Gambling Man

Detroit Lions (2-0) at Philadelphia Eagles (0-2) Line: Eagles by 6
These teams are heading in different directions this year, and I expect their streaks to continue. The Lions are off to a good start riding Jon Kitna's bold predictions, and the explosive scheme of a Mike Martz offense. The addition of 1st round draft pick Calvin "Megatron" Johnson makes this offense dangerous to any defense. While Tatum Bell hasn't done much, the early return of Kevin Jones has Detroit fans optimistic about a playoff run. The Eagles have struggled out of the gate losing 2 close games against Green Bay and Washington. Donovan McNabb is still feeling the effects of off season surgery, L.J. Smith had a second surgery that will keep him out another month, Lito Sheppard is likely out and Brian Westbrook always makes the injury report and is once again a game time decision. Although the Eagles play at home and they have won the last 4 meetings with Detroit, I would take the 6 points and go with the Detroit Lions to upset the Philadelphia Eagles 31-24.

Dallas Cowboys (2-0) at Chicago Bears (1-1) Line: Bears by 3.5
The Dallas Cowboys are off to a terrific start. Tony Romo is proving last year's pro bowl numbers were not a fluke, Terrell Owens continues to catch touchdowns, and Marion Barber is turning the Dallas RBBC into a 1 man show. Unfortunately, Terry Glenn is not certain to return this year, and the Dallas Defense is struggling to overcome injuries although the recent signing of Tank Johnson will help later this year. The Bears opened the season with a tough road loss in San Diego, but rebounded well against Kansas City. Rex Grossman continues to baffle with his up and down play and Cedric Benson seems soft so far in his career. However, The Bears defense is playing better then ever, and Devin Hester is the most dynamic return man since Deion Sanders. The Chicago Bears look like the same team the lost in the SuperBowl, so I expect them to return to the playoffs and once again compete for a title. Take the Chicago Bears at home to cover the spread and defeat the Dallas Cowboys 24-20.

Tennessee Titans (1-1) at New Orleans Saints (0-2) Line: Saints by 4
Tennessee is a dangerous team this year. I expect them to deliver more than a few upsets with Vince Young as their quarterback. While he still seems to make too many throwing errors, there is no question his running ability always keeps the Titans in the game. Although the loss of PacMan Jones hurts, this defense is underrated keeping Peyton Manning in check last week and almost pulling the upset. The Saints were a different team in 2006. Sean Peyton seems to be feeling the pressure that accompanies success in the NFL, as the team can not find any balance on offense or defense in 2007. Reggie Bush and Deuce McAllister can not find any room to run, Drew Brees looks like he has never played football before and the Saints defense is invisible, especially if your name is Joey Galloway. The Saints are 7-15 when they play on Monday Night which happens to be the worst in the NFL and they are also riding a 3 game losing streak going back to the playoff loss to the Chicago Bears. The Titans have a 4 game winning streak on the road. Take the 4 points and the Tennessee Titans over the New Orleans Saints 26-21.