At 5-0, the New York Giants match the best record in the NFL. Unlike the Colts, Broncos and Vikings, they've hardly played anyone worth mentioning.
New York's toughest opponent has been Dallas, which had put together a 3-2 mark despite very mediocre performances. Otherwise, it's been Washington, Kansas City, Tampa Bay and Oakland.
YUCK!
That in-season vacation ends Sunday at New Orleans, where the Saints (4-0) are 3½-point favorites and come off a bye week.
Plus, the hosts are far more healthy than the visitors — although can you really call Giants quarterback Eli Manning a visitor to the Big Easy, where he grew up? Manning was outstanding despite a problematic right heel against the Raiders last weekend, and wasn't needed in the second half.
New Orleans has found an impressive defense to go with one of the league's most prolific offenses. And the Saints have defeated the Eagles and Jets, far better competition than the Giants have faced.
"We don't really have to worry about where we stand against other people," Manning said. "We have to worry about going out there and playing the game each week and trying to find a way to get wins. We have to look at ourselves and see where we can improve from day to day and every week from the games."
They need to be better than in any game thus far. We think they will be.
GIANTS, 27-21
| Philadelphia (minus 13½) at Oakland |
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Until the Raiders show they belong in the NFL, they can't be taken seriously.
BEST BET: EAGLES 30-7
| Denver (plus 4) at San Diego |
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The Broncos are everything the Chargers were supposed to be in THE AFC West. And vice versa.
UPSET SPECIAL: BRONCOS 20-10
| Houston (plus 4½) at Cincinnati |
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OK, we believe, we believe. But can the Bengals avoid the cliffhanger finish, for once?
Nope.
BENGALS, 17-16
| Cleveland (plus 14) at Pittsburgh |
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OK, we don't believe; these aren't the Bills. Even a banged-up Steelers squad should breeze.
STEELERS, 23-7
| Tennessee (plus 9) at New England |
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The Patriots sure don't look as good as nearly everyone expected. They look magnificent compared to 0-5 Titans.
PATRIOTS, 30-17
| Kansas City (plus 4½) at Washington |
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The mediocre Redskins conclude their journey through the dregs of the NFL.
REDSKINS, 13-10
| Chicago (plus 3) at Atlanta |
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Intriguing matchup in prime time featuring two of the top young QBs, but running game will decide this one.
FALCONS, 20-16
| Baltimore (plus 3) at Minnesota |
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Suddenly, the Ravens are one of the more mistake-prone teams in the league. Not a good thing here.
VIKINGS, 24-14
| Buffalo (plus 9½) at N.Y. Jets |
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Suddenly, the Jets are one of the more mistake-prone teams in the league. Won't hurt here.
JETS, 23-10
| St. Louis (plus 12½) at Jacksonville |
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Just what the pitiful Rams need: a revved-up Jaguars team after last week's humiliation in Seattle.
JAGUARS, 27-10
| Carolina (minus 4) at Tampa Bay |
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Against most teams, we'd never give the points with the Panthers. Bucs are worse than most teams.
PANTHERS, 17-3
| Detroit (plus 11½) at Green Bay |
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Have the Packers shored up their blocking woes during bye week? Will be hard to tell against toothless Lions.
PACKERS, 30-13
| Arizona (plus 2½) at Seattle |
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Seahawks can tighten NFC West race with a win. Cardinals still are unsteady, but ...
CARDINALS, 24-23
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RECORD:
Versus spread, 7-6 (34-38-1 season); Straight up, 8-6 (54-22 season)
Best Bet: 2-3
Upset Special: 3-2
