Detroit Lions over Minnesota Vikings: This is a lot of points to spot for a team that is ranked 31st in offense. Minn has no resemblance of a running game allowing teams to tee off on Bradford. The offensive line is having trouble protecting him. Minn has scored a total of 20 points in their last 2 losses to Phil and Chic not exactly powerhouse teams. Minn will now come into this game on a short week from the Monday night game. Adding to the turmoil Turner the OC quits and Schurmur is moved up. People are making a big deal because of the relationship and history he has with Bradford.
New Orleans Saints over Seattle Seahawks: NO can compete with anyone and then some on the offensive side of the ball. Defensively they are horrible no getting around it. NO has played the 8th toughest schedule Sea comes in at 26th. However this game is more a fade on Sea. Coming off that draining tie game against Ariz a physical brutal game. It is tough to see Sea having the energy again on the road in a dome playing on a fast track against an offensive team that likes to play fast. That tie game was flattering to Sea. Wilson lacks mobility and really looks hurt.
Washington Redskins over Detroit Lions: Wash has won 4 in a row while Det has won 2 in a row. However Det has been outgained in 3 straight. DEt has a strong receiver group but even though Wash is ranked 15th in pass defense Norman continues to adj to the new team and system and this crew is improving game by game. Conversely I am expecting a very big day from the trio of Jackson, Crowder and Garcon going up against the 23rd ranked pass defense of Det. Wash has also created more balance with the effective running of Jones.
Cincinnati Bengals over New England Patriots: So much for rust with the return of Brady and him throwing for over 400 yards. So NE destroyed Clev while Cinci has lost 3 of 4 s/u incl pulling a no show last week vs. Dall. Combine all this we get a favorable number. I have this game at 5.5 giving us excellent value. Cinci has played the 4th toughest schedule NE comes in at 28th. Cinci will be able to move the ball through the air ranking 5th in passing offense while NE comes in at 18th in pass defense.
Chicago Bears over Indianapolis Colts: We successfully faded an over rated Indi team last week in London winning with a previously winless Jack team. Now without a bye Indi returns home to play Chic. Looks like Hoyer will get the start over hurt Cutler. I would prefer Hoyer anyway. Chic is not a good team but we are not asking them to win we are asking them to cover. Regardless despite Luck at QB who says Indi is a good team . They have a weak offensive line and that is definitely affecting Luck. Even though Chic is 1-3 s/u those 3 losses are to teams a combined 9-2.
Baltimore Ravens over Washington Redskins: I was pro Wash to start the year but that view has changed. Their win over the worst team in the NFL last week at home was anything but impressive. Balt gave up a TD with under 2 to go to lose vs. Oak last week. However these are like old times for Balt having the number 1 defense overall to date with an improved offense. Both these teams have played weak schedules. Wash has a home game on tap vs. Phil a divisional rival. I have this game at 6.5 giving us excellent value.
Jacksonville Jaguars over Indianapolis Colts: This game will be played in England. Indi does not have exp flying across the pond while Jack does. Jack was a popular pick to be a very improved team. However they are off to an 0-3 start. Bortles has struggled with the pick but there is talent on this team and we will buy in at this value point. Indi is still viewed as a good team mainly because of QB Luck and he is solid but really protection has been very poor. If not for a last minute TD at home against SD they would also be 0-3. Jack has played the tougher schedule.
Pittsburgh Steelers over Philadelphia Eagles: Very rarely will I spot road points but it is warranted here. Everyone saw Phil take care of Chic Monday night. Wentz is off to a very good start to his career. However lets hold on they have played Chic and Clev. They take a huge step up against Pitts. Williams is filling in for Bell and all he is doing is leading the league in rushing. Makes trying to stop them very difficult with that balance.
Houston Texans over New England Patriots: This line opened 2.5 and because of the legitimate reputation of NE and Belichick has moved down to where it is now. Public simply cannot believe NE can lose especially at home. However it is very likely you never know with Belichick will have to go with 3rd stringer Brissett and on top of this on a short week. Houst has not been overly impressive in their two wins and I am not sold on Osweiler however I think this game will be won on the defensive side and that is where Houst has a decided advantage.
Washington Redskins over Dallas Cowboys: Week 2 is all about over reactions from week 1. Here we have an undervalued home favorite. Everyone saw a bad lackluster game from Wash Monday night against Pitts. I am expecting a bounce back. Dall will take the road after losing to a weak NYG team at home. Prescott and Elliot who were not affective at home will find the going on the road even tougher in this divisional game. With Wash being embarrassed by WR Brown look for newly acquired Norman to be put up against Bryant limiting him and putting the heat back on rookie Prescott.