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NFL Weekly Look Ahead – Week
3
Carolina -3 at Tampa Bay
Who would have thought going into this game both teams would be 0-2. Well after
this game, one of these playoff contenders will be 0-3 and likely out of the
postseason race. Both have struggled, but Carolina has been without its best
player Steve Smith. Just the possibility of him coming back would vault the
Panthers as even bigger favorites. Chris Simms can’t move the ball and the Bucs’
defense is getting pushed around. Free Pick: Carolina -3
Chicago -3 at Minnesota
Can the Bears be beaten if Rex Grossman continues to put up the points? Just as
good as last year, its defense has been nearly flawless in its first two games.
Minnesota has been very impressive as well, but going up against the Chicago
defense, the Bears will come out victorious on the road.
Free Pick: Chicago -3
Jacksonville +9.5 at Indianapolis
The Colts’ offense has been nearly impossible to stop thus far in the season.
But the Jags’ defense has not allowed offenses to consistently move the ball.
Something has to give this Sunday and I’ll take the points and the stingy
defense. Jacksonville has played Indy close when they have had a similar large
spread and they will cover it this year on the road. Free
Pick Jacksonville +9.5
Baltimore -6.5 over Cleveland
The Ravens have taken flight with Steve McNair at the helm and a rejuvenated
defense swarming around the ball. The Browns have struggled on the offensive
side of the ball and face the wrong defense to turn things around. Look for the
Ravens to open up 3-0 with a win outright on the road.
Free Pick: Baltimore -6.5
New York Giants at Seattle -4
Deon Branch makes his Seahawks debut at home in a big time NFC match-up. The
Giants pulled the rabbit out of its hat and stunned Philly to come back from 17
down in the fourth to win in OT. Seattle has been shaky on offense in the first
two games, but they will get it going this Sunday, needing to outscore a good
Giants offense. Free Pick: Seattle -4
Atlanta -3 at New Orleans
Both teams are playing extremely well coming into one of the biggest match-ups
this year, in terms of football back in New Orleans. Drew Brees has been
everything and more for the Saints, while Mike Vick has looked dominant in the
NFL’s variation of the spread option offense. Atlanta ran for over 300 yards
against the Tampa Bay Bucs last week and will be just a little too much
defensively for the Saints. Free Pick: Atlanta -3