STONE COLD LEAD PIPE DOCKS OF WEEK 3

Back here for week 3 of the picks. Our leader is still in India about to get hitched so he won't be making any picks for fear of the-wife-he-doesn't-deserve leaving him before things even begin.  As for me and IP, we are hovering around 60% which is ok (since anything over 50% is technically good) but not great.  I personally would like to see my picks at around 75% as I'm sure IP would too.  

The NFL featured some crazy games last week as at least 2 teams, the Colts and Raiders, were thoroughly outplayed but managed to win their games.  The Saints and Giants look like world beaters right now, the Bengals should be 2-0,  and some teams like the Browns and Chiefs might not win a game ever in life.  This week's key games center around the theme of teams trying to prove they are for real.  The Bengals are trying to show the Steelers they belong among the contenders (and in the process show Hines Ward he needs to get hit).  The Vikings and Favre will finally face a real defense in the 49ers.   2 of Boston's favorite sons are going to duke it in Foxboro, and maybe the most important person trying to prove himself this weekend, Mike Vick, will be back in action.  Overall, a tough week as there aren't many, if any, "locks." Lets get to the picks...

Suman's Picks (6-4)

Ravens -13.5

The Browns can't get anything going on offense.  On defense, they can't stop people on 3rd down when they need to.  And they are punching eachother in the locker room. Meanwhile, the Ravens offense is rolling on all cylinders with the suddenly deadly Joe Flacco, and their defense is still the Ravens defense until they somehow fall off.  If the Browns even score 1 point it'll be a mild upset.  I don't even want to think about this game I'm getting irritated.

Falcons +4.5

This New England team is really struggling right now.  Almost everyone of value has retired, been traded, or gotten injured on that defense.  Tom Brady has just looked a little off so far, and their is no running game to speak of.  If you read Simmons' column this week, he's pretty down on his own team.  Meanwhile, my Super Bowl pick, the Falcons, have been humming along.  I look for Matt Ryan to put on a show as he  returns to Boston.

Bengals +4

I think the Bengals and their defense are extra motivated this week after all this Hines Ward/Keith Rivers non-sense in the media and that game last year.  Don't forget, the Bungles should be 2-0 if it weren't for one of the flukiest plays in league history.  They are really trying hard for coach Lewis when his job security in on the line.  They went into Lambeau, and led by Antwan Odom, dominated the Packers.  Odom might wreak havoc this week too with an average Steelers line, and with Big Ben's tendency to hold onto the ball for so long.  Cincy is at home, and with the Steelers still missing Troy Polamalu, I think they pull off the upset.

Raiders +1.5

Basically if the Broncos start off 3-0 Josh McDaniels will have put on one of the greatest coaching exhibitions ever.  I just can't see them going into The Black Hole and pulling this off.  For as bad as Jamarcus Russell has been, he has made some key plays when he's had too.  And that Raiders D is tough at home.  If Robert Gallery can somehow keep Elvis Dumervil away from Jamarcus, I think the Raiders can pound the Broncos into submission with that run game.

Bills +6

The Saints have looked like the team to beat in the NFL thus far, but the Bills haven't looked to bad themselves.  Don't forget, barring on ill-advised kickoff return they should be 2-0 as well.  Trent Edwards looks like he has made that next leap towards NFL stardom, and Fred Jackson has been stellar.  Drew Brees and his offense is now the greatest show on turf (or grass).  But they had to travel up north to Philly last week, and now they travel even farther up to Buffalo.  I see Lee Evans snapping finally, and the Bills keeping it close.

Vik (4-1)

IP (5-4-1)