Manu’s Week 3 NFL picks

Still riding those Niners

Tom Brady looks to rebound after a stunning loss last week.  

Wagering on the National Football League is already a daunting task. 

Odds makers compile hours of research and analysis to ensure that all of their angles have been covered.

This season however, with regular referees holding out due to contractual issues with the league, replacement referees are in.

With these substitute referees on the field, there have been more defensive pass interference calls than ever, scoring is up, and pace of play is slower than ever. Advantage: Offence.

Without further adieu, your week 3 picks with odds from Pro Line.

Home team in CAPS.

San Francisco (-8.5) over MINNESOTA

The spread that Pro Line provides here is 1.5 points higher than what is offered online and in Las Vegas. I am not concerned. I have been riding the 49ers all season and will continue to do so this week. The Vikings are 0-4 against the spread (ATS) in their last four games at home, and the 49ers are 4-0 ATS in their last four games. Adrian Peterson will struggle to produce against this stingy Niners defence, forcing Christian Ponder to throw more than usual. I don’t think this game will be close, putting up points against this defence will be very tough.

Detroit (-4.5) over TENNESSEE

Matthew Stafford has a QB rating of 73.2 after the first two games. He has thrown four interceptions and looked mediocre at best this season. He does not look like the same guy who threw for 5038 yards and 41 touchdowns just a season ago. I expect a bounce back this week for the Lions. Going up against the Titans will definitely help, this team is bad. They have scored 23 points this season, total. Chris Johnson has 21 yards on 19 carries. Lets move on.

New England (+3) over BALTIMORE

A potential AFC Championship preview here on Sunday night. New England almost stole the game against the sneaky good Cardinals after rookie Ryan Williams fumbled in the final minute. The Patriots missed a chip shot field goal and eliminated about 87% of all participants in survivor pools world-wide.  

The Ravens also lost a nail biter to the Eagles, Joe Flacco regressed after a strong week one, just adding to the complexity that is Joe Flacco. These two teams notoriously play in close games where the game is usually decided by a last minute field goal. Their last two meetings ended in identical fashion, 23-20 for the Patriots. The loss of Aaron Hernandez will be a tough pill to swallow, but getting points with New England doesn’t happen very often, I will jump on with Brady and Co.

SEATTLE (+4.5) over Green Bay

Home field can be more advantageous for certain teams. The Seahawks are a different team when they play at CenturyLink Field. They have won their last five Monday night football games at home in convincing fashion, (2005 Won 42-0 over Eagles, 2006 16-0 over Raiders, 2006 34-24 over Packers, 2007 24-0 over 49ers and 2011 30-13 over St. Louis). Three shutouts!

I know the Packers are a perennial Super Bowl contender, but they are also ranked 26th against the run this season. Look for Marshawn Lynch to have a good night as the Seahawks win outright.

 Last Week (2-2-1)

This Season (4-5-1)

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About this article

By: Manu Mand
Posted: Sep 21 2012 4:29 pm
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Filed under: Football Sports
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