Take Denver -3 as Peyton Manning is 7-0 ATS/SU vs. Baltimore. The Broncos have won their last five road games easily. They last played 10 days ago and will have rest even with the cross country travel and the early 1pm start. Denver's offense and defense have bothe been top 5 this year.

Baltimore started the year hot but have struggled since then as Ray Rice has not had a great rushing season so far. Injuries to Ray Lewis and Ed Reed have hurt the defense.

Baltimore 20
Denver 28

Take Denver -3

Monday 8:30pm
NFL Football
Houston at New England
pick: 10* New England -4

Take New England -4 on Monday Night Football. The Patriots are a good home team led by QB Tom Brady and coach Bill Belichick. They are running the ball well and putting up plenty of points. They struggled to score vs. Miami last week and should be motivated tonight vs. the Texans. Houston is ahead of the Patriots in the battle for home field advantage in the AFC so I expect to see New England play well and cover the 4 points.

Houston 20
NE 31

10* New England -4

Take under as the weather will be close to 25 to 30 degrees with good chance of snow. 5 of the last 7 meetings have stayed under. Both teams are solid on offense but we will need 50 points to get beat.

I think we see it end in the low to mid-40's for an under.

under 49.5

Take Cleveland -7 as the KC Chiefs are in a tough situation as they won last week at home but I expect them to struggle as they go on the road after the death of a player. The Browns are an everage team but have a decent defense and should be able to win by 10-14 points.

Cleveland 24
KC Take Cleveland -7

These two played a small college playoff game last year with Georgia Southern winning at home but now they travel to Norfolk, Va to face the Monarchs at Foreman Filed/SB Ballard Stadium. Ga Southern is known for running the ball while ODU's QB Tyler Heineke has been close to unstoppable in the air. He set a record with 730 passing yards vs. New Hampshire.

I expect a high scoring game and all we need is for ODU won win by more than one point on Saturday.

ODU 48-42

Pittsburgh at Baltimore
4:25pm
10* Pittsburgh +8

Hopefully, you can get +7.5 as the Steelers look to bounce back today behind injured QB Ben Roethlingsberger, who has been out for several weeks.

The Steeler run offense has been decent as Jonathan Dwywe has been solid and their defense has be adequate even with injuries to key players like Troy Palumalo.

Baltimore is well coached by John Harbaugh and led by QB Joe Flacco and RB Ray Rice. I think we see Baltimore win but the road team stay within the big number in this rivalry game.

10* Pittsburgh +8

Take the New York Jets -4.5 as our NFL Game Of The Year.

Red Dog Sports is 4-1 in NY Jet games this season. The Arizona Caridnals have had bad luck with QB's lately, as Kevin Kolb did not work out and now Ryan Lindley starts his second NFL game. Arizona must travel to New York to face the Jets in an early 1pm start. Since the Cards are located out west it will seem like 10am to them.

The Cards play the San Francisco 49ers next and will be more focused on a division team than the 4-7 Jets.

NY does have QB Mark Sanchez and they Jets will want to bounce back after a bad home loss to the New England Patriots and Tom Brady.

I think we see NY win by 10 to 14 points.

NYJ 24
Arizona 14

Take the NY Jets -4.5

Alabama vs. Georgia
4pm
pick: Alabama -7'

These teams meet in the Georgia Dome and Saturday. The Crimson Tide travels well and should have plenty of fans. Mark Richt of Georgia is a step below Nick Saban, who has won two national titles. Alabama has a great defense and should be able to contain the Bulldogs.

Alabama's QB AJ McCraron is steady at the helm for the Tide and their running game has several key backs to pound the defense of Georgia and keep their offense off the field.

I think we see Alabama win by 10-14 points.

Al 30
Georgia 14

10* Alabama -7'

Baltimore at San Diego
4pm
San Diego +1

Take the home team to win this late afternoon battle. San Diego won last year 34-14 and should be able to win as a small home underdog, even with Norv Turner at the helm. San Diego is an enigma at times under Philip Rivers but the Chargers do have talent and the Ravens have several key injuries on defense, as Ray Lewis has been out for close to a month.

San Diego wins by 7 points.

San Diego +1 is our 10* for Sunday.

I think Tennessee wins as they are off a bye while Jax has struggled at home being outscored by 31-9 (average) at their own place. Jax did play well vs. Houston last week but lost in OT so it could be a letdown after playing close to 5 quarters while the Titans are rested.

Take Tenn -3 or -4 as I expcet them to win by 10.

Tenn 30
Jax 20

Red Dog Sports

South Carolina at Clemson
7pm Saturday


10* Clemson -3.5

Seen it at -3.5 and -4. Clemson is at home against South Carolina. They are rivals from the same state and the Gamecocks have won the recent battles and come from a better conference. But if you look at the last two road games for USC they lost at Florida 44-11 and lost at LSU by 2 points.

Clemson lost at Florida State earlier in the year but did score 37 points. They were able to beat Va Tech and Ga Tech at home by more than 14 points and have scored 62, 45, 56, 42, 38, 47, 45, 37, 31 and 52 points in their games. They will not be in the ACC title game and this should motivate them against USC who is without running back Marcus Lattimore due to an injury.

Clemson Tigers are led by QB Taj Boyd and WR Sammy Watkins. I like Clemson to win and cover.

10* Clemson -3.5

Take Akron +19 as I expect to see a close game on Tuesday night. Akron's QB Dalton Williams has played well in games but usually ends up losing with the bad defense of the Zips. Toledo is a decent team that can score and give up points.

I think we see a game in the 37-23 range where the Zips stay within the high number.

Akron 23
Toledo 37

10* Akron +19

Take the Steelers +3.5 even without Big Ben. Pittsburgh is 4-0 at home straight up. They have a solid inside/outside running game and even backup QB Byron Leftwich has good size and arm strength. He has been in the league for almost 10 years now mostly as a backup.

Baltimore is without Ray Lewis at MLB and their defense has gotten old. They are a solid home team but I like the Steelers to stay within the number. Baltimore won at home by 23-20 earlier.

Take Pitt +3.5.

Take the underdog.

Dallas is 0-6 ATS at home as Tony Romo seems to relax and play better on the road. Cleveland is an average team but can run the ball with Trent Richardson and should be able to stay within 7 points.

Dallas 27
Cleve 20

Take Cleveland + points

Iowa State at Kansas (college football)
7pm eastern (Saturday)
pick: Kansas +5.5

These two played a 13-10 game last year. Iowa State is 5-5 and aiming to get their 6th win to become bowl eligible. Kansas is just 1-9 but has played decent at home:

lost 21-17 to Texas
lost 20-14 to Okla State
lost 20-6 to TCU
lost 25-24 to Rice

Kansas has a decent running game with James Sims getting over 100 yards in the last 6 games while Pierson had 202 yards at Texas Tech.

Iowa State has won just one of its last 5 games and one reason was the injury to LB Jake Knott. Kansas should be able to run the ball without Knott on the field.

Kansas is coached by Charlie Weis, who was at Notre Dame and was an assistant at New England. Their QB is not very good so let's hope the Jayhawks can run the ball and their defense plays well.

I hope to see a 20-17 type of game. GL!

10* Kansas +5.5

Wake Forest at Notre Dame
3:30 Saturday
10* Wake Forest +24

These two played last year and it was tied 17-17 in the 4th quarter till Notre Dame scored with 9 minutes to go and won 24-17. Wake Forest is 5-5 but they do have an experienced QB named Tanner Price along with receiver Michael Campanero and runner Josh Harris.

Notre Dame is 10-0 and just beat Boston College 21-6. The last home game we won with Pitt +17 as Notre Dame won in overtime by just 3 points after being behind most of the game.

Notre Dame plays USC next and will lokk ahead to facing them. Take Wake Forest +24 as they have a solid coach named Jim Grobe who should get his team motivated for next Saturday.

Wake Forest +24

Toledo has won 7 of 8 games and their only loss was by 7 points. Norhtern Illinois is a tough home team and there should be plenty of points but I like the underdog getting 10 points.

Toledo 32
N ILL 36

10* Toledo +10

Houston should be able to run on the Bears and they only have 6 turnovers so there shouldn't be many easy defensive scores for the Bears as we have seen so far in 2012. Matt Schaub is the Texas QB and he has played well and Andre Johnson is close to 100% and with JJ Watt on defense the Houston team looks stout.

The Bears have Jay Cutler at QB and he should make a mistake they will lead to a loss.

Take Houston in a close game.

These teams are going in different directions as the Detroit Lions are playing much better, Matthew Stafford has been playing well and had some recent 300 yard passing games while the defense has been staedy lately.

Minnesota may be without Percy Harvin due to an injury. QB Christian Ponder started hot but has struggled lately. He is a young NFL QB and needs to get more experience.

I like for the Lions to revenge an earlier loss.

Detroit wins by 7 and covers the small number.

Take under 49.5.

Notre Dame's defense will control the BC offense and I don't think the Irish will explode for too many points. Maybe end up in the mid-40's so take the under.

ND 30
BC 10

Red Dog Sports

Saturday

Navy at Troy
3:30 Saturday

3* Navy (pick'em) (even)

Take Navy on Saturday. Navy has won their last 5 games.They are now 6-3. Troy comes from a small conference and just lost a close game at Tennessee by 55-48. They have a good offense but have lost 3 of 4 games and are 4-5. They will be at home but did lose at Navy last year by 42-14. Their one win was a 1 point win. Navy should be able to run against them.

This is listed as an even game (or pick'em) as of Sunday night.

Take Navy to win. The Navy just beat a confence foe of Troy by 24-17 last week.

Navy 31
Troy 24

FSU at Va Tech
7:30pm
10* Virginia Tech +14

Take the home team. FSU will probably win this game but it is rare to see the Hokies as home underdogs. Frank Beamer is the active winningest coach in college football. FSU on the road:

at USF won by 13
at NCSU lost by 1
at Miami won by 13

They have lost the last two in Blacksburg by 11 and 19 points. Logan Thomas is just an average QB for Va Tech but they should stay within 10 to 12 points and cover.

10* Va Tech +14

Baltimore should be able to defeat the Browns on Sunday by 10 points and cover the small number. The Ravens are off a bad loss at Houston and should be motivated after the bye. They have a good runner in Ray Rice and solid QB in Joe Flacco. Cleveland won 7-6 last year vs. San Diego.

Clevlenad has failed to score over 10 points in games against Baltimore. The Ravens are without Ray Lewis in the middle but do have Suggs back.

Cleve 14
Baltimore 28

over 43.5

Arizona has just one over but they will be forced to pass to stay in the game at Green Bay. I expect the Packers to score close to 30 as Aaron Rodgers has been hot in the last few weeks. Arizona does have John Skelton at QB recently and he has a strong arm and should throw 30-32 times. My guess is me see a 31-17 type of game that goes over.

over 43.5

I like over 50.5. We won our total last week on Navy/ECU over 50 (it dropped to 47.5 due to the rain) and it ended with 84 points scored. The Navy started the year scoring 10 points vs. Notre Dame, 7 at Penn State and 0 vs. San Jose State. That was with Trey Miller at QB. Now they moved Keenan Reynolds to signal caller and they have scored 31, 31 and 56 points in the last three weeks. They get solid running from Gee Gee Greene and many others.

FAU has played Georgia and Alabama so they have faced some good teams. They played a 56-20 (76) game with the Bulldogs. Senior QB Graham Wilbert is decent as he has had 27-41 for 303 yards/2 TD's as well as a 26-40 for 261 yards (4 TD's) in recent games. Jonathan Wallace ran for 101 yards in the last game and Jackson/Fortner have had solid games too.

FAU last 2 games:

Troy 61 points
South Al 62 (before OT)

The weather for Saturday looks to be in the 50's. Hopefully, we see a game in the 50's that goes over.

over 50.5

Virginia Tech is still in the race for the ACC Coastal Division and led by Frank Beamer, who is the active leading in wins at the college level. Logan Thomas has disappointed but Miami is in worse shape. The Hurricanes are at home but have played poorly there except for a late win over NCSU about a month ago.

I think we see the Hokies win by 7 and cover the small number. There won't be many Miami fans in attendance now that the team has been down.

Miami 24
VT 30

L ike SF -7. They are a big road underdog but have a better offense and defense. Coach Harbaugh has his team playing well as they have covered close to 65% of his games as coach of the 49ers. I expect Frank Gore and Alex Smith to play well.

Arizona started well but have lost some recent games.

SF 23-14

10* SF -7

New Orleans has played OVERS this year and we get Manning facing Drew Brees. I think we see close to 60 points in this game with solid oofenses and QB's that will be in the Hall Of Fame.

I think both teams get to 28 for an over.

32-28.

over 54.5

SUNDAY NFL
10* New York Giants -1 (4:25 SUNDAY)
We had a nice winner on Dallas over Carolina. New York won the Super Bowl last year and plays better on the road while Dallas plays better on the road than at home. Eli Manning is the QB for the Giants and he is one of the top 3 in the NFL. Look for the NY Giants to win.

NYG 24
Dallas 20

10* Navy at East Carolina over 50.5 (3:30 SATURDAY)
These two played a 38-35 (73 points) last year and 76-35 (101 points) back in 2010. Last week ECU won 42-35 while Navy and Indiana played a 31-30 score. Navy has just one over and 5 unders but have used a better QB in recent games.

over 50

The weather is expected to be cold and windy on Saturday in Buffalo. The Buffalo game with Piitsburgh ended with less than 30 points scored. Toledo does have a nice offense but I don't expect Buffalo to score many points and the wind will effect the passing game.

I expect this total to drop before the start of the game.

under 59

Take the home team at -3.5. I twas -3 earlier. Cincy has won the last 4 meetings but the Bearcats are off a loss to Toledo in the Glass Bowl. QB Broadwater is solid for the Cards and led to a home win against UNC a month ago.

Look for the home team to continue to win.

LVille 27
Cin 20

Take Wake Forest +12.5

The Deacons are at home and well coached by Jim Grobe. They only lost by a field goal at Clmson last year. They have a solid QB in Tanner Price and runner in Josh Harris. Clemson is great at home and led by QB Taj Boyd.

I like Clemson by 7 to 10 points.

10* WF +12.5

These two played over 45 last year and both upgraded on offense with the additions of Andrew Luck to the Colts and Brandon Wheedeon for the Browns. Richardson may not be able to run for the Browns but they have a solid backup. The game will be on the fast turf in Indianapolis (RCA Dome) and weather won't be a factor in the dome.

I think we see both teams in the mid-20's and close to 50 points scored.

Cleve 21
Indy 28

over 45

Tony Romo and the Dallas Cowboys play better on the road than at home. The Boys won at the New York Giants to open the season and covered last week at Baltimore 31-29 (+3.5).

Cam Newton has struggled this year. They were able to cover with him last year but he has many turnovers.

Dallas has better offense, defense and special teams.

Dallas -1

UNC at Duke
7:00pm Oct. 20, 2012
10* Duke +10.5

These two are located just 10 miles apart in the middle of North Carolina. UNC is a better team with a better defense but Duke is at home and they have a solid QB in Sean Renefree. These teams are known lately for having the home team cover.

Duke games are 10-1-1 ATS for the host while UNC is 10-1 ATS in its last 11. Duke is at home in Wallace Wade Stadium and they hope to become bowl eligible with another win after blowing a 20-0 lead at Va Tech.

Duke may have to wait till they play Miami in the finale since their schedule includes some tough teams in the next few weeks.

UNC does have a good offense led by Bryn Renner and running back Gio Bernard. Larry Fedora is an offensive coach.

My guess is we see a 31-27 type of score.

10* Duke +10.5

Georgia tech should run all over BC. Army ran for close to 350 yards a few weeks ago. Paul Johnson's team can run with the best of them and they need a win to go to a bowl. They just let go of Al Groh, who coached the defense. I expect to see a win by 21 points.

GT 45
BC 21

Wisconsin is at home and running the ball well with Montae Bell. Minny just lost by 18 at Iowa. I think we see the home team get rolling and win by 21 and cover the big number of 17

Wisc 35
Minn 14

Take the home underdog getting more than a touchdown on Thursday night. Oregon has just one road game and thy must travel south to play at ASU. My guess is we see a high score in the 60's.

Oregon 34
ASU 30

Take ASU + points

Take San Diego at home. The Chargers are off a loss at New Orleans last week and should bounce back at home. Denver does have Peyton Manning at QB but home field with Philip Rivers should be enough for the Chargers and their defense and running game.

I am not fond of Charger coach Norv Turner but like them anyway.

San Diego wins by 3 to 7 points.

10* SD Chargers

Take over 48.

This game will be inside the dome so the wind/rain won't effect the passes. Matt Ryan is a top QB and he has Julio Jones to pass to and Michael Turner can pick up yards on the ground. Neither team has a strong defense.

The Oakland Raiders can allow points and can score with carson Palmer at the helm. I think we see 50+ on Sunday.

My guess is 34-20.

over 48

Dallas at Baltimore
1pm
8* Dallas +3.5

Dallas is off a bye and they are 7-1 ATS off a break. The underdog is 9-2 ATS in Baltimore games and 22-4-1 ATS in Dallas games. Dallas just lost at home to Chicago but was able to win at the NY Giants to open the year.

The Ravens are tough at home led by Ray Rice and QB Joe Flacco but their defense is getting old and giving up some yards.

Tony Romo should bounce back after a poor game at home vs. the Bears.

8* Take Dallas +3.5.

Take Miss State as they are home with the better defense. UT is off a 51-44 game at Georgia. MSU is 5-0 and played a weak schedule but their fans should help motivate the Bulldogs tonight. UT's Tyler Bray is a solid QB but the Vols struggle to run and that should be the difference.

Tenn 21
Miss St 28

Miss State -3

UNC at Miami
2:30pm eastern (Oct. 13, 2012)
over 68.5

There is a 50% chance of rain so the total may go down as it did in the Wake Forest/Duke game a few weeks ago. This is a high total and we will need both teams to score points on Saturday. Miami is off a 41-3 loss at Notre Dame so they should be happy to return home and face an average UNC defense. Miami did beat NC State 44-37 (81 points) at home as Stephen Morris had 566 passing yards. He also had 436 against Ga Tech is a 42-36 OT game. They also had a 41-32 (73) game vs. Boston College.

UNC plays fast paced under Larry Fedora. Bryn Renner is a solid QB and Giovani Bernard is a good runner who has missed action this year due to injury. UNC has two shutouts at home vs. Idaho and Elon. They played last week vs. Va Tech and won 48-34 (82 points). The UNC game at Louisville was 39-34 (73) and the Tar Heels had a chance to score late from inside the 5.

I think we can get to 70+ on Saturday and hope the rain stays away. GL!

over 68.5

Troy is a good home team but it is hard to go against how well Western Ky has played the last two years ATS. They went into Alabama and stayed within the large number and I think they can win by 3 to 7 points in this weekday game.

Take the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers!

Houston at NY Jets
8:25pm
5* NY Jets +9

Take the Jets at home +8 vs. Houston. I think Mark Sanchez and Tim Tebow will figure out a way to shine on Monday Night Football. Rex Ryan can motivate the team after a bad loss last week to San Francisco.

The Houston Texanas are a solid team led by Matt Schuab, out of Virginia. Coach Gary Kubiak has the team playing well on offense and defense as Arian Foster has plenty of skills.

Take the Jets:

NYJ 20
Houston 24

5* NYJ +9

Take NO -3

I like for New Orleans and cover the small number at home. QB Drew Brees and will want to do well. SD is led by Philip Rivers and is 3-1 but lost to Atlanta by 3 TD's at home.

The Chargers' running game is average as Ryan Matthews tends to fumble and the Saints are 0-4 and most likely out of the playoffs but should put up enought points to win.

SD 24
NO 31

I like over 50.5 as the Redskins have played overs in 9 of the last 11. RG3 is Washington's QB and he can run as well as pass for points. Matt Ryan has been solid for the Falcons as they are undefeated and won 30-28 last week.

The Redskins defense is a little overrated and so is the Falcons' defense against the pass and run.

I think we see between 55 and 60 points on Sunday. My guess is 31-27 for 58 points.

Over 50.5

FSU wnet to USF last week and did not cover. They now head to NC State and play the Wolfpack in Raleigh. NCSU is 7-2-1 ATS in the last 10 meetings. They used to play well under Chuck Amato but Coach O'Brien has been steady against the Noles and they have QB Glennon who can keep the chains moving. The crowd will be pro-NC State.

EJ Manuel has played well and should be able to produce points but getting 17 on the road is my play.

NC State +17

ECU is 3-2 and won at Southern Miss and beat UTEP at home is Conference play. CFU is lead by George O'Leary and the Knights have a decent defense but are a little weak on offense.

My guess is we see a game in the 24-20 range.

Take ECU plus the points

Chicago at Dallas
8:20pm

10* Dallas -3

Take the home team as you can get Dallas -3. If it moves to 3.5 buy the 1/2 point.

Dallas lost at Seattle and so did Green Bay so that is not a bad loss. Tony Romo helped the Cowboys win 16-10 vs. Tampa Bay and should be comfortable being home again vs. the Bears. Chicago lost at the Packers and now must go to Dallas who should be focused. Jay Cutler has been controversial for the Bears at QB. He has talent but other players are not confident with him.

Look for Dallas to win by 7 to 10 points and cover.

Take over 44.5

The Bengals can score and give up points as they are led by Andy Dalton and receiver AJ Green. They were in a recent shootout with the Redskins.

Jax has struggled lately but does have Maurice Jones Drew on offense and did play a 49 point game with Minnesota.

Take over 44.5.

I like SF to win this game as they have done well bouncing back from losses in the past under Jim Harbaugh. They have a great defense, a decent QB with Alex Smith and RB Frank Gore. The Jets played poorly but won against the Miami Dolphins. We are 2-0 in NYJ games so far. QB Mark Sanchez has been shaky and Tim Tebow hasn't added much. Darrelle Revis is injured and out.

SF 20
NYJ 14

Take San Francisco

Both teams can score points. Arkansas State opened the year at Oregon where they covered and score in the 30's as both reached 100 together. They have a solid QB and passing game.

WKY is a covering machine with 12 covers in a ro and good offense as well. Look for a game with both near 30 and over.

over 57.5

Duke at Wake Forest
12:30pm EDT Saturday
over 59

These two have played overs in 4 of the last 5 meetings. The last time they played at WF the score was 54-48 (102 points!). Last year's game stayed under 60 as it ended 24-23. The last 5 meetings have reached 47, 102, 79, 63 and 77 points. Last week, Wake played Army, a team that is known for running the ball and they only threw 6 times. Now they face a passing team. Wake did beat Army 49-37 and had Josh Harris and Martin both run for 100+ yards.

In Duke games so far in 2012, the winner has reached 38, 54, 50 and 46 points. WF has just 2 turnovers while the Blue Devils have 10, including several interceptions for TD's (pick 6). Both teams have experienced QB's (Tanner Price/Sean Renfree). Wake's receiver Michael Campanaro had 12 catches for 153 yards last week and he had similar numbers vs. UNC at home. Wake's nose tackle/guard Nakita Whitlock missed the last two games and is ??? for Saturday.

Wake Forest coach Jim Grobe comments on the game:

On Duke's offense and defense...
"I think we're going to have to score a lot of points. These guys are really good offensively, but the thing that's got my attention is how much they dominated Memphis from the defensive side of the ball. I don't think Memphis had close to 200 yards offense last week. This is not a one-dimensional football team. Coach Cutcliffe and his offense have been known to put up points and lots of yards on everybody, but this is a much-improved Duke defense. We've got to play well on both sides of the football."


On redshirt junior Nikita Whitlock's status for Saturday...
"Nikita's biggest problem is he's been out for a while. It's going to be hard for him to come back (this week). (With) those high ankle sprains, you get to where you feel good walking to class but you get to pushing against people, especially in his position going against guys who are 300-plus pounds, (and it) makes it a little bit tougher. Quite frankly, I have my doubts about him playing, or playing well, or playing a lot this Saturday. But we'll see, you never know."

Hopefully, we have good weather and both teams can produce points. I won't be shocked by a 31-24 score but think we see both get close to 30 and over 60 points.

Duke/Wake Forest
over 59.5

Take Green Bay on the road. I think they will relax and jump ahead the way New England did last night. Seattle is tough at home but we get rookie QB Russell Wilson vs. MVP Aaron Rodgers.

Green Bay has to focus on the running game and get Cedric Benson and others involved.

GB 24
Seattle 17

Take Minnesota +7.

SF is 2-0 after playing two marquee teams. They won at Green Bay by a touchdown and won at home against Detroit by a TD. They are led by QB Alex Smith who has improved greatly and the running of Frank Gore. WR's Mario Manningham and Michael Crabtree are good too. And coach Harbaugh has turned the franchise around.

Minnesota is 1-1 with a win and loss by a field goal (won over Jax at home and lost at Indy). QB Christian Ponder has played well and they have a good RB in Adrian Peterson. Toby Gerhart gets a few carries and Percy Harvin can give the opponent headaches with his running and catching abilities. Let's look at the last 9 home games for the Vikings:

won 3 Jax
lost 4 TB
lost 3 Detroit
won 24 Ariz
lost 6 GB
lost 6 Oak
lost 3 Den
lost 22 NO
lost 4 Chicago

Several losses but they have lost only one game badly and that was against the high powered Saints' offense. Let's look at the 49ers road games:

won 8 at GB
won 5 at Cin
won 1 at Phil
won 6 at Det
won 8 at Wash
lost 10 at Balt
lost 2 at Ariz
won 2 at Seattle
won 7 at STL

Their largest road win in their last 9 over the last two years was by 8 points.

The SF 49ers are now the Super Bowl favorites (along with Houston, Green Bay and New England) but things change in the NFL on a weekly basis. Dallas won at New York but was blown out at Seattle. The Patriots lost as big home favorites to Arizona.

I like for the Minnesota Vikings to stay within a touchdown as a home underdog on Sunday.

Minnesota +7

Florida Atlantic at Alabama
5pm EDT (Saturday)
FAU +50

Alabama is #1 in the country and just won at Arkansas. They have shut out the last two opponents. FAU played several good teams (like Michigan State) last year and played at Georgia two weeks ago and lost 51-20. FAU was tied 14-14 against Georgia and won the TOP (time of possession) by several minutes, meaning that they were able to run the ball.

FAU does have a senior QB named Wilbert and some decent runners. Hopefully, FAU can score an early TD or maybe get one late in the 4th quarter against Nick Saban's great defense.

It is possible we can win +49.5 with the Crimson Tide winning by 48-0 or maybe a score of 51-7. I won't be shocked by a 54-0 score but think we have a decent chance for the visitor to cover the +49.5.

FAU +50

Virginia +18 (12 noon SATURDAY)
Virginia is a big underdog at TCU. They just played Georgia Tech and lost badly so they should be motivated to bounce back. They did beat Penn State at home two weeks ago so they are used to playing good teams. TCU has played Grambling and Kansas. They are 2-0 but haven't faced solid teams. TCU plays SMU next week and they lost to them recently so they may look ahead to facing them. Virginia did play well last year on the road at Miami, UNC and Florida State.

Take Virginia +18.

Baylor will be playing their first road game after playing two fairly weak teams at home. They are without Robert Griffin III, who is with the Redskins now.

ULM won vs. Arkansas two weeks ago and lost to Auburn in OT last week.
Their QB Kolton Browning has a strong left arm as well as solid running ability. RB Jyruss Adams can run to daylight and they are well coached too.

This should be a high scoring game and my guess is 34-31.

Take ULM +7.5.

Take BYU as a touchdown underdog on Thursday night. The Cougars lost last week after falling behind at Utah. QB Riley was outplayed by the young signal caller for the Utes. I expect a more motivated team this week.

Boise State lost QB Kellen Moore last year and they already have a loss at Michigan State. I expect them to stay within a touchdown with their solid defense. Their defensive line, linebackers and secondary are very good.

My guess is a 24-21 final score.

Take SF as they are the better team and played great last week. They will be on soft grass and not indoor turf of Detroit's home field. The Lions have a slow QB who should be sacked several times and the 49ers have a solid running game with Frank Gore and Alex Smith has improved greatly.

SF by 11 and a cover.

I like KC with Charles and Peyton Hillis running the ball. QB Matt Cassel should play well this week. Atlanta jumped ahead last week and the Chiefs don't have an offense for that.

The Bills beat KC 41-7 last year so the Chiefs should be motivated to stop average QB Ryan Fitzpatrick.

Look for KC to win by 3 but take the points.

KC + 3

Ohio at Marshall
6:30pm
Under 68.5

These two played a 44-7 game last year and the total was set at 47.5. Ohio has played at PSU and won 24-14 (38) and a blowout at home vs. a weak team. They are led by QB Tyler Tettleton and rb Blankenship. Only 2 of their 14 games went over this 68.5 last year. They did get to 71 and 75.

Marshall is a good home team with a nice following. They have scored plenty of points with WV at Morgantown giving up 69 but WV put up over 70 on Clemson last year. They just played weak Western Carolina at home and smashed them. Now they play a team that is favored by 6 so there shouldn't be a team to run away and hide.

Cato is a good QB and leads in completions since they were behind at WV. The last few years have seen 51, 47, 38, 29, 28 and 45 points scored in this matchup. 68.5 is a lot of points. I think we see low 60's and under.

Take Wake Forest +24.5

WF beat FSU 35-30 last year at home. They still have key players in QB Tanner Price, running back Josh Harris and back/receiver Michael Cabanero, who had 14 catches for over 150 yards.

FSU has just played some weak teams and now get into ACC play after beating teams badly like Savannah State.

FSU did win 31-0 in 2010 with Ponder and EJ Manuel at QB.

I think Wake stays within 21 points. My guess is 38-17.

Take Wake Forest +24.5

I like Baltimore to win by 12 14 and cover since they are at home and play great defense and have an experienced QB in Joe Flacco. The Bengals did well last year but this will be one of the best teams on the schedule and QB Andy Dalton is slightly injured and won't be 100%.

The bengals ahve a decent defense but this will be on the road.

Cin 10
Balt 24

I like the under in this game. 46 is a high total for the first game of the season and the marquee game set for Sunday night with Peyton Manning making a return after sitting out last year with the Colts and moving to Denver.

The Steelers have played their share of overs at home at Heinz Field but now they head to the Mile High City and the thin air.

I like a game in the low 40's for an under.

under 46

I think we see a score in the 31-14 range that goes over. It should be warm in Chicago to start the year and the two QB's look to be Jay Cutler and Andrew Luck. With some "luck" both teams should be able to score and get an over in Game One!

Chi 31
Ind 14

Over 41

Buffalo at NY Jets
Sunday (Sept. 9, 2012)
NY Jets -2.5

I like the Jets at home and some -2.5's are available. The Jets and Bills both struggled in the preseason but the Jets were able to score 28 and 27 points in the two meetings last year.

The Jets were 6-2 at home last year as their losses were to the two Super Bowl teams (NYG/NE) and here were the wins:

beat Dallas by 3
beat Jax by 29
beat Miami by 18
beat SD by 6
beat buffalo by 4
beat KC by 27

Last year, the Jets were #5 in defense while the Buffalo Bills were #26. The Bills are 3-14 straight up on the road in the last 17 games. The Jets should come up with some surprises on Sunday after scoring just one touchdown in 4 preseason games. Don't worry too much about those games. This one counts.

The Bills did open with a win at Kansas City last year and beat Tebow's Denver team in Buffalo last year. This is the home opener for the Jets and a division game so it will be important. I expect the Jets to win by 3 or more and cover the small number.

New York Jets -2.5

Western Kentucky at Alabama
Saturday (Sept. 8, 2012)
pick: WKY +40

Western Kentucky just won at home as a 30-point favorite and now they go play Alabama on Saturday and they are 40-point underdogs. WKY went the whole game without punting in their blowout over Austin Peay. The Hilltoppers did play at LSU last year and lost 42-9 but covered the +41.5.

Last year, they had a good running back Bobby Rainey, but he has graduated. They now use Leon Allen and he played well on Saturday. QB Kuwuan Jakes played last year and was on the field when they lost in Baton Rogue to the LSU Tigers. He should be better prepared to face a similar SEC team this week. WKY also has Antonio Andrews as a wide receiver who returns kicks. He did score a long touchdown on Saturday.

Alabama just played Michigan and won 41-14 on a neutral field in Dallas. They won the national title last year under coach Nick Saban and they may look ahead to playing conference foe Arkansas next week. They may rest players after jumping ahead early and allow a backdoor cover.

The Crimson Tide did win games last year by 48-7 (Kent), 41-0 (North Texas), 34-0 (Vanderbilt) and 45-21 (Ga Southern).

Western Kentucky should be able to score a few points with their offense. I won't be shocked by a 45-0 loss but my guess is 42-10.

Western Kentucky +40

The USC QB will probably not play and won't be 100%. This game will be at Columbia, SC and be close to 90 at game time. ECU's defense is much better than previous years under Ruffin McNeal. Steve Spurrier coaches the Gamecocks and should be able to run so they will spend time on the ground.

ECU's Rio Johnson will play his first road game and struggle passing and not try to throw interceptions.

I think we see under 51.5 on Saturday. My guess is 31-17 for 48 points.

10* Take under 51.5

Ga Tech at Va Tech
8pm
10* Ga Tech +7.5

The line is +7.5. These two have been separated by 11, 7 and 4 points in the last 3 years. It was a high scoring game in the 60's last year (37-26). The total is set for 48 so they are expecting a 27-20 type of game.

VT is at home and will have a sell out crowd there at Lane Stadium but Paul Johnson's team has had all summer to plan special running plays and passes to surprise Frank Beamer's team.

It seems that Virginia Tech has had a history of slow starts. All it takes is a missed tackle and the Yellow Jackets have a touchdown.

I do expect to see Virginia Tech win but I like the points if you can get +7.5.

My guess is 27-24.

10* Georgia Tech +7.5

This is a rivalry game within the Bluegrass State. The last 3 meetings have been within a touchdown and it is an SEC team facing a Big East team. This is expected to be a low scoring game and I think we see a 27-17 type of score.

LVille 27
Ky 17

Take Ky + 13

Arkansas St. at Oregon
Saturday Sept. 1, 2012
over 67.5 (Olympic)
4/10

Chip Kelly's Oregon team will be playing their home opener against Arkansas State, who is coached by former Auburn whiz Gus Malzahn. He was at Auburn with Cam Newton. The Red Wolves were able to score 53, 45, 45 and 39 points in games last year and had the #22 ranked offense (under last year's coach Hugh Freeze who left for Ole Miss.)

Oregon's opener last year was a 40-27 loss to LSU. Their home opener with Nevada ended 69-20 (89 points). Some other scores:

56-31 Arizona
43-28 Wash State
53-30 Stanford
38-35 USC

Others were 49-21, 49-31 and 45-38. Their home opener in 2011 was 72-0 over NMSU.

This total opened at 66 and have moved to 67.5 at Olympic (and 68 at others). The long range weather forecast is for just a 10% chance of rain. Surely, this total would drop quickly if the weather was really bad. It does concern me that this is the opener and it may take some time for the teams to warm up. Also, it is possible that Arkansas State will stumble badly vs. a big name team but they should put up some points. Oregon could pass this total by themselves on a good night.

Oregon has played 22 overs, 5 unders and 1 push in the last 28 home games and 24 overs, 8 unders, 2 pushes in the last 34 September games.

I expect this over/under to get to 70+ by game time. Hopefully, we see a score in the 60-17 range for 77 points. GL!

Arkansas State vs. Oregon
over 67.5

Michigan State is a tough defensive team in the Big Ten. They won at home last year by 22, 44, 38, 14, 6 and 7 points. They face a great program in Boise State but the Broncos have to replace several starters including QB Kellen Moore.

BSU has defeated some solid teams like Va Tech in openers in recent years but this should be a nice win for the home team.

MSU wins by 10-14 points and covers.

UNDER 54

It was 55 last week but I still like the under. These two played a low scoring Super Bowl a few years ago that had 31 points and earlier got to 44 points as all the points were in the 2nd half.

Look for more running than you would think and some early punts.

Take UNDER!

The last game was 55-41 as these teams play no defense as they don't allow blitzing. 3 of the last 4 pro bowls have gone over this number which is high at 72. NE and the NYG players will not be there but there should be lots of fireworks!

over 72

NE is tough at home and face the Ravens on their home field. I like the Pats to score in the 30 range with their tight ends and Wes Welker. The Ravens were at home earlier vs. Houston.

NE wins by 10 to 14 and covers!

Look for the West to prevail in this game by 3 to 7 points.

My pick:

West 27
East 20

Take the West and GL!

Look for Drew Brees and company to play well and win by 7. The QB edge goes to NO as Alex Smith is just an average signal caller for the 49ers.

Harbaugh has done a solid job for SF but the Saints have been there before.

NO -3

I thinkAlabama bounces bak and wins on Monday. Les Miles is a good coach but I think Nick Saban is better. I like Richardson to run for over 100 yards and for the Tide to win by 4.

AL 21
LSU 17

Pittsburgh is used to playing playoff games. They have a solid coach, defense, special teams and QB Ben Rothlensberger. Big Ben won't be 100% be he is smart and even batch would create problems for Denver who will struggle to score. I like the Steelers to win by 10+ and cover this number!

Arkansas is from the SEC which is the best college football conference and has been for almost 5 years. KSU lost to Texas A&M badly on this field. The Razorbacks are used to playing LSU, Auburn and Alabama in their conference and their QB makes smart decisions and helped us win our regular season GOY easily over Miss State back in November.

Take Arkansas

Look for Frank Beamer's team to play well being an underdog. The Hokies have not played well in bowl games in the past but Michigan depends so much on Dennard Robinson that Va Tech will focus on him and use their skills on special teams to cover.

The Biants won earlier at Dallas after falling behind early. Tony Romo sat most of the Eagles game at home. New York hasn't played great at home but did beat the Jets in their last game. I think Eli Manning steps up and leads the G-Men to the win and cover.

Go with the team from the better conference. Mike London did a nice job with UVA but the Tigers have more depth and should win this by 7 to 10 points and cover the small spread.

Auburn 27
UVA 17

Look for Iowa under coach Kirk Ferentz to saty within two touchdowns of OU. They play smart and good defense. Their QB makes few mistakes and they should control it so Landry Jones doens't go wild on offense.

Take Iowa +14.

Going against the Heisman in this pick as the team with the award winner seems to lose their bowl game. Washington is a 10 point underdog and I like the dogs before January 1 bowls. Take the Huskies.

NCSU QB Gleenon has played well lately. The NCSU Wolfpack will have more fans at this game and it should help motivate them as they are 3-1 ATS in the last 4 bowl games.

NCSU wins by 10 and covers easily.

Go with the underdog as they will be more interested in this game than TCU who has battled Boise State lately in their bolw games. TCU is more talented but take the points.

Look for SF to win and cover as SF is coached by one Harbaugh brother and he will be doing his brother (of Baltimore) a favor with a win. Big Ben is injured and won't be 100%. SF has shown to be a tough home team. SF 49ers by 7 to 10 and a cover.

Both teams can score points. I think we see a game in the 31-28 range that gets to 50+. Oakland can run and Detroit's Matthew Stafford has done well in the passing game. Take the over on Sunday.

I like the Bears at home as they are still in the hunt for the playoffs and the Seahawks are off a MOnday night game. The Bears lost a close 3 point game at Denver last week and I think they bounce back and win by 7 or more.

Chi 24
Seattle 16

I like Ohio to win this game with their coaching, defense, running game and special teams. It should be close but the Bobcats look to win it late. My guess is Ohio by 5 points.

Take the underdog plus +1.5

Look for a game in the 17-14 range that stays under. Denver runs the ball to use up clock with Tebow and McGahee. Chi and Denver both have good defenses.

Take the under today!

Atlanta has scored 31 points vs. Carolina in the last 3 meetings. Their QB is Matt Ryan and he has more experience than Cam Newton who had 3 int's and 0 TD's in Carolina's 31-17 loss last month. Take Atlanta as our GOM!

Army just lost to Temple, Rutgers and Air Force by more than 10 points and they are wearing down. Navy is not as good as previous years but has handled Army by 14, 14, 34, 35, 12 and 19 points in the last 6 meetings. It has been one sided but they might not mention this when they promote the two service academies.

Navy 30
Army 14

Take the under as Jax has the 5th best defense in the NFL and the Chargers' QB Philip Rivers has struggled. Look for a game below 40 points tonight and under.

NY Jets have overs in 23 of the last 32 games as they allow more points than you would expect. Redskins have overs in last 2 and are able to run the ball and Grossman is a decent passer. I think both get to 20 and see a game in the 40's and an over.

Pittsburgh already won at Cincy 3 weeks ago by 7 points. Rookie QB Andy Dalton has done well as the Bengal signal caller but the Steelers will be prepared as they just had a bye week while Cincy played Pitt, Baltimore and Cleveland, all division team and are banged up. The Bengals have lost to 4 winning teams and their schedule has been weak as the record for their wins agianst teams is just 16-39.

I like Pittsbugh by 14.