After three weeks of play, things have begun to clear up in the NFL.  We know there are a handful of ridiculously awful teams (Kansas City, Tampa, Cleveland, St. Louis) and only a few true contenders (New Orleans, NY Giants, Baltimore, Minnesota).  Everyone else is stuck somewhere in the middle.  Week Four presents what could be the best game of the season (New Orleans v. NY Jets) and the worst (Houston v. Oakland). 

The good news is that there are a few opportunities to boost junior’s college fund.  Last week was not best, but we still came out ahead.  I feel like this could be a really good week.  Lots of good games on the board.

As always… Do not blame me if you end up auctioning your kidney on eBay just to settle up on Tuesday.

DETROIT (+10) v. Chicago

Chicago could easily be 0-3 right now.  Yes, I know, Detroit could also easily be 0-3.  But sometimes a big winning streak follows a big losing streak.  I will at least wager on a big “cover” streak coming Detroit’s way.

CINCINNATI (-6) v. Cleveland

Until the Browns can prove they have a pulse, you must take their opponent. 

OAKLAND (+9) v. Houston

I have no read on this Texans team anymore.  The could win by 20 or lose by 10.  I’ll settle for a win of any stripe, but I’ll wager on a small one at home.

Seattle v. INDIANAPOLIS (-10.5)

I know this is a pretty big number, but Peyton looks to be about as good as he’s ever been.  Shockingly, Matt Hasselbeck will not play due to injury.

Tennessee v. JACKSONVILLE (+3)

I will stop short of calling for the Jags to win this game, but the demise of Tennessee may continue.  The dominated the 2nd Half against the Jets yet still came up short.  Not a good sign.

NY Jets v. NEW ORLEANS (-7)

The best game of the first quarter of the NFL season.  We may even look back on this as one of the best of the season.  I believe in the Jets.  I believe even more in the Saints.

NY GIANTS (-9.5) v. Kansas City

Inexplicably this line actually has moved towards KC over the week. 

Baltimore v. NEW ENGLAND (-1.5)

Everyone is picking Baltimore.  I’ll take the Pats with Welker and Wilfork back in the lineup.  Mayo could get some time, too.

Tampa Bay v. WASHINGTON (-8)

Washington is really bad.  Tampa is proably 20% worse. 

BUFFALO (-1) v. Miami

Yet another game featuring the “have nots” of the AFC.  The Bills are actually not a terrible team, and a road win here could signal good things to come.

Dallas v. DENVER (+3)

The Broncos have always been good at home.  They may not be a great team, but they have been very good defensively.  I’ll go with Denver in an ugly game.

St. Louis v. SAN FRANCISCO (-10)

I read a stat today: St. Louis has lost 30 of their past 35 games, most by 2 TDs or more.  Ouch!

San Diego v. PITTSBURGH (-6.5)

I probably dislike this pick as much as any on the board.  As much as I’d like to do it, though, I just cannot take the Bolts on the road.

GREEN BAY (+3.5) v. Minnesota

I have not jumped off the Packers’ bandwagon just yet.  I’ll set the O/U of Favre picks at 2.5 and probably take the over.

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Record ATS  –  Week 3: 9-7, Overall: 29-19

Arkansas will focus on stopping the Aggies’ Von Miller, the nation’s leader in sacks.

Matt Harris looks forward to playing in Cowboys Stadium, even if it’s not the exact same place his father once ruled the roost.

Do we dare believe Wendel Davis?

Nick Saban still believes in cut blocking, even after Mitch Petrus knocked out Dont’a Hightower last week.

Auburn looks to mix in some “others” with their special teams units.

Vanderbilt is not afraid of Mississippi after winning in Oxford last season.

Dan Mullen feels like his Bulldogs have responded well after last week’s difficult loss at home to LSU.

As if preparing for a Top 5 opponent weren’t difficult enough, Coach Rich Brooks had surgery for his skin cancer this week.

The winner of the LSU-Georgia game looks emerge as a challenger to Florida and Alabama for the SEC title.