1. Indianapolis Colts (-3) vs. Philadelphia Eagles
The Colts come in off a convincing win over the Texans on Monday Night. They’ll face a well rested Philadelphia Eagles team but shouldn’t have a problem this weekend. The DC Sean McDermott led defense has many holes in it, and Peyton Manning will exploit it for big plays in the passing game.
The Colts defense, and its defensive ends in particular, will harass QB Michael Vick and do just enough to secure the victory by a TD. This is the best bet of the week.
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2. Miami Dolphins (+5.5) vs. Baltimore Ravens – The Dolphins have played the AFC North division tough in 2010. They beat the Bengals on the road last week and lost a one-point game to the Steelers the week before. Expect another close finish and for the Dolphins to catch the Ravens a bit rusty coming off their bye week.
3. Houston Texans (+3) vs. San Diego Chargers – The Chargers, already decimated by injury, could be without their All-Pro TE Antonio Gates in this one. He’s suffering from a foot injury. If they are, this dramatically changes the dynamics of San Diego’s offensive approach.
Regardless, we see the Texans, behind Matt Schaub, Arian Foster and Andre Johnson, rising up and pulling out the close win at home.
4. Buffalo Bills (+3) vs. Chicago Bears – See Money Line Bet.
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Carolina Panthers (+6.5) vs. New Orleans Saints – The Saints are coming off a huge effort over the Steelers and could be poised for a letdown facing the one-win Panthers. We like Matt Moore and Co. to do just enough to hang around late and keep the final to less than six.
Cleveland Browns (+4.5) vs. New England Patriots – This game has the look and feel of a trap game for the Patriots. It is sandwiched between their win over the Vikings last week and next week’s Monday Night game vs. the Steelers. As such, look for the well rested Browns to keep this very close to the end.
Arizona Cardinals (+8) vs. Minnesota Vikings – Regardless of the fact that the Vikings are a more talented team than the Cardinals, they’re clearly a team that lacks focus right now. They’re also on the verge of imploding after the midweek release of WR Randy Moss. Look for the Cardinals, who are turning back to QB Derek Anderson, to keep this close with an outside chance at the upset.
Money Line Bet
Buffalo Bills (+130) vs. Chicago Bears -
The law of averages will win out in this one. The Bills have played both the Ravens and Chiefs to last second OT losses and are poised to put their 1st W on the board against the Bears.
Look for one of Jay Cutler’s well documented mistakes to be the deciding factor this week and we like the Bills to pull out the 20-17 win.
