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NFL Week 3
Tampa Bay looked much improved and in Week 2, have the
opportunity to build on that at home against the Rams (0-2), who
have a very touch schedule to get through on the next few games. I
think the Rams are a pale reflection of the all guns blazing outfit,
2-3 years back.
Garcia is not my idea of a long term success, but he should get
the job done here.
Cleveland may well build on their 1st win on season and I am
going with the momentum. Oakland has not looked good for a long
time, whereas the Browns are very slowly yielding some improvement.
For the purists, it was nice to see Jamal Lewis stack up some very
healthy numbers last week for his new team, since switching from the
Ravens. With his confidence on a high, this is an athlete who has
the pedigree to inspire the whole team. If he plays well the whole
team will.
Atlanta might seem a surprise choice, as Carolina have always
been a favourite of mine, but the Panthers are just not consistent
enough. Neither are the Falcons, but maybe the arrival of Leftwich
will liven up Joey Harrington. I expect the latter to start and hope
he responds well to the imminent threat of losing his job. He has a
decent RB in Dunn, but the game hinges on stopping the Panthers main
go to guy, Steve Smith. Stop him and the job is half complete. I
would have backed Atlanta off scratch, so getting the points makes
it an automatic decision.
Saving the best game for last, I just have to make Chicago the
NAP this evening, giving up 2.5 points is very fair. The Cowboys are
an exciting team to watch, but their win last week was exaggerated.
At one point they where trailing 13-10, with less than 6 minutes to
go, against a team many consider to be poor. This is just to
remind myself and all, Miami were a bet for me +7. Without
discrediting Dallas too much, they got a lot of help from Trent
Green, the Miami QB. Four interceptions in one game and it will only
end one way. With 3 of them late on, and a fumble recovered by
opponents, will give a more considered view on the game. That’s
not to say the Cowboys are not a threat, the QB Romo is a very good
prospect, he has a decent arm and can run the ball too, Terrell
Owens is class and his presence alone intimidates opponents. It's
Barber 3rd season & Jones is in his 4th season. They are
producing some good numbers, but make no mistake, they are up
against the undisputed No1 defence in the entire league. If Chicago
hit the front at any stage, they will dominate the clock and also
the field of play. My only concern is Grossman, who needs to
establish himself as a top QB. Last week he was hugely
disappointing, knowing his defence had the measure of Kansas. The
victory was never in dispute when leading 17-0, after which he
downed tools. For me this was an opportunity for him to showcase
some of his talent - he didn’t. The good news is there are real
tools available. Devin Hester needs no introduction. His punt return
plays often gives the Bears good field position. I would like to see
Grossman hit Mohammed (maybe playing injured) as much as Berrian.
Benson is solid and will do his bit rushing. With early NFC
championship pretensions the prize, early season bragging rights
assured post game, there is a lot to play for. Ask me 100 times what
wins Championships, I will say defence. Tonight’s match up is the
classic confrontation between attack and defence, Chicago has the
latter in abundance, and that will do for me.
Bets
33 pt win Chicago Bears - 2.5
with Ladbrokes NAPPO @ 8/11
5.5 pts win Atlanta Falcons +
4 @ 10/11 with Sporting Odds or Boyle Sports
6.5 pts win Cleveland Browns
+ 3.5 @ 11/13 with Expekt
10 pts win Tampa Bay Buccaneers
on the money line @ 1/2 Ladbrokes/Boylesports/Bet Direct/SkyBet
And
Devin Hester
Devin Hester 1st TD 1pt @ 25/1
Paddy Power
Devin Hester Last TD 1pt @15/1 Bet
365
Devin Hester Anytime 1pt @ TD 10/3
Paddy Power
John
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