Liver's 2009 NFL Week Three Picks

If only EVERY weekend could be like last weekend, gambling-wise that is.

The opening of Cowboys Stadium was a study in wretched excess the likes of which you see in Michael Bay/Jerry Bruckheimer films. You’d never guess we were in an economic depression. About the only things missing were lions and tigers roaming the field while Russell Crowe and the other gladiators tore each other to pieces.

Thanks so much Jerry for having George W. Bush, A.K.A. THE WORST F***ING PRESIDENT IN THE HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES perform the initial coin toss. Thanks for reiterating what the world hates about Texas and reminding the country who was in charge while the country sunk to depths that we’re still trying to dig ourselves out of. Not all Texans voted for him. The Liver proudly counts himself in that minority.

Given Jerry’s and W’s love of oil, I’m surprised Jerry didn’t have a mini-oil well pumping on the far end of one of the end zones. As Gordon Gekko says; “Money never sleeps.”
 
Of course it goes without saying that the following picks AGAINST THE SPREAD are for RECREATIONAL USE ONLY. Only Rick Pitino, LeGarrette Blount, Donte’ Stallworth, Tila Tequila, Isiah Thomas, Travis Henry, Serena Williams, Michael Jordan, Tony Romo, the Liver’s biological father (a.k.a. The Most Interesting Man in the World) and all Somali Pirates would be drunk enough to question the Esteemed Liver's picks.

Last week’s record: 12-3-1

2009 record against the spread: 19-12-1

Sunday, September 27

N.Y. Giants at Tampa Bay (+6 ½)

If last week was any indicator, I think Eli has found his receivers in Steve Smith and Mario Manningham. As of right now they rank 1 and 2 respectively in the NFC in receiving yards. Then again they could also be average receivers that had a great day against one of the more gutless, pathetic secondaries in football. If, however, they are the real deal; this Giants team will nearly be impossible to stop on offense. The Giants might be wise to get back to their running game, which was surprisingly ineffective against the Cowboys. The banged up Giants defense will most likely load up the box to shut down Cadillac Williams and force Byron “I can take all day to throw” Leftwich to wind up his arm. This is also a Bucs defense that has given up 900 YARDS IN TWO GAMES. Somewhere I hear Principal Ed Rooney shaking his head. 

Losing safety Kenny Phillips for the year is gonna hurt the Giants secondary, however, which was already banged up. If the defense continues to lose players at this rate, it could derail their Super Bowl hopes. Eli Manning continues to be one of the more effective and reliable QBs in the NFL and last Sunday night’s performance was a small masterpiece for him. Consider that in his last 37 starts including the playoffs, he is 28-9. He’s going to have to continue his strong, error-free play if the defense can’t get healthy. Pick: N.Y.

Tennessee at N.Y. Jets (-2 ½)

That was a nice win over the Patriots last week but Jets fans as well as Rex Ryan need to tap the brakes on that “We deserve respect now” bit. You’ve won two games in September. Call me in December when you’re winning games and you’ll get respect. The Jets can go a long way towards getting that respect if they can take care of a seriously offensively challenged 0-2 Titans team that might be seeing the wheels finally come off of Kerry Collins. The Titans need this game desperately to avoid going 0-3 and it could be an excellent maturity barometer for the Jets as this is a classic letdown game for a young team coming off such an emotional win. The Titans’ disappointing secondary, thus far, has to make Mark Sanchez and his receivers work for a living. Pick: N.Y.


San Francisco at Minnesota (-7)

I don’t think many people had this game as “Game of the Week” material when the schedule came out but San Francisco is off to a surprising 2-0 start and their defense has looked good. Both teams run the ball, play tough on the defensive side and don’t ask their QBs to win the game for them. I still can’t believe one of those QBs I just described is Brett Favre. Minnesota would be wise not to look ahead to Green Bay next week or they might be 2-1 headed into that Monday night game. Pick: S.F.


Washington at Detroit (+6 ½)

I’m calling the upset of the week right now; LIONS WIN THIS GAME and break

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