EVEN since the Cowboys started this down cycle, they’ve matched up well with the Giants. Last year, they won in Big D and ambushed Big Blue at Giants Stadium, taking a 24-7 lead before incredibly blowing it.
So this shapes up as a close one, worthy of its pick designation. Problem for the Cowboys is they run hot and cold from week to week, and after beating Rams this is their cold week. Kerry Collins and Tiki Barber should have just enough red-zone resolve to get out of there with a win. If the G-Men are going to be a playoff team, they’d better.
It’s Giants, pick.
Chiefs (-3) over JETS
Both teams have given up an atrocious 133points, in four games, which means it’s a good time to make move to Chad Pennington and maybe he can have some success and revive the offense. Trouble is, Ted Cottrell’s D hasn’t just been bad, it’s been non-competitive, and it’s simply a scary matchup against a KC machine that put up 86 on the Pats and Fish when the Jets managed 10.
Patriots (+3) over DOLPHINS
Even though it’s October now, Dolphins still enjoy significant home-heat advantage. And Holmes and LaDainian Tomlinson showed Pats can be run on. But thought here is that Pats are still the better team with the better coaching.
SAINTS (-3) over Steelers
After two horrendous first halves on road, Saints will come out ready this week and big-play men Deuce McAllister, Donte Stallworth and Aaron Brooks will crease Steeler D. Bill Cowher chose Tommy Maddox over Kordell Stewart, but pass defense is Pittsburgh’s bigger problem.
Redskins (+5 1/2) over TITANS
Bye week should help Steve Spurrier regroup. Other key Skin coach here is defensive coordinator Marvin Lewis, whose Ravens were only visiting team to win in Nashville for long stretch.
Bucs (-1) over FALCONS
Like Buc D against ex-teammate Warrick Dunn and young, still-learning QB Michael Vick. Brad Johnson, who is getting it done so far, is a former dome quarterback.
Raiders (-3) over BILLS
Raiders are lucky the schedule is sending them here in early October instead of late December. Averaging almost 38 ppg for three games, with the help of TDs on special teams, Rich Gannon should put up enough points to keep Drew Bledsoe out of last minute striking distance.
PANTHERS (-3 1/2) over Cards
There’s probably no coach who has given the Cardinals more fits over the years than John Fox. Ex-Giant defensive coordinator has Panthers ranked No. 2 in points allowed, while establishing Lamar Smith as a two-TD-a-week force.
COLTS (-13 1/2) over Bengals
Maybe Tony Dungy is rubbing off on Colts, who have allowed 49 points to the Jags, Texans and Fish. Just have to hope Payton Manning’s O has killer instinct to turn 21-7 into 35-7 instead of allowing backdoor cover to awful Bengal team.
Chargers (+5) over BRONCOS
Marty Schottenheimer has history of losing heartbreakers to Denver. But even that result could still leave a Charger cover, and they may even be the better team, judging by Tomlinson’s manhandling of the Patriots and the Broncs’ MNF disgrace.
49ERS (-7) over Rams
In this rivalry, the better team has always taken great pleasure in kicking the other guy when he’s down. The Rams are down, and it’ll be a long day by the Bay for Jamie Martin.
Eagles (-3) over JAGUARS
Later start means heat won’t be as much of a factor, Mark Brunell will find it tougher to create long-gainers than he did against KC and Jets, and Jag D won’t withstand combo of Donovan McNabb and small spread.
Ravens (+6 1/2) over BROWNS
This isn’t bandwagon pick because this space nailed Ravens on MNF. Jamal Lewis looks healthy, Todd Heap can go get it and line’s too big to take Browns, who play tight games that are usually decided on final play.
MONDAY NIGHT
Packers (+1 1/2) over BEARS
Bears haven’t developed much of a home edge at Champaign, blowing 20-point lead to Saints after squeaking by pitiful Vikings. Without Ted (Mount) Washington clogging middle, Brett Favre will find ways to run Brian Urlacher ragged.
BEST BETS: Panthers, Chiefs, Chargers.
LAST WEEK: 8-6.
BEST BETS: 1-2.
