Four games stood out for me this week. Like last week and in the opener I actually like my picks. That didn't happen in weeks two through four. I thought that would doom me last week. Let's hope for a second straight that I am just being pessimistic.
home team in bold
Best Bet
New England Patriots (-9.5) over Tennessee TitansHard to envision a trip to Foxboro as being an elixir for the 0-5 Titans. The Patriots are going to be on the war path after an overtime loss in Denver that was the first of Tom Brady's career. The Titans pass defense has dropped to 31st in the league. Brady, Randy Moss and Wes Welker have to be licking their chops. Kerry Collins has not shown the ability to put up points to counter a high powered passing offense. Vince Young showed nothing in relief last week.
Others
New York Jets (-9.5) over Buffalo BillsHere is another pissed off AFC East team coming home off a tough road loss. The Jets screwed me last week in the final seconds so I was a bit reticent about going back to them this week. Rex Ryan's defense was shredded by Chad Henne and the wildcat. Ryan's sideline and clock management betrayed the fact that he is a rookie head coach. But the Bills offensive line is a shambles. Trent Edwards has the deer in the headlights look that Ryan coached defenses thrive against. Dick Jauron could be the first NFL head coach to be fired at halftime.
Arizona Cardinals (+3) over Seattle Seahawks
I was tempted to take the Panthers over the Bucs, but probably should be staying away from road favorites in inter-divisional matchups. Especially when the road favorite won for the first time in week five. So instead I am going to go for last year's Super Bowl runner up that seemed to right the ship somewhat last week coming off a bye. The Cardinals surprisingly lead the league in rushing defense. The Seahawks are unlikely to change that with a running corps of Julius Jones, Edgerrin James and Justin Forsett. I know the Seahawks are a different team with Matt Hasselbeck. Especially the defense which has pitched a pair of shut outs when Hasselbeck played the whole game. That was against the awful Rams and a Jaguars team that came up flat after traveling cross country. Let's just say the wins didn't make me a believer in the Mora way.
Last week
Indianapolis Colts (-3.5) over Tennessee Titans WINNew York Jets (-1.5) over Miami Dolphins LOSS
Minnesota Vikings (-9.5) over St. Louis Rams WIN
Record to date: 10-5 Best bets: 2-3