Broncos

Posted by Vegas Martin in NFL Picks on September 7th, 2008 | Comment »

Tomorrow, we’re treated to 2 Monday Night games. It was a great Sunday and I’m not particularly fond of either game. I finished up 13 units on my personal players and my picks went 10-3 straight up and 9-4 against the spread. I’m going to put 2 units on the Packers and 1 unit on the Raiders (with the points) to make things interesting.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS @ GREEN BAY PACKERS -2

I like the Packers more since they’re at home. Despite how great Adrian Peterson is, the Packers have more offensive weapons. I like what I saw from Aaron Rodgers this preseason, they have a talented back who can both run and catch the ball out of the backfield (which will be key if the Vikings start stuffing the run), they have 3 outstanding receivers in Donald Driver, Greg Jennings, and James Jones. Offensively, I give a slight edge to the Packers. Both teams have strong defenses. The Vikings were ranked 1st against the run last season, but 32nd against the pass. The Vikings then traded for the Chief’s sack-machine Jared Allen. That should help the Vikings passing defense tremendously. The Vikings will be facing a defense that was 11th against the pass and 14th against the run, but 6th in points allowed. The Vikings were ranked 12th in points allowed. The Packers have the edge on defense, but I think the addition of Jared Allen will be huge for the Vikings. With the Packers at home and with the edge on offense and defense, I give them the nod. I’ll put 2 units on the Packers. The Packers did a great job containing Adrian Peterson last season, so I’m not overly concerned about him, and you can count on Tavaris Jackson making a few mistakes.

Prediction — Packers 23 – Vikings 17

Pick Against the Spread: Green Bay -2 — Confidence 3/5
Pick Straight-Up: Green Bay — Confidence 3/5

DENVER BRONCOS -3 @ OAKLAND RAIDERS

I think the Raiders are one of the teams that have improved tremendously from last season. Their DEs and secondary are very solid, especially after the acquisition of Giant’s S Gibril Wilson and DeAngelo Hall. Last season, Oakland’s defense was ranked 24th and the Broncos were ranked 26th. The games between these two teams last year were crazy. In week 2, the Raiders defeated the Broncos 23-20 in overtime and in Denver. The Broncos then got the best of the Raiders week 13 in Oakland, winning by a score of 34-20. I’m extremely concerned with Denver’s run defense — they were ranked 30th last year. With Justin Fargas, who is very good but relatively unknown back, and Darren McFadden, the Raiders may be able to run all over the Denver defense. Their rushing offense was ranked 6th last season and that was without Darren McFadden. With the night game in the black hole, I like the Raiders and the points in this one. I’m not, however, ready to put too much of my money on them just yet, so I’ll just bet 1 unit on them. I’m slightly worried about the damage Jay Cutler can do, but he’ll be without his primary receiving threat Brandon Marshall due to a suspension.

Prediction — Raiders 24 – Broncos 20

Pick Against the Spread: Oakland +3 — Confidence 2/5
Pick Straight-Up: Oakland — Confidence 2/5