Our top three picks this week are:

1. New Orleans vs. TB – We all knew QB Jameis Winston would start slow but none of us thought the defense would be so bad. The Bucs are a bad football team right now. This is a great week to use the Saints (who are a so-so team themselves) to advance to Week 3 of your suicide pool. New Orleans will roll Tampa at home.

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2. Pittsburgh Steelers vs. SF – Both teams will be 1-1 after Sunday. The Steelers have issues on defense but are significantly better at home, especially QB Ben Roethlisberger. We’re banking on the 49ers not looking nearly as good as they did in their Monday Night opener.

3. St. Louis Rams vs. Was – The Rams D will smother Kirk Cousins and Co. just like a year ago. If Washington puts up 10 points offensively that will be an accomplishment.

Top Pick

1. Baltimore Ravens (-6) vs. SD – Baltimore is a very difficult place to play after Thanksgiving.

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2. Cincinnati Bengals (-3.5) vs. TB – The Bengals defense is getting healthier and they’ve put the clamps down on the Saints and Texans respectively. They’ll do so again against a reeling Bucs unit.

3. Pittsburgh Steelers (-4.5) vs. NO – The Saints have lost three in a row (all at home) and are an average outdoor team.

4. New England Patriots (+3) vs. GB – See money line bet.

Rounding Things Out

Denver Broncos (-2) vs. KC – Last week’s loss against the Raiders for the Chiefs was a trap game, but they’re missing the requisite firepower to knock off the Broncos.

Atlanta Falcons (+2) vs. Arz – The Cardinals have gotten everything out of its talent and are trying to win with QB Drew Stanton the rest of the way. This will be a tougher game than many realize.

Oakland Raiders (+7) vs. Stl. – The Rams D has stepped up considerably but there are still major issues on offense. Look for Oakland to keep this close throughout.

Money Line Bet

New England Patriots (+140) vs. GB – The Packers have whipped opponents recently at home, putting up 50+ respectively against the Eagles and Bears. The Patriots are an interesting team because they can beat opponents multiple ways and their D is set up to stop the pass. Look for a close game which New England pulls out.