GRIDLINE's Primetime Plays
National Football League 2014 Season

GAMES OF WEEK 03

content below posted 14:45MON22SEP14 cst

Plays for MNF

Last week, we bet against the Bears and things pretty much went the way we expected them to, but even when Frisco had a comfortable lead we noticed that the Bears still had their head in the game. It took a few of blunders by Kaepernic, but the Bears managed to execute when it counted most. We're looking for more of the same in tonite's game. Geno Smith does commit blunders every once in a while, although we can't expect him to be the turnover machine he was last year. Even if the turnovers even out, we like the wider offense that Chicago has.

We've done pretty pitiful without the computer system's support. The good news is that this is our last bet without it. Next week, we only look at plays that the algorithm corroborates. In the meantime, it's just bet one-chippers and hope for the best.

Bears +2

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Computer Projection

HIT: Bears 27 Jets 19

content below posted 16:15SUN21SEP14 cst

Plays for SNF

Panthers -3

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Computer Projection

MISS: Pitt 37 Pants 19

The Steelers are starting to resemble the old Steeler teams that couldn't take their act on the road. 10 years ago we asked, "Do they need their mama?" Charlotte is not a good place to be to answer that question. R'Berger needs to pass, and pass, and pass to beat this team. When he does well the Steelers will score, but when it's three-and-out, it pretty much means the Pants are scoring next. Carolina likes to play on their opponents half of the field and we don't see that changing tonite. It's going to be perfect weather over there.

We're almost talking ourselves into making a bigger play, but with the GRIDLINE algorithm making its first appearance next week we'll keep it down to the minimum. Our outs have the Pants -3 at 12/10, so this spread may go up to 3 1/2 soon. We suggest buying it down if you decide to go that way.

content below posted 18:00THU18SEP14 cst

Plays for Thursday nite

It's open season on women and children for NFL football players. The league response has been woefully inadequate. The owners sent the players on what amounts to paid vacations until the heat dies down. They've initiated an investigation of Roger Goodell by Roger Goodell's best friend, and Roger himself has gone into hiding. Meanwhile, Senators, women's groups, sponsors, broadcasters and sportscasters have joined NFL fans and called for his resignation. At last count, that's ... EVERYBODY! Man, these owners are hardheaded. If we could PROVE that Goodell is the jihadist that cut off those journalists heads, the owners would STILL retain him as the NFL commissioner. It makes you wonder what he's got on them.

This is a nasty losing streak to start the season. We're only 1-5, and even though we bet as little as we can, we're down the price of a Heavy play.

We don't know if it'll get any better tonite. About the only thing we know is that Atlanta won a home game, and Matt Ryan is a better QB than McCown. The overwhelming feeling is that the Bucs play better defense. Maybe, but we'll play the minimum on the homeboys, and hope Ryan can do what he did last time at home.

Falcons -6 1/2

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Computer Projection

HIT: Birds 56 Bucs 14

We try not to be too socially conscious here but we have chimed in when the situation called for it. In 2001, we were the lone voice calling for the full NFL playoff after 9/11, as our Featured Article attests. We've called for, and even laid out for the NCAA, a college playoff system, and we joined members of our former message board in harpooning Rush Limbaugh's short stint as an ESPN sports commentator (we like to think we were partly responsible for keeping that stint short). Getting the owners to move is going to be tough. It's going to take women's groups demonstrating, sponsors bailing, and legislators talking about the NFL's Non-Profit status. You guys have your work cut our for you. We will give all the support we can, but as always ...

Good Luck Everyone!

Last Week's Games