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DEL.ICIO.USNFL game predictions
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jeff Schultz
Question: When did “tweak” become a medical term?
Was it about the time a used car became “certified pre-owned,” mass firings became “restructuring,” and dumping well-paid star players became a “youth movement”?
Unless I’m mistaken, a “tweaked” hamstring used to be pulled. But it sounds cuter, even harmless. It sounds like a Looney Toons character (“And now for another episode of Tweaked and Sylvester!!!”)
Falcons quarterback Michael Vick will start today in Buffalo. Pick a euphemism — his hamstring hurts. That can be a problem when you are a running quarterback who hasn’t mastered the passing game.
As of yet, no part of this team has looked good enough that it can compensate for a half-Vick offense. Maybe that changes today. But that’s not the way to bet.
The line is close: 2 1/2. The game will be close.
But Bills win. Bills cover.
Consider it a part of the “maturing process.”
FOUR BAGS
New England at Pittsburgh: History tells us the Steelers win this game in September and lose it in January. But when Bill Belichick starts sounding like Chicken Little (“The first thing we’re going to have to do is just find a way to stay competitive [with them]”), I get suspicious. Give me the Pats and three.
Prima Donna Bowl: On the first day God created the Heavens and the Earth. On the second day, He put Randy Moss and Terrell Owens down on Earth, reasoning it was far from the Heavens and would keep His own neighborhood a lot more peaceful. In the undercard to Moss-Owens, Philly covers 8 1/2 against Oakland.
THREE BAGS
Tampa Bay at Green Bay: Something for Brett Favre to think about after the Packers lose today: Since 1990, only three out of 74 teams have started the season 0-3 and made the playoffs. I’ll have that 0-4 stat ready before the Carolina game. Bucs win on the road, but take Pack with the 3 1/2.
N.Y. Giants at San Diego: I would say Chargers fans want to flog Eli Manning for refusing to play for the team after being drafted. But when it’s 74 with a breeze every day, you don’t really get all that upset about anything. Eli, welcome to comeuppance week: Chargers smack Giants, cover the 5 1/2.
Carolina at Miami: The Dolphins opened the season by pounding Denver, then did something Nick Saban just didn’t see coming: They turned back into the Dolphins. It might be a while before the next mutation. Another home ‘dog goes down — Panthers cover the trey.
TWO BAGS
New Orleans at Minnesota: The Vikings are 0-2, which just goes to show that Randy Moss was the emotional glue that held the team together. (Pause for effect.) OK, some positive karma: Vikes cover four.
Cleveland at Indianapolis: Trent Dilfer threw three more touchdown passes than Peyton Manning last week. What a mismatch this is! Market Correction Week: Colts cover 13 1/2.
Cincinnati at Chicago: You know all of those 2-0 teams that go on to finish 6-10? The Bengals won’t be one of them. Take Cincy, punt the three.
Kansas City at Denver: The Broncos’ offense has scored only two touchdowns — both by a fullback. And I thought my Fantasy League team was bad. I like Chiefs with the three and in a straight-up upset.
Jacksonville at NY Jets: Jags QB Byron Leftwich may play despite a groin injury. Football, I mean. Whatever the over/under is, go low. Jets cover the 2 1/2. Final score: 5-2.
Comedy Central
Nostalgia Bowl: The 49ers and Cowboys used to be the standard for excellence. Now they are to the NFL what the Chef Boy R Dee is to pasta. Dallas gets extra punchline points for its four-minute collapse Monday night against the Skins. Dallas wins but take SanFran at home with the 6 1/2.
Arizona at Seattle: I thought the Cardinals would be the NFC’s surprise team this season. Now they’re 0-2. I’m gone. So now watch ‘em take off. Seahawks cover 6 1/2.
Tennessee at St. Louis: This is a Super Bowl rematch. Also, Steve McNair is 15-4 in his last 19 starts vs. NFC teams. Neither one means I thing, but I thought the research would impress you. Rams cover 6 1/2.
HOW I’M DOING
(You seem like the forgiving sort.) Last week: I forgot. Fine! (Loser.) 7-9 straight up, 6-9-1 against the line. Toteboard: 17-14 handshakes, 14-16-1 against the line.
Permalink | Comments (2) | Categories: Falcons / NFL, Jeff Schultz
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By wes
September 26, 2005 10:02 AM | Link to this
Much better, Jeff! I’ll send you a check for $2.00.
By falcon guy
September 26, 2005 02:12 PM | Link to this
ATL @ BUF: Missed on the game and the spread. You shouldn’t bet against Vick unless its TB or Philly, you chucklehead.
NE @ PIT: Right on the money, Pats by three. Although, Pats by three happens almost every game in the postseason and against tough opponents in the regular set.
Up and down on the rest. I know the Chiefs-Broncos is still to be played, but how in the world would the Chiefs beating Denver be an upset? The Chiefs are the same old offense, but they have improved their D. I see them taking this one handily.