Due to my poor start, I've decided to change it up a little. I've become too selective, and have seen too many winners just miss the cut. So, I'm gonna open it up a bit, let those picks in, and see what happens. This week, we focus on a dying breed, the U-G-L-Y favorite.(Sorry, Broken and Sammy
)
U-G-L-Y fave #1:
Carolina (-6)
Atlanta pounded the Panthers 71-0 in two meetings last year, and hasn't lost by 6 in Carolina since '97. But, of course, that was with Vick.
NO VICK, NO WAY. Johnson hasn't done squat, throwing 6 picks in almost 3 games, and Atlanta's run D gives up 135 YPG. Now, here comes Stephen Davis, who put up close to that against the Tampa D. Atlanta, in turn, could barely muster 20 yards on the ground vs. the Bucs.
Forget it. Carolina's looking for a fight, and Atlanta's Mitch Green. The Panthers want to make sure the Falcs know last year wasn't a fluke, and are led by one of the most underrated coaches in the game.
Davis gets his 35 carries, the Panthers hold the ball 40 minutes, and Doug Johnson continues to contribute to the opposing team's welfare, as Carolina grinds out an impressive win.
U-G-L-Y Fave #2:
Oakland (-7)
Yeah, the Raidas looked pretty bad Monday, and probably shouldn't be touchdown faves against anyone. But here come the Chargers, who make Oakland look like Hugh Hefner with all their problems.
The Bolts' O-line is smashed up, and they may have to start a free agent rookie at right tackle. Boston is an ass, and Caldwell's hurt, so the receiving options are Tim Dwight and Eric Parker. Their defensive leadership left with Seau and Harrison, and no one has filled that void. Drew Brees is in the WRONG SYSTEM, people. He should be throwing the ball 50 times a game to be successful, but with Marty and Tomlinson that's never gonna happen.
Now, where was I? Ah, yes. Hef. Lucky bloke...
U-G-L-Y fave #3
New York Jets (-3)
Dallas is the vogue dog pick this week, but, frankly, I would be surprised to see it happen.
Vinny's becoming comfortable in the offense, and Santana Moss is becoming a go-to guy, and hopefully will replace Kevin Mawae as the main target in the red zone.
For all the good things Quincy did a couple weeks ago on Monday night, he still couldn't get them in the end zone. That could cost them this week.
After all the emotion of that Giants game, it's gonna be hard to dial it up again in the Meadowlands this time around.
I expect Dallas to come out a little flat. The Jets are desperate and will play hard, and should be able to cover the 3.
And 1 U-G-L-Y Dog:
Tennessee (+3)
Huge revenge game for Pittsburgh here, after Nedney's acting job knocked them out of last year's playoffs. But I'll take what, IMO, is the better coached team, with the tougher, MVP caliber QB.
McNair will not be cowed in Pitt, and he's finding more weapons every week. Mason already has two 10 catch games, and Bennett busted out last week. Backup TE's Meier and Kinney have combined for 18 catches thus far, and compare favorably to the Pitt safeties, who will no doubt be responsible for them.
The Steelers passing game has been solid, but they will be without LT Marvel Smith, and his backup, Oliver Ross, has seven career starts under his belt. His reward will be going up against The Freak, Jevon Kearse.
The Titans are solid against the run, and the Steelers can't run it anyway. Tennessee should be able to get pressure with their front four, and concentrate their efforts on confusing Maddox with 7 guys in the defensive backfield, mixing up their looks, and ultimately creating a couple big turnovers. Titans win straight up.
Well, if nothing else, you got a couple good fades.
Good Luck,
Space.
U-G-L-Y fave #1:
Carolina (-6)
Atlanta pounded the Panthers 71-0 in two meetings last year, and hasn't lost by 6 in Carolina since '97. But, of course, that was with Vick.
NO VICK, NO WAY. Johnson hasn't done squat, throwing 6 picks in almost 3 games, and Atlanta's run D gives up 135 YPG. Now, here comes Stephen Davis, who put up close to that against the Tampa D. Atlanta, in turn, could barely muster 20 yards on the ground vs. the Bucs.
Forget it. Carolina's looking for a fight, and Atlanta's Mitch Green. The Panthers want to make sure the Falcs know last year wasn't a fluke, and are led by one of the most underrated coaches in the game.
Davis gets his 35 carries, the Panthers hold the ball 40 minutes, and Doug Johnson continues to contribute to the opposing team's welfare, as Carolina grinds out an impressive win.
U-G-L-Y Fave #2:
Oakland (-7)
Yeah, the Raidas looked pretty bad Monday, and probably shouldn't be touchdown faves against anyone. But here come the Chargers, who make Oakland look like Hugh Hefner with all their problems.
The Bolts' O-line is smashed up, and they may have to start a free agent rookie at right tackle. Boston is an ass, and Caldwell's hurt, so the receiving options are Tim Dwight and Eric Parker. Their defensive leadership left with Seau and Harrison, and no one has filled that void. Drew Brees is in the WRONG SYSTEM, people. He should be throwing the ball 50 times a game to be successful, but with Marty and Tomlinson that's never gonna happen.
Now, where was I? Ah, yes. Hef. Lucky bloke...
U-G-L-Y fave #3
New York Jets (-3)
Dallas is the vogue dog pick this week, but, frankly, I would be surprised to see it happen.
Vinny's becoming comfortable in the offense, and Santana Moss is becoming a go-to guy, and hopefully will replace Kevin Mawae as the main target in the red zone.
For all the good things Quincy did a couple weeks ago on Monday night, he still couldn't get them in the end zone. That could cost them this week.
After all the emotion of that Giants game, it's gonna be hard to dial it up again in the Meadowlands this time around.
I expect Dallas to come out a little flat. The Jets are desperate and will play hard, and should be able to cover the 3.
And 1 U-G-L-Y Dog:
Tennessee (+3)
Huge revenge game for Pittsburgh here, after Nedney's acting job knocked them out of last year's playoffs. But I'll take what, IMO, is the better coached team, with the tougher, MVP caliber QB.
McNair will not be cowed in Pitt, and he's finding more weapons every week. Mason already has two 10 catch games, and Bennett busted out last week. Backup TE's Meier and Kinney have combined for 18 catches thus far, and compare favorably to the Pitt safeties, who will no doubt be responsible for them.
The Steelers passing game has been solid, but they will be without LT Marvel Smith, and his backup, Oliver Ross, has seven career starts under his belt. His reward will be going up against The Freak, Jevon Kearse.
The Titans are solid against the run, and the Steelers can't run it anyway. Tennessee should be able to get pressure with their front four, and concentrate their efforts on confusing Maddox with 7 guys in the defensive backfield, mixing up their looks, and ultimately creating a couple big turnovers. Titans win straight up.
Well, if nothing else, you got a couple good fades.
Good Luck,
Space.
