Jibba's Week 3 NFL

[MatusowIsBald]

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I agree NO could have one the biggest homefield advantages ever Even so I dont think this game will be close, ATL is simply to dominate for less talented inexperienced defensive players.

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Morphling,

I've been having a debate with one of my buddies all week about this very topic. My opinion is that it's much too early to tell who is a great or perhaps even a good team yet, whereas he thinks it's pretty obvious who the "elite" teams are already. I just think every year there are teams that start out slow that end up having good records and vice versa.

I don't deny for a second that the Falcons are a better team and have more talent than the Saints. Actually, the Saints are probably a good example of my point because even though they have started 2-0 I highly doubt they will even be .500 when all is said and done. Having said that, in my opinion we've only seen the Falcons beat up on what so far looks to be a bad TB team and a Carolina team that when all is said and done will probably be at or near the top of the league, but who really has no firepower without Smith in the lineup. I don't mean to diminish a 2 TD win at Carolina though. That is definitely impressive.

I'll be the first to admit that I probably handicap games much different than most. Of course I take into account talent/matchups/trends, etc. But I also believe that intangibles play a HUGE role in the outcome of games (e.g. homefield/revenge factor/nationally televised games,etc.). In no way am I saying this is the "right" way to handicap. I've just found that it has worked well for me over the years.

If talent prevails on Monday then the Falcons will win and cover. If intangible factors win out, then I think the Saints will at least cover and, in my opinion, win outright. I just don't think every game comes down to who is the better team. I wish it did though, it would make this sports betting thing a helluva lot easier. [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

Good luck with your plays.