NFL Week 2 Picks September 18th 2005

A mediocre start to the NFL season puts the Sportscolumn Picks crew at 35-29 (.547) so far. Don’t worry though, we got plenty of time to turn this thing up a notch.

Don’t forget about the podcast to go along with the picks below. You can listen/download the mp3 file directly here or you can subscribe to the podcast using this feed. If you have iTunes, go to your Advanced Menu, click on Subscribe to Podcast and enter this url: http://feeds.feedburner.com/nflpickspodcast

Week 2 Picks

Locks of the Week

Vegas Vinny: In the past 3 years, the Colts have played the Jaguars 6 times, winning 4 and losing two. The average margin of victory was less than 7 points. In fact, they only beat them by more than 7 one time. So, 1 out of 6. Also, they’ve only covered the spread twice.

The Colts obviously have the offensive power to score at least as much as they did against the Ravens. But, Jacksonville will also put up more than the 7 points the Ravens managed. I think the Colts will win this game but I’ll take the Jaguars and the 8.5 points.

Teri Berg: The Seahawks’ offensive line is not only offensive, it’s abhorrent, crumby, dreadful, embarrassing, ghastly, contemptible and any other synonym you can think of. The Falcons’ D will be on a tear after having upset the Eagles, especially after shredding Donovan McNabb. Seattle will have a more balanced attack than Philly had, so we’ll see whether they stuff Shaun Alexander. On offense, Michael Vick isn’t exactly a new man, but his footwork is better and he’s moving to the right as well as the left now on bootlegs and scrambles, so isn’t as easy for smart defenses to read. Further, Atlanta’s chances with the play-action pass could evolve quickly into the best in the league. Seattle’s defense isn’t as tough as Philly’s (even without Jeremiah Trotter), so I don’t think they’ll stop the Vick/Dunn run nor the Vick-to-Crumpler (and maybe to Jenkins) pass. Finally, Mike Holmgren might be nearly as past his peak as Mike Shanahan, while Jim Mora is on the upswing. Atlanta (+1) over Seattle.

BostonMac:
Detroit will win this game, at least by a touchdown. The offense looks like it might be very good, with Kevin Jones poised for a breakout season and Mike Williams, Roy Williams, Marcus Pollard, Charles Rodgers, all catching passes from a hopefully-fired-up Joey Harrington. Chicago was a lot of people’s sleeper pick to make some noise in the “NFC Norris”, but even with their defense, I don’t see them stopping all of the Lions’ playmakers. Look for the Lions to go to 2-0 this week. Detroit (-2) at Chicago.

Trevor F: I have to tell you that I really, really, really want to pull the trigger on the San Francisco 49ers here. 13 1/2 is just flat out insulting after the way the 49ers handled the Rams last week. However this Atlanta-Seattle game is a gimme and that is why it is my Pick of the Week. How this game is a pick-em is beyond me. Atlanta is one of the top three teams in the NFC and is a bonafide Super Bowl contender. Seattle on the other hand is going to struggle to win 8 games. Take Atlanta (+1).

BTW, great three-team teaser is available. Take the 49ers, Falcons and the Fresno State Bulldogs (line is currently Fresno getting 2 1/2 in Oregon) and feel good about it.