In week 2 action, we saw an increase in scoring along with some blowouts.  Eli Manning brought the Giants back from a 17 point 4th quarter deficit to tie the game sending it into overtime.  In the extra period he connected with Plaxico Burress for 31 yards to give the Giants a 30-24 win while covering the (+3) spread.  His brother Peyton threw for 3 touchdowns and 400 yards leading the Colts to a blowout against the Texans.  Those who loaded up on the Colts to cover the (-13.5) spread were feeling great, as this game was never close.  The Bengals dominated the Browns to cover the (-10.5) spread in a game that left the Bengals hobbling after numerous injuries.  In the biggest blowout of the week, the Chargers easily covered the (-12) spread.  The Chargers defense turned in its second suffocating performance and came within 3:09 of back-to-back shutouts.

Now we look ahead to the lines for week 3 brought to you by Sportsbook.com

·  Bengals (+2) at Steelers

 Ben Roethlisberger's highly anticipated return last week was a flop.  He threw two interceptions and his team was blanked in a 9-0 loss to the Jaguars.  With the offense sputtering they will have to rely on their defense to pick up the slack.  All-Pro safety Troy Polamalu is nursing a sore shoulder but is expected to play.  The Bengals are coming off week 2 as banged up as they have been in a long time.  Already without wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh, they lost key players on both sides of the ball.  It will be back to the basics for the Bengals as they figure to simplify the offense and run the ball more.  The big question in this game will be can Roethlisberger shake off the rust and return to his past form?  We think so as they return home to face a beat up Bengals team covering the (-2) spread.

PICK:  Steelers

 ·  Jaguars (+7) at Colts

 Don’t look for the Jaguars to shut down two superbowl contenders in a row.  The Colts offense is far superior to that of the Steelers and will put up points against a stiff Jaguars defense.  This game however will not be a blowout like the Colts handed the Texans last week.  The Colts will have to rely on Peyton Manning to once again carry the load as they face a Jaguars run defense that does not give up yards.  The Jaguars should enjoy success at forcing the Colts to become one-dimensional.  If successful, they should be able to keep the game close and move the ball against a Colts defense that has been shaky in the first two games.  While we don’t necessarily see the Jaguars pulling the upset on the road, we do see them keeping the game close enough to cover the (+7) spread.

PICK:  Jaguars

·  Ravens (-6.5) at Browns

 Cleveland’s defense is sorry. They have allowed 53 points in 2 games.  The Ravens enter the game firing on all cylinders.  They should be able to pound the ball easily with the run against the Browns.  If they must, they could just as easily pass all over the Browns as the Cleveland’s secondary is banged up.  The Browns offense will have a tough day once again as the Ravens have surrendered 6 points in 2 games.  I don’t think I need to say much more here as most already know the Browns are in deep trouble this week.  Look for a possible blowout but at the least the Ravens should easily cover the (-6.5) spread making this the best bet this week.

PICK:  Ravens

 ·  Giants (+3.5) at Seahawks

 The biggest question right now for the Giants is what’s wrong with the defense?  They are not defending well in either the rushing or the passing phase of the game. Allowing 50 points in 2 games forces a lot of pressure onto the Giants' offense.  The Seattle defense on the other hand has given up a mere 16 points this season, remaining very stingy with TDs (only 1 surrendered in 2 games). This is one of the elite defensive units in the NFL.  Look for the Seahawks to get running back Shaun Alexander established early softening up the Giants defense.  Matt Hasselbeck should then be able to have a field day connecting with an elite wide receiver core led by Darrell Jackson and the recent addition of superbowl MVP Deion Branch.  Look for the Seahawks to cover the (-3.5) at home.

PICK:  Seahawks

 Log onto Sportsbook.com to check out the latest lines on these games and more.