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I will let my words be few for this week’s intro to Contenders’ Corner. We finally play our first home game of the season; let’s get the W, and get on a serious roll. Who Dat!

Week 3 Bye teams: NONE.

Thursday September 18th

Week 3, Game 1: Buccaneers (0-3) @ Falcons (2-1)
Game already played; Falcons destroyed the hapless Bucs: 56-14.

Vegas odds on that were on this game: Falcons by 6- ½.


Sunday September 21st

Week 3, Game 2: Chargers (1-1) @ Bills (2-0)

N/A: AFC opponents.

Vegas odds on this game: Bills by 2- ½.


Week 3, Game 3: Titans (1-1) @ Bengals (2-0)

N/A: AFC opponents.

Vegas odds on this game: Bengals by 7.


Week 3 Game 4: Ravens (1-1) @ Browns (1-1)

N/A: AFC opponents.

Vegas odds on this game: Ravens by 1- ½.


Week 3, Game 5: Packers (1-1) @ Lions (1-1)

a. Why it is important: Both teams are NFC rivals. This will be an intriguing game because it will match two teams that know each other very well. It will also likely indicate which of the two are more likely to make a strong run towards the playoffs. Of course, one game does not tell the story, but it will be a good indicator. The Lions’ defensive line is intimidating, and Stafford has a healthy Megatron as a target that will be double-teamed throughout the game. Advantage: Lions.

b. Desired outcome: At this point, it is a “Pick ‘em” game. There are good arguments to be made for wanting either to drop this game. But because of their track record and experience, I say pull for the Lions. I’m really torn on who to go for… really!

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 5.5 of 10.

d. Vegas odds on this game: Lions by 2.


Week 3, Game 6: Colts (1-1) @ Jaguars (0-2)

N/A: AFC opponents.

Vegas odds on this game: Colts by 6- ½.


Week 3, Game 7: Raiders (0-2) @ Patriots (1-1)

a. Why it is important: Both teams are NFC rivals.

N/A: AFC opponents.

Vegas odds on this game: Patriots by 14.


Week 3, Game 8: Vikings (1-1) @ Saints (0-2)

a. Why it is important: Saints are hungry for their first win of the season. There is no way any of us thought that the Black and Gold would be coming home with ZERO in the win column. But the Saints have lost two heartbreakers on the road… with each decided on the game’s final drive. Today is a different story, now that our boys are back home. The Vikings will be without Adrian Peterson (who is suspended pending a child abuse investigation). That’s unfortunate for the Vikings, but we aren’t complaining in the WhoDat Nation! Even so, the Vikings still have a very DANGEROUS player in their big, fast and capable wideout: Cordarrelle Patterson (who is a threat to take it to the house each time he touches the ball). They will likely try to isolate him on the side opposite Keenan Lewis. So it’s reasonable to assume that coach Crime Dog (McGriff) will have Lewis roll coverage and man up on him on each play.

b. Desired outcome: WhoDat, baby! I’ve predicted the Saints each week, but the level of urgency makes me believe we’ll be ready to bring the wood on this one!

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 6.5 out of 10.

d. Vegas odds on this game: Saints by 10.


Week 3: Game 9: Texans (2-0) @ Giants (0-2)

a. Why it is important: Redskins are an NFC rival.

b. Desired outcome: Interconference game: Pull for the Texans. The ’14 Texans remind us of the ’06 Saints. That is, they came off a very dismal season (Texans were 2-14 in 2013), but have started the season with two wins. That is a tremendous confidence builder. Count on the Texans to keep things rolling vs. the Giants. Arian Foster, Andre Johnson and Watt should have big games; we’d sure like that!

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 5.5 out of 10.

d. Vegas odds on this game: Texans by 2.


Week 3: Game 10: Redskins (1-1) @ Eagles (2-0)

a. Why it is important: Both teams are NFC rivals. Shady McCoy and Sproles are the most productive two-headed running back monster in the NFL right now. Cousins is playing well as QB of the Redskins. This will be a very interesting game.

b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Redskins to pull off an upset on the road.

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 4 out of 10 (Redskins will likely need a +2 turnover differential to take this one).

d. Vegas odds on this game: Eagles by 6- ½.


Week 3, Game 11: Cowboys (1-1) @ Rams (1-1)

a. Why it is important: Both teams are NFC rivals.

b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Rams. Rams have lost QB Sam Bradford for the season, but are still respectable, and very dangerous at home. Cowboys haven’t been a good road team in recent years. Let’s hope that trend continues.

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 5.5 out of 10 (home advantage for the Rams).

d. Vegas odds on this game: Even (Pick ‘em).


Week 3, Game 12: 49’ers (1-1) @ Cardinals (2-0)

a. Why it is important: Both teams are NFC rivals. Cardinals have gotten out to a fast start (as they did in 2013). The question is: Can they keep it rolling for the rest of the season?

b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Cardinals. At this point of the season, 49’ers appear to be the bigger threat.

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 4.5 out of 10 (49’ers will be a very tough foe).

d. Vegas odds on this game: 49’ers by 3.


Week 3, Game 13: Chiefs (0-2) @ Dolphins (1-1)

N/A: AFC opponents.

Vegas odds on this game: Dolphins by 4.


Week 3, Game 14: Broncos (2-0) @ Seahawks (1-1)

a. Why it is important: Seahawks are an NFC rival, and still the favorite to repeat as NFC champion. Peyton Manning and the Broncos certainly remember the embarrassing loss to the Seahawks in the Super Bowl (earlier this year). The word on the street is that the Seahawks were able to read Manning’s signals, and took away the Broncos’ passing game. You can bet that the Colts will have a new “wrinkle” in their game plan. But having success AT SEATTLE is easier said than done. Let’s hope our homeboy from Newman HS has a monster game. Anybody else want to shut-up the Seahawks?

b. Desired outcome: Interconference game--- go with the AFC team.

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 4.5 out of 10

d. Vegas odds on this game: Seahawks by 4- ½.


(SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL)


Week 3, Game 15: Steelers (1-1) @ Panthers (2-0)

a. Why it is important: Panthers are an NFC South rival. The Steelers have not been consistent, but are usually good during prime time. The WhoDat Nation will certainly be tuned in Sunday night for this one!

b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Steelers; the reason is obvious.

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 5 out of 10

d. Vegas odds on this game: Panthers by 3.


Monday September 22nd

(MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL)


Week 3, Game 16: Bears (1-1) @ Jets (1-1)

a. Why it is important: Bears are an NFC rival. Jets have a very good defense, and are well coached. The X-factor is how well Jets’ QB Geno Smith plays. If he does not surrender a turnover, I like the Jets’ chances with their pound-the-rock mentality with Chris Ivory and company. If they surrender early turnovers, the Bears feed off it and it’s lights-out.

b. Desired outcome: Interconference game--- go with the AFC team.

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 5.5 out of 10

d. Vegas odds on this game: Jets by 2- ½.


News from Enemy Camps (Week 3):

Saints’ next opponent:
(Vikings): Minnesota Vikings Rumors & News: Pro Sports Daily


Division Leaders:

NFC North Leader (Bears 1-1): Chicago Bears Rumors & News: Pro Sports Daily

NFC East Leader (Eagles 2-0): Philadelphia Eagles Rumors & News: Pro Sports Daily

NFC South Leader (Panthers 2-0): Carolina Panthers Rumors & News: Pro Sports Daily

NFC West Leader (Cardinals 2-0): Arizona Cardinals Rumors & News: Pro Sports Daily

Stealthman

Saints Win... SAINTS WIN!!!!!