Office Pool Picks - Week 3

Presented by Dale Sims

The Crystal Ball

Well last week was marginally better than the week before I went ten and six straight up 10-6 and broke even against the spread which compared to the week before is almost like winning.  I’m at a disadvantage this week; the one lock I’ve had so far has been Oakland who also manages to win by not losing since it’s their bye week.  For those of you keeping score at home we are 20-12 straight up and 14-16 against the spread.

Again the disclaimer, these are my own picks (not site recommended in any way shape or form) and they as they go for a pick’em league I participate in.  They are set before the release of the injury reports, I change my league choices right up to Saturday and was actually 12-4 there last week.  (I have been known to go the opposite direction also.)  Anyone relying on this to make their own choices assumes the responsibility for their own destruction.

Week 3

Carolina at Tampa Bay – This is a game of two teams expected to be vying for the division title and instead are trying to thwart a 3-0 start.  Both teams have issues but Tampa Bay’s offensive line has just not performed; the Panthers win this struggle 17 – 13.

Chicago at Minnesota – This is for the lead in the NFC North, at a venue where Chicago has not performed well.  Rather unexpectedly, Chicago has found an offense; they already had a defense.  Minnesota is playing solid football but not good enough, Bears win 20 – 13.

Cincinnati at Pittsburgh – Two teams that are not exactly friendly toward each other; a big game and they both are acutely aware of the last meeting where Palmer was injured.  This game will be a battle from both sides; the bus is retired and short yardage the difference, Bengals win 21 – 20.

Green Bay at Detroit – Detroit has a decent defense and plays well at home but their offense has been out of synch the first two week.  The Packers have problems on both sides of the ball but did have some offense last week but still no defense, Lions win 20 – 17.

Jacksonville at Indianapolis – This is another divisional rivalry and Jacksonville always plays Indianapolis tough.  Indianapolis has had trouble establishing the run and this team is not the place to start, the question is can they stop the run sufficiently; Colts win 20-17.

N.Y. Jets at Buffalo – Both of these teams are playing better than expected at this early point in the season.  Both quarterbacks have been a pleasant surprise to their respective teams and have played better than expected, give the edge here to the home team, Bills win 24 – 17.

Tennessee at Miami – Miami has a chance to get the ship righted, as Tennessee has been unable to be effective at any point so far this season.  Culpepper hasn’t been particularly effective but the Miami offensive line should be able to handle the Titans; Dolphins win 28 – 20.

Washington at Houston – Washington is yet another team yet to play up to their potential, the offense has been ineffective and the defense inconsistent.  While the attitude in Houston has changed, the talent has not, Redskins win 28 – 21.

Baltimore at Cleveland – Baltimore has a crushing defense and a new found reliability on offense which makes them a favorite here.  Cleveland has some issues on the offensive line that has resulted in inconsistencies on offence, Ravens win 21-10.

N.Y. Giants at Seattle – The Giants gave away this game last year with a series of errors they are still very capable of repeating.  Seattle has been unimpressive in getting to 2 – 0, they will need a much better effort against the Giants who will be more motivated, Giants win 24 – 21.

Philadelphia at San Francisco – Philadelphia lost focus and let one get away from them at home; they also lost Kearse for the year but are deep on their offensive line.  San Francisco has shown an improved offense but their defense is still awful, Eagles win 24-17.

St. Louis at Arizona – This game should be entertaining at several levels, expect some scoring here because there may not be a lot of defense played.  This is about as good a group of receivers as you will see this season; the Cardinals are better and they get the win 31 – 24.

Denver at New England – These are two historically very good teams that have been winning (and losing) ugly so far this season.  It would seem like something will have to turn around for one of them or perhaps both soon expect the Patriots to get there first with a win this week 21 – 13.

Atlanta at New Orleans – Another over-hyped Monday Night game, expect emotions to run high for this one.  The New Orleans defense is going to have a lot of trouble with the Atlanta running game, their linebackers are mediocre at best, the Falcons win 24 – 21.