Doc got off to a more than solid start to the NFL season by posting a 9-6-1 record against the spread in Week 1 and sparkling 13-3 mark straight up. Week 2 should see some strong numbers again as the Doc is feeling good about his picks and has plans to improve on the locks.
Unfortunately there will be no retort for Del about his barb considering the two masters have the same locks. And, yes, Doc picked his independent of Del, so this is a very good sign. When the two experts choose the same lock, it usually comes through.
(ATS = Against the Spread, SU = Straight Up)
There is no team in the NFL better at bouncing back following a loss than perhaps the Colts. They were embarrassed by a pumped-up Bills team in Week 1, but they will no doubt be out for blood on Monday night. They’ll be at home, indoors, and facing a weaker opponent than Week 1. Despite the Jets’ offseason improvements, they are not as good or disruptive as Buffalo’s defense. Andrew Luck may not be able to completely light it up, but he will have a nice game. More importantly, that Jets offense that took advantage of multiple Browns turnovers in Week 1 will not be as fortunate this week. Fewer turnovers to capitalize on means fewer points for the Jets’ offense.
The Cowboys obviously have instilled faith into America with their comeback win over the Giants. Doc also recognizes that they are without DeMarco Murray (now playing for the Eagles), and big weapon Dez Bryant. But the Cowboys almost always play the Eagles closely, and this line seemed too generous. Philly will be much stronger at home, but their offense just did not look very good on Monday night against the Falcons. Doc does not see them cutting through Dallas like butter the way they did in the preseason. This will be a close game and the 5 points seem generous.
Some notes on the other picks. As much as the Doc loves the Bills’ defense especially after picking them to win last week, we’re in one of those “they need to prove it” situations with the Patriots. Coming out hyped and putting on a great show in Rex Ryan’s debut was one thing, but let’s see them repeat it against New England. And let’s see Tyrod Taylor put together a second strong game before crowning them.
Doc was hesitant to pick the Titans to win two in a row, but Johnny Manziel just cannot be trusted yet to win an NFL game. He makes too many big mistakes, while Marcus Mariota is much more careful with the ball. That will be the difference.
