Philadelphia Sports Blog

by Michael DeLuca

Last week I got ballsy and told you to forget Brandon Lang and  Bob Valentino. I went so far as to tell you that the “experts” at Sportsline were laughable. You’d have to figure that bout of detestable bravado would result in a losing week for The Duke’s Picks.  Well it didn’t and The Duke’s picks is now a miraculous 27-19 against the spread thus far this NFL season with just one losing week on the entire season! Last week, I gave you the Bills over the Chargers, told you the Titans would roll over the Chiefs, and told you no matter how atrocious the Lions may be, that the Texans laying nine would be too much. So, once again, forgot calling that 1-900 number. Put your credit card away. The Duke’s here and he’s got the best picks on the planet…or at least the cheapest. Home teams are in caps, Duke’s Picks are in bold.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS -3 NY Giants- This is the type of game that can really piss off a defending Super Bowl Champion.  The Steelers’ are the current flavor of the month, recently eclipsing the Giants on the majority of major media Power Rankings.  Look for the Boys In Blue to make this a statement game.  No Santonio “Panama Red Zone” Holmes will help.  The Giants defensive front is the best the Steelers’ depleted offensive line will face all season.  Expect Roethlisberger to be running for his life.

DALLAS COWBOYS -4 Tampa Bay Buccaneers - In the interest of full disclosure, Tampa Bay has historically been The Duke’s kryptonite.  I can’t bet with or against them.  That being said, the Cowboys have been atrocious the last couple weeks and Brad Johnson definitely did not seem to gel with the offense in his start last week against the lowly Rams defense.  Tampa, on the other hand, seems to have gotten into a nice rhythm with Jeff Garcia back at the helm.  It may be close, but if Dallas pulls it out, I don’t see it being by more than a field goal.  Read the rest of this entry »