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As we move into the second week of October, there are plenty of sports to keep our attention. Baseball has reached the postseason, hockey has gotten underway, and college football is in full swing. However, the NFL is settling in nicely after the first four weeks of the season, now heading into Week 5. Another edition of the NFL Handicapping Challenge is underway, with more chances to win great prizes. Through the first four weeks, I own a 10-10 record, but did finish with my third 60% week this past Sunday.
1) Ravens (-8 ½) vs. Bengals
Baltimore looks to rebound after falling at New England last week, 27-21. The Ravens had plenty of opportunities in this one, but the defense couldn't slow down Tom Brady (or avoid grazing him after the play) and the Patriots offense. Despite the loss, the Ravens are still a stellar 17-6 ATS under John Harbaugh.
Cincinnati is coming off the overtime win at Cleveland, 23-20, but did not cover as 6-point favorites. The Bengals have been outgained in each of its last two games, while Cincinnati outgained its first two opponents by a combined 13 yards.
Baltimore is 7-2 ATS their last nine games against division opponents, while thoroughly dismantling Cincinnati in two meetings last season.
Final score: Ravens 31, Bengals 17
2) Cowboys (-8 ½) vs. Chiefs
Kansas City may be one of the five (or three) worst teams in football. However, should the Cowboys be laying this many points on the road, after scoring 31 points the last two weeks? The Chiefs have been dreadful, but have lost to the Ravens, Eagles, and Giants so far this season, all by double-digits.
It's tough to make a convincing argument for the Chiefs in this game, as NFL favorites that win SU are an incredible 35-8 ATS this season, including a 20-3 ATS mark the last two weeks. Dallas is known to beat up on the weak teams in the league, as evidenced by a pair of big wins over Tampa Bay and Carolina, who are a combined 0-7.
Final score: Cowboys 34, Chiefs 14
3) Redskins (+3 ½) vs. Panthers
Carolina has been dreadful out of the gate, and hopefully the bye week shaped them up. The Panthers go for their first win of the season, hosting the offensively-inept Redskins.
Washington has squeezed by Tampa Bay and St. Louis by a combined five points, while losing to the Lions and Giants. The Redskins are averaging 14 points/game, as Jim Zorn's team has scored just four offensive touchdowns. However, for as poor as Washington has played, this team is still 2-2, and the pressure is on the winless Panthers.
Final score: Redskins 17, Panthers 14
4) Falcons (+2 ½) at Niners
Atlanta is coming off the bye, after losing at New England in Week 3, 26-10. San Francisco, meanwhile, has won all three games against NFC West opponents, while falling in the final seconds at Minnesota.
The Niners will be without their top offensive weapon, RB Frank Gore, as he continues to sit with a sprained ankle. This is the longest trip all season for the Falcons, as they went 2-0 in the state of California last season, beating the Chargers and Raiders.
The Falcons were 4-1 SU/ATS last season off a SU loss, while going 3-0 SU off a road loss in Mike Smith's short tenure.
Final score: Falcons 27, Niners 19
5) Seahawks (-2 ½) vs. Jaguars
This is a tough spot for Jacksonville, going cross-country off consecutive division victories. To take it a step further, the Jags head to a hostile environment at Qwest Field. The Seahawks are coming off back-to-back losses to the Bears and Colts, as QB Matt Hasselbeck is still nursing a rib injury.
The Seattle defense has faced two fantastic quarterbacks the last two weeks, Jay Cutler and Peyton Manning. The Seahawks are only 1-3, and may have trouble running the ball against a Jacksonville defense allowing less than 100 yards/game.
The Jags are just 5-9 ATS the last three seasons off a home victory.
Final score: Seahawks 23, Jaguars 19
You can reach Kevin Rogers via e-mail at rogers@vegasinsider.com
