Vegas Hags Pigskin Picks

My deepest sympathies go out to the families impacted by the horrible terrorist acts of last week. It is difficult to write a column as the US prepares for war, but we all probably need a little distraction from reality right about now. I know I do, so here goes:

Home team in caps INDIANAPOLIS (+10) 24 Buffalo 17 The Bills have no O. The Colts have no D. Colts win but don’t cover – 10 is too much. MIAMI (+1½) 24 Oakland 20 This one could go either way, but give the home team the edge here. The Raiders need to get their new offensive players untracked. That may take a few weeks. JACKSONVILLE (+2) 17 Tennessee 20 Even without McNair, the Titans get to .500. The Jags are better than last year, but the Titans are too good to go 0-2. Baltimore (+7) 20 CINCINNATI 10 The Bengals are a little better, but their QB still stinks. Baltimore needs to find a running back to grind it out. I could do that against the Bungles D. ATLANTA (+3½) 21 Carolina 17 Carolina’s win last week was a mirage – they aren’t good. Either are the Falcons, but at home they take the W. Snooze alert – this game will put you to sleep fast.

Detroit (+1½) 9 CLEVELAND 6 Whoo hoo! Ty Detmer leads the Lions back to play his old team – what a story – NOT! These teams both stink. Minnesota (+3) 38 CHICAGO 20 Someone will pay dearly for the Vikings swoon last week. Enter Da Bears. This will be a whoopin’. KANSAS CITY (+1½) 24 N.Y. Giants 21 KC is too tough at home. Repeat after me: The Giants are not a Super Bowl team this year. San Diego (+3½) 20 DALLAS 13 The Chargers are pretty good this year. They are my surprise wild card contender. The Cowboys are hideous. They are my no surprise cellar dweller.

N.Y. Jets (+1½) 31 NEW ENGLAND 27 These teams always play each other tough. Neither has a defense so the scoreboard should light up. St. Louis (+6½) 34 SAN FRANCISCO 24 The Rams do have a defense this year – the Niners unfortunately, do not. Philadelphia (+3) 24 SEATTLE 20 Reid vs. his mentor… Watters vs. his old team…McNabb vs. a bad secondary. Lay the points and watch the young gun (Reid) out coach his old boss. Denver (+8½) 31 ARIZONA 20 The Broncos lost Terrell Davis and Ed McCafferey and won’t miss a beat. The Cardinals are still the Cardinals. Monday's game GREEN BAY 24 (+8½) Washington 17 The Redskins are not good; the Packers are a real contender. The Skins keep it close on MNF but can’t pull out an upset in Wisconsin (cheese, cheese, cheese…)

Extra: Bush over bin Laden in a romp.

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Author: Gerry Haggerty