Ouch! Lucky Lester recorded his first losing week going 6-7 on the week. There were numerous heartbreakers but Lucky still is a winner on the season going 46-37-4. You know, it was all going very well up until I bet Grandma’s house on my Super Picks. I swear my run of bad luck has to do with her moving in and wanting to take over the living room on Sundays. Can you imagine, Sunday, of all the days to be getting up in my face!Cash money is what I expect from my Week Seven Picks but I’d settle for a little uninterrupted TV time on Sundays:
Lucky Lester’s Picks For Week Seven
Bills @ Ravens(-5.5) – Now, taking the Ravens to win by 5.5 points is always a difficult thing. Their defense is the heart and soul of the squad, and the offense just holds on tight to Ray Lewis’s backside, trying to get wins. On that note, the Bills have yet to beat a team besides the lowly Dolphins, who are the only team worst offensively then the Buffalo. Chester Taylor will turn some heads during the two games he sits in, or sprints in for the suspended star running back, Jamal Lewis. Look for Baltimore to come out with a more balanced game plan without Lewis. This will only help them beat the Bills this Sunday. Game Date: 10/24/04 13:00 ET

Lions @ Giants(-6.5) – Wow! I never could’ve imagined I’d be taking the Giants favored by nearly 7 points… against anyone. I also would have never bet Mr. Warner would shake off his two year rust and still be starting in week 7. But, this is a game, and this is the NFL. Translation; anything can happen anytime. The Giants are too good giving the ball to the masterful Tiki Barbar, who has looked brilliant thus far. He will tromp all over a defense that has yet to put the breaks on an opponent this year. Giants to win. That still sounds weird! Game Date: 10/24/04 13:00 ET

Eagles(-7) @ Browns – The Browns have looked surprisingly decent behind the ugliest man in the NFL, Jeff Garcia. He has led his team to a few victories, and last week he threw 5 touchdowns. But these are the Eagles for God’s sake. And last week Lucky learned not to bet against the Eagles, no matter what kind of method of madness you’re thinking. A touchdown, that should be no problem for who I think is the best team in football. They’re too confident to bet against!
Game Date: 10/24/04 13:00 ET

Jaguars(+9) @ Colts – The Jaguars offense has been winning games of late, a change from earlier in the season. Leftwhich has looked real good; giving football fans a preview of one of the leagues brightest stars of the future. 9 points is quite a hill to climb for the Colts, and although I would favor them to win this game, the Jaguars have too much fight to lie down against a questionable defense. Take the fighting Jaguars at +9.Game Date: 10/24/04 13:00 ET

Titans (+6.5)@ Vikings – Taking the Titans here shows some balls or some craziness, either way they’re my pick. The Vikings could be without their ringleader Mr. Randy Moss, and that could hurt their chances. But, with or without him, they’ve barely won the last two weeks, and their defense is so bad, I imagine the struggling Steve McNair will be happy to see them in week 7. McNair is better then he’s shown lately, and will prove it this week against Culpeppers amazing stats. Look for some scoring and a down to the wire finish. I’m betting on Steve to be Steve this week. Game Date: 10/24/04 13:00 ET

Chargers @ Panthers(-3) – Okay, so the Panthers let me down last week, but its not their fault. They had to play the Eagles and I should have known better. Anyway, I’m taking them again this week, but this time they’re favored. I’m hoping the tides have changed and now that they are favored they might start winning some games. Okay, so that’s a long shot. What I’m really betting on is the reality that the Chargers aren’t as good as they have been. Seriously they are the Chargers, luck is bad to strike them down with lightening this week!
Game Date: 10/24/04 13:00 ET

Rams(-6) @ Dolphins – Marc Bulger proved last week that he could throw against a tough defense, but that was on the nice fast turf in St. Louis. Still I have to take the Rams here, because they are good or at least mediocre. The Fins on the other hand are pretty poor, and their record actually shows how good or bad they are. The Rams have a much better chance to win here. They’ve got something going for them… an offense that can actually consistently produce touchdowns. Game Date: 10/24/04 13:00 ET

Bears(+7) @ Buccaneers – The Bucs at 7 point favorites is too much for me to swallow, or bet on anyway. When I think about taking the Bears to win anything I question what I’m thinking, but the Buc’s aren’t a +7 team and that’s that. I don’t know if they’ve won a game by more than 7 yet this year, something makes me doubt it. The Bears will always fight, regardless of how bad they are. Take the Bears with -7 here; it’s the only way to look at this game.
Game Date: 10/24/04 13:00 ET

Falcons @ Chiefs(-3.5) – So, part of me still sees the Chiefs as the team that was 13-3 last season. What can I say, I believe in The Priest. The Falcons got lucky against the Chargers, and they’ll show it this week by getting shellacked by the Chiefs. Vick will do some damage in this one, as anybody would against the Chiefs sieve of a defense. The Falcons D has been stout against the run, but has yet to face a back like Holmes. But then again, there isn’t a back like Holmes, as Ray Lewis has attested. The Chiefs will follow their Priest in to the end zone on more than one occasion this Sunday. Take Kansas City. Game Date: 10/24/04 13:00 ET

Jets(+6) @ Patriots – Maybe I just want the Jets to win, and maybe i just want the Patriots to lose, but I really believe the Jets can make both happen on Sunday. They have a running attack that can damage a defense that has been susceptible to it this year. They also have as accurate a passer the NFL has in Chad Pennington. In fact, he’s kind of like Tom Brady in that way. The Jets will do what the Seahawks couldn’t last week, ending New England’s amazing run. Pennington won’t give Patriot defenders the gift interceptions Matt Hasselbeck gave them last week. This will be a great one, but I’ll take the Jets at +6 to be the surprise-undefeated team at the end of this game. Game Date: 10/24/04 16:05 ET

Cowboys @ Packers(-3.5) – I’d like to start by apologizing to Brett Favre. He deserves more respect than I gave him last week. He is a winner, and he will always give his team a chance. Plus, the Packers look like they are back on track, and look to win for the first time in a long time in Green Bay. I see Brett coming to play in this one, and his partner in the backfield, Ahman Green will show that he is as good as he was last year. The Cowboys, a Lucky favorite to lose every game, will make me happy once again. The only downside is, they get better draft picks the more they lose. Game Date: 10/24/04 16:15 ET

Seahawks(-6.5) @ Cardinals – I have to look on the bright side and say the Seahawks loss last week only makes them better. Now they know what they have to do to be Super Bowl contenders, and that starts with thumping the Cardinals. The Hawks gave the game away last week with turnover after turnover. Hasselbeck had three interceptions. That killed the Hawks against a team like the Patriots. He’ll be on his game early in this one, and not even the fight of Dennis Green’s bunch can stop the Hawks from surging to victory in this one.
Game Date: 10/24/04 16:15 ET

Saints(+3) @ Raiders – These are two bad teams that do something good once in a blue moon. Unfortunately for the Saints the moon was blue last week. I don’t expect them to be as good as they were against the Vikes, but I do expect them to at least be as good as the Raiders. And since Oakland is favored, I have to take Aaron Brooks and his New Orleans squad that has managed to play young and inconsistent for three years straight. Hopefully they play better then a bad Oakland team that just gave away Jerry Rice. I don’t care how old he is, he’s the Michael Jordan of the wide receiver position, and like Mike, he can always help a team win.
Game Date: 10/24/04 16:15 ET

Broncos(-6) @ Bengals – The Broncos once again have a new great running back in Droughns. They will ride him against a poor Cincinatti defense. The Bengals will have to stack the line to make up for their young and penetrable defense and Jake Plummer will take advantage of that with easy and open passes all over the field. Will we see Jon Kitna if Carson Palmer struggles again this week? Probably not, but if he throws an early pick he’ll be looking toward the sideline, and that isn’t healthy for any quarterback. The Broncos, a team I don’t like to bet on, should win easily in Cincinatti.
Game Date: 10/25/04 21:05 ET
WAGERING SMART MAKES WATCHING NFL GAMES MORE FUN

Good Luck with your NFL Football Wagering!
Lucky Lester

Lucky Lester was 8-6 with his picks last week making him 40-30-4 on the year. Super Picks were once again not even playoff material at 1-3. Lowlight of the week was Grandma’s favorites, the Seattle Seahawks, blowing a 27-10 lead with five minutes left in the game. She was up and dancing for hours but watched the ending with horror and disbelief. It proved too much and her mind snapped and she began repeating, “What’s left for me… the CFL!” She is in a very expensive HOME now. The good news is that they have a TV there so she can watch her precious CFL while I get ready for a dazzling week six in the NFL!My Super Picks sure have sucked lately so this week I’m just picking the games:
Lucky Lester’s Picks For Week Six
49ers @ Jets (+10) – Okay, unfortunately for the Niners, I think the best of their season is behind them. After pulling one out last week, I see the Jets blowing up in the Niners face this week. Chad Pennington can lead his team to victory and will dominate a Niner’s defense who’s best player is injured, (Julian Peterson), and tired because of the lack of offensive firepower. Game Date: 10/17/04 13:00 ET

Seahawks (+4) @ Patriots – The Patriots pulled off another win last week against a very sub par Miami squad. The Hawks lost an overtime game where they gave up two touchdowns in the final 5 minutes of regulation time to allow the Rams back in it. So it would seem that I would take the seemingly unbeatable Patriots here right? Wrong. The Patriots can’t stop the run and the Seahawks are best when running comes easy, setting up Hasselbeck. They’re getting four points, but I see the Hawks doing the unthinkable here and halting the Pat’s right before their 20th straight win. Game Date: 10/17/04 13:00 ET

Panthers (+9) @ Eagles – While the Eagles are tough, and possibly one of the best teams in the league, it’s hard to go against the theme that has me making money. Every week I’ve taken the Panthers as underdogs they’ve done me proud. This week they are nine point dogs, and that is too big to pass up. You’d think the eagles were playing the Niner’s with that kind of spread. Sure, the Panthers are banged up, but they have a ton of heart, and love to be underdogs, so I see them giving the Eagles a ride here, and maybe even coming out victorious. Stephen Davis is back, and that alone should get the Panthers within the spread. Game Date: 10/17/04 13:00 ET

Bengals (+3) @ Browns – It’s a no brainer for me. I bet against the poor Browns every week and this week they are giving points to a better team in the Bengals. Carson Palmer had a week to think about this one, and in only his first season he needed it and will show how much it helped. The Browns are a soft offense with a good defense. Take the points. Game Date: 10/17/04 13:00 ET

Packers @ Lions (+2) – I’ve got to take the Lions here. They are good and way better then the odds makers has made them. The Lions have played tough all year. Favre is customarily poor in domes, and the packers are terrible this year. After a big win in week one, they have yet to grab number two. It’s hard to imagine the Packers losing five straight, but not that hard. The Lions are getting points at home where they are at their best. The Packers are giving points in a dome where they are at there worst, and this year, that’s pretty bad. My money is on the Lions here. Game Date: 10/17/04 13:00 ET

Redskins (even) @ Bears – I see Clinton Portis bouncing back this week after sub par performances in his last few outings. The Bears are without their starting quarterback, who was average at best, so I can’t see their offense moving down the field. Lavar Arrington might be back and give the Redskins the boost they need to get another win this week. Take the Skins in this snooze fest.
Game Date: 10/17/04 13:00 ET

Texans (+6.5) @ Titans – The Titans rolled over a road kill Packer team last week in Green Bay, and any other year I’d be impressed. But they aren’t the first team to do it this year. The Texans fought one of the league’s toughest teams all the way into overtime last week, only to come out losers in the end. Don’t let their record trick you, they are a good team. David Carr has proven to me that he is a damn good football player and will always give his team a chance to stay in it. This will be a high scoring affair, but look for the Texans to get closer then 6, if not win the game outright in Tennessee.
Game Date: 10/17/04 13:00 ET

Chargers @ Falcons (-4.5) – As you know, I hate taking the Falcons when they are favored by any more than three, and in this situation, with the Chargers beating some good teams, it might look weird that I’m taking Atlanta here. But, you’ve got to see it my way. The Chargers are not as good as their record indicates, and Mike Vick has to be better then his numbers would tell you. He’ll be up to his old tricks in Atlanta on Sunday. He will be feeding the ball to Peerless Price, who finally caught some balls last week. Vick will finally show us the real Charger team, which will likely begin the slide we had all expected from San Diego since day one.
Game Date: 10/17/04 13:00 ET

Chiefs @ Jaguars (+2) – Hmmmmm… take the Chiefs in Jacksonville against a team that specializes in stopping the run and will be on their toes against the best back in the league, or, take the Jaguars who just got trounced by San Diego? This is tougher than I thought it would be. But, the Jaguars are getting two points at home, and the Chiefs are 1-3… it’s still too tough. Okay, two weeks in a row, the Jag’s D has given up a 100 yard rusher, even though last week the back who got 100 yards did it all on one run, they still gave up a hundred. So, on that note, I think they are motivated to halt The Priest, and lead their team to victory over Kansas City. Oh, did I mention the Chiefs’ defense is hideous? Absolutely terrible.
Game Date: 10/17/04 13:00 ET

Steelers (+3) @ Cowboys – The Cowboys overachieved last year, has anybody noticed that? Then why are they still getting odds like they are an 11 win team? The Steelers, on the other hand, have been wonderful this year with rookie star Ben Roethlisberger coming out and giving them a lift in Tommy Maddox’s absence. Duce Staley is showing us that he still has it, and the receiving corps in Pittsburgh is finally playing like they should be. Their D is solid too. The Boys under star coach Bill Parcels are finally playing down to their talent level and Keyshawn is showing everyone why he was not so loved in Tampa Bay. Eddie George hasn’t done much, but it’s not his fault… the team just isn’t that good. Game Date: 10/17/04 16:15 ET

Bronco’s (-2) @ Raiders – I just can’t bet on the Raiders here. I don’t know why, but they just don’t look like a team that’s going to take down Denver. I don’t think Denver is as good as their record, and usually love to bet against them, so lets just say this is a gut feeling. With Jerry Rice looking to be traded, the team can’t be in a loving mood. They will play like a team with questions on Sunday. Look for the Bronco’s to beat Oakland here. Game Date: 10/17/04 16:15 ET

Minnesota (-3.5) @ Saints – Are you kidding. Once again, the odds makers have to be up to something here. I’d still take the Vikings if they were 7 point favorites against a terrible New Orleans squad. Brooks might step up to his talent level and play well on Sunday, but I wouldn’t bet on it. The Vikings beat a tough Houston team in Houston last week, and they will be up for this game in New Orleans. Randy Moss will be looking to get this thing over quickly so he and Daunte Culpepper can go Mardi Gras after the game. Beads are good for everybody, so I’m betting my whole collection here.
Game Date: 10/17/04 20:35 ET

Buccaneers (+6) @ Rams – Last week, against Seattle was a fluke, and the Rams still are suddenly old. I see an interception fest happening here, and the Tampa Bay D scoring a couple touchdowns. The Buc’s, without a solid offense, will manage to keep it close. The 6-point spread is too large for me to go with St Louis.
Game Date: 10/18/04 21:05 ET
WAGERING SMART MAKES WATCHING NFL GAMES MORE FUN

Good Luck with your NFL Football Wagering!
Lucky Lester

Lucky is still reeling from all the upsets of last week. Hopefully things return to normal this week and Lester is spot on with the winners once again so he can keep the name; Lucky! Just kidding, Lester is always lucky, just not always right. Now if I could only get a little coffee with all this humble pie! Click here if you want to read my review of how the previous week played out against my picks and my power ratings for the first quarter.Week 5 Super Picks

Cardinals (+1) @ Niners – Cardinals get a point, so that’s cool. Both teams are bad but the Cardinals have Dennis Green, and the 49’ers Have Dennis Erikson. Emmit Smith has been having a kick ass year and it’s about time to once again appreciate Mr. Smith.
Game Date: 10/10/04 16:15 ET

Bills @ Jets (-6.5) – Drew Bledsoe has been dreadful and don’t expect that to change against the talented Jets team. Jets Quarterback Pennington will not turn the ball over and less than seven points is a bargain in this one. Game Date: 10/10/04 16:05 ET

Jaguars (-2.5) @ San Diego – Okay, okay, so the Chargers have overachieved and the Jaguars have barely won three games and just lost one. Only 2.5 to the Chargers…Jump on this free boat! The Jags shut down the stud running back in San Diego and then what, Drew Brees beats them??? As Barb would say…”Yeah Right!”
Game Date: 10/10/04 16:05 ET

Ravens (-1) @ Redskins – The Ravens defense was humiliated last week at Kansas City. Ray Lewis is pissed and Clinton Portis has been fumbling. This is a lethal combination for the Redskins. Redskins are struggling to pick up Coach Gibbs schemes and the Ravens defense pounces without any hesitation. Game Date: 10/10/04 20:30 ET

Lucky Lester’s Picks For Week Five
Dolphins @ Patriots (-13) -Thirteen is a huge number but I have to take the Patriots here. The Dolphins hope to keep it close with their defense but the Patriots ability to pass and run will prove it decisive. Dolphins are disorganized and their moral is low on offense no matter who is quarterbacking their team. Game Date: 10/10/04 13:00 ET

Browns @ Steelers (-6) – Okay, I know the Steelers need to win by more than six but they are better than the Browns. Rookie quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has been exceptional and Deuce Staley has restored the fear factor in their running game. Browns running back Lee Suggs could have success against the Steeler defense. The Browns defense has been decimated by injuries and will be unable to slow the Steeler attack.
Game Date: 10/10/04 13:00 ET

Raiders @ Colts (-9) – After a last minute win last week against Jacksonville with help from a questionable call, the Colts will be out to prove that they are one of the dominate teams in this league. Marvin Harrison is overdue for a monster game. Raiders have injury concerns on offense (QB, RB) and showed little last week.
Game Date: 10/10/04 13:00 ET

Lions (+7) @ Falcons – The Falcons are not good enough yet to get seven points over a exciting, young Lions squad. The Lions showed earlier this year in Chicago that they are finally able to win on the road. The Falcons are inconsistent throwing the ball so maybe unable to take advantage of Detroit’s sub par pass defense.
Game Date: 10/10/04 13:00 ET

Bucks @ Saints (-3) – Both of these teams have been especially disappointing this year. The Saints QB Aaron Brooks usually steps up against good defenses. Look for the Saints to rebound at home saving their season and pushing the Buccaneers to 0-5.
Game Date: 10/10/04 13:00 ET

Giants (+3) @ Cowboys – Kurt Warner and Tiki Barber, two notorious turnover artists, have only turned the ball over twice between them this year. The Cowboys are really hurting at right cornerback and the Giants have enough good receivers to exploit that. Look for Michael Strahan to blow by Cowboy Right Tackle Torrin Tucker and lay some big hits on Testaverde. Game Date: 10/10/04 13:00 ET

Vikings (-4) @ Texans – The Texans have won two in a row and could hang with the Vikings for a while, but the Vikings superior firepower will prove too much in the end. Take the Vikings only giving four in this one. It sucks but oh well!
Game Date: 10/10/04 13:00 ET

Panthers (+5.5) @ Broncos – So the whole “Quentin Griffin is a stud” thing is over and done with and Jake Plimmer isn’t anything big to get excited about so why do the Broncos give almost six points? Oh that’s right, the Odds Makers are Crazy! Panthers expect to get Steven Davis back this week and will ride him to victory.
Game Date: 10/10/04 16:15 ET

Rams @ Seahawks (-7) – Seahawks are finally balanced as their much maligned defense is playing even better than their vaunted offense. The suddenly old Rams just can’t hang with the speedy, young Seahawks, especially in Seattle. Expect Seattle running back Shaun Alexander running behind Seattle’s elite offensive line to dominate the undersize Rams defenders.
Game Date: 10/10/04 16:15 ET

Titans @ Packers (-3) – This match up on Monday night features two teams that are a very disappointing 1-3. This is a must win situation for both teams to stay competitive for the playoffs. It turns out that injured Brett Favre is healthier than injured Packer Quarterback, Steve McNair. The Packers will not lose three in a row at Lambeau Field. Take the Packers giving only 3.
Game Date: 10/11/04 21:05 ET
WAGERING SMART MAKES WATCHING NFL GAMES MORE FUN

Good Luck with your NFL Football Wagering!
Lucky Lester

Welcome to week four. Lucky Lester has identified trends and expects to improve his already gaudy 25-18-3 record with some enticing match ups this week. You can read my review of how the previous week played out against my picks. 

Week 4 SUPER PICKS
I’m taking 4 teams this week for my Super Picks and they look like good bets. Perhaps this is the week that Granny gets her house back!

The Titans (-3) @ Chargers: Titans don’t lose a lot with back up Billy Volek subbing for McNair. Volek passed for almost 300 yards in his last outing. Running back Chris Brown looks like an elite performer. San Diego’s anemic passing attack provides little support for superstar LaDaineian Tomlinsom. Game Date: 10/03/04 16:15 ET
The Rams(-3.5) @ 49ers: Lucky has consistently maintained that the 49ers will be fortunate to win a single game. Rams QB Mark Bulger will put up huge numbers because the 49ers lack the ability to pressure him. Receivers Holt and Bruce cannot be covered for very long. Game Date: 10/03/04 20:35 ET

Chiefs@ Ravens(-5.5): The chiefs cannot be happy about going to Baltimore, they match up poorly with the Ravens. The Ravens ferocious defense will contain Priest Holmes, the Ravens running back Jamal Lewis should rumble for at least 200 yards against the Chiefs pitiful run defense. Game Date: 10/04/04 21:05 ET
Saints (-3) @ Cardinals: Saints QB Aaron Brooks should find success against the Cardinals 27th ranked defense. Aaron Stecker, playing for the injured Deuce McAllister, had over a hundred yards rushing last week. Game Date: 10/03/04 16:05 ET
Lucky Lester’s Picks For Week Four

Bengals @ Steelers (-4.5): Steelers will take advantage of Carson Palmers tendency to turn the ball over, and will control the game on the ground with running back Duce Staley. Cincinnati defense is the second to last unit in the league. Game Date: 10/03/04 13:00 ET

Giants (+7) @ Packers: Take the generous point spread against this Packer team that has huge injury concerns on defense. Their defensive backfield is a mess and they can’t stop the run either. Kurt Warner seems born again and is playing with confidence. Warner will burn the blitz-happy Packer defense.
Game Date: 10/03/04 13:00 ET

Redskins (-3) @ Browns: Both offenses are sputtering, so take the much better defense with a small point outlay here. Clinton Portis should have a field day against the Browns struggling defense.
Game Date: 10/03/04 13:00 ET

Colts (-3.5) @ Jaguars: This is the big game of the day, matching the undefeated Jaguars against the Colts offensive juggernaut. Three and a half seems like a small price to pay for this Colt team that is firing on all cylinders. The good young Jaguar defense will play hard but Jacksonville’s inability to score will make the difference.
Game Date: 10/03/04 13:00 ET

Eagles (-9) @ Bears: New Bears quarterback Jonathan Quinn could not face a tougher first opponent. The Eagles varied blitz packages will make his life miserable. The Eagles McNabb is having an MVP like season, and should find Terrel Owens for several scores. The Bears are missing three starters in the defensive backfie.
Game Date: 10/03/04 13:00 ET

Patriots (-5.5) @ Bills: New England will dominate the Bills sub par offensive line. Patriots will be in Bledsoe’s face all day. Bledsoe’s limited mobility, and that’s being kind, will once again result in numerous sacks. Tom Brady will find enough openings in a good Bills defense to secure a victory. Game Date: 10/03/04 13:00 ET

Raiders (-2.5) @ Texans: Raiders are a better team with the strong-armed Collins at quarterback. Their young receivers are speedy and excel in the vertical passing game. The Texans are missing their best offensive performer, Domanick Davis.
Game Date: 10/03/04 13:00 ET

Falcons @ Panthers (-3.5): The Falcons Michael Vick appears confused running his new West Coast offense. The Panthers awesome front four should contain and frustrate him. Carolina running back DeShaun Foster showed last week that he is more than capable of getting the job done. Game Date: 10/03/04 16:05 ET

Broncos (-3) @ Buccaneers: Three points seems a small amount to lay for the Broncos against the winless Buccaneers. The Buccaneers offense has been terrible and should pose no threat to the tough top rated Bronco defense. Game Date: 10/03/04 16:15 ET

Jets (-6) @ Dolphins: Dolphins switch quarterbacks again in a futile effort to score some points, dolphins need turnovers to stay in the game and the Jets Pennington won’t oblige.
Game Date: 10/03/04 16:15 ET
WAGERING SMART MAKES WATCHING NFL GAMES MORE FUN

Good Luck with your NFL Football Wagering!
Lucky Lester

Well folks, it is time to get aboard the Lucky Lester Express, which is steamrolling through the NFL season. My super picks were 3-2 and I was 8-5-1 overall this week. This was my third straight week of picking winners and my overall record on the season is 25-18-3. If I had a day job I would quit it!Now let’s take a closer look at how week 3’s picks played out.
On the winning side:

Week 3 SUPER PICKS

The Texans (plus 7.5) finally rewarded my loyalty with a stirring outright win on the road against the stumbling Chiefs The Texans kept it close and then outgunned the sorry Chief defense in the final moments for victory.

The Eagles (-4.5) continue their mission of destroying every opponent in sight. McNabb is putting up MVP like numbers every week. The young Lions were simply outclassed at home.

The Jaguars (+6) young defense throttled The Titans passing attack and knocked QB Steve McNair out of the game. Fred Taylor showed signs of getting on track as well which could effect my future considerations.

Regular winners:
The Raiders (-3) revamped defense shutdown Tampa Bay’s impotent attack. You know things are bad in Buccaneer land when Bill Shroeder emerges as their leading receiver!

The Saints (+7) rode a strong performance from inconsistent QB Aaron Brooks, to an outright victory on the road against a suddenly old Ram squad. Aaron Stecker, subbing for the injured Deuce Macalister, delivered over a 100 yards rushing.

The Cardinals (+10) hung tough in Atlanta and it took another freaky super human play by Michael Vick to narrowly defeat them. The Cardinals are 0-3 but are 3-0 against the spread.

The Seahawks (-10.5) destroyed the 49ers as I predicted. The Seahawks stingy young defense, 13 points allowed in three games, is a surprise even to me. The Niners were shut out for the first time in 420 regular season games. Way back when Lucky Lester was, well, a heck of a lot younger 34 years ago.

The Steelers (+1) were able to defeat the weapon deprived Dolphins on the road by protecting rookie quarterback Ben Roethlisberger with a hundred yard rushing performance from Duce Staley.

Now let us take a look at what went wrong.
On the losing side:

Super Picks:
The Bengals (+3) were unable slow down Jamal Lewis, their offense was overwhelmed by the Raven defenders. Carson Palmer turned the ball over and the Ravens took full advantage.

The Vikings (-9) allowed a late meaningless, for them anyway, touchdown that blew the spread. I wish teams would be a bit more considerate of our wagers! Rex Grossman played a strong game for the Bears before he was injured. Grossman is done for the year. Thomas Jones appears to be the real deal for the Bears at running back.

Regular Losers:
It was a bitter disappointment that the Packers (+6) injury riddled defense was torched for five first half passing touchdowns by Peyton Manning. Two Packer cornerbacks were announced injured just prior to kickoff. Favre responded with four touchdown tosses but it was not enough in an entertaining shootout in Indianapolis.

The officials stole my money! That is the way I view the Redskins (-1) loss. They were defeated not by the Cowboys but rather by two outrageous bad calls. Time ran out for the Redskins at the Cowboy 20 yard line and they lost by a field goal.

The Browns (+3) were beaten badly by a Giants team that I have severely underestimated. Kurt Warner is born again! He shredded the Brown’s defense with his pinpoint passing.

Finally there are the ties, when the games end right on the number. This is called a Push. This was the case when the Broncos (-10) dominated the Chargers at home. Missed opportunities resulted in the 23-13 victory.

Lucky Lester is enjoying getting rich this season. Hope you are too. After three weeks, trends are emerging and I am excited about my Week Four Picks. Feel free to drop old Lucky a line at luckylester@hotmail.com to let me know of you’re success this football season.

WAGERING SMART MAKES WATCHING NFL GAMES MORE FUN

Good Luck with your NFL Football Wagering!
Lucky Lester

Lucky is back this week hoping to duplicate my successful opening week where I went 10-5-1. Let’s kick it off!Week 2 SUPER PICKS
Redskins (-3) @ Giants: Holly cow. Just in: Clinton Portis is really that good. He alone could beat the Giants by more than three points. The Redskins new defensive scheme is blitz, blitz, blitz, and the Giants don’t have a quarterback or an offensive line that can handle that. The Skins roll big. In fact, I intend to place my own mortgage on this game, hoping to get Grandma back into her own house!
Game Date: 09/19/04 13:00 ET
Jets (-3) @ Chargers: Both the Chargers and the Jets looked good on opening weekend, starting off the season with wins. Don’t expect that trend to continue. The Jets are a good team, the Chargers are not. LaDainian Tomlinson ran wild against the Texans and might do it again against the Jets. But that alone will not suffice. For the Chargers to win, Drew Brees will have to play mistake free football for another week, and I just don’t see that happening. The Jet’s have a potent passing attack with Chan Pennington throwing the ball to Santana Moss, and will ride a rejuvenated Curtis Martin to victory.
Game Date: 09/19/04 16:15 ET

Seahawks (-2.5) @ Buccaneers: The Buccaneers looked hard for some offense last week and came up wanting. Scoring more points on defense than offense is now way to win football games. Seattle on the other hand, looked as good as advertised, beating the Saints by two touchdowns in New Orleans. Their young defense held Deuce MaCallister to 57 yards rushing and forced three turnovers. Look for the Seattle offense to improve in week two, and beat the Bucs by a touchdown.Game Date: 09/19/04 16:05 ET
Colts (+1) @ Titans: It’s hard to imagine the talented Colts at 0-2… so I won’t. The Colts will come back in week two and beat a formidable opponent in the Tennessee Titans. Edgerrin James looks like the Edge of old, running for over 140 yards against a good Patriot D in week one. Colts need a victory, and Lucky Lester says they’ll Edge one out here. Game Date: 09/19/04 13:00 ET
Lucky Lester’s Picks For Week Two

Broncos (-3) @ Jaguars: The Broncos really showed me something last week against the Chiefs. Jake Plummer can lead Shanahan’s offense down the field. Quentin Griffin is making people forget about Clinton Portis in Denver. The Bronco’s balanced attack is hard to defend against. Denver’s defense is hugely improved with the addition of Champ Bailey. The Jaguars won’t squeak this one out, and will get beat at home by a much more experienced Bronco squad.
Game Date: 09/19/04 13:00 ET

Steelers @ Ravens (-3.5): The Ravens are pissed, and a pissed off Ray Lewis is down right scary. Duce Staley is veteran enough to know, he’s in big trouble this Sunday. Jamal Lewis can’t be satisfied with 50 yards rushing, look for him to bounce back with help from Jonathan Ogden who’s back in the lineup.
Game Date: 09/19/04 13:00 ET
Texans (+3) @ Lions: Good news and bad news for the Lions last week. They finally won on the road, as I predicted, but unfortunately lost budding star receiver Charles Rogers for the year. But for some terrible bounces, David Carr would have led his team to victory in week one. Look for the bounces to even out and watch the Texans win in Detroit. Game Date: 09/19/04 13:00 ET

Bears @ Packers (-8.5): Bears can’t score if they don’t have the ball, and the Packers have been very piggish with that lately. Don’t expect undersized Brian Urlacher to hold his ground against a missive Green Bay ground assault. Ahman Green will run wild, and Brett Favre will sling it around. Green Bay in a land slide.
Game Date: 09/19/04 13:00 ET

49ers @ Saints (-7.5): Based on last weeks performance one would be inclined to take the Niners, but Lucky Lester knows San Francisco, and San Francisco sucks. Not to mention Miami’s own Ken Dorsey will be under center this Sunday. Never a good thing! Saints have got to be better then the Niners. Take the bitter pill and give the 7.5 points. Game Date: 09/19/04 13:00 ET

Rams @ Falcons (-2.5): This is a tough one. Both these teams looked terrible in their Victories last week. Sure, each team is 1-0, but only because they played the Arizona/San Francisco tandem that will be hard pressed to win ten games combined. Mike Vick only had 18 snaps in pre-season and should be greatly improved with a full game under his belt. Take Atlanta at home in this offensive dog fight.
Game Date: 09/19/04 13:00 ET

Panthers @ Chiefs (-6): The Panthers were dominated at home by the Packers stellar offensive line and star running back Ahman Green last week. Guess what? The Chiefs boast an even better offensive line and league scoring record holder Priest Holmes. Expect more of the same in Kansas City. Game Date: 09/19/04 13:00 ET

Browns (+4.5) @ Cowboys: The Browns took it to the Ravens vaunted defense in week 1. Jeff Garcia looked even more comfortable running the Brown offense then he thought he’d be. His young receivers ran up and down the field and William Green compiled 65 yards on the ground. The Cowboys run D isn’t as good as Baltimore, so Green should find bigger holes in Dallas.
Game Date: 09/19/04 16:15 ET

Patriots (-8) @ Cardinals: There isn’t a number under twenty the Cardinals would get that would persuade me to bet Arizona against a great Patriot team. I’ve got to give it to Arizona, they made up the spread against the Rams last week, and played tougher than expected. But, the Patriots aren’t the Rams, and I can’t imagine Bill Belichick will allow his team to look past Dennis Green’s young Cardinals. And don’t think for a minute that Emmitt Smith will gain 5.4 yards a rush against the Patriot run defense. Smith played well last week but should be slowed by a Patriots defense looking to improve from last weeks sub par performance. Watch the Patriots win their 17th in a row this Sunday. Game Date: 09/19/04 16:15 ET

Bills (+3) @ Raiders: The Bills dominated an improved Jaguar team nearly the entire game last week just to let them stumble down the field in the closing minute and steal a victory. But the Bills are better than advertised. Buffalo’s defense is one of the most underrated in the NFL and Drew Bledsoe looks like his old self again. The Raiders will fail to run against the Bills; Wheatley hasn’t proven himself and Justin Fargas just isn’t ready to carry the load. The Raider’s allowed Duce Staley to gain nearly 100 yards last week and Jerome Bettis scored 3 touchdowns. The Buffalo duo of Travis Henry and Willis McGahee are much younger and faster. Look for Buffalo to take advantage of the Raiders’ lack of cohesiveness. Bledsoe will find Lee Evens and Eric Moulds for big plays. I have to take the Bills and the points in Oakland. Game Date: 09/19/04 16:15 ET

Dolphins @ Bengals (-5): The Dolphins are a mess, they took two months to decide on a quarterback and then promptly benched him within thirty minutes, and now A.J. Feely is the starter. Lucky him. No running game, no passing attack, don’t invite me to that party. The Bengals Carson Palmer proved to be worthy of his hype, playing a solid game against a good Jets team in week 1. Cincinnati should notch their first win of the season, and the Dolphins should continue their hasty downward spiral. I take the Bengals at home, in fact if it weren’t for Miami’s stout defense, which might win them a game or two, they might have a shot at 0-16… Thanks Ricky!
Game Date: 09/19/04 20:35 ET
Vikings @ Eagles (-3): The Vikings couldn’t stop Vinny Testeverde’s Cowboys from racking up over 400 yards of offense, so there’s no doubt in my mind Donovan McNabb and Terrell Owens will explode for close to 500 yards against the Viking defense. But neither defense could stop their opponent. The lowly Giants racked up over 400 yards against the Eagles last week. The Eagles had more trouble defending the run, but luckily for them the Vikings don’t have a running back. It’s on this stat alone and the fact that Philly’s playing at home that I take the Eagles in this big Monday Night Match-Up.
Game Date: 09/20/04 21:05 ET
WAGERING SMART MAKES WATCHING NFL GAMES MORE FUN

Good Luck with your NFL Football Wagering!
Lucky Lester