Spreadology 2011

Falcons vs. Panthers +3. It has taken me some time to come around on Cam Newton. I felt Newton would certainly leave his mark on the NFL. However after his initial success in the early weeks I felt he would have an occasional stinker at some point. It's not like Newton will disect the defense through the air going 20-25 for 350. But he is capable of moving the chains with his arm pushing the DB's back enough to gain 20 with his legs. So even though the Panthers are the much inferior team Newton is the type of neutralizer that can make the Panthers respectable. So naturally after all of this praise I am going Forrest Gump and ruining this Black Panther Party. The Falcons are better on both sides of the football. They need the game for their playoff push and giving only three for this combination is just too much value to pass up.

Texans vs. Bengals -3. Coming into the season 5 W's for the Bengals would have been a good season compared to what was expected. Here we are 13 Weeks in and the Bengals are still in playoff contention. Despite a recent rough patch, that has perhaps identified the Bengals for what they are, they still remain in contention be need a W desperately this week. In comes the best the South has to offer as the Texans continue their march to the franchises first playoff appearence with rookie TJ Yates under center. The Bengals have been very effective against the run this season outside of the Steelers contest. Unlike the Steelers, minus a established signal caller and All-Pro WR Andre Johnson, the Texans passing game shouldn't be a threat. Expect the Bengals D to force Yates to beat them and look for Yates to fail.

Raiders/Packers Over 51.5. I really feel 16-0 is in the Packers future and though I feel they will handle the Raiders on Sunday, I do expect the Raiders to keep it interesting throughout. With this in mind I fully expect the Raiders defense to get lit up through the air as they have done all season. Making the Packers a good bet for 30+. Should the Raiders make in interesting I'm looking at a one possesion game. I wasn't great at Algebra but standard addition and subtraction is my wheel house. 30+23=53.


RECAP: Falcons -3, Bengals -3, Raiders/Packers Over 51.5

YTD: 28-20