Last year, Griese was the starting QB, and Gruden had his line setup to protect the righthander's back side. When Simms took over for an injured Griese, Gruden had to switch personnel on the fly to protect a lefty's backside. Tampa improved its offensive line during the off-season, but there is still work to be done. Davin Joseph, a rookie out of Oklahoma, will start at right guard on Sunday. He will see a lot of Ray Lewis! Not good, because Joseph struggled throughout the pre-season against lesser talent.
4. Pressure is on in Balmer! The coaching staff, front office, and players must get it done this season or the franchise will be overhauled. Rumor has it that Billick has a tendency to ride his players too hard. Newsome stuck with Billick this offseason, but there's a real risk of the players tuning him out if the Ravens start slowly again. McNair signed a five year deal, but none of it is guaranteed. You know he wants to make that money, while proving to the organization that it made the right decision in signing him. I think he also wants to make a statement to the Tits this year! Therefore, I think the entire organization is focused on getting off to a positive start, and it begins this Sunday in Tampa Bay.
Baltimore's starting defense: McAlister, Reed, Landry, Rolle, Scott, Lewis, Thomas, Pryce, Gregg, Ngata, Suggs. A lot of talent on this defense, and I think it will end up being one of the best units in the NFL. I see Simms making some mistakes against this aggressive, pass rushing defense on Sunday.
BALTIMORE +3
Risking $1,100 to win $1,000
My first dog pick of the week!
1. Tampa is favored by 3 at home, which means the oddsmakers see this game as a tossup. In the NFL, home field advantage is worth 3 points in the line. So, if this game was played on a neutral field it would be a Pick 'Em. The public is leaning towards Tampa Bay (54%). Why not go with the dog in this situation?
2. I think Baltimore will have a more balanced attack with McNair this year, considering he's healthy. Opposing defenses need to respect Baltimore's passing game now, which should open up some running room for Lewis and Anderson. Lewis is hurt right now, so Anderson will get the start, but I think Anderson is better for this team anyway. Also, Mason is reunited with McNair. That combination wreaked havoc on opposing defenses when the two played for the Tits.
3. Simms showed improvement as the season progressed last year, but I'm still not sold, especially against a fierce pass rush. The Buc are still trying to re-tool their offensive line. Last year, Griese was the starting QB, and Gruden had his line setup to protect the righthander's back side. When Simms took over for an injured Griese, Gruden had to switch personnel on the fly to protect a lefty's backside. Tampa improved its offensive line during the off-season, but there is still work to be done. Davin Joseph, a rookie out of Oklahoma, will start at right guard on Sunday. He will see a lot of Ray Lewis! Not good, because Joseph struggled throughout the pre-season against lesser talent.
4. Pressure is on in Balmer! The coaching staff, front office, and players must get it done this season or the franchise will be overhauled. Rumor has it that Billick has a tendency to ride his players too hard. Newsome stuck with Billick this offseason, but there's a real risk of the players tuning him out if the Ravens start slowly again. McNair signed a five year deal, but none of it is guaranteed. You know he wants to make that money, while proving to the organization that it made the right decision in signing him. I think he also wants to make a statement to the Tits this year! Therefore, I think the entire organization is focused on getting off to a positive start, and it begins this Sunday in Tampa Bay.
Baltimore's starting defense: McAlister, Reed, Landry, Rolle, Scott, Lewis, Thomas, Pryce, Gregg, Ngata, Suggs. A lot of talent on this defense, and I think it will end up being one of the best units in the NFL. I see Simms making some mistakes against this aggressive, pass rushing defense on Sunday.
