RJ's Pick: Minnesota by 5
Cleveland (1-1) at Oakland (0-2) - 4:05 PM (Sheridan's Line - Oakland by 3)
Oakland played Denver close last week, on the road, but ultimately lost 23-20. RB LaMont Jordan has been outstanding so far this season, averaging 5.7 yards per carry. Unfortunately for Oakland, their defense hasn't been as good as everyone expected. They'll need to put in an outstanding defensive performance this week if they hope to stop the Cleveland Browns offensive juggernaut (the previous sentence was meant to be only mildly sarcastic). The Browns won a wild one last week against the Bengals, by a score of 51-45. QB Derek Anderson threw for 5 TDs in only his fourth career NFL start. RB Jamal Lewis rushed for 216 yards and a TD. This should be another high-scoring affair, with close to 200 yards on the ground for both teams.
RJ's Pick: Browns by 1
Jacksonville (1-1) at Denver (2-0) - 4:05 PM (Sheridan's Line - Denver by 3)
Denver has been very lucky so far this season. They won in Buffalo in Week One on a last-second field goal. Then they beat the Raiders in Week Two on an overtime field goal. They really have to hope kicker Jason Elam stays healthy. Jacksonville won a low-scoring contest against Atlanta last week, after losing a low-scoring contest against Tennessee in Week One. So, I think it's reasonable to predict a low-scoring game that Denver wins with a field goal as time expires.
RJ's Pick: Denver by 2
Cincinnati (1-1) at Seattle (1-1) - 4:05 PM (Sheridan's Line - Seattle by 3½)
Cincinnati's defense absolutely fell apart last week, after a praiseworthy performance against Baltimore in Week One. To give you an idea of just how bad they were defensively last Sunday, QB Carson Palmer threw for 401 yards and six TDs, and yet they still lost. Seattle RB Shaun Alexander must be licking his chops in expectation of a big game this Sunday. The Seahawks defense is good, and they'll need to be if they have any hope of containing the Bengals offense (third highest scoring in the NFL). This one is a tough call, because it's uncertain how the Bengals defensive unit will bounce back from last week's embarrassment. I suspect their professional and personal pride will lead them to a better performance against the Seattle.
RJ's Pick: Bengals by 1
New York Giants (0-2) at Washington (2-0) - 4:15 PM (Sheridan's Line - Redskins by 3½)
It's difficult to imagine the Redskins starting this season out 3-0 after going 5-11 in 2006. And their offense certainly leaves much to be desired. But their defense has allowed only 25 points, third-least in the NFC. Meanwhile, the Giants defense just can't stop anybody right now. They've allowed more points than any other team (yes, more than the Bengals or the Browns). Offensively, they're doing fine. QB Eli Manning has a 97.5 quarterback rating, WR Plaxico Burress is looking to have a career year, and RB Derrick Ward is averaging 89.5 yards per game. But none of that is going to matter if their defense doesn't pull itself together, and soon. As long as Redskins QB Jason Campbell doesn't throw too many picks, Washington should remain unbeaten.
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - RJ
Calling all pickers!
You have 48 hours to make your picks...
2 - The Theory
Detroit (2-0) at Philadelphia (0-2)... If Philadelphia loses this game they can start looking toward next year. I don't see the trends reversing for this game. Detroit will leave with a third victory... Philadelphia will blink the confusion from their eyes and ask if the season has started yet.
Miami (0-2) at New York Jets (0-2)... Miami is not good. NYJ have to be better than their current Oh-fer suggests. Throw in a little bit of home field advantage and a blown kiss for good luck and I'm fairly confident of a NYJ victory.
Buffalo (0-2) at New England (2-0)... Upset!...sike. New England.
Arizona (1-1) at Baltimore (1-1)... I don't care about this game at all. For the sake of the pick, Baltimore.
Saint Louis (0-2) at Tampa Bay (1-1)... I feel like I'm just echoing RJ. But great minds think alike, yada yada yada. Tampa Bay.
San Francisco (2-0) at Pittsburgh (2-0)... If this was in San Fransico, I'd consider this for an upset pick. But in Pittsbugh no chance.
Indianapolis (2-0) at Houston (2-0)... Here on the other hand... I'm going Texans all the way.
San Diego (1-1) at Green Bay (2-0)... Green Bay. Because the Eagles' loss to them will feel more palpable if Green Bay goes undefeated this year.
Minnesota (1-1) at Kansas City (0-2)... Kansas City gets their first win of the year in front on unenthusiastic hometown fans.
Cleveland (1-1) at Oakland (0-2)... C-c-c-c-leavelend.
Jacksonville (1-1) at Denver (2-0)... Gahd. I don't know. Jacksonville.
Cincinnati (1-1) at Seattle (1-1)... Seattle. Just because I like Cincy to lose.
New York Giants (0-2) at Washington (2-0)... Washington by a landslide.
Carolina (1-1) at Atlanta (0-2)... Carolina.
Dallas (2-0) at Chicago (1-1)... Chicago. I think Dallas is going to be stifled and won't respond offensively at all.
Tennessee (1-1) at New Orleans (0-2)... This game is in New Orleans. Tennessee is going to have a rough time of it and, as a result, not win.
3 - REMF
The Steelers and Bears
- A volunteer fireman
4 - DOM @ HSU
Tough week with some tough match ups.. Last week 50% underdogs won outright against spread.. so figure this week is going to be tough.. will the favorites get their act together? or will this week be another shoot out?
week 3:
PHILLY: odds of Detroit starting season off 3-0 much greater than philly starting 0-3. i dunno tough game.
JETS: cant see the jets losing.. it is football though
PATS: bet it all?
"I would literally consider betting my life savings on this one, if I actually had a life savings to bet." - RJ
Reminds me of week 9 2006 MIAMI VS CHICAGO.. and.. well we all know what happened.. :) :) :)
BALTIMORE: arizona surprised last week but no way they can do it again..
ST.LOUIS: tough game rams lost first two at home, i say they take this one on the road.
PITTSBURGH: this is A TRUE TEST FOR THE 9ERS.. If they can keep this one close, its going to be a good year!!. if they get blown out.. not expecting to much for the season.
INDY: interesting game thats all i have to say about it..
SD: GB doesn't have to win this game to go to the post season... if they do i will be mildly tickled.
KC: i would imagine improvements can be made.. especially at home.. and against a mediocre vikings team.
CLEVELAND: blehh... this is a game oakland can win on their schedule.. BUT home field advantage means nothing at the coliseum. expect a tight game..
DENVER: would be a good win for JAX... unlikely
CINCINATTI: better team, better ingredients, better beer.. or pizza
WASHINGTON: skins playing well.. NYG.. struggling
CAROLINA: although i wouldnt bet the house..
CHICAGO: turnovers, low scoring.. naturally
NEW ORLEANS: cmon now losing three in a row?.. the third being at home?? unlikely
5 - Melissa
OK, well last week proved that I would have done MUCH better if I didnt let myself be persuaded with silly talk from other friends!!! So this weeks picks..... are purely my own! and I'm horrible with points... so i'm just calling who :-) Enjoy!
DETROIT yup yup over Philly
MIAMI can't go against family....
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS, only the upmost respect for my favorite and Home team!!
RAVENS - yeah...
ST. LOUIS - like previously said..... Can't go against family.
PITTSBURGH - yeah thats all i'm gonna say.
HOUSTON - hey, i got a feeling about this one. (not that i'm right!)
GREENBAY - I changed last week from with them to against them... and :-( sadly it was a HUGE mistake .. haha... this was one of those persuasion talks i had with a friend... stupid of me.
KANSAS CITY - I dont know why.
CLEVELAND
CINCINNATI
DENVER
CAROLINA
WASHINGTON
DALLAS
TENNESSEE
OK there you have it. I didnt have anything to say about the rest.... Oh well.
6 - alessandro
Eagles, Jets, Pats, Cardinals, Bucs, Steelers, Colts (though I would not be surprised the Texans win), Chargers, Chiefs, Browns, Broncos, Bengals, Redskins, Panthers, Bears, Saints.
7 - RJ
Final Scores:
Green Bay 31, SD 24 - RJ 1-0 (Key stats: Brett Favre throws for 369 yards, 3 TDs, and 0 INTs...)
Ravens 26 - Arizona 23 - RJ 2-0 (Key stats: Matt Stover went 4-for-4 in field goal attempts, including the game-winner as time expired...)
8 - RJ
Final Scores:
Eagles 56(!), Lions 21 - RJ 2-1 (Key stats: Kevin Curtis caught 11 passes for 221 yards and 3 TDs...Donovan McNabb completed 21 of 26 passing attempts for 381 yards, 4 TDs, and 0 INTs...)
Jets 31, Miami 28 - RJ 3-1 (Key stats: Thomas Jones ran for 110 yards on 25 carries...Chad Pennington threw for 2 TDs with no INTs, and ran for a TD as well...)
9 - RJ
Final Scores:
Steelers 37, 49ers 16 - RJ 4-1 (Key stats: Willie Parker rushed fort 133 yards on 24 carries...Ben Roethlisberger was 13-for-20 for 160 yards, and with 1 TD and 0 INTs...)
TB 24, Rams 3 - RJ 5-1 (Key stat: Marc Bulger throws 3 INTs, while yet another Rams offensive lineman goes down to injury...)
10 - RJ
Final Scores:
Pats 38, Bills 7 - RJ 6-1 (Key stats: Tom Brady threw 4 TD passes with no INTs, going 23-of-29 for 311 yards...the Patriots scored exactly 38 points for the third consecutive week...)
KC 13, Vikings 10 - RJ 6-2 (Key stats: Damon Huard goes 20-of-29 for 206 yards, 1 TD, and 0 INTs...)
Colts 30, Texans 24 - RJ 7-2 (Key stats: Peyton Manning completes 20 of 29 passes for 273 yards, 1 TD, and 0 INTs...Joseph Addai rushes for 2 TDs and 72 yards on 22 carries...)
11 - RJ
ESPN's "experts" through 9 games:
Theismann 5-4
Salisbury5-4
Hoge 5-4
Jaworski 8-1
Schlereth 7-2
Allen 8-1
Mortensen 8-1
Golic 7-2
Accuscore 8-1
12 - RJ
Final Scores:
Jacksonville 23, Denver 14 - RJ 7-3 (Key stat: Jaguars defense holds Denver to a total of 47 yards rushing...)
Raiders 26, Browns 24 - RJ 7-4 (Key stat: LaMont Jordan rushed for 121 yards on 29 carries with a TD...)
Seattle 24, Bengals 21 - RJ 7-5 (Key stat: Bengals commit 4 turnovers and blow late lead...)
13 - RJ
Final Score:
Carolina 27, Falcons 20 - RJ 8-5 (Key stat: Joey Harrington goes 31 for 44 passing, with 361 yards, 2 TDs, and 0 INTs, and it's still not enough for the hapless Falcons...)
14 - RJ
Final Score:
Giants 24, Redskins 17 - RJ 8-6 (Key stat: Jason Campbell completes only 16 of 34 passes for 190 yards, and makes several poor decisions in the final ninety seconds to seal the Redskins fate...)
15 - DOM @ HSU
the experts are cheating again.. not to mention any names.. cough cough ALIEN cough cough..
16 - RJ
DOM:
Really? Did he change one of his picks just before a game ended?
17 - DOM @ HSU
ya he changed his WASH pick to NYG.. what an alien.. lol..he thought no body would notice?
18 - DOM @ HSU
most of them change right before the games cuz i always look in the morning and then by the afternoon everything is all scrambled around differently. lol
19 - DOM @ HSU
i mean i cant even imagine the pressure they have built on them.. u know..of being an "expert" and all... :)
20 - alessandro
How do the Bears look at themselves in the morning with that offense?
21 - DOM @ HSU
they don't have mirrors in the wilderness..
22 - Andy Marsh
See...that's why I don't pick these games. I'm way to sentimental for my team...even though that would have given me a win that none of you seemed to have. I wouldn't even go down to the local watering hole to watch my giants play yesterday...way to many skins fans around here!!! And then there are those teams I hate...the ones I just can't make myself pick...and they all win too.
But it's fun to watch you folks attempt it!
23 - RJ
Final Score:
Cowboys 34, Bears 10 - RJ 9-6 (Key stat: Rex Grossman threw 3 INTs and 0 TDs on 15-for-32 passing...)
24 - RJ
ESPN's NFL "experts" -
Theismann 9-6
Salisbury 7-8
Hoge 7-8
Jaworski 9-6
Schlereth 11-4
Allen 11-4
Mortensen 9-6
Golic 10-5
Accuscore 11-4
25 - DOM @ HSU
DOM: 8-8