The only thing that stood between me and a perfect record last week, one that would have evened my season mark, was this: The Jets go into Baltimore getting 7½ points, give up only 13 and don't cover.
But at least they have Joe Namath coming back this week.
Oh, sorry, it's Vinny Testaverde. Got my 12s and 16s mixed up for a second. Either way, they're both 62 years old.
Here are the bets I think are strongest among the Week 5 lines.
(Home teams in CAPS)
Panthers (-3) over CARDINALS
The Cards finally broke out of their shells last week, blasting the 49ers, 31-17, before 103,467 fans in Mexico City. Arriba! The locals must've misread the English on their tickets which stated: "Admit one to see the NFL's shittiest teams not from Cleveland."
Here's why I think the Cardinals won't repeat their dominance in Week 5:
• The runs, obviously. Not talking about Stephen Davis or DeShuan Foster. I mean the burritos.
• The 49ers are to the Panthers what Chris Berman is to Vin Scully.
• Sore ribs from sharing bus seats with 20,000 Mexicans trying to sneak a ride into Arizona.
• In this past five road games, Jake Delhomme has thrown for 13 TDs, 2 INTs and has posted a 117.2 rating.
Colts (-14½) over 49ERS
I don't like the spread jumping that ½ point, but I guess the rest of the country feels the same as I do: The Colts will be up 14 after one quarter, 35 at the half, 90 after three and then we'll see if they can crack the century mark.
Indy has given up only 26 points through four games. They could give up 26 in this game and still have a shot to cover. But that ain't happening. With Alex Smith making his San Fran debut, you're looking at a performance similar to that of the Jets last week.
Archie Manning plans to attend to see if he can get some garbage time in.
SAN DIEGO (-3) over Steelers
San Diego just rolled the Giants and Patriots, who are a combined 5-1 in games not played against the Chargers. And while the Steelers have their entire backfield intact for this one, LaDanian Tomlinson is better than all three combined. Times 12.
Come Monday night, the Padres season will be a distant memory, and San Diego fans will be focused on their first home Monday Night Football appearance since 1996, when they were led by the likes of Stan Humphries, Leonard Russell and Tony Martin.
Last Week: 2-1
Season: 5-7
Please post your own best bets in the comments section.
My sterling 0-3 mark last week puts me at 3-9 for the year. So here are my dead set, no-doubt-about-it locks for week 5!!!
New England +3 vs. Atlanta
Besides road games against Pittsburgh and Indy, when's the last time the Patriots were a dog? Maybe it's more often than I think, but this sounds like a pretty easy bet. Atlanta's not ready for the big time and no way the defending champs drop another one.
New Orleans +3 vs. Green Bay
A defense this bad should never be favored to beat anyone. And if the Saints were playing a normal schedule of normal home games, I have a feeling they'd have a better record. Green Bay is just plain bad and can't run the ball. Aaron Brooks should have a field day with or without Joe Horn.
Seattle +3 vs. St. Louis
A defense this bad should never be favored to beat anyone. The Rams are fortunate to have the record they do. Hasselbeck should have a field day with or without Darrell Jackson.
Bonus pick... my beloved Eagles are giving three to the Crygirls. You gonna bet on Drew Bledsoe?
Posted by CJ at October 6, 2005 11:34 AM