NFL Bargain Bets Week 9

San Diego Chargers -7.5 @ Minnesota Vikings

Don't Turnerround uh oh, the Chargers are in town, uh oh! San Diego is back to their 2006 form after winning their last three games by an average of 26 points. LT is running, Gates is scoring TD's and they now have a legit WR in Chris Chambers, who scored in his first game with his new team. The Vikings, unfortunately, are also back to their last year form - trying to win with a stout run defense and rush the ball themselves. That may have been a winning formula at some point, but that was "so 50 years ago." Expect the Vikings to win the rushing battle. Expect the Chargers to win the War!


Washington Redskins -3.5 @ New York Jets

What happens when a bully you "can't take" kicks your ass? That's right, you come home and kick your little brother's ass! That's what I expect the Redskins to do to the Jets after getting thoroughly annihilated by Brady and the Pats last week 52-7 (and they were lucky to score the 7). The stars align when a team comes off a game like that and then plays a weak team that throws out a new QB for his first NFL start. And, to add insult to injury, the Jets look to be without their biggest playmaker on offense (Coles) and defense (Vilma). The Jets can't stop the run, so Portis should be able to pad his stats this weekend. The odds are also pretty good for a Redskin defensive score in this one.


Oakland Raiders -3 vs. Houston Texans

Sometimes its all about the matchups. This one just doesn't work for the Texans. They cannot run the ball (30th), so they pass. Oakland can defend the pass (3rd). Oakland can't pass, so they'll run. Houston can't stop the run (20th). Both teams have been bitten by significant injuries. Houston will be playing without their starting QB (Schaub), #1 WR (Andre Johnson), and RB (Ahman Green). If they were somewhat inept with these guys playing, we should expect them to be downright pathetic without them. This could come down to a game of kickers and SeaBass (Janikowski) has dropped his excess lbs, is healthy, and is kicking better than ever. I think the Texans get lost in the vortex known as "The Black Hole" in this one.