After a week in Boston and away from the family and my Hogs, I am back and ready to roll.  Many thanks to AB for picking up the slack.  We’ll be back to a regular schedule next week.

One sports-related note from the week that was:  You would have thought the world came to an end the way New England fans freaked out after their loss to New York last Sunday.  The Pats have been spoiled by success, obviously forgetting about the 1-15 season and the Scott Zolak experience before the Tuna arrive to change the culture.  It reminded me that fans are fans, no matter where you live.  We have short memories and no patience.

Last week did not pan out like I imagined, underlining my point that Week 2 is the most difficult week to handicap.  I still managed to finish at 8-8 on the week, and we’re back ready to make money this Sunday. 

As always… Don’t blame me if you end up cashing out the kid’s scholarship fund to pay Vinny.

Cleveland v. BALTIMORE (-13.5)

It’s not a good sign for the AFC when the team with the best defense in the league now has one of the most explosive offenses.  This could easily end up 42-10.

NY GIANTS (-7) v. Tampa Bay

I don’t love laying a touchdown on the road…unless it’s against Tampa.

Green Bay v. ST. LOUIS (+7)

Beware The Obvious Game

Kansas City (+9.5) v. Philadelphia

Lots of distractions in Philly this week.  Not enough for KC to win, but enough for them to cover.

ATLANTA (+4.5) v. New England

Vegas still loves New England and is still skeptical of Atlanta.  This could be a good moneyline wager on Atlanta, too.

SAN FRANCISCO (+7) v. Minnesota

I’m 2-0 while taking San Fran, so let’s go with it until it bucks us.  I think we learn a ton about both teams this weekend.

Jacksonville v. HOUSTON (-3.5)

This line has actually moved down towards the Jags.  It baffles me.

Washington v. DETROIT (+6.5)

I will take Detroit until they cover.  Mark it down.

Tennessee v. NY JETS (-2.5)

I stick to my guns on Tennessee as the 3rd place team in the AFC South.  Eventually folks will understand that the Jets are for real.

NEW ORLEANS (-6) v. Buffalo

You don’t get this line in November.  New Orleans also doesn’t cover in November.  The thing is … it’s September.

CHICAGO (-1.5) v. Seattle

I like Seattle a lot less without Hasselbeck. 

PITTSBURGH (-4) v. Cincinnati

Yet another road pick, but I just cannot take the Bengals.  Maybe Pittsburgh isn’t as good as we thought?

Denver v. OAKLAND (+2.5)

This line has swung 4 points towards Denver.  Unreal.  People are dumb, trust Vegas. 

Miami v. SAN DIEGO (-6.5)

The Fins choked away a sure win on Monday.  That’s a tough turnaround on a short week, traveling to the West Coast to play a team with something to prove.  This one is close to a lock.

INDIANAPOLIS (+1.5) v. Arizona

I am not sure either of these teams are great, but I’ll take Manning in a close one.

CAROLINA (+9.5) v. Dallas

Jake, I’m giving you one more chance.

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Record ATS–  Week 2:  8-8, Overall:  20-12

The honeymoon is over in Mississippi for Mississippi Head Coach Houston Nutt.

Arkansas’ Defense will have to put pressure on Greg McElroy to have a shot at beating Alabama tomorrow.

The Chicago Cubs delayed the inevitable last night with some late heriocs that kept the St. Louis Cardinals’ magic number for clinching the NL Central at 1.

Danica Patrick is NOT going to Nascar.

Alabama is realizing Ryan Mallett is good.  Now, if we could just work on them realizing it’s preferable to occasionally not breathe through their mouths.

Kentucky has a tall order Saturday versus Florida’s stout defense.