Denver Broncos+6 The power ratings favor the Falcons by 14 points. They have the 2nd ranked rushing offense going up against Denver's 27th ranked rushing defense. This should give Atlanta enough of an edge to control time of possession, and keep the ball away from Denver's passing offense. Denver looked like they got their offense back on track last week vs Cleveland and will get some decent yards off Atlanta's 21st ranked defense against the pass. Their major problem will be how many opportunities they get. Teams that throw the ball well, always have a chance to back door a game. With the Falcon's laying 6, and 4-0 ATS at home, something may be ready to give here. They are in a sandwich game and have Carolina next week. Statistically, Atlanta looks like an easy play. I am going against the grain here and picking Denver+6
Kansas City Chiefs+5 The power ratings favor the Saints by 5.5 points. The line is sharp at 5.5 The Saints are giving up 32 ppg in their last 3 games. They have beat up on bad teams, SFO 31-17, OAK 34-3, but both of those were at home. They face a Kansas City team that has been improving offensively, and gets Larry Johnson back this week. The Chiefs have lost by 4,3, and 1 point in their last 3 games. They are on a 3 game win streak ATS. I generally pass games that have no edge, but Kansas City looks to have a shot at staying with in this number. My pick Kansas City+5.5
Seattle Seahawks+2 The power ratings favor the Cardinals by 9 points. They have a short week, but a commanding lead in the division race. They have not been in this position since the move to Arizona, so I am wondering how they will handle it. They didn't look that sharp on Monday night, but did get the win and not the cover. Seattle will get Hasselbeck back, but looking at his numbers, I can't see any boost to the passing game. The defense has held opponents to an average of 20 ppg in their last 4 games, and have covered 3 of their last 4 games. The Cardinals could be looking ahead to the Giants, and the number just looks a little fishy here. My pick Seattle+3
Philadelphia Eagles-9 The power rating favor the Eagles by 11.5 points. The Eagles are in a must win situation here, after falling to the Giants 31-36. This will be their weakest opponent the rest of the way, and look for a bigger defensive effort after allowing 36 points last week. The Eagles are averaging 31 ppg in their last 4 games. Cincinnati has scored 21, once in their last 4 games. They are coming off a bye week. The Eagles should hold them to less than 10 points and win this convincingly. My pick Philadelphia-9
San Francisco-6 The power ratings favors San Francisco by 8.5 points. Singletary did make improvements to the special teams last week, as they returned their first kick-off for a touchdown. They snapped a 5 game ATS losing streak, and should have won that game last week. The defense is still a problem giving up 31.5 ppg avg, with Singletary at the helm. The offense looked better, but still had a few turnovers that set up Cardinal points. St. Louis is looking like a Jeckle and Hyde team since Haslett took over. After winning 2 out of 3, they have lost their last two games, and been outscored 81-16! In 2 division games, they have been outscored by 45 points. Jackson is still questionable, and was not running close to full speed in practice this week. I think Singletary gets his first big win here. My pick San Francisco-6.5
Pittsburgh Steelers-5 The power ratings favor the Steelers by 9.5 points. Roethlisberger took the blame for last weeks loss. I blamed him too, but it wasn't all his fault. I like the fact that he stepped up and took the blame. I think they will all give a stong effort this week. San diego is on a 3 game ATS losing streak. This is their first underdog roll of the season. They are 1-3 straight up on the road, with their only win, a come from behind victory at Oakland. My pick Pittsburgh-5