VEGAS VIC: Eagles should be a good road investment, even after stinker

[clevfan]

Eagles should be a good road investment, even after stinker

BY VEGAS VIC
OCT 22, 2009
PHILLY.COM

Eagles (-7) over REDSKINS
Sunday was truly one of the most disappointing games the Birds have played since they were bageled by the Seahawks at home, 42-0, in 2005. But at least Seattle went to the Super Bowl that year, Oakland is going to the Toilet Bowl. Maybe now Mr. Andy Reid will get back to a more balanced offense. Sixty-six plays and only 14 rushes. Wow! C'mon, Andy. Brian Westbrook had 50 yards on only six carries. Extrapolate a tiny bit, and if he gets the ball 12 times, it's a 100 yards, 18 times, it's a buck-fifty. Now for the good news: This is a division game, and the Eagles have been exceptional on the road inside the NFC East, covering five of the last six. The Birds also have been a superb investment in any road game the last 3 years, covering 19 of their last 30. Gotta rock the Green on their only Monday night appearance of the 2009 season.

Patriots (-14) over Buccaneers

Heee's back! (Well, he's actually in London this weekend, but you know what we mean.) Tom Brady had a season in the first half of Sunday's game against Tennessee. He was 29 of 34 for 380 yards and six touchdowns. That was all in just a bit over two quarters. All the chatter about Brady being just a shell of his former self, worrying too much about the surgically repaired knee, etc., can be officially put to rest. Now the Pats take their traveling circus across the pond, and you just know they want to put on a really big show. And all the weapons are working perfectly. Randy Moss had three touchdown catches and 129 yards. Wes Welker had 10 grabs for 150 yards with two TDs, while Laurence Maroney rumbled for 123 yards with a TD. When Brady has all his weapons healthy, he simply can not be stopped. Especially, not by Tampa Bay. The Bucs come in on an 0-10 skid, and while there's a slight chance they might get close enough to cover, they'll never, ever win, so make this British baby a best bet.

TEXANS (-3) over 49ers

You all know that Double V was riding the San Francisco gravy train for the first 4 weeks, but this is my stop, I'm getting off. Why? His name is Matt Schaub, and he is on fire! Check out his last two games: He hit on 63 of 90 for 763 yards and 6 TDs, with a passer rating of 108.7. Pretty impressive. Also impressive is Houston's recent work against the spread, covering nine of the last 13.

Vikings (+5) over STEELERS

Don't think Minnesota is going undefeated. Actually, the Vikings could very well lose here, but with five and a hook in the bank at the opening gun, we are buying. The fact that Baltimore just missed winning Sunday is kind of a mirage. The Vikes were up, 27-10, in the fourth quarter and just took their foot off the gas pedal. This week, no letup, and with no Aaron Smith for the Steelers to stuff the run, Minny should be in fine shape.

Falcons (+4) over COWBOYS

Just don't like the 'Boys. Nothing personal, it's all about the work. Dallas is 3-2 and coming off the bye week, and you need to know that the three wins have come against teams (Tampa, Carolina, Kansas City) with a combined 3-14 record. And at the time the Cowboys played them, they were all winless. Getting back to that bye week, roads teams are 6-0 straight up and against the spread in Dallas when the 'Boys come off the week of rest.

Packers (-7) over BROWNS

Cleveland has multiple problems, and Green Bay isn't even the biggest one. The flu bug has hit, and hit hard. If the Pack were not getting ready for Minny at home next week, we would have bumped this up to a best bet.

GIANTS (-7) over Cardinals

How do you bounce back from embarrassing (the 48-27 loss to New Orleans Sunday)? With a little home cookin' that has led to a fabulous 9-2 regular-season mark against the spread at the Meadowlands the last 11 times out.

Chargers (-4) over CHIEFS

Big deal. KC finally won a game, but the Chiefs have covered only four of the last 11 as a home underdog.

Colts (-13) over RAMS

My power ratings make Indy 20-plus points better than St. Louis. But we'll stay on the light side.

BENGALS (-1) over Bears

Cincy is on a 5-0 roll against the NFC, and should be able to squeeze out a W.

Jets (-6) over RAIDERS

Look for Mark Sanchez to bounce back big-time in his home state of California.

PANTHERS (-7) over Bills

This is our Toy Money game of the week. Don't use anything green. Not even those $20 Monopoly bills.

DOLPHINS (+7) over Saints

With an extra week of rest, the Fish should be able to swim just fast enough to cover the spread.