Week 5 wasn’t bad, but I’ve yet to hit a week right on the head. I have a feeling this is going to be that week. I haven’t changed anything up, and I’m sticking to my rules, which means I’m about to get right back on track. Follow my games, and if my Free Picks aren’t enough, dial up my Elite Action for this Sunday’s games.
Minnesota Vikings (+6) @ Chicago Bears:
(Line: Tuesday, 6:00pm EST: Bodog)
I think the Vikings and Bears are right about equal. Before the season, I didn’t think the Bears looked as good as they have been, and then injuries flooded that secondary. The Vikings are pretty healthy, and come in with a formidable rushing attack that will definitely put pressure on the Bears’ defensive front. Adrian Peterson (the Vikings version, not the Bears’) is an absolute beast. The Packers showed that the Bears can be run on, and I think the Vikings will take note. With Chester Taylor working in tandem with Peterson, they’ll both stay fresh and pound this game to a close finish.
St. Louis Rams (+10) @ Baltimore Ravens:
(Line: Tuesday, 6:00pm EST: NewBodog)
I think Gus Frerote can lead the Rams to enough scoring drives to put pressure on the Ravens. The Ram O-Line seems to be playing better together, and that is what this game will rely on. I like the Ravens to win this one, but giving Baltimore a 10 point hole to dig out of seems like a poor wager. The Ravens have been bad (at least) offensively, and touchdowns have been very hard to come by. 10 points, even the pathetic Rams can give than spread a test. I like them to make a play late to finish just within the spread, giving me a big underdog win.
Tennessee Titans @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-2.5):
(Line: Thursday, 5:00pm EST: BetEd)
After getting embarrassed last week by the Colts, Tampa should be back in full force on Sunday. I like all aspects of the Bucs’ team. They have a defense that hustles to the ball and makes tackles. They have an offense that doesn’t do anything great, but holds on to the ball for long periods of time, and Jeff Garcia is a leader. He makes very few mistakes, and accurately throws the ball. Tennessee has been doing well lately, as their only loss came against Indy. This game means something to both teams, but I’m going with the home team to cover by a field goal.
Washington Redskins @ Green Bay Packers (-3):
(Line: Tuesday, 5:00pm EST: Bookmaker)
This is a very tough game, one of those I wouldn’t pick if I didn’t pick every single game. I think the Packers and Redskins are basically the same team. They both have tough defenses and thus far have been pretty one-dimensional offensively. The Packers pass the ball successfully, while most of the Redskins’ yards come on the ground. Over the last 2 games, Campbell has cut down on mistakes, but the Packers might just force him into an interception or two. The Packers didn’t run the ball well to start the season, but they’ll have Jackson, Morency, and Wynn healthy for the first time this season. I think this game goes to the Packers at home, but it’s a tough one to call, one I’d stay away from.
Oakland Raiders @ San Diego Chargers (-9.5):
(Line: Tuesday, 5:00pm EST: Bookmaker)
I just think LT has an LT day against the Raiders, and the Chargers win 28-14. That covers, not by a lot, but a cover is a cover. Phillip Rivers has looked decent enough lately to keep the Raiders’ honest, and Oakland’s defense hasn’t been as good this year as they were last time around. I know its hard to justify taking the Chargers after just one good game, but defensively they were so much better last week. Plus, I wasn’t one to buy the Chargers’ demise quite yet. A win here puts them back in first place in the AFC West.
New Orleans Saints @ Seattle Seahawks (-6.5):
(Line: Tuesday, 5:00pm EST: Bookmaker)
This Sunday Night game won’t quite have the hype it looked like it would have coming into the season. The Saints have been pathetic when compared to pathetic teams, and thus are winless coming into Seattle. I was convinced that New Orleans would start to play better, but after last week’s lost to the terrible Panthers, I’m not so sure. And coming into Seattle where the crowd always makes it tough on opposing offenses, plus they have to go up against a very tough defense led by Julian Peterson and Lofa – yeah, I have to take the Hawks here, even with that near-touchdown cushion they are giving.
Houston Texans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (-6.5):
(Line: Tuesday, 5:00pm EST: Bookmaker)
The Jaguars are the better team here. They make fewer mistakes, they run the ball better, and their defense is more of a force. I know Houston started out hot, and this game is usually close, but because of the way Houston has been playing, I don’t see the Jaguars looking past this game like they have in the past. David Garrard may not be flashy, but he wins football games. A 10 point win here looks like the right choice. Andre Johnson isn’t back yet, so that’s one more thing going right for the Jaguars.