VEGAS VIC
LIONS (+6) over Eagles
Humongous line move in this game from an open of Birds -3 to now -6. So the question is, are they betting on quarterback Michael Vick and his superb second-half performance against the Packers? Or is the public betting against Detroit backup QB Shaun Hill? Probably a mixture of both. What should have been Kevin Kolb against Matthew Stafford (and a line of Eagles -3) is now a battle of the backups. Gotta give the edge to Vick, but at plus-6, Double V's gonna roll with the home 'dog here. And speaking of home 'dogs, they did very well last week, covering five of seven, with a push on the Rams-Cards game if you bought it at plus-4. Home opener, plus six, with a new and improved defense is the winning ticket for Detroit. Especially with the Birds possibly losing linebacker Stewart Bradley to a concussion, as well as center Jamaal Jackson and fullback Leonard Walker going on the dreaded injured reserve list.
FALCONS (-6) over Cardinals
Atlanta didn't show too well on the road Sunday against the Steelers, losing, 15-9, but under coach Mike Smith, the Falcons have proved to be a much better squad at home. They have won 13 of 16 in Atlanta the last 2 years, with a respectable 11-5 mark against the spread. QB Matt Ryan owns a phenomenal 13-1 mark at home since taking over, and you know the joint will be rocking. In home openers under Smith, the Falcs whipped the Lions in 2008, 34-21, as a thtree-point underdog, and topped the Dolphins last season, 19-7, as a four-point favorite. Arizona barely squeezed past one of the worst teams in the NFL, St. Louis, 17-13, and if you watched wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, you know he isn't close to 100 percent. And the last memory Atlanta has of the Cards is getting bounced from the 2008 playoffs in Arizona, 30-24. Did anyone say revenge? Double V says Best Bet!
VIKINGS (-5) over Dolphins
Kinda hard to buck perfection. Last season, Minnesota had a perfect 8-0 record at home, 9-0 if you count the 34-3 win over Dallas in the playoffs. Obviously, Brett Favre was a little rusty after missing almost all of the preseason, but the Vikes will have had 10 days between games, and he should be ready to go. And since Miami has only nine wins in the last 24 road outings, Vic is prepared to go purple to line my pockets with green.
RAIDERS (-3) over Rams
There was a ton of buzz around Oakland heading into Week 1, and the Raiders fell flat on their faces. Of course, it was against Tennessee and Chris Johnson, a team that is light years ahead of St. Louis. What do you actually get when the Rams come to town? You get an inept crew that has compiled a 4-20 record on the road the last 3 years and is rolling with a rookie QB. Perfect spot for the Silver & Black.
CHARGERS (-7) over Jaguars
Speaking of buzz, San Diego was tabbed by many of the experts as one of the three or four teams to represent the AFC on Super Bowl Sunday, so we're just throwing the opening-week loss right in the trash. The Lightning Bolts have been solid at home under Norv Turner, winning 20 of the last 27, while Jacksonville has been pathetic against the spread, covering only three of the last 13. Gotta ride the Bolts.
Patriots (-2) over JETS
These Jets just can't keep their mouths shut. Darrelle Revis thinks Randy Moss is a slouch. OK, whatever. He should be more concerned about his side of the ball without defensive tackle Kris ******* (knee) and LB Calvin Pace (foot). Brady by a TD.
49ERS (+5) over Saints
New Orleans had extra rest and is the defending Super Bowl champ. San Francisco looked horrible Sunday against Seattle. So, naturally, the Niners will cover as a big, fat home underdog.
Chiefs (+2) over BROWNS
This is the quintessential "who cares" game. Which means, don't you dare spend a dime on this goop.
Bills (+13) over PACKERS
This double-digits game is worth a light touch. But make sure you keep it light.
BENGALS (+3) over Ravens
Cincy beat Baltimore twice last year, and that was without T.O. Bengals should squeeze out another W.
TITANS (-5) over Steelers
Still can't wrap my head around Pittsburgh second-string QB Dennis Dixon.
COWBOYS (-7) over Bears
If Dallas wants to play at home in the Super Bowl, an 0-2 start would be a disaster.
PANTHERS (-3) over Buccaneers
With four wins in the last 21 outings, Tampa has no shot at the roses in this matchup.
BRONCOS (-3) over Seahawks
Seattle opened strong at home, but, on the road, the 'Hawks have covered only one of the last eight.
REDSKINS (+3) over Texans
Maybe Donovan McNabb is the answer to all of Washington's prayers.
Giants (+5) over COLTS
Taking Eli in the "Manning Bowl" since Indy lost safety Bob Sanders (biceps), one of its best on defense.
