Throwing Darts, Week 3: That’s So Raven
We’re off to a tidy 8-2 start ATS. But those two losing picks were rather awful, and I always assume anyone who isn’t listing their picks is undefeated. So it goes.
[Yahoo Daily Fantasy Football: Enter our $1 Million Week 3 contest]
All selections use the Yahoo Pick’em Spread. The Carolina-New Orleans game was ruled off the board for our purposes, given the status of Drew Brews (the national line is around eight now; it wouldn’t be fair to jump on Carolina -3).
Ravens -2.5 versus Bengals: Love John Harbaugh in a back-to-the-wall game, especially with the number under three. Some under-the-hood power ratings (like Massey-Peabody) suggest Baltimore is much better than a usual 0-2 team. From a different context and perspective, I agree.
Colts -3.5 at Titans: So like Indianapolis to lose to the out-of-division physical teams, then beat up on its own division. Andrew Luck has better stats in the AFC South, too.
Eagles +2.5 at Jets: Philly has shown absolutely nothing in six of eight quarters and maybe this pick will look silly before 1:30 pm ET. But the Jets feel a little too obvious – and bandwagonish – and they’re also banged up and off a short week.
Raiders +3.5 at Browns: The Football Gods will get even with the Browns for playing the wrong freaking quarterback. If Johnny Manziel were a rookie and you wanted to have him observe and learn, fine. But having a second-year quarterback do the headset-and-clipboard bit while one of the McCowns plays, that’s just stupid. Didn’t we watch Lovie Smith make this mistake last year? It’s like Mike Pettine gets a secret bonus if his team goes 8-8.
Seahawks -14.5 versus Bears: Normally any double-digit dog is worth backing in the NFL, no questions asked. But the Bears are getting the Seahawks at the wrong time, with the wrong quarterback. Seattle has to take it out on someone, and it will.
Last Week: 4-1
Season: 8-2
[Week 3 rankings: Quarterback | Running Back | Receiver | Flex | All Positions]
Fantasy Versus Reality
This year, two of my esteemed Yahoo colleagues are sharing their own selections, using the Yahoo Pick’em spread. Play along in the comments. Just remember, the Carolina-New Orleans game is off the board for our reasonable purposes.
Frank Schwab (4-1 last week, 6-4 season)
Ravens -2.5
Lions +3
Vikings -2.5
Colts -3.5
Cardinals -6.5
Eric Edholm (3-2 last week, 7-3 season)
Cardinals -6.5
Broncos -3
Steelers -1
Browns -3.5
Bills +2.5
