THE NFL DOUBLE TAKE
The winning weeks continue to pile up for our Sportsbook.com writers.
Each writer went 2-1-1 last week to improve their records yet again. That puts Cras at 19-10-3 with this season’s NFL picks while Mike is 18-11-3.
It’s been a great season so far so get in on their picks this week.
Baltimore Ravens @ Cleveland Browns
Mike: Both teams are playing well as they head to Ohio; Baltimore winning two straight games while Cleveland has taken three out of four. Baltimore is one game up in the standings over Cleveland at 4-3. Both are 5-2 against the spread, but the Browns have covered four in a row.
Cleveland quarterback Derek Anderson threw for over 200 yards last week for just the second time this year (246 total against Jacksonville) and he seems to be turning the corner. Baltimore quarterback, Joe Flacco has had a good rookie year, but I’m going against him on the road with the spread under a field goal.
Pick: Cleveland -1.5
Cras: The Cleveland Browns lost to Baltimore 28-10 already this season so it surprises me that 66% of early bettors like the Browns for this game. Granted, Cleveland had covered five straight against them prior to this season’s first matchup, but the Ravens defense has been dominant this year.
Take away the blowout loss to Indianapolis and the Ravens have had a chance to win every game they’ve been in this season and I like their chances of winning again on Sunday. Cleveland is trying to turn their season around but it’s too late now because another loss to Baltimore puts them in deep trouble over the final half of the season.
Pick: Baltimore +1.5
Miami Dolphins @ Denver Broncos
Mike: Miami has had an up-and-down season but few expected them to be 3-4 at this point. Miami does have a big advantage in the running game with Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams, so expect Denver to stack the line of scrimmage and force quarterback Chad Pennington to beat them with his suspect arm.
Denver is coming off the bye-week and Coach Mike Shanahan needs to improve the defense fast even though it’s not his specialty. The Broncos are 0-3-1 ATS at home this year and are battling more than their share of injury problems, but I say they buck the trend and get a touchdown win at home.
Pick: Denver-3
Cras: Denver enters off a bye and that must be why 84% of bettors prefer them in this game, because I see no reason to back a favored Broncos team until they prove they can stop a run game. Denver’s defense has been run over by teams this year and the Dolphins will do the same on Sunday.
If Miami can get pressure on Denver quarterback Jay Cutler and slow the Broncos’ passing game even a little, they can kill time with Brown and Williams running the ball non-stop. Due to the Dolphins ability to run the ball, and the Broncos inability to stop it, you have to like the points here.
Pick: Dolphins +3
Dallas Cowboys @ New York Giants
Mike: Dallas is again without quarterback Tony Romo and Brad Johnson could be on a short leash if he struggles early in the game. Unfortunately, Brooks Bollinger isn’t a much better option. Expect a massive dose of running back Marion Barber as Dallas tries to control the clock via the power running game.
The Giants have a much better chance of having a balanced offense. They should be able to run and throw with some success even though Dallas’ defense looked very good against Tampa Bay last week. Ultimately I think the Giants win on Sunday, but Dallas could make it interesting and should keep it within the spread.
Pick: Dallas +9
Cras: Giants’ backers have bet this spread up a full two points since it opened and as much as I like the Giants to win this game, I fully expect this will be closer than most expect. Sure, Johnson has stunk as the Cowboys quarterback but the offense can still make plays.
The Cowboys defense will also make plays and the intensity of this matchup will be the reason it stays within the number. The Cowboys will bring everything they have to New York and give a great effort that may not be enough to win but it will be enough for a pay day.
Pick: Dallas +9
Philadelphia Eagles @ Seattle Seahawks
Mike: Philadelphia came out West to play San Francisco three few weeks ago, and even though they won and covered the spread, it took a total meltdown by San Fran for it to happen. The Eagles are a dangerous offensive team with Brian Westbrook, but their defense is giving up an average of 30 points in three road games.
Seattle is again without quarterback Matt Hasselbeck and Seneca Wallace will get the start. Wallace played much better last week in a win over San Fran and he has the quickness to get away from the Philly blitz. Combine that factor with the home crowd and I think we have a closer game than expected.
Pick: Seattle +7
Cras: Seattle surprised everyone with a blowout win over San Francisco but they won’t be surprising anyone this weekend. Seattle was actually out-gained by 127 yards last weekend as San Francisco racked up the yards but couldn’t get into the endzone.
That’s something that won’t happen to Philadelphia. The Eagles will run and pass all over the field, more importantly, they’ll score. For once, I agree with the majority of Sportsbook.com bettors and I’m taking the Eagles here.
Pick: Philadelphia -7
