So last week saw me suffering a lot of close losses, with the overall result being 3-2 in the NFL and 1-3 in the colleges. The Boilermakers and Vikings were my best bets and both won. This week has a better slate of games to bet, with my first 4-star selections of the season.

So far, the NFL has gotten off to great start, as they have had a lot of marquee matchups, especially the big Sunday Night Game. This week the 2 top teams in the NFC battle in Chicago on NBC. Last Monday Night, the Saints victory was really a magical sports event. Coach Sean Payton has such a good gameplan for New Orleans that he should be hired as the new director of FEMA.

The Falcons just signed kicker 46 year-old kicker, Morten Anderson. Part of his contract stipulates that the team pre-game meals will be at the Cracker Barrel. Hopefully to help him communicate with his teammates there was a miracle ear installed in his helmet.

It will be interesting to see how the Eagles bounce back from their bye week, considering that they were up 24-7 going into the 4th quarter and still lost. They were stumbling around at the end of game like Mel Gibson taking a field sobriety test.

College Picks

4 star Arizona St.(-1.5) Oregon
4 star Syracuse(-4.5) Wyoming
3 star Iowa(7.5) Ohio St.
3 star Colorado(+16) Missouri
2 star Washington St.(+17) USC

The Sun Devils were embarassed last week at Cal. They are a much better home team, while Oregon is very lucky to have the record they have. ASU has to win this game or Coach Dirk might be looking for a new gig.
I'm not a fan of Syracuse's Coach Robinson, but it does appear that they have turned the corner. With a 10AM start for the Cowboys, plus playing in a dome, I like the Orangemen to win fairly easily.
While everyone was touting the Buckeyes/Longhorns rematch as the big game on the schedule for Ohio State, this was the one I was waiting for. As a Hawkeye grad I can't claim to be impartial, but I think they have an even chance to win at home. Iowa has won 25 of their last 26 home games. Should be an electric atmosphere.
Colorado almost beat Georgia in Athens last week, so I think they can cover the number here, as Coach Hawkins' system is starting to gell with the Buffs.
The Trojans have struggled recently up in Pullman. I would have made this a higher rated selection, but the weather is supposed to be pretty moderate, which does favor the Trojans. With star receiver Jarrett out, I think USC will win in the 10-14 point territory.

NFL Picks

4 star New England(+6) Cincinnati
3 star San Diego(-2) Baltimore
3 star Detroit(+6) St. Louis
2 star Green Bay(+11.5) Philadelphia
2 star Indy(-9) NY Jets

Cincinnati was very lucky to win last week versus the Steelers. I think the Patriots are a step below past teams, but I love the bounce back against a flawed Bengals squad.
Another overrated team is the Ravens. The idea that Steve McNair has changed the mental outlook of the team is interesting, because Kyle Boller production was better than McNair's at this point. If Rivers doesn't lose the game......
The Lions are not as bad as they've shown over the past 2 weeks, while the Rams were given the game in Arizona, last week. It should be close.
I usually have a better reason than a premonition, but I just see Favre keeping the game close in Philly.
Indy is a far superior team on both sides of the ball. New coach Mangini and a rejuvenated Chad Pennington have the Jets playing above their heads, but this week they get spanked.