Free Picks: Service Plays for Sunday, October 2

Don Wallace Sports

Minnesota at Kansas City
Take: Minnesota -1

All the pressure will be on the Matt Cassel this week against an opponent than can rush the passer and stuff running games. With Jamaal Charles, Tony Moeaki and Eric Berry out, the Chiefs offense is depleted of weapons. Dexter McCluster (9 carries, 45 yards) energized the ground last week and should get a lot of chances aside the aging Thomas Jones. Offense has been a major struggle for Donovan McNabb and the Minnesota Vikings too. Despite having perhaps the best running back in football, the points have not come easy thanks to a poor vertical attack. A relatively decent performance from either offense should be enough to grind out a win. I trust the Vikings to provide that against Kansas Citys defense more than the other way around. Kansas City has yet to face a running back like Adrian Peterson, and do not have the personnel to stop him. Dwayne Bowe is a good receiver, but the Viking's defense will do what it can to keep the ball away from him. Did I mention how terrible Kansas City was in the first two weeks. The Vikings squandered a pair of substantial leads in home losses to the Buccaneers and Lions. This time they will finally break through and get it done outside the comforts of the Metrodome. MINNESOTA 27 KANSAS CITY 10

Carlo Campanella

Tennessee Titans vs. Cleveland Browns
Play: Tennessee Titans +1

A pair of surprising 2-1 teams meet in Cleveland this Sunday, with both teams tied for first place in their respective divisions. The Browns have played a very easy schedule to this point, as they've faced Cincinnati (1-2), Miami (0-3) and the Manning-less Colts (0-3), who combine for a 1-8 SU record with the only victory between them coming against these Browns! The Titans are winning behind an impressive defense that's held all 3 of their opponents to 16 points or less while allowing just 14.3 points per game. They'll be too much for the Brown's new west coast offense to move the ball on, as Cleveland has struggled to average just 289 offensive yards per game behind second-year QB Colt McCoy. Take the points with a Titans squad that's a much more experienced crew on both sides of the ball- A stingy defense combined with former All-Pro QB Matt Hasselbeck now comfortable leading his new team, passing for 358 and 295 yards the last 2 weeks!

Spartan

Minnesota Vikings -1.5

Okay, last week we easily cashed in with the Chiefs as they ventured out to San Diego and went toe to toe with the Chargers, who predictably played to the level of their competition. So whats new? I cannot recall a head coach who has gotten less out of more talent than Norv Tuner. Can you envision this Chargers team with Bill Cowher scowling along the sidelines? Scary thought. Well one would likely expect me to be all over the Chiefs this Sunday as they return home to Arrowhead to meet the struggling Vikings who are reeling from a melt down at home last week against the upstart Lions. Well think again, this is the NFL and you must expect the unexpected in order to survive. I say the Vikings as a slight road favorite are the sharp side here fellas. Arrowhead used to be a house of horrors for visitors but that image has been taking a beating. The stubborn fact is the Chiefs are a lousy 11-22 against the number at home since 2007. Lot of unrest in the Kansas City organization and Todd Haley is on very, very thin ice. Add to that the number of crippling injuries this club has been saddled with and it's a tall task for them to defeat anyone right now, home or not. Minnesota is in desperate need of a victory and the Chiefs should be just what the doctor ordered. Also, as a side note, expect a huge game out of Vikings DE Jared Allen who will be making his return to Arrowhead where he was a fan favorite for years. I suspect he'll be walking off the field Sunday in a very good mood. Take the Vikings to get the job done.

Matt Fargo

Carolina Panthers at Chicago Bears
Pick: Carolina Panthers

Chicago has lost two straight games, rather handily for that matter, but the Bears are still overpriced in what should be a much closer game that what the line is indicating. Chicago has been outgained in all three of its games as the offense inconsistent and the defense is no where near aggressive as what we have seen in the past. Granted, the Bears have played a tough schedule against three playoff teams and the two past Super Bowl Champions but until they show something, they should not be in the role of a big chalk. Carolina has been pretty impressive thus far after a miserable 2-14 season a year ago. The Panthers picked up their first win last week against Jacksonville in horrible conditions and things may have been different if the weather was better but nonetheless, it was a big win for a team in need of confidence. The Panthers played the Packers tougher than most thought and they actually outgained Green Bay and prior to that, they outgained the Cardinals in Arizona in losing by a touchdown. The biggest problem for the Bears is their offensive line as quarterback Jay Cutler is taking a beating. He has been sacked 14 times and the injuries along the line are not helping. Last week was a disaster as Cutler was sacked "only" three times and hit four other times and the Bears were whistled for three false start penalties and two holding calls. The Panthers defense has not been able to apply a lot of pressure through three games but the circumstances they were involved in played a part in that. Panthers head coach Ron Rivera has plenty of roots in Chicago and he knows this is a big game. "I’m not shying away from the fact that this is a big one for me," he said. "I really feel it. These games are all big, but for me it has a little something extra because it is Chicago." That motivation will be passed down to the players while the motivation for Chicago should be next to nothing. Coming off a divisional loss with another divisional game on deck at the upstart Lions on Monday night puts the Bears in a very tough spot. Carolina falls into a great situation as well .Play against home favorites that are averaging between 18 and 23 ppg going up against teams that are allowing between 18 and 23 ppg after two straight double-digit losses. This situation is 29-7 ATS (80.6 percent) since 1983. Also, Chicago is 1-8 ATS in its last nine games under head coach Lovie Smith after allowing 375 or more total yards in two consecutive games. Carolina meanwhile is 10-4 ATS in their last 14 road games against teams with losing home records.

The Daily Bobber

Teaser Bears -1 & Chargers -1.5

Analysis: If you followed me this past weekend, you’re probably as happy as I am right now. Including the victory on my MNF teaser, I put down a nice 3-0 record over the weekend. Having said that, I love this play more than all of those. I get an underrated Bears team that is 1-2 but has lost to great teams in New Orleans and Green Bay. On top of that, I get them against an overrated Panthers team that lost to Arizona in Week 1 and struggled to beat a pathetic Jacksonville team at home on Sunday. Teams have now had a few weeks to get a good look at Newton, and believe me, that benefits a veteran defensive coach like Rod Marinelli more than it does a rookie quarterback. I expect this line may even come down a bit due to the widespread Newton-mania, but the line on our next game is already moving up, so there is no time to waste. In the Mia/SD game, I think we get incredible value at 1.5. For starters, San Diego made a number of mistakes which allowed Kansas City to stay in the game last week, and they are going to come out with a strong desire to play better in Week 4. Under Philip Rivers, the Chargers have the 6th ranked passing game through three weeks. Meanwhile, as I stated in my previous column, the Miami secondary is just awful, allowing an average of 311 yards per game thus far, which ranks 30th in the NFL. I expect San Diego to make an effort at stopping the run while putting help over the top on Brandon Marshall, and stifling this Miami offense. Rivers should have a field day, and the Chargers should have no problem covering 1.5 points at home against this 0-3 team. I’m releasing this early so that you can get it in before the lines shift.

Nelly

Denver + over Green Bay

The Packers are universally being praised as the best team in the NFL but all three games have gone down to the wire with Green Bay struggling to put away teams. The Packers caught a ton of breaks last week and the defense has been highly questionable, allowing the second most passing yards in the entire NFL. Denver fell to 1-2 last week but the Broncos have played three close games and have been outscored by only four points on the season. The Packers lost six games last year and some of the losses in recent years have come in games like this as Green Bay has usually played well against top competition. Denver can compete this week as the Broncos should open up the passing game and give Green Bay a run.

Steve Janus

Tennessee Titans +1

The Cleveland Browns were extremely lucky to win last week against the Broncos, scoring in the final minute of a game where the offense looked absolutely horrible. The Browns 2-1 record is nothing to get excited about and I think they are in for a rude awakening against the Titans this Sunday.

Tennessee lost a huge piece of their offense when wide out Kenny Britt was lost for the season, but his lost won't matter against the Browns. I look for Tennessee to win this game with their defense. The Titans come in allowing the 2nd fewest passing yards (172.0 ypg) and 8th fewest rushing yards (89.0 ypg).

If you are wondering where the Titans are going to get their offense to put points on the board, this very well could be the game where running back Chris Johnson gets it going. Cleveland is 29th in the NFL, allowing 128.7 ypg on the ground.

The Browns are just 1-4 ATS vs. a team with a winning record and 0-5-1 ATS in their last 6 home games. BET THE TITANS!

Marc Lawrence

Miami Dolphins at San Diego Chargers
Prediction: Miami Dolphins

Very few times is life this predictable in the NFL but when it is, we can’t let these opportunities pass us by. Take San Diego for instance. The Chargers are stuck in their usual slow-start mode once again this year and their 9-17 SU and 7-19 ATS record versus AFC East opposition says they keep it in first gear for at least another week. Miami HC Tony Sparano is also falling into his old habits this season. After dropping his usual home games, Sparano and the Dolphins almost pulled one out on the road in Cleveland. In fact, if the late line move hadn’t made Miami a game-time favorite, Sparano would have improved on his terrific 17-7 ATS mark away from home. Maybe this trip further away from the Sunshine State will do the trick. Sparano’s 12-2 ATS record as a road dog from Game Four out says it will, as does the Dolphins’ 11-1 ATS record as non-division dogs of 7 or more points. Add Miami’s dominant 30-10 SU and 29-10-1 ATS mark against the AFC West to the mix, including 5-1 ATS at San Diego, and it looks like we’re in the same old rut. In this case, a money making rut. Take what you can get. We recommend a 1-unit play on Miami.

Stephen Nover

Detroit Lions @ Dallas Cowboys
PICK: Detroit Lions +1

Detroit is 3-0 for the first time since 1980 and it's not a fluke.

The Lions right now are who the Cowboys want to be. Detroit has one of the three best defensive fronts, arguably the top wide receiver in Calvin Johnson and an elite quarterback, Matthew Stafford.

Johnson leads the league in touchdown receptions with six despite going against quality cornerbacks Brandon Flowers and Aqib Talib. Stafford is averaging 313 yards passing. He has thrown 15 touchdowns and only been picked off three times in his last five games. Injuries have been the only thing that has kept him from greatness.

The youthful Lions probably should have lost last week at Minnesota. However, they overcame a 20-0 halftime deficit. Yes, some of that is on the Vikings and their terrible coaching. But the Lions also showed a lot of mental toughness coming from behind in a tough road setting against a desperate division foe.

The Lions pulled the game out just two minutes into overtime. So fatigue shouldn't factor especially this early in the season with a young team. Detroit is 8-1 ATS following a victory.

Dallas, meanwhile, is playing on a short week off an emotionally draining home win against Washington. The Cowboys were lucky to win that game. They are 1-6 ATS the past seven times they've been home chalk. The Cowboys lost and failed to cover in both games last year following their game against Washington.

Dallas is far more banged-up than Detroit. Tony Romo is dealing with assorted injuries, including a painful rib injury and a punctured lung. If the Cowboys didn't have a bye next week they might even sit Romo.

Romo isn't the only key Dallas skill position player hurt. Miles Austin is out with a hamstring injury and Dez Bryant is going to be a game-time decision as he's dealing with a lingering quad strain. Those are the Cowboys' two best wide receivers by far. The rest of Dallas' wideouts can't be trusted to even know the plays. Romo isn't helped either by a porous offensive line.

Demarcus Ware is a monster pass rusher, but he alone can't hide Dallas' defensive backfield deficiencies, especially where 33-year-old Terence Newman is going to be no match for Johnson.

The Lions continue to make positive progress and statements this season. This will be another one.

Sean Murphy

San Francisco 49ers @ Philadelphia Eagles
PICK: Philadelphia Eagles -9

The 49ers enter Week 4 with a 2-1 record, despite the fact that they've been outgained in each of their first three games.

Now San Francisco finds itself in a tough spot, playing in the eastern time zone for a second consecutive week, and coming off a win in Cincinnati. Keep in mind, this is a team that won only one road game all of last season.

The Eagles have a rather large chip on their shoulder following back-to-back losses to the Falcons and Giants. Philadelphia represents the polar opposite of San Francisco, as the Eagles have outgained each of their first three opponents, yet find themselves at 1-2 on the season.

While the Eagles defense has really struggled at times, they catch a break this week, in the form of a 49ers offense that is averaging just 2.5 yards per rush and 5.8 yards per pass play. I'm not even sure we can call the Niners offense one-dimensional.

San Francisco has posted solid defensive numbers this season, but remember, two of its three games have come against two of the weakest offensive teams in football in the Seahawks and Bengals. On the one occasion the Niners were challenged by a strong offensive team, they were lit up for 27 points on 472 total yards against the Cowboys.

These two teams have met in each of the last three seasons, with the Eagles going a perfect 3-0 SU and ATS. The first of those two victories came by identical 14-point margins, while last year's win came by only a field goal. Keep in mind, the Eagles didn't have Michael Vick in that game - instead it was Kevin Kolb starting. That game was played in San Francisco.

There are a couple of trends working in our favor in this spot. The 49ers haven't had much success in October in recent years, going 3-10-1 ATS in their last 14 opportunities. Meanwhile, the Eagles are an impressive 7-1 ATS in their last eight games following a double-digit home loss. Take Philadelphia

SPORTS WAGERS

DALLAS –1 over Detroit

Lions are flying high while the Cowboys are taxiing midair, trying to smooth out a bumpy ride, despite Dallas’ moderate success. That bodes well here as we get the benefit of the ‘Boys Monday night performance and the salty taste left in most mouths despite the win. While it took six field goals and zero touchdowns to secure that win, the most important aspect of that game may have been the sudden maturation of QB Tony Romo, displaying leadership qualities previously in question. Detroit had to overcome a 20-0 deficit before eking out an OT win in Minnesota. Now the Lions will play their third road game in the first four weeks and must travel on consecutive weeks to play a team that will have the luxury of being home again and having next week off. Young Lions also in danger of looking ahead to next week’s rare Monday night appearance against visiting Bears. Small price to spot under ideal conditions. Play: Dallas –1 (Risking 2.2 units to win 2).

N.Y. Jets +3½ over BALTIMORE

Jets stock is low after humbling loss to Raiders while Ravens stock is high after dismantling of Rams last week. This is where Jets are most comfortable, taking back points against a quality opponent in a prime time game. In the middle of a three-game road trip for the New Yorkers, with the last stop being next week in New England, this one becomes crucial. Expect a solid effort from Rex Ryan’s group after they admittedly played poorly in loss to Oakland last week. For the Jets, that means pressuring the quarterback and we expect a much more aggressive effort from New York’s defensive packages. Baltimore may have roughed up St. Louis last week but we still don’t trust Baltimore’s shaky secondary, which was anything but tested against the Rams’ inept aerial game. Jets have scored 24 points or more in all three games and they’re taking back a tag for first time this season. Play: N.Y. Jets +3½ (Risking 2.18 units to win 2).

HOUSTON –3½ over Pittsburgh

We’ve all come to know the Steelers as an extremely physical team that wears out opponents, keeps the game close and finds a way to win it in the fourth. The Steelers have been a model no-nonsense outfit forever. They seldom miss the playoffs and every year it seems they have a shot at winning it all. The Steelers are also a highly public team that gets plenty of backing because of a rather unblemished reputation for being tough as shoe leather. The Steelers are also 2-1 and nothing appears out of place. Check again. This edition of the Steelers is nowhere close to being as good as previous years. Their two wins have come against Seattle and Indy. As a 10½-point choice against the Colts, Pitt needed a field goal on the game’s final play to win it. Had Curtis Painter hit a wide-open Pierre Garcon late in the game the Steelers would be 1-2. Against a quality opponent, the Ravens in week two, the Steelers were destroyed. Pittsburgh’s pass protection is awful, the running game is non-existent and the defense is not even average anymore. This is far and away the most overrated and beatable Steelers club in decades. The Texans are also 2-1. They’ve played one home game and beat Indy 34-7. They also went into Miami and won by 10. Last week in New Orleans they racked up 473 yards of total offense and were oh so close to pulling off the upset against a great team. This is a defining moment for the Texans. They’ve been deservedly labeled underachievers for years and if they’re not sick of hearing about it by now, they should be. Houston is loaded with offensive talent that can rack up points and yards on anyone. In two road games this year, the Steelers have only scored a total of two offensive touchdowns. If the Steelers can’t make this a defensive matchup they’ll get flushed away early. The truth is they can’t. Play: Houston –3½ (Risking 2.12 units to win 2).

This Week's Survivor pick:

TAMPA BAY over Indianapolis:

The best part about this one is that you get to use up a team that you may not get another chance to use the rest of the season while saving Green Bay and Philly for another time. The Bucs really don’t have a “gimme” game the rest of the year. They’ll take on a Colts team that is really in trouble. Indy is thin on talent and thick on injuries. Colts head coach Jim Caldwell said the team is preparing as if QB Curtis Painter will be the starting quarterback in Week 4. Josh Freeman and LeGarrette Blount are just warming up and with a rare Monday Night appearance, expect the Bucs to come out firing on all cylinders. Most folks will go with Philly or Green Bay this week, so sit back, take the Bucs and hope one of those other two lose.

THE REST (with no wagers):

49ers (2-1) at Eagles (1-2)

Those records you see above are correct. Not exactly what most projected but things should even out when this one is said and done. The Eagles figure to be miffed after losing to rival Giants while San Fran’s wins have come against the hapless Seahawks and Bengals respectively. TAKING: EAGLES –9

Redskins (2-1) at Rams (0-3)

Has Washington’s bubble burst after demoralizing loss to Dallas on Monday night? Winless Rams may be even more demoralized but teams rarely get punched out in consecutive home games and with the ‘Skins traveling on a short week, St. Louis can steal one here. TAKING: RAMS +1½

Titans (2-1) at Browns (2-1)

Titans QB Matt Hasselbeck has thrown for 300+ yards in back to back games but now finds himself minus his favorite target, as Kenny Britt is lost for the season. Browns aren’t fancy but their methodical ways can lead to win here over suspect visitor. TAKING: BROWNS @ PK

Bills (3-0) at Cincinnati (1-2)

Bills take their undefeated record to Cincinnati to face the bumbling Bengals. Easy sledding, right? Not in this league. Emotion plays a big part each Sunday and after Buffalo’s ginormous win over the Patriots, the jubilation may not have worn off in time to focus on this opponent. Throw in the fact that the whole world is laying this seemingly cheap price and the red flags become even more prevalent. We would be very, very cautious about laying the tag because that’s precisely what the books want you to do. TAKING: BENGALS +3½

Saints (2-1) at Jaguars (1-2)

We all know who the better team here is but we’ve seen the Saints snooze in situations like this, as evidenced by New Orleans having just one cover in last 10 against teams with a losing record. We’ll err on the side of caution with a Jags team that has covered four of past five here. This one also smells like the one above. TAKING: JAGUARS +7

Vikings (0-3) at Chiefs (0-3)

Vikes favored to win on the road? One of these dregs will be off the schneid. Style points matter, and these Vikes are the master of the second half melt-down. The Vikings were ahead 20-10 late in the 3rd quarter when confronted with a 4th and 1 outside of field goal range. Leslie Frazier’s inclination was to punt and to try to pin the Lions offense deep, so he started to send out the punting unit. But then Adrian Peterson (who apparently has the power of veto) waved them back off. Peterson called the shots at a critical juncture of the game. However, when the ball was snapped, it was not Peterson, but Toby Gerhart that plowed into a brick wall of Lions who correctly foresaw the unimaginative play-call. Can’t wait to see if Peterson benches McNabb next week. When the coach loses control and respect of team, we all know what happens next. If Chiefs weren’t so unwatchable, this could’ve made our top plays. TAKING: CHIEFS +2

Panthers (1-2) at Bears (1-2)

Rookie quarterbacks are greatly aided by a strong running game but with QB Cam Newton being Carolina’s leading rusher, challenges lie ahead. The Bears defensive schemes are tough to cope with and we expect Cam Newton’s inexperience to fall victim to much of it. TAKING: BEARS –6

Falcons (1-2) at Seahawks (1-2)

Falcons fell for the old ‘hard count” on 4th & 1 last week with the game on the line. Offsides. Game over. We all know that defensive guys aren’t traditionally collectively the smartest players on the field, but the coach just reminded you on the sidelines during the time out you took to discuss the play, “don’t jump off-sides, he’s going to try to draw you off-sides.” Chances are he said it more than once. What he probably said after they jumped offside was “OMFG”! In a related note, these guys are also suckers for the old, “there is a spot on your tie” and “you’re shoestring is untied” gags. Not exactly enamored with the Seahawks but we’re similarly unimpressed with an underachieving Atlanta bunch. The Falcons couldn’t tackle Betty White at the moment and until we see them toughen up, we’re reluctant to spot road points with them, no matter who the opposition might be. TAKING: SEATTLE +4½

Giants (2-1) at Cardinals (1-2)

Cardinals travel terribly and after a pair of close road losses, they’ll be happy to return to the desert. The Giants found a way to upset the Eagles last week but they remain extremely thin in their secondary and receiving corps. It is also New York’s third road game in four weeks after huge win in Philly. Letdown spot with a banged up club is not a recipe for success. TAKING: CARDINALS +1

Patriots (2-1) at Raiders (2-1)

You can’t just conveniently sweep New England’s 32nd ranked defense under the rug. Without a pass rush, opposing quarterbacks are having their way against the Pats secondary. Raiders looked solid in win over Jets and are home again, rested and anxiously awaiting this litmus test. TAKING: RAIDERS +5

Dolphins (0-3) at Chargers (2-1)

If the Dolphins weren’t victorious in last week’s game against the Browns, they may never win. Miami has struggled terribly in the red zone and that does not bode well against a team that has the ability to fill up the scoreboard. It is really hard to win in this league with a backup quarterback as a starter and an assistant head coach as a head coach. Sparano is obviously doomed here, but maybe Parcells can get him a job at ESPN when he mercifully gets the axe. Chargers are unreliable but are slightly preferred in this matchup and they’ll blow out somebody real soon. Dolphins are ripe. TAKING: CHARGERS –7

Broncos (1-2) at Packers (3-0)

Lend the Broncos five points and they’d be undefeated. Well, it’s never that simple but we can’t ignore the slim margins in Denver’s games. Combination of Broncos getting healthier and Green Bay suffering some maladies of its own, this one should stay within range. TAKING: BRONCOS +12½

MT Sports

Carolina Panthers at Chicago Bears
Prediction: Chicago Bears

The Panthers were a 6.5 point dog vs the Cardinals in week one and they couldnt get the cover there and they are a dog by the same amount in Chicago. We'll lay the points.

After beating the Falcons handily in week one, the Bears faced the Saints and Packers, arguably the top two teams in the NFC. They should thoroughly enjoy this drop in class. They should be able to play THEIR game, rather than try to catch-up to their opponent. Chicago has three weeks of Panthers film to study and their defense should have little difficulty confusing Cam Newton with their pass rush and blitzing schemes.

Chicago has been very reliable in this spot. The Bears are 9-0 ATS (+7.1 ppg) at home off a SU and ATS loss last week vs a team that is off a SU and ATS win last week and a very nice 7-0 ATS at home when they lost by 7+ points in each of the last two weeks, covering by an average of 14.6 ppg.

There's a lot of buzz about how the Panthers are a lot better than anyone expected. If this is true, it is only because expectations were so low. This caused other teams to overlook them. Carolina's defense has allowed 6.56 yards per play this season and this is the WORST in the NFC. The Bears defense does not have great numbers this season, but that is only because they faced the Falcons, Saints and Packers so far in 2011. The Bears are getting back a lot of players that were out last week and Matt Forte rushed for a career-high 166 yards last season vs the Panthers. Let?s take advantage of the public's misperception and lay the points.

MTi's FORECAST: CHICAGO 23 Carolina 6

Hollywood Sports

Tennessee Titans at Cleveland Browns
Prediction: Tennessee Titans

The Browns (2-1) are decimated at offensive line -- particularly on the left side of the line with guard Eric Steinbach out for the season and now start left tackle Joe Thomas listed as questionable. It was this tandem last year that paved the way for Peyton Hillis' breakout season at running back. The Browns enter this game coming off a 17-16 win over Miami -- but they were out-gained by a 369-280 yard margin while also losing the first down battle by a 22-19 gap. Even more telling, Cleveland only had the football for less than 23 minutes in this game which reflects back to their problems on the offensive line. The Browns are a anemic 0-5-1 ATS in their last 6 games at home. They also have failed to cover the spread in 4 of their last 5 games against teams with a winning record which is exactly what they will face with Tennessee (2-1). The Titans come off a 17-14 win over Denver in a game where quarterback Matt Hasselbeck completed 27 of 36 passes for 311 yards and two touchdowns. There is a very good chance that this is the week that running back Chris Johnson breaks out for a big game when facing a weak Browns' run defense that was 30th in the NFL by allowing 145 rushing YPG along with seeing runners average 4.4 YPC. Take Tennessee.

John Ryan

Minnesota Vikings at Kansas City Chiefs
Prediction: Kansas City Chiefs

5* graded play on Kansas City as they host the Minnesota Vikings set to start at 1:00 PM ET. Both teams enter this game 0-3 and in desperate need of a win. Since 1980 this is only the 10th time two teams met with 0-3 records and the home team has done quite well. My proprietary sports handicapping database and simulator shows a high probability that KC will lose this game by three or fewer points and has an excellent shot at winning the game. The biggest thing I see working against Minnesota is that there is just no fire in McNabb?s eyes this season. He has always seemed to lack that Championship focus and mental strength, but he seems to be more in just going through the motions; smiling with every incomplete pass and poor pass. Back in the 1980?s there was an excellent management book called ?In Search of excellence?. In that book the theme was simply that the character of an organization will take on the character of it?s leader. Well, that has certainly been the case in corporate America with successes and failures to note and also the best teams in pro sports. So, with little work ethic and motivation from it?s QB position, how can the Vikings expect to do anything well. Supporting this graded play is a system that has produced a record of 36-13 for 74% winners since 2000. Play against road favorites that are outrushing their opponents by 40 or more yards per game on the season and after outrushing opponent by 100 or more yards last game. Take KC and consider adding an additional 3* amount using the money line.