Road teams were warriors in Week 1 as 10 of 13 away teams paid out. Will that trend continue into Week 2? This week there are about 11 interdivision matchups, making for some intriguing football. Here some featured matchups.

Sunday, September 17, 2006

New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles

Line: Eagles -3 (Opening: Eagles -3½)

Over/Under: 42

Key Points: The Giants’ star TE Jeremy Shockey is listed as probable while OG Chris Snee, who left last game with an ankle injury, has been downgraded to doubtful.

Philly’s ‘D’ may be hurting with signs pointing to CB Lito Sheppard being out for 2-4 weeks.

Although DE Jerome McDougle is being listed by many outlets as being probable, he is nursing a rib injury. LB Jeremiah Trotter is also probable despite an ankle injury.

The Eagles were beaten outright by the Giants last year, going 0-2 both ATS and SU.

The Giants have lost 10 out of 14 ATS when playing on natural turf.

Winneronline Opinion: With three of the NFC East’s teams losing last week, the importance in this game is increased. A win by the Eagles gives them a bit of a cushion with the division lead, while a win by the Giants from the Big Apple puts them back in the thick of the early division race.

Line: Seahawks -7 (Opening: Seahawks -6½)

Over/Under: 47

Key Points: Arizona DE Calvin Pace is listed as probable but is nursing an ankle injury. The Cards are counting on Edgerrin James to help the ground game, but the right side of the O-line could be a problem. OG Milford Brown has a rib injury and OT Oliver Ross’ knee is hurting, though both are listed as probable.

The defending NFC champs failed to score a TD against the Detroit Lions last week and will try to put 7 points on the board at least once at Qwest. The Hawks are relatively unscathed with only three players injured. The ‘Hawks will miss TE Jerramy Stevens, especially in the red zone, special teams will take a hit with long snapper J.P. Darche’s hip injury and LB Leroy Hill is questionable with a shoulder injury. ESPN is reporting that new WR Deion Branch will sit out the game as he only joined the team midweek.

Seattle has cashed in on 5 out of 7 opportunities against Arizona and batted .800 ATS at home last year.

Arizona has dropped 16 out their last 22 when dogged on the road and have lost 12 out of 17 ATS in the month of September.

Winneronline Opinion: All the numbers are pointing to a victory for Seattle.

Line: Falcons -5½ (Opening: Falcons -5½)

Over/Under: 36

Key Points: Star sophomore RB Cadillac Williams was pulled from Tampa Bay’s last game with back spasms and is probable for this week.

Bucs’ LB Shelton Quarles is questionable with a groin injury and long snapper Dave Moore is doubtful with a rib injury.

Atlanta’s ‘D’, which limited the NFC perennial Carolina to just 6 points last week, may be in trouble for this one. Defensive linemen Patrick Kerney and John Abraham are both questionable with tricep and groin injuries respectively and LB Edgerton Hartwell is limping around on an injured knee.

Tampa Bay is undefeated ATS in their last three tilts against the Falcons (2-0-1) and took 4 out of 6 when listed as an underdog last season.

Atlanta has an atrocious 4-8-1 record against the number when facing off against divisional foes.

Winneronline Opinion: The Falcon’s were impressive last week and the Bucs weren’t. Nevertheless, having three solid defensive players at less than 100 percent may give something for Bucs to exploit.

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