Throwing Darts: Will Matty Ice bring it in Philly?
We’ve thrown darts for six years and giving you a winning season in five of those years (but right now, we’re under .500). Let’s see how it goes this time along.
As always, we’ll be using the line from Yahoo Football Pick’Em. We won’t use games if they move off the board. Share your picks in the comments, play along. Five weekly picks, that’s all we ask.
[Play our $125K Baller | Free Yahoo Cup entry | Tips for your Daily lineup]
Falcons E at Eagles: I’m not buying the Eagles being a playoff team per some of the statistical wonks. The defense struggles on the flanks — this is the wrong opponent to have that issue — and there isn’t a Philadelphia receiver who concerns you. And obviously the Falcons have a major edge at quarterback.
Saints -2.5 vs. Broncos: Denver’s defense is no longer a major problem given the injuries to Talib and Wolfe. Saints are a tough matchup for everyone at home — so many options, so many packages. Can Denver score enough to keep up?
Panthers -3 vs. Chiefs: Carolina looks like that “we figured it out too late” team, the surging club that no one will want to see in the playoffs (but they’ll fall one game short). Leaky defense is coming together. Offense has some matchup problems. For as much as I do respect and admire Andy Reid, their 6-2 record was built on a house of cupcakes.
Steelers -2.5 vs. Cowboys: Take the more desperate team, especially when at home and just needing to win by three or less. And take note of the Big Ben home/road splits.
Seahawks +7.5 at Patriots: Obviously it’s intimidating to play at New England, and against a Belichick team on a week of rest. But Seattle’s record of being competitive in every game is ridiculous, going back several years in the Pete Carroll era. They’ll show up, and the New England defense has some exploitable pieces.
Last Week: 0-5 (pretty pathetic, Ty)
Season: 21-23-1
Our friends from Shutdown Corner are in on the fun:
Eric Edholm (0-4-1 last week, 17-27-1 season)
KC +3
ATL E
DEN +2.5
NE -7.5
SD -3.5
Frank Schwab (3-2 last week, 19-25-1 season)
PHI E
WAS -3
SD -3.5
PIT -2.5
SEA +7.5
