Tag Archives: Week 3

Free 2006 NCAA Football Picks Week 3

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After Week 2 blew me out of the water, I’m stuck floating on a small raft at 10-11 on the season. This week I plan on sending up a flare, and see if I can’t get rescued by at least 8 wins in Week 3. My tactics are really quite simple this week; I plan and picking the winner against the spread. I know, I know, I try to do that every week, but I figured if I could break it down a little bit, my picks might figure it out. Take a gander at my quest to return a winner. 13 games for your ogling pleasure.

BYU Cougars @ Boston College Eagles (-6): In this same match up last season in Utah, BC broke down Cougar offense and allowed just a field goal. This season could show much of the same. The normally high powered BYU attack appears to get shut down by disciplined and athletic defenses. BC has one of those, despite their early season trouble. The Eagles should easily up end the Eagles by a score or two.

Troy Trojans @ Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (-17): “Getting too much love for their close loss to FSU, the Trojans are,” says Master Yoda. Georgia Tech’s solid play against the Fighting Irish wasn’t a fluke, they should easily push past the Trojans’ defense, and all but eliminate Troy’s offensive assault. Calvin Johnson is the most dominant receiver in college football. He’ll show Trojan defenders what its like to play against NFL talent. GT should win easily at home.

Miami of Ohio Redhawks (-10.5) @ Kent State Golden Flashes: Miami has a nice little program up their in Ohio. Losses to Northwestern and Purdue shouldn’t weigh on the Redhawks’ shoulders. Two tough opponents to start the season can only help the Redhawks dominate a far inferior Golden Flashes team. Senior Ryne Robinson will have a huge game taking the flashes to the house a couple of times. Miami (Ohio) will dominate in a landslide.

Miami Hurricanes (+4.5) @ Louisville Cardinals: Michael Bush’s departure hasn’t hurt the Cardinals yet, but yet is now, not Saturday. I expect after Saturday the Cards will be missing the most powerful back in all of college football. Miami hasn’t played well this year, and they might not be the Miami of old, but as an underdog against the Cardinals, I have to take The U! Here’s to hoping they lose, while betting them to win. Cheers!

Oklahoma Sooners (+5) @ Oregon Ducks: The Sooners should take down the Ducks. Oregon plays in the Pac-10, which doesn’t bode well for their level of play. The Sooners haven’t impressed me much this season, but great players step up for big games, and Adrian Peterson is a great player. Oklahoma has to step up in this one. With 5 points to play with, the Sooners are the safest bet in this one.

Boise State Broncos (-7) @ Wyoming Cowboys: Wyoming isn’t a good team, and the Broncos are as good this year as they were expected to be last year. A 42-14 win over Oregon State isn’t the most impressive thing a team could do, but it sure shows the Broncos are ready to slap the Cowboys around. Sophomore rusher Ian Johnson 329 yards and 7 touchdowns in the first two weeks.

Fresno State Bulldogs (-3.5) @ Washington Huskies: This isn’t a tough game to pick. The Huskies aren’t a good football team, while the Bulldogs are. So, I’ll take the Bulldogs. I’d take Fresno -10, hell, I’d take them by 2 touchdowns. Washington will win a few this year, but not this one.

Arizona State (-9.5) @ Colorado: Last years’ starting quarterback, Sam Keller, recently transferred, so there is no question the job belongs to Super Sophomore, Rudy Carpenter. The chants of “Rudy, Rudy, Rudy” won’t come from the Colorado fans, but if you listen close you’ll be able to hear it all the way from Arizona. Its my personal experience that, when a kid finally gets to play without looking over his back, he plays better than ever. I expect this game to be a blowout in the 42-14 mold.

Game(S) of the Week
– So many good games means more games of the week.

Michigan Wolverines @ Notre Dame Fighting Irish (-5.5): After giving up on the Irish after a tough game on the road against Georgia Tech, I’m hopping back on the ND bus. Michigan has a nice team, but the Irish are too tough at home, and too talented on offense for the Wolverines. I put the Wolverines in the same category as Penn State. You all saw that game last week right? Chad Henne hasn’t impressed me for quite some time, but if he can play up to his promise, he’ll give the Wolverines a chance. Still, 6 points should be easy for the Irish to cover.

LSU Fighting Tigers @ Auburn Tigers (-3): It’s hard to believe a team with Fighting Tigers representing them wouldn’t be as good as a team with just regular, plain old, normal Tigers as their mascot. But this time, that is the case. Auburn has a better running game, and a better defense. Solid play in every aspect of the game will give Auburn a slight edge, and playing at home should help them win by 10.

Clemson Tigers (+5) @ Florida State Seminoles: I’ve got to go with the younger Bowden in this one. Clemson let me down in Week 2, with a loss to the BC Eagles. But this week, the younger Bowden will outsmart his Pops, and Clemson will take home the title. FSU’s win over Miami impressed a few people, but their near loss to the Troy Trojans pulled the bandwagon over and gave its driver a fat citation. Which Seminole team will show on Saturday? It doesn’t matter, Clemson will take it regardless.

Nebraska Cornhuskers (+19) @ USC Trojans: I don’t know if the Trojans are good enough defensively to dominate any decent team in college football. A 19 point spread makes me think domination, and I don’t think the Cornhuskers are a pushover. This isn’t your daddy’s Nebraska squad, they won’t run the option at you all day long, however they will throw the ball around and try to make big plays defensively. I like the Huskers to disrupt the USC O-line, causing some breakdowns in protection in what should be a close contest.

Florida Gators (-3) @ Tennessee Volunteers: I loved the Vols for their Week 1 trouncing of the Cal Bears, but this week should be too much for Tennessee to handle. The Gators are athletic, speedy, and strong defensively. Their offense is beginning to run with flawless precision, and honestly, the Vols just can’t compete with that. Tennessee’s luck will let them down in Week 3.

Free NFL Picks 05-06 Week 3

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Atlanta @ Buffalo (-3) – The Falcons might have to play against the feared Buffalo Bill defense without Mike Vick. If that becomes true, take this bet in a hurry. The Bills make veteran quarterbacks look like rookies, Matt Schaub will have one hell of a time if he starts. The Bills are coming off a big loss to a tough Buccaneer squad, where JP Losman looked like the first year starting quarterback that he is. You can bet the Falcons and Patrick Kerney will be hot on his trail this Sunday. The Falcons gave up 144 yards to Shaun Alexander last week. Willis McGahee will get enough carries to match Shaun’s big numbers. Even if Vick plays, I’m taking the Bills to push Atlanta to 1-2. McGahee is too good to keep under 100 yards, and the Takeo Spikes and his band of outlaws will shut down the Falcon rushing attack. Look for Losman to be limited under 20 pass attempts. If the Bills can do that, they win hands down!
Game Date: 09/25/05 13:00 ETJacksonville (+2.5) @ New York Jets – The Jets got a much needed win against the Miami Dolphins last Sunday. Chad Pennington completed 19-30, and the Jets defense played strong, limiting the Dolphins to one late score. Jacksonville lost a hard fought battle to the Colts, but played well enough to make me a believer. (I promptly went and dropped some cash on a futures Super Bowl bet) Byron Leftwich is a winner, and he’ll play with a sprained knee this Sunday. Look for Fred Taylor and the Jacksonville offensive line to pull a Chief-one on the Jet defense, rushing for big yards and a couple touchdowns. Leftwich will have decent numbers, but he won’t need to have a big day to win. The Jaguar defense is one of the most underrated units in the league, but that only makes them better. If Curtis Martin doesn’t start (he’s questionable) the Jaguars will have an easy time halting Pennington and the Jets. Take the Jaguars to upset on the road. Game Date: 09/25/05 13:00 ET

Tennessee (+6.5) @ St. Louis – The Rams lost to the 49ers in week one and beat the Arizona Cardinals in week 2. I lost both of those games. With the Titans coming to town, I have to bet against those pesky Rams. Since last season the Rams are 3-7 against the spread when favored. Can you say 3-8? Steve McNair won’t have much resistance when he drops back to pass. If Tim Rattay can do it, so can Steve! Chris Brown and Travis Henry will continue to control the clock for the Titans, who have played smart football in both games this early season. Steve Fisher knows how to coach, which gives the Titans a 1-0 lead before the game even starts. If Martz bites his own stupid play calling mic and gives the ball to Steven Jackson 25 times, the Rams have a chance, but don’t be surprised if Martz decides deep bombs are better than a sure 5 yards per carry. In fact, bet on it. I am. The Rams will struggle early and often, make big mistakes, and do their best to lose at home to a “rebuilding” team. The Titans will play smart and capitalize on the Rams ineptitude’s. Look for a big upset in St. Louis. Game Date: 09/25/05 13:00 ET

Oakland @ Philadelphia (-7.5) – The Raiders have played well for a team without a win. Their defense played tough against the Patriots in week one, but couldn’t stop Brady because the Raider offense didn’t help at all. They played tough against Kansas City, holding the Chief offense well under their rushing average, and Kerry Collins even looked all right against the revamped Chief D, but they couldn’t take the Chiefs in Oakland. Randy Moss and TO make this the best wide receiver match-up in football, and both will make their mark on this game. The Eagles are always very tough at home, and you can bet they’ll want to build on what they did last week against San Francisco. Donovan McNabb will have another big game, and TO will out perform Randy Moss in a high scoring affair. Look for Greg Lewis and LJ Smith to get a touchdown a piece with TO taking most of the Raider attention. Brian Westbrook might not get big rushing totals, but he’ll be a force receiving with the Raiders’ average linebacking corps in coverage. Kerry Collins has yet to throw an interception, which is a miracle if you’ve seen any of his games. He won’t be able to loft it up in Philly as Lito Sheppard, Brian Dawkins, Michael Lewis, and Sheldon Brown are ball hawks. Week 3 should get Collins back on his one interception for every touchdown pace.
Game Date: 09/25/05 13:00 ET

Cincinnati (-3) @ Chicago – Chicago has played very well this year. The Bear defense has been as good as any, holding the Redskins without a touchdown in week 1, and the Lions to 6 points in week 2. Kyle Orton looks like a future star in this game, with the future coming soon. Unfortunately for the Bears, Carson Palmer’s red hot arm, and his beastly Bengals come to town as hot as any team in the league. Two wins and over 600 yards for Palmer after two games, has the sports world praising his name. Not bad for a third year quarterback. Chad Johnson is truly special, as loud and obnoxious as his mouth may be. Rudi Johnson will find little room to run in Chicago, but he’ll be pounding between them tackles. The Bears can’t focus on one thing like they did against the Redskins and the Lions. If they set out to stop the run, bringing safeties up in support, Carson Palmer will lace into their secondary. If they drop back in coverage too often, Rudi Johnson will bulldoze through the line of scrimmage to victory. The Bears are better than many thought, and that includes me, but they aren’t as good as the Bengals, a team that looks like a surefire playoff squad. Look for a defensive struggle early, with Palmer finding Johnson for a couple big plays that bury the Bears.
Game Date: 09/25/05 13:00 ET

New Orleans (+4) @ Minnesota – The Saints always play well when they’re underdogs. Last week, they were put in a tough place, traveling to the Giants home field for a home game. They played much better than the 17 point margin, but couldn’t get past their numerous penalties and freak turnovers. In their last 10 games, they are 6-4 against the spread when favored. Team that fact with the way the Minnesota Vikings have played their first two games, and the Saints look like a pretty good bet to go into Minnesota and upset the Vikings. Daunte Culpepper will have a break out game, but the Minnesota defense will continue to play poorly. Luckily for the Vikings they are in the division with the Bears, Packers, and Lions. They can start off poorly and still win the division. Look for a shootout in this one, with Aaron Brooks and Daunte Culpepper tossing touchdowns left and right. I think more than 60 points will be scored with the Saints on top after 4. Game Date: 09/25/05 13:00 ET

Carolina (-3) @ Miami – The Panthers by 3? C’mon, that’s the best the oddsmakers could do! Take the Carolina Panthers in a laugher. The Dolphins aren’t good enough to play with good teams, and Carolina is one of the best this league has to offer. Steven Davis will find the end zone once or twice against the 3-4 scheme in Miami, and Jake Delhomme will find Steve Smith enough to take the Dolphins by a couple touchdowns. Don’t get me wrong, the Fins have played better than I expected, but they aren’t on the same level as Carolina.
Game Date: 09/25/05 13:00 ET

Cleveland (+14) @ Indianapolis – The Browns played very well against the Packers last week, and the score was much closer than the game was. The Colts were in a war at home against Jacksonville, but came out on top. I usually take the team I think will win, but this week I have to take Cleveland because of that huge two touchdown spread. The Browns played well against a very good team in Cincinnati, and beat the Packers at home, though that’s not as rare is it once was. Either way, the Browns have the coaching and talent to play close to good teams, closer than 14. Manning should have his best day, but the defense in Indy will be tested by the Browns, who aren’t afraid to take a couple chances. Look for the Indianapolis Colts to end the game on top, but not without a bulldog fight from the new and improved Brownies. Game Date: 09/25/05 13:00 ET

Tampa Bay (-3.5) @ Green Bay – The Packers might set a record for the amount of games they’re going to be underdogs in Lambeau. In turn, I might set a record for games I pick against the Packers when they’re underdogs at home. This should be a fun year! The Packers haven’t shown that they can play with anyone in the NFL. They got kicked around by the Lions, who went into Chicago and got obliterated. Then they lost to the Browns. Trent Dilfer threw for over 300 yards in that game. Not to knock Trent, but he’s not your regular Peyton Manning. This week the 2-0 Tampa Bay Buccaneers come to town, and the outcome isn’t very promising for Brett and his wilting pack of players. Cadillac Williams is leading the league in rushing after two games, and Chucky Gruden seems to have his team glowing with confidence and know-how. Brian Griese should have his best week passing, and the perennial stout defense in Tampa will have its way with the old Brett Favre and the sieved that claims to be his offensive line. Game Date: 09/25/05 13:00 ET

Arizona @ Seattle (-6) – It’s tough to take the Hawks with a 6 point spread. One reason is, the Cardinals have the talent and fire power to light it up any time now. The other reason is, the Seahawks were 2-8 against the spread when favored in 2004. But those are old numbers, and the talent that roams on the Arizona roster hasn’t transferred its way onto the field of play. The Hawks look like a good team, at least in the first half, where the Cardinals have struggled both early games of the season. Matt Hasselbeck has looked as accurate as ever, and the Hawk receivers have at least toned down their dropped passes. Shaun Alexander broke out of his baby booties last week and trucked an Atlanta defender on 3rd and 1. For running like tenderfoot for most of his career, the run was most impressive. Look for the Seahawks to take advantage of Kurt Warner miscues, his fluttering passes, and lack of mobility. With no rushing attack to press the Hawks, the Cardinals talented receiving corps will struggle to find room against the corner trio of Marcus Trufant, Kelly Herndon, and Andre Dyson.
Game Date: 09/25/05 16:05 ET

New England @ Pittsburgh (-3) – The Patriots finally made my prediction come true last week, losing to the Panthers by 10 in Carolina. Tom Brady looked frustrated for most of the game, a distant cry from his cool and calm assassination of the Raider secondary in week 1. Corey Dillon has yet to rush for decent yardage, and the Patriot defense obviously misses their old linebackers. Could it be that Bill Belichick has to much to do with three of his former coaching staff scattered around the football world? I think so. Belichick’s entire team looked confused in Carolina. The Pittsburgh Steelers should provide much of the same. Remember, it was last year when the Steel Show ended the Patriots famed winning streak. This year the Steelers should torment Tom Brady and shut down Corey Dillon. The powerful rushing attack in Steeler country will have its way with a punchless Patriot unit, and continue to make Willie Parker a made man. The Steeler defense hasn’t played against the best of opponents, but they’re ready to bring ruckus at Tom. Big plays won’t be scarce, as this game promises to be a great one.
Game Date: 09/25/05 16:15 ET

Dallas (-6.5) @ San Francisco – The Cowboys lost a heart breaker on Monday night. That’s really a shame. It broke my heart too. When Santana Moss sprinted right past the Cowboys’ best defensive player Roy Williams, I felt a single tear roll down my cheek. This week the Cowboys are bound to kick the San Francisco 49ers all over the field. Unfortunately the Cowboy offensive line is good. They give the upside down turtle ample opportunity to throw the ball accurately down field. The 49ers sputtering offensive unit will struggle to score even one touchdown against a defense that will be out to prove themselves after a 4th quarter debacle at home. Jerry Jones will be able to leave at half time to go sit in his 12 person jacuzzi. I hear he wets his bed 3-4 times per week. Can anyone back that up? Julius Jones will be the big story in California, rushing for over 150 yards and a couple scores. Take the ‘Boys in an old fashion beat down.
Game Date: 09/25/05 16:05 ET

New York Giants @ San Diego (-5.5) – The Giants pulled a quick one on the rest of the league when they got the Saints to come to New York for a home game. Nice. This week, the Chargers, who just happen to be 0-2, have to come out and win. If they don’t, they’re 0-3, and in the AFC that means no playoffs. After one of the best years for the Chargers in a long time, San Diego isn’t ready to give up this early. The Chargers will come out on a mission. Eli Manning will be frustrated by a hyped up Charger defense. We must remember, this is only Eli’s second year. Drew Brees will have a nice game, and Ladainian Tomlinson will eclipse the 100 yard mark for the first time this year. Antonio Gates is good for a touchdown, and everyone knows LT is taking one in. The Giants will fold early and the San Diego Chargers will get their first win of the year.
Game Date: 09/25/05 20:30 ET

Kansas City (+3) @ Denver – The Denver Broncos tried as hard as they could to lose last week against the Chargers. Unfortunately for my dollar, they failed, and came out on top. Not this week Mike Shanahan. The Chiefs are the real deal, one of the best teams the NFL has to offer. Priest Holmes and Larry Johnson look to eclipse the 200 yard mark in Denver. Trent Green will throw his first touchdown of the year to Tony Gonzalez, and Dante Hall will find himself on Sports Center by the end of the day. Kansas City’s defense is going to take advantage of Jake Plummer’s inability to throw the ball to anyone on his own team. Plummer broke all John Elway’s records last year and seems happy with that, because he’s not building on his high-scoring year. The Chiefs defense is no longer a handicap, but a stout group that makes big plays. Kansas City will go to 3-0 in Denver, as the Broncos tumble to 1-2. Game Date: 09/26/05 21:00 ET
BIG MONEY BET OF THE WEEK: Titans +240 @ Rams

If you want to take a shot on a big underdog this weekend, go with the Titans in St. Louis. The Rams are more Jeckyl and Hyde than any team in the league, and the Titans are just coming off a big win against the Ravens. The Rams can lose to any team any day, as they proved with their week one loss to the Niners. Steve McNair should have his best game of the young year, and the tandem of Chris Brown and Travis Henry might pack enough punch to level the Rams. Also, since last year, in the Rams have been favored in 10 games. They’ve lost 5. At +240, my 50$ bet will pay out 120$. I like those odds!
Game Date: 09/25/05 13:00 ET
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Lucky Lester – Free Football Picks

College Football Picks Week 3 Review 2005

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THIS WEEKS RECORD 3-6-2
OVERALL RECORD 3-6-2

In my first week of College Pick ‘Em, I got schooled by big time college performances. Check out who taught me the biggest lesson in my college review.

Virginia went in to Maryland and pimp-slapped Ralph Friedgen and his Terrapins. The West Virginia rushing attack pounded Maryland’s defense to the tune of 6 players gaining more than 30 yards. The Mountaineers were led by Owen Schmitt’s 80 yards on 6 carries. Maryland had 13 4th quarter points, but was outscored by a touchdown in the final period, as they tumbled 31-19. In a domino effect, I took my first college loss.

Toledo toppled the Temple Owls with ease. I thought my money was in place with the Owls down 42-10 with mere minutes left on the clock. Then lightning struck when Collin Clancy chucked a 20 yard touchdown pass to Brian Allbrooks against the Toledo Rocket second teamers. My second loss came true with the Toledo beating the Owls 42-17.

Washington made me look like an idiot, absolutely dominating the Vandals throughout the entire game. The Vandals could only produce 2 field goals against the Huskies, who gave up 56 points to California in the Husky home opener. Louis Rankin rushed for 115 yards and Isaiah Stanback threw for 145 yards and a touchdown. For the first time in more than a year, the Huskies lost me money. It was bound to happen with Idaho in town. Washington in a laugher, 34-6.

Miami snapped the Clemson hopes with a triple overtime thriller on the Tigers home field. Tyrone Moss led the Hurricane attack with 140 yards on the ground, and three big time touchdowns. After the Tigers and Hurricanes traded touchdowns and field goals during the first two overtimes sessions, the Hurricanes halted the Tiger attack and scored, taking the win, but only by 6; 36-30. This marked my first win of the young college season.

The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets allowed 13 first quarter points. Not another Connecticut Husky point was put on the board in the next three quarters. The Jacket’s sensational starting quarterback, Reggie Ball, was out with illness late in the week. He didn’t play. Still, the rest of the Yellow Jackets did their best to make me a winner. They fell one point short, but a push with a back up quarterback isn’t bad. The Jackets took the Huskies 28-13.

Vince Young and the Texas Longhorns did everything I thought they’d do to the Rice Owls. At the end of the half, Texas was up 42-0 and my 41-point spread looked to be in good shape. Who knew the starting Longhorns wouldn’t play another down, and they’d be outscored 10-9 in the second half, and win by on mere 41. The Longhorns gave me my second push, pushing the Owls out the door with a 51-10 stomping.

Wisconsin made me proud. They didn’t give up a single touchdown to the Tar Heels and managed 14 points. Still, they were only up 4 in the fourth quarter and I was worried. But leave it to the Badgers to pull you through when in need. The win took Wisconsin to 3-0 on the season. Brian Calhoun continued his big rushing totals, piling up 171 yards carrying the rock 38 powerful times while leading his team to victory. “Sconsin took the Heels out of their game, and took the win, 14-5.

Boston College couldn’t score from their own one yard line. They had first and goal and failed to succeed. This was the biggest series in the game and FSU won. State played a pretty good game against a tough BC squad. The Eagles were up 17-14 after the first half, but couldn’t pull it together as the game wound down. They didn’t score in the second half and gave up 14 points in the 4th quarter. You can’t do these things and win against the 6th ranked team in the country. Florida State dealt the Boston College Eagles their first loss of the season, 28-17. They dealt me my 4th loss of the week.

The Florida Gators were a better football team than the Tennessee Volunteers. The Gators were up by 6 in the 3rd quarter, making them winners but me a loser. Luckily for me the Gators kicked a field goal late in the 4th to put them up 9, making us both winners. Chris Leak looked all right, but so did the Vol defense. It was Urban Meyer trickery, an option reverse, that made the difference in the game. Florida took the Vols in the Swamp, 16-7.

Purdue couldn’t escape Arizona by more than a touchdown. That’s where that half point comes in I guess. The Wildcats played the Boilermakers tough, answering early scoring drives with touchdowns of their own. But I was still taking home cash until the 4th quarter came around and gobbled up my spread. A touchdown late by Arizona didn’t keep Purdue from taking the game, but kept me from my 4th win. Purdue won by a touchdown, 31-24.

Oklahoma kept up the good work, losing their 2nd game of the season, this time to UCLA. But all they had to do was keep it under 7 points, and I’d still come out on top. Thanks to a defensive implosion, and one sickening offensive performance by the Sooners, the Bruins scored 21 points in the 4th quarter, demolishing my hopes for a decent week, and making me hate Oklahoma even more than I did right after they took Auburn’s place in the National Title game. Karma! The Sooners took me to a putrid 3-6-2 in my college debut by losing to the Bruins of UCLA 24-41.

It was a tough week for un-Lucky Lester, with close pushes and closer losses bringing me down. Next week has to be better. Stay tuned for my second go at College Pick’em.

NFL Free Picks 04-05 Week 3

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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.

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Good Luck with your NFL Football Wagering!
Lucky Lester