Karl Garrett
Dallas at NY GIANTS -8'
With Tony Romo sitting out one more week with his broken pinkie, the G-Man sees no reason NOT to lay the lumber with the Giants this afternoon at home against division rival Dallas.
Brad Johnson did get the Cowboys off their 2 game losing slide with the 13-9 win over Tampa Bay last week, but this New York defense presents a much tougher challenge, and you can be sure Big Blue will be bringing the heat all day long against the immobile Johnson.
The Giants are 4-2 this season against the spread when favored, and overall the Giants have covered 19 of their last 25, playoffs included.
Dallas is just 3-10 against the spread their last 13 games, and they are playing their third road game in the last four weeks. Playing it with a QB that is likely to get sacked at least 6 times today. This will be a long afternoon for the 'Pokes, as the Giants will pound them without mercy!
Lay it.
3♦ NY GIANTS
Mr. A
New York Jets at Buffalo Bills
The careless Jets are 2-7 ATS in the last 9 meetings versus the Bills, 1-4 ATS in the last five in Buffalo. Look for Bills’ quarterback Trent Edwards to have a good day against the Jets vulnerable secondary. The Jets are 0-3 both straight-up and against the spread against the Bills in the last three meetings and with the help of Brett Favre recklessness should grab their fourth straight victory against the NY Jets. Besides, Favre has never won a game in Buffalo.
Buffalo Bills -5
Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears
The 0-7 Detroit Lions have struggled on offense and their defense has been horrendous. Go with the NFL's highest-scoring offense led by Quarterback Kyle Orton to batter the Lions at Soldier Field.
Chicago Bears -12½
Gina
Philadelphia Eagles at Seattle Seahawks
Philadelphia is the better team. Look for the Eagles offense led by Donovan McNabb to connect with running back Brian Westbrook and bulldoze the Seahawks defense, while their defense thumps Seattle’s offense. Seattle is 7-2 ATS in their last nine games at home, but the Eagles are 8-1 ATS in their last nine games away from home and the road team in this series has covered the spread in the last five battles.
Philadelphia Eagles -7
New England Patriots at Indianapolis Colts
The Patriots will face a Colts arsenal with all-pro safety Bob Sanders and running back Joseph Addai back. Go with Manning and his receivers to attack the Patriots' hutting secondary. Indianapolis is 4-0 ATS in the last four meetings.
Indianapolis Colts -6
Johnny Guild
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Kansas City Chiefs
Tampa Bay Buccaneers have won the last two games in the series, but both at Raymond James Stadium. On the road they have struggle, 1-3 this season and just five wins in their last 20 games away from home. Nevertheless, Tampa Bay should have no problems against the sad Kansas City Chiefs. Look for the Bucs powerful defense to dominate this battle. Kansas City is 1-7 ATS in their last 8 home games.
Selections
Tampa Bay Buccaneers -9
Cleveland Browns -2
New York Giants -8.5
Philadelphia Eagles - 7
Randall the Handle
HOME TEAM IN CAPS
Green Bay +4½ over TENNESSEE
Wow, this is about as sweet a spot as I’ve seen all year. The Titans are undefeated and they’re coming off a hugely emotional win over the Colts on Monday night. The final score reads 31-21 but that score is definitely flattering to the Titans, as they benefited from costly turnovers and they benefited from a couple of very questionable decisions by coach Tony Dungy, namely going on fourth and short from mid-field and not making it when the game was tied at 14. Against a very soft defense the Titans had difficulty running the ball and they didn’t look that sharp passing it either. After seven weeks, the Titans have not yet faced a real quality opponent but that changes now against the Pack and it changes big time. Despite losses to Dallas, Tampa and Atlanta, these Packers are good and can be excused for it’s loss to Atlanta, as Aaron Rodgers was not 100%. Remember, while the Titans are on a short week after Monday’s emotional win, the Packers are coming off a bye, which gave them two weeks to prepare and to get healthy bodies back. Aaron Rodgers has numerous options to throw to and it could be argued that the Packers have the best group of receivers in the business. The media might have you believing that Tennessee answered all their critics last week by beating a quality club but I’m not buying into that for a second. The Colts should be 1-6 and not 3-4. Oh, prior to its bye, the Pack destroyed Indy 34-14 and they absolutely catch the Titans at about the most perfect time. It’s so very tempting to play Green Bay straight up and forget about the points but should the Pack lose, which I doubt, it’ll be by the slimmest of margins. Titans proved their point last week and will be hard pressed to exhibit any emotion against a Packer team that they rarely see and after building a four-game lead in the division. Play: Green Bay +4½ (Risking 2.14 units to win 2).
INDIANAPOLIS –6 over New England
You’ll be hard pressed to convince me that the Colts were the second best team on the field Monday night in a 31-21 loss to the Titans. Despite losing it was the Colts second best game of the year and now they’ll be sky high and raring to go against a team that’s more vulnerable then they have been for years and years. Make special note that the Colts will get back Bob Saunders and Saunders is to Indy what Tom Brady is to the Patriots; that’s what an impact player Saunders is. He’s also an emotional leader and the Colts are just a different team when Saunders is out there, period. We saw what happened to the Patriots when they faced San Diego a few weeks ago in a similar situation. They were blown out from the start. The Dolphins also blew them away in week 3. A close look at the Patriots reveals a team that is 5-3 but has wins over KC, the Jets, San Fran, Denver (minus Cutler), and last week a nail biter at home against the Rams. The teams the Patriots have beaten are a combined 13-23 but even that is a bit flattering, as the Jets are 4-3 but have wins against KC and Cinci and both weren’t pretty. You will see a completely different Colts team this week. You’ll see the Colts team that has been a juggernaut in this league for years. What you’ll see from the Pats is a very average football team that does not have the horses to compete here and that is outclassed by a country mile. Play: Indianapolis –6 (Risking 2.14 units to win 2).
NY GIANTS –8½ over Dallas
The Giants had a tough time with the Steelers in Pittsburgh last week but they managed to pull off the mild upset against the ferocious defense of the Steelers. Yeah, nine points is a lot, especially in a rivalry such as this, but the Giants have to be smelling a wounded and emotionally fragile enemy here and they’ll take full advantage and show no mercy whatsoever. Eli Manning should have a field day against a bad Dallas secondary and the running of Brandon Jacobs will do the rest. The big question here is how are the Boys going to move the ball, let alone score points? They’re not, that’s how, because they have limited weapons and if Jason Witten does not go you can triple that. Even if Witten does go he has bruised ribs and one catch and hit and he could be done for the day. We also have a coaching mismatch here, as Wade Phillips is like a high school coach compared to Tom Coughlin. The cowboys didn’t get too frustrated last week because they played a stale offense but things will be a whole lot different this week. Expect some sideline antics from T.O. once the cowboys get down and he’s not getting thrown to. Tensions will mount play by play for the Cowboys, as the Giants should be able to keep the Boys defense on the field for way too long while the offense goes three and out numerous times. I don’t usually predict finals but call this one 35-3 and an easy cash. Play: NY Giants –8½ (Risking 2.10 units to win 2).
OTHER GAMES (6-4)
Unlike previous years, I'm not providing picks on each and every game but will provide insight on a few others that are worth mentioning.
NY Jets +5½ over BUFFALO
The Jets stink, period. This is a bad football team that was thumped by San Diego, lost in Oakland and easily lost to New England and they’ve looked worse in victory. The Packers knew exactly what they were doing when they kissed Favre good riddance. The Jets defense is bad and this is one of the worst half dozen teams in the league and you can’t make a single argument against that. The Bills are a decent club with good leadership, focus and coaching. They will methodically wear down opponents and they usually don’t beat themselves, aside from last week’s blunders in Miami. Having said that, this one just smells of a rat, a big rat and something about this game is very unnerving for Bills backers. It would seem on paper that the Bills should win this one going away, especially since the Jets are coming off a win and the Bills are coming off a loss. But as Chris Berman would say, “That’s why they play the games”. I’m not endorsing other side and the purpose of this prediction is more of a warning then anything else. My senses tell me to lay off the Bills and after 30 years of wagering on the NFL I have to trust that. You’ve been warned. Play: NY Jets +5½ (No bets).
Doug Williams
Detroit Lions (+12.5) OVER Chicago Bears (-12.5) -- Let's ride the double-digit-dogs this season. Just to be clear, Chicago is absolutely going to win this game, but Detroit will get the W where it matters - in your wallet.
Cleveland Browns (-1.5) OVER Baltimore (+1.5) -- The Browns are back where they want to be - under the radar. This is a big divisional matchup, and the Brownies are a profitable 5-2 ATS.
Philadelphia Eagles (-6.5) OVER Seattle Seahawks (+6.5) -- Last week was NOT a Seattle resurgence...that was a 49er implosion. The Seahawks are terrible and a healthy Westbrook will run straight down their throats. Also -- start Desean on your fantasy team.
MNF: Steelers (+1.5) OVER Washington Redskins (-1.5) -- This Monday night matchup is going to be close. Watch for Big Ben to gut out another Monday night win while taking a pounding.
Vegas Vic
SEAHAWKS (+7) over Eagles
Almost had everything right last Sunday, but fell a few points short. We had a winner with Phils in Game 4 and our final score for the Birds and Falcons, 27-21, was seven points short. But the Vicster did say "This ain't gonna be an upset." Looking for a similar scenario out west, where the Eagles fly back home with a W, but Seattle keeps the final margin under a touchdown. Lets say it's a medium-to-light play. This is obviously not the same group of Seahawks who beat the Birds, 28-24, at the Linc last season, since QB Matt Hasselbeck is still out and RB Shaun Alexander now works in Washington. Seneca Wallace will get his third start under center for the 'Hawks and after a lousy first outing, he bounced back last week with a strong effort, hitting on 15 of 25 for 222 yards, two TDs and no INTs. Final score in coffee country looks like 24-20 for the locals.
BILLS (-5) over Jets
There's Manny being Manny, and Brett Favre just being Brett Favre. After four pretty solid games to open the season, Favre has had three, let's call 'em "close to stinkers," in a row. He was intercepted three times against Kansas City last week, has thrown seven picks in his last three games, and is tied for the NFL lead with 11. Not exactly the category where you wanna be sitting at the top of the chart. To make matters a little more sticky, Favre has been sacked 16 times, which is already one more than all of last season with the Packers. Buffalo is coming off an embarrassing loss at Miami (25-16), but with a 3-0 log at home, it should be an easy W, and cover for the Buffs. And if you're not convinced yet, how about the Jets' 7-20 record on the road over the last 3-plus years? Now you on board? Thought so.
BROWNS (-1) over Ravens
After the first meeting, Baltimore sent tapes to the league office claiming that the Cleveland players intentionally gouged the eyes of RB Willis McGahee. Of course, the Browns claim to be innocent. They also have claimed wins in three of the last four games, and have a sweet 8-3 mark at home since the start of 2007, while the Ravens are 2-9 on the road during the same span.
BRONCOS (-3) over Dolphins
Give Miami and new head coach Tony Sparano a ton of credit for the 3-4 record (the Fish were 1-15 last season), but there are a few problems on the immediate horizon. The weather for one. The Dolphins are coming out of South Florida where the temps have been in the mid-70s, and flying into Denver where they're gonna find low 20s as the sun starts to set in the Rockies. And the Dolphins 3-16 road mark the last 19 times out ain't gonna help.
COLTS (-6) over Patriots
Don't be throwing any dirt on Peyton Manning and Indy just yet. The Horseshoes finally get a shot at New England without Tom Brady, and the end result should be a very crucial victory. With a 3-4 record, the Colts don't have much wiggle room, so expect 'em to come out flying. And of course, the homefield edge is a monster, since the 'Shoes have won 17 of their last 22 at Indianapolis.
Cowboys (+9) over GIANTS
No Tony Romo. Possibly no Jason Witten and Brad Johnson struggling at QB. So why bother with Dallas against the New Yorkers with the 4-0 record at home? We can think of nine reasons, and it's the spread.
Jaguars (-7) over BENGALS
Cincy is giving up more than 30 points per game over the last month, has covered only two of the last nine at home, and with Ryan Fitzpatrick at QB, the Bengals have no teeth, and, no chance.
VIKINGS (-4) over Texans
Still can't back a Houston team that has lost 23 of its last 27 on the road.
Bucs (-8) over CHIEFS
KC got three Brett Favre gifts to hang around last week. This time, no gifts, no cover.
Cardinals (-3) over RAMS
Arizona has won four of the last five against St. Louis, and should post another W this Sunday.
Lions (+13) over BEARS
This big fat 13-point spot looks appetizing. Why? Because Detroit is on a 6-0 spread roll as a double-digit dog.
Packers (+5) over TITANS
Green Bay might not hang a loss on Tennessee, but the Packers should be able to cover the spread.
Falcons (-3) over RAIDERS
Don't watch it. Don't bet on it. Make believe it doesn't exsist.
Steelers (+2) over REDSKINS
If Ben Roethlisberger finally gets some protection, Pittsburgh should be able to squeeze out a victory.
Pure Lock
MINNESOTA @ OKLAHOMA CITY
PLAY: OKLAHOMA CITY (-) PTS
R&R Totals
Atlanta @ Oakland
Play: UNDER
Mikey Sports
Miami @ Denver
Play: Denver (-)
Scott Rickenbach
Play ON Philadelphia Eagles (-) @ Seattle
We successfully used the Eagles in this spot last week and we come right back with them here. As we mentioned in last week’s write-up: Just when it looks like the Eagles are wrapping themselves up into a futile season they bounced back with a big win before their bye week. Philadelphia got a big win and cover at San Francisco three weeks ago. Now, after also being afforded the opportunity to rest up for last week’s game, they were more than ready to come up with another solid win and, although they made things a little “too interesting”, the Eagles got the win and cover versus the Falcons last week. While it is true that, like the Eagles, the Seahawks are coming off of a big win last week, there is simply too much disparity in terms of the talent level of these two teams. The Seahawks had just one win on the season before last week’s big win at San Francisco and, of course, the 49’ers are a big mess so one shouldn’t put too much weight into the ‘Hawks victory over the Niners! The Eagles forced three turnovers against the 49’ers three weeks ago and then, after their bye week, they came back and forced three more turnovers against the Falcons last week versus Atlanta! The Philadelphia defense ranks as one of the best in the league in terms of being consistent both against the run and the pass! Also, their aerial attack is really starting to click and ranks as one of the top passing offenses in the league. The fact that Philly also gained over 100 yards on the ground at San Francisco and nearly 200 yards versus the Falcons is also a good sign of things to come! Psychologically, the Eagles are feeling much better about their chances in the NFC East and getting their wide receivers back healthy also helps in that regard. Based on the fact that the Eagles are on the road here, it may seem surprising to some to see the Eagles favored by about a touchdown. But, always remember, there is much more than meets the eye at first glance and the odds makers knew what they were doing when they attached this large point spread to the Eagles for Week Nine. Philly has covered two of their three road games while Seattle has covered just once in their three home games and this one should be ALL Eagles as the home/road dichotomy comes into play once again! Simply put, there is line value with the Eagles here thanks to being on the road.
DUNKEL
Minnesota at Oklahoma City
The Thunder return home in search of their first win and look to take advantage of a 5-2 ATS mark against the Timberwolves over the last three seasons. Oklahoma City is the pick (-2) according to Dunkel, which has the Thunder favored by 4. Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma City (-2).
Game 701-702: Milwaukee at New York
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee 107.686; New York 115.493
Dunkel Line & Total: New York by 8; 220
Vegas Line & Total: New York by 5 1/2; 214 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New York (-5 1/2); Over
Game 703-704: Minnesota at Oklahoma City
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 111.595; Oklahoma City 115.485
Dunkel Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 4; 186
Vegas Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 2; 192 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma City (-2); Under
NHL
Calgary at Anaheim
The Ducks are coming off a 7-6 loss to Vancouver and are just 1-4 after allowing 4 or more goals. The Flames are the underdog pick (+145) according to Dunkel, which has Calgary favored straight up by 1. Dunkel Pick: Calgary (+145).
Game 51-52: Edmonton at Philadelphia
Dunkel Ratings: Edmonton 10.790; Philadelphia 13.044
Dunkel Line & Total: Philadelphia by 2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Philadelphia (-170); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-170); Over
Game 53-54: Toronto at Carolina
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 10.710; Carolina 11.884
Dunkel Line & Total: Carolina by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Carolina (-170); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Carolina (-170); Over
Game 55-56: Florida at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: Florida 9.713; Atlanta 10.716
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 1; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Atlanta (-120); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-120); Over
Game 57-58: San Jose at Colorado
Dunkel Ratings: San Jose 11.184; Colorado 11.974
Dunkel Line & Total: Colorado by 1; 5
Vegas Line & Total: San Jose (-120); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (+100); Under
Game 59-60: Calgary at Anaheim
Dunkel Ratings: Calgary 13.353; Anaheim 12.020
Dunkel Line & Total: Calgary by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Anaheim (-165); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Calgary (+145); Over
Game 61-62: Detroit at Vancouver
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 11.748; Vancouver 13.273
Dunkel Line & Total: Vancouver by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit (-130); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Vancouver (+110); Over
NFL
Baltimore at Cleveland
The Browns return home after upending Jacksonville and will look to build on their 11-2 ATS mark over the last three seasons against a team with a winning record as they take on a Baltimore team that is just 6-13 ATS on the road. Cleveland is the pick (-1 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Browns favored by 3 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (-1 1/2).
Game 399-400: Houston at Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: Houston 130.774; Minnesota 133.240
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 2 1/2; 44
Vegas Line: Minnesota by 4 1/2; 47
Dunkel Pick: Houston (+4 1/2); Under
Game 401-402: Jacksonville at Cincinnati
Dunkel Ratings: Jacksonville 132.343; Cincinnati 121.327
Dunkel Line: Jacksonville by 11; 36
Vegas Line: Jacksonville by 8; 40
Dunkel Pick: Jacksonville (-8); Under
Game 403-404: Tampa Bay at Kansas City
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay 136.889; Kansas City 124.550
Dunkel Line: Tampa Bay by 12; 42
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay by 9; 36 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (-9); Over
Game 405-406: Baltimore at Cleveland
Dunkel Ratings: Baltimore 130.742; Cleveland 134.446
Dunkel Line: Cleveland by 3 1/2; 34
Vegas Line: Cleveland by 1 1/2; 36
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (-1 1/2); Under
Game 407-408: NY Jets at Buffalo
Dunkel Ratings: NY Jets 130.057; Buffalo 132.562
Dunkel Line: Buffalo by 2 1/2; 37
Vegas Line: Buffalo by 5 1/2; 42
Dunkel Pick: NY Jets (+5 1/2); Under
Game 409-410: Arizona at St. Louis
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona 131.319; St. Louis 125.027
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 6; 52
Vegas Line: Arizona by 3; 48
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (-3); Over
Game 411-412: Detroit at Chicago
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 119.744; Chicago 138.989
Dunkel Line: Chicago by 19; 38
Vegas Line: Chicago by 13; 43
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-13); Under
Game 413-414: Green Bay at Tennessee
Dunkel Ratings: Green Bay 133.540; Tennessee 142.951
Dunkel Line: Tennessee by 9 1/2; 37
Vegas Line: Tennessee by 5 1/2; 41 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tennessee (-5 1/2); Under
Game 415-416: Miami at Denver
Dunkel Ratings: Miami 128.701; Denver 128.434
Dunkel Line: Even; 54
Vegas Line: Denver by 3; 49
Dunkel Pick: Miami (+3); Over
Game 417-418: Atlanta at Oakland
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 126.459; Oakland 126.636
Dunkel Line: Even; 46
Vegas Line: Atlanta by 3; 41
Dunkel Pick: Oakland (+3); Over
Game 419-420: Dallas at NY Giants
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 134.505; NY Giants 141.064
Dunkel Line: NY Giants by 6 1/2; 36
Vegas Line: NY Giants by 9; 41
Dunkel Pick: Dallas (+9); Under
Game 421-422: Philadelphia at Seattle
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 134.638; Seattle 130.760
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 4; 40
Vegas Line: Philadelphia by 7; 43
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (+7); Under
Game 423-424: New England at Indianapolis
Dunkel Ratings: New England 135.093; Indianapolis 138.481
Dunkel Line: Indianapolis by 3 1/2; 47
Vegas Line: Indianapolis by 5 1/2; 44
Dunkel Pick: New England (+5 1/2); Over
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3
Game 427-428: Pittsburgh at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh 136.823; Washington 134.854
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 2; 33
Vegas Line: Washington by 1 1/2; 37
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (+1 1/2); Under
Nostradamus
Jacksonville -7.5
Tampa Bay -9.5
Detroit +12.5
Oakland +3
Central Florida +4.5
Lenny Del Genio
Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns
Prediction: Cleveland Browns
Not sure why the Browns are only being asked to lay this short number, but we'll take it as they have played their two best games over the last three weeks in beating the Giants and Jaguars. They also hung tough with the Redskins. Cleveland has covered four straight and with last week's outright win moved to an incredible 11-0 ATS if their last two game was on the road. Baltimore's resume has been falsely boosted with BB wins over bad teams.
Larry Ness
Minnesota Timberwolves @ Oklahoma City
PICK: Oklahoma City Thunder
The T-wolves and Sonics (now Thunder) were two of the NBA's worst teams last year. They meet tonight in Oklahoma City with the T-wolves at 1-1 and the Thunder at 0-2. Minnesota opened with a 98-96 home win over the Kings by holding off a late Sacramento rally but couldn't pull off a late rally of its own last night, losing at home to the Mavs, 95-85. Al Jefferson had 21 and 10 vs the Kings and another double-double last night (14-12) but made just 5-of-15 FGs. Rookie Kevin Love played well in his debut (15 points and nine rebounds) but struggled last night, making only 3-of-7 FGs for nine points with three rebounds. The Thunder played very poorly in a season-opening home loss to the Bucks but hung around vs the Rockets last night, before losing 89-77. However, PJ Carlesimo knows his team won't win many games allowing opponents to shoot 31 FTs (as Houston did, making 27), while taking only 12 themselves (Thunder made nine). However, he had to be happy with Durant's 26 points, despite be guarded most of the time by Artest (one of the league's toughest defenders). The Thunder have connected on just 41.8 percent of their FG attempts in their first two games, including making just one of 10 from behind the three-point line. That MUST improve but why shouldn't it here, vs a Minnesota team playing its first road game of the new season, where it went 7-34 SU last year? Excellent chance for the Thunder to grab their first-ever win. Take Oklahoma City.
Andre Gomes
MIN / HOU Under 47
The line of 47 points for this game indicates that we are in front of a potential high scoring game, however this isn't a good spot for points. It's actually the opposite. The Vikings lost their last game against the Bears in an impressive high scoring game (41-48), with both teams committing several errors and with Gus Frerotte having 2 TD passes and 4 interceptions. The team had now a bye week to recover from that disastrous defensive performance and I expect them to be much better this week.Safety Madieu Williams, who has been sidelined because of a neck injury, is expected to start Sunday against the Houston Texans, Vikings coach Brad Childress said Friday."I'm looking forward to it," Williams said after he fully participated in practice for the first time this season. "It's a great opportunity. I'm looking forward to finally being out there with my teammates and bringing a win to this team".So, the team will now another an huge reinforcement on their defense. The team has just allowed 18, 10 and 12 points on their home games this season, with all of them ending up being under. This week, they will face the red hot team of the Texans, who have won three games in a row, with Matt Schaub playing like a MVP contender: 7 TD passes and 0 interceptions, with passing ratings of 144.0, 124.1 and 124.1. The public expect Schaub to continue his good moment this week, however he can't forget the opponents he has faced on those three games: the Bengals and the Lions have a combined record of 0-14 and not making a good game against these two teams would have to be considered as a failure. Schaub has been struggling on the road this season and playing on a Dome stadium, with a lot of noise won't help the passing game of the Texans at all. The Vikings are eighth in defense (290.1) and 17th against the pass (213.4), but with safety Madieu Williams back, I expect them to improve a lot on the secondary.The Vikings are 13-3 Under in their last 16 games after scoring more than 30 points in their previous game. The team had a bye week to prepare themselves for this game and I fully expect Minnesota to bring their A defensive game for this game. I've found a good trend for this game, which shows that a defensive bounce back of the Vikings in here is more than probable:Home teams are 44-13 Under over the last 10 seasons in November games, after a road game where both teams scored 24 or more points.So, this line of 47 points seems to be too high for this game. Take the under in here.
Bob Majors
SEA +7 vs PHI
The Philadelphia Eagles (4-3) will attempt to secure their third straight victory on Sunday when they visit the Seattle Seahawks (2-5) at Seattle in a late afternoon game.QB Donovan McNabb passed for 253 yards and and scrambled for 25 additional yards in last weeks 27-14 victory over Atlanta. RB Brian Westbook will be in the line as he rushed for 167 ards and two TDs last week. The Eagles hope to be back in the hunt for the NFC East race as they are behind the Giants, Redskins and Cowboys.Seattle will be starting QB Seneca Wallace who completed 15-25 passes for 222 yards and a twoTDs in last Sundays 34-13 road win over San Francisco. The running game of the Seahawks is non existent especially without RB Shaun Alexander who is out with a bulging disk in his back. The Seahawk will have to rely on the arm of Wallace to move the ball effectively.The Eagles are 8-1 ATS in their last 9 road games, 2-6 ATS in their last 8 road games versus a team with a losing home record and 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games playing in week 9. The Seahawks are 6-1-1 ATS in their last 8 home games versus a team with a winning road record, 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games in Week 9 and 7-2 ATS in their last 9 home games.Taking into consideration the Eagles are traveling across country to play this game, I like the Seahawks at home getting the generous points.