Week 1 Review/Week 2 Preview
For the Week/Season:

v. W/L:                      (7-9)

v. Spread                    (2-14)
v. Aggregate:             (9-7)

vs. ATS:
CBS Judge 9-7-0
CBS Brinson 8-8-0
CBS Wilson 7-9-0
CBS LaCanfora 5-11-0
CBS Katzowitz 9-7-0
CBS Freeman 7-9-0
CBS Richard 7-9-0
Grantland/Simmons 8-8-0
CBS Prisco 7-9-0
Walter Football 3-13-0
Postcards 2-14-0

vs. W/L:
ESPN Accuscore 11-5

ESPN Pick 'em 10-6
USAT Nate Davis 9-7
NFLN Breer 9-7-0
USAT Pete O'Brien 9-7
PFT MDS 11-5-0
USAT Gary Mihoces
USAT Jarrett Bell 10-6
USAT Tom Pedulla
ESPN Wickersham 12-4
USAT Jim Corbett 11-5
ESPN Schlereth 9-7
ESPN Hoge 9-7
ESPN Allen 10-6
USAT Simon Samano 11-5
USAT Robert Klemko 9-7
PFT Florio 10-6-0
ESPN Schefter 11-5
ESPN Mortensen 9-7
ESPN Golic 9-7
ESPN Jackson 8-8
ESPN Johnson 7-9
ESPN Ditka 10-6
ESPN Carter 7-9
Postcards 7-9-0

In Week 1, we were totally nuked on the spread. It was our WORST PERFORMANCE since we began handicapping games in 2006. We deserved an “F” grade for last week. The sportsbooks cleaned up last Sunday as there were several unpredictable outcomes as certain teams underperformed while others played well over their heads. What did we learn (other than the fact that we don’t know much)?

Last week set an NFL record with four teams scoring 40 or more points. What will happen this week?

Whenever the bike crashes, the best remedy is to get back on that bike and start pedaling. Away we go...

At NY Giants

-7.5

Tampa Bay             44

The Giants are well-rested after losing at home to Dallas in the season opener. Coach Coughlin will have the G-Men ready and raring to knock the living snot out of Josh Freeman. The Bucs began Coach Schiano’s tenure with a victory over Cam Newton and the Panthers but this will be a much tougher test for the new coach. The G-Men are sufficiently chastened and will roll in this one.

Projected Final Score: NY Giants 27, Tampa Bay 13

At New England

-13.5

Arizona

After denigrating Kevin Kolb in last week’s preview, wouldn’t you know but Kolb came in after Skelton was injured to lead the Cards to victory? It’s yet another case of that “Any Given Sunday” theme that was prevalent in Week 1. The Patriots rolled over the Titans last week but what was most impressive was the performance of Belichick’s young defense. The Pats’ top three draft choices all played key roles in the 34-13 victory. The only question is whether the Patriots at home are two touchdowns better than the Cardinals. Arizona has no offense of which to speak but they do have a good defense led by Dockett. Go with New England.

Projected Final Score: New England 31, Arizona 14

Minnesota

-1.5

At Indianapolis     44.5

Andrew Luck had a fairly impressive debut for Indy, throwing for over 300 yards with a pair of TD’s and a pair of picks. This week, he’ll make his home debut before a raucous crowd at Lucas Oil Field. If there’s one thing we learned in the Vikes’ OT win against the Jags is that AP is back, and in a big way. The Vikings really didn’t overwhelm Jacksonville, but did just enough to win the game in OT. The problems with Indy’s O-Line are well known and those issues contributed mightily to the Week 1 loss in Chicago. But this week marks Luck’s home debut and you’d have to think that the house will be a mile high in support of Luck and the team.

Projected Final Score: Indianapolis 21, Minnesota 20

New Orleans

-2.5

At Carolina  50.5

The Saints got RGIII’d at home on Sunday, as the kid lived up to the lofty hype at least for one week. Now they have to travel to Carolina, where Coach Rivera’s crew promises to be in a foul mood following their loss to the Bucs. If the Saints couldn’t win at home when all the factors were in their favor, one can only wonder if this is going to be a long year in the Crescent City. There is now a question about Cam Newton as to whether last year was a fluke. One game hardly makes a season but Newton struggled against the Bucs. One of these teams is going to start the year 0-2. After last week’s dismal performance at home, the Saints have to feel a little bit scared. Despite the fact that the Saints have a number of banged-up receivers, you’d have to think that the “fear factor” should propel the team to victory this week.

Projected Final Score: New Orleans 27, Carolina 24

At Buffalo

-3

Kansas City    45

What happened to the Bills in Jersey? They were literally blown off the field by 20 points. What about that highly hyped defense? They laid a big fat egg. Speaking of misfires, the Chiefs played badly at home against Atlanta. This week, the Bills have an opportunity to right the ship against a defense that allowed 40 points. Conversely, the Chiefs will surely look at the Bills’ D that allowed 48 points and see plenty of opportunities to advance the ball. Neither of these teams covered themselves in glory last week, so both have great incentive to correct their mistakes and play much better this week. Tamba Hali and Brandon Flowers will return to the lineup for KC and the presence of both may be the difference. The question is which team is more likely to rebound? Answer: The team that has the better talent.

Projected Final Score: Kansas City 24, Buffalo 23

At Philadelphia

-2.5

Ravens          47

Michael Vick’s performance in Cleveland was a complete disgrace. Four interceptions yet the Iggles still came back to win in a squeaker. At least Philly’s defense showed up as advertised. This week, they return home but have to face a Ravens’ team that dominated the Bungles in every way on Monday night. If Vick performs the same way this week, the boo-birds will be out early in Philly. Even though the Iggles are home, it’s hard to see how they’re going to win against a Ravens’ squad that has seemingly already booked a trip to the AFC Championship after Monday night’s blowout. Perhaps Vick won’t be as putrid as he was in Game 1, but he has a long way to improve if last week was any sort of measuring stick. Both defenses are terrific but the Ravens’ offense is considerably better at this point of the year.

 Projected Final Score: Ravens 23, Philadelphia 20

Oakland

-1.5

At Miami         37.5

It’s going to be a long season for the Dolphins. As predicted, they were totally outclassed by Houston last week. Meanwhile, the Raiders are coming off Monday night’s loss that was highlighted by the loss of their long snapper and the woeful performance of his replacement. Will the Raiders (who will be forced to wear black) be able to withstand the blazing South Florida sun? Playing in the heat in the early part of the year has always been a big advantage for the Dolphins, no matter whether they were good or bad. Carson Palmer clearly appears to be on the back nine of his career after last week’s home loss on Monday night. If the Dolphins weren’t so terrible then they’d use the heat to their advantage.

Projected Final Score: Oakland 23, Miami 17

At Cincinnati

-          7.0

Cleveland           38.5

The Browns played their hearts out against Philly last week only to lose at the end. They’re simply a young and growing team but Weeden didn’t exactly have an auspicious debut. He threw a couple of picks and the Browns’ offense basically sputtered all day. The Bungles’ defense had a rough go with Joe Flacco as he picked apart the secondary on Monday night. Give the Browns a lot of credit for giving their all last week but this week, they can’t count on Andy Dalton to throw four picks. After last week’s disastrous performance, the Bengals will be looking to right the ship in a big way.

Projected Final Score:  Cincinnati 24, Cleveland 10

Houston

-7.5

At Jacksonville  41.5

The Texans coasted to victory against Miami last week but face a much tougher foe in the Jags, who gave the Vikings a real hard time before going down in overtime. This week, the Texans won’t find the Jags to be gracious hosts. The Jags may have offensive liabilities but that doesn’t necessarily extend to the defense. The Texans may win on Sunday but the Jags’ D will make them earn every point.

Projected Final Score: Houston 24, Jacksonville 17

Dallas

-2

At Seattle             41.5

The Cowboys had a little extra time to prepare for their trip to the Great Northwest, and that bodes ill for young Russell Wilson and the Seahawks. Last Sunday, Wilson had a decent debut but still the ‘Hawks simply couldn’t get the job done against the Cardinals. The Cowboys dominated the Giants on Opening Night and there’s no reason why they can’t repeat the feat this week. Traveling out to Seattle is always a big challenge as the 12^th Man will be loud and proud and definitely out in force. But if the Cowboys want to consider themselves legitimate contenders, these are the type of games that they need to win.

Projected Final Score: Dallas 24, Seattle 20

Washington

-2.5

At St. Louis 45.5

RGIII was absolutely wonderful in his debut for the ‘Skins as he led them to a 40-32 victory in the noise and confusion of the Superdome. This week’s venue may be a lot more tame but don’t expect the Rams to roll over. Last Sunday, the Rams gave the Lions quite the fight in Detroit, losing at the end 27-23. This week, the Rams should be sufficiently encouraged by last week’s effort to prepare and execute like crazy this week. Sam Bradford has no offensive line and will have difficulty moving the ball through the air. Steven Jackson should be able to move the chains but he can’t run the ball 50 times a game, either. This week we’ll find out whether RGIII can duplicate his terrific efforts from Week 1.

Projected Final Score: Washington 27, St. Louis 21

At Pittsburgh

-6

NY Jets           41.5

Will the Jets score 48 points this week? Probably not, but last week’s performance against Buffalo was one of the more shocking results from last week. That ought to bring back some of the Jets’ old swagger, at least for this week. This week promises to be a lot tougher test, although after last week’s dismal outing in Denver, one needs to wonder whether the Steelers are a team in decline. Polamalu was out of position on several occasions as Peyton Manning torched Pittsburgh’s secondary. The loss of Mendenhall was evident as his replacements were dismal and the offense looked totally out of sync. Jets’ fans have fantasies of a Super Bowl run after last week’s blowout win against Buffalo. But they have to hit the road to Heinz Field where the hosts will not be especially gracious. The Steelers should rebound after last Sunday night’s lackluster effort. We’ll give them the benefit of the doubt this week – but if they falter again it will not be pleasant in the Steel City.

Projected Final Score: Pittsburgh 28, NY Jets 21

At San Diego

-4.5

Tennessee

Jake Locker’s debut as a starter didn’t exactly go according to plan. The Patriots routed the Titans 34-13 as Locker was injured partway through and Hasselbeck had to enter in relief. Ryan Mathews remains out of the lineup and he’s one of the Chargers’ primary weapons on offense. The Chargers didn’t exactly distinguish themselves in defeating Oakland on Monday night, but a win is a win. The Titans simply have too much talent to roll over for San Diego. Sure, they had bad game at home against the Patriots but this is not a bad football team. Still, the Chargers are a touchdown better at home.

Projected Final Score: San Diego 28, Tennessee 20

At San Francisco

-6.5

Detroit  46.5

Sunday night features another exciting matchup. Last year, the two head coaches nearly came to blows at the end of the game. This year, they’ll let the players battle it out on the field. Last week, the ‘Niners came out and stomped the Pack at Lambeau, erasing any doubt that they were one-year wonders in 2011. The Lions won ugly on Sunday, but they’ll take a win any way they can. This will be a very tough challenge for Honolulu Blue as they’ll really need to ramp up their game to have a fighting chance. Are the ‘Niners a touchdown better than Detroit?

 Projected Final Score: San Francisco 27, Detroit 20

Monday Night Preview

At Atlanta

-3

Denver         51

Both of these teams are coming off impressive wins. Peyton Manning had a nice night as he and the Broncos overpowered Pittsburgh while Matt Ryan and the Falcons literally blew the Chiefs off the field. In this matchup of high-powered offenses, someone has to blink. The Falcons are nearly invincible at home. This may be the toughest selection of the week but we’re going with the visitors and here’s why: Denver has a superior pass rush and Miller, Dumervil & Co. will harass Matty Ice all evening. Last week, the Falcons missed seeing Hali and Flowers but this week, the Broncos’ D is raring to get after the quarterback. The Falcons’ secondary is banged up and that could lead to Manning having a big night throwing the football.  How many times does it take picking against Manning to finally realize that he comes through in big games far more often than not.

Projected Final Score: Denver 28, Atlanta 24