NFL Against the Spread Online Betting ESPN Night Game

The San Francisco 49ers (1-5) at The Chicago Bears (1-5)
Against the Spread: 49ers 4-2-0 | Bears 2-4-0
Game Time: 8:30 PM ET ESPN
Opening NFL Betting Line: Bears -2.5 -103 Over/Under 35u -105
Current High NFL Betting Line: Bears -2 -110
Current Low NFL Betting Line: Bears -1 -110
Over/Under 35.5 to 36 –110

Instead of writing a bunch of nonsense about this game here’s a great excerpt from fellow blogger Bronczilla:

49ers vs Bears

49ers blah blah blah statistically superior blah.

Bears blah blah suck worse blah blah blah.

Who cares?

Why does the NFL bother with Sunday night games when they obviously don’t care what kind of crap they hand ESPN to broadcast?

Who exactly was the brain trust who looked (at) these two teams at any point since last season and thought, “Ya know, I bet this’d be a good prime time match up!”?

Idiot.

That pretty much sums up tonight’s game. I will only add the fact that these two offenses couldn’t play their way out of a paper bag. No matter how you look at the numbers, these two teams are very unlikely to eek out 28 points between them.

My Online Betting Action: 49ers Vs. Bears Under 36

NFL Against the Spread Online Betting Week 8 - Picks of the Week

The saga continues....

Against the Spread for the rest of the early games.

The Jacksonville Jaguars (5-2) at The Houston Texans (3-3)
Against the Spread: Jaguars 5-2-0 | Texans 3-3-0
Game Time: 1:00 PM ET
Opening NFL Betting Line: Texans -1 -103 Over/Under 43u -100
Current High NFL Betting Line: Texans -1.5 -105 to -110
Current Low NFL Betting Line: Texans -0 -110
Over/Under 42.5 -110

The Jaguars played another heart stopper last week, relying on young gunner Byron Leftwich and this time rookie kicker Josh Scobee to get the job finished with just 38 ticks left on the clock. How many times can they keep doing that? Beating the Colts put them atop the AFC South but these final minute wins need to turn into final minute leads that don't have them scrambling around like headless chickens. Don't take that wrong way they do a great job of running the two minute offense. Jacksonville has won all five times within the last minute, that's a pretty hefty responsibility to lay on your offense week in and week out. A worry was taken off the table Friday as running back Fred Taylor was upgraded from questionable to probable with a quad injury. The Jaguars need him in the backfield, since LaBrandon Toefield and Greg Jones are his back-ups, neither of which has done much on the carries they have had. Wide-outs Jimmy Smith and Troy Edwards are having stand-up seasons and should see continued success against the “less than” passing D of the Texans.

The Houston Texans have been my “surprise that no one thought about” team of the season. The Texans are young, fast and learning. They have come up with three wins that they were underdogs in. The Vikings failed to cover the spread against them, after Houston forced the game into overtime as QB David Carr hooked up with receiver Andre Johnson for the score. Wide receiver Jabar Gaffney has been a pleasant surprise as well as Derick Armstrong. Running backs Domanick Davis and Jonathan Wells have combined nearly 800 yards, and have been a big part of this offense. This Houston team is going to be a force to reckon with in the coming seasons I think.
This is a very close match-up both statistically and talent wise. The Jaguars have the slight advantage in Fred Taylor, but the injury that is going to bother him, start or not, could play a crucial role. Carr and crew at home get a lot of motivation from their fans and I think that it's going to be what pushes this game. So assuming the above:

My Online Betting Action: Texans -1

The N.Y. Giants (4-2) at The Minnesota Vikings (5-1)
Against the Spread: Giants 4-2-0 | Vikings 4-2-0
Game Time: 1:00 PM ET
Opening NFL Betting Line: Vikings -7 -106 Over/Under 49u -100
Current High NFL Betting Line: Vikings -7.5 -115
Current Low NFL Betting Line: Vikings -6.5 -105 to -110
Over/Under 48 to 48.5 -110

The Giants dropped a shocker to the Lions, at least a shocker to the Giants. I don't think that the Lions felt the same. I keep hearing/reading words about how the N.Y. Giants are the surprise team of their division, conference and even league. The only thing that rings true from that statement is that they lost that game. Yes the have had adversity to overcome with injuries at key positions across the board. But so have a lot of teams. The lack of energy that the defense played with cost them that game, and will cost them this game if they don't kick it up a couple notches. Quarterback Kurt Warner has been a surprise but he has not got enough weapons, and is not getting the help up front that he needs. He's been sacked over 20 times and has had the ball forced out of his hands over a half dozen. Wide receiver Amani Toomer is a huge question mark with a hamstring injury and the loss of Tim Carter does not help that situation any. That means someone else, David Tyree or maybe rookie Jamaar Taylor, is going to have to add a little life to the passing game if the Giants hope to stay in this one. Running back Tiki Barber who had been another big surprise, coming off two consecutive 100+ yard games and no fumbles, was brought back down to earth, being held to 70 yards on 20 some carries and a fumble. Whether he returns to the RB that he was becoming this year or returns to the RB that he has been in the past is going to be a big part of this game.
Defensively they are going to have to play bigger than their 14th ranking. Luckily for them they will be the toughest defense that the Vikings have had to face this year.

Just a few quick notes on the Minnesota Vikings. Randy Moss will most likely play but is going to be a little off due to his hamy problem. But it's still Randy Moss, so he will see double coverage all day. New York is still going to have their hands full with Nate Burleson, Marcus Robinson, Kelly Campbell and to a lesser degree Jermaine Wiggins lined up in the tight end position. Plus running back Mewelde Moore is getting the motor running and may get a little support from returning RB Moe Williams. Quarterback Daunte Culpepper's near perfect QB rating (does it get any better than 124.0?) and pass completion percentage of 73% has got to scare even the toughest passing D, and the Giants don't have that.

My Online Betting Action: Vikings -6.5

The Atlanta Falcons (5-2) at The Denver Broncos (5-2)
Against the Spread: Falcons 2-5-0 | Broncos 2-3-2
Game Time: 4:05 PM ET
Opening NFL Betting Line: Broncos -7 -110 Over/Under 39 -110
Current High NFL Betting Line: Broncos -7.5 -110
Current Low NFL Betting Line: Broncos -6.5 -110
Over/Under 39 -110

Michael Vick and the Atlanta Falcons get my vote as the underachievers of the year award. Actually, I should re-phrase that; Michael Vick gets my vote for underachieving quarterback of the year. If it wasn't for his feet, he would be a complete non-factor in any of their 5 wins. It has been their schedule and the defense against the rush that has enabled them to be 5-2 and have the lead in the NFC South. More than anything though, is the schedule. Kansas City exploited every weakness that Atlanta has last week and blew them out 56-10. No big speel on this game, no need. Broncos are the superior team and should handle the Falcons without much difficulty.

Ah, the Denver Broncos... You think they got an ear full this week after losing to the lowly Bengals? Running back Reuben Droughns did rush for over 100 yards but coughed the ball up and failed numerous times to convert on third down. Quarterback Jake Plummer got picked twice and his famous offensive line allowed 3 sacks. About the only things that could be said good about the game were the performances of safety John Lynch and corner Champ Bailey. Lynch always plays tough, and Champ is Champ, but he struggled to keep pace with the speedy wide-out Chad Johnson. Head coach Mike Shanahan may be a slimy S.O.B. but he knows how to get into his players heads. I really feel sorry for Atlanta, as they are going to be the outlet for what Shanahan has done to these guys this week.

My Online Betting Action: Broncos -6.5

The Carolina Panthers (1-5) at The Seattle Seahawks (3-3)
Against the Spread: Panthers 2-4-0 | Seahawks 3-3-0
Game Time: 4:05 PM ET
Opening NFL Betting Line: Seahawks -7.5 -100 Over/Under 39.5u +102
Current High NFL Betting Line: Seahawks -8.5 -100
Current Low NFL Betting Line: Seahawks -8 -105 to -110
Over/Under 39 to 39.5 -110

I started writing about the Panthers, but everything I wrote just lead to another area were the team was bad. I don't want to sit here and write a list of problems that everyone knows is there. What's the point? So I'll just make it short and to the point. They're Sunk! I'm sorry Panther fans, but your teams shipped has gone out with the tide. I would like to write something good and/or promising about them but there isn't anything there. Ok I'll throw you a bone, WR Keary Colbert, feel better? I know that it's not lack of heart or desire or drive that is doing this to Carolina. But the losses at running back and wide receiver have really put the capper on this season.

Head coach Mike Holmgren was visibly shaken in the post game interview after the loss to the Arizona Cardinals. His words bemoaned the problems that the Seahawks have got to find a way of dealing with if they hope to see post-season play. A win last week would have put them in sole ownership of the NFC West. Instead St. Louis holds that spot and the Seahawks sit number two at a disappointing 3-3. It's disappointing because they have what could be one of the elite quarterbacks in Matt Hasselbeck, a proven commodity at running back with Shaun Alexander and top tier receivers Darrell Jackson and Koren Robinson. They are the least penalized team in the NFL, a marked improvement from last season. They have a solid defense and one of the best give away take away ratios in the NFL with 10 interceptions and 8 forced fumbles (+10, second best in the NFL). It is these things that make it such a disappointing year so far.
Could there be any truth to the uniform thing? Maybe they got a little over excited about having Jerry Rice on their squad?
In any case, Seahawks get a chance to redeem themselves and know that with the Rams on bye they can at least tie up the division with a win. They have the perfect team to rebound on in the Panthers and I'm sure they are eager to put some monster numbers on the board to help folks forget about last week.

My Online Betting Action: Seahawks -7.5

The New England Patriots (6-0) at The Pittsburgh Steelers (5-1)
Against the Spread: Patriots 4-0-2 | Steelers 4-2-0
Game Time: 4:15 PM ET
Opening NFL Betting Line: Patriots -3 -109 Over/Under 43.5u -105
Current High NFL Betting Line: Patriots -3.5 -110
Current Low NFL Betting Line Patriots -3 100 to -110
Over/Under 42 to 42.5 -105 to –110

The Steelers are playing remarkably well in spite of some early concerns about the quarterback position. Ben Roethlisberger has a 100.1 passer rating and a completion percentage of 69%. Receivers Plaxico Burress and Hines Ward have been great targets for him. Running back Duce Staley has been a more than welcome addition and even though he tweaked his knee a bit will be playing Sunday. Fellow back Jerome Bettis refuses to throw in the towel and is being rewarded for his efforts by getting the situational play that has been giving them key third down conversions and short and goal scores. They have injuries like everyone else, but are playing solidly on both offense and defense. Coach Bill Cowhers blitz package showed real life against Dallas a couple weeks ago, so expecting to see more of that this week.

The New England Patriots are still in a class by themselves in the NFL. They are not as talented overall as some teams but are without question one of the most well run organizations around today. I know I have said it before but it warrants repeating, Bill Belichick is the best “thinking” coach of today. Running back Corey Dillon has found a welcome place to plant his cleats, on target to rush for better than 1200 yards. And although quarterback Tom Brady struggled a bit last week he was still over 200 yards passing. But that defense, do they ever come up big when called on. And not just now and then but consistently.
Last week was the worst that I have seen the Pats' play, and if that's their worst then 3 points is not enough.

So despite what the numbers say, and how good the Steelers Iron Curtain may be, the Patriots go 7-0 and cover (not another darned push)

My Online Betting Action: Patriots -3.5

The Oakland Raiders (2-5) at The San Diego Chargers (4-3)
Against the Spread: Raiders 2-5-0 | Chargers 5-1-1
Game Time: 4:15 PM ET
Opening NFL Betting Line: Chargers -5.5 -110 Over/Under 45.5u -112
Current High NFL Betting Line: Chargers -7 –105
Current Low NFL Betting Line: Chargers -6 -110
Over/Under 46 -110

I don't like this game so I'm not going to waste your time with much about it. San Diego has been a good bet all year because they have been dogs, but not playing like it. The Raiders, however, have the potential to be an upset in the making against the Chargers. I think the Chargers get the win, and they really should cover, but these in state rivalries have a way of working out exactly how you don't expect.

My Online Betting Action: none
Expected outcome: Chargers

NFL Against the Spread Online Betting Week 8 Picks of the Week

Ok folks, Fast and furious. Was going to do a big post, but ran out of time... hold the sighs applause to a minimum please. I have my fedora in place, a fresh pack of Kools and I'm ready to go.

The Arizona Cardinals (2-4) at The Buffalo Bills (1-5)
Against the Spread: Cardinals 4-2-0 | Bills 3-3-0
Game Time: 1:00 PM ET
Opening NFL Betting Line: Buffalo -3 -121 Over/Under 34u -109
Current High NFL Betting Line: Buffalo -3.5 –105 to -110
Current Low NFL Betting Line: Buffalo -3 –110 to -130
Over/Under 33.5 to 35.5 -110

Would the real Cardinals please stand up? They must have put something other than Gatorade in those water bottles last week. The 25-17 upset of the Seattle Seahawks was just more proof that those Seattle uniforms have got to change. Seriously though, Arizona outplayed Holmgren's 'Hawks from whistle to whistle. In nearly every category they were ahead, just as the score reflected. Who says parity isn't good for the NFL? They may be getting their Stud To Be wide receiver Anquan Boldin back, but I doubt that it will have much impact considering the numbers that his conterpart Larry Fitzgerald, is putting up. More important will be the health of the corner back and strong safety positions with with David Macklin and Adrian Wilson still banged up.

Moving on, the Bills didn't fair so well last week losing another one, primarily do to quarter back(can we really call him that?) Drew Bledsoe's complete breakdown. The only turnover that wasn't his fault was the ball that Prime Time got after being tipped by Chad Williams. Yet he had the audacity to make the following statement after the game:

"We've got to play better," Bledsoe said. "We've got to run the ball better (and) our offense isn't good enough in the passing game. I don't know what the answer is."

Excuse me, “We've got to play better.”, “...our offense isn't good enough in the passing game...”, what planet are you on Drew? Yeah, I know you aren't getting the protection you need from your line. But you are a seasoned veteran, you should know by now how to throw the ball away. I may not know what the answer is either, but I know that it isn't giving the ball to the other team five times.

Why I wasted this much verbiage on this game I have no idea. Who cares who wins, Bills fans and Cardinals fans, that's about it.

For what it's worth I think the Cardinals get two in a row.

My Online Betting Action: None.

The Baltimore Ravens (4-2) at The Philadelphia Eagles (6-0)
Against the Spread: Ravens 4-2-0 | Eagles 5-1-0
Game Time: 1:00 PM ET
Opening NFL Betting Line: Eagles -7.5 -102 Over/Under 37.5u -103
Current High NFL Betting Line: Eagles -8.5 -105
Current Low NFL Betting Line: Eagles -7 -115
Over/Under 37.5 to 38 -110

The loss of running back Jamal Lewis will show it's real colors this week against the Eagles. They better have some ground game strategy mapped out or they are in trouble. Being as injury laden as they are offensively they cannot afford the luxury of getting behind by 10 and climbing back as Cleveland did. Remember that the Browns got a gift roughing the passer penalty on a fourth and seven play that set them up to put it into over-time. These are things that happen, but can't be expected. Another thing that can't be expected is the lack efficiency that the Eagles had in the red-zone. To throw salt on the wound, tackle Jonathan Ogden is questionable (although it's rumored that he'll play) which is going to make life even tougher for quarter back Kyle Boller, who proffered up a meager 60 yards last week.

What can I say about the Eagles that hasn't already been said about a thousand times. Quarter back Donovan McNabb is playing the best ball of his career. Wide receiver Terrel Owens is on pace to have the best season of his career and let's not forget the fact that they are in the top three in passing yards, points per game and yards per game. The Eagles McNabb has a QB rating of 105, and a completion percentage of 65%. Owens has a 99.3 yard per game average with 8 touchdowns. Defensively they are average, but do hold their opponents to under 16 points a game, just a couple notches below Baltimore. That's counting the 31 that the Browns scored.

My Online Betting Action: Eagles -7

The Cincinnati Bengals (2-4) at The Tennessee Titans (2-5)
Against the Spread: Bengals 1-5-0 | Titans 2-5-0
Game Time: 1:00 PM ET
Opening NFL Betting Line: Titans -3 -120 Over/Under 40.5u -105
Current High NFL Betting Line: Titans -3.5 -105
Current Low NFL Betting Line: Titans -3 -110 to -120
Over/Under 40.5 -110

You all know the drill on this one!

The Detroit Lions (4-2) at The Dallas Cowboys (2-4)
Against the Spread: Lions 4-2-0 | Cowboys 2-4-0
Game Time: 1:00 PM ET
Opening NFL Betting Line: Dallas -3 -119 Over/Under 39u -116
Current High NFL Betting Line: Dallas -3 -115 to -130
Current Low NFL Betting Line: Dallas -3.5 -110
Over/Under 41 -103 to -110

The Lions are coming off a sizable upset, beating the Giants by 15 and staying perfect on the road. QB Joey Harrington has fallen in love with rookie wide receiver Roy Williams, who grabbed 4 for 67 yards and a touchdown despite the ankle problems that kept him out of game 7. When he's not play pass and catch with him he's hooking up with Az Hakim in the end-zone. Running backs Kevin Jones and Artrose Pinner are turning into a solid duo from the backfield.
What really amazes me is that the Lions have the worst offense and close to the worst defense in the league yet have 4 road wins. If they can keep up the play that they have so far I see no reason why they can't come away with a win in Dallas. (I snuck in a money line bet on Detriot last week that I was embarrassed to talk about and now wish I had).

Bill Parcells has done the unthinkable, he's shown weakness. He's slowed down practice in an effort to save his players energy. He's worried about their mental state and is watching their “body language”. When exactly did hell freeze over?
Dallas has got some major problems, both offensively and defensively. Although quarterback Vinny Testaverde has done a more than decent job, connecting with wide-outs Keyshawn Johnson and Terry Glenn for over 750 yards and totaling out at about 1600, he has not had the protection that Parcells had promised him. He's double digits in sacks, 9 of those in the last 3 games. Running backs Eddie Goerge and Richie Anderson have combined for only 415 yards and 4 touchdowns. Dallas came into this season a proud defense and have since dropped to the lowly status of 25th overall and have given up the 3rd most points.
Is it age, coaching, lack of motivation? I know that this isn't the team the Mr. Parcells thought he was going to have at the beginning season.
Alright, enough ranting about how bad they have looked, let's get to Sunday's game. Dallas has to win to have a prayer of post-season play and not just because of the record. As a team if they drop this one at home it's over. That said, I don't think they will mount enough defense to stop Detriot from scoring and somehow the Lions will find a way to win.

My Online Betting Action: Lions +3
It's a small wager game, maybe better suited to the money line.

The Green Bay Packers (3-4) at The Washington Redskins (2-4)
Against the Spread: Packers 3-4-0 | Redskins 2-4-0
Game Time: 1:00 PM ET
Opening NFL Betting Line: Packers -2.5 -115 Over/Under 40.5u -104
Current High NFL Betting Line: Packers -3 -110
Current Low NFL Betting Line: Packers -1.5 -105 to -110
Over/Under 40.5 -110

Green Bay had another big win last week stomping Dallas 41-20. Running back Ahman Green went off, rushing for 163 yards and 2 touchdowns. As an added bonus he went a second week without a fumble. Quarter back Brett Favre was solid yet again, throwing for over 250 yards, with 2 touchdowns and he too went a second game with a goose egg in the turnover category. Wide-outs Javon Walker and Donald Driver were on the receiving end of Favres touchdown passes and had a camera shot catch a piece. Coach Mike Sherman pulled another rabbit out of the hat with the halfback toss from Tony Fisher to tight end Bubba Franks for 6 points. They are going to have a couple of key hurdles to jump on both sides of the ball. Big question marks next to safety Darren Sharper and guard Marco Riveras' names come to mind quickly, but Green Bay is looking much better defensively now that tackle Grady Jackson has returned.

The Redskins and coach Joe Gibbs are struggling right now. The bye may have helped a little but not enough, as they are still without line backer LaVar Arrington and kicker John Hall. Quarter back Mark Brunell is still not quite with the program, which leaves the burden of the offense on running back Clinton Portis' shoulders. Portis has done a fair job but has struggled keeping a handle on the ball, particularly near the goal-line.
Their defense, by contrast, has been very effective allowing about 16 points a game on an average of 85 or so rushing and less than 150 passing. They have 5 picks, 4 fumbles recoveries and 16 sacks to their credit. They are 1st overall with very good balance at 1st against the rush and 3rd against the pass.
Unfortunately for 'Skins fans those numbers aren't going to mean as much after Sunday. Considering that those stats have come by way of offenses that don't put big numbers up anyway. Tampa, Chicago, Dallas, Baltimore, all those teams have sub par scoring averages and are in the lower half of the offensive rankings, with the exception of Dallas.

My Online Betting Action: Packers -1.5


The Indianapolis Colts (4-2) at The Kansas City Chiefs (2-4)
Against the Spread: Colts 4-1-1 | Chiefs 2-4-0
Game Time: 1:00 PM ET
Opening NFL Betting Line: Colts -1.5 -107 Over/Under 58.5u -115
Current High NFL Betting Line: Colts -2 -110
Current Low NFL Betting Line: Colts -0 -110
Over/Under 56.5 to 57 -110

Indianapolis has a ton of weapons but are struggling to hit their target the last few games. Wide receiver Marvin Harrison is dinged up as is Brandon Stokley. They are a defensive nightmare overall, never mind their 6th ranking against the rush. Facing off with the likes of Priest Holmes isn't like going at it against any other running back in the game today. He can hurt you seven ways to Sunday.

The Chiefs are starting to get their act together offensively and everyone knows what they can do when that wheel is rolling. Quarter back Trent Green is marching steadily back up the passing charts. I've already mentioned Holmes, so no need in going through that. They are getting healthy at the wide receiver position with the complete recovery of Eddie Kennison.

Quite frankly this line surprises me and may very well have me betting the money line.

My Online Betting Action: Chiefs +1.5

Well this turned out to be longer than I thought. I'll be back in the morning with the rest of the weekend forecast... thanks for dropping by!

My apologies for the quick copy and paste post, but this was worth a read. Some of it I agree with completely, some I think is pure horse manure (Mike Martz, ugh!). To my loyal readers reader, I will have my usual, long winded, why do I bother to read this drivel, match-up analysis and picks tomorrow. 'Til then enjoy this little tid-bit...

NFC East

By far the biggest surprise has been the New York Giants. I thought they would have one or maybe two wins by game six. Instead, the intensity of Tom Coughlin has produced on field performance.

A disappointing surprise has been the Dallas Cowboys. They are nowhere near as good defensively and Bill Parcells made a mistake in not drafting Steven Jackson. Instead they selected an already injured Julius Jones.

The Washington Redskins defensive coordinator, Gregg Williams, is making an impact and Clinton Portis really is not. Most would have thought that the opposite would have happened.

With the Philadelphia Eagles, there have been no surprises at all. This may be the best football organization not located in New England.

NFC North

The Detroit Lions are the surprise team to me. If Ben Roethlisberger does not win rookie of the year, how about Roy Williams? You can compliment all the so-called skill players you want, but the Lions are a better team because of their offensive and defensive line improvement.

Green Bay Packers are no surprise, except for their Tennessee Titans game on Monday Night Football. I do wonder how much longer Brett Favre can separate his personal and professional life. He only has so much emotion to work with.

Minnesota Vikings with Daunte Culpepper is a surprise, but remember the support that he's getting from Mewelde Moore. When you can find a starter from the 4th round in the draft, you elevate an entire offense, especially the quarterback.

I think the Chicago Bears will surprise people later in the year. I am sure they did not anticipate using Craig Krenzel at quarterback by game seven. On a more positive note, Thomas Jones has been solid at running back.

AFC South

Watch out for Brian Griese and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Personally, I really didn't have a lot of faith in him but he may have found the perfect mentor in Jon Gruden.

In the exact opposite, the Atlanta Falcons are having a good year, but quarterback Michael Vick is not. By Week 10 or so, this West Coast Offense and his skills should begin to mesh, if not, the NFL's greatest athlete may need to sit down for a game or two.

With the Carolina Panthers, losses in free agency in combination with injury have made a Super Bowl participating team look very average.

The temptations of Bourbon Street seem to take the most talented players of the New Orleans Saints and diminish their skills to the average.

NFC West

The Arizona Cardinals are my surprise team of the year. I was going to write all about how real they are, but I've yet to see them on T.V. Arizona is turning it around because of head coach Dennis Green.

The St. Louis Rams have no surprises in that they throw to win, and run to kill the clock. I have immense respect for Mike Martz but I do question that penalty assessment in the Miami Dolphins game.

With the San Francisco 49ers, check out the next seven games on their schedule.

For the Seattle Seahawks, their November 14th game at St. Louis will probably determine whether the Seahawks finish first in the division or even make the playoffs at all.

AFC East

The Buffalo Bills are not a surprise to me at all. Their training camp had all kinds of side issues not related to football and consequently they never got it together offensively.

With the Miami Dolphins, I think they still can win six or seven games because they're too good on defense. Now that they're out of the playoffs they will play with a nothing to lose mentality and that's dangerous.

The New England Patriots are the class of the NFL and will continue to be, but I also really like the New York Jets. Lost in the loss to the Patriots last week was the fact that the Jets held New England to only 13 points, which is a season low for the Patriots.

AFC North

I think the Baltimore Ravens are a surprise because Brian Billick has yet to develop a dominant quarterback. I would not be surprised as all to see Anthony Wright as the starter by Week 10.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are starting to look like the obvious choice in the division. Ben Roethlisberger beats the Patriots, then he will be considered the next Terry Bradshaw. The biggest surprise has been Troy Polamalu at strong safety. For a team to win consistently their number one draft picks must come through as soon as possible and Polamalu in his second year is doing just that.

The Ohio teams - the Browns and Bengals - can go either way. Cleveland competed extremely well against Philadelphia and Cincinnati beat a Denver team that was going into the Monday Night Game as the number one ranked defense and the number four rated offense. Both Ohio teams should be confident in the last two thirds of the season.

AFC South

This is my favorite division. I don't know how the Jacksonville Jaguars do it, but with four wins inside the last minute of a game, you have to ask whether the wins come from skill or luck. I understand the mentality of winning the close games, but the Jags are the Carolina Panthers of 2003. Carolina won seven games by three points or less last year.

Another team on the rise are the Houston Texans. Considering their youth at so many positions the Texans are going to be good for a long time.

I expect the Colts to continue to win again starting this Sunday in Kansas City and would not be surprised if they won their next eight games.

The Tennessee Titans are a mystery to me. Did the absence of Javon Kearse mean that much to the pass rush? What about Eddie George to the team leadership? The Titans are a good team that are not playing up to their talent level, except for the Green Bay game of course.

AFC West

The surprise in this division is the San Diego Chargers. The disappointments are the Kansas City Chiefs and the Oakland Raiders. The known quantity is the Denver Broncos.

I still think that Denver will win the division. The question is whether or not the Chargers make the playoffs. They play the Chiefs on November 28 and the last game of the season, January 2. If San Diego can continue to improve in the next month, then both games can be competitive.

Oakland reminds me a little of New Orleans, lots of talent everywhere but something is missing. Maybe the Raiders are missing a dominating running back, like Ricky Williams.

Then there is Denver. I'm am not a fan of any particular team, but I do enjoy watching the Broncos just a little more than anyone else. Rod Smith is the most undervalued receiver and in general, football player there is.

NFL Pick of the Week Against the Spread - Online Betting Lines Week 8

The Arizona Cardinals (2-4) at The Buffalo Bills (1-5)
Against the Spread: Cardinals 4-2-0 | Bills 3-3-0
Game Time: 1:00 PM ET
Opening NFL Betting Line: Buffalo -3 -121 Over/Under 34u -109
Current High NFL Betting Line: Buffalo -3.5 –105 to -110
Current Low NFL Betting Line: Buffalo -3 –110 to -130
Over/Under 34 to 34.5 -110

The Baltimore Ravens (4-2) at The Philadelphia Eagles (6-0)
Against the Spread: Ravens 4-2-0 | Eagles 5-1-0
Game Time: 1:00 PM ET
Opening NFL Betting Line: Eagles -7.5 -102 Over/Under 37.5u -103
Current High NFL Betting Line: Eagles -8.5 -105
Current Low NFL Betting Line: Eagles -7.5 -105 to -110
Over/Under 37.5 to 38 -101 to -110

The Cincinnati Bengals (2-4) at The Tennessee Titans (2-5)
Against the Spread: Bengals 1-5-0 | Titans 2-5-0
Game Time: 1:00 PM ET
Opening NFL Betting Line: Titans -3 -120 Over/Under 40.5u -105
Current High NFL Betting Line: Titans -3.5 -105
Current Low NFL Betting Line: Titans -3 -110 to -120
Over/Under 40.5 -110

The Detroit Lions (4-2) at The Dallas Cowboys (2-4)
Against the Spread: Lions 4-2-0 | Cowboys 2-4-0
Game Time: 1:00 PM ET
Opening NFL Betting Line: Dallas -3 -119 Over/Under 39u -116
Current High NFL Betting Line: Dallas -3 -125
Current Low NFL Betting Line: Dallas -3 -110
Over/Under 40.5 to 41 -109 to -110

The Green Bay Packers (3-4) at The Washington Redskins (2-4)
Against the Spread: Packers 3-4-0 | Redskins 2-4-0
Game Time: 1:00 PM ET
Opening NFL Betting Line: Packers -2.5 -115 Over/Under 40.5u -104
Current High NFL Betting Line: Packers -2.5 -110
Current Low NFL Betting Line: Packers -1.5 -110
Over/Under 40.5 -110

The Indianapolis Colts (4-2) at The Kansas City Chiefs (2-4)
Against the Spread: Colts 4-1-1 | Chiefs 2-4-0
Game Time: 1:00 PM ET
Opening NFL Betting Line: Colts -1.5 -107 Over/Under 58.5u -115
Current High NFL Betting Line: Colts -2 -110
Current Low NFL Betting Line: Colts -1 -110
Over/Under 57 -110

The Jacksonville Jaguars (5-2) at The Houston Texans (3-3)
Against the Spread: Jaguars 5-2-0 | Texans 3-3-0
Game Time: 1:00 PM ET
Opening NFL Betting Line: Texans -1 -103 Over/Under 43u -100
Current High NFL Betting Line: Texans -1.5 -110
Current Low NFL Betting Line: Texans -1 -110
Over/Under 42.5 -110

The N.Y. Giants (4-2) at The Minnesota Vikings (5-1)
Against the Spread: Giants 4-2-0 | Vikings 4-2-0
Game Time: 1:00 PM ET
Opening NFL Betting Line: Vikings -7 -106 Over/Under 49u -100
Current High NFL Betting Line: Vikings -7.5 -115
Current Low NFL Betting Line: Vikings -6.5 -110
Over/Under 48 to 48.5 -110

The Atlanta Falcons (5-2) at The Denver Broncos (5-2)
Against the Spread: Falcons 2-5-0 | Broncos 2-3-2
Game Time: 4:05 PM ET
Opening NFL Betting Line: Broncos -7 -110 Over/Under 53 -110
Current High NFL Betting Line: Broncos -7.5 -110
Current Low NFL Betting Line: Broncos -6.5 -110
Over/Under 38.5 to 39.5 -110

The Carolina Panthers (1-5) at The Seattle Seahawks (3-3)
Against the Spread: Panthers 2-4-0 | Seahawks 3-3-0
Game Time: 4:05 PM ET
Opening NFL Betting Line: Seahawks -7.5 -100 Over/Under 39.5u +102
Current High NFL Betting Line: Seahawks -8.5 -105
Current Low NFL Betting Line: Seahawks -7.5 -110
Over/Under 39 to 39.5 -110

The New England Patriots (6-0) at The Pittsburgh Steelers (5-1)
Against the Spread: Patriots 4-0-2 | Steelers 4-2-0
Game Time: 4:15 PM ET
Opening NFL Betting Line: Patriots -3 -109 Over/Under 43.5u -105
Current High NFL Betting Line: Patriots -3.5 -110
Current Low NFL Betting Line Patriots -3 100 to -110
Over/Under 42 to 42.5 –110

The Oakland Raiders (2-5) at The San Diego Chargers (4-3)
Against the Spread: Raiders 2-5-0 | Chargers 5-1-1
Game Time: 4:15 PM ET
Opening NFL Betting Line: Chargers -5.5 -110 Over/Under 45.5u -112
Current High NFL Betting Line: Chargers -7 –105
Current Low NFL Betting Line: Chargers -6 -110
Over/Under 46 -110

The San Francisco 49ers (1-5) at The Chicago Bears (1-5)
Against the Spread: 49ers 4-2-0 | 2-4-0
Game Time: 8:30 PM ET ESPN
Opening NFL Betting Line: Bears -2.5 -103 Over/Under 35u -105
Current High NFL Betting Line: Bears -2 -110
Current Low NFL Betting Line: Bears -1 -110
Over/Under 35.5 to 36 -110

The Miami Dolphins (1-6) at The N.Y. Jets (5-1)
Against the Spread: Dolphins 2-5-0 | Jets 3-2-1
Game Time: Monday 9:00 PM ET ABC Monday Night Football
Opening NFL Betting Line: Jets -6.5 -113 Over/Under 35u -108
Current High NFL Betting Line: Jets -7.5 -115
Current Low NFL Betting Line: Jets -6.5 –110 to -115
Over/Under 35 to 35.5 -110

NFL Pick of the Week Against the Spread - Online Betting Lines Week 8

The Arizona Cardinals (2-4) at The Buffalo Bills (1-5)
Against the Spread: Cardinals 4-2-0 | Bills 3-3-0
Game Time: 1:00 PM ET
Opening NFL Betting Line: Buffalo -3 -121 Over/Under 34u -109

The Baltimore Ravens (4-2) at The Philadelphia Eagles (6-0)
Against the Spread: Ravens 4-2-0 | Eagles 5-1-0
Game Time: 1:00 PM ET
Opening NFL Betting Line: Eagles -7.5 -102 Over/Under 37.5u -103

The Cincinnati Bengals (2-4) at The Tennessee Titans (2-5)
Against the Spread: Bengals 1-5-0 | Titans 2-5-0
Game Time: 1:00 PM ET
Opening NFL Betting Line: Titans -3 -120 Over/Under 40.5u -105

The Detroit Lions (4-2) at The Dallas Cowboys (2-4)
Against the Spread: Lions 4-2-0 | Cowboys 2-4-0
Game Time: 1:00 PM ET
Opening NFL Betting Line: Dallas -3 -119 Over/Under 39u -116

The Green Bay Packers (3-4) at The Washington Redskins (2-4)
Against the Spread: Packers 3-4-0 | Redskins 2-4-0
Game Time: 1:00 PM ET
Opening NFL Betting Line: Packers -2.5 -115 Over/Under 40.5u -104

The Indianapolis Colts (4-2) at The Kansas City Chiefs (2-4)
Against the Spread: Colts 4-1-1 | Chiefs 2-4-0
Game Time: 1:00 PM ET
Opening NFL Betting Line: Colts -1.5 -107 Over/Under 58.5u -115

The Jacksonville Jaguars (5-2) at The Houston Texans (3-3)
Against the Spread: Jaguars 5-2-0 | Texans 3-3-0
Game Time: 1:00 PM ET
Opening NFL Betting Line: Texans -1 -103 Over/Under 43u -100

The N.Y. Giants (4-2) at The Minnesota Vikings (5-1)
Against the Spread: Giants 4-2-0 | Vikings 4-2-0
Game Time: 1:00 PM ET
Opening NFL Betting Line: Vikings -7 -106 Over/Under 49u -100

The Atlanta Falcons (5-2) at The Denver Broncos (5-2)
Against the Spread: Falcons 2-5-0 | Broncos 2-3-2
Game Time: 4:05 PM ET
Opening NFL Betting Line: Broncos -7 -110 Over/Under 53 -110

The Carolina Panthers (1-5) at The Seattle Seahawks (3-3)
Against the Spread: Panthers 2-4-0 | Seahawks 3-3-0
Game Time: 4:05 PM ET
Opening NFL Betting Line: Seahawks -7.5 -100 Over/Under 39.5u +102

The New England Patriots (6-0) at The Pittsburgh Steelers (5-1)
Against the Spread: Patriots 4-0-2 | Steelers 4-2-0
Game Time: 4:15 PM ET
Opening NFL Betting Line: Patriots -3 -109 Over/Under 43.5u -105

The Oakland Raiders (2-5) at The San Diego Chargers (4-3)
Against the Spread: Raiders 2-5-0 | Chargers 5-1-1
Game Time: 4:15 PM ET
Opening NFL Betting Line: Chargers -5.5 -110 Over/Under 45.5u -112

The San Francisco 49ers (1-5) at The Chicago Bears (1-5)
Against the Spread: 49ers 4-2-0 | 2-4-0
Game Time: 8:30 PM ET ESPN
Opening NFL Betting Line: Bears -2.5 -103 Over/Under 35u -105

The Miami Dolphins (1-6) at The N.Y. Jets (5-1)
Against the Spread: Dolphins 2-5-0 | Jets 3-2-1
Game Time: Monday 9:00 PM ET ABC Monday Night Football
Opening NFL Betting Line: Jets -6.5 -113 Over/Under 35u -108

NFL Pick of the Week Monday Night Football

So I dodged the “already drunks” and “soon to be drunks”, clad in orange and black tiger stripped jersey's baring names like Palmer and Johnson and even Graham, on my way home from work tonight (I live downtown). The air here in the Queen City is buzzing. Bengals host their first Monday Night Football game in 15 years. Let me tell you, it's obvious on the faces of those around me that it's been along time. The Blimp and the planes with banners blazing a trail behind them fill the early evening sky. As a longtime Bengals fan, I can't help but be filled with the excitement myself. I will, during this game, step out on to my deck, which overlooks the city, just so I can see the bright white glow coming from our stadium. I am a proud man tonight. I am a proud Bengals fan tonight. It is for those reasons that I can not, no, I will not write an analysis of this game. I'm going to enjoy this moment. I'm going to sit in my living room with the sliding glass doors wide open and breath that excitement in, letting it wash over me, just as it has the tens of thousands of fans around me and my city.

I will leave you with this to read before you place your wagers or simply sit down to watch the game. Thanks for dropping my my little blip on the blog radar...

Bengals, history line up
BY GEOFF HOBSON

A night of NFL history at Paul Brown Stadium caps a week of national sports history that Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis has tried do draw on. But Monday night’s matchup with the Broncos also has some of the Bengals thinking of some recent history.

“I hate to say it, but we’re in a win-win position,” said linebacker Kevin Hardy. “Everybody thinks Denver is going to come in here and run all over us. We expect that we can go out there and stop them. I think the defense can set the tempo if we can go out there, get some three-and-outs, and if we can stop them, we can shock the world like we did against Kansas City.”

That happened at PBS nearly a year ago, when the Bengals knocked off the 9-0 Chiefs, 24-19, while bottling up Kansas City’s top-ranked offense and holding running back Priest Holmes to 62 yards rushing.

But if that was less than a year ago, it might as well be 15 years ago as ABC’s Monday Night Football makes its first appearance ever at PBS and first in Cincinnati since Sept. 25, 1989.

When the Bengals wrapped up Holmes, little did anyone know it would be one of the last times Cincinnati’s last-ranked run defense would play stoutly. Not only does Denver come to town with the NFL’s top-ranked running game, but the Broncos also serve up the league’s No. 1 defense to a first-year quarterback that has already been buffeted by units ranked Nos. 3, 5, 6, 11 and 13.

Spotlight on Cincinnati
Frankly, a straw poll of the locker room reveals that while the Bengals appreciate this rare chance on Monday Night, the 1-4 record has their minds on other things.
“I’m excited for the city. The city’s been looking forward to this,” said right tackle Willie Anderson, who finally appears on Monday night after 131 games. “I play in the NFL. We’re on TV every week. That’s big for y’all. We've just got to get down in our stance and block somebody. I don’t know what camera is on me. If it’s ABC, NBC, ESPN. I know what channel we’re going to be on, (but) a kid in college and high school might be more geeked up.

“No, we don’t want to look bad on national TV,” Anderson said. “That’s every week. You don’t want to look bad every week. You want to win, too. If we win and it’s ugly, we’re happy. It’s a win. It’s like in college. The rivalry is more for the fans.”

Left tackle Levi Jones has a chance to show he’s as good as his press clippings from last season but for him, what else is knew?

“You’re doing that every week,” Jones said. “You’re trying to show that every week. It is nice that people back home (in Arizona) who can’t afford the satellite can watch you play and see the hometown guy. I’ve been getting a lot of calls. But you’re trying to prove yourself every week.”

ABC’s John Madden says Monday Night is the closest you can get to the playoffs for teams that haven’t been there. For a team that hasn’t been on a Monday Night broadcast of any kind since 1992, the Bengals have plenty of guys who have been in the playoffs.

“Really, I don’t like playing on Monday Night all that much," said defensive tackle John Thornton, one of 13 playoff veterans on the roster. “I really like that routine of playing at 1:00 on Sunday instead of waiting around all day on Sunday and Monday.”

Hardy has also done both playoffs and Monday nights, and while he approaches it like another game, he knows the atmosphere and the scrutiny is not.

“Everybody is watching you. It’s the premier game. The guys know they’re playing in front of a national audience,” Hardy said.

Prime motivation
Carson Palmer, that first-year quarterback, says he feeds off the attention and it’s nothing different than the focus he has received all season.

“I enjoy it,” Palmer said. “First Monday Night game since ’92, a struggling offense playing the No. 1 defense in the league. A win could get us going in the other direction, a win would give us confidence, give our fans confidence in us. It would just get us going.”
Al Michaels, ABC’s play-by-play man, has seen plenty of instances where a team used a Monday Night to “springboard” to a good season. He thinks an upset against Denver could do it.
“They were 1-4 last year, too,” Michaels said. “The greatest bit of nonsense on television today is guys picking stocks and guys picking football games. As simple as that. It’s these games where what we think is going to happen doesn’t happen.”
Of course, the big fear is a bad outing on MNF matched with a bad season can get you off the cameras for a few more years. Michaels doesn’t have to be reminded that during the last Bengals’ playoff season in 1990, they were on prime time three times that October.
“That’s what happens when you have good players and good teams,” Michaels said. “They were thought of as one of the best franchises as the '80s ended. Then you go through a decade like the '90s were, and people forget about you. They always see you down at the bottom. Then after the resurrection last year, you have to validate it, and they just haven’t done it at this point.”

What curse?
Times have been tough, and Lewis turned to baseball to make some points during the past few weeks. After Yankees closer Mariano Rivera returned from a family tragedy to save Game 1 of the American League Championship Series, Lewis used that as an example of overcoming the worst of adversities.
Then, when the Red Sox became the first team ever to force a Game 7 after being down 3-0, Lewis pointed out how they had flourished despite the crushing majority of people saying they couldn’t. He figured he didn’t have to say a word after the Sox won it.
“We’ve been trying to find things like that all year,” Hardy said. “Does it help? I think it’s good to make the point. If you hear guys talking about it after, then obviously it made a point, and you hear guys talking about it.”
But, like Thornton said, “Baseball is so much different than football. You play every day. Play against the same team.”

Overcoming adversity
Lewis especially knows history of his own team. In drawing a comparison to the early-game emotion of a Monday Night, he invoked both the win against the Chiefs and the loss to the Broncos from last season.
“We had it a couple of times last year we were able to get over it,” Lewis said of the early-game jitters. “Against the Chiefs, there was adversity all over the spot. We were able to overcome it. We were very anxious. Denver made us very anxious last year in the first game of the year. I hope we’ve grown from that and matured from that.
“Every year somebody writes history. Somebody does something that no one has done before,” Lewis said. “That’s why we play the game. Otherwise, it’s no fun. We wouldn’t have jobs.”
His job will be a lot easier if the Bengals make history, and don’t repeat it Monday night.

NFL Against the Spread Online Betting Week 7 Pick of The Week

The Philadelphia Eagles (5-0) at The Cleveland Browns (3-3)
Against the Spread: Eagles 5-0-0 | Browns 3-3-0
Game Time: 1:00 PM ET
Opening NFL Betting Line: Eagles -7 -110 Over/Under 42 -105
Current High NFL Betting Line: Eagles -8 -115
Current Low NFL Betting Line: Eagles -7 –104 to -115
Over/Under 41 to 41.5 -110

The Eagles are one of only three unbeaten teams in the NFL and are in a class by themselves, at least to some degree, based on their “strength of schedule” so far. They have only played one team that is under .500, which is something that neither of the other two unbeaten teams can lay claim to (Jets one .500+ team, Patriots two .500+ teams). They have faced and overcome injury issues, like the pre-season loss of running back Correll Buckhalter, and more recently Jon Ritchie. They will, in all likelihood, be starting with Jeremiah Trotter at middle linebacker in place of the injured Mark Simoneau. Despite a great start, tight end L.J. Smith's shoulder injury has kept him away from the stardom that many predicted for him this season. Yet through these and other set-backs they have won every game by double digits. Quarter back Donovan McNabb has looked better this year than ever. The acquisition of wide receiver Terrell Owens has turned out to be a fantastic move, allowing McNabb to open up the pass attack much more than in seasons past. Running back Brian Westbrook has responded well to the additional workload. They have a defense that allows the fewest points in the NFL in spite of their less than average ranking (17th overall). I have ridden the coattails of this team all season and see no reason to stop this week.

The Cleveland Browns are in a tough spot. They started the season with high hopes, after drafting tight end Kellen Winslow and picking up free agent quarter back Jeff Garcia, for their offense. Those hopes began to fade in the pre-season as it became apparent that their offensive line was not up to par. Garcia began his high pitched complaints about not getting enough playing time. Then they lost Winslow for the season in week two against the Cowboys. That dashed the last of the hope that most folks had for their offense this season. Cleveland has also faced it's share of injuries elsewhere on the field but has managed to put up a decent defense anyway (13th overall ranking). The deal that sent wide receiver Quincy Morgan to Dallas for receiver Antonio Bryant should help them. I think that Garcia is going to be more comfortable throwing the ball to him than he was to Morgan (I have no REAL explanation for this just a gut feeling). But that help is not going to do much this week. With wide receiver Andre Davis ailing with a toe injury and the limited reps that Antonio Bryant has seen, Andre King and Dennis Northcutt will most probably start. Their Decent defense is only going to carry them so far, and the Eagles offensive display on the road is going to be too much for them. This isn't going to be the Bengals...

I know this seems like a lot of talk for this game but it is my Pick of the Week, so I figured I ought to justify it a bit.

My Online Betting Action: The Philadelphia Eagles -7.


The San Diego Chargers (3-3) at The Carolina Panthers (1-4)
Against the Spread: Chargers 4-1-1 | Panthers 2-3-0
Game Time: 1:00 PM ET
Opening NFL Betting Line: Panthers -3 -110 Over/Under 42 -110
Current High NFL Betting Line: Panthers -3 -110 to -115
Current Low NFL Betting Line: Panthers -2.5 -120
Over/Under 41.5 to 42 -110

The Chargers have been a pleasant surprise as of late. Quarterback Drew Brees was in the uncomfortable position of worrying about his job after a disappointing 2003 season. He got off to a shaky start this year, but has seemed to turn things around bringing his quarterback rating of 67.5 (4th worst) up to a respectable 84.6. So far he is throwing more touchdowns than interceptions, and appears to be getting the handle on being a QB in the NFL (yeah I know that I have said a few disparaging things about the guy). The Chargers are 3-0 against the spread their last three outings, two being outright wins as underdogs. Running back LaDainian Tomlinson is looking healthier, having practiced this Thursday, and his counterpart Jesse Chatman has the greenlight for Sunday. This should allow Brees to take advantage of newly acquired receiver Keenan McCardell as a deep ball threat and continue his success with tight end Antonio Gates. Although wide receiver Tim Dwight has not done much to date and their other real threat, Reche Caldwell, is sidelined for the season, receiver Eric Parker had a good showing last week and should continue to get looks.

The Panthers are in dire straights, with the 18th ranked offense that only averages 15 points a game. They have virtually no running game due to the injuries to both Stephen Davis and DeShaun Foster. Davis is doubtful for tomorrows game and without some sort of ground attack they are not going to be able to do much. Defensively they look even worse than they do offensively, coming into the game with an overall ranking of 10th but being 30th against the rush, and allowing 23.6 points a game. The weight of this game is going to rest squarely on the shoulders of quarterback Jake Delhomme and his receiver corps of Keary Colbert, Muhsin Muhammad and Ricky Proehl. On the surface this wouldn't seem that bad, considering that the Chargers are as bad against the pass as the Panthers are against the rush (30th). The difference is that without anything on the ground the Panthers offense is going to be a very predictable one. Too many injuries in too many places for the Panthers, that they are a favorite in this game is surprising.

My Online Betting Action: The San Diego Chargers +3.

The St. Louis Rams (4-2) at The Miami Dolphins (0-6)
Against the Spread: Rams 2-3-1 | Dolphins 1-5-0
Game Time: 1:00 PM ET
Opening NFL Betting Line: Rams -6.5 -110 Over/Under 37.5 -105
Current High NFL Betting Line: Rams -7 -110 to -115
Current Low NFL Betting Line: Rams -6 -103 to -110
Over/Under 37 to 37.5 -110

The Rams just squeaked a win for me last week, only beating the spread by a point. I'm not going to go into a lot of verbage about this game because there just isn't the need to. The Rams have a big play making offense that is getting back on track. They beat a very solid defense in the Bucs' last week and should not have a problem doing the same this week against the Dolphins. Running backs Marshall Faulk and Steven Jackson should have a good outing against Miami's 27th ranked defense. Their injury list is minimal and they are not going up against much of a team.

As for the Dolphins I could pretty much parrot what I said about them last week since nothing of note has changed. Oh, Wait, they may get QB Jay Fiedler back. They have nothing offensively, and although they do have one of the best defenses in the league they are not good against the rush (27th). Stopping the passing attack, as they have been able to do against much lesser offenses, is going to be a tall order for 4 quarters against the Rams much as it was against the Patriots. They have only managed to eak out 9 points a game, and that's just not going to get it done. Maybe they get lucky and it rains...

My Online Betting Action: The St. Louis Rams -6.

The Tennessee Titans (2-4) at The Minnesota Vikings (4-1)
Against the Spread: Titans 2-4-0 | Vikings 3-2-0
Game Time: 1:00 PM ET
Opening NFL Betting Line: Vikings -7 -110 Over/Under 53 -110
Current High NFL Betting Line: Vikings -7.5 -115
Current Low NFL Betting Line: Vikings -6.5 -105 -110
Over/Under 53.5 -110

Tennessee is really hurting, with injuries all over the place. The Titans got handed their hat last week against the Texans, and it's not going to be any prettier this week. Quarterback Steve McNair is still sore, as is running back Chris Brown. Wide receiver Drew Bennett is questionable and tight end Erron Kinney is out. I don't think that these injuries are going to play much of a role one way or the other as the Titans have not been able to get a whole lot going in the air anyway. They have relied on their ground attack to keep them in games and have not faired well when faced with a real offense. They give up 23 points a game and you cannot expect to win doing that against a high powered offense like Minnesota's.

The Vikings have the number one ranked offense and are decently balanced with an above average rushing ranking of 13th. Randy Moss is the cream of the crop in wide receivers and he is only one of the weapons in quarterback Dante Culpepper's arsenal. As proved by last weeks game, even without Moss they are a threat. Rookie running back Mewelde Moore continues to impress. Wide-outs Nate Burlelson, and Marcus Robinson are sharp, solid route runners and Kelly Campbell is a serious deep ball target. So even if Moss sits out (he's listed as questionable), Culpepper's going to have plenty of sticky hands to throw to. Having tight end Jermaine Wiggins healthy and back in the starting lineup is just icing on the cake.

My Online Betting Action: The Minnesota Vikings -6.

The N.Y. Jets (5-0) at The New England Patriots (5-0)
Against the Spread: Jets 3-2-0 | Patriots 4-0-1
Game Time: 4:05 PM ET
Opening NFL Betting Line: Patriots -6 -110 Over/Under 44 -110
Current High NFL Betting Line: Patriots -7 -110 to -115
Current Low NFL Betting Line: Patriots -5.5 -110
Over/Under 43.5 to 44 -110

The Jets are another of the three unbeaten teams but, as I mentioned in the post about the Eagles, they have not faced the same level of opposition. Today they will. QB Chad Pennington is a solid passer with a rating of 97.8. Running back Curtis Martin is having a career year and their defense, while not getting the top ranking honors, has one of the best giveaway/takeaway ratios in the NFL at +9. Head Coach Herm Edwards plays a very conservative passing game but may stretch that out a bit with wide receiver Santana Moss back in the starting position. Left guard Pete Kendall who did a stand up job at center filling in for the injured Kevin Mawae will be back in action. Right guard Brandon Moore is also more than likely to get the go ahead. With all three of those guys back on the line and at least somewhat healthy Pennington should continue to see the protection that has allowed him a completion percentage of 70% and Martin will get those lead blocks to keep up the pace that he has set.

What can I say about the New England Patriots? More to the point HOW MUCH can I say about Head Coach Bill Belichick? I won't go into a long winded, kneel at his feet, spiel about this guy. Suffice to say that he is one of the greatest minds in football today, and he keeps managing to put one of the best football teams in the NFL on the field. The Patriots are dinged up but that has not seemed to stop them yet and I don't see that it will this week. They will once again be starting without wide receiver Deion Branch, but receivers David Patten and David Givens have done more than an ample job taking up the slack. Although quarter back Tom Brady has only a 58% completion percentage he does have a 93.5 passer rating. Plus he has the ability to stay controlled and focused no matter what happens around him. They don't rank at the top defensively, but they have one of the sneakiest defenses in the league. They disguise covers better than any team I have ever seen, sometimes to the point that their own teammates aren't quite sure what cover they are in until after the snap. Last week was their first real test playing the Seahawks, this week is yet another one. They will be in Foxboro, they will have the fans, they will win this game!

My Online Betting Action: The New England Patriots -6.

The Seattle Seahawks (3-2) at The Arizona Cardinals (1-4)
Against the Spread: Seahawks 2-2-0 | Saints 1-4-0
Game Time: 4:15 PM ET
Opening NFL Betting Line: Seahawks -7 -110 Over/Under 41 -110
Current High NFL Betting Line: Seahawks -7.5 -110
Current Low NFL Betting Line: Seahawks -6.5 –110
Over/Under 40.5 -110

Head Coach Mike Holmgren and the Seattle Seahawks are stinging after their loss to the Pats' last week. They are looking for a rebound win and Arizona may just well be the place to get it done. In the face of suspension, wide receiver Koren Robinson has got to have another good day before he takes his leave, and apparently newly acquired receiver Jerry Rice has been great motivation for him this past week in practice. Although fellow wide-out Bobby Engram is a big question mark to play Sunday, the oldster Jerry Rice will be available to them, much to quarterback Matt Hasselbeck's delight, as the number three guy. Also, look for Darrell Jackson to Finally break the 100 yard receiving mark this week. He has gotten into the 90's 4 of 6 games this year and he's due for a bust out day. Couple that with Robinson and you can easily see a 300+ yard day for Hasselbeck. Running back Sean Alexander should see continued success against a weak rushing defense, and even though the 'Hawks are a bit damaged on the defensive side of the ball they should not have a problem against the Cardinals this week.

The Arizona Cardinals are in transition mode, struggling to get things going but playing decent ball against some pretty fair teams. Key player injuries in pre-season/training camp put them in a bind early. They have fought with valiant effort but just don't have the tools to get done what they have to to win games. Quarterback Josh McCown is struggling with 3 INT's to go with his 3 TD's. But it's not all his fault as he doesn't have a lot of guys to throw to, wide-out Larry Fitzgerald being the only receiver with more than 200 yards. His offensive line has not done their job of giving him time and have allowed 16 sacks, countless scrambles, hits and pressures. Running back Emmitt Smith has been their one saving grace, having come up big on more than one occasion to help them stay in games and clinch their single win. I feel for this team and for Head Coach Dennis Green and hope that they can piece things together soon. But it ain't gonna happen this week.

My Online Betting Action: The Seattle Seahawks -6.5.

I will Have something on the Monday Night Football Game, but keep in mind that I do not Handicap the Bengals, so don't expect a pick on this game.

NFL Against the Spread Online Betting Week 7 Pick of the Week

First my apologies to my loyal readers reader for being so tardy in my posts this week. Life has gotten in the way of fun and things have been crazy to say the least. This week I will relegate my ramblings to only those games that I will be betting on.

So, here's the down and dirty version, I will have an analysis of these match-ups shortly.

The Philadelphia Eagles (5-0) at The Cleveland Browns (3-3)
Against the Spread: Eagles 5-0-0 | Browns 3-3-0
Game Time: 1:00 PM ET
Opening NFL Betting Line: Eagles -7 -110 Over/Under 42 -105
Current High NFL Betting Line: Eagles -8 -115
Current Low NFL Betting Line: Eagles -7 –104 to -115
Over/Under 41 to 41.5 -110

My Online Betting Action: The Philadelphia Eagles -7.


The San Diego Chargers (3-3) at The Carolina Panthers (1-4)
Against the Spread: Chargers 4-1-1 | Panthers 2-3-0
Game Time: 1:00 PM ET
Opening NFL Betting Line: Panthers -3 -110 Over/Under 42 -110
Current High NFL Betting Line: Panthers -3 -110 to -115
Current Low NFL Betting Line: Panthers -2.5 -120
Over/Under 41.5 to 42 -110

My Online Betting Action: The San Diego Chargers +3.

The St. Louis Rams (4-2) at The Miami Dolphins (0-6)
Against the Spread: Rams 2-3-1 | Dolphins 1-5-0
Game Time: 1:00 PM ET
Opening NFL Betting Line: Rams -6.5 -110 Over/Under 37.5 -105
Current High NFL Betting Line: Rams -7 -110 to -115
Current Low NFL Betting Line: Rams -6 -103 to -110
Over/Under 37 to 37.5 -110

My Online Betting Action: The St. Louis Rams -6.

The Tennessee Titans (2-4) at The Minnesota Vikings (4-1)
Against the Spread: Titans 2-4-0 | Vikings 3-2-0
Game Time: 1:00 PM ET
Opening NFL Betting Line: Vikings -7 -110 Over/Under 53 -110
Current High NFL Betting Line: Vikings -7.5 -115
Current Low NFL Betting Line: Vikings -6.5 -105 -110
Over/Under 53.5 -110

My Online Betting Action: The Minnesota Vikings -6.

The N.Y. Jets (5-0) at The New England Patriots (5-0)
Against the Spread: Jets 3-2-0 | Patriots 4-0-1
Game Time: 4:05 PM ET
Opening NFL Betting Line: Patriots -6 -110 Over/Under 44 -110
Current High NFL Betting Line: Patriots -7 -110 to -115
Current Low NFL Betting Line: Patriots -5.5 -110
Over/Under 43.5 to 44 -110

My Online Betting Action: The New England Patriots -6.

The Seattle Seahawks (3-2) at The Arizona Cardinals (1-4)
Against the Spread: Seahawks 2-2-0 | Saints 1-4-0
Game Time: 4:15 PM ET
Opening NFL Betting Line: Seahawks -7 -110 Over/Under 41 -110
Current High NFL Betting Line: Seahawks -7.5 -110
Current Low NFL Betting Line: Seahawks -6.5 –110
Over/Under 40.5 -110

My Online Betting Action: The Seattle Seahawks -6.5.

NFL Against the Spread Betting Lines Week 7

The Atlanta Falcons (5-1) at The Kansas City Chiefs (1-4)
Against the Spread: Falcons 2-4-0 | Chiefs 2-4-0
Game Time: 1:00 PM ET
Opening NFL Betting Line: Chiefs -4 -110 Over/Under 44 -110
Current High NFL Betting Line: Chiefs -4 -110
Current Low NFL Betting Line: Chiefs -3.5 -105
Over/Under 44 to 44.5 -110

The Buffalo Bills (1-4) at The Baltimore Ravens (3-2)
Against the Spread: Bills 3-2-0 | Ravens 3-2-0
Game Time: 1:00 PM ET
Opening NFL Betting Line: Ravens -6.5 -110 Over/Under 31.5 -105
Current High NFL Betting Line: Ravens -6 -110
Current Low NFL Betting Line: Ravens -5.5 -105
Over/Under 31.5 to 32 -110

The Chicago Bears (1-4) at The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-5)
Against the Spread: Bears 2-3-0 | Buccaneers 1-3-2
Game Time: 1:00 PM ET
Opening NFL Betting Line: Buccaneers -6.5 -110 Over/Under 32 -105
Current High NFL Betting Line: Buccaneers -7.5 -105 to -110
Current Low NFL Betting Line: Buccaneers -6 -120
Over/Under 32 to 32.5 -110

The Detroit Lions (3-2) at The N.Y. Giants (4-1)
Against the Spread: Lions 3-2-0 | Giants 4-1-0
Game Time: 1:00 PM ET
Opening NFL Betting Line: Giants -6.5 -110 Over/Under 40 -110
Current High NFL Betting Line: Giants -7.5 -115
Current Low NFL Betting Line: Giants -6.5 -105
Over/Under 40 -110

The Jacksonville Jaguars (4-2) at The Indianapolis Colts (4-1)
Against the Spread: Jaguars 4-2-0 | Colts 4-0-1
Game Time: 1:00 PM ET
Opening NFL Betting Line: Colts -10 -110 Over/Under 45.5 -105
Current High NFL Betting Line: Colts -10 -110
Current Low NFL Betting Line: Colts -9 -101 to -110
Over/Under 46 –105 to -110

The Philadelphia Eagles (5-0) at The Cleveland Browns (3-3)
Against the Spread: Eagles 5-0-0 | Browns 3-3-0
Game Time: 1:00 PM ET
Opening NFL Betting Line: Eagles -7 -110 Over/Under 42 -105
Current High NFL Betting Line: Eagles -8 -135
Current Low NFL Betting Line: Eagles -7 –105 to -110
Over/Under 41 to 42.5 -110

The San Diego Chargers (3-3) at The Carolina Panthers (1-4)
Against the Spread: Chargers 4-1-1 | Panthers 2-3-0
Game Time: 1:00 PM ET
Opening NFL Betting Line: Panthers -3 -110 Over/Under 42 -110
Current High NFL Betting Line: Panthers -3 -110 to -120
Current Low NFL Betting Line: Panthers -2.5 -120
Over/Under 41.5 to 42 -110

The St. Louis Rams (4-2) at The Miami Dolphins (0-6)
Against the Spread: Rams 2-3-1 | Dolphins 1-5-0
Game Time: 1:00 PM ET
Opening NFL Betting Line: Rams -6.5 -110 Over/Under 37.5 -105
Current High NFL Betting Line: Rams -7 -135
Current Low NFL Betting Line: Rams -6 -105 to -110
Over/Under 37 to 37.5 -110

The Tennessee Titans (2-4) at The Minnesota Vikings (4-1)
Against the Spread: Titans 2-4-0 | Vikings 3-2-0
Game Time: 1:00 PM ET
Opening NFL Betting Line: Vikings -7 -110 Over/Under 53 -110
Current High NFL Betting Line: Vikings -7.5 -115
Current Low NFL Betting Line: Vikings -6 -110
Over/Under 53.5 to 54 -110

The N.Y. Jets (5-0) at The New England Patriots (5-0)
Against the Spread: Jets 3-2-0 | Patriots 4-0-1
Game Time: 4:05 PM ET
Opening NFL Betting Line: Patriots -6 -110 Over/Under 44 -110
Current High NFL Betting Line: Patriots -7 -110
Current Low NFL Betting Line: Patriots -5.5 -105
Over/Under 43.5 to 44 -110

The Dallas Cowboys (2-3) at The Green Bay Packers (2-4)
Against the Spread: Cowboys 2-3-0 | Packers 2-4-0
Game Time: 4:15 PM ET
Opening NFL Betting Line: Packers -3 -109 Over/Under 44 -110
Current High NFL Betting Line: Packers -4 -110
Current Low NFL Betting Line Packers -3.5 -105 -115
Over/Under 44 –110

The New Orleans Saints (2-4) at The Oakland Raiders (2-4)
Against the Spread: Saints 1-5-0 | Raiders 2-4-0
Game Time: 4:15 PM ET
Opening NFL Betting Line: Raiders -3 -110 Over/Under 44 -110
Current High NFL Betting Line: Raiders -3 –110 to -120
Current Low NFL Betting Line: Raiders -2.5 -120
Over/Under 44.5 to 45 -110

The Seattle Seahawks (3-2) at The Arizona Cardinals (1-4)
Against the Spread: Seahawks 2-2-0 | Saints 1-4-0
Game Time: 4:15 PM ET
Opening NFL Betting Line: Seahawks -7 -110 Over/Under 41 -110
Current High NFL Betting Line: Seahawks -7.5 -130
Current Low NFL Betting Line: Seahawks -6.5 –105 to -115
Over/Under 40.5 -110

The Denver Broncos (5-1) at The Cincinnati Bengals (1-4)
Against the Spread: Broncos 2-2-2 | Bengals 0-5-0
Game Time: Monday 9:00 PM ET ABC Monday Night Football
Opening NFL Betting Line: Broncos -5.5 -105 Over/Under 43 -105
Current High NFL Betting Line: Broncos -7 -110
Current Low NFL Betting Line: Broncos -6 –110 to -115
Over/Under 43.5 -110

Jerry Rice and The Seattle Seahawks

Reached at home Monday night, Rice said: "Nah, I haven't heard anything, man. Look, I'm really busy. I've got to go. I'm hanging Halloween stuff up with the kids."

Rice will be back soon for a visit. The Seahawks have a game against the 49ers at Monster Park on Sunday, Nov. 7.

The deal reunites Rice with his onetime 49ers offensive coordinator, Mike Holmgren, now Seattle's coach, and ends his three-year run with the Raiders. Rice spent his first 16 seasons with the 49ers, the team that drafted him out of Mississippi Valley State in 1985.

Rice, who turned 42 last week, led Oakland with 63 receptions for 869 yards last season but was shoved aside by new coach Norv Turner, who chose to go with a younger receiver corps.

In six games under Turner, Rice caught only five passes for 67 yards.

Asked about the challenge of trading a player who had such unspectacular numbers, Turner said earlier Monday: "It's not a challenge. If it does get done, I would think it's with someone who is very familiar with him and has known him."

Holmgren is a disciple of Bill Walsh and his West Coast offense. Walsh first spotted Rice while watching the receiver's college play on TV the night before a 49ers game and made sure the 49ers drafted him.

Teaming with Joe Montana and then with Steve Young, Rice rewrote the NFL record book. He holds 13 records and has received 13 Pro Bowl invitations. He has played in four Super Bowl games, winning three, and was the MVP of Super Bowl XXIII after torching Cincinnati for a record 215 yards in 11 receptions.

Now Rice is a Seahawk.

"I didn't think it was going to happen," Seattle quarterback Matt Hasselbeck told the Everett (Wash.) Herald on Monday night. "I mean, I grew up watching the guy. We've got really talented receivers already -- even a couple of guys on the practice squad. But they must really like him."
Seattle (3-2) had a need for a receiver in the aftermath of a weekend report that the NFL would suspend Koren Robinson for violating its substance-abuse policy.

"I had our pro personnel people look at Jerry," Holmgren told Seattle-area reporters earlier Monday. "We're exploring it."

Rice has been unhappy since the opener in Pittsburgh on Sept. 12. His record streak of catching at least one pass in a game ended at 274 a week later against Buffalo, and things only got worse.
He has gone without a reception in three games this season and has seen only one pass thrown to him in the past two weeks, despite his team's struggles.

The Raiders threw a combined 75 passes in losing to Indianapolis 35-14 on Oct. 10 and to Denver 31-3 on Sunday. The only pass thrown to Rice was a desperation heave from Kerry Collins as he scrambled from pressure.

"I can't give you an explanation in terms of why it has come up that way," Turner said Monday.
Rice, who went public last week with his desire to play elsewhere, had little to say at the Raiders' Alameda headquarters earlier Monday.

"My day is done," he said. "I'm going home to take care of some kids."
After the Raiders' loss Sunday, he said: "Today was a hard day to swallow. I just want to play. I want to be involved. I want to be a part of it."

Monday, he got his wish.

NFL Legend Jerry Rice Finds a New Home in Seattle

After more than 19 NFL seasons, Jerry Rice is leaving the Bay Area.

The disgruntled wide receiver was traded Monday night to the Seattle Seahawks, the Raiders announced in an e-mail. The deal won't be completed until the league approves it and Rice passes a physical.

The Raiders didn't say what compensation they will receive for the NFL's all-time leading receiver, but several media outlets, using anonymous sources, reported that Seattle would give up a conditional seventh-round draft pick. The Raiders are planning to hold a news conference today.

And Now More From Retired Running Back Ricky Williams

Williams, NFL to discuss his return

Retired running back Ricky Williams is scheduled to meet Thursday with the NFL to seek permission to immediately rejoin the Miami Dolphins, despite his multiple violations of the league's substance abuse program.

William David Cornwell, an attorney representing Williams, and the NFL Players Association will also attend the meeting in California. "We are anxious to present the case for permitting Ricky to rejoin the Miami Dolphins this year and to clarify his status under the league's substance abuse program," Cornwell said in a statement Monday.

In July, Williams said he learned shortly before retiring that he had failed a drug test for marijuana — his third violation since 2002.

Because of the violations and Williams' subsequent retirement, the Dolphins say their understanding is that he is suspended for the entire season. The NFL has declined to comment.

If Williams were to play this year, it would likely be with Miami, because the league trade deadline is Tuesday. The Dolphins haven't won a game since Williams retired.

NFL Online Betting Monday Night Football Week 6

There will always be hope for our country as long as more people watch "Monday Night Football" than "Friends".

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-4) at The St. Louis Rams (3-2)
Against the Spread: Rams 2-3-0 | Buccaneers 1-3-1
Game Time: Monday 9:00 PM ET ABC Monday Night Football
Opening NFL Betting Line: Rams -6 -105 Over/Under 41 -100o -110u
Current High NFL Betting Line: Rams -7 -110 to -115
Current Low NFL Betting Line: Rams -6 -108 to -115
Over/Under 42.5 -110

I was going to go into a team by team analysis of this game but there really is not point. The Bucs' will keep th Rams at bay for a while but in the end they will fold simply because their offense will spend little to no time on the field. They will get tired and the quick strike ability of the Rams offense will kick it into high gear. I may not put a big bet on this game but I'm going to get into the fray a bit.

My Online Betting Action: The Rams -6

NFL Against the Spread Online Betting ESPN Night Game

The Minnesota Vikings (3-1) at The New Orleans Saints (2-3)
Against the Spread: Vikings 2-2-0 | Saints 1-4-0
Game Time: 8:30 PM ET ESPN
Opening NFL Betting Line: Vikings -3 -116 Over/Under 50 -101o -109u
Current High NFL Betting Line: Vikings -4.5 -105
Current Low NFL Betting Line: Vikings -3.5 -103 to -110
Over/Under 51.5 to 52.5 -105 to -115

The Vikings are a dominating force on the offensive side, but are suspect defensively. They have the best passing game in the NFL but have yet to get a real ground game going. The good news in this game is bigger than just wide receiver Randy Moss and quarter back Daunte Culpepper. It's also the fact that the Vikings can stop the run, whereas the Saints can't stop much of anything. This is going to be of real help in this match-up. If they can keep the running game somewhat in check then it's a no brainer. Tight end Jermaine Wiggins is expected to play and that just adds one more threat and another spot that the Saints are going to have to worry about.

The Saints have got to be the streakiest team in the NFL. You just never know what team is going to show up. They have talent all around with quarter back Aaron Brooks, wide receivers Joe Horn, Donte' Stallworth and Jerome Pathon. Tight end Boo Williams is nothing to sneeze at and when running back Duce McAllister is healthy he can produce decent numbers. They are going to have corner back Mike McKenzie in their starting lineup but I don't see that as really stopping the passing attack of the Vikings, and they are going to be without linebacker Derrick Rodgers. Bottom line New Orleans just doesn't gel, and I blame the coaching. With the kind of talent they have they should not be as hit or miss as they are. They are 28th against the rush, and 21st against the pass, and their offensive numbers are almost the same (27th rush, 12th pass). I see those numbers dropping lower after tonight's game.

My Online Betting Action: The Minnesota Vikings -3.5

NFL Pick of the Week Against the Spread Online Betting Week 6

Continued...the afternoon games. For the early games -->NFL Betting Week 6

The Denver Broncos (4-1) at The Oakland Raiders (2-3)
Against the Spread: Broncos 1-2-2 | Raiders 2-3-0
Game Time: 4:15 PM ET
Opening NFL Betting Line: Broncos -1.5 -107 Over/Under 44 -102o -108u
Current High NFL Betting Line: Broncos -2.5 -110
Current Low NFL Betting Line Broncos 0 -115
Over/Under 43 -110

The Denver Broncos are playing mediocre football. Running back Quentin Griffin has not shown what was expected after his play in week 1. He's been held to 66, 7 and 66 yards in his last three games. Granted week 3 saw Griffin injured and his replacement Reuben Droughns did get 193 yards, so maybe Griffin would have had another bust out game similar to the 156 yard ram and jam game that he had against a similarly weak rushing defense of the Chiefs. But I still don't know. Quarter back Jake Plummer is consistently looking better in the yardage category but still lingers around the 58% mark in completions and as in week 1 when pressed to throw the ball a lot had 2 INTs. I'm not saying that they are a bad football team obviously they are not. I'm simply stating that they have room for improvement if they plan to take their division. They are off to a decent start with a defense that is ranked 10th against the rush and 2nd against the pass and an offense that is 11th across the board. All that said they are playing against AFC West division rival Oakland Raiders.

The Raiders and in particular, playing in Raider Nation, is just not feared anymore. Yeah the fans still dress up in their silly outfits, and yell and scream and taunt. But the team doesn't have what it takes to use that intimidation to their advantage. They are banged up in all the wrong places, QB Rich Gannon is gone (likely forever), upstart running back Justin Fargas is questionable and did not practice again Friday, running back Tyrone Wheatly is still doubtful and also did not practice this week. So that leaves them with a starting core that looks roughly like this QB Kerry Collins(2 tds 7 ints), RB Amos Zereoue, FB Zack Crocket, WR Jerry Rice, WR Jerry Porter, TE Doug Jolley. Situationally they will bring in WR Alvis Whitted and/or Doug Gabriel. I'm sorry Raiders fans, that just doesn't scare me much. And it's not likely to scare the Broncos much either. In to the stats Denver and Oakland are about even in points scored at 19+/-. But there is a big discrepancy in points allowed. Denver – 14.8 per game, Oakland – 23.8. With Oakland's weaker than average defense this is going to be the reason that I lay money on this game. The margin is tighter than it should be. -2 in Denver's favor is a hole based on public perception of the Raiders.

My Online Betting Action: The Denver Broncos -2

The Pittsburgh Steelers (4-1) at The Dallas Cowboys (2-2)
Against the Spread: Steelers 3-2-0 | Cowboys 2-2-0
Game Time: 4:15 PM ET
Opening NFL Betting Line: Cowboys -3 EVEN Over/Under 38 -105
Current High NFL Betting Line: Cowboys -3 -110
Current Low NFL Betting Line: Cowboys -3 -102
Over/Under 38.5 - 39 -110

I took the Steelers last week against all advice because I think that quarter back Ben Roethlisberger would not be taken as a serious threat by the Cleveland defense. I was right Cleveland didn't and lost. Beating in nearly every category, time of possession, total yards, yards passing, yards rushing. Roethlisberger threw for 3 Tds and one pick. While being hammered by Cleveland DE Ebenezer Ekuban, he managed to get off a nearly perfect stike to wide receiver Plaxico Burress. He was mobile and his running game was able to momentarily freeze the defense allowing his receivers to find gaps and get behind their corners. Now I know what you are saying, “...it was the Browns...”, and you're right. My point is simple though, Ben Roethlisberger does not look like a rookie, he looks like a seasoned veteran, and one that has to be taken seriously or he will hurt you. Parcels knows this...

The Cowboys are looking to come off a disappointing loss to the N.Y. Giants last week. They were made to look like chumps on both offense and defense. They came into this game as a near top ranking team in both regards and walked away, well, shamed. Head coach Bill Parcels will not tolerate that kind of game play and is going to come out swinging this week against the Steelers. They are going to get the wrath that is left over from this weeks practice. Trust me he has plenty of wrath to go around. Suffice it to say that you couldn't have paid me enough to have had to be one of his plays this past week. Defensively they dropped to 19th overall, offensively to 9th. That's gonna change, and it's going to be at the expense of the Steelers.

My Online Betting Action: The Dallas Cowboys -3

Be back with the ESPN Night Game and Monday Night Football Match-ups...

NFL Pick of the Week Against the Spread Online Betting Week 6

Stealing Bornczilla's format, my picks will be in italics, and they are games that I will have an online wager on. Games that I will not be betting on will be noted.

The Carolina Panthers (1-3) at The Philadelphia Eagles (4-0)
Against the Spread: Panthers 2-2-0 | Eagles 4-0-0
Game Time: 1:00 PM ET
Opening NFL Betting Line: Panthers -7.5 -109 Over/Under 41.5 -105
Current High NFL Betting Line: Panthers -10 -110
Current Low NFL Betting Line: Panthers -9 -110
Over/Under 41-41.5 -110

Let's start with the Panthers...1-3 The loss of WR Steve Smith was a blow, but that really doesn't excuse their play thus far this season. Smith has been in and out of the line-up for every team he has played since his college days. Nevermind the fact that rookie wide-out Keary Colbert has done a more than ample job of filling in those shoes, IMHO. Quartback Jake Delhomme has not gotten the job done behind center, having fumbled the ball in each outing, And he has a rather bleak completion percentage of about 59%. Is this his fault or does the blame lie elsewhere? I think it lies else where. The running game has been a tumoultious situation in Carolina at best. Stephen Davis gets hurt in practice after week 1 loss to Green Bay. DeShaun Foster steps up big with 172 yards in their week 2 win over Kansas City, but is brought back down from the mountain in week 4, held by the Falcons solid run defense to a mere 51 yards on 19 carries (I will mention that he faired a little better catching the ball 3 recps for 54 yards). Week 5 saw the Panthers starting yet again without Davis and to make matters worse lost Foster in the second quarter, leaving the game with a broken collar bone. The reason I go back to these games is to make a point about Delhomme, he HAS done his job. Passer ranking of 81, average passing yards 223. It's the ground game and to a lesser degree the offensive line that just has not been up to snuff. He keeps getting in situations where he is hurried, has to throw the ball where he doesn't want to, or to players running incorrect routes (one of the key reasons to his 4 INTs) and more importantly with no running game left the defenses know exactly what to execute against the Panthers. Even if Stephen Davis gets the green light to start, he's not going to be 100% so the factor of his return is not that great. I realize this seems like a lot of stuff to write about for this match-up, but this one is for an online wager so I'm trying validate my position.

Segue...?

The Philadelphia Eagles are strong, 4-0 all on the road. They give up yardage, no question about it, both on the ground and in the air. Statically speaking they are a middle of the pack defense, ranking 25th against the pass and 6th against the rush leaving them w/ an overall ranking of 16th. This doesn't explain things however. They have allowed the second fewest touch downs in the NFL (6) bested only by the Seattle Seahawks (5). Their offense comes in with the number 3 overall ranking but an only average 16th rushing, primarily due to the loss of Correll Buckhalter and in week 3 the loss of FB Jon Ritchie. But there is something special about this Eagles team that is different from years past. They have Terrell Owens, and they have him under QB Donavan McNabb's thumb. They have a defense that bends but doesn't break. They have taken their injuries in stride and kept going in spite of them. I have yet to see McNabb throw his hands up in the air with that “WTF just happened” look on his face. He has only thrown 1 pick to this point and has been able to continue to grow as a QUARTER BACK and not a scrambler. The Eagles are at the top of their division and manhandled the number two division rival N.Y. Giants. This Eagles team is going to clock out of week 6 with a 5-0 record, there is no question in my mind.

My Online Betting Action: The Philadelphia Eagles -9.
I've held off actually placing money to see if I can get this at 8 or 8.5. but will take it at -9.
Return

The Cincinnati Bengals (1-3) at The Cleveland Browns (2-3)
Against the Spread: Bengals 0-4-0 | Browns 2-3-0
Game Time: 1:00 PM ET
Opening NFL Betting Line: Browns -3 -107 Over/Under 40 -105
Current High NFL Betting Line: Browns -3 EVEN to -110
Current Low NFL Betting Line: Browns -2.5 -110 to -115
Over/Under 41 -41.5 -110

Sorry, as anyone who has been to my humble blog knows I don't write an analysis for games with the Bengals. I love them and cannot write an objective take on a match-up that includes them.

The Green Bay Packers (1-4) at The Detroit Lions (3-1)
Against the Spread: Packers 1-4-0 | Lions 3-1-0
Game Time: 1:00 PM ET
Opening NFL Betting Line: Packers -1 -110 Over/Under 43.5.5
Current High NFL Betting Line: Lions -3 -100 to -110
Current Low NFL Betting Line: Lions -2.5 -110 to -120
Over/Under 44.5 to 45 -110

The Packers have disappointed, and cost me money all season long. They are a mere shadow of what we have come to expect. Even with Pro-Bowl quality players such as wide receivers Javon Walker and Donald Driver as well as running back Ahman Green, they have failed on the field. Ahman Green is back to his old ways, fumbling. Defensively speaking the Packers are more than lacking, and it's not just because of injuries. The Packers total lack of fire on defense is evident nearly every snap. They look winded by the time they run out on the field, there is a complete lack of leadership and I can only look at defensive coordinator Bob Slowik and wonder exactly what they are paying him for. The Packers D just keeps getting worse year in and year out. 2001 11th overall, 2002 12th overall, 2003 16th overall and so far this year 31st overall. Again I repeat, this is not just injuries. They lack spark, life, umph, whatever you want to call it, they don't have it. The loss of Grady Jackson was without question painful, but it should have been used to motivate others to step up their respective game play not lie down and play dead. This has put the Packers offense in one hell of a bind. Quarter back Brett Favre knows that he has to put up big scores because his defense stands little to no chance of stopping the opposition. The receivers know that every ball thrown their way has got to be caught and as many yards after tacked on. Green knows that he has to be pert near perfect every carry. That is what it's like to be on the offense of a team who's defense gives up the most average points per game in the NFL (28.4). That's a heavy load to bare!

Moving on to the Detroit Lions, they are playing pretty decent football. Their only loss being at the hands of the Philadelphia Eagles in week 3. Granted, the Lions had not played another above .500 team until they met up with the Falcons. That is what made me a little more of a believer. They Won! The Lions beat an undefeated Falcons in THEIR house. They played solid defensive ball, putting constant pressure on Falcons QB Michael Vick, causing him to fumble three times and get picked once. They put a halt to the run, holding Warrick Dunn to 44 yards on 18 carries. The only touch down was made possible be a faked punt that saw punter Chris Mohr lobbing one to WR Brian Finneran who was able to get 39 yards. Detroit's QB Joey Harrington didn't do anything spectacular, but he didn't do anything spectacularly wrong either. He was 16-24 for 127 yards, no INTs and a touchdown. New starting running back Artose Pinner rushed for 68 yards on 23 carries, one of which was into the endzone. This proved a lot to me. They have what it takes to play a good team. Not a great team mind you, but a good team. So where is this diatribe leading...?

My Online Betting Action: The Detroit Lions -2.5
The Over at 44.5 is not without merit either.
Return

The Houston Texans (2-3) at The Tennessee Titans (2-3)
Against the Spread: Texans 2-3-0 | Titans 2-3-0
Game Time: 1:00 PM ET
Opening NFL Betting Line: Titans -5.5 -110 Over/Under 46 -110
Current High NFL Betting Line: Titans -7 -115
Current Low NFL Betting Line: Titans -6 -101
Over/Under 45 -110

The Texans are a hit and miss team, yet to produce like results from one game to the next. They looked much the same at the start of this season as they did at the end of last years. But they came up with the win in KC, followed by a win in Oakland. Their loss to Minnesota came in over time (and cost me a win as I thought I had it locked getting 4 points when it went into OT). Texans quarter back David Carr did a great job of leading his team in the fourth quarter and showed signs of having the “Right Stuff”. The Defense did not play like their 26th ranking would have you believe, and was one of the reasons that I liked and bet on them with the points. The Texans walk on the field tomorrow with the 7th overall offense bolstered by their 5th ranked passing game.

The Titans gobbled up the Packers last week, but I don't know that there is a whole lot of respect to be had by that victory (see above commentary on the Packers). They have quarter back Steve McNair back and wide receiver Derrick Mason as well as running back Chris Brown will play, even though they are listed as questionable. Corner back Samari Role will probably start, but he is not 100% healthy by a stretch. The Titans defense is really nothing to brag about but neither is the Texans. It's the awkward match-up that makes the difference in this game. Texans have the 5th ranked passing game, the Titans have 20th ranked passing defense. Titans have the 3rd ranked rushing game, the Texans have the 25th ranked rushing defense. The Titan give up an average of 23.5 point a game,the Texans score an average of 23.6. Conversly the Texans give up 23.6 points a game while the Titans put up 22.2. The point being that this is a closer game than 6.5 points.

My Online Betting Action: The Houston Texans +6.5
Return

The Kansas City Chiefs (1-3) at The Jacksonville Jaguars (3-2)
Against the Spread: Chiefs 1-3-0 | Jaguars 3-2-0
Game Time: 1:00 PM ET
Opening NFL Betting Line: Chiefs -2.5 -101 Over/Under 41.5 -105
Current High NFL Betting Line: Chiefs -3 -110
Current Low NFL Betting Line: Chiefs -2 -110
Over/Under 44 -110

The Chiefs have look bad, period. They just haven't had much to bring to the table. Quarter back Trent Green is a class act as is running back Priest Holmes and it's been hard to watch them this year and not feel a little bit sorry. Sunday may be a new dawning for the Chiefs however. Wide receiver Eddie Kennison will be returning to the lineup. Trent Green will once again have his “home run hitter” to throw to and this should allow things to open up for KC. Corner back William Bartee will be available for the nickel formation in place of Julian Battle. Defensive end Jared Allen is back and at full speed, and Hope has found a home in Kansas City! They started to get back on track, despite the injuries, in week 4 against the Baltimore Ravens and now they are going to be getting a couple of key players back in the line up (namely Eddie Kennison). I think that the offense picks up where it left off before the bye and has a strong showing this week in Jacksonville. The defense will need to be up to 2003 standards, but I think they can muster that.

The Jaguars QB Byron Leftwich has got a good amount of receiving talent around him in wide recievers Jimmy Smith, Reggie Williams and to a lesser degree Ernest Wilford, yet he still languishes towards the bottom of the QB ranking pile. He and his offense are going to get a boost by the return of tight end Kyle Brady, and that will help. Running back Fred Taylor has improved a bit in as much as he is not losing the ball. But still has a unremarkable yard per game average of 65.6. Jaguars biggest claim to fame this year was their upset of the Broncos at Mile High in week 2. Their wins have been squeakers and their losses have been the kind that make you say what? The Colts then the Chargers beat them on their own turf, the Chargers winning by 13!

My Online Betting Action: The Kansas City Chiefs -2.5
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The Miami Dolphins (0-5) at The Buffalo Bills (0-4)
Against the Spread: Dolphins 1-4-0 | Bills 2-2-0
Game Time: 1:00 PM ET
Opening NFL Betting Line: Bills -6 -108 Over/Under 32 -105
Current High NFL Betting Line: Bills -6 -110
Current Low NFL Betting Line: Bills -5 -103
Over/Under 30.5 -110

This game has the makings of the stinker of the week. The Dolphins are caught between a rock and a hard place. They have no QB to speak of and even if they did they don't get enough time to throw it. And let's say they get enough time to throw it, it's going to one of two places, wide receiver Chris Chambers or tight end Randy McMichael as they have been the only two players that seem to grasp the concept of catching the ball. Running back Travis Minor will likely be back, but he's not going to have anywhere to run. Bottom line is they have the worst offense in the NFL. All that said, their defense will stand tough per usual.

The Bills with quarter back Drew “when are you going to f***ing retire” Bledsoe at point, look only slightly better. They don't look as good on paper overall defensively but that's due to their poor pass defense which is obviously not going to be an issue in this game. They have the 5th ranked rushing defense and will be facing the 32nd ranked rushing attack (can I use that word?) of the Dolphins.

The Buffalo Bills -5
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The San Diego Chargers (3-2) at The Atlanta Falcons (4-1)
Against the Spread: Chargers 3-1-1 | Falcons 2-3-0
Game Time: 1:00 PM ET
Opening NFL Betting Line: Falcons -5.5 -105 Over/Under 41 -110
Current High NFL Betting Line: Falcons -5 -101 to -110
Current Low NFL Betting Line: Falcons -4.5 -110
Over/Under 42-42.5 -110

Will the real Drew Brees please stand up?! Who is this guy, he's like the Greg Raymer of football, he suddenly can't lose no matter what he has. 210 yards 2 touchdowns last week, 194 yards 3 touchdowns week before that... I mean seriously folks he's got a passer rating of 100.0, that's better than Tom Brady and just a notch below the likes of Donovan McNabb! He is on a rush, there is no question about it, and the head office knows it as well. There aren't any more “discussions” about the quarter back situation. That all may change Monday but for this week all is well as far as that is concerned. Running back Jesse Chatman stepped up to the plate to pinch hit for the ailing LaDainian Tomlison in the 3rd quarter and hit one out of the park, rushing for 103 yards on 11 carries including one for a touchdown. The Chargers O line has shown amazing game play, speed and adjustment ability. San Diego looks like they are one of those teams that plays great ball on the road but can't seem to get a win at home.

The Falcons have not been nearly the threat that they should be offensively. It has been their defense and their running game that enabled them to get off to a 4-0 start. Detroit brought them a Cease and Desist order, bringing that win streak to an abrupt halt. That game showed the vulnerability in the offensive line of the Falcons and proved that their 1st ranked running game can be stopped, and that the ranking is suspect. Can they stop the tandem of running backs Tomlinson and Chatman, even if they are a little nicked up? Can Atlanta's unbelievable 31st ranked passing offense get something going against the Chargers? Maybe, but it's a big maybe.

My Online Betting Action: The San Diego Chargers +5
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The Seattle Seahawks (3-1) at The New England Patriots (4-0)
Against the Spread: Seahawks 3-1-0 | Patriots 3-0-1
Game Time: 1:00 PM ET
Opening NFL Betting Line: Patriots -4 -102 Over/Under 42 -105
Current High NFL Betting Line: Patriots -4.5 -110
Current Low NFL Betting Line: Patriots -3.5 -110 to -115
Over/Under 41.5-42 -103 to -110

Oh Billy.... This is a good one. The Seahawks were upset last week by the St. Louis Rams in OT. They were winning 27-10 in the middle of the 3rd quarter and I thought that I had a solid win on my wager card. Then the defense that coach Mike Holmgren is, and up to that point had every right to be, so proud of did the unthinkable. They rested on their laurels. Quarter back Matt Hasselbeck helped with a few key third down miss reads/missed receivers. That game is over now and the Seahawks got their fill of grief this week from Holmgren rest assured. Seattle is still one of the most well rounded teams in the NFL. They have a good amount of talent on both sides of the ball and a solid, if not star studded, coaching staff. They are perfect on the road and have a mission to prove that they are better than what they showed their fans last Sunday. But they are going to New England, and that is not were you want to go for a rebound win.

The New England Patriots and in particular head coach Bill Belichick are an amazing team. Belichick is one of if not the most innovative coaches I've ever had the pleasure of watching. Despite salary caps and free agency and everything else that is The National Football League today he continues to find those players that can fill in the gaps when he loses someone. Defensively they disguise so well that they sometimes appear as though they must have stolen their opponents play book. Offensively, there is no other team that I would want when it came to crunch time. Quarter back Tom Brady is in a class by himself, not necessarily because of his raw talent, but more because of the combination of talent, composure and intelligence that he has. He is a true leader. Watch what his lineman do if they think that an opposing player has taken a cheap shot. Or how they respond if he gets hit after a play, legit or not. The O line of the Patriots take great pride in protecting Brady, and are sincerely bothered if someone slips through there guard and touches him. They are also a line that has given nice holes for running back Corey Dillon. But the Patriots may have to throw the ball more than they would like to, Dillon is a game-time decision. If Dillon doesn't start back-up Kevin Faulk will get the nod. This could force the Patriots into a position where they are not able to play action as effectively as they would like and have gotten used to. Wide receiver Troy Brown, who is sitting in for the injured Deion Branch, missed practice this week because of his shoulder. But the Patriots seem to find a way, and they will find it on Sunday as well.

My Online Betting Action: The New England Patriots -3.5 Pick of the Week
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The San Francisco 49ers (1-4) at The N.Y. Jets (4-0)
Against the Spread: 49ers 3-2-0 | Jets 3-1-0
Game Time: 1:00 PM ET
Opening NFL Betting Line: Jets -9.5 -105 Over/Under 41 -110
Current High NFL Betting Line: Jets -11 -110
Current Low NFL Betting Line: Jets -10 -110
Over/Under 42.5-43 -110

The Jets also killed me last week, having the spread covered and then some going into the final quarter of the game. They went to the dreaded Prevent Defense and allowed Buffalo to climb right back in the game. Quarter back Chad Pennington didn't help their cause any by throwing and interception early in the fourth quarter that began the come back attempt by the Bills. But the Jets won, even though they lost Santana Moss and had running back Curtis Martin held in check for the first time this season. They are still tied with New England in the AFC East and are one of only 3 teams undefeated. With solid play on both sides of the ball and a well rounded offense they should not have a problem extending that win streak to 5. The question mark beside Santana Moss is offset by the pass and catch routine the Pennington has been able to use with wide receiver Wayne Chrebet and the deep ball threat of both Chrebet and Justin McCariens. Look for running back Curtis Martin to be back in his old form against the mid-pack rushing defense of the 49ers.

The 49ers, what can you really say. Quarter back Tim Rattay looked sharp against the Cardinals going 38-57 for 417 yards and 2 touchdowns. Those numbers where primarily due to the fact that they could get nothing going on the ground. Running back Kevin Barlow was held to 34 yards on 14 carries. Rattay did spread the ball around hooking up with wide receivers Curtis Conway, Cedrick Wilson and Brandon Lloyd as well as tight end Aaron Walker. The big standout of the game was tight end Eric Johnson who hauled in 13 balls for 162 yards and a touchdown. But that was against a team who's pass defense ranks around the bottom of the totem pole. The Cardinals have given up much yardage to everyone who has played them. Defensivley the 49ers are not a whole heck of a lot better looking. They sit just above average at 12th, but that number doesn't hold a lot of water when you take into account that they give up 27 points a game. They may be able to keep this close if they can somehow expliot the hole left by the injury to N.Y.'s right guard Brandon Moore. But I don't see it happening.

My Online Betting Action: The N.Y. Jets -9.5
Note: I grabbed this game early, the line has shifted.
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The Washington Redskins (1-4) at The Chicago Bears (1-3)
Against the Spread: Redskins 1-4-0 | Bears 2-2-0
Game Time: 1:00 PM ET
Opening NFL Betting Line: Redskins -1.5 -110 Over/Under 34.5 -110
Current High NFL Betting Line: Redskins -1 -110
Current Low NFL Betting Line: Redskins -1 -110
Over/Under 33 to 34 -110

The Redskins are struggling. Running back Clinton Portis is struggling. Quarter back Mark Brunell is struggling. Did I mention that the Redskins are struggling? They are essentially without a functional offense. Dropped passes, fumbled footballs, sacks, hits and pressures on Brunell. I don't think that Gibbs gets it yet, or maybe they don't get him. Either way they have very little hope of even going 7-9 this year. The defense has stood proud but it doesn't mean much when your team can't move the ball. What else can I say...

The Chicago Bears have not faired any better in the win loss columns but they have played much stronger opponents. Particularly when you look at the key injuries that they have had (remember that young gun Rex Grossman?). Quarter back Jonathan Quinn was able to do a little something. The Bears Defense was also able to hold the outstanding offense of the Eagles to 19 points. Middle linebacker Brian Urlacher will return to the line up and that should help. But I don't know if it helps enough. This game is nasty, to say the least.

The Chicago Bears -1
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I'll be back with the afternoon games and ESPN night game later...