Arggh! I am frustrated by this one. I would just love Atlanta in this game, big time, if they had Vick playing full throttle. I know the Falcons would be favored in the contest if that were the case and they are now getting 4.5. I just wish he were playing the whole game and we were giving points. But, that's not the case. And, I remember how the Falcons did last year with him on the bench. This game will feature rookie Matt Schaub instead which makes me nervous. But, I still like the Falcons here, as their defense will be intact as well as the fact that they'll be playing one of the worst teams in the league - the New Orleans Saints. The Saints have won two straight but that doesn't impress me. They are still giving up nearly 27 points per game and they simply lose against good teams. Their schedule is very weak and they are 0-4 against winning teams this year. If for some reason Vick sees any significant playing time, and even if he does not, the Falcons could win this one outright. If Super Man (#7) and Crumpler were playing the whole game, I'd be making this a 4-star pick. Instead, we'll go with a two star selection on the money line only as I think it's great value - getting +180 on a winning team vs. a terrible team. (Bet game @ BoDog | Bet game @ BetOnline)

 

****CINCINNATI -6.5 (-110) vs. NY Giants (Check latest line)

Ouch! The Pats pulled off the biggest boneheaded collapse of their recent history on Monday night. With an 11 point lead with under 2.5 minutes to go, they lost the game. Tom Brady made several un-Brady like plays, leading to a loss as a huge favorite. Meanwhile, the Jets pulled off their most satisfying win of the season. They beat a winning team for the first time all season and they did it in convincing fashion. We were on the Jets last week and we'll stick with 'em again this week. They are still playing with a chip on their shoulder. They need to show that they can win against good teams. They have a perfect opportunity here, getting the Pats at home. They are as motivated as any team playing this week. They know that if they go into the playoffs without a win against New England or Pittsburgh, their chances are slim. Worse yet, they might not get into the playoffs without winning here. The Pats certainly don't want to lose a second straight game but they are playing for less here. They have wrapped up their division and with last week's stunning loss, they have virtually no chance of catching Pittsburgh for home field advantage. These teams matchup pretty similarly. Both have great running games and top defenses. The difference in this game, I figure will come down to three things. One I have already mentioned - motivation. Secondly, the Jets have home field advantage (as an underdog, no less). Finally, defense. The Jets are holding opponents to a league-low 14.7 per game while the Patriots secondary is banged up. Miami exposed a weakness last week, picking on Troy Brown. Pennington will take advantage of that. I'll take the divisional home dog in December most of the time and this one I like a lot. Five stars on the Jets plus the points and another 3 stars on them to win the game outright, handing the Pats their second straight loss for the first time since December of 2002. (Bet game @ BoDog | Bet game @ BetOnline)