NFL Week 3

Time to hit our NFL stride.  Week 3 is chock full of winners:

Five Star Specials:

Steelers (-3) @ Tampa Bay - The Steel Curtain brings Mr. Freeman back to earth.  Charlie Batch (gulp) does just enough to cover the spread.  Pittsburgh wins 13-6.  LOCK IT UP

Bengals (-3.5) @ Carolina - Clausen may turn things around for the Panthers, eventually.  He's in for a rude awakening on Sunday against one of the most opportunistic defenses in the league.  Look for Ced Ben to finally have a big day.   Cincy prevails 27-17.  LOCK IT UP


Four Star Specials:

Lions (+11.5) @ Minnesota - The Lions have proven to be an improved team capable of hanging in games - just ask the Eagles and Bears.  With that passing attack, how can the Vikings be giving anyone 11.5 points?  Take the points.  Final score is 24-20 Vikings.  LOCK IT UP

Cowboys (+2.5) @ Houston - If the Cowboys don't show up this week, then the Locks may bet against them every week the rest of the way.  The Texans loss of their All-Pro tackle Duane Brown weakens their line just as the Cowboys welcome a few injured O lineman back.  This is an under appreciated angle in this game.  We think Dallas wins outright, 31-27.  LOCK IT UP

Jets (+2) @ Miami - This defense is too good (even without Revis) to be underdogs in many games.  This is not one of them.  Jets win this game 24-17.  LOCK IT UP

Packers (-3) @ Chicago - We've seen a lot of analyst calling for the upset here.  We're on the other side wondering why this line is so tiny.  The Bears still have a very suspect offensive line and that is something that Dom Capers will exploit.  Pack cruises to a 31-20 victory.  LOCK IT UP

Three Star Specials:

Titans (+3) @ NY Giants - Both these teams have played one solid game and one bad game.  Not sure what to make of either one.  In that case, we'll take the points.  Giants win a nail-biter, 24-23.  LOCK IT UP

Patriots (-14.5) vs. Bills - The latest version of the Ryan Fitzpatrick era will fare just the same as the older models - miserably.  This is one big number that won't scare us off.  The Pats own the Bills, even when they aren't the leagues most dysfunctional unit.  NE crushes the spirit of people in Buffalo (assuming that any spirit remains) with a 38-13 throttling.  LOCK IT UP

Jags (+3) vs. Eagles - Forget the Vick hype.  The real story is how well the Jaguars play at home in front on empty seats masquerading as fans.  Plus, has anyone seen the Eagles defense yet this season?  Not good.  We like the home dog here, not to win outright though.  Final score is 28-27 Philly.  LOCK IT UP

Colts (-6) @ Broncos - Earlier in the week, we were prepared to take the Broncos and the points.  Then a guy on their team killed himself and then Knowshon Moreno pulled a hammy and then the secondary looked like it was going to be starting walk-on freshman and then and then and then....... I don't need any more reasons to back Peyton Manning.  Colts roll 31-14 in the Mile High.  LOCK IT UP

Ravens (-10.5) vs. Browns - Like many other folks, we've been a bit miffed by the Browns early season struggles.  Football is better when Cleveland is competitive and if you can't beat TB or KC, you're not competitive.  A victory for the Browns this week will be forcing the scoreboard operator to change the 0 next to their name.  Ravens finally get on track offensively - I'm looking at you Ray Rice.  Play like you graduated from Rutgers for Christ's Sake.  Take Baltimore in a 27-6 beating.  LOCK IT UP

Two Star Specials:

Saints (-4) vs. Falcons - People are getting a bit down on New Orleans because they've played close games the first few weeks.  So much so that they are predicting their demise this week.  Guess what.  Ain't gonna happen.  Not in the Superdome.  This is the week that Brees goes off for 400 yards and 4 TDs.  Discount him at your own peril.  Saints make a big statement at home 34-20.  LOCK IT UP.

Rams (+3.5) vs. Redskins - Sometimes we just play a hunch and take a home dog for no good reason.  The Rams are going to win some games this year and the Skins are coming off a tough loss at home.  By the way, have you noticed that Clinton Portis is stiffer than Bernie (as in Weekend at Bernie's - not Bernie Kosar)?  Steve Spagnuolo will discount the run and bring the house at McNabb.  Just enough pressure to sneak out a win.  Take the points and watch the Rams pull the upset.  Final score is St. Louie 20-17.  LOCK IT UP

Seahawks (+5) vs. Chargers - Another home dog that we've got a feeling about.  Qwest Field is one of the toughest places for visitors to play.  The Chargers are a bit overrated following a beating of a team that never really made the trip out west (what else is new with the Jags).  Seattle won't win but they'll be in this game until the end.  Take the points as Chargers squeak one out in Seattle, 30-28.  LOCK IT UP

One Star Specials:

Chiefs (+3) vs. 49ers - We're playing the contrarian here as everyone we've seen thinks the Niners will just roll in this game.  We like the home field advantage and we're not buying Alex Smith based on one drive on Monday Night Football.  Remember, we have four years of film that says that Smith is essentially Tim Couch.  Keep the magic Chiefs' train rolling.  KC wins 20-17.  LOCK IT UP

Cardinals (-4) vs. Raiders - Raiders stink.  It's amazing that Jason Campbell (Al Davis' second coming of Jim Plunkett) didn't even make it through 2 games as the Oakland starting QB.  What a mess.  Speaking of mess, the Cardinals are also playing in this game.  They stink too but they are at home and we think their defense might be a tad better than Oakland's (probably not an opinion shared by most).  Beanie Wells also looks to return and we think he helps alleviate some of the pressure on Derek Anderson.  For one week, the Cardinals quiet the calls for Kurt Warner to get kicked off of Dancing with the Stars and return to Phoenix.  Take Zona to win 24-13.  LOCK IT UP