Week 1 left us with heartbreak, so close to a sweep, but the Bengals could not pull it out. We end up back in our 2-1 groove with a unit to show for it. The other picks in Riot’s rundown went 9-2. I would say that we have a good understanding of this season already, so let the overreaction Week 2 begin!!
St. Louis Rams @ Atlanta Falcons -230, Pittsburgh Steelers @ Cincinnati Bengals -262:
Here are two games I really like. We will start with the game in Atlanta. I like St. Louis, they had a really good comeback last week vs Cardinals. They always seem to be in contention in each game. The only problem is, they are playing a powerhouse on the road. Matt Ryan rarely loses at home. They were a great passing team, now Steven Jackson makes their offense very well rounded. I think this game will be close, but I see Atlanta pulling it out.
Cincinnati didn’t live up to their expectations last week and ended up losing to the Bears on the road. They did look good though, and the Bears defense is always solid, I will give them a pass. This Monday night though, things will be different. Ben Rothilsburger and Tom Brady are in the process of showing us that great QB’s need great players around them to look great. Big Ben’s offense was nonexistent against the Titans (as we predicted) and oh how the mighty have fallen. Losing offensive lineman Pouncy makes matters worse. This game will tell us a lot about the Steelers future. I think this game puts them one step closer to selling their assets and rebuilding. You think Ben Rothilsburger will look good in a Tampa Bay jersey next year ?
Steelers have a good defense and the Rams have heart. I am going to parlay both moneylines and risk 10 units to win 9.82 on Falcons -230 and Bengals -262
Jacksonville Jaguars @ Oakland Raiders -4 :
Talk about a team in turmoil, the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jags have one of the best rushers in the NFL in MJD, but its a passing league. Today, they will turn to backup Chad Henne to take charge of their passing game. This will be a daunting first game of the season for him as he faces a defensive line that harassed Andrew Luck all game. Henne doesn’t have Luck’s mobility and it could make for a long game for him. On the other side, Terrelle Pryor is a tough guy to catch. He was leading the league in rush yards until the Eagles played. His arm is okay, but not overwhelming. He will create openings for his receivers by trying to keep the defense honest against his scrambling ability. I think they got what it takes to win this game, but -4 is a tricky number. We are talking about the Raiders and the Jaguars after all. I will buy a point and take the Raiders by a Field goal. Raiders -3 -150 to win 3 units!
San Francisco 49ers @ Seattle Seahawks -159:
Everybody is making a big deal about the Seahawks shutting down Cam Newton last week. I think that was a good job and shows that the Seattle defense is still very good, but lets be real, there were a lot of drops by the the Panther receivers. Kaepernick is a better QB, he is faster, better arm, better offensive line, better receivers, better running game, and he is better coached. On top of that, the Panthers shutdown the Seahawks offense. The 49ers have a much better defense than the Panthers. The Seahawks are a good team, and I think this will also be a close game, but why pass on the oppertunity to take the 49ers as underdogs ? If they score first, live betting will make them the favorites and you can hedge out. Still, I like the 49ers in this game. Kaep has enough weapons to beat this Seattle defense. He won’t do it every drive, but he will do it more than Russell Wilson does vs the 49ers defense. 49ers +134 (Risk 3 units)
Riot’s Rundown (9-2): Bold team to win
Chargers @ Eagles
Browns @ Ravens
Titans @ Texans
Dolphins @ Colts
Panthers @ Bills
Redskins @ Packers
Cowboys @ Chiefs
Vikings @ Bears
Saints @ Buccaneers
Lions @ Cardinals
Broncos @ Giants
