Vegas Hags Pigskin picks

by G. Haggerty | Oct 13, 2000

Another wild week in the NFL, with upsets as abundant as points in a Rams game! I had the privilege of seeing the Eagles gift wrap the game for the Redskins in person and I have to admit - I was impressed even in defeat.

They really shouldn`t have been in it at half time, but thanks to the inept kicking of Michael Husted (I`m sure you were really surprised when he got cut this week) and a defense that just won`t break, they had a legitimate shot at a win. The loss of Duce probably did them in, and McNabb`s 2 horrible INT`s certainly put the last nails in the coffin, but they sure are improving. If I`m the Redskins, I`m pretty happy we got them at the Vet early on. This team is going to get tougher and tougher as the season rolls on. With a patsy schedule that even the Rams would love, they have a legitimate shot at the wild card if they can find a serviceable running game.

Well, enough of my rant. I`m going out of town so this week`s picks will be short and sweet.

Falcons (+18) at Rams

It`s as easy as 1, 2,3: 1) Rams are home; 2) Rams are coming off a bye and are well rested; 3) Danny Kannell at QB for the Falcons. Hah!

Rams by 24

Ravens (+3 ½) at Redskins

A great match-up and a brewing rivalry. This should be a nail biter. How about Ravens cover, but don`t win (the Redeskins have a new kicker!)?

Redskins by 2

Panthers (even) at Saints

Ricky Williams and a tough D are making the Aints legitimate.

Saints by 3

Jets (+3) at Patriots

The Pats are getting better; the Jets are getting a reality check. Poor Vinny.

Patriots by 6

Niners (+4 1/2) at Packers

The Niners look better, but Favre will be out for vengeance at home after last week`s debacle.

Pack by 7

Vikings (-6) at Bears

The Bears suck, the Vikes don`t.

Vikings by 17

Bengals (+8) at Steelers

Way to go Kordell. Get your team two straight wins against good teams and your reward is the bench? Bill Cowher is an idiot. If Kent Graham were Kurt Warner, OK. Steelers scratch out a win behind the immobile one.

Steelers by 6

Cowboys (+4) at Giants

Can`t they both lose? Giants are at home and are a better team.

Giants by 7

Raiders (+2 1/2) at Chiefs

The Raiders run out of gas this week against a tough Chiefs team in Arrowhead.

Chiefs by 6

Chargers (+10) at Bills

This game should get the Bills feeling good again in a hurry. Can you say romp?

Bills by 17

Browns (+12) at Broncos

This should be much closer than the spread indicates. Denver shouldn`t be giving 12 to anyone right now, even at home.

Broncos by 3

Colts (-5) at Seahawks

Manning and the Colts are not happy and the Seahawks will feel their pain.

Colts by 13

Eagles (-3) at Cardinals

If the Birds don`t win this one, I take back everything I said at the top of this column! Seriously, this is a real, good gut check for them. I think they come out strong. Hey, Jake – get ready to take a beating.

Eagles by 10

Jaguars (+6) at Titans

I keep picking the Jags to turn it around and they keep burning me. Titans are tough at home, even with back up wide outs. They win, but don`t cover.

Titans by 3

Records:

Last week: 6-7-1 against the spread; 8-6 straight up. Season to date: 46-38-2 against the spread; 51-36 straight up.

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