[clevfan]

Fri, Sep. 5, 2008


Panthers should take advantage of ailing Chargers

by Vegas Vic
Philly.com

Panthers (+9) over CHARGERS
Usually, we try not to let injuries influence us too much, but in San Diego's case, it's impossible to look the other way. LaDainian Tomlinson, Philip Rivers and Antonio Gates are all coming off injuries, and while all profess to be 100 percent, we doubt if that's the case. Then you have the best defensive player, Shawne Merriman, who plans to play on two torn ligaments in his left knee. We make the over/under on Merriman's 2008 season three games, and we'll take the under. There's still a bundle of talent out there in Southern California, but at plus-9 big fat points, Carolina has to be the side. Since John Fox took over in 2002, the Panthers have been tickling the cash register as a road team with great success. They have an outstanding 35-15 record away from home the last 6 years, and are a even better as a road 'dog, with a sweet 26-10 mark.

SAINTS (-3) over Buccaneers

After a superb 11-7 record in his first year as the head coach in New Orleans, Sean Payton's club slipped to 7-9 last season. Look for a big bounce back here in 2008. Especially in the opener. The Saints started last season with four straight losses and were virtually eliminated from playoff contention. The offense found its footing after that, averaging 27-plus points per game the last 12 times out, and now, they're healthy. And healthy means Drew Brees, a 4,000-yard passer in his first two seasons with New Orleans. It means the electric Reggie Bush attacking on all cylinders. It means the bone-crunching north-south running of Deuce McAllister. It also means the addition of four-time Pro Bowl tight end Jeremy Shockey. And since Tampa Bay has won only four of its last 16 games on the road, this should be a money-making home opener for the Saints, and those of us with a ticket.

Bears (+10) over COLTS

Speaking of injuries, the great Peyton Manning is coming off knee surgery and should be ready, but there could be a wee bit of rust. Of more concern is Manning's All-Pro center Jeff Saturday, who will miss the game Sunday. Big problem. Anyone remember the last time these teams met? It was Super Bowl XLI, and Indy posted a 29-17 victory. A little revenge, a few nagging injuries, and a 10-point spread adds up to one live underdog.

Jets (-3) over DOLPHINS

Bill Parcells has displayed a magical touch for reviving stumbling teams, but unless he changed his middle name to Copperfield, it's not gonna happen here. If you wanna talk revival, how about Brett Favre going to the Jets? After a dismal 4-12 campaign in 2007, Favre should be able to get the New Yorkers to at least eight wins, starting with an easy W in South Florida.

TITANS (+3) over Jaguars

The last 2 years, with Vince Young leading the way, the Titans have a ridiculous 10-2 record against the spread vs. the AFC South. Any time we can find a trend that's hitting at 83 percent, it's worth a trip to the betting window.

EAGLES (-7) over Rams

As everyone in town knows, the last two home openers have been embarrassing. However, with a healthy Donovan McNabb and a spruced-up defense, these Birds should be flying into the winner's circle at the Linc.

PACKERS (-2) over Vikings

It ain't the Frozen Tundra quite yet, but Green Bay should find a way to shine as Aaron Rodgers takes the ball from Brett Favre and tries to lead the Pack back to the playoffs.

I also like:

Bengals (-1) over RAVENS

Chiefs (+16) over PATRIOTS

Texans (+6) over STEELERS

Lions (-3) over FALCONS

BILLS (-1) over Seahawks

BROWNS (+5) over Cowboys

Cardinals (-2) over 49ERS

RAIDERS (+3) over Broncos