Our first best bet on the Jets was a winner and for Week 2, we’ve circled two NFL picks from Tampa Bay vs. New York and the New Orleans Saints vs. Carolina Panthers
The Saints played 6 overs and 2 unders last season in games with a total of 50 points or more
After blazing into the NFL last season with a gritty, 422-yard passing game in a 30-23 loss at Arizona it was only fair to assume Cam Newton would be ready to take the next step in 2012. Week 1 didn’t show much in the way of progress for the Panthers but Newton still registered over 300 passing yards in a losing effort.
This week the Panthers play their home opener against a Saints team who are also off a loss and considering what New Orleans has done in its past few games off a loss, Carolina better get ready to put more than 10 points on the board.
NEW ORLEANS AT CAROLINA
5 Dimes Line: Saints -3 and Over/Under: 51
The Saints did not make much use of their ground game in Week 1 and part of that could have to do with the fact they fell behind early. In two meetings last season, New Orleans rushed for 101 and 208 yards against the Panthers so look for a better play-calling mix on Sunday.
Key stat: The Saints averaged 32.1 points per game in 2011 when they rushed for more than 100 yards
Tampa Bay carried 36 times for 130 yards against Carolina but the Bucs don’t have quite the firepower as New Orleans. When Drew Brees decides it’s time to open things up, the Panthers’ secondary won’t know what hit them!
Carolina’s run game was atrocious in Week 1 but playing at home, this offense should function a lot better. Newton is a dynamic play-maker and the Redskins revealed some holes in the Saints defense that Carolina can take advantage of. (www.patchhawaii.org)
The Saints had a disruptive off-season that spilled into Week 1 when Jonathan Vilma and Will Smith were suddenly cleared from Bounty Gate. Maybe that was a distraction this team didn’t need but now they are a game back from the Atlanta Falcons and it’s time to refocus. The Saints were 6-2 O/U with a total more than 50 points last season and scored an average of 39.7 points when coming off a loss. Their defense does not inspire much confidence, hence the high total, but we expect to see plenty of scoring.
Pick: Take the Over
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For our second play we’ve circled the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New York Giants to stay “Under” 44.5 points. Online sportsbooks opened this game at 44, dropped to 43.5 temporarily and are now getting action to the over. Check current NFL odds here.
The Giants have had extra prep since their Wednesday night loss in Week 1 and there was plenty room for improvement, starting with the D. Tampa brings a revitalized D-line to this contest and the Giants’ front seven will have to protect their house. Look for plenty of ground work out of RBs Bradshaw and Wilson as the Giants slug their way to a 1-1 record straight-up.
Pick: Take the Bucs and Giants Under 44.5
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