Photo Credit: Associated Press
The Jets, Colts, and Saints have shocked everyone the first three weeks of the season. The 2-1 Jets are supposed to be 0-3 and the Colts are 1-2. I actually thought the Colts would come out with a chip on their shoulder fired up to exact revenge after being robbed by DeflateGate, yeah not so much. They seem quite content playing the victim role.
The Saints, bless their little souls. I know Drew Brees has been hurt and Jimmy Graham is in Seattle but Lord have mercy on the babies. If the Saints can’t beat the Dallas Cowboys at home with Brees behind center and Tony Romo and Dez Bryant out we might have to revert back to calling them the Aint’s. But I digress.
Week 4 could turn out to be pretty boring, but we have to play the games anyway. The most exciting game on the schedule this week is the Eagles vs. Washington, and that’s only because Hurricane Joaquin may postpone it. .
Heads Up – the NFL travels across the pond again to play their annual London game. That means kickoff is at 9:30 AM EST, 6:30 AM on the West Coast. If you are doing a daily league or need to adjust your fantasy football roster for Jets or Dolphins do it early. Byes are back this week and that means no Patriots and no Titans. Someone asked me yesterday if I thought Gronk would have a good game this week. Sigh, he asked me this after I said Brady and the Patriots were on a bye this week. I’m not sure how his fantasy football league works but in mine Gronk has to play to score, so unless you’re in the clueless league let the balls deflate this week and sit all Patriots and Titans. All right enough housekeeping let’s get down to brass tacks.
9:30 AM London – New York Jets vs. Miami Dolphins. 1.5 favors the Jets in London against division rival Miami. Miami on the other hand has already pushed the panic button with ¾th of the season left to play. The NFL rumor mill suggests there could be some immediate coaching changes if the Dolphins fail to get a W in jolly old England. As a rule I ignore the games across the pond. All things considered athletes are creatures of habit and routine. Everything about this game from kick off to travel routines, is in opposition to the players’ usual game day routine. Maybe the Dolphins win and save their coaches’ jobs, maybe the Jets will win, maybe the Spice Girls will reunite at half-time. Way too many variables so you’re on your own with this one. I know I’m a lot of help right?
1:00 Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Indianapolis Colts Andrew Luck is officially questionable for Sunday. According to my mother who has Luck on her fantasy team Luck has been questionable all season. The only game the Jaguars have played in this season where they looked like a real NFL team was against the Dolphins and the Jags still managed to lose by a FG. I know 7.5 points is a lot especially without Luck but they are the Jags. I mean is it possible that they could pull off a win or a cover? Yes it’s possible and even probable. Don’t even watch this one. But if you insist I’m inclined to take the points and the Jags on a wing and a prayer.
1:00 Houston Texans vs. Atlanta Falcons Mattie Ice is almost unstoppable at home. The Texans still haven’t put together a complete 60-minute game this season. The Falcons are favored by six at home. Mattie Ice has Julio Jones and Devonte Freeman and the magic of the dome. Take the home team, and order up some home cooking. Falcons cover the six.
1:00 Carolina Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers The Yoda Bowl. Superman Cam Newton has been mentoring Jameis Winston. Has the student learned enough to beat the teachers?  Have you been watching the season Cam has been pulling wins out of thin air. Jameis and the Bucs will keep it respectable but the win is going to Cam. Take the Panthers on the road. Panthers are favored by three.
1:00 NY Giants vs. Buffalo Bills The G–Men take the show on the road to upstate NY this weekend. Buffalo has had some impressive wins this year; Eli and the Giants have been schizophrenic at best. But the G-Men have kept it close and interesting. Buffalo is favored by 6. Take the points and Eli for the win.
1:00 Oakland Raiders vs. Chicago Bears The Raiders take on Da Bears at Soldier Field in Chicago Sunday. The Raiders are favored by three. You all know the drill, my Bears may not win a game this season. I recuse myself. Wake me when we’ve secured the #1 pick in the draft.
Take the Eagles by a FG in Washington if Joaquin doesn’t cancel this one.
Cincinnati has been showing up this season. The Chiefs are the AFC Giants. Who knows what you’ll get. Rake the Bengals.
The Browns head to San Diego for the late game. The Browns ate the Browns take the Chargers and the points. Chargers win at home.
These games this week are just ugly. Take Green Bay to win in San Fran even though you have to give up a TD. Denver makes short work of Minnesota, and Arizona wipes the field with the Rams. Take Denver and Arizona to win on the road by a TD.
The Saints and Dallas takeover the ugly parade in primetime Sunday. . Hit the snooze button and read the highlights, or lowlights Monday. Take the Saints at home to win by a field goal.
Monday Night
The reigning NFC champs are favored by 10. The Lions aren’t that good nor are they that bad. Seattle wins heads up but Detroit covers the 10.
That’s it. Whew these are some ugly games. Good luck if you can sit this week out.  If you cant, may the odds forever be in your favor!
