Chargers due for payback, and that should pay off nicely

October 10, 2008|by Vegas Vic

HOME TEAM in CAPITAL LETTERS

CHARGERS (-5) over Patriots (NBC10)

Triple revenge is on the table and it's the main course. Over the last two seasons, New England and Tom Brady have been comparable to arsenic in San Diego's Gatorade. In 2006, the Lightning Bolts lost at home to Tom Brady, 24-21. In 2007, San Diego was squashed by Tom Brady at New England, in the second game of the season, 38-14. And in the AFC Championship, Tom Brady and the Pats posted a 21-12 victory at San Diego before losing to the Giants in the Super Bowl. Did I mention Tom Brady? Oh, yeah. The last time we saw a Tom Brady reference, it was about his knee surgery. So, no Tom Brady. Enter Matt Cassel. He has New England off to a 3-1 start, but they've played Kansas City, the Jets, Miami and San Francisco, teams that have a combined 7-11 record. Not that the Bolts have a great mark at 2-3, but at home, they are spectacular, posting a 17-3 mark the last 2 years.

Rams (+14) over REDSKINS

Seriously? Yup, seriously. Double V is taking the 0-4 team from St. Louis against the second-best team in the best division in the NFL? Yup. The same team that has been outscored, 147-43? Yup. Reasons please? Let's tap into the Redskins thought process. They are 4-1 with the toughest part of the schedule out of the way. They come off two huge road wins (26-24 at Dallas, 23-17 at the Eagles). Next up, it's St. Louis, Cleveland and Detroit. Naturally, everyone in the locker room is looking at taking a 7-1 record into the Monday-night game against Pittsburgh on Nov. 3. Looking ahead has been the downfall of many teams. We're not suggesting upset, but since the 'Skins' largest margin of victory so far this season has been seven points, how about a final margin of a dozen. More than comfortable for the home team, and a cover for Vic.

Eagles (-5) over 49ERS

First two games, the Birds are flying into the end zone, scoring 75 points. The last three games, they've scratched out only 52. Time for Donovan to get angry, and he has. And here's a little piece of history that says, buy Philly. In 2006, the Eagles lost to the Giants, and NFC East foe, then flew out West the following week and crushed San Francisco, 38-24. History does repeat itself, and the Birds rarely lose three in a row.

TEXANS (-3) over Dolphins

Two wins for Miami and people are starting to talk playoffs. Are you kidding me?! Gotta like the direction that the Fish are swimming, but the water is gonna get a little muddy in Texas. Houston, Sage Rosenfels in particular, gave away the game last week with two late fumbles, but Matt Schaub will be under center this week, and they hope, turnover-free. And don't forget that the Texans are 3-0 lifetime against the Dolphins.

Jaguars (+3) over BRONCOS

Last week, we spoke about Denver's glorious record at home over the last decade (62-24), but against the spread the last 2 years, it's been a rough go. The Broncos have covered only five of the last 19, and in their three wins at Mile High this season, the Broncs have won 39-38, 34-32 and 16-13. That's an average of two points per game, and with Jacksonville's solid road record vs. the spread (covering eight of the last 12), the Jags are worth a tumble.

SEAHAWKS (-2) over Packers

There have not been too many 30-plus-point losses in Mike Holmgren's 10 years at the helm in Seattle. Actually, it happened once, in 2006, a 37-6 loss at Chicago, and the 'Hawks bounced back the following week with a win.

BROWNS (+8) over Giants (ESPN)

Defending Super Bowl champs at 4-0 against a bunch of misfits from Cleveland. Why buy the Brownies? They have covered an astounding eight of the last 10 at home.