NFL Week 3 Against the Spread (ATS) Picks

So we're at week 3 and some of us are off to respectable starts, others are off to starts that will take until December to overcome. The bye weeks haven't yet kicked in so there is still a full slate of games to choose from - this will change shortly and there will probably be more consent/disagreement between us when we overlap the games that we pick.

Brien (3-7-0)
Not off to a very good start, but it only takes one good week to turn it around.

HOUSTON (-3.5) over Jacksonville - The Jaguars look terrible so far, and the Texans have a few good wins.

Chicago (-1.5) over SEATTLE - I'm impressed that the Bears beat the Steelers, and the Seahawks seem to be just a little too old.

SAN DIEGO (-6) over Miami - The Chargers pass offense looked unstoppable against the Ravens.

Denver (-1.5) over OAKLAND - I think the Broncos might be for real.

Indianapolis (+2.5) over ARIZONA - Still not a believer in the Cardinals.

Jason (7-3-0)
Compared to these clowns, I'm doing okay.

Atlanta (-4) over NEW ENGLAND - People expect New England to "bounce back" after two mediocre weeks. I think people have been sleeping on Atlanta still.

SAN DIEGO (-6) over Miami - Miami played Monday Night and has to travel to a San Diego team that knows they let one get away last week. (Thanks Norv!)

OAKLAND (+1.5) over Denver - Oakland is a bit better than expected and Denver is Denver.

BUFFALO (+6) over New Orleans - I just have a feeling we're in for a classic NO defensive collapse.

DETROIT (+6) over Washington - Dare to dream.

Jeremy (2-8-0)
Holy crap, I don't think in two prior seasons of doing this I've ever been 6 games under .500. I'm turning into the Washington Nationals of this competition. Good thing I haven't been putting my money where my picks are. I'd have no kneecaps right now.

BALTIMORE (-13) over Cleveland - I don't think any Ravens fan in their wildest imagination expected the Ravens to have an offense that would deserve this much respect from Vegas. I'm actually taking the Ravens to cover against a Browns D that has surrendered 34 points to Minnesota (loss by 14) and surrendered 27 points to Denver (loss by 21).

New York Giants (-6.5) over TAMPA BAY - Only way the Giants don't cover this line is if it turns into a shootout. Justin Tuck's injury is a slight concern.

Atlanta (+4) over NEW ENGLAND - Don't forget that the Pats are a Buffalo kick returner fumble away from being 0-2. Atlanta's looked better.

Green Bay (-6.5) over ST. LOUIS - This is the week that Aaron Rodgers and Greg Jennings get back on track.

Carolina (+9) over DALLAS - A large spread for a desperate Carolina team and a Dallas team possibly without Barber (although Jones/Choice not exactly a bad replacement)


Magic 8 Ball (4-6-0)
BALTIMORE (-13) over Cleveland - "My sources say yes." (Ravens will beat the spread)

TAMPA BAY (+6.5) over New York Giants - "Yes." (Bucs will beat the spread)

Atlanta (+4) over NEW ENGLAND - "Don't count on it." (Pats won't beat the spread)

ST. LOUIS (+6.5) over Green Bay - "My sources say yes." (Rams will beat the spread)

Carolina (+9) over DALLAS - "My answer is no." (Cowboys won't beat the spread)

Russell (5-5-0)
Second place is better than my normal standing in this competition. Hopefully it will last a week or two.

Chicago (-1.5) over SEATTLE - I would have liked the Bears even with Hasselbeck healthy.

Tennessee (+3) over NY JETS - I can't see this Titans team at 0-3. Look for them to take advantage of Sanchez.

MINNESOTA (-6.5) over San Francisco - Have to like the Vikings at home, even against an improved 49ers.

BALTIMORE (-13) over Cleveland - What's to like about the Browns?

ARIZONA (-2.5) over Indianapolis - The Cards always play better at home, and it's a short week between two road games for the Colts.

Recap
Brien: CHI, DEN, HOU, IND, SD
Jason: ATL, BUF, DET, OAK, SD
Jeremy: ATL, BAL, CAR, GB, NYG
Russell: ARI, BAL, CHI, MIN, TEN