Bodog Week 3 NFL Picks

Oh sure, the programming might not indicate as much. The Worldwide Leader will be providing all-day coverage looking at how the Saints are reviving Katrina-ravaged New Orleans. Musical acts like Green Day and U2 are slated to perform. Numerous vignettes will highlight the Superdome's reclamation from a relief shelter in just over a year's time, thanks in large part to $130 million of repairs and $56 million in improvements.

Aside from all that, there's also 60 minutes of football slated to air.

And all it has to offer is two undefeated teams going head-to-head for top spot in the NFC South.

So now, you're in the loop. In what many are predicting to be the best regular-season NFL party in recent memory, the Saints come marching back to N'awlins in fine form. In a position many deemed unfathomable heading into the season - two full games ahead of Tampa Bay and Carolina in the division - the Saints have a chance to take sole possession of first place in the South on football's biggest stage. Emotions will be running high, but high enough for the New Orleans defense to shut down Michael Vick?

Vick and the Falcons have owned the Saints recently - sweeping New Orleans a year ago while covering a 10-point spread with a 36-17 whalloping last time out. But the Saints have been explosive offensively thus far and could shock a Falcons squad only averaging 17 points per contest.

It has all the makings of an exciting, passionate affair. This promises to be a Monday that even Garfield could get down with.

PICKS AGAINST THE POINT SPREAD

QUICK HITS

Compiled by Bodog Nation Contributing Writers

Redskins running back Clinton Portis should return against the Texans even if he isn’t healthy, because Joe Gibbs is desperate for some offense in Washington. Problem is, as long as Mark Brunell plays quarterback in concrete boots, the 'Skins’ defense will have to carry the load. Luckily, Texans quarterback David Carr still has a transparent O-line. - CR

It's hard to believe that one of these teams will be above .500 after Sunday, but both have been better than expected early in the season. Jets quarterback Chad Pennington has completed over 65 percent of his passes while throwing four TDs and just one interception. His 107.1 passer rating is good for fourth in the NFL, behind Rex Grossman (128.7), David Carr (123.7) and Philip Rivers (107.4). Wha? - JB

Like Week 2, Lions receiver Roy Williams has guaranteed victory against the Packers, but this time he may not be crazy. Brett Favre has provided some offense for the Pack but without a reliable defense the Pack are in tough on the road. - CR

Oddsmakers aren’t quite ready to signal a changing of the guard in the AFC South. However, if the Jags can stop the run with the same kind of success they had against Pittsburgh, Peyton Manning will have to be better than good to cover the touchdown-sized spread. Of note, Jacksonville has covered its last two games inside the RCA Dome. - JB

The Bears are road favorites and for good reason, they’ve been dominating opponents on offense and defense. If Vikings running back Chester Taylor can’t get it going against Chicago, look for another Bears blowout. - CR

Lions wide receiver Roy Williams has guaranteed a victory. Not quite as ballsy as Joe Namath's prediction, but the Kitties have to gain confidence some time. Williams says he’s watched the film and knows Detroit could’ve put up 40 points on Seattle last week. It was “stupid” that the Lions only managed two field goals in the 9-6 loss. Whether assuring victory on the road against a defending division champ that allowed zip last week is also stupid will be known Sunday afternoon. - AB

The Steelers saw their nine-game winning streak stopped in its tracks Monday in Jacksonville. Losing 9-0 to the Jags, Pittsburgh's 26 yards rushing on 14 carries was the lowest for the team in Bill Cowher's 15 years. Cincinnati, on the other hand, has been impressive outscoring both Kansas City and Cleveland by double digits. - JB

It says a lot about Tennessee that it’s a huge underdog against a Dolphins side that failed to come within 10 points of winning in Weeks 1 and 2. Both teams have huge concerns at quarterback. Kerry Collins has been dreadful for the Titans, meaning Vince Young could very well see more action Sunday. As for Miami, Daunte Culpepper will have to up his level of play if the Dolphins are to win, let alone cover. - JB

The Panthers need Steve Smith, but if he can’t go, they’ll have to rely on Chris Simms's mistakes to provide the offense for them. Simms has been having difficulties throwing beyond the line of scrimmage for Tampa Bay so Julius Peppers and the dominant Panthers D-line should be eating lots of quarterback on Sunday. - CR

Few teams look as confident as the Ravens. They’ll face the usual grief from the Dawg Pound in Cleveland, but the fans might have more bite than the Browns on Sunday. Baltimore looks primed to win in another convincing rout. - AB

The Giants, of course, come off one of the greatest comebacks in team history. Too bad that brutal schedule everyone in Big Blue land can’t stop groaning over has them traveling across the country to play the defending conference champs. So while Eli & Co. have reveled in the overtime win at Philadelphia this week, they may be in for a quick return to life below .500. - AB

Both teams followed strong Week 1 performances with awful road losses to division rivals. The total is 44.5 – pretty high for two teams that combined for 23 points last week. Expect the Rams to run Steven Jackson hard and often, aiming to keep the ball out of Kurt Warner’s hands. - AB

Alex Smith has resembled a pro quarterback this season. He faces a difficult challenge in an angry Philadelphia defense. Don’t be surprised if he stumbles in this one. On the other side of the field, Donovan McNabb could be in for a big game as the Eagles look to make a statement. - AB

The Pats are in their usual spot atop the AFC East, but haven't been especially convincing in getting there. Two too-close-for-comfort wins against the Bills and Jets have cast doubt about the strength of the squad. Denver has struggled to put points on the board and has only scored one touchdown in two games. - MH

PHOTO: The 2-0 Saints face off against the 2-0 Falcons on Monday night in the first game in New Orleans since Hurricane Katrina (AP Photo).

Note: All times above Eastern; all NFL lines subject to change

Note: All NFL lines subject to change.

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