By Wes and Dudley French
The 2009 NFL season has officially kicked off and it’s time to make some wagers. Couple that with week two of college ball and it’s about the happiest time of year for bookies all over the globe.
From My father and I will be providing you with insight on the top college games each week as well as the best bets for the pro slate of games. I’m not going to pretend to be some genius on college lines, but I did go 3-1 in my inaugural picks last week, and I might have made some beer money in college online (totally legally, of course). Dudley, my father, has been playing the lines forever and consistently put a hurt on me in our pick ‘em league last year, so I figured I’d put him to work on it here.
So enough with the introductions, on to the picks.
Saturday, September 12th
Miami @ Atlanta(-4), O/U – 43 1/2
The Falcons had a big turnaround last season led by Matt Ryan. Miami also had quite the renaissance, led by Chad Pennington (Last years AFC East champs),and they can score points. So who has the staying power to continue a run with the contenders? My money is on Miami. Bill Parcells is building a winner, and it will show with a big road win in week one. Miami’s special teams and defense will take them over the top in this one.
PICK: Miami +4
Philadelphia(-2 1/2) @ Carolina, O/U – 43 1/2
Philadelphia, behind Donovan Mcnabb, are potent and can still get it done. Carolina on the other hand lost all their pre-season games and had a disappointing end to last season with Jake Delhomme throwing all his int’s in the playoff against Arizona. Makes you wonder why management gave him more money and a long term contract while ignoring Julius Peppers.
None of the Panthers starters played in the pre-season so you really didn’t get to see the real football team, which could be problematic for the Eagles brass. The Panthers’ defense is stout at home, and the special teams should be fun to watch on both sides in this one. This is my LOCK. Take Steve Smith and Co. + the 2 1/2, they won’t need it.
PICK: Carolina +2 1/2
San Francisco @ Arizona(-6), O/U – 46
I’m not even going to beat around the bush here, I don’t like Arizona. At all. They over achieved en-route to the Super Bowl last year, and if not for the afore mentioned Delhomme meltdown they are watching the Super Bowl instead of blowing it with less than four minutes to play. Kurt Warner will regress, along with their already suspect defense. Couple that with a pouty/injured Q Boldin and they are ripe for the picking out West.
The 49ers on the other hand are going in a better direction. Mike Singletary added discipline to a team that desperately needed it and this will go a long way in turning around the once proud franchise. S.F. gave the Cardinals a pretty good game last year with Iron Mike at the helm, dropping the game on a last second failed attempt for a touchdown inside the two yard line. Look for more of the same and take the 49ers plus the 6 1/2 ALL DAY.
PICK: S.F. +6 1/2
