Picking the NFL
OAKLAND AT BALTIMORE (-11 1/2): From the frying pan into the fire. After getting smoked 27-0 at home Monday night by San Diego, the Raiders travel cross-country to oppose another physical, talented outfit. Steve McNair has brought balance to the Raven offense, while the Raiders' Aaron Brooks brings indecision to the quarterback position. Oakland wide receivers Randy Moss and Jerry Porter are already causing a distraction before Week 2, certainly not a positive sign going forward. BALTIMORE, giving a bundle (11 1/2), is the $150 play.
CAROLINA AT MINNESOTA (+2): Watching Minnesota Monday night, QB Brad Johnson reminded me of Tom Brady light. Johnson threw in rhythm, controlled game situations and eliminated miscues. Carolina was a major disappointment last week, and suffered major injuries at the all-important offensive left tackle and middle linebacker positions. The Vikings are always a dangerous home dog (6-3 vs. the number). MINNESOTA, getting 2, is the $100 wager.
WASHINGTON AT DALLAS (-6): Drew Bledsoe may have left town over four years ago, but not much has changed. Blessed with a cannon for an arm, Bledsoe still throws into double coverage and is a stationery target with feet that appear to be stuck in cement. The Redskins lost only two games by more than a touchdown in 2005, and are usually involved in close competitive contests. WASHINGTON, getting 6, is the $100 risk.
BUFFALO AT MIAMI (-6 1/2): For the first 38 minutes last Sunday, Buffalo outplayed the local entry. The Bills are susceptible to a big physical run blocking offensive line, something not possessed by Miami. Buffalo has covered the spread the last four times these AFC East foes have met. BUFFALO, getting 6 1/2, is the $100 gamble.
LAST WEEK: New England, giving 9, defeated Buffalo 19-17, minus $165; Cleveland, giving 3, lost to New Orleans 19-14, minus $110; Minnesota, getting 4 1/2, defeated Washington 19-16, plus $100; San Diego, giving 3, defeated Oakland 27-0, plus $50. Net for the week, minus $125.
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