Hey folks.  We are 1/8 of the way through the season, and somehow this is the first Sunday Smash of 2010.  No explanations.  No excuses.  Just rock-solid picks against the spread from here on in.  All NFL teams get a bye week- let's just call weeks 1 and 2 the 2010 bye week(s) of the Smash.  It's great to be back-so let's not waste anymore time.  Home teams will be in bold.

Giants (-3) over Titans
Big Blue embarrassed a terrible team in week 1, and got embarrassed by a Colts team that wasn't going to be 0-2 under any circumstances.  So do we meet somewhere in the middle here?  The Titans benched Vince Young last week.  Despite the Giants' wishes to pin their ears back and assault the ancient Kerry Collins, Young will be back behind center in week 3.  Chris Johnson will be a handful as always.  But the G-Men aren't nearly as bad as last Sunday's performance.  They will rebound in front of their home fans.

Bills (+14.5) over Patriots
The Bills are awful.  Just terrible.  I understand this point spread--Belichick and the Pats will be in hate-the-world mode after their beatdown at the hands of the Jets last week.  It won't be close...something like 24-10 sounds about right.  But I'm not laying 2 touchdowns with the New England pass defense I saw last week.  No way.

Ravens (-11) over Browns
Speaking of hate-the-world mode, the Ravens will be feeling something like that this week.  Baltimore's defense hasn't allowed a touchdown this year, yet they still have as many losses as wins.  Cleveland's 0-2 start against two beatable teams will leave its team deflated.  It's gonna be an ugly day in Baltimore.

Steelers (-2.5) over Bucs
If this were week 1 of the season, Pittsburgh would be favored by ten points (at least.)  Tampa Bay's 2-0 start has shocked all of us, despite how bad its competition has been.  Charlie Batch will need to cover for the Steelers, which is a scary thought.  But Tampa won't know which way is up against this defense.  Expect multiple turnovers that lead to easy points...Charlie Batch and all.

Bengals (-3) over Panthers
The lock of the week as far as I'm concerned.  Three points?  Is that a typo that's supposed to read '13?'  Is Vegas expecting all the Cinci skill players to develop heat stroke in the Carolina sun.  Jimmy Clausen's first NFL start comes against the talented secondary of the Bengals, and things may get icky quickly. 

Falcons (+3) over Saints
This is slightly contradictory.  I fully believe the Saints will win the NFC South, and I feel they are a better team top-to-bottom.  Combine that with the homefield advantage, and this should be a slam dunk for New Orleans.  This pick is just a hunch.  Nothing more, nothing less.

Chiefs (+3) over 49ers
A 2-0 team playing at home is spotted 3 points over an 0-2 team that can't get out of its own way and makes constant excuses?  Yes, please.

Vikings (-11.5) over Lions
Just a perfect storm brewing here.  Minnesota knows there's now way in hell they can go 0-3.  They will want to put on a show in front of their fans; to convince them that panicking is not necessary.  The Lions, despite being 0-2, have played admirably so far in 2010.  But that will work against them this week.  Minnesota will not take them for granted whatsoever and will come with all they have.  Favre and the Vikings convince their fans to step down from the bridge.  At least for this week...

Cowboys (+2.5) over Texans
Without a doubt, the toughest game of the week to pick.  Houston beat down the Colts and then showed some gumption in their comeback over the Redskins.  The Cowboys have been bad and then bad.  They will be absolutely desperate.  In a game this close, I just close my eyes and try to listen to logic.  On Monday morning, the Cowboys at 1-2 and Texans at 2-1 just makes more sense than Dallas at 0-3 and Houston at 3-0.  I will now re-open my eyes.

Redskins (-4) over Rams
I'm going to need at least a touchdown spread before even entertaining the idea of betting on the Rams.  Prove me wrong, Sam Bradford.  Prove me wrong...

Jaguars (+3) over Eagles
I dunno.  Just too much "Vick is God" conversation for me this week.  He's due for a fall at some point this season.  The Jaguars, especially Maurice Jones-Drew, have started the season miserably.  But they put a few drives together and are able to stir the week 3 cauldron a little bit on their home field.

Colts (5.5) over Broncos
Ok, Peyton.  You reminded us you're the man.  We won't doubt you again, at least during the regular season.  Denver will be feisty at home, but even 5.5 is a comfortable spread with this Indy offense.

Seahawks (+4.5) over Chargers
This is a bit of a reach.  But if San Diego can fall to the Chiefs in Arrowhead, I don't see why the 'Hawks can't at least cover in their rowdy stadium.  Ryan Matthews is out for the Chargers, and that will (hopefully) keep things close enough.

Jets (+2.5) over Dolphins
I have not seen Miami play this year with my own eyes.  Highlights, sure.  But not a whole game.  Looking at the rosters, I just see the Jets as a better team.  Miami was able to sweep New York last year on crazy special teams plays and crazy Wildcatty-ness.  The Jets will be hungry to put aside all the off-the-field garbage concerning Braylon Edwards.  Something tells me this is the week Shonn Greene breaks out and puts on a similar showing to the 2009 playoffs.  Cromartie does a capable job on Marshall in Revis' absence, and the Jets win a squeaker.


Upset Perfiction of the Week:

Raiders (+4.5) over Cardinals

In the epic matchup of crappy vs. crappy, I will take crappy with the points.  The Raiders put together enough not just to cover, but to win.  Projected score: 5-3.


Thanks so much for reading, everybody!  Great to be back after our extended bye week.  We'll see you for the Monday Mash.