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It’s the Wild Card Playoffs This Week. Hard Not to Like the Cowboys.

Posted on January 7, 2010 by Scott Taylor| Leave a comment

Romo, Romo, Romo, everybody is worried about Tony Romo.

Seems even my buddy, the great Dr. Sports, is worried that Romo, who has never won a playoff game, will choke again this weekend.

Well, Romo might indeed take the pipe, but I’m afraid that as the NFL post-season gets underway, he’s not the issue.

This weekend Romo’s Dallas Cowboys are four-point favorites in their re-match with the Philadelphia Eagles and there is a very good reason for that.

Last week’s 24-0 win over Philly in the final regular season game, comes a week after they shut out the Redskins. In fact, according to nflmedia.com, those two shutouts came right after they held the Saints to 17 and after they kept the Chargers to 20. In fact, in the last seven weeks, Dallas has allowed just 11.5 points per game.

Who cares about Tony Romo? Defence wins championships (is anybody playing better than Demarcus Ware these days?) and Doomsday is back in Dallas. That’s why The Coach likes the Cowboys.

Let’s take a closer look at this week’s Wild Card playdowns, courtesy of the keyboard of Dr. Sports…

SATURDAY

New York Jets 9-7 at Cincinnati Bengals 10-6 (-2.5)

The Jets completely humiliated the Bengals with their ground attack last Sunday night. Thomas Jones, Brad Smith and Shonn Greene helped the team compile 257 rushing yards on a 4.5 YPC. As NBC’s Cris Collinsworth repeatedly pointed out, the Bengals were being pushed around and looked like they were playing on roller skates. That will not happen again. Cincinnati was really porous against the run Sunday night for two reasons:

1. They didn’t play hard, as they seemingly were content to battle these Jets in the first round of the playoffs.
2. Stud defensive tackle Domata Peko and left end Robert Geathers (who specializes against the run) were both out.

The Bengals have a great defence that dominates versus the rush. It’s been a bit leaky lately because Peko has been out since Dec. 6, but he and Geathers are both expected back. Between Weeks 5 and 12 (the final week Peko was in the line up), the Bengals hadn’t allowed a single opponent to gain more than 92 yards on the ground. The Jets will not run all over Cincinnati this time, meaning Mark Sanchez will be asked to move the chains on his own. The Bengals have an excellent pass defence with two shutdown corners – Leon Hall did a great job on Braylon Edwards on Sunday night – so we just can’t see Sanchez having much success, especially considering the fact that he’ll be playing in a road playoff game in a hostile environment.

Dr. Sports: Bengals to win and cover

The Coach: Bengals to win and cover.

Philadelphia Eagles 11-5 at Dallas Cowboys 11-5 (-3.5)

The one thing people seem to be asking about the Cowboys is if Romo will choke. Romo has never won a playoff game, so there are still some believers out there who think that he’ll melt down again. The smart money says the Eagles are just too good a football team to be blown out/shut out by the same team, two weeks in a row. If they hit the big plays that they just missed by inches last week, this contest could come down to a field goal.

Dr. Sports: Cowboys to win but not cover.

The Coach: Cowboys to win and cover.

SUNDAY

Baltimore Ravens 9-7 at New England Patriots 10-6 (-3.5)

The loss of Wes Welker is huge. That should go without saying, but there are many out there who believe that Julian Edelman will be able to fill Welker’s shoes, allowing the Patriots’ offense to keep on clicking. Well, not Dr. Sports. Sure, Edelman will catch 9-10 passes and collect 90-110 yards, but it’s the stuff that doesn’t show up in the box score that will be paramount. Over the years, Tom Brady and Welker have developed a strong rapport. When the opposition is blitzing, Welker knows exactly what to do. In the 2-minute drill, Brady is confident in Welker and throws his way often. Edelman is just a rookie, and his inability to read what’s going on will hurt New England. With Welker out, the Ravens can double Randy Moss and blitz more. Dr. Sports doesn’t think the Patriots will be able to fix this in seven days. The Coach disagrees.

Dr. Sports: Baltimore to win.

The Coach: New England to win and cover.

Green Bay Packers 11-5 at Arizona Cardinals 10-6 (-2.5)

Even though the Cardinals attempted to rest their starters last week when the Packers beat them 33-7, they’ll still enter the Wild Card rematch with injury concerns. Anquan Boldin is questionable to play after spraining his ankle last week. The Cardinals still have Larry Fitzgerald and Steve Breaston, but Boldin will be missed. The Cardinals still have some depth to their offense, but Boldin’s health could be a factor in Arizona’s productivity given that they aren’t likely to have much success running the ball. Packers Charles Woodson is expected to play despite suffering a shoulder injury last week. Green Bay has been on a roll offensively, with QB Aaron Rodgers completing 80 percent of his passes last week and giving up no interceptions for four straight games. On the other side of the ball they’ve allowed just two 100-yard rushing performances to opponents since Week 3. Except for the Steelers, no team has passed for more than 217 yards on them since Nov. 1. They also excel at getting to the quarterback; rookies Clay Matthews and Brad Jones have been terrific this year, especially during the team’s 7-of-8-game winning streak.

Dr. Sports: Packers to win.

The Coach: Packers to win.

The Doc went 165-91 for the season and 138-118 against the spread. The Coach, after going 13-3 last week, finished 162-94 straight up and 139-117 against the spread.

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Week 17 in the NFL. It Ends — And Then Begins — This Sunday.

Posted on December 31, 2009 by Scott Taylor| 1 Comment

MINNEAPOLIS — Bill Polian is either a very stupid man or a man who has trouble with the truth. The vice-president of the Indianapolis Colts told an NFL Network audience that he was surprised at the fans negative reaction to the Colts, throwing a football game last Sunday.

Surprised? Yeah, right.

Now I know Bill Polian from his days in Winnipeg and I know he’s not a stupid man. But I don’t believe he didn’t expect a backlash from fans after his coach dumped a perfect season and gave the New York Jets a ticket to the playoffs by benching the Colts starters in the third quarter of a game in which the club charged money for tickets. Sorry, don’t believe it.

Giving up is dishonorable. Coaching scared is an invitation to disaster. I’d be surprised if the Colts won another game this season.

The worst thing they did was dump on all the other teams in the AFC by giving up and then giving the Jets a ticket to the playoffs (OK, so the Jets do have beat Cincinnati at home this week). The Colts played hard and beat Jacksonville (twice), Houston (twice), Tennessee, Miami and Baltimore and then rolled over for the Jets. That’s unforgivable.

The NFL should force the Colts to refund every ticket they sold last Sunday. Those tickets were sold under false pretenses. With apologies to Herman Edwards, you play to win the game. The Colts didn’t do that. It’s called a fix. The game was thrown and Polian had better come to terms with the fact that he stole people’s money and cheated the rest of the AFC.

There is one week remaining in the 2009 NFL season ad the playoff picture is clearing up. In the AFC, Indianapolis, San Diego, Cincinnati and New England are all in the playoffs. Denver, the Jets, Pittsburgh, Houston, Jacksonville, Miami and Baltimore still have a chance.

In the NFC, it’s done: New Orleans, Minnesota, Arizona, Dallas, Green Bay and Philadelphia are all in. This week will determine who plays whom and when.

We’ll be in the Twin Towns for the Vikings-Giants game this weekend. We’ll also be on the road throughout the playoffs and in South Florida for the Pro Bowl and Super Bowl from Jan. 28 – Feb. 9.

SUNDAY AFTERNOON

Indianapolis Colts 14-1 at Buffalo Bills 5-10 (OFF)

The Colts have no interest here. They are just 3-10 against the spread in Weeks 16 and 17 (i.e. when resting starters) since 2002. We just can’t see them game planning for the Bills at all. At post time, no line has been.

Dr. Sports: Bills to win.

The Coach: Bills to win.

New Orleans Saints 13-2 at Carolina Panthers 7-8 (OFF)

This is the Panthers’ Super Bowl. They won’t be going to the playoffs, but winning this game would give them some validation and would provide momentum for what seems like a great 2010 season.

Dr. Sports: Panthers to win.

The Coach: Panthers to win.

Jacksonville Jaguars 7-8 at Cleveland Browns 4-11 (-1.5)

Jacksonville, a team with a playoff shot, has to be pretty pissed that it’s giving points to the lowly Browns. The Browns should not be laying points to anyone. Despite their three-game winning streak, they’re not that good. They’ve only covered once when favoured in the past two seasons. That was last week against the lowly Raiders.

Dr. Sports: Jaguars to win.

The Coach: Browns to win and cover.

Philadelphia Eagles 11-4 at Dallas Cowboys 10-5 (-2.5)

The Eagles own the Cowboys in December. It could be Tony Aurora Snowmo’s time to reveal himself.

Dr. Sports: Eagles to win.

The Coach: Cowboys to win and cover.

Chicago Bears 6-9 at Detroit Lions 2-13 (+2.5)

The big question here is whether or not the Bears will be motivated to play the Lions. Chicago just won its Super Bowl by slaying the Vikings on Monday night as massive underdogs. Can they possibly get up for Detroit? I did some research. In 2007, the 5-9 Bears hosted a playoff-bound Packers team in Week 16. They were 7.5-point dogs. Sound familiar? Chicago won that game 35-7. The following week, they played the Saints, who were just 7-8 at the time. The Bears showed up and triumphed again, 33-25. If history repeats itself, the Bears will play hard in Detroit.

Dr. Sports: Bears to win and cover.

The Coach: Bears to win and cover.

New England Patriots 10-5 at Houston Texans 8-7 (-7.5)

This is the worst spread in NFL history. The assumption is that this game means nothing to the Patriots, which is dead wrong. That’s exactly why Belichick said his healthy starters would play. But what about the Texans? Don’t they need a victory more than New England? Of course they do. And that’s exactly why we love the Pats here. The Texans are the biggest choke artists in the NFL. How are they going to win this game, let alone cover a touchdown? We just  don’t get it.

Dr. Sports: Patriots to win.

The Coach: Patriots to win.

Pittsburgh Steelers 8-7 at Miami Dolphins 7-8  (PK)

The big wild card here is Troy Polamalu. Polamalu hasn’t been ruled out this week, and he ran on Monday and Tuesday to see how his knee would respond. He’ll push to play, but ultimately could be a game-time decision, making this selection a pretty difficult one.

Dr. Sports: Dolphins to win (and cover if the line is in their favour).

The Coach: Steelers to win.

New York Giants 8-7 at Minnesota Vikings 11-4 (-8.5)

The Giants were just humiliated last week in what was the final home game in their stadium. They are pissed, and they’ll fight for a victory against a Vikings team that is playing like crap right now. Minnesota is favoured by way too much. The Vikings have been struggling against both the run and the pass ever since E.J. Henderson suffered a season-ending injury four weeks ago. In the four games without Henderson, Minnesota has surrendered at least 100 rushing yards to each opponent, and 258-plus passing yards to all but one foe. It’s been really bad, and even Jay Cutler was able to look like a Pro Bowler on Monday night.

Dr. Sports: Vikings to win, but not cover.

The Coach: Vikings to win and cover.

San Francisco 49ers 7-8 at St. Louis 1-14 (+6.5)

The 49ers are clearly the better team in this matchup. But that doesn’t mean that they’ll cover the spread. Laying a touchdown in a divisional road game is a bit too much for San Francisco. Think about it this way – the 49ers are just 1-6 straight up away from Candlestick, and that sole victory was by just four points. Could the 49ers cover seven on the road?

Dr. Sports: 49ers to win but not cover.

The Coach: 49ers to win and cover.

Atlanta Falcons 8-7 at Tampa Bay Buccaneeers 3-12 (+1.5)

Everyone expects the Falcons to win this game because of two assumptions: 1) They’re the better team. 2) They’re going to play harder than Tampa because a victory would give them the first back-to-back winning seasons in franchise history. Those assumptions are wrong. First of all, Tampa is a pretty solid squad as long as Freeman doesn’t turn the ball over. And it’s not like the Buccaneers won’t be motivated. They won’t idly stand by as the Falcons achieve history. Tampa just had a big victory over the Saints and will want to knock off another divisional rival.

Dr. Sports: Buccaneers to win.

The Coach: Buccaneers to win.

Green Bay Packers 10-5 at Arizona Cardinals 10-5 (-2.5)

If Minnesota loses, the Cardinals would have a legitimate chance at a bye and probably would go with Kurt Warner, Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin. If I’m right in assuming that the Packers will rest their starters, Warner will easily slice through Green Bay’s backups.

Dr. Sports: Cardinals to win and cover

The Coach: Cardinals to win and cover.

Kansas City Chiefs 3-12 at Denver Broncos 8-7 (-12.5)

The Broncos are definitely not that good. Their once-great defence is leaky, while their offense can be completely stagnant at times. We can’t recommend laying 12.5 points with a team that has scored 19, 16, 3, 17, 10 and 7 in six of its previous nine contests.

Dr. Sports: Broncos to win, but not cover.

The Coach: Broncos to win but not cover.

Baltimore Ravens 8-7 at Oakland Raiders 5-10 (+10.5)

The Ravens obviously need to win this game, but that doesn’t mean much.  We both like the Raiders to cover the spread here. They’ve already beaten the Eagles, Bengals, Steelers and Broncos, and almost knocked off the Chargers twice. Why can’t they give the Ravens a tough time?

Dr. Sports: Ravens to win but not cover.

The Coach: Ravens to win, but not cover.

Washington Redskins 4-11 at San Diego Chargers 12-3 (-3.5)

A quote from Norv Turner: “Playing and staying game-sharp, to me, is big. (But) it’s not only how you stay sharp, but how you get better. We’re going to play our players. They’re going to play and they want to play.” Expect a blow out.

Dr. Sports: Chargers to win and cover.

The Coach: Chargers to win and cover.

Tennessee Titans 7-8 at Seattle Seahawks 5-10 (+4.5)

Dr. Sports doesn’t think the Titans came all the way back from 0-6 to just quit in the final week to avoid a shot at 8-8. They’ll at least try hard enough for Chris Johnson to get his 2,000 yards. Meanwhile, the Seahawks have completely fallen apart, losing by a combined score of 106-24 in the past three weeks. Jim Mora Jr. is easily one of the worst head coaches of all time, and has a dubious history of teams that quit on him. That’s exactly what’s happening here. Seattle will continue to struggle and disappoint as long as Mora is patrolling the sidelines.

Dr. Sports: Titans to win and cover.

The Coach: Titans to win and cover.

SUNDAY NIGHT

Cincinnati Bengals 10-5 at New York Jets 8-7 (-9.5)

If that awful Browns-Steelers Thursday night affair taught us anything, it’s that in severe weather conditions, all bets are off. People tend to look at snow and rain as potential weather roadblocks, but wind is the greatest factor. Anything worse than 30 mph can ruin any football game. The deep passing game is completely eliminated, while any field goal longer than 35 yards out is virtually impossible. Winds blowing at a possible 35 mph are bad enough, so imagine how bad it’s going to be at the Meadowlands on Sunday. Also, remember who’s starting at quarterback for the Jets. There was a big deal about Sanchez playing in 45-degree weather back in October. That’s nothing compared to what he’ll see on Sunday night.

Dr. Sports: Jets to win but not cover.

The Coach: Jets to win and cover.

The Doc is 156-84 overall and 123-107 against the spread. The Coach is 146-94 straight up and 116-114 against the spread.

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Week 16, Just Two Weeks to go…

Posted on December 24, 2009 by Scott Taylor| Leave a comment

There are two weeks remaining in the 2009 NFL season and while most of the playoff participants have been locked down, this is still going to be a very interesting post-season.

In fact, whenever people ask, for weeks I’ve been saying I like Indianapolis and New Orleans in the Super Bowl. And I still do. However, if it happened to be Green Bay and New England I wouldn’t be at all surprised. That’s the beauty of the NFL.

The post-season is going to be tremendous. But first, there is a lot of unfinished business, especially in the AFC.

Just two weeks to go. Let’s take a closer look at Week 16….

FRIDAY NIGHT

San Diego Chargers 11-3  at Tennessee Titans 7-7 (-2.5)

The Chargers have pretty much sealed up the second seed in the AFC. They have nothing to gain with a win here. Meanwhile, the Titans’ season is on the line. On a holiday weeknight, they’ll be playing in front of a raucous crowd and they’ll be able to feed off that energy.

Dr. Sports: Titans to win and cover.

The Coach: Titans to win and cover.

SUNDAY AFTERNOON

Buffalo Bills 5-9 at Atlanta Falcons 7-7 (-8.5)

The Bills lost what Chris Berman called their “Super Bowl.” Also, Brian Brohm is now in for Ryan Fitzpatrick. There’s a reason he was so willingly discarded by the Packers. Why would the Bills put in a lot of effort off a very emotional defeat for some guy they don’t even know?

Dr. Sports: Falcons to win and cover.

The Coach: Falcons to win and cover.

Kansas City Chiefs 3-11 at Cincinnati Bengals 9-5 (-13.5)

The Bengals will dedicate the rest of their season to Chris Henry, but they still had Henry’s funeral to attend to this week. Plus, it’s not like you have to get up for the lowly Chiefs.

Dr. Sports: Bengals will win but they won’t cover.

The Coach: Bengals will win and cover.

Oakland Raiders 5-9 at Cleveland Browns 3-11 (-3.5)

Derek Anderson will get the nod at Browns QB because Brady Quinn is done for the year. Anderson has the bigger arm and superior downfield accuracy, but he also forces in way too many unwarranted balls into double coverage. Since the beginning of the 2008 season, the Browns are 0-4 against the spread when favoured. However, thy have won two straight.

Dr. Sports: Raiders to win.

The Coach: Browns to win and cover.

Seattle Seahawks 5-9 at Green Bay Packers 9-5 (-13.5)

This has “blowout” written all over it. The Seahawks absolutely stink, especially on the road, while the Packers are one of the top teams in the league. The only thing that bothers me here is the fact that Green Bay is coming off an emotional loss at Pittsburgh. Still, even if the Packers are playing at 75-80 percent, there’s a good chance they’ll still cover this high number.

Dr. Sports: Packers to win and cover.

The Coach: Packers to win and cover.

Houston Texans 7-7 at Miami Dolphins 7-7 (-2.5)

It’s worth noting that Houston owns Miami; in the four meetings between these two teams, the Texans have won each one, oddly enough by three points or less each time.

Dr. Sports: Texans to win.

The Coach: Dolphins to win and cover.

Jacksonville Jaguars 7-7 at New England Patriots 9-5 (-7.5)

This is a case where the game means a ton to one team and very little to the other. The Patriots don’t really have anything to play for here, as they pretty much have the AFC East locked up. Meanwhile, the Jaguars must win to stay alive in the playoff hunt. That being said, whenever the Jaguars are favoured or expected to win, they really struggle. Conversely, when no one believes in them, they thrive. This will be a close one,

Dr. Sports: Patriots to win, but they won’t cover.

The Coach: Patriots to win and cover.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2-12 at New Orleans Saints 13-1 (-14.5)

I like the Buccaneers in this spot. The last two 13-0 teams that lost their 14th game of the year went on to lose the following contest as well. I don’t think the Saints will suffer a defeat to Tampa Bay, but I don’t like their chances of covering the spread in this meaningless game.

Dr. Sports: Saints to win, but not cover.

The Coach: Saints to win but not cover.

Carolina Panthers 6-8 at New York Giants 8-6 (-6.5)

New York is the one NFC team no one wants to face right now. They know how to win in the postseason and they completely dominated a Redskins squad that had been playing well in recent weeks. I think the Giants parlay that Monday night victory into several more and get on a roll. I’m confident they’ll get into the playoffs and upset at least one team in January.

Dr. Sports: Giants to win and cover.

The Coach: Giants to win and cover.

Denver Broncos 8-6 at Philadelphia Eagles 10-4 (-6.5)

Meaningless game for the Eagles. Even if they win here, they’ll still need to beat Dallas next week to win the NFC East. Also, the players will be too preoccupied with Brian Dawkins’ return.

Dr. Sports: Broncos to win.

The Coach: Eagles to win and cover.

Baltimore Ravens 8-6 at Pittsburgh Steelers 7-7 (-2.5)

I know the Ravens beat the Steelers last time, but Joe Flacco still hasn’t defeated Ben Roethlisberger. Though he’s a very cool quarterback under pressure, that has to weigh on his mind.

Dr. Sports: Steelers to win and cover.

The Coach: Ravens to win.

St. Louis Rams 1-13 at Arizona Cardinals 9-5 (-13.5)

A meaningless game for the Cardinals, but they’ve shown us in the past that they love to beat up on the Rams and Seahawks – even in late December.

Dr. Sports: Cardinals to win and cover.

The Coach: Cardinals to win and cover.

Detroit Lions 2-12 at San Francisco 49ers 6-8 (-11.5)

The 49ers are obviously the much better team, but I’m concerned with their mindset here. They had to beat the Eagles to stay alive for the divisional crown. Instead, they lost, which officially knocked them out of the playoff hunt. I’m not sure how San Francisco bounces back from that, especially against the lowly Lions. What’s their incentive here?

Dr. Sports: Lions to win.

The Coach: 49ers to win and cover.

New York Jets 7-7 at Indianapolis Colts 14-0 (-5.5)

The Jets are playing their Super Bowl here. Their season’s on the line. They’ll give the Colts their best shot…but it won’t be enough.

Dr. Sports: Colts to win and cover.

The Coach: Colts to win and cover.

SUNDAY NIGHT

Dallas Cowboys 9-5 at Washington Redskins 4-10 (+6.5)

Despite knocking off the Saints last week, Dr. Sports just doesn’t understand how this team is any different. They have the same idiot coach. They have the same quarterback who takes trips to Vegas before games. They have a malcontent receiver (Roy Williams). And they have the same prodding owner who makes “suggestions” each week. They are lucky to be playing the ‘Skins who officially quit on Jim Zorn Monday night.

Dr. Sports: Cowboys to win, but not cover.

The Coach: Cowboys to win and cover.

MONDAY NIGHT

Minnesota Vikings 11-3 at Chicago Bears 5-9 (+6.5)

This is just what the (Sports) Doctor ordered for the Vikings; the Bears. The Bears haven’t covered a single point spread since Nov. 1. Their offense stinks, their defence stinks, they’re dominated at the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball, and their quarterback just doesn’t seem to care anymore. We just watched the Redskins mail it in on Monday night. Now, it could be Chicago’s turn in what might just be Lovie Smith’s final game in the Windy City.

Dr. Sports: Vikings to win and cover.

The Coach: Vikings to win and cover.

The Doc shit the bed last week and is now 148-77 overall and 115-110 against the spread. The Coach is 139-86 straight up and 113-112 against the spread.

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Week 15. Now, it’s Getting Serious.

Posted on December 17, 2009 by Scott Taylor| Leave a comment

Week 15 in the National Football League starts tonight with the unbeaten Indianapolis Colts at Jacksonville. 7:20 on Rogers SportsNet.

This is a big week for a number of NFL teams. If the San Diego Chargers beat Cincinnati, they clinch a playoff berth. If they win and Denver loses to Oakland, the Chargers lock up a first round bye. With a win over San Diego, the Bengals lock up the AFC North title. Green Bay clinches a playoff berth with a win at Pittsburgh and a loss by either the Giants who play Washington or Dallas who plays New Orleans. And Arizona is NFC West champion with a win at Detroit and a 49ers loss to Philly.

Meanwhile, with just three weeks to go, only three teams have clinched playoff berths: Minnesota and New Orleans in the NFC and Indianapolis in the AFC. However, if the playoffs started today here’s how it would look:

In the AFC, Indy and San Diego would have the first-round byes while Jacksonville would play at Cincinnati and Denver would play at New England. In the NFC, New Orleans and Minnesota would have the byes while Dallas would play at Philly and Green Bay would play at Arizona. Wouldn’t be a bad thing if the standings didn’t change.

Meanwhile, I love Indianapolis Colts head coach Jim Caldwell. That’s because Caldwell made it pretty clear yesterday that he’s going after a 16-0 season.

Caldwell said that if his players are healthy they will play. In other words, if Reggie Wayne, Peyton Manning, Austin Collie, any of them, can start the game they will play to win and they’ll do it from now until the end of the season. This team is trying to go 16-0 and good for them.

Those who think resting star players for the playoffs is a good idea have not been paying attention. It just doesn’t work. And, historically, coaching scared is a lot worse for a team that coaching recklessly.

As Herman Edwards always said: “You play to win the game.” You don’t play to rest your quarterback. And what the hell, in the NFL of 2010, the officials make sure that today’s quarterback is wearing a skirt, anyway.

Let’s take a closer look at Week 15.

THURSDAY NIGHT

Indianapolis Colts 13-0 at Jacksonville Jaguars 7-6 (+6.5)

These Colts-Jaguars games are always close, 13 of the past 15 meetings have been decided by eight points or less. However, despite the tightness of those games, Indianapolis has prevailed 11 times.

Dr. Sports: Colts to win and cover.

The Coach: Colts to win and cover.

SATURDAY NIGHT

Dallas Cowboys 8-5 at New Orleans Saints 13-0 (-6.5)

The Saints barely escaped against the Redskins and Falcons, but that was on the road. They are so much better at home. As hosts, they’ve beaten every opponent this year by eight or more points. The Superdome will be rocking and will be as loud as ever Saturday night. The choking Cowboys, who have shown no sense of urgency after Snowmo returned from his unwarranted post-Thanksgiving trip to Vegas, won’t know what hit them.

Dr. Sports: Saints to win and cover.

The Coach: Saints to win and cover.

SUNDAY AFTERNOON

Chicago Bears 5-8 at Baltimore Ravens 7-6 (-9.5)

Chicago hasn’t covered since Nov. 1. That trend will continue, especially after the huge emotional loss to the Packers after leading at half time.

Dr. Sports: Ravens to win and cover.

The Coach: Ravens to win and cover.

New England Patriots 8-5 at Buffalo Bills 5-8 (+6.5)

Tom Brady might have a broken finger. His ribs could be cracked. And if that wasn’t enough, he now has an unhappy receiver.

Dr. Sports: Patriots to win, but not cover.

The Coach: Patriots to win and cover.

Arizona Cardinals 8-5 at Detroit Lions 2-11 (+10.5)

Arizona has shown that they slack off in December if they don’t need to win. Even after a loss to the 49ers, this game is pretty meaningless for the Cardinals.

Dr. Sports: Cardinals to win but not cover.

The Coach: Cardinals to win and cover.

Cleveland Browns 2-11 at Kansas City Chiefs 3-10 (-1.5)

The Browns are coming off a win over the defending Super Bowl champs, teams in that type of scenario usually don’t perform well. However, the Chiefs absolutely stink and should not be favoured. The Browns, meanwhile, have played a lot better since their bye and have covered four consecutive games.

Dr. Sports: Browns to win.

The Coach: Browns to win.

Atlanta Falcons 6-7 at New York Jets 7-6 (-5.5)

The Jets are riding a three-game winning streak, and they didn’t even have the services of QB Mark Sanchez (knee) for last week’s win over Tampa Bay. Sanchez is expected to practice this week and could be back for this game.

Dr. Sports: Jets to win and cover.

The Coach: Jets to win and cover.

San Francisco 49ers 6-7 at Philadelphia Eagles 9-4 (-8.5)

If Philly is expecting an easy game here, they’re mistaken. The 49ers are playing well and have tons of momentum off their victory over Arizona. However, the Iggles are at home.

Dr. Sports: Eagles to win but not cover.

The Coach: Eagles to win and cover.

Green Bay Packers 9-4 at Pittsburgh Steelers 6-7 (-1.5)

The Packers are red-hot while the Steelers have major problems in all phases. Pittsburgh offensive line is porous; without Troy Polamalu, their secondary is a shadow of its former self; and the kickoff coverage surrenders huge returns every week. But they’re still defending Super Bowl champions.

Dr. Sports: Packers to win.

The Coach: Steelers to win and cover.

Houston Texans at St. Louis Rams 1-12 (+9.5)

The Texans are a pretty easy team to figure out. When the pressure’s on, they choke, and when they play crappy teams, they win and cover. There definitely won’t be any sort of pressure here in an empty Edward Jones Dome. With the Rams hobbled with injuries on offense and defence, this should be a Houston blowout.

Dr. Sports: Texans to win and cover.

The Coach: Texans to win but not cover.

Miami Dolphins 7-6 at Tennessee Titans 6-7 (-2.5)

Without using the Wildcat formation for the past two games, Dolphins Ricky Williams rushed for his fourth 100-yard game in the last five. The Titans could be without QB Vince Young, who is listed as day-to-day with a hamstring injury. If Young is not able to play, Kerry Collins will start (expect Young to play). The Titans could continue to lean on RB Chris Johnson, but might have to throw more often since the Dolphins’ defence has been solid against the run.

Dr. Sports: Dolphins to win.

The Coach: Titans to win and cover.

Oakland Raiders 3-10 at Denver Broncos 9-4 (-12.5)

The Broncos are obviously the better team, but this just seems like a lot of points. Outside of a blowout over Kansas City, Denver has scored 16, 26, 3, 17, 10 and 7 points since their bye. How can the Broncos cover 13 points if they may not even score 13 points?

Dr. Sports: Denver to win, but not cover.

The Coach: Denver to win, but not cover.

Cincinnati Bengals 8-5 at San Diego Chargers 10-3 (-6.5)

Chargers are red hot and the Bengals are still crying in their beer after getting thumped by the Vikes. Now with the death of teammate Chris Henry in that accident in North Carolina, we don’t really know where the Bengals heads will be. The second straight road game doesn’t help the Ohio Tigers either.

Dr. Sports: Chargers to win and cover.

The Coach: Chargers to win and cover.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2-11 at Seattle Seahawks 5-8 (-6.5)

Matt Hasselbeck finished with 247 yards and one touchdown against the Texans last week, but due to subpar protection, he was hit nine times, three of them sacks. Don’t expect the Bucs to get to him once.

Dr. Sports: Seahawks to win and cover.

The Coach: Seahawks to win and cover.

SUNDAY NIGHT

Minnesota Vikings 11-2 at Carolina Panthers 5-8 (+7.5)

The Vikings secured themselves a spot in the playoffs last week with a win over the Bengals, and this week, they can clinch the NFC North and potentially a first-round bye if they beat the Panthers. Adrian Peterson ran for 97 yards on 26 carries and scored two touchdowns against a solid Bengals defence last week. He’ll try to improve upon that against a Panthers defence that is No. 26 in the NFL against the run.

Dr. Sports: Vikings to win and cover.

The Coach: Vikings to win and cover.

MONDAY NIGHT

New York Giants 7-6 at Washington Redskins 4-9 (+2.5)

This is a huge game for the Redskins. It’s Monday night, so they’ll feed off the crowd’s emotion just like the 49ers did last week. Washington obviously can’t make the playoffs, but beating the Giants here and the Cowboys next week is what the players are focusing on. Defeating their divisional rivals will really build momentum for next year. Of course, the Giants MUST win, too. Should be a great game.

Dr. Sports: Redskins to win.

The Coach: Giants to win and cover.

The Doc is 139-69 overall and 110-98 against the spread. The Coach is 131-77 straight up and 108-100 against the spread

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Week 14: It’s Time for the Pretenders to Take a Stand

Posted on December 10, 2009 by Scott Taylor| Leave a comment

TAMPA, Fla. — We’ll be in Tampa this Sunday to watch the Sanchez-less Jets take on the Freeman-led Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Remember, last week Josh Freeman threw five interceptions in the red zone? This game will be fun — just for the laughs.

As we head into Week 14, here are three things to keep in mind:

1) Some teams are just destined for greatness. The New Orleans Saints seem like a team of destiny.

Last Sunday in Washington the Saints were often sloppy and lethargic and with three minutes remaining in regulation, the 11-0 Saints trailed the Redskins 30-20. But a couple of breaks, one great pass from Drew Brees to Robert Meacham and finally an 18-yard field goal by Garrett Hartley in overtime gave New Orleans a 33-30 win and a 12-0 record. Yep, that’s a team of destiny.

2) Want to know how to beat the Tennessee Titans? Force them into turnovers.

When the Titans were going 0-6, they turned the ball over 18 times. The Titans then won five straight and turned the ball over three times in total. Then last Sunday, in a 27-17 loss to Indianapolis, Tennessee turned the ball over twice, including a Vince Young interception that the Colts converted into a touchdown. If the Titans win the turnover battle, they win the game. If they turn it over too often, they lose. Simple as that.

3) So what’s happened to the Pittsburgh Steelers? Obviously, the defending Super Bowl champions are 6-6 and have suffered at least six fourth-quarter collapses, but the biggest problem is the absence of Troy Polamalu.

The Steelers have been very weak on the back end of the defence and without Polamalu, they won’t win many football games. Luckily, they get the Browns this week.

All set? let’s take a closer look at Week 14…

THURSDAY NIGHT

Pittsburgh Steelers 6-6 at Cleveland Browns 1-11 (+9.5)

Mike Tomlin said he would “unleash hell” in December. Well, not so much last week, but they’ll be ready Thursday night. This is an absolute must-win for the Steelers, but if anyone is worried about that “road team” thing, the Pittsburgh to Cleveland commute isn’t a long one, and you can bet that there will be more Steelers fans in the stands than Browns supporters. This will essentially be a home game for Pittsburgh.

Dr. Sports: Steelers to win and cover

The Coach: Steelers to win and cover.

SUNDAY AFTERNOON

New Orleans 12-0 at Atlanta 6-6 (+9.5)

Think Drew Brees will have any problems shredding the Falcons’ defensive backfield with his collection of weapons?

Dr. Sports: Saints to win and cover.

The Coach: Saints to win and cover.

Detroit Lions 2-10 at Baltimore Ravens 6-6 (-12.5)

The Ravens looked like they couldn’t care less on Monday Night. They didn’t look like they even want to get out of the huddle let alone run the offense. The Ravens need to win in order to remain in the AFC Wildcard race. If they have proven anything in 2009, it’s that they perform well against lesser competition.

Dr. Sports: Ravens to win and cover.

The Coach: Ravens to win and cover.

Green Bay Packers 8-4 at Chicago Bears 5-7 (+2.5)

This is a difficult one for the Packers. They are traveling on a short work week to battle a Bears team that will be playing its Super Bowl. Chicago has no chance at the playoffs, but it can at least knock arch rival Green Bay out of a wild card spot. That being said, the Bears stink and will ultimately find a way to lose. Football games are won in the trenches, and that’s an area where Chicago is incredibly weak right now.

Dr. Sports: Packers to win and cover.

The Coach: Packers to win and cover.

Seattle Seahawks 5-7 at Houston Texans 5-7 (-5.5)

Houston’s fourth-ranked passing offense challenges the Seahawks 25th-ranked passing defence. The Seahawks are also 1-5 on the road.

Dr. Sports: Texans to win and cover.

The Coach: Texans to win and cover.

Denver Broncos 8-4 at Indianapolis Colts 12-0 (-6.5)

Denver’s chances against Peyton are slim and none. Slim is out of town.

Dr. Sports: Colts to win and cover.

The Coach: Colts to win and cover.

Miami Dolphins 6-6 at Jacksonville Jaguars 7-5 (-2.5)

The Jaguars are one of the league’s best home teams at 5-1. Even though they play in front of sparse crowds. The Dolphins are 2-4 on the road. Both teams have rushing attacks that are in the top 25 per cent of the NFL. The differences between the two teams’ run defences are negligible. Home field will be the advantage here.

Dr. Sports: Jaguars to win and cover.

The Coach: Jaguars to win and cover.

Buffalo Bills 4-8 at Kansas City Chiefs 3-9 (PK)

This Chiefs are reeling right now after two losses as big underdogs to their divisional rivals. After getting blown out against the Broncos and Chargers, the Chiefs are done. But the Bills ain’t much better.

Dr. Sports: Bills to win.

The Coach: Chiefs to win.

Cincinnati Bengals 9-3 at Minnesota Vikings 10-2 (-6.5)

The Bengals are getting seven points and sport one of the league’s top five defences. The Vikings strength of schedule has come into question with losses against Pittsburgh and Arizona. It should be a close game.

Dr. Sports: Vikings to win, but not to cover.

The Coach: Vikings to win and cover.

Carolina Panthers 5-7 at New England 7-5 (-13.5)

The Patriots seldom lose two in a row, and they never lose three in a row. The last time Belichick and Brady dropped two consecutive games, they rebounded with a 35-0 victory over the Packers in 2006.

Dr. Sports: Patriots to win and cover.

The Coach: Patriots to win and cover.

New York Jets at 6-6 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 1-11 (+3.5)

This seems like a really horrible spot for the Jets. This is their last “easy” game before taking on the Falcons, Colts and Bengals. Following a win over the Bills, I don’t think they’ll be focused for the Buccaneers, especially with Kellen Clemens replacing the injured Mark Sanchez at quarterback.

Dr. Sports: Buccaneers to win.

The Coach: Bucs to win.

St. Louis Rams 1-11 at Tennessee Titans 5-7 (-12.5)

Little known fact, the Rams are a feisty 4-1 against the spread in their past five games. In fact, they haven’t lost by more than 10 points since battling the Colts on Oct. 25. The Titans have a conservative offense, so asking them to cover a 13-point spread is too much.

Dr. Sports: Titans to win, but not cover.

The Coach: Titans to win and cover.

Washington Redskins 3-9 at Oakland Raiders 4-8 (+1.5)

A team that has had so many close calls with stronger teams should be able to overcome a below average Raiders team, shouldn’t they? Don’t count on it. The Redskins have to travel cross country and the Raiders have momentum from defeating the defending champions. With the way 2009 has gone, the Skins will stumble against the Oakland Raiders. The Eagles did when they traveled west.

Dr. Sports: Raiders to win.

The Coach: Raiders to win.

San Diego Chargers 9-3 at Dallas 8-4 (-2.5)

Dallas starts December with… a loss! After losing 31-24 to the Giants, the Cowboys look like they may continue their December trend of losing their way out of the playoffs. The Chargers come into Dallas with a seven game winning streak and are looking to secure a bye week over the Cincinnati Bengals. The Cowboys are 5-1 at home. The Chargers are 5-1 on the road. But since it is December and the Chargers don’t lose in December.

Dr. Sports: Chargers to win.

The Coach: Chargers to win.

SUNDAY NIGHT

Philadelphia Eagles 8-4 at New York Giants 7-5 (-1.5)

The Eagles enter the game on a three game winning streak. In week 8, the Eagles defeated the Giants 40-17. The Eagles do play well on the road. The Giants must win to remain in the heart of the NFC Wildcard race. One week, the Eagles can look like the elite of the NFC. The next, they are losing to the Raiders.

Dr. Sports: Giants to win and cover.

The Coach: Eagles to win and cover.

MONDAY NIGHTER

Arizona Cardinals 8-4 at San Francisco 49ers 5-7 (+2.5)

The 49ers will be pumped to host their first Monday night game since Week 1, 2007. This will be their chance to show everyone that they are a legit team.

Dr. Sports: 49ers to win.

The Coach: Cardinals to win and cover.

The Doc is 128-64 overall and 104-86 against the spread. The Coach is 121-71 straight up and 100-90 against the spread.

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Week 13. Lucky 13, For Sure.

Posted on December 2, 2009 by Scott Taylor| Leave a comment

JACKSONVILLE — We’re in Jacksonville this week for the Texans and Jags. Everybody else will probably be watching the Vikings in Arizona or the Cowboys at the Giants.

Heading into lucky Week 13, there are two big stories:

1) Tennessee runningback Chris Johnson is clearly one of the finest young backs in football, but at the pace he’s set, Eric Dickerson’s single season record of 2,105 rushing yards is in jeopardy of being surpassed.

Johnson has 1,396 yards rushing in 11 games this season, which puts him on pace for 2,030 over the course of 16 games. But with five games left, and with all his speed and talent, Johnson could easily get to 2,200.

2) Brett Favre was the NFL’s player of the month for November. It’s the sixth time in his career he’s won the award. Based on what Favre did in November, this is no scoop.

In four games, beginning with his return to Lambeau Field on Nov. 1, Favre threw 130 passes, completed 91 of them for 1,193 yards. He threw 12 touchdown passes and not one interception. The Vikings went 4-0 and Favre turned 40. Nice month.

He can keep things going in Phoenix on Sunday night.

Let’s take a closer look at Week 13:

THURSDAY NIGHT IN TORONTO

New York Jets 5-6 at Buffalo Bills 4-7 (+2.5)

This contest will be played in Toronto, where barely anyone showed up last year. This is technically a home game for Buffalo, but I don’t see how the team can get any motivation when most of the fans won’t even be there. The Jets, meanwhile, are not as good as the New York-based TV media continues to suggest.

Dr. Sports: Jets to win and cover.

The Coach: Bills to win.

SUNDAY AFTERNOON

Philadelphia Eagles 7-4 at Atlanta Falcons 6-5 (+4.5)

A critical match for the NFC wild card. The Falcons are undefeated at home but they are without starting quarterback Matt Ryan.

Dr. Sports: Eagles to win and cover.

The Coach: Eagles to win and cover.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 1-10 at Carolina Panthers 4-7 (-6.5)

Just when you thought it was safe to believe in the Panthers, they go and lose to the Jets. Still, Tampa Bay is terrible. We could see about seven interceptions in this game, which could be fun. Panthers won by a touchdown when these two teams met in Tampa in October.

Dr. Sports: Panthers to win and cover.

The Coach: Panthers to win and cover.

St. Louis at 1-10 Chicago 7-7 (-8.5)

First of all, who are the Bears, to be laying nine points? They stink. Their offensive line can’t block and their defence can’t stop anyone. They haven’t won a game in more than a month. How can they beat a 9-point spread if they can’t even get a victory? After getting blown out by the Vikings, they might play a little better, but they won’t win by much. The only thing Chicago has going for it is the fact the Rams couldn’t even beat dog-ass Seattle in its own building.

Dr. Sports: Bears to win but not cover.

The Coach: Bears to win and cover.

Detroit Lions 2-9 at Cincinnati Bengals 8-3 (-12.5)

This is a really tough spot for Cincinnati for two reasons. First, this is a meaningless contest against a non-conference foe. The Bengals are three in front of the Steelers and Ravens (they have the tie-breaker), so they don’t need a victory. And second, they have the Vikings and Chargers after this “easy game.” Why would Cincinnati be focused here?

Dr. Sports: Bengals to win but not to cover.

The Coach: Bengals to win and cover.

Tennessee Titans 5-6 at Indianapolis Colts 11-0 (-6.5)

Sure, the Titans are on a roll right now, but the Colts just keep finding ways to win and I don’t think the Tennessee defence can keep Manning and company out of the end zone.

Dr. Sports: Colts to win and cover.

The Coach: Colts to win and cover.

Houston Texans 5-6 at Jacksonville Jaguars 6-5 (PK)

The Texans are the better team, but that didn’t stop them from losing last time and we don’t like their chances here either. They just lost their Super Bowl. Once 5-3, they now sit at 5-6, meaning that their season is over.

Dr. Sports: Jaguars to win.

The Coach: Jaguars to win.

Denver Broncos 7-4 at Kansas City Chiefs 3-8 (+4.5)

Granted, the Broncos just demolished the Giants, but they shouldn’t be favored by this much on the road. They had lost four games in a row before Thanksgiving and were lucky enough to catch New York traveling on a short work week. The Chiefs have been blown out just twice since the beginning of October – and both times it was against San Diego. Remember, Kansas City just beat the Steelers two weeks ago.

Dr. Sports: Broncos to win, but they won’t cover.

The Coach: Chiefs to win.

Oakland Raiders 3-8 at Pittsburgh Steelers 6-5 (OFF)

The Steelers aren’t a great football team in 2009. Injuries to important players have seen to that. Fortunately for Pittsburgh, they’re playing a very bad football team. Then again, the Raiders only show up when playing good opponents.

Dr. Sports: Steelers to win (and cover).

The Coach: Steelers to win (and cover).

New Orleans Saints 11-0 at Washington Redskins 3-8 (+9.5)

The Redskins have decided in the past month that they’re ready to actually play football but do you really think Washington can keep the Saints from scoring at least 40 points?

Dr. Sports: Saints to win and cover.

The Coach: Saints to win and cover.

San Diego Chargers 8-3 at Cleveland Browns 1-10 (+12.5)

Anybody picking the Browns in this one? Anybody? Dr. Sports would  rather listen to Vic Grant for three hours than watch the Browns play football.

Dr. Sports: Chargers to win and cover.

The Coach: Chargers to win and cover.

Dallas Cowboys 8-3 at New York Giants 6-5 (+2.5)

After watching Romo and company destroy Oakland on US Turkey Day, and with reports that Eli Manning’s foot is worse than we’re being let on, how do you pick the Jints?

Dr. Sports: Cowboys to win and cover.

The Coach: Cowboys to win and cover.

San Francisco 49ers 5-6 at Seattle Seahawks 4-7 (PK)

Neither of these teams are very good, but the Seahawks still have a great home field advantage. With Hasselbeck under center, they are 3-1 at Qwest Field this year, losing only to Arizona. They also own this rivalry, having won nine of the past 13 meetings.

Dr. Sports: Seahawks to win.

The Coach: Seahawks to win.

New England Patriots 7-4  at Miami Dolphins 5-6 (+5.5)

To quote Mike Tomlin, New England will “unleash hell” in Miami.

Dr. Sports: Patriots to win and cover.

The Coach: Patriots to win and cover.

SUNDAY NIGHT

Minnesota at Arizona (OFF)

This isn’t really a major game for either team. A loss wouldn’t hurt the Vikings or Cardinals. Perhaps Arizona will want revenge after the trashing they took last year, but that’s not a major edge.

Dr. Sports: Vikings to win but by only a FG.

The Coach: Vikings to win.

MONDAY NIGHT

Baltimore Ravens 6-5 at Green Bay Packers 7-4 (-2.5)

Despite their best efforts, the Ravens managed to beat the Steelers on Sunday night. Baltimore’s pass rush should keep Aaron Rodgers from sleeping all week long as he plays behind a terrible, terrible offensive line. With that said, the Ravens will probably manage to lose the game on a botched field goal.

Dr. Sports: Packers to win but not cover.

The Coach: Packers to win and cover.

The Doc is 116-60 overall this season and 96-80 against the spread. The coach is 111-65 straight up and 90-86 against the spread.

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Week 12 NFL Picks. Indy and New Orleans Try to Go To 11-0.

Posted on November 25, 2009 by Scott Taylor| 1 Comment

As we enter Week 12, the obvious focus is on the unbeaten Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints. Throw in the 9-1 Minnesota Vikings and you have the three best teams in the NFL today.

However, there is still nothing at wrong with the New England Patriots, the Dallas Cowboys or the San Diego.

In fact, the Chargers are writing one of the most intriguing stories this season.  Back during the bye-weeks, the Chargers found themselves 3 ½ games out of first in the AFC West. In fact, that was just 34 days ago after a Week 6 loss at home to Denver. However, with that impressive 32-3 win over the struggling Broncos last Sunday, the Chargers have now won five straight and moved into first place in the division, one full game ahead of the Broncos.

Meanwhile, the Tennessee Titans have also made an incredible turnaround this season and it would not be crazy to suggest that with Arizona (at home), Indy (on the road), St. Louis (at home), Miami (at home), San Diego (at home) and Seattle (on the road) left on the schedule, the Titans could finish 9-7 and sneak into the playoffs.

In fact, from the moment owner Bud Adams told head coach Jeff Fisher to start Vince Young or else, the Titans have gone 4-0 to get back to 4-6 and give themselves a legitimate shot at a Wild Card.

That’s why this week’s game against the Cards at LP Field in Nashville is so important. It is one of the biggest games of Week 12.

Let’s take a closer look:

THURSDAY AFTERNOON

Green Bay Packers 6-4 at Detroit Lions 2-8 (+10.5)

The Packers are on a roll. They completely shut down a hot Cowboys team and then followed that up with a blowout victory over San Francisco. They’ll ride their momentum into this game, where they shouldn’t have any problems against a Stafford-less Lions squad.

Dr. Sports: Packers to win and cover.

The Coach: Packers to win and cover.

Oakland Raiders 3-7 at Dallas Cowboys 7-3 (+13.5)

Tony Romo’s three Thanksgiving games: 34-9 over Seattle, 34-3 over the Jets, and 38-10 over Tampa Bay. Romo spends too much time golfing and dating celebrities, so winning in the national spotlight on Thanksgiving plays right into his agenda. Romo may choke in the clutch, but he shines in these easy Turkey Day battles.

Dr. Sports: Cowboys to win and cover.

The Coach: Cowboys to win but not cover.

THURSDAY NIGHT

New York Giants 6-4 at Denver Broncos 6-4 (+6.5)

The Giants really needed that victory over the Falcons last week. You could see that Manning and Tom Coughlin were relieved in their post-game news conferences. With confidence now on their side, New York goes into Denver and wins by double digits. You don’t want any part of the tanking Broncos right now.

Dr. Sports: Giants to win and cover.

The Coach: Giants to win and cover.

SUNDAY AFTERNOON

Washington Redskins at Philadelphia Eagles (-9.5)

Dr. Sports doesn’t think the Eagles will be focused here. They already beat Washington, so with a two-game road trip against the Falcons and Giants coming up, the Doc figures the Iggles might take this game lightly.

Dr. Sports: Eagles to win but not cover.

The Coach: Eagles to win and cover.

Seattle Seahawks 3-7 at St. Louis Rams 1-9 (+3)

The Seahawks stink this year, but they were awful last year and still swept the Rams. In fact, Seattle has taken the past nine from St. Louis.

Dr. Sports: Seahawks to win and cover.

The Coach: Rams to win.

Carolina Panthers 4-6 at New York Jets 4-6 (-3)

Mark Sanchez should be tested to see if he’s colorblind. He had wide-open receivers downfield last week, but fired the ball to Patriots corners instead. After starting 3-0, New York’s season is over. The victory they had over the Patriots in Week 2 has obviously been exposed as a fraud. The Panthers have more to play for because they have to leapfrog fewer teams to qualify for the playoffs (three, compared to New York’s five).

Dr. Sports: Panthers to win.

The Coach: Panthers to win.

Miami Dolphins 5-5 at Buffalo Bills 3-7 (+3)

As long as Sparano sticks with Williams, Miami should easily defeat a Buffalo squad that currently has major offensive line issues. You win games in the trenches in the NFL, and that’s a very weak area for the Bills right now. Mike Shanahan can’t get to Buffalo soon enough.

Dr. Sports: Dolphins to win and cover.

The Coach: Dolphins to win and cover.

Cleveland Browns 1-9 at Cincinnati Bengals 7-3 (-14)

Unlike last week, Brady Quinn won’t have a solid ground attack by his side. The Bengals haven’t allowed 100 rushing yards to any team since Oct. 4.However, the Bengals are seldom successful covering a high line. Since 2007, they are 1-7 against the spread when favoured by 3.5 or more.

Dr. Sports: Bengals to win but not cover.

The Coach: Bengals to win and cover.

Indianapolis Colts 10-0 at Houston Texans 5-5 (+3.5)

This is Houston’s Super Bowl. If they lose this game, they fall to 5-6, and their season is probably over. They’ll play the Colts tough, but they won’t win.

Dr. Sports: Colts to win and cover.

The Coach: Colts to win and cover.

Kansas City Chiefs 3-7 at San Diego Chargers 7-3 (-13.5)

After three really tough wins, the Chargers get the crappy Chiefs. Sure, KC looked good last week against the Steelers, but lightning won’t strike twice.

Dr. Sports: Chargers to win and cover.

The Coach: Chargers to win but not cover.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 1-9 at Atlanta Falcons 5-5 (-12)

Atlanta could come out flat after that loss to the Giants, and with two tough battles against the Eagles and Saints after this, they might be looking ahead. However, the Falcons need to win this game, and how can anyone back the Buccaneers with any confidence, given that the turnover happy Josh Freeman will be playing on the road for the second time in his pro career.

Dr. Sports: Falcons to win and cover.

The Coach: Falcons to win and cover.

Jacksonville Jaguars 6-4 at San Francisco 49ers 4-6 (-2.5)

The 49ers were just blown out, while the Jaguars sit at 6-4. This is a strange game for the Jaguars. Traveling across the country to battle a non-conference opponent, and given that they have Houston, Miami and Indianapolis after this contest, Dr. Sports thinks this is a breather.

Dr. Sports: Jaguars to win.

The Coach: 49ers to win and cover.

Chicago Bears 4-6 at Minnesota Vikings 9-1 (-10.5)

These teams hate each other so much, Minneapolis has to hide the bears in the state zoo so the Vikings fans don’t throw stuff on them. The home team has won 11 of the last 13 meetings and Brett, with all those receivers who are young enough to be his sons, are on fire.

Dr. Sports: Vikings to win and cover.

The Coach: Vikings to win and cover.

Arizona Cardinals 7-3 at Tennessee Titans 4-6 (-2)

This game means very little to the Cardinals, who host the Vikings next week. The Titans are playing with fire and they will continue their winning ways at home.

Dr. Sports: Titans to win and cover.

The Coach: Titans to win and cover.

Pittsburgh Steelers 6-4 at Baltimore Ravens 5-5 (-2.5)

The home team has won 12 of the last 14 meetings and the Steelers have won the last 3. With the “Who’ll play QB mystery,” the Steelers are facing, it’s hard to get excited about the defending Super Bowl champs right now.

Dr. Sports: Ravens to win and cover.

The Coach: Ravens to win and cover.

THE MONDAY NIGHTER

New England Patriots 7-3 at New Orleans Saints 10-0 (-3)

Huge statement game for the Patriots. They aren’t going to catch the Colts, but the Saints bubble has to break sometime, and the Patriots had the chance earlier this season to take down an unbeaten team and it’s hard to imagine they’ll blow the chance a second time.

Dr. Sports: The Patriots to win.

The Coach: The Patriots to win.

The Doc is 105-55 on the season, and 86-74 against the spread. The Coach is 99-61 straight up and 81-79 against the spread.

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Week 10 in the NFL. We’re Going South and Nobody is Hotter than Dr. Sports.

Posted on November 11, 2009 by Scott Taylor| Leave a comment

MINNEAPOLIS — We’re south of the border this weekend as the 7-1 Minnesota Vikings take on the 1-7 Detroit Lions in what could be called a gimme.

We’re going down because it’s Week 1 of the end of the season for the rest of the teams in the NFC North. The Vikings play the Lions at home this week, get Seattle next week and then play the Bears at the Dome on Nov. 29. With three home wins, the Vikings will be 10-1 by the end of the month and they’ll have first place in the North wrapped up.

Yesterday, on the SIRIUS-XM radio program Movin’ the Chains, Vikings head coach Brad Childress said that this Vikings team is one of his favourites of all time.

“This is a great group of guys, not without its challenges,” Childress said. ” “They enjoy each other, and they compete like crazy with each other. This is a (heck) of a group of guys.”

Once again, to no one’s surprise, Childress He again applauded not only the level of play, but the remarkable professionalism of veteran quarterback Brett Favre. Interestingly, Favre went deer hunting during the recent Vikings bye week.

“You kind of marvel at a guy who is 40 throwing to a guy who is 21,” said Childress, referring to Favre’s tremendous feel for rookie receiver Percy Harvin. “This is a long, arduous grind, but it’s all been pretty good so far.”

The Vikings have a chance to lock up the division this month. Wonder where all those experts went who said Favre was done? Wonder where all those experts went who said Jay Cutler was the answer in Chicago? Wonder where all those experts went claimed Aaron Rodgers is football’s next great quarterback? Sometimes you get the sense that the more you read a newspaper, the dumber you get.

Let’s take a closer look at Week 10. The Texans and Giants get the byes. Nobody in the world of “winning” NFL selections is even close to Dr,. Sports. He went 12-1 last week.

THURSDAY NIGHT

Chicago Bears 4-4 at San Francisco 49ers 3-5 (-2.5)

These teams are matched pretty evenly. However, the 49ers have two major advantages in this game: First, the Bears have to travel to the West Coast on a very short work week. Second, the Niners are the home team in a week night game and Thursday night hosts are 6-3 against the spread the past two seasons. The crowd is going to be pumped up and the 49ers will feed off of that emotion.

Dr. Sports: 49ers to win and cover.

The Coach: 49ers to win and cover.

SUNDAY AFTERNOON

Atlanta Falcons 5-3 at Carolina Panthers 3-5 (+1.5)

The Falcons are 1-3 on the road as opposed to 4-0 at home. This is a divisional game against a Panthers team with a great ground game that has underachieved all season.

Dr. Sports: Panthers to win.

The Coach: Panthers to win.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 1-7 at Miami Dolphins 3-5 (-9.5)

The Dolphins brought everything to the table last week against the Patriots and even revealed a new wrinkle in the Wildcat. However, they came up short, meaning at 3-5, their season is all but over. They’ll be flat again this week. The Buccaneers, meanwhile, could be playing with more confidence and energy with an impressive rookie quarterback.

Dr. Sports: Dolphins to win, but not cover.

The Coach: Dolphins to win and cover.

Detroit Lions 1-7 at Minnesota 7-1 (-16.5)

Oh boy…this will be ugly. The problem here is that this spread is way too large, especially for a divisional game. If the Vikings have a careless turnover or two, they’ll have difficulty covering 17 points. And just looking at the history of this rivalry, only one game in the past 11 years has been decided by 17 points or more. In fact, the 7-1 Vikings have just one victory greater than 14 points all season.

Dr. Sports: Vikings to win but not cover.

The Coach: Vikings to win and cover.

Jacksonville Jaguars 4-4 at N.Y. Jets 4-4 (-6.5)

If you exclude a 38-0 victory over Oakland, the Jets haven’t won or covered a game since Sept. 27. Given how much the team is favoured by, it just seems to me that the Jets are living off the reputation they established when they were 3-0. All but one of their opponents since that time currently has a losing record, yet they are 1-4 straight up and against the spread in that span.

Dr. Sports: Jets to win, but not cover.

The Coach: Jets to win and cover.

Cincinnati Bengals 6-2 at Pittsburgh Steelers 6-2 (-6.5)

The Game of the Week. Bengals are the Rodney Dangerfield of football; they get no respect. Last week despite already having beaten  the Ravens AND being at home they were the underdog. They have to feel disrespected by this ridiculous line and the fact they have beat the Steelers already. That all being said, the Steelers are the better squad and they’re at home.

Dr. Sports: Steelers to win but not cover.

The Coach: Steelers to win and cover.

New Orleans Saints 8-0 at St. Louis Rams 1-7 (+13.5)

The Rams have faced three teams with winning records this year. They’ve been outscored by those three teams (Vikings, 49ers and Colts) by a 115-16 margin. How pathetic is that? This is almost a statement game for the Saints after three mediocre outings.

Dr. Sports: Saints to win and cover.

The Coach: Saints to win and cover.

Buffalo Bills 3-5 at Tennessee Titans 2-6 (-6.5)

The Titans are on a roll with Vince Young at quarterback and the public finally believes in them. That has forced Vegas to create an inflated line. A week ago, the Titans would have been -3.

Dr. Sports: Titans will win but not cover.

The Coach: Titans will win and cover.

Denver Broncos 6-2 at Washington Redskins 2-6 (+3.5)

We like the Broncos in this one for one reason: The freakin’ Redskins are horrible.

Dr. Sports: Broncos to win but not cover.

The Coach: Broncos to win and cover.

Kansas City Chiefs 1-7 at Oakland Raiders 2-6 (-1.5)

The Raiders have had two weeks to prepare and have home field advantage. As bad as they are, the Raiders won the week two match-up 13-10.

Dr. Sports: Raiders to win and cover.

The Coach: Raiders to win and cover.

Seattle Seahawks 3-5 at Arizona Cardinals 5-3 (-8.5)

The Cardinals are 4-0 on the road, yet they are 1-3 at home. Go figure. The Seahawks are 0-3 on the road and are in a must win game.

Dr. Sports: Cardinals to win but not cover.

The Coach: Cardinals to win and cover.

Dallas Cowboys 6-2 at Green Bay Packers 4-4 (+2.5)

Tony Romo is on fire. Ever since Miles Austin-Jones stepped in as the No. 1 receiver, Romo has tossed 11 touchdowns and a pick. In that four-game span, Romo has averaged 306 yards per contest on an amazing 9.2 Yards Per Attempt. There isn’t a quarterback in this league who is playing better right now. The Packers? Brett Favre not only beat them, he has cast a spell on them and their season is over.

Dr. Sports: Cowboys to win and cover

The Coach: Cowboys to win and cover

Philadelphia Eagles 5-3 at San Diego Chargers 5-3 (-2.5)

The last west coast trip for the Eagles resulted in a 13-9 loss to the Oakland Raiders. Cross country trips can be tiresome and hard on NFL teams. The San Diego Chargers have played extremely good  football the past few weeks (they flew cross-country and beat the Giants 21-20), and we expect them to take advantage of the home field situation.

Dr. Sports: Chargers to win and cover.

The Coach: Chargers to win and cover.

SUNDAY NIGHT

New England Patriots 6-2 at Indianapolis Colts 8-0 (-2.5)

How many times has this been the game of the week this decade? The New England Patriots come into Indianapolis as the Colts have lost Marlin Jackson, Bob Sanders, and Kelvin Hayden. The Colts defence is vulnerable and their rushing offense is among the league’s worst. The Patriots should hand the Colts their first loss of the season, leaving the Saints as the league’s only undefeated team.

Dr. Sports: New England to win.

The Coach: New England to win.

MONDAY NIGHT

Baltimore Ravens 4-4 at Cleveland Browns 1-7 (+10.5)

How ’bout this stat? If every pass a quarterback attempts, falls to the ground incomplete — that’s every single pass — his passer rating is a dreadful 39.6. Cleveland Browns quarterback Derek Anderson’s passer rating is 36.2. No wonder Brady Quinn will get the start this week against Baltimore. The Ravens should need to score no more than 20 points to cover this spread.

Dr. Sports: Ravens to win and cover.

The Coach: Ravens to win and cover.

The Doc is now 83-46 on the season and 69-60 against the spread. The Coach is 76-53 straight up and 65-64 against the spread.

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NFL Picks for Week 9: A Great Monday Nighter.

Posted on November 5, 2009 by Scott Taylor| Leave a comment

MINNEAPOLIS — Oh my goodness, there are a number of big games this week – Dallas at Philadelphia, Houston at Indianapolis, Miami at New England and Baltimore at Cioncinnati, and here I am in the Twin Cities watching hockey.

Oh well, I’ll be back in front of the 52-inch HD screen to watch the biggest game of Week 9: Pittsburgh at Denver on Monday Night.

The Steelers have Troy Polamalu back and are starting to look like the defending Super Bowl champs again. The 6-1 Broncos got hammered in Baltimore last week, but they’re playing at home and they’re steaming from last week’s loss.

This will be an outstanding Monday Nighter.

Of course, the rest of the week won’t be bad either, even without our beloved Minnesota Vikings on the sked. The Vikes have this week off and won’t play again until next Sunday when that juggernaut known as the Detroit Lions, invade the Metrodome.

Along with the Vikes, the Bills, Browns, Jets, Raiders and Rams have the byes in Week 9.

Let’s take a closer look at the final six-team bye week of 2009:

SUNDAY AFTERNOON

Washington Redskins 2-5 at Atlanta Falcons 4-3 (-9.5)

The Falcons get a bit of a break from the tough part of their schedule with the sad-sack Redskins coming to town. Atlanta showed Monday night it could play with the best teams in the league. Washington can’t.

Dr. Sports: Falcons to win and cover.

The Coach: Falcons to win and cover

Arizona Cardinals 4-3 at Chicago Bears 4-3 (-2.5)

Here’s how Dr. Sports looks at this one: “Of both of these teams’ weaknesses, I think the Bears’ offensive line is the most obvious. If they couldn’t block the Browns and Antwan Odom-less Bengals, how are they going to keep the Cardinals out of the backfield? The Bears did play well last week against Cleveland, but who doesn’t? The Cardinals will bounce back from their disaster last week against Carolina to pull the road upset.” I disagree. The Bears are outdoors at home.

Dr. Sports: Cardinals to win.

The Coach: Browns to win and cover.

Baltimore Ravens 4-3 at Cincinnati Bengals 5-2 (+2.5)

Agains, Dr. Sports: “These teams are evenly matched. The Bengals have the better record and they’ve beaten some really good squads, including these Ravens on the road. Cincinnati has been a team that always pulls through when no one believes in them. As home underdogs, to a team they’ve already beaten, I think they’ll be playing for respect – which is an important angle in the NFL.” I disagree. Ray Lewis will be pissed.

Dr. Sports: Bengals to win.

The Coach: Ravens to win and cover.

Houston Texans 5-3 at Indianapolis Colts 7-0 (-8.5)

Once again, our own Dr. Sports: “Even though you must take the Texans seriously now, it ain’t gonna happen for them this week. The Colts stumbled a little against the 49ers last week, that’s why I think that this week they regroup and blow out their division rival.” I kind of disagree. I think the Colts will win, but not by nine.

Dr. Sports: Colts to win and cover.

The Coach: Colts to win but not cover.

Kansas City Chiefs 1-6 at Jacksonville Jaguars 3-4 (-6.5)

Dr. Sports likes the Jaguars in a cake walk. “Look for Mike Thomas, the Pac-10′s career leader in receptions, to have a breakout game. Also look for Larry Johnson to lay off the Twitter.” I’ll look for it, but this is what I’ll see: A dreadful Chiefs team against an equally dreadful Jags outfit.

Dr. Sports: Jaguars to win and cover.

The Coach: Jaguars to win and cover.

Miami Dolphins 3-4 at New England Patriots 5-2 (-10.5)

Bill Belichick and the Pats coaching staff have had two weeks to prepare for the Dolphins, their rookie quarterback and their Wildcat offense. The last three times they’ve had two weeks to prepare for an opponent in the regular season, they’ve covered the spread by an average of 14.6 points.

Dr. Sports: Patriots to win and cover.

The Coach: Patriots to win and cover.

Green Bay Packers 4-3 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers 0-7 (+9.5)

Check out this stat: The Bucs have played four teams that currently have winning records (Eagles, Giants, Cowboys, Patriots). In those four contests, they’ve been outscored 126-42!  Green Bay has a winning record and they have something to prove after getting thumped by the Vikings.

Dr. Sports: Packers to win and cover.

The Coach: Packers to win and cover.

Carolina Panthers 3-4 at New Orleans Saints 7-0 (-13.5)

Even though the Panthers have won six out of the last seven against the Saints, I can’t see New Orleans losing at home to them. The Panthers do have a tremendous ground game with Williams and Stewart and will keep it close.

Dr. Sports: Saints to win, but not cover.

The Coach: Saints to win but not cover.

Detroit Lions 1-6 at Seattle 2-5 (-9.5)

Remember Seattle’s 41-0 thrashing of Jacksonville a few weeks back? We both think history will repeat itself.

Dr. Sports: Seahawks to win and cover.

The Coach: Seahawks to win and cover.

San Diego Chargers 4-3 at N.Y. Giants 5-3 (-3.5)

Here again is Dr. Sports: “The Giants have legitimate problems. A good team doesn’t get blown out three times in a row. Eli is hurt and the defence stinks.” I disagree.

Dr. Sports: Chargers to win.

The Coach: Giants to win and cover.

Tennessee Titans 1-6 at San Francisco 49ers 3-4 (-3.5)

Wow! Here’s Dr. Sports: “For as awful as the Titans have been this season, they’re still riding a five-game winning streak against the NFC. Look for Jeff Fisher to get the best of his former Chicago Bears teammate Mike Singletary in an upset on the road Sunday. Chris Johnson outshines Frank Gore in a meeting between two of the league’s best young running backs.” I really disagree. By a lot.

Dr. Sports: Tennessee to win.

The Coach: San Francisco to win by two touchdowns.

SUNDAY NIGHT

Dallas Cowboys 5-2 at Philadelphia Eagles 5-2 (-2.5)

Dr. Sports loves the Eagles this one. They’re playing with fire and confidence right now. The Cowboys, meanwhile, will be going on the road for the first time in nearly a month. The Eagles are 5-1 against the spread versus Dallas the past three years.

Dr. Sports: Eagles to win and cover.

The Coach: Eagles to win and cover.

Pittsburgh Steelers 5-2 at Denver Broncos 6-1 (+2.5)

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin is 4-0 in Monday night games, and Pittsburgh’s looking to win its fifth straight after a somewhat rocky 1-2 start. The Denver bandwagon emptied a bit after their 30-7 loss in Baltimore last weekend. The dream is over for Bronco fans.

Dr. Sports: Steelers to win and cover.

The Coach: Steelers to win and cover.

The Doc is 72-44 overall and 61-55 against the spread. The Coach is 73-43 straight up and 60-56 against the spread.

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Week 7 in the NFL: Pittsburgh-Minnesota the Game of the Week.

Posted on October 22, 2009 by Scott Taylor| Leave a comment

TAMPA — There are some football games you watch and you just have to sit there and shake your head in wonder.

Last Sunday afternoon in the press box at Raymond James Stadium here in Tampa, a number of local media types were forced to focus on the field and watch Carolina beat Tampa Bay 28-21. Granted there were two lousy football teams playing, but I will say this, despite the fact there were 25,000 empty seats in the building, real football fans missed one important thing: Carolina runningback DeAngelo Williams.

Williams rushed for 152 yards and scored two touchdowns on 30 carries. This guy is a horse and no matter how bad the 2-3 Panthers might be, Williams is still a big-time running back.

Now, having said that, I didn’t ay all that much attention to Williams after he scored his first touchdown of the game. Like many in the press box in Tampa, I couldn’t pull myself away from the press lounge TV where the Minnesota Vikings held on to beat the Baltimore Ravens 33-31.

There have been some great performances this year – and we’ll get to the Saints and Pats later – but undefeated Minnesota’s win over Baltimore was so spectacular it transcended words. It was just one of those games you have to sit back and enjoy.

It didn’t hurt that the Vikings either, considering both Dr. Sports and I picked them to knock off the Ravens. And, really? In the end? Isn’t that what all this is about?

We’re here to pick winners and we’ll keep at it no matter the outcome. Let’s take a close look at Week 7 while we leave our good memories of Week 6 behind.

SUNDAY AFTERNOON

Chicago Bears 3-2 at Cincinnati Bengals 4-2 (-1.5)

This is a big game for both teams — teams that are both coming off ugly losses. For TV purposes, it’s Carson Palmer vs. Jay Cutler, but the running games and the defences will decide this one.

Dr. Sports: Bengals to win and cover.

The Coach: Bengals to win and cover.

Green Bay Packers 3-2 at Cleveland Browns 1-5 (+6.5)

There are a load of people who figure this one will be close, but because 12 Browns missed practice with the flu this week, it’s unlikely that team will have much left in the tank. I mean, it’s bad enough being a Brown these days, but a sick one? Good luck.

Dr. Sports: Packers to win and cover.

The Coach: Packers to win but Browns will cover

San Francisco 49ers 3-2 at Houston Texans 3-3 (-2.5)

This will be a close one that should go right own to the wire.For whatever reason, the Texans can’t put two solid games together. They’ve gone L-W-L-W-L-W this year both straight up and against the spread.

Dr. Sports: 49ers to win.

The Coach: 49ers to win.

San Diego Chargers 2-3 at Kansas City Chiefs 1-5 (+4.5)

Call us both crazy but this is a week that the Chiefs can win. The Chargers are on a short week, coming off an emotionally-draining Monday night loss to the Broncos. In fact, it wasn’t just a loss, it was a shellacking.

Dr. Sports: Chiefs to win.

The Coach: Chiefs to win.

Minnesota Vikings 6-0 at Pittsburgh Steelers 4-2 (-3.5)

This would appear to be a much bigger game for the Steelers. The Vikings are well ahead of everyone in the NFC North, so a non-conference tilt means a lot less to them. Plus, they go to Lambeau next week. The Steelers, meanwhile, are tied for first in the division and are going into their bye week. Oh yeah, and there’s this little fact; including the postseason, the Steelers have won nine straight at home.

Dr. Sports: Steelers to win, but the Vikings will cover.

The Coach: Vikings to win.

Indianapolis Colts 5-0 at St. Louis Rams 0-6 (+12.5)

OMG!

Dr. Sports: Colts to win and cover.

The Coach: Colts to win and cover.

New England Patriots 4-2 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers 0-6 at Wembley Stadium, London (+14.5)

Coming off last week’s 59-0 rout of Tennessee, the Patriots are playing splendid football. Watching Tampa Bay is like watching a bad mystery on TV. No suspense. looking as fully loaded as ever. Hard to believe they’re going all the way to England to play this dog. Even Dr. Sports would rather watch the Premiership than the Bucs.

Dr. Sports: Patriots to win and cover.

The Coach: Patriots to win and cover.

Buffalo Bills 2-4 at Carolina Panthers 2-4 (-7.5)

After two straight wins, the Panthers are quietly sneaking back into the NFC playoff conversation. The Panthers have won nine of their past 10 home games and have scored 20-plus points in all nine of those wins. The runjning game with Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams has never looked better.

Dr. Sports: Panthers to win and cover.

The Coach: Panthers to win and cover.

N.Y. Jets 3-3 at Oakland Raiders 2-4 (+6.5)

Hard to believe JaMarcus Russell isn’t the quarterback in this one who is playing the worst football. It’s Mark Sanchez, folks. Oakland just might have things figured out.

Dr. Sports: Raiders to win.

The Coach: Raiders to win.

Atlanta Falcons 4-1 at Dallas Cowboys 3-2 (-3.5)

Aside from the television-created public perception that the Cowboys somehow have a wonderful organization, there really is no intelligent reason why the Cowboys should be favoured.

Dr. Sports: Falcons to win.

The Coach: Falcons to win.

New Orleans Saints 6-0 at Miami Dolphins 2-3 (+6.5)

Miami is the top rushing team in the league at 177 yards per game. But that doesn’t mean that the Fish will beat the Saints.

Dr. Sports: Saints to win and cover.

The Coach: Saints to win and cover.

SUNDAY NIGHT

Arizona Cardinals 3-2 at N.Y. Giants 5-1 (-6.5)

Although Arizona has won two straight, we just can’t see them going into Giants Stadium and beating the ‘Jints’ on a cold Jersey October night. Eli Manning against Kurt Warner should be fun.

Dr. Sports: Giants to win but the Cardinals will cover.

The Coach: Giants to win and cover.

MONDAY NIGHT

Philadelphia Eagles 3-2 at Washington Redskins 2-4 (+6.5)

For whatever reason, the Redskins just have the Eagles’ number; they swept them last year by scores of 23-17 and 10-3. And remember that like last season, Washington was the inferior squad. The Redskins will also be playing for Jim Zorn’s job. Zorn might be completely inept, but the players do like him. If the Raiders can beat the Eagles, so can the Redskins.

Dr. Sports: Redskins to win.

The Coach: Eagles to win and cover.

Doc is 59-31 on the season and 49-41 against the spread while the Coach is also 59-31, buts just 47-43 against the spread.

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