Week 1: 1-2
YTD Season: 1-2
Answer me this loyal readers, what do the following lines have in common?
Teddy Bruschi’s comments about Ocho Cinco
Coach Jim Harbaugh’s complaints about lack of highlight coverage for 1-0 Niners
Denver fans tossing up billboards calling for St. Timothy
Panther fans believing Cam is heading to the pro bowl
Donovan McNabb is done
The Colts are headed for Andrew Luck
Holy Overreaction Batman!
‘Capper had a lousy opening week performance people. While the Bills dominated at KC, the Titans were anything but mighty and the Falcons fell even further below the Bears on the food chain. Surprises were many in week 1; Cam was remarkable, Rex was competent, Matty Ice melted, the Ravens soared and Houston crushed old man Kerry.
None of the winners are as good as the public believes and none of the losers are as bad. Throw money on the dogs this week people; overreactions end by week 4, so hurry up and get in line for some action.
This week’s selections:
Take the Titans +6 at home versus Baltimore
Baltimore coming off one of the biggest regular season wins in years against hated rival Steel City sets up well for an upset by a Titans team that underperformed in week 1. Solid system play here: Ravens are 0-12 ATS since October 2000 after a divisional game where they held the opponent < 10 points.
Take Buffalo -3 at home versus Oakland
Bills offense seemed to forget there was an offseason while the re-built defense was solid in away opener at Arrowhead. Raiders alternated wins and losses all last year and let-down after road win versus their most hated rival feels likely.
Take Kansas City +8 at Detroit
Overreaction has reached a screaming pitch with the line on this game. Chiefs looked awful in week 1 at least in part due to an injured quarterback and an incompetent play-calling process that includes 2 coordinators, 1 coach, 2 local talk show hosts and likely a slew of season ticket holders. Haley is a smart guy and Cassel has a solid run-blocking line, a stud WR and an electric running back. This offense will look better. Detroit was impressive in the first week but now will be more than a TD favorite for the first time since the Barry Sanders era. Take the ocho.
Take Indy +2.5 at home versus Brownies
‘Capper unconvinced that Indy is toast; Collins has weapons and we’ve seen he has a rapport with all world Wayne. This team will rally for home opener. Browns offense has potential but little big play ability and defense remains a question as it transitions to new scheme. Close game here but Indy rallies (at least for one week).
The NEWSLETTER, a handicapping report with an attitude.
Great to have the Capper back adding spice to the football stew.
Mike Groves