Broncos to prolong Cowboys' troubles
NCAA Lock - PURDUE over Northwestern
Yes, the Boilermakers have lost to two MAC teams, but they should be able to beat Northwestern before their schedule hits the Big Ten’s better half. The Wildcats’ defense will have trouble containing both sophomore tailback Ralph Bolden (Big Ten-best 488 rushing yards) and Kevin Smith (388 receiving yards).
NCAA Upset - Michigan over MICHIGAN STATE
Freshman Tate Forcier claims he doesn’t get nervous. Well, despite being a compulsive liar, he is second in the conference in passer rating and commands an incredibly balanced offense. That should be enough to beat their B-team rival, Michigan State (1-3).
NFL Lock - Giants over CHIEFS
Picking my hometown team to lose against the NFC East seems like a solid bet after the shellacking the McNabb-less Eagles put on them last week. The G-Men are getting more-than-expected production from former Southern Cal WR Steve Smith, who is on the verge of supplanting Carolina gamebreaker Steve Smith in the top spot on the Steve Smith power rankings. Especially since Panther Steve is being held hostage by some of the worst quarterbacking east of JaMarcus.
NFL Upset - BRONCOS over Cowboys
Quietly, the Broncos are 3-0. The Saints and Jets are getting all the pub while Denver is setting yardage- and scoring-allowed records. The Broncos’ 16 points and 644 yards surrendered is miles ahead of the competition after three games. I’m banking Mike Nolan’s coverage schemes and blitz pacakges fluster Tony Romo, giving Tom Brady more than enough film to exploit by Week 5.
The 2 Legit NFL Rankings
1. NY Giants - 3-0 (LW: 1) This week: at Chiefs (0-3)
No one is playing better. Even the ESPN darling Ravens. NYG shut out its hapless Week 3 opponent (Tampa Bay) while Baltimore allowed three to the Browns. That’s just not top-team material.
2. Baltimore - 3-0 (LW: 2) This week: at Patriots (2-1)
Could be in for a surprise this week, as they’re getting a little too much respect after beating two feathereweights and barely edging San Diego.
3. New Orleans 3-0 (LW: 3) - This week: vs. Jets (3-0)
Showed they can run as well when Pierre Thomas went off in the second half. The Saints have a slight edge in one of the many big Week 3 games.
4. NY Jets - 3-0 (LW: 4) This week: at Saints (3-0)
I really don’t get the Mark Sanchez/Vinnie Chase comparisons. I don’t think it’s that close. Now Mike Tomlin/Omar Epps - that’s real. Thomas Jones will need to awake for the Jets to be a real contender.
5. Indianapolis - 3-0 (LW: 6) This week: vs. Seahawks (1-2)
Want proof that Peyton is the best: His No. 2 and 3 receivers are men named Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie and he still threw for 379 yards and 4 TDs. He has more command of an offense than anyone in the modern era.
6. Minnesota - 3-0 (LW: 8) This week: vs. Packers (2-1)
Don’t be ashamed to be giddy about Monday’s matchup with the Packers. This has drama that should rope in the Grey’s Anatomy crowd. If Favre continues this, not only will Jet fans \ self-combust but with Adrian Peterson and a good defense, the Vikes could challenge New York.
7. New England - 2-1 (LW: NR) This week: vs. Ravens (3-0)
Without Wes Welker, the offense looks close to average. But the Pats got a convincing win without him last week.
8. Cincinnati - 2-1 (LW: NR) This week: at Browns (0-3)
Displayed un-Bengal-like skill in converting two fourth downs on the final drive. Maybe Carson’s finally due for a break.
