Another day, another NO SHOW. It's been the story of our season so far. The good news is that from what we have seen in the past, the NO SHOWs should be becoming less frequent as the season progresses. The bad news is that tonite we have the Chiefs, the kings of NO SHOWs. This team didn't just miss the start of a game, they missed the start of the season.

GRIDLINE's computer calls it a 3-point game, the same as the spread. With essentially no preference shown we had to take a closer look. We did notice that the Chiefs beat the spread in the 1st game between these two, although they needed a nice punt return and an extra INT to do it. One of the things we do is run a forecast based on the last month alone. We don't like being surprised by streaking teams. It turns out KC is one of them, winning their last three and forecast to win this one 27-18. This should be a classic run vs. pass game. That's consistent whether it's a season forecast or just the last month.

So this is a case where either team can win, provided the Chiefs do show up. We were considering laying the 2 1/2 with the Chargers if it got that low. Having 3 points with the home team is a good thing but we haven't had much luck with these night games. Call it a minimum play on the home doggie.

We had a bit of a typo tonite in the forecast but Dallas is on the road against Philly and this is a Best Bet for Dallas. It looks like the Cowboys should be able to run and pass against the suspect defense of the Eagles, while Philly may be able to pass against Dallas good D. It's been a topsy-turvy day, still is, so we'll keep it to a minimum play.

Everything looks pretty good about this one except we know the Saints stats are a little inflated after last week's 62-7 laugher, and the bigger the point spread, the more likely the dog is to cover. Still, we've got a fresh team that basically had the week off. Okay, listen up, the Rams are the home team, the points should be higher and it's a low profile game. Check our Ten Tips to Start the Season. We'd feel better if it moved to 14, but it hasn't. If this wasn't a system Best Bet we'd skip it altogether. When's the last time you heard someone say that. One chip only on this game.

As we have said all along, sometimes even bad defenses play well at home. We'll need that adage to come true if we are to collect the cash for this one. This could be a case of Cam Newton vs Adrian Peterson, or pass vs. run. Whatever the case, the computer saw fit to call it a Best Bet, so we'll play it. It doesn't mean we have to risk a lot. They've seen fit to charge only 12/10 for the half-point, so let's play it for the minimum.

This one's more like it. We've got the home team, it's a statistical mismatch, the spread is moving, and the Cards defense is ranked among the lowest in the league. It's not Jacksonville. This is pretty much a points bet with computer support. It's possible that the Baltimore OC and head coach will come in with another bad gameplan and will be slow to adjust, but the hometown 'BOO's should spur them to do something if they do. Call it another minimum play on a non-BB.

This one should be pretty wild in good weather, for Buffalo, at least. We actually have the Skins ranked higher in our Power Ratings but Schedule Strength is only one of many criteria, and that is what this pick is about. While the Skins have played one of the easiest schedules in the league, the Bills have played one of the toughest. It's not unrealistic to expect that the Bills would have had better numbers given an easier schedule. The computer picked up on this and multplied their numbers based on the schedule. Hopefully, Buffalo will find the going a little easier against Washington. We'll play TWO chips on this one.

If you clasp your ears, close your eyes and spin around, it doesn't look anything like the 49rs. Their stats read more like Pittsburgh's. Cleveland's D isn't that bad either, but they are known for pass defense. Against Frisco, that defense is wasted because Frisco moves the ball on the ground. It's a running team vs. a pass D, that should add up to a HIT for us. Let's make our 1st full bet of the season, three chips on the home favorite.

From the looks of our forecast, the stats shape up to be another typical Patriots/Steelers matchup. A closer look shows that it's backwards. We may see Pittsburgh throwing the ball and New England running it this time. Pittsburgh still has that good D, but the emphasis is on stopping the pass. They lead the league in that category. You can actually run on these guys this year. As for the Patriots D, it's shown to be one of the worst in the league, THE worst against the pass. Look for Roethlisberger to humm it left and right while Brady works on his handoffs. We've got to go with the home team under such strange circumstances.