1)  49ers +7 1/2 @ Saints

JUSTIFICATION: The Saints gave up over 400 yards in total offense last week to Seattle. The 49ers garnered over 350 total yards against a pretty good Atlanta defense and kept the game close right to the end. The Saints moved their practice facility to San Antonio this week due to the possible direct, or near direct, hit from Hurricane Ivan near New Orleans. Football players are creatures of habit and this type of disruption will bound to have an affect on their teams performance this week. The game is scheduled to be played in New Orleans and it is only reasonable that the players will be concerned about their families, houses etc. Given the fact that the Saints didn't play well last week and all the distractions in effect this week, the 49ers appear to be a good play getting seven points.


2)  Texans +3 @ Lions

JUSTIFICATION: The Lions lost Charley Rogers last week, again. He was an expected to be an integral part of their offense and his absence will be felt. His loss leaves the Lions with a rookie (Roy Williams) and a couple of has been or never weres to lead the receiving corps. Receiving less news, but quite possibly having as large an impact, was the loss of Dre Bly.  The Texans were embarrassed last week in their loss to San Diego. They had aspirations of making big strides this season and that loss really deflated their balloon. They will be very focused and can be expected to play much better ball this week. The Lions also are expecting to improve this season. They have a good team, which plays pretty well at home, but very little in the way of depth. The loss of two key players is bound to have an impact on their performance. I expect the Texans to win by double digits.


3)  Ravens -4 vs. Steelers

JUSTIFICATION: The odds makers must know something. Last week the Ravens were putrid and the Steelers held on for an impressive victory. However, the Steelers are four point underdogs. It may have something to do with the fact that the Steelers secondary got torched by the Raiders. The Ravens may not have as good a quarterback as the Raiders but Boller does have a strong arm and can stretch the defense. Last week Jamal Lewis only got a little over 50 yards rushing. He'll get more this week. The Steelers rushing attach, which was pretty good last week, will struggle this week against one of the best defenses in the NFL. The Ravens will be hell bent on proving last week was an anomaly. Give the points.


4)  Jets -3 @ Chargers

JUSTIFICATION: The Chargers snuck up and surprised the Texans last week.  They won't surprise the Jets this week. One game does not change my opinion that the Chargers are one of the weaker teams in the NFL this week. This week, reality sets in and the Chargers return to mediocrity. Drew Brees had an outstanding game last week but, he has not shown the ability to be able to repeat performances such as this. Especially, when the defensive coordinators now have some idea of what the Chargers are trying to do. The Jets will come up with a scheme to shut Brees down. I don't think he is skilled enough to be able to counter their moves. This should be a double digit win for the Jets.


5)  Vikings +3 @ Eagles

JUSTIFICATION: The Eagles looked great on TV against the lowly Giants.
But, on closer review, they also gave up over 400 yards in total offense to those same lowly Giants. The Giants, don't forget, had the ball inside the five yard line twice and came away with zero points. The final score looked like the Eagles dominated the Giants, and to some degree they did. However, the Giants exposed a lot of holes in the Eagles defense which the Vikings are very well suited to being able to exploit. The Vikes biggest problems over the last few years was their lack of defense. They appear to have made significant improvements this season.


Don Pinchin
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