Games of WEEK 05

Tonite's game takes place at the house that Roger destroyed. It's hard to believe that these guys were an auto-win just last season. Some things are resistant to change, though, and the 0-4 Saints are favored over the 3-1 Chargers. The Saints still bring an electric passing offense into the game. Drew Brees is scheduled to break Johnny U's longstanding consecutive TD record. Lost in the shuffle was Brees breaking Brett Farve's record for unqualified consecutive TDs. That record doesn't include missed games, which both Unitas and Brees had, and does include playoff performances. That record is at 42 games and counting. In any event, you will see that dynamic passing attack in action tonite. The problem for the Saints is that their defense makes every one of their opponents look like the Saints. According to our numbers, they rank last in the league against the easiest schedule in the league. The Chargers have traded in their own pass oriented attack for a more balanced one and they should have success in all phases of their offense. That should serve them well in playing keepaway from the Saints offense. This is another GRIDLINE computer generated Best Bet but we're still a little squeamish about upping our risk factor this early on, especially on a road team. Call it another minimum play.

Chargers +3 1/2 Chargers 29 Saints 25 Computer Generated BEST BET

Gamblers have to have a short memory otherwise a past defeat will influence their decision making. That's the predicament we find ourselves in as the Browns cost us money just ten days ago when they beat the spread against Baltimore. They really did play a good game, though. It's the kind of game we know they want to play - a controlling, restrained offense - but you have to have a solid defense to pull it off. With a pass D that ranks 28th in the league, we don't think they're quite there yet. The Giants, on the other hand, have the best passing game in the league. At least the one that gains the most yardage. We consider that a mismatch with no. 1 going against no. 28 in the passing game. Last week, Eli Manning and co. pulled off a spreadbeater even though Manning tossed away points with an INT in the endzone. This line has plummeted down to 8, mainly because of the weather. Our weather people tell us their is going to be rain in Jersey but that doesn't bother us much. Wind does. While some meteorologists say it could gust up to 15 mph, we tend to believe our guys, who say it'll be negligible. Risking just the one chip on the home favorite.

Giants -8 Giants 30 Browns 18 Computer Projection

Seattle has to travel across three time zones but the jetlag factor isn't there because this is an afternoon game. In other words, if Seattle doesn't show it's because they just can't travel. We need defense in this game, and lots of it. The Seahawks have good numbers. Nobody runs on them but more importantly, for this game anyway, they have good pass defense numbers. The Hawks don't pass well but they have a strong running game and that should keep the score close. We do like the kid, Russell Wilson, but we need him to manage the game better. A lot depends on if the Seahawk secondary can stay with their men on those planned scrambles by Cam Newton. We had to buy this one up to three to maintain its Best Bet status. LVH had it at 2 1/2, EVEN, so we are basically laying 6 to 5 odds. This early in the season we're only calling them Best Bets when our line differs from 'their's' by 7 points. That will change to 4 as the season progresses. Check back later for the nite game.

Seahawks +3 Seahawks 22 Panthers 18 Computer Generated BEST BET

Tough to make a call on this one. Both offenses are struggling. The Cards defense has put up good numbers, much better than the Rams', but at home we expect that Rams defense to play well. The big difference might be the pass rush where the Cards are ranked 3rd. That might explain why the Cards lead the league in fumble recoveries. While neither team protects the QB well, we think it'll be a little easier for the Cards going up against a team that ranks 25th in sacks. We did notice that the Cards have faced a much harder schedule as well. That LSU kid, Patrick Peterson, has quickly become one of our favorite players. We'll need him to do something extraordinary tonite in a hostile environment. Still betting the minimum at this stage, this time on the road favorite.

Cardinals -2 Cardinals 22 Rams 17 Computer Projection

Good Luck Everyone!