Posted on 9/20/2007 5:00:26 PM

In The Huddle – Week 3 NFL Odds and Predictions

By Anthony Oxley

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Week 2 Results

49ers (+3) 17 at Rams 16: The 49ers confirm resurgence against an offensive powerhouse.

Jets (+10) 13 at Ravens 20: Baltimore lets bettors down after 20-3 lead to start the fourth.

Chargers 14 at Patriots (-4) 38: Players come out firing for Coach Belichick.

Redskins (+6.5) 20 at Eagles 12: Deserved scrutiny for McNabb; color not the issue.

Ox’s Record: 2-2

NFL Betting Line: San Francisco 49ers +9 at Pittsburgh Steelers -9 1pm EST Sunday

In two weeks, the Steelers have scored a total of 60 points and have allowed a mere 10, and first-year Head Coach Mike Tomlin has fans reminiscing of Steel Curtain times. QB Ben Roethlisberger faced some scrutiny last season after surviving the smash-up of his face to pass for 18 touchdowns against 23 picks, but this year, he is on fire: 5 touchdowns with only one interception and a quarterback rating of 101.7. The defense is not missing LB Joey Porter, as that position has always, even back in those Terry Bradshaw days, been one of serious depth for Pittsburgh. The NFL spread that you see up there is high for a reason: unlike the Steelers, the 49ers do not have a passing game to turn to if the running game, which is spectacular with Frank Gore, falters. San Fran is dead last… yep, dead last… in the league in overall offense. They better play well beyond that rank to have a chance in this game, or they will get blown out of Heinz Field.

NFL Free Pick: Pittsburgh

NFL Betting Line: Cincinnati Bengals +3.5 at Seattle Seahawks -3.5 4:05pm EST Sunday

If there was ever a team of underachievers, it is these Cincinnati Bengals, who just cannot find a way to get things done, in spite of all the firepower they have inherited. They endured an 8-8 year in 2006 and last week allowed 51 points in losing to the Cleveland Browns of all teams… and this after needing a goal-line stand to preserve a 27-20 win against Baltimore in Week 1. It isn’t a mystery that the Bengals will be working on their defense to stop Seattle QB Matt Hasselbeck, RB Shaun Alexander and WR Deion Branch, but they have too many weapons on offense for the Seahawks to handle. The Bengals should win this one outright.

NFL Free Pick: Cincinnati

NFL Betting Line: Dallas Cowboys +3 at Chicago Bears -3 8:15 EST Sunday Night

The Bears put on a dazzling display of defense and special teams against the Kansas City Chiefs last week in winning 20-10, but let’s get real here… it was the now-0-2 Chiefs. Here come the 2-0 Cowboys into town on the grand stage of Sunday night, and the Bears are going to need a better performance from QB Rex Grossman… once again needing a better performance… if they are going to win this one. I have to say, though… after all the criticism that Grossman faced all of last year, you would think that he would come out firing on all cylinders this year - but no, as he has passed for 1 touchdown, 3 interceptions, 305 yards and has a rating of 55.1 after the first two games. He stinks.

NFL Free Pick: Dallas

NFL Betting Line: Tennessee Titans +4 at New Orleans Saints -4 8:30pm EST Monday Night

What in the world is wrong with the Saints? They got obliterated by the Indianapolis Colts in Week 1, and then they got their tails wiped by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week. In those two games they have been outscored 72-24 in the process. This team is still intact from the one that made the NFC Championship game in January! Only the voodoo gods of New Orleans can figure this one out. But here comes the home opener, where the Superdome will once again be rocking as the Saints open up once again against an athletic quarterback - last year in Week 3, the dome partied as the Saints hammered Michael Vick and the Falcons… this time in Week 3, the dome welcomes Vince Young, and you best believe that the Titans will employ the exact same strategy that they used on Vick to stop him.

NFL Free Pick: New Orleans

The 2007 NFL betting season is here in full force! If you like to bet on the NFL, you are in the best possible place for online betting. The BetUS sportsbook has NFL odds up on a ton of futures, and you will also find NFL lines up for early games as well. Join BetUS today and we'll help guide you right through to Super Bowl XLII and beyond!

Anthony Oxley is a freelance writer for the BetUS Locker Room and can be reached at aoxley@hotmail.com.