NFL Best Bets

By Chris Palochko, SportsTicker
(Home teams in caps):

1. (Best Bet) San Diego (-4 1/2) over GREEN BAY - After facing Chicago and New England in the first weeks, San Diego gets a break this week. Don't look too far into the Packers' wins over Philadelphia and the New York Giants. This week is an entirely different level. Factor in an angry San Diego team going against a mediocre NFC team.
PICK: San Diego, 27-13

2. PHILADELPHIA vs. Detroit (Over 44) - The Eagles have been inept offensively in their first two games, managing a mere one touchdown. But they did show a bit of life in the fourth quarter of last week's game against Washington. Speedy running back Brian Westbrook, who nursing a strained knee, is expected to play. While they do feature a potent offensive attack, the Lions still are below average defensively which should help the Eagles. Take into account the Eagles are banged up in the secondary with cornerback Lito Sheppard, free safety Brian Dawkins and strong safety Sean Considine all nursing injuries.
PICK: Philadelphia, 31-20

3. St. Louis (+3 1/2) over TAMPA BAY - The Rams enter having opened the season with consecutive losses at home. They have been unable to finish, dropping both games after leading in the second half. Tampa Bay is coming off an impressive home win over New Orleans. Do the Bucs have another big effort in them? Umm, nope.
PICK: St. Louis, 20-17

4. CHICAGO (-3) over Dallas - Picking the Bears is not an easy thing, especially with the erratic Rex Grossman at quarterback. But, it's something which I will do anyway. The Cowboys have been impressive, scoring a combined 82 points in wins over the New York Giants and Miami. However, the Giants and Dolphins may be two of the NFL's worst teams. Another case where the Cowboys are stepping up to a level which they might not be ready for.
PICK: BEARS, 23-17

Last week: 3-3 Season to Date: 4-6 Best Bets: 0-2