NFL Week 3 picks

Kansas City Chiefs at Atlanta Falcons, 1 p.m. (Falcons by 3)

Marc Lalonde says: Chiefs are probably the worst team in the league and are starting their third different quarterback in as many games. Look for Matty Ice and the Falcons to grab this medicocrity-fest and cover the spread at home.

Oakland Raiders at Buffalo Bills, 1 p.m. (Bills by 9.5)

This is a big spread, but after hammering Jacksonville and Seattle so far this year, there isn't any real reason to like the Raiders in this one. Oakland, which is dealing with a ton of inner turmoil will probably keep this one tight until the third quarter. Take Bills.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Chicago Bears, 1 p.m. (Bears by 3)

This game will probably finish 14-10 Bears in a defensive struggle at Soldier Field. Look for Devin Hester, injured rib and all, to break out of his early-season funk and help the Bears control the ball enough to win. Take Bears.

Houston Texans at Tennessee Titans, 1 p.m. (Titans by 5)

Tennessee will start Kerry Collins for the depressed and injured Vince Young, who might not ever play for the Titans again, while the Texans, who has hope entering this season, appear to be an express train to the top 10 in the NFL Draft yet again.Take Titans.



Carolina Panthers at Minnesota Vikings, 1 p.m. (Vikings by 3.5)

The Panthers will go to 3-0 in Minnesota. The Vikings are starting their second QB of the season after figuring out what the rest of the universe already knows: Tarvaris Jackson is terrible. Gus Frerotte starts for the Vikes. Julius Peppers is already drooling. Take the points and the Panthers.

Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots, 1 p.m. (Patriots by 13)

Ye gads. Giving Matt Cassel 13 points? I don't think so. The Dolphins are big and tough and will lose, but by one touchdown, not two. The 'Fins will keep it close, so take Miami and the points.

Cincinnati Bengals at New York Giants, 1 p.m. (Giants by 13.5)

The Giants are on a roll and might be the NFC's best team (Eat it, Dallas fans). The Bengals are so far into their funk, Chris Henry is going to have to knock over four convenience stores just to take the attention off their ineptness. Take the G-men and the points.

Arizona Cardinals at Washington Redskins, 1 p.m. (Redskins by 3)

This week's sign of the apocalypse: The Arizona Cardinals are 2-0. I think they've sold their soul sufficiently to defeat the 'Skins at FedEx Field. Take the Cards and the points.



Detroit Lions at San Francisco 49ers, 4:05 p.m. (49ers by 4)

Oof. The Niners come off a big win in OT last week, while the Lions had one of the most bizarre weeks in NFL; history by coming back from 21 points down only to lose by 23 points. Ouch. Take Niners and lay the points.

St. Louis Rams at Seattle Seahawks, 4:05 p.m. (Seahawks by 10)

The futility bowl – Seattle doesn't have anybody to throw the ball to and the Rams, well, they’re a train wreck right now. Don't like that spread, though. Still, take the Seahawks and cover your eyes.

New Orleans Saints at Denver Broncos, 4:05 p.m. (Broncos by 5.5)

Broncos' offence is the toughest in the league, and the Saints' running game is nowhere to be found. Broncos should win by two scores in the Mile High atmosphere. Take Broncos.

Pittsburgh Steelers at Philadelphia Eagles, 4:15 p.m. (Eagles by 3)

Steelers go into Philly as the league's dominant defence. The Eagles O torched Dallas Monday night. With a short week, the Steelers should keep McNabb et al. at bay. Take Steelers.

Jacksonville Jaguars at Indianapolis Colts, 4:15 p.m. (Colts by 5.5)

Two pre-season Super Bowl contenders face off with their seasons on the line. If Jax loses they fall to 0-3 and they can kiss the playoffs bye-bye if that happens. Manning is still hobbling behind a makeshift O-line. Take Jags and the points.

Cleveland Browns at Baltimore Ravens, 4:15 p.m. (Ravens by 2)

The Modell Bowl! Take Ravens to beat the sputtering Browns, who can't seem to do much right.

Dallas Cowboys at Green Bay Packers, 8:15 p.m. (Cowboys by 3)

Let's see. The team with most obnoxious fans in America (Dallas) takes on the team with the second-most-obnoxious fans in America (The Packers' Cheesehead faithful) with NFC bragging rights on the line. Romo goes into Lambeau and shreds the Packers' secondary's man-to-man dependence. T.O. is annoying, Romo is grinning and the Packers go down for the first time in '08. Take 'Boys/.



Monday, Sept. 22

New York Jets at San Diego Chargers, 8:30 p.m. (Chargers by 9)

Favre up against the much-maligned Chargers' D and gets nine points? That's criminal. Take Jets and the points, and remember who told you to do it.

Rick Moffat's picks versus the spread:

Falcons, Raiders, Titans, Giants, Cards, Patriots, Bucs, Panthers, Seahawks, 49ers, Broncos, Steelers, Colts, Ravens, Packers, Jets.

See you all next week!