Week 2 Review/Week 3 Preview:

For the Week/Season:
v. W/L: (9-7)/(17-15)
v. ATS: (6-9-1)/(15-15-2)
v. Aggregate:(9-7)/(18-14)

ATS v. The Loyal Opposition:

CBS-Brinson 18-11-3
FOXSports Peter Schrager 18-14-0
CBS-Judge 16-13-3
ESPN Bill Simmons 15-14-3
CBS-Katzowitz 15-14-3
Walter Football 15-15-2
Postcards From Nowhere: 15-15-2
USA Pete O’Brien 14-14-4
CHFF: 14-14-0
CBS-Richard 14-15-3
CSNNE Rich Levine 13-16-2
CBS-Prisco 10-19-3

Weekly v. W/L v. ESPN NFL Experts & USA Today Analysts:

PFT-Rosenthal 22-10
Accuscore (ESPN) 21-11
PFT-Florio 21-11
Schlereth (ESPN) 20-12
Pick 'em (ESPN) 20-12
Gary Mihoces (USAT) 20-12
Skip Wood (USAT) 19-13
Hoge (ESPN) 19-13
Mortensen (ESPN) 19-13
Nate Davis (USAT) 19-13
Pete O'Brien (USAT) 19-13
Sean Leahy (USAT) 18-14
Jim Corbett (USAT) 18-14
Jon Saraceno (USAT) 18-14
CHFF: 18-13-0
Schefter (ESPN) 17-15
Postcards From Nowhere: 17-15
Golic (ESPN) 16-16
Tom Pedulla (USAT) 16-16
Wickersham (ESPN) 16-16
Allen (ESPN) 15-17
Jarrett Bell (USAT) 14-18

Week 3 Preview:

We begin Week 3 with sad news, the apparent suicide of Broncos’ WR Kenny McKinley at the age of 23. He leaves behind a young son. Kenny was one of the greatest receivers in the University of South Carolina’s history. He was drafted in ’09 by the Broncos, but suffered a knee injury midway through the year and was placed on IR. He also suffered an injury to the same knee during camp and was on IR again. He was remembered by his college and pro teammates as always having an upbeat personality.

Anyone whose life has been touched by the suicide of a friend or loved one recoils at reading this news. A rush of all sort of emotions runs through and it’s almost as if you’re reliving the moment once more. Life is so precious. Even when times are tough and uncertain (and that’s how things are for a lot of us these days), please never forget how much you are loved and respected by the most important people in your life. Some of us are all too familiar with the trail of emotional wreckage that a suicide leaves behind. It’s so sad and so pointless. So is trying to figure out the “why”.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Kenny’s family and friends.

The results of Week 2 served as reminder that it’s still very early in the year and it’s way too soon to draw definitive conclusions about most of the teams. Sure, there are more than a few lousy teams that will have long years, but for a number of teams that have started 0-2 or 1-1 it’s just a matter of time before they get their houses in order.

There are several games in this week’s slate that we wouldn’t touch with a ten-foot pole if we were inclined to wager. The Vegas Boys cleaned up last week on chumps who sunk cash money on the outcome of several particularly toxic matchups. You don’t need to have juice to be more into a game. Enjoy it for what it is. Trying to pick winners for the simple fun of it is all the juice we need around here.

At NY Giants -3 Tennessee 42.5

You’d have to think that the G-Men will be coming into this game in ill humor after their complete abomination of a performance last Sunday night. Last week, we picked the Giants to win and they lost badly. And what was with Brandon Jacobs “accidentally” throwing his helmet in the stands anyway? What a dope! Take a look at his usage rate the last three years. He’s been abused like a plow mule and running backs tend to burn out faster than any other position on the field. He should grow up, act like a man and welcome the opportunity to be a rotation back with Ahmad Bradshaw to prolong his career rather than demanding a trade.

The Giants have a lot to prove, even though it’s only Week 3. The sort of bitch-slapping they received from Indy will either cause this team to seriously reevaluate where they’re going or put the team in a nose dive. Can’t see that happening with a team coached by Tom Coughlin. But there may be more problems in the locker room than what the public sees.

The Titans come to the New Meadowlands with a lot of questions on offense as well. Vince Young was benched after the first half on Sunday, and that is alarming. By now, this should’ve been “his” team and for Coach Fisher to continue to rely on (long in the tooth) Kerry Collins is no longer acceptable. The Titans defense has been outstanding so far and they ought to be up to the challenge of coming to the Big City.

One of two outcomes could happen: The G-Men get their act in gear and play a great 60 minutes of football. Or, more likely, the Titans’ defense gives Eli fits and it’s a close game down to the wire. In two games, the Giants haven’t exactly been world-beaters, so we’ll go with the latter.

Projected Final Score: NY Giants 21, Tennessee 20

At New England -13 Buffalo 42.5

Hate to say, “We told you so”, but…that Patriots’ defense really has a long way to go if they hope to contend for a playoff shot.

The natives are getting restless after Sunday’s loss to the Jets. For 90% of these fan boys it’s their first real bump on the bandwagon. The yahoos had it figured that the Jet game was going to be a pushover. Maybe they ought to look back in time to see how things really were with this team prior to Tommy Boy’s arrival on the scene. They’ve been spoiled rotten and probably have no clue about how really bad the Patriots used to be and how bleak the picture was year after year. For the last ten years, the Patriots given their fans so many wonderful moments, but the world keeps turning. The great defensive core that was a big part of three Super Bowl championships is gone and the Patriots’ recent drafts haven’t exactly provided a bumper crop of new recruits.

Their road record in the past year-plus (especially in the second half) is alarming. Right now, the Patriots are not a top echelon team. Since 2007, they’ve tried to overcompensate with offense, and that only worked in the first year. They continue to have a good offense but a young and inexperienced defense. The one thing in their favor is that Belichick’s defenses generally seem to get better during the course of a season.

The Patriots played a stupid second half of football on Sunday and the Jets made them pay. Revis’ hamstring injury in the first half appeared to be the turning point as once he was out, Brady thought he’d have a field day with Moss in the second half and the offense shifted away from what had worked in the first. It was a big mistake to pick on Cromartie at the expense of a more balanced attack. What hurts even worse is that Kevin Faulk went down with a knee injury and he’s going to be out for the season with a torn ACL. Faulk has been the team’s most reliable third down back for years and his skill set simply can’t be replaced by another warm body. His leadership and skills mean so much to this team and the offense will definitely suffer in his absence. The other running backs are brittle and inefficient. Who steps up this week? It’ll be interesting to see if the Pats use a lot of three tight-end sets on third downs.

Moss did make a highlight-reel one-handed touchdown catch in the second quarter and that was noteworthy. And even though they lost, there were elements of the defense that did play better than in the win over Cincinnati. But Butler and McCourty are kids, and still have a lot to learn.

What can you say about the Bills? No offense to Harvard’s Own Ryan Fitzpatrick (who will be the starter this week), but why didn’t the Bills draft a quarterback in the first two rounds? Maybe it makes no difference this year, as they have so many holes that need to be filled that Sammy Baugh in his prime couldn’t fix things. After they gave it their all in Week 1, they were blown off of Lambeau Field on Sunday. Donte Whitner was particularly peeved over how the Packers laughed at the Bills. The one player who has consistently played well against New England is Fred Jackson. He’ll get a ton of carries and ought to have a good afternoon pounding the rock.

Regardless of the state of these teams, they remain divisional rivals. It’s awfully hard to see the Patriots beating the spread this week. There’s a very high likelihood that the Patriots win but these AFC East matchups very rarely go so easily. Brady was very unhappy about the team’s second half performance last week, so the offense may be highly motivated to play well in all four quarters this week.

Projected Final Score: New England 24, Buffalo 13

At Baltimore -10.5 Cleveland 36.5

You have to feel (some, not a lot of) sympathy for the Browns coming into M&T on Sunday. They have lost two games to non-contenders and face the task of trying to beat a Raven team that played poorly in Cincinnati and will be in a decidedly foul frame of mind. Flacco had one of the worst games of his career and will be looking at this game as a chance to get back on the right track.

Cleveland is a bad team. The last three times they traveled to Baltimore they were pummeled. The only way that this game is competitive is if Flacco has a bad day and/or the Ravens commit a lot of turnovers. Delhomme will not play again in this one, so it’ll be Seneca Wallace, three yards and a cloud of dust.

Projected Final Score: Ravens 24, Cleveland 10

Pittsburgh -2.5 At Tampa Bay 33

Who would’ve thought that the Bucs would be 2-0? Sure, they beat a couple of also-rans, but this fast start has to be a real shot in the arm for a young, building team. This week, the winning streak is about to coming to a crashing halt as the Steelers invade the House on Mabry Blvd. with the intent of shutting down Coach Morris’ smoke-and-mirrors offense. The Bucs defense hasn’t been an embarrassment, as they’ve been middle of the pack so far.

The Steelers’ D has put forth two remarkable efforts, especially last week as they shut down the NFL’s best running back and forced Tennessee’s starter to the sideline for ineffectual play. The quarterback who was cut last week (Leftwich) will be this week’s starter as Dennis Dixon was carted off the field with a leg injury. So, you’d have to figure that whether it’s Leftwich or Batch, the Steelers will not have an easy time moving the ball. There’s something else that needs to be factored as well, which is the weather in Tampa in September. This is going to be a lot tougher game than how things look on paper. Look for the Bucs to give it their all.

Projected Final Score: Pittsburgh 17, Tampa Bay 16

At New Orleans -4.5 Atlanta 50

The Falcons had a terrific bounceback game at home last week, as pretty much everything clicked for Matt Ryan and the offense against a disorganized Cardinals’ defense. However, when Atlanta hits the road against a quality opponent they’re not the same team. If the Falcons won in New Orleans this week, it would be a signal that a changing of the guard was upon the NFC South. It’s far too early to make such an assumption.

The Saints didn’t play particularly well on Monday night, as they went down to the last second before beating the ‘Niners with a field goal. They also lost Reggie Bush for at least six weeks with a broken leg. Based on the first couple of weeks, the Saints have played like a team that’s still savoring their Super Bowl win, and perhaps a letdown is inevitable. However, as we saw at the end of last Monday night’s game, Brees is capable of moving the Saints’ offense up the field in a heartbeat. As difficult as it is to “bet against” Peyton Manning at home (as we did last week and got our asses kicked), the same is true for Drew Brees in the Superdome.

Projected Final Score: New Orleans 27, Atlanta 24

Washington -3.5 At St. Louis 38

Slowly but surely, the Rams’ defense is getting better and Sam Bradford is learning the ropes on how to survive as an NFL quarterback. These things take time, so it’s no surprise that Coach Spagnuolo’s team is 0-2. They have been reasonably competitive in both losses.

The 1-1 Redskins are a different matter altogether. They are a veteran team, well coached yet they’re dead last in total defense. What gives? Certainly, the Texans offensive output in the passing game had a lot to do with that dreadful ranking but the ‘Skins run defense has been pretty good so far at 3.5/ypc. The primary strength of the Rams’ attack is Steven Jackson. He needs to have a good day to enable Bradford to set up the pass. The problem is that the Rams are practically bereft of quality targets and that makes the rookie’s job all the harder.

Projected Final Score: Washington 23, St. Louis 21

At Kansas City -2.5 San Francisco 37.5

The Chiefs are 2-0 for probably the first time since the Glory Days of the AFL (maybe that’s an exaggeration). But the fact is that they’ve played solid football against a good team and a bad team. The bubble has to burst soon, right? Matt Cassel hasn’t set the world on fire in two games. What will be on fire is the crazy crowd at Arrowhead that will give their Chiefs a big emotional advantage.

Meanwhile, the 49’ers (picked by most to win the NFC West) are 0-2. They played 100% better on Monday than in their opening week stinker, but committed far too many turnovers to have beaten the Saints. It was a game in which they could’ve easily prevailed but didn’t play well when it counted most. True, Alex Smith brought the offense downfield for a game-tying touchdown/two-point, but there were numerous opportunities to score earlier. It appears, based on his most recent comments that Coach Singletary is learning how not to get played by the media jackals. That they would allow a man of such integrity to be held up to ridicule is to their everlasting shame. Give him a chance, he’s going to be a good NFL coach.

This week however, the heat is on for Coach Singletary’s team. The key to victory is how well Frank Gore can pound the rock and how well Alex Smith can perform in what will be a very hostile environment. The ‘Niners defense has been stingy in the first two games while the Chiefs’ have been quite ordinary. The NFC West is such a weak division that a loss on Sunday would not be fatal to the ’Niners playoff hopes as the Rams, Cards and ‘Hawks have also stumbled. It’s simply not the recommended way to chase after a playoff spot.

Projected Final Score: San Francisco 24, Kansas City 20

At Minnesota -10.5 Detroit 42

Miami came into the Baggie Dome on Sunday and their defense stymied Brett Favre and the Vikings’ offense. Favre is probably licking his chops at the prospect of lighting up the Lions’ (non) secondary, but he’s been having trouble connecting with his receivers. He is a grandfather and has played like one in the first two games. The Vikes did not play a particularly intelligent brand of football out there, fumbling in the end zone and going for it on fourth down from the 2 and failing. They’re 0-2 and that’s a bad spot for a team that entertains notions of a long playoff run. Percy Harvin suffered a hip injury last week, and while he’ll probably play this week, chances are he won’t be a dynamic force out there. He’s also complained of debilitating migraine symptoms again this week.

The Lions (losers of 21 straight on the road) came back against the Eagles on Sunday and only lost by a field goal. Despite being 0-2, the Lions are feisty and competitive and that bodes well for the future. They simply need a lot of help in the secondary right now. Fans of Honolulu Blue should not look at this team as “the same old Lions” because the culture is definitely changing in the right direction under Coach Schwartz. But it’s a process that will have its share of ups and downs. They have nothing to lose by coming out full tilt on Sunday.

This is simply a game in which the Vikes have to come out and execute. But seriously, what have they done so far this year to justify the 10 ½? Maybe this is the week they get their act in gear, but we ain’t buyin’ just yet.

Projected Final Score: Minnesota 23, Detroit 17

Cincinnati -3.5 At Carolina 39

If the Bengals play the brand of capitalistic football that they played last week, then they ought to win handily on Sunday. They were stung in their opening week loss and came back with a total team effort in beating the Ravens. The question is whether they are capable of bringing the same level of commitment on a regular basis. Maybe they look at this game as an easy win and bag it. It’s hard to say. This has all the classic markings of a trap game. Why is the spread so low?

It’s Jimmy Clausen’s show in Carolina as the Matt Moore era ended ingloriously last week. Clausen is no stranger playing before big crowds and high-pressure circumstances at Notre Dame, but this is the big leagues now. He’s getting thrown into the fire without a lot of lead time or reps. He has decent running backs with which to work and Steve Smith is a very good wideout. But their primary stud up front, OT Jeff Otah is out and his absence creates serious problems. So how much can be reasonably expected from an offense that quickly soured on the starter in favor of an untested rookie? It smells of desperation.

Over the first two games, the defenses are relatively equally matched (but the comparison may be skewed by the Bengals’ really bad first game). What stands out is the Bengals’ significantly better passing performance. Coach Zimmer has probably drafted a defense that will confuse and frustrate Clausen. All Carson Palmer needs to do is throw the ball with reasonable accuracy and the Bengals will win. Still, it’s a big “if”.

Projected Final Score: Cincinnati 24, Carolina 20

At Houston -3 Dallas 46.5

This was supposed to be the Cowboys’ year. All of the right personnel were put in place for them to host the Super Bowl. So far, they’ve lost both games in uninspiring fashion. What’s wrong? Leadership starts at the top, and we’ve repeatedly hammered the point over the years that Son of Bum is a lousy coach. Everywhere he’s ever been the head guy, he’s had talented teams that had a knack for underperforming. The Owner/GM meddles instead of hiring professionals to manage the operation to the team’s detriment. Tony Romo has been inconsistent and the defense has not risen to the level that everyone expected. Opposing teams are no longer intimidated by the Blue Star.

On the other hand, the Texans have been one of this year’s early surprises. After demolishing Indy in the opener, they had a great comeback OT win at Washington on Sunday. There have been no issues on offense. But now OT Duane Brown has been suspended for the next four games for taking a banned supplement. Andre Johnson is a little banged up with an ankle injury. However, it’s the Texans’ pass defense that has been worrisome. They have missed Brian Cushing terribly and are 31st in total defense at 442 ypg.

It’s crazy to suggest but this is a do-or-die game for Dallas, even though it’s only Week 3. The Cowboys have a bye next week, and if they go in 0-3, Jones is going to make some big changes. In terms of what really matters going forward, this is a game that the Texans would like to win but one in which the Cowboys need to win.

Projected Final Score: Dallas 27, Houston 24

Philadelphia -3.5 At Jacksonville 44

Which David Garrard will appear this week? The one who threw three touchdowns in Week 1, or the one who threw four picks in San Diego? Now that Luke McCown is out for the year with a torn ACL, it’s Garrard against the world from here on out. That’s the problem forecasters have with Jacksonville. Home or away, one never feels a comfort level with how this team will perform from week to week.

Meanwhile, Vick had a pretty good day in Detroit on Sunday, and Reid has named him the starter going forward. No offense to Kolb, but with some holes on the O-Line the Eagles will need a dynamic, mobile presence at the controls. Reid’s decision was not met with universal acclaim, but circumstances dictate who plays and who sits.

The Jags’ pass defense has allowed a 300/ypg average over the first two games. Last week Vick exploited the weaknesses in Detroit’s horrific secondary, what’s stopping him this week?

Projected Final Score: Philadelphia 27, Jacksonville 20

Indianapolis -6 At Denver 48

The Broncos undoubtedly will come into this game with heavy hearts. The exhilaration they must’ve felt after Sunday’s big home win probably feels empty and hollow now. The senseless loss of a friend and teammate will (and this is stated in the most respectful way possible) rally the team emotionally because it’s probably the only way the team can express their collective grief in a constructive way. It may be difficult for the team to properly focus and prepare under such circumstances, but they are professionals with a challenging opponent to face. Best of luck to McDaniels, the Broncos players and staff this week.

Peyton Manning was unstoppable on Sunday night, as Indy humiliated the Giants 38-14, and it wasn’t even that close. Maybe that sibling rivalry fueled his effort, maybe not, as Indy’s defense completely shut down the G-Men at every turn. Playing in Denver presents a difficult challenge no matter what the circumstances may be with the Broncos. But Moreno has been ruled out for this game and that has to hurt the Broncos' chances.

Projected Final Score: Indianapolis 31, Denver 23

San Diego -5.5 At Seattle 43.5

Last week the Chargers woke up while the Seahawks fell asleep. The ‘Hawks return home to their insanely loyal 12th Man at Qwest Field looking to rebound from an awful performance last week in Denver. Based on alternating great and horrid outings, it’s safe to say that it’s going to take a few more weeks before fans know what kind of team Pete Carroll’s Seahawks are. Can Hasselbeck play relatively mistake-free football? Seriously, we have no clue.

The Jags proved to be just the tonic the Chargers needed to start their inevitable roll to the top of the AFC West. But just as they had to contend with a raucous crowd in Kansas City, they’ll be dealing with the same madness in Seattle. Compounding the problem is Ryan Mathews’ ankle injury and how much he’ll be able to contribute this week.

Let’s not forget that in Week 1, the 49’ers had three shots inside the Seahawks’ 10 and only came away with three points. It’s really hard to see Philip Rivers in the same situation and failing like that.

Projected Final Score: San Diego 24, Seattle 17

At Arizona -4 Oakland 39.5

It’s not much of a surprise that the Cardinals have been slow coming out of the gate. They are going to feel the losses of Warner, Boldin, Dansby and Rolle all year long. Derek Anderson is simply a stop-gap journeyman. They were smoked in Atlanta last week, but return home to face a more favorable opponent. This week, Beanie Wells returns from injury and he’ll split the carries with Tim Hightower. But Larry Fitzgerald is less than 100% and Nnamdi Asomugha will be lining up across him.

Who knows what’s going on with the Raiders? They touted Jason Campbell as the answer to their quarterback woes, yet yanked him in favor of Bruce Gradkowski after the first half in Sunday’s home win. Who will be the quarterback this week? Does it really matter? Gradkoswki will start and will mix the run with swing passes and will have some success against a Cardinals’ defense that can be had. In Week 1, the Raiders were demolished by a very tough Titans’ defense. In Week 2, they prevailed against a poor Rams’ defense. The truth is that the Cardinals’ defense is a lot closer to the Rams’ than it is to Tennessee’s. But the never-ending dysfunction associated with the Ravens combined with the fact that they’re on the road tips things ever so slightly in the Cardinals favor.

Projected Final Score: Arizona 24, Oakland 21

At Miami -1.5 NY Jets 35.5

The suits have given America what looks like another great game (on paper). Last SNF was supposed to be exciting as well, but turned out to be anything but. For the third straight week, the Jets face a quality opponent. They struggled mightily against the Ravens’ defense but rebounded quite nicely in the second half last week against the Patriots. The media, which had declared their playoff chances DOA prior to the game abruptly reversed course and were once more touting them as Super Bowl contenders by Monday. It’s a shame that such a big win was marred by Braylon Edwards’ DUI arrest on a day following the game. It was only one win, kid, and way too soon for popping the corks. Revis is not expected to play this week and Brandon Marshall may be salivating over the prospects of lining up opposite Cromartie. Coach Sparano would be wise not to fall into the trap the Pats fell for last week.

Miami’s defense has been a big story so far this year as they’re playing like “The Son of No Name”. They’ve been aggressive and opportunistic and certainly have no qualms with taking on the Jets at home. The Dolphins’ offense bears no resemblance to Marino’s glory days. They’ve been functional, and as long as Henne doesn’t try to play like Marino they should score enough points to win. They will struggle on the ground against the Jets and the Wildcat is no longer the surprise weapon it used to be. The Jets will be prepared for it.

Both defenses are tough, so don’t expect either quarterback to light it up. It’ll be hard fought and decided by a field goal or less.

Projected Final Score: Miami 16, NY Jets 13