Vegas Hags` Pigskin Pics Week 2

Wow, what a first week of football! I can`t remember the last time I enjoyed watching football that much. I guess it didn`t hurt that the Eagles absolutely smoked the Cowgirls. I also enjoyed watching a Monday Night Football game that lived up to the hype for a change.

All things considered, my week 1 record wasn`t too bad. Amidst all of the close games and a few upsets I was able to post an 11-4 record straight up and an 8-7 ledger against the spread (hey, a record over .500 gets you into the playoffs in the NFL, right?).

Week 2 has some more great match ups. Let`s give the crystal ball a shot:

Chiefs (+8 ½) at Titans

One of these teams will fall to 0-2 after this game. It won`t be the Titans. I like Eddie George to get untracked and the Titans D to keep the Chiefs in check. Look for a good game as the Titans win, but don`t cover.

Titans by 6

Dolphins (+3) at Vikings

Boy, the Dolphins defense looked good in week 1. I can`t see Robert Smith (or Daunte Culpepper) running wild on this D. If the Fins can put some points on the board, they should be able to take this one. Look for lots of field goals and the Dolphins to win a very close one (even with their stellar QB, Jay Fiedler!).

Dolphins by 1

Jaguars (+3) at Ravens

This should also be a good game. The Ravens defense is for real, but their offense is still questionable in my mind. Jacksonville has more horses on O and some serious cows on the O line. It`s tough to win divisional match ups on the road in the NFL, but the Jags should take this even without Fred Taylor (I could run for 75 yards behind that line!).

Jags by 7

Bears (+7) at Bucs

It`s Reality check time for Da Bears this week in steamy Tampa Bay. Cade McNown looked good against an awful Vikings defense last week – don`t expect the same against the stingy Bucs. No running game and a suspect defense is no way to beat the Bucs at home.

Bucs by 10

Packers (+3 1/2) at Buffalo

The Bills are on a mission this year after being shocked in the AFC championship game against the Titans. Stick a fork in Brett Favre – he looks done to me. No Dorsey Levens, no healthy QB… no W.

Bills by 7

Browns (+6 ½) at Bengals

I can`t wait to watch these two juggernauts go head to head on Sunday…NOT! At least they both stink – it might not be too much of a blowout. In this “who cares” contest, go with the Bengals and Corey Dillon at home. The Browns still have no one to run the ball.

Bengals by 13

Raiders (+6 ½) at Colts

The Colts have some serious firepower when they have the ball. Their defense is a little suspect, but so is the Raiders offense (9 points in their opener?!). Take the hometown Ponies to win, but not cover the 6 ½.

Colts by 3

Panthers (- 3 ½) at 49ers

This is a revenge opportunity for George Seifert. The Niners are very bad defensively, and Carolina has some weapons in the skill positions. The Niners can score a little, but not even the home field advantage will be enough to pull this one out.

Panthers by 7

Falcons (+4 ½) at Denver

A Super Bowl rematch from 2 years ago, both these teams have injury problems. Even with Terrell Davis hobbling and Olandis Gary done for the year, Mile High Stadium is a tough place to win as a visitor. I like the Broncos to even their record with a solid win here.

Broncos by 9

Redskins (-5 ½) at Lions

The best team money can buy gets lucky, as Charlie Batch will probably sit out again. The Silverdome isn`t nearly as intimidating with Stoney Case over center. Lions meow.

Redskins by 7

Rams (-8) at Seahawks

This has all the makings of an upset after last week`s showings. Don`t bet on it – the Rams are for real and so is the Seahawks offense – real bad. Kurt and Co. light up the scoreboard again as Mike Holmgren puts the water boy in at QB.

Rams by 13

Saints (+5 ½) at Chargers

Whoo hoo! Another barnburner! At least all the really bad teams are playing each other this week. Watch the paint dry – it will be more exciting.

Chargers by 3

Cowboys (even) at Cardinals

Got to love that Aikman to Galloway combination – oh… sorry. It`s nice to be able to say “Cowboys Suck” and know I`m right! Neither of these teams is going anywhere this year, but the Cardinals have some good, young players. How does 0-2 sound, Jerry Jones?

Cardinals by 6

Giants (+3) at Eagles

Can I possibly go against the hometown team two weeks in a row after that thumping they gave the Cowpokes? Man, this is a tough game. Look for a possible letdown from the Eagles, but the D will keep them in it. Home field is a big advantage this week in Philly (can you say bandwagon?) as the Birds ride it to a narrow victory. Did I mention that I hate the Giants, too?

Eagles by 1

Patriots (+6 ½) at Jets

Parcells is out for blood against turncoat Belicheck and his despised former team, New England. Al Groh better get the Jets ready or the Tuna will be all over him on Tuesday. Vinny and the Jets run all over the Pats here. The Pats run on no one.

Jets by 10

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Author: Gerry Haggerty