NFL Bargain Bets Week 6

NYG -3.5 at ATL

Eerie! Exactly one year ago to the day, 10/15/06, these same two teams played in the same locale. The Giants put a 27-14 hurt on the Vick-led Falcons. In that game, Atlanta kept it somewhat close by running for over 220 yards, with Dunn and Vick leading the way. Unfortunately for Falcon fans, the Giants rumbled for almost 260 yards on the ground. The Giants sacked Vick seven times in that game. In case you haven't heard, both Falcon tackles were lost to injuries this past weekend. And, in case you didn't see it, two weeks ago, the Giants recorded 12 sacks, half of which were against a rookie tackle for Philly. The Giants should be bringing the house all night long. For Atlanta to have any chance, their quarterback will need to get out of the pocket and find his hot routes. If you believe Harrington (or Leftwich, Lord help us) can accomplish that, then take the Falcons. I'm not a believer. The Giants have won three straight by an average of 10 points, and are on a roll. History should repeat.

AZ -4 vs. Car

You know you are in trouble when . . . you sign a 43-year old quarterback on a Wednesday and there is rumor he could start for you on Sunday. That's what we have for the Panthers this week. Delhomme is gone for the year and David Carr, their backup, is questionable. Here is Carr's quote with regard to his health, "I felt like my grandpa Monday. I felt like my dad (Wednesday). Hopefully I'll feel like my 7-year-old son by Sunday." Yah, that's about how he's been throwing the ball, like a 7-year-old. Although Carolina loves playing on the road (3-0 on the road and 0-2 at home this year), the Cardinals are simply too tough, literally. Wisey's got them playing his former team's (Pittsburgh) brand of smashmouth football. The Cardinal O-line has been getting stronger each week and consistently opening holes for Edge. Warner is now their full-time QB and throws a better ball than Leinhart ever did. And consider this, the three teams the Panthers have beaten this year have a combined record of 1-13. If it weren't for a last second TD and 2-pt. conversion by the Rams last week, the Cardinals would be perfect against the spread this year. Gladly give the 4 points on this one.


Ten +3 at TB

The Titans should be favored in this one, yet they are getting 3 pts. This is a bit of charity. Take the points and run. If you believe in looking at like opponents, both teams beat the Saints by exactly the same score, 31-14. However, the Titans played the Colts (lost 22-20) much tougher than the Bucs (lost 33-14). When handicapping this game, the stat that jumps off the page is Tennessee's ability to run the ball (153/game) and Tampa's inability to stop it (124/game). That is the perfect formula for taking the crowd out of a game. Tampa also counts on running the ball, but is down to starting its #3 back with which to do it. The Titans should win this one outright in a slow, boring game with the more physical team coming out on top. Yawn - send the cash!