In the tough betting world that is the NFL, I’m always happy to take the points whenever I can. Here are five underdogs that I think are worth a serious look this weekend.
Washington Redskins +3.5 vs. Dallas Cowboys As much fanfare as there’s been about Donovan McNabb joining the Redskins, I think the bigger story in Washington is the hiring of Mike Shanahan. Shanahan’s a proven winner, with a career record of 146-98 and two Super Bowl championships. He’s already begun to put his stamp on the team with the way he’s handled Albert Haynesworth in the preseason, and I can see him turning the Redskins around right away. Catching more than a field goal at home in prime time against a hated division rival makes Washington worth a hard look.
Cincinnati Bengals +4.5 at New England Patriots The Patriots’ aura of invincibility at home took a big hit in last year’s playoffs as the Ravens ran them off the field. Meanwhile, Carson Palmer now has both Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens to throw to, which could give New England’s banged-up defence (without defensive end Ty Warren and cornerback Leigh Bodden) some real headaches on Sunday. Cincy’s defense is pretty damn good and should be able to keep the Bengals in the game. This line has already come down from an opening number of 6, which should also tell us something.
Baltimore Ravens +2.5 at New York Jets I can’t remember a more hyped-up team in the NFL than the Jets. Let’s not forget that before their two wins in last year’s playoffs (over the Bengals and Chargers, teams hardly known for recent postseason success), they went only 9-7 against a pretty soft schedule. New York’s last six wins of the regular season came over Oakland, Carolina, Buffalo, Tampa Bay, Indianapolis (who was sitting stars) and Cincinnati (which had also locked up a playoff spot). Offensively, I’ll take Joe Flacco over Mark Sanchez, Ray Rice over Thomas Jones, and Derrick Mason and Anquan Boldin over Jerricho Cotchery and Braylon Edwards.
Philadelphia Eagles +3 vs. Green Bay Packers Yes, I think the Packers are going to be good this season. Really good. But there aren’t many more difficult places to win in than Philadelphia, something the Pack knows all too well. In fact, Green Bay hasn’t won in Philly since 1962, dropping nine straight contests during that span. Kevin Kolb replaces McNabb under center for the Eagles, but he threw for 300-plus yards and two touchdowns in each of his two starts last season. Catching three points at home with a team that should be inspired to perform well for Kolb makes this an attractive spot to back Philly.
Houston Texans +1 vs. Indianapolis Colts The Texans’ inability to beat Indianapolis recently (losing 15 of the last 16 meetings) is probably enough to keep me from going to the window with Houston this weekend. But I sure as hell won’t be on the Colts, either. Something smells about this game when you see Indy, a public team, open as a 3-point favorite and the line move down to nearly a pick ‘em. There’s a lot of optimism in Houston, which had a franchise-best nine wins last season. Matt Schaub had more passing yards than Peyton Manning and Andre Johnson is a stud receiver for the Texans. Indy needed 21-point fourth quarters to sneak by the Texans in each of its last two trips to Houston. Maybe this time the Texans will finish the job.
Which underdogs are you considering on your card for this weekend?
In the tough betting world that is the NFL, I’m always happy to take the points whenever I can. Here are five underdogs that I think are worth a serious look this weekend.
Washington Redskins +3.5 vs. Dallas Cowboys As much fanfare as there’s been about Donovan McNabb joining the Redskins, I think the bigger story in Washington is the hiring of Mike Shanahan. Shanahan’s a proven winner, with a career record of 146-98 and two Super Bowl championships. He’s already begun to put his stamp on the team with the way he’s handled Albert Haynesworth in the preseason, and I can see him turning the Redskins around right away. Catching more than a field goal at home in prime time against a hated division rival makes Washington worth a hard look.
Cincinnati Bengals +4.5 at New England Patriots The Patriots’ aura of invincibility at home took a big hit in last year’s playoffs as the Ravens ran them off the field. Meanwhile, Carson Palmer now has both Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens to throw to, which could give New England’s banged-up defence (without defensive end Ty Warren and cornerback Leigh Bodden) some real headaches on Sunday. Cincy’s defense is pretty damn good and should be able to keep the Bengals in the game. This line has already come down from an opening number of 6, which should also tell us something.
Baltimore Ravens +2.5 at New York Jets I can’t remember a more hyped-up team in the NFL than the Jets. Let’s not forget that before their two wins in last year’s playoffs (over the Bengals and Chargers, teams hardly known for recent postseason success), they went only 9-7 against a pretty soft schedule. New York’s last six wins of the regular season came over Oakland, Carolina, Buffalo, Tampa Bay, Indianapolis (who was sitting stars) and Cincinnati (which had also locked up a playoff spot). Offensively, I’ll take Joe Flacco over Mark Sanchez, Ray Rice over Thomas Jones, and Derrick Mason and Anquan Boldin over Jerricho Cotchery and Braylon Edwards.
Philadelphia Eagles +3 vs. Green Bay Packers Yes, I think the Packers are going to be good this season. Really good. But there aren’t many more difficult places to win in than Philadelphia, something the Pack knows all too well. In fact, Green Bay hasn’t won in Philly since 1962, dropping nine straight contests during that span. Kevin Kolb replaces McNabb under center for the Eagles, but he threw for 300-plus yards and two touchdowns in each of his two starts last season. Catching three points at home with a team that should be inspired to perform well for Kolb makes this an attractive spot to back Philly.
Houston Texans +1 vs. Indianapolis Colts The Texans’ inability to beat Indianapolis recently (losing 15 of the last 16 meetings) is probably enough to keep me from going to the window with Houston this weekend. But I sure as hell won’t be on the Colts, either. Something smells about this game when you see Indy, a public team, open as a 3-point favorite and the line move down to nearly a pick ‘em. There’s a lot of optimism in Houston, which had a franchise-best nine wins last season. Matt Schaub had more passing yards than Peyton Manning and Andre Johnson is a stud receiver for the Texans. Indy needed 21-point fourth quarters to sneak by the Texans in each of its last two trips to Houston. Maybe this time the Texans will finish the job.
Which underdogs are you considering on your card for this weekend?
My other dog of the week besides the Eagles are the Pittsburgh Steelers. Their defense is healthy and formidable especially at home and their trio of running backs are physical and explosive. I love the fact that Dixon is mobile as the pass protection tends to break down too quickly.
In his only start last year, Dixon passed and ran for tds against a tough Ravens squad on the road and though he threw a pick in OT, he looked like a champ to me. The Steelers are have Ward, Miller, Wallace and El as weapons in their reciever corps.
How is Atlanta going to score? Are they such great road warriors?
My other dog of the week besides the Eagles are the Pittsburgh Steelers. Their defense is healthy and formidable especially at home and their trio of running backs are physical and explosive. I love the fact that Dixon is mobile as the pass protection tends to break down too quickly.
In his only start last year, Dixon passed and ran for tds against a tough Ravens squad on the road and though he threw a pick in OT, he looked like a champ to me. The Steelers are have Ward, Miller, Wallace and El as weapons in their reciever corps.
How is Atlanta going to score? Are they such great road warriors?
Thomas Jones is with Kansas City now. If you're going to compare running games, it'd be Ray Rice over Shonn Greene and LT. But I do agree with your assessment of the Jets.....waaaay overhyped and overrated
Thomas Jones is with Kansas City now. If you're going to compare running games, it'd be Ray Rice over Shonn Greene and LT. But I do agree with your assessment of the Jets.....waaaay overhyped and overrated
Another one I wanna throw in there is the steelers at home on opening day. They dont have ben but they dont need him against the falcons. Falcons have ZERO pass rush and the steelers have a weak offensive line so its a wash. Any QB in this league even if he is a rookie will complete passes when given time...
Steelers at home they wanna prove they can win without Ben.
They are tired of hearing about the Ravens and Bengals this when a team can be dangerous.
Another one I wanna throw in there is the steelers at home on opening day. They dont have ben but they dont need him against the falcons. Falcons have ZERO pass rush and the steelers have a weak offensive line so its a wash. Any QB in this league even if he is a rookie will complete passes when given time...
Steelers at home they wanna prove they can win without Ben.
They are tired of hearing about the Ravens and Bengals this when a team can be dangerous.
the jets should beat the ravens... id take revis and cromartie over any top 2 receivers in the league.. they will shut down the ravens receivers.. rex ryan will come up with a good gameplan.. should be a close game tho..
the jets should beat the ravens... id take revis and cromartie over any top 2 receivers in the league.. they will shut down the ravens receivers.. rex ryan will come up with a good gameplan.. should be a close game tho..
Another one I wanna throw in there is the steelers at home on opening day. They dont have ben but they dont need him against the falcons. Falcons have ZERO pass rush and the steelers have a weak offensive line so its a wash. Any QB in this league even if he is a rookie will complete passes when given time...
Steelers at home they wanna prove they can win without Ben.
They are tired of hearing about the Ravens and Bengals this when a team can be dangerous.
Read message above told you about the steelers and the packers.Kolb really sucks, if he is starting play the other team.
Another one I wanna throw in there is the steelers at home on opening day. They dont have ben but they dont need him against the falcons. Falcons have ZERO pass rush and the steelers have a weak offensive line so its a wash. Any QB in this league even if he is a rookie will complete passes when given time...
Steelers at home they wanna prove they can win without Ben.
They are tired of hearing about the Ravens and Bengals this when a team can be dangerous.
Read message above told you about the steelers and the packers.Kolb really sucks, if he is starting play the other team.
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