No more excuses. No more lofty expectations. This Patriots team is nothing more than mediocre these days.. Still, that won’t prevent other teams from gunning for them, especially these Bills after Buffalo let one slip away in season opener. New England has failed miserably on the road this season with just one victory in six tries, that one occurring in Tampa. The Patriots pass defence is weak and even non-passing teams have taken advantage. Buffalo can mix the pass and run enough to keep this one interesting and well within the touchdown being offered.
TAKING: Buffalo +7
RISKING: 2.14 units to win 2 PINNACLE
Buccaneers @ Seahawks
Line: Seattle by 6˝
Nothing really changes with the Seahawks. For years, they’ve been solid at home, brutal on the road. This season is no different. Seattle is 4-2 at home, outscoring its opponents 143-89. Outside the state of Washington, the ‘Hawks are a paltry 1-6 and have been outscored by an alarming 212-107. The Buccaneers don’t win anywhere with just one victory in 17 games, dating back to November of last year. There is no reason to anticipate a change here. Seattle does what it usually does by punching out a weakling.
TAKING: Seattle –6˝
RISKING: 2.02 units to win 2 PINNACLE
Cardinals @ Lions
Line: Arizona by 12
Call us irresponsible. After all, upon watching the Cardinals dismal performance on Monday night and then asking them to travel and spot prohibitive points, we have to be considered careless. In reality, it’s just the opposite. Had Arizona manhandled the ordinary 49ers like many had assumed, this line may have been in the 14 range. Really, we’re getting a bargain. The Lions are dreadful. Their defence ranks dead last in the league while Detroit’s pass defence also ranks at the very bottom. After Arizona’s embarrassing effort, this is the perfect opponent to right the ship.
TAKING: Arizona –12
RISKING: 2.2 units to win 2 PINNACLE
THE REST:
Cowboys @ Saints
Line: New Orleans by 7
Saints home for only the second time in six weeks and in a Saturday prime time slot, expect another showcase of their vast talent. Dallas has defeated only one winning team thus far and with its suspect secondary, this visit will not aid that total.
TAKING: New Orleans –7
Bears @ Ravens
Line: Baltimore by 10
The Bears are playing like what they are alleged to do in the woods. That said, not willing to trust this Baltimore offence to clobber an opponent for the second straight week. Ravens still have several key guys on sidelines.
TAKING: Chicago +10
Falcons @ Jets
Line: Jets by 3˝
Yes, Atlanta has taken a step back this season. Still, prefer battling Falcons to a Jets squad that can handle the pushover teams but has failed against most contenders. Mark Sanchez expected to return to pivot New York, another plus for our choice.
TAKING: Jets -3˝
49ers @ Eagles
Line: Philadelphia by 8˝
Eagles glad to be home after having just one home game the past five weeks. Philly has climbed atop the NFC East and with Denver and Dallas on deck, this one becomes essential. San Fran’s offence will have difficult time keeping up.
TAKING: Philadelphia –8 ˝
Packers @ Steelers
Line: Pittsburgh by 2
With good reason, Steelers supporters are bailing quicker than Tigers Woods’ sponsors. However, this might be an overreaction as Pittsburgh’s season depends on this one and they’ve had 10 days to prepare.
TAKING: Pittsburgh –2
Dolphins @ Titans
Line: Tennessee by 3
Have to take any points being offered in what figures to be a playoff type atmosphere as both need this one desperately. Miami run defence is a stellar unit that can slow down phenom RB Chris Johnson.
TAKING: Miami +3
Browns @ Chiefs
Line: Kansas City by 2
Many will be high on Browns after they knocked off the Steelers but let’s not forget that the Chiefs managed to do the same. Dwayne Bowe returns to lineup for Kansas City and with Jamaal Charles running well, KC offers more than this visitor.
TAKING: Kansas City –2
Texans @ Rams
Line: Houston by 11 ˝
Not fond of giving away abundance of points with erratic Texans but facing an already weak Rams squad that keeps losing starters, Houston becomes the prudent choice. Rams have yet to win at home.
TAKING: Houston –11 ˝
Bengals @ Chargers
Line: San Diego by 7
Bengals were pounded by Vikings last week but Cincinnati’s defence is a formidable unit that is unlikely to get clobbered again. Cincy’s corners capable of slowing down Chargers potent passing game.
TAKING: Cincinnati +7
Raiders @ Broncos
Line: Denver by 14
Looks like Charlie Frye will take the reins for the Raiders this week and while Frye is a career journeyman, he is a better alternative than JaMarcus Russell. Two touchdown spot is a bit steep in what figures to be low-scoring affair.
TAKING: Oakland +14
Vikings @ Panthers
Line: Minnesota by 9
Panthers have covered five of past seven despite limited production from quarterback position. Minnesota is much more intimidating on its own turf and this will be only its second road game in past seven weeks.
TAKING: Carolina +9
Giants @ Redskins
Line: NY Giants by 3
Redskins could be weary from heavy travel while the Giants have remained in the neighbourhood. G-men have struggled on special teams and pass defence recently but this foe does not provide much adversity in either area.
Randall the Handle 12/20
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