INT PICKS
2 Stars
1:00 PM ET
Arizona @ Buffalo
Take Buffalo +4
1 Star
1:00 PM ET
Denver @ Cincinnati
Take Denver +3.5
1 Star
1:00 PM ET
Oakland @ Tennessee
Take Tennessee +1.5
1 Star
1:00 PM ET
Detroit @ GB
Play Over 47
2 Stars
4:05 PM ET
LA @ Tampa Bay
Take Tampa Bay -4
1 Star
4:25 PM ET
NY Jets @ KC
Take KC -2.2
2Stars
8:30 PM ET
Chicago @ Dallas
Take Dallas -6
MLB
#966
2 Stars
1:10 PM ET
NY Yankees @ Toronto
Take Toronto ML (-148)
#959
1 Star
8:10 PM ET
St. Louis @ Chicago Cubs
Take St. Louis ML (+152)
Free Pick
NFL
#469
1 Star
1:00 PM ET
Cleveland @ Miami
Take Cleveland +10
2 Stars
1:00 PM ET
Arizona @ Buffalo
Take Buffalo +4
1 Star
1:00 PM ET
Denver @ Cincinnati
Take Denver +3.5
1 Star
1:00 PM ET
Oakland @ Tennessee
Take Tennessee +1.5
1 Star
1:00 PM ET
Detroit @ GB
Play Over 47
2 Stars
4:05 PM ET
LA @ Tampa Bay
Take Tampa Bay -4
1 Star
4:25 PM ET
NY Jets @ KC
Take KC -2.2
2Stars
8:30 PM ET
Chicago @ Dallas
Take Dallas -6
MLB
#966
2 Stars
1:10 PM ET
NY Yankees @ Toronto
Take Toronto ML (-148)
#959
1 Star
8:10 PM ET
St. Louis @ Chicago Cubs
Take St. Louis ML (+152)
Free Pick
NFL
#469
1 Star
1:00 PM ET
Cleveland @ Miami
Take Cleveland +10
WINNING ANGLE
NFL FOOTBALL
Play Buffalo +4 over Arizona (Contest Play)
1:00 PM EST
Arizona has lost 14 of the last 23 games against the spread vs. AFC East Division Opponents and they have lost 12 of the last 15 games against the spread coming off a home win by 21 points or more in their last game. Arizona has lost 47 of the last 80 games against the spread after allowing 14 points or less in their last game and they have lost 27 of the last 42 games against the spread coming off a game with a turnover margin of +3 or better.
Play Cleveland +9.5 over Miami (Contest Play)
1:00 PM EST
Miami has lost 67 of the last 113 games against the spread when playing as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points and they have lost 37 of the last 59 home games against the spread when the total posted is between 38.5 and 42 points. Miami has lost 69 of the last 117 games against the spread after gaining 75 or less rushing yards in their last game and they have lost 32 of the last 47 games against the spread coming off a two game road trip.
Play Los Angeles Rams +3.5 over Tampa Bay (Contest Play)
4:30 PM EST
Tampa Bay has lost 94 of the last 170 games against the spread when playing in the 1st half of the season and they have lost 89 of the last 165 games against the spread when playing as a favorite. Tampa Bay has lost 29 of the last 48 home games against the spread when the total posted is between 38.5 and 42 points and they are allowing an average of 32 points a game on defense this season.
Play Dallas -7.5 over Chicago (Contest Play)
8:30 PM EST
Chicago has lost 65 of the last 108 games against the spread when the total posted is between 42.5 and 49 points and they have lost 29 of the last 47 games against the spread vs. NFC East Division Opponents. Chicago has lost 48 of the last 84 games against the spread when playing in the month of September and they have lost 97 of the last 174 games against the spread coming off a home game.
================================================== ===
BASEBALL
Play Toronto -155 over New York Yankees
Play Chicago Cubs -165 over Saint Louis
NFL FOOTBALL
Play Buffalo +4 over Arizona (Contest Play)
1:00 PM EST
Arizona has lost 14 of the last 23 games against the spread vs. AFC East Division Opponents and they have lost 12 of the last 15 games against the spread coming off a home win by 21 points or more in their last game. Arizona has lost 47 of the last 80 games against the spread after allowing 14 points or less in their last game and they have lost 27 of the last 42 games against the spread coming off a game with a turnover margin of +3 or better.
Play Cleveland +9.5 over Miami (Contest Play)
1:00 PM EST
Miami has lost 67 of the last 113 games against the spread when playing as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points and they have lost 37 of the last 59 home games against the spread when the total posted is between 38.5 and 42 points. Miami has lost 69 of the last 117 games against the spread after gaining 75 or less rushing yards in their last game and they have lost 32 of the last 47 games against the spread coming off a two game road trip.
Play Los Angeles Rams +3.5 over Tampa Bay (Contest Play)
4:30 PM EST
Tampa Bay has lost 94 of the last 170 games against the spread when playing in the 1st half of the season and they have lost 89 of the last 165 games against the spread when playing as a favorite. Tampa Bay has lost 29 of the last 48 home games against the spread when the total posted is between 38.5 and 42 points and they are allowing an average of 32 points a game on defense this season.
Play Dallas -7.5 over Chicago (Contest Play)
8:30 PM EST
Chicago has lost 65 of the last 108 games against the spread when the total posted is between 42.5 and 49 points and they have lost 29 of the last 47 games against the spread vs. NFC East Division Opponents. Chicago has lost 48 of the last 84 games against the spread when playing in the month of September and they have lost 97 of the last 174 games against the spread coming off a home game.
================================================== ===
BASEBALL
Play Toronto -155 over New York Yankees
Play Chicago Cubs -165 over Saint Louis
Andy Slater of 940-AM WINZ reports that Jose Fernandez was killed early Sunday morning in a boating accident.
He was one of three people killed in a crash off of Miami Beach. The Marlins have cancelled Sunday's game against the Braves following this unfathomably tragic news. Fernandez turned just 24 at the end of July and, of course, had already been through plenty with what he experienced in defecting from Cuba. Our thoughts go out to Fernandez's family and the Marlins during this horrific tragedy.
He was one of three people killed in a crash off of Miami Beach. The Marlins have cancelled Sunday's game against the Braves following this unfathomably tragic news. Fernandez turned just 24 at the end of July and, of course, had already been through plenty with what he experienced in defecting from Cuba. Our thoughts go out to Fernandez's family and the Marlins during this horrific tragedy.
Randall the Handle
The Best
Raiders (1-1) at Titans (1-1)
LINE: TENNESSEE by 1½
Maybe the Titans are turning a corner, but scoring a paltry 16 points per game is not going to produce many victories. Oakland gave up huge yardage and points in its first two games (Saints and Falcons) but Tennessee’s offence has yet to find a rhythm and doesn’t pose that kind of threat. The Titans might have to surrender if this offensively capable visitor gets out to a two-score lead. Tennessee hasn’t won consecutive games in more than two years. It finds itself in an unfamiliar role, now cast as the favourite after spotting points only three times over past two seasons and failing to cover each time. The Raiders made this same visit last year and left town with a 24-21 win. Did Tennessee get that much better in the off-season to change that result around? We still have to believe that the Raiders are the vastly improved club since then and disposing of these types is now an expectation we believe they can meet.
TAKING: RAIDERS +1½
Steelers (2-0) at Eagles (2-0)
LINE: PITTSBURGH by 3½
The Browns and the Bears are the two worst teams in the NFL right now. The Eagles have earned their surprising 2-0 start by taking each of those clubs down. Talk about a false sense of security. Now rookie QB Carson Wentz will take a huge step up in class to face a Super Bowl contender. Even with their pile of injured and suspended players, the Steelers are deeply talented. Backup RB D’Angelo Williams is leading the league in rushing. QB Ben Roethlisberger has a top receiver in Antonio Brown and should be able to expose a thin Philadelphia secondary whose abilities have been masked by weak opponents. The Eagles have little firepower on offence and their receivers seem to drop more passes than they catch. Let Philadelphia compete here and we’ll shell out respect that they haven’t quite earned yet. Pittsburgh is reliable, covering 10 of past 13 when favoured. As Roger Hodgson of Supertramp once advised, we’ll give a little bit here.
TAKING: STEELERS –3½
Vikings (2-0) at Panthers (1-1)
LINE: CAROLINA by 7
Do you know that the Vikings won the NFC North a year ago? Do you know that the Vikes are 2-0 this season and just defeated nemesis Packers? Are you aware that Minnesota was a botched 27-yard field goal away from knocking Seattle out of the playoffs last season? Would you be surprised to know that Sam Bradford might actually be a better quarterback than the injured Teddy Bridgewater? Do you know that Minnesota’s defence is a stellar unit that ranks among the best in several categories? Should you be anxious to take a full touchdown with this club no matter who they play? Darn right you should! This price is an insult to a very sound football club. While the Panthers are decent as well, they showed some warts against a meagre San Francisco team last week with the blowout score not indicative of what went on. Vikings have covered 11 of past 12 when taking points. Rarely are so many offered.
TAKING: VIKINGS +7
THE REST
Broncos (2-0) at Bengals (1-1)
LINE: CINCINNATI by 3
It may be easier to trust the Broncos here as they continue to dominate with their excellent defensive play. The Bengals don’t provide that same faith as they hardly ever defeat a heavyweight and their erratic style can be difficult to rely upon. However, this will be Denver’s first away game of the year and it will be played on a field where the host is 19-4-1 the past three seasons. Broncos QB Trevor Siemian has been average at best thus far and now he’ll leave Mile High for his first road start. The Broncos needed overtime to upend Cincy 20-17 at the end of last season. Look for the host to exact some revenge against the champs.
TAKING: BENGALS –3
Cardinals (1-1) at Bills (0-2)
LINE: ARIZONA by 4
Something weird happens when teams that are supposed to beat the Bills come here. They rarely do. After witnessing Buffalo’s first two games this season, the Bills might be a hard sell. They were completely dominated by the Jets two Thursdays ago for all to see. Buffalo fired its offensive coordinator after that one but that might have been misdirected as the defence or lack of it appeared to be a bigger issue. The Cardinals are dangerous, bouncing back from opening day loss only to trounce the Bucs last week. So why get behind the feebler squad? Because desperate times call for desperate measures and we expect a feisty effort from the home side despite recent showings. Strong home underdog gets the nod.
TAKING: BILLS +4
Ravens (2-0) at Jaguars (0-2)
LINE: BALTIMORE by 1
Dangle a bunch of points in front of the Jaguars and we might be interested. Demanding a win to earn a cover and we’ll pass, thanks. Said to be on the rise after spending a decade or so rebuilding, we have yet to see it. Sure, the Jags battled with the Packers on opening day but still lost and then reverted to their usual ways with a dismal performance at San Diego last week. Coach Gus Bradley is now 12-38 at his job here and his pants must be hot. Meanwhile, John Harbaugh gets the best out of whatever roster he has to work with and after falling behind 20-0 to the Browns last week (before a comeback win), you can bet he’ll have his team paying attention from the get go.
TAKING: RAVENS –1
Browns (0-2) at Dolphins (0-2)
LINE: MIAMI by 9½
Things keep going from bad to worse in Cleveland. Now on to its third quarterback in as many weeks, not only will the Brownies have to send a rookie thrower out to face the Dolphins, they will now have to do it without promising rookie WR Corey Coleman (104 yards, 2 TD’s last week) after he broke his hand in practice this week. The Dolphins haven’t spotted double-digits since Dan Marino was quarterback. That’s a testament to how inept the Browns are. Miami had a tough schedule to start with a pair of road games on opposite coasts, losing at Seattle and New England respectively. Now home with 0-3 glaring at them, the Fish cannot afford to look past this one and we anticipate an all-out effort against a weak and depleted opponent.
TAKING: DOLPHINS –9½
Redskins (0-2) at Giants (2-0)
LINE: NY GIANTS by 4½
Most are disenchanted with the Redskins and you can add us to the club. It’s no shock that rumours of a disgruntled locker-room exist, largely aimed at the subpar performances of QB Kirk Cousins. Right now, it appears that Cousins couldn’t hit water from a boat, let alone roaming receivers. That should suit an improved Giants defence just fine as the G-Men have owned their division rival on this field, winning four straight here by an average of 10 points per game. The Giants have put up moderate points so far but that’s not from an inability to move the ball, currently ranking 11th in passing. Blunders in the red zone have been an issue but against troubled Washington, things figure to get corrected in a hurry.
TAKING: GIANTS –4½
Lions (1-1) at Packers (1-1)
LINE: GREEN BAY by 7½
Detroit won here last year for the first time since the mid 90’s. Green Bay returned the favour with that unforgettable Hail Mary as time ran out. So both are revenge motivated. Given the choice, the hometown Packers are preferred. This is Green Bay’s home opener. The Pack have won and covered seven of past eight in first home game. They have also covered 14 of 18 after consecutive road contests. These Packers just lost to a division mate. They can ill afford to do it again and with a bye upcoming next week, they will be fully focused for this one. Most importantly is Detroit’s cluster of injuries to its linebackers and Aaron Rodgers’ ability to exploit that depleted area. A Green Bay romp would not surprise.
TAKING: PACKERS -7½
49ers (1-1) at Seahawks (1-1)
LINE: SEATTLE by 9½
Props to the Niners for a spirited effort in Carolina last week. Now this San Francisco team will have to follow that long trip with a jaunt to the other side of the country and to a place that has been a burial ground for them. The 49ers have not managed a cover here in past nine visits and this week’s circumstances lead us to believe that another long afternoon is in store. While Seattle’s offence has been awful in the early going (15 points in two games), its defence remains ferocious. The Seahawks prowess at stopping the run will force pop gun QB Blaine Gabbert to go aerial. That won’t work out well. Seattle smarting from loss to Rams and looking to get its offence untracked overwhelms the Niners. Again.
TAKING: SEAHAWKS –9½
Rams (1-1) at Buccaneers (1-1)
LINE: TAMPA BAY by 5½
If Tampa is moving up the charts, they’ll have to prove it in situations like this, a home game versus a mediocre foe. But until we see it, taking points with a good defensive team versus an unreliable opponent is the way to go. Granted, it’s tough to get behind L.A.’s horrendous offence, a group that has yet to score a touchdown but it’s only a matter of time until they get a couple and should they find the end zone here, the defence can do the rest. Rams get some injured young guys back on the field for this one and that may boost the anemic offence as well. The Bucs are screwy, especially on this field where they’ve only covered once in past seven as home chalk.
TAKING: RAMS +5½
Jets (1-1) at Chiefs (1-1)
LINE: KANSAS CITY by 3
The Chiefs flat lined in Houston last week but we expect a rebound here. This will be KC’s only home game in a month. They visit Pittsburgh next week. This one becomes essential. They will unwelcome a Jets team that finds both of their best receivers on the limp as the status of both Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker are uncertain at the moment. After a shaky 1-5 start a year ago, the Chiefs went on to win 10 straight and a playoff game. They have won seven consecutive at Arrowhead. Considering that New York’s defence has been quite penetrable this season while Kansas City’s remains a solid but unheralded group, have to lean to Andy Reid’s squad spotting the cheap price.
TAKING: CHIEFS –3
Chargers (1-1) at Colts (0-2)
LINE: INDIANAPOLIS by 2½
Unless they are really crummy, teams have a way of responding when their backs are to the wall. The Colts are facing the dreaded 0-3 start. While it’s still early, it remains a deep hole to crawl out of should a team end up there. They catch a San Diego team that has played well but has lost its best receiver and a valued offensive valve in Danny Woodhead. The Bolts are not deep enough to keep replacing front liners. Meanwhile, QB Andrew Luck has an array of guys to throw to and with the Chargers unstable run defence, Luck’s playbook can expand and cause the visitor some grief. CB Vontae Davis could return to Indy’s lineup after missing first two and that too would hamper San Diego’s cause.
TAKING: COLTS –2½
Bears (0-2) at Cowboys (1-1)
LINE: CHICAGO by 3
Jay Cutler is out and journeyman Brian Hoyer is in for the Bears. While that is a drop in talent, Hoyer’s experience does not warrant his side being a full touchdown underdog to Dallas QB Dak Prescott making just his third pro start. Prescott has been steady but still hasn’t thrown a touchdown pass, another hindrance to the big spot. It also doesn’t help how poor the Cowboys have been on Jerry’s field as an expected winner. As faves, Dallas has just two covers in past 16 attempts when laying points. Chicago is off to a dreadful start but we aren’t convinced that they are quite this bad. Sunday prime time is big stage for Dallas’ skill position youngsters. With the hefty pointspread, a little too big for our liking.
TAKING: BEARS +7
Falcons (1-1) at Saints (0-2)
LINE: NEW ORLEANS by 3
The only thing missing from this one will be Usain Bolt. Expected to be a track meet, good arguments can be made for both sides as each has quick striking offences while both team’s defences are under fire. Prefer to lean to home side with desperation Saints and the experienced arm of Drew Brees. Brees knows how to take advantage of this opponent with four straight 300 yard games against the Falcs. Atlanta travels for second time in as many weeks and after knocking off the Raiders last Sunday, it might be too tall of an order to compete here. Falcons also bankroll busters with just three covers in past 14 regular season games. Saints won both meetings last year, including 10-point win at this venue.
TAKING: SAINTS –3
*all odds courtesy of Oddsshark.com
The Best
Raiders (1-1) at Titans (1-1)
LINE: TENNESSEE by 1½
Maybe the Titans are turning a corner, but scoring a paltry 16 points per game is not going to produce many victories. Oakland gave up huge yardage and points in its first two games (Saints and Falcons) but Tennessee’s offence has yet to find a rhythm and doesn’t pose that kind of threat. The Titans might have to surrender if this offensively capable visitor gets out to a two-score lead. Tennessee hasn’t won consecutive games in more than two years. It finds itself in an unfamiliar role, now cast as the favourite after spotting points only three times over past two seasons and failing to cover each time. The Raiders made this same visit last year and left town with a 24-21 win. Did Tennessee get that much better in the off-season to change that result around? We still have to believe that the Raiders are the vastly improved club since then and disposing of these types is now an expectation we believe they can meet.
TAKING: RAIDERS +1½
Steelers (2-0) at Eagles (2-0)
LINE: PITTSBURGH by 3½
The Browns and the Bears are the two worst teams in the NFL right now. The Eagles have earned their surprising 2-0 start by taking each of those clubs down. Talk about a false sense of security. Now rookie QB Carson Wentz will take a huge step up in class to face a Super Bowl contender. Even with their pile of injured and suspended players, the Steelers are deeply talented. Backup RB D’Angelo Williams is leading the league in rushing. QB Ben Roethlisberger has a top receiver in Antonio Brown and should be able to expose a thin Philadelphia secondary whose abilities have been masked by weak opponents. The Eagles have little firepower on offence and their receivers seem to drop more passes than they catch. Let Philadelphia compete here and we’ll shell out respect that they haven’t quite earned yet. Pittsburgh is reliable, covering 10 of past 13 when favoured. As Roger Hodgson of Supertramp once advised, we’ll give a little bit here.
TAKING: STEELERS –3½
Vikings (2-0) at Panthers (1-1)
LINE: CAROLINA by 7
Do you know that the Vikings won the NFC North a year ago? Do you know that the Vikes are 2-0 this season and just defeated nemesis Packers? Are you aware that Minnesota was a botched 27-yard field goal away from knocking Seattle out of the playoffs last season? Would you be surprised to know that Sam Bradford might actually be a better quarterback than the injured Teddy Bridgewater? Do you know that Minnesota’s defence is a stellar unit that ranks among the best in several categories? Should you be anxious to take a full touchdown with this club no matter who they play? Darn right you should! This price is an insult to a very sound football club. While the Panthers are decent as well, they showed some warts against a meagre San Francisco team last week with the blowout score not indicative of what went on. Vikings have covered 11 of past 12 when taking points. Rarely are so many offered.
TAKING: VIKINGS +7
THE REST
Broncos (2-0) at Bengals (1-1)
LINE: CINCINNATI by 3
It may be easier to trust the Broncos here as they continue to dominate with their excellent defensive play. The Bengals don’t provide that same faith as they hardly ever defeat a heavyweight and their erratic style can be difficult to rely upon. However, this will be Denver’s first away game of the year and it will be played on a field where the host is 19-4-1 the past three seasons. Broncos QB Trevor Siemian has been average at best thus far and now he’ll leave Mile High for his first road start. The Broncos needed overtime to upend Cincy 20-17 at the end of last season. Look for the host to exact some revenge against the champs.
TAKING: BENGALS –3
Cardinals (1-1) at Bills (0-2)
LINE: ARIZONA by 4
Something weird happens when teams that are supposed to beat the Bills come here. They rarely do. After witnessing Buffalo’s first two games this season, the Bills might be a hard sell. They were completely dominated by the Jets two Thursdays ago for all to see. Buffalo fired its offensive coordinator after that one but that might have been misdirected as the defence or lack of it appeared to be a bigger issue. The Cardinals are dangerous, bouncing back from opening day loss only to trounce the Bucs last week. So why get behind the feebler squad? Because desperate times call for desperate measures and we expect a feisty effort from the home side despite recent showings. Strong home underdog gets the nod.
TAKING: BILLS +4
Ravens (2-0) at Jaguars (0-2)
LINE: BALTIMORE by 1
Dangle a bunch of points in front of the Jaguars and we might be interested. Demanding a win to earn a cover and we’ll pass, thanks. Said to be on the rise after spending a decade or so rebuilding, we have yet to see it. Sure, the Jags battled with the Packers on opening day but still lost and then reverted to their usual ways with a dismal performance at San Diego last week. Coach Gus Bradley is now 12-38 at his job here and his pants must be hot. Meanwhile, John Harbaugh gets the best out of whatever roster he has to work with and after falling behind 20-0 to the Browns last week (before a comeback win), you can bet he’ll have his team paying attention from the get go.
TAKING: RAVENS –1
Browns (0-2) at Dolphins (0-2)
LINE: MIAMI by 9½
Things keep going from bad to worse in Cleveland. Now on to its third quarterback in as many weeks, not only will the Brownies have to send a rookie thrower out to face the Dolphins, they will now have to do it without promising rookie WR Corey Coleman (104 yards, 2 TD’s last week) after he broke his hand in practice this week. The Dolphins haven’t spotted double-digits since Dan Marino was quarterback. That’s a testament to how inept the Browns are. Miami had a tough schedule to start with a pair of road games on opposite coasts, losing at Seattle and New England respectively. Now home with 0-3 glaring at them, the Fish cannot afford to look past this one and we anticipate an all-out effort against a weak and depleted opponent.
TAKING: DOLPHINS –9½
Redskins (0-2) at Giants (2-0)
LINE: NY GIANTS by 4½
Most are disenchanted with the Redskins and you can add us to the club. It’s no shock that rumours of a disgruntled locker-room exist, largely aimed at the subpar performances of QB Kirk Cousins. Right now, it appears that Cousins couldn’t hit water from a boat, let alone roaming receivers. That should suit an improved Giants defence just fine as the G-Men have owned their division rival on this field, winning four straight here by an average of 10 points per game. The Giants have put up moderate points so far but that’s not from an inability to move the ball, currently ranking 11th in passing. Blunders in the red zone have been an issue but against troubled Washington, things figure to get corrected in a hurry.
TAKING: GIANTS –4½
Lions (1-1) at Packers (1-1)
LINE: GREEN BAY by 7½
Detroit won here last year for the first time since the mid 90’s. Green Bay returned the favour with that unforgettable Hail Mary as time ran out. So both are revenge motivated. Given the choice, the hometown Packers are preferred. This is Green Bay’s home opener. The Pack have won and covered seven of past eight in first home game. They have also covered 14 of 18 after consecutive road contests. These Packers just lost to a division mate. They can ill afford to do it again and with a bye upcoming next week, they will be fully focused for this one. Most importantly is Detroit’s cluster of injuries to its linebackers and Aaron Rodgers’ ability to exploit that depleted area. A Green Bay romp would not surprise.
TAKING: PACKERS -7½
49ers (1-1) at Seahawks (1-1)
LINE: SEATTLE by 9½
Props to the Niners for a spirited effort in Carolina last week. Now this San Francisco team will have to follow that long trip with a jaunt to the other side of the country and to a place that has been a burial ground for them. The 49ers have not managed a cover here in past nine visits and this week’s circumstances lead us to believe that another long afternoon is in store. While Seattle’s offence has been awful in the early going (15 points in two games), its defence remains ferocious. The Seahawks prowess at stopping the run will force pop gun QB Blaine Gabbert to go aerial. That won’t work out well. Seattle smarting from loss to Rams and looking to get its offence untracked overwhelms the Niners. Again.
TAKING: SEAHAWKS –9½
Rams (1-1) at Buccaneers (1-1)
LINE: TAMPA BAY by 5½
If Tampa is moving up the charts, they’ll have to prove it in situations like this, a home game versus a mediocre foe. But until we see it, taking points with a good defensive team versus an unreliable opponent is the way to go. Granted, it’s tough to get behind L.A.’s horrendous offence, a group that has yet to score a touchdown but it’s only a matter of time until they get a couple and should they find the end zone here, the defence can do the rest. Rams get some injured young guys back on the field for this one and that may boost the anemic offence as well. The Bucs are screwy, especially on this field where they’ve only covered once in past seven as home chalk.
TAKING: RAMS +5½
Jets (1-1) at Chiefs (1-1)
LINE: KANSAS CITY by 3
The Chiefs flat lined in Houston last week but we expect a rebound here. This will be KC’s only home game in a month. They visit Pittsburgh next week. This one becomes essential. They will unwelcome a Jets team that finds both of their best receivers on the limp as the status of both Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker are uncertain at the moment. After a shaky 1-5 start a year ago, the Chiefs went on to win 10 straight and a playoff game. They have won seven consecutive at Arrowhead. Considering that New York’s defence has been quite penetrable this season while Kansas City’s remains a solid but unheralded group, have to lean to Andy Reid’s squad spotting the cheap price.
TAKING: CHIEFS –3
Chargers (1-1) at Colts (0-2)
LINE: INDIANAPOLIS by 2½
Unless they are really crummy, teams have a way of responding when their backs are to the wall. The Colts are facing the dreaded 0-3 start. While it’s still early, it remains a deep hole to crawl out of should a team end up there. They catch a San Diego team that has played well but has lost its best receiver and a valued offensive valve in Danny Woodhead. The Bolts are not deep enough to keep replacing front liners. Meanwhile, QB Andrew Luck has an array of guys to throw to and with the Chargers unstable run defence, Luck’s playbook can expand and cause the visitor some grief. CB Vontae Davis could return to Indy’s lineup after missing first two and that too would hamper San Diego’s cause.
TAKING: COLTS –2½
Bears (0-2) at Cowboys (1-1)
LINE: CHICAGO by 3
Jay Cutler is out and journeyman Brian Hoyer is in for the Bears. While that is a drop in talent, Hoyer’s experience does not warrant his side being a full touchdown underdog to Dallas QB Dak Prescott making just his third pro start. Prescott has been steady but still hasn’t thrown a touchdown pass, another hindrance to the big spot. It also doesn’t help how poor the Cowboys have been on Jerry’s field as an expected winner. As faves, Dallas has just two covers in past 16 attempts when laying points. Chicago is off to a dreadful start but we aren’t convinced that they are quite this bad. Sunday prime time is big stage for Dallas’ skill position youngsters. With the hefty pointspread, a little too big for our liking.
TAKING: BEARS +7
Falcons (1-1) at Saints (0-2)
LINE: NEW ORLEANS by 3
The only thing missing from this one will be Usain Bolt. Expected to be a track meet, good arguments can be made for both sides as each has quick striking offences while both team’s defences are under fire. Prefer to lean to home side with desperation Saints and the experienced arm of Drew Brees. Brees knows how to take advantage of this opponent with four straight 300 yard games against the Falcs. Atlanta travels for second time in as many weeks and after knocking off the Raiders last Sunday, it might be too tall of an order to compete here. Falcons also bankroll busters with just three covers in past 14 regular season games. Saints won both meetings last year, including 10-point win at this venue.
TAKING: SAINTS –3
*all odds courtesy of Oddsshark.com
NORTHCOAST SPORTS
4* NFL GOM: Pittsburgh -3.5 over Philadelphia 4:25 pm
3* Arizona -4.5 over Buffalo 1:00 pm
3* Tampa Bay -3 over LA Rams 4:05 pm
Top Opinions:
Sunday Night Marquee: UNDER 44.5 Chicago/Dallas 8:30pm NBC
Green Bay (-6.5) over Detroit 1:00pm NFC POD-----comp button 3----
Cincinnati (-3.5) over Denver 1:00pm AFC POD
Reg Opinions:
Seattle (-10) over San Francisco 4:05pm NFL Chalk POD
Jacksonville (+2.5) over Baltimore 1:00pm NFL Dog POD
UNDER 43 NY Jets/Kansas City 4:25pm Afternoon Pro POD
4* NFL GOM: Pittsburgh -3.5 over Philadelphia 4:25 pm
3* Arizona -4.5 over Buffalo 1:00 pm
3* Tampa Bay -3 over LA Rams 4:05 pm
Top Opinions:
Sunday Night Marquee: UNDER 44.5 Chicago/Dallas 8:30pm NBC
Green Bay (-6.5) over Detroit 1:00pm NFC POD-----comp button 3----
Cincinnati (-3.5) over Denver 1:00pm AFC POD
Reg Opinions:
Seattle (-10) over San Francisco 4:05pm NFL Chalk POD
Jacksonville (+2.5) over Baltimore 1:00pm NFL Dog POD
UNDER 43 NY Jets/Kansas City 4:25pm Afternoon Pro POD
