Dallas at Houston (47): The Dallas Cowboys have been a pathetic offensive team this season, but the Houston Texans may be the medicine the Cowboys need. The matchup of Texas teams has a total of 47, which might seem high for the 2010 Cowboys. The Texans, which have become the medial darlings of the league, have averaged 32 points a game so far. They also average giving up 25 points a game. If this game goes over, it will be both the Texans offense and defense that drive it. The Texans average 440 yards a game, but average giving up 442 yards a game. The Redskins, which have had troubles scoring like the Cowboys, posted 27 points. Look for the Cowboys to appear to have their offensive problems solved, for at least one week.
Tennessee at New York Giants (43): The Giants have gone over both of their games, while the Titans are 1-1. Look for the Titans to get back to what they do best, give the ball to Chris Johnson. The Giants on average have given up 124 yards rushing a game. Tennessee couldn’t run against the Steelers, but will get back to a balanced attack this week. Giants’ opponents are averaging 28 points a game.
Buffalo at New England (42 ½): The Bills are only averaging 8.5 points per game. Even with a change at quarterback, do not expect the Bills to light up the scoreboard. That leaves the heavy lifting for the Patriots to carry the total. The Patriots have averaged 26 points a game. In the last two seasons, the Patriots have not scored more than 25 points against the Bills.
Cleveland at Baltimore (37 ½): There is nothing to suggest that there will be a lot of scoring here. Both teams have gone under for their first two games. The Browns first two games have averaged 26 points a game, while the Ravens’ first two games have averaged 28 points. Cleveland averages only 59 plays a game, while the Ravens are a little more respectable at 67, but average only 270 yards total offense for an average of 4 yards per play.
Pittsburgh at Tampa Bay (33): This is one of the lowest totals you will find in an NFL regular-season game and for good reason. The Steelers’ defense has been outstanding this season, giving up an average of 10 points a game. With their quarterback troubles, they have been limited, offensively, scoring an average of 17 points a game. Tampa Bay relies on a balanced offensive attack, but they will not be able to run the ball against Pittsburgh. The Titans, with one of the best rushing offenses, were stymied for 58 yards against the Steelers. Both teams have gone under the total in both of their games this season.
Cincinnati at Carolina (39): The Bengals average 340 yards offense and 70 plays a game. That bodes well for scoring. The Panthers are going with a rookie quarterback in Jimmy Clausen. The Panthers are averaging 104 yards rushing and 153 yards passing. On defense, the Bengals average giving up 24 points a game, while the Panthers average 25 points a game.
Atlanta at New Orleans (50): This is a huge number, and for good reason. In the past two seasons, these teams topped 50 points three times. The one time they didn’t score 50, they posted 49. The Saints’ scoring has been down this season, averaging 19.5 points a game, while giving up 15.5. It’s hard to judge the Falcons. They were held to 9 points by the Steelers, which is understandable. But they bounced back for 41 points against the defensively challenged Arizona Cardinals. The Falcons are averaging 369 yards offense, while the Saints are averaging 335yards offense.
Detroit at Minnesota (42): The Vikings have had their troubles scoring this season, averaging 9.5 points a game. The Lions are averaging 23 points a game, while giving up 27 points. This might be the week the Vikings find their offensive rhythm. The Lions’ defense has averaged giving up 436 yards per game. History is not on the side for the over as they have score 40 only once in their past four games.
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Washington at St. Louis (38): Both of the Rams’ games have gone under, with the scores averaging 30 points. It’s hard to analyze the Redskins’ defensive numbers. The Texans scorched them last week, which skews the averages. The Cowboys could not do much against the Redskins. So, which defense will show up this week? The Redskins average only 55 plays a game, while the Rams average 62. That may limit scoring, if both squads try to shorten the game.
San Francisco at Kansas City (36 ½): The Chiefs have been living on special teams and defense, giving up 14 points a game. The Niners also only average 14 points a game, but their defense has given up 28 points a game. The Chiefs stress running the ball, averaging 32 carries and 137 yards rushing.
Philadelphia at Jacksonville (44 ½): The Eagles have been decent scoring, averaging 26 points a game, while their defense has shown holes, giving up 31 points a game. The Eagles average 365 yards offense, while their defense gives up an average of 371 yards. The Eagles are going to stick with Michael Vick, which should help the scoring. The Jaguars’ defense has given up an average of 27.5 points a game and 420 yards. If the Eagles start scoring, the tempo of this game will help it get to the over.
Indianapolis at Denver (48): Both of the Colts’ games have gone over the total. Indianapolis averages 31 points a game while giving up 24 points. The Colts have averaged 436 yards offense and 68 plays a game. While the Broncos do not quite average as much as Colts at 24 points a game, they do average 366 yards offense and 65 plays a game.
San Diego at Seattle (44): The Chargers, who average 26 points a game, average 433 yards offense and 6.8 yards per offensive play. The Seahawks are not quite as prolific on offense, averaging 22.5 points a game. They average 290 yards offense and only 50 offensive plays a game. Defensively, the Seahawks average giving up 18.5 points a game.
Oakland at Arizona (40): Both teams have been offensively challenged. The Raiders average only 14.5 points a game, while the Cardinals average 12 points. Both defenses, on the other hand, have had problems. The Raiders have average giving up 26 points a game, while the Cardinals average 27 points a game. The Raiders average 54 plays a game, which tends to shorten games and limit scoring.
New York Jets at Miami (34 ½): The Dolphins have average 14.5 points a game, but only have given up 10 points a game. The Jets have average 18.5 points a game, and they have average 256 yards and 52 plays a game. The Dolphins have averaged 261 yards and 57 plays a game. Strangely enough, both games last season went over the total and they have not combined for less than 24 points the past two seasons.
Green Bay at Chicago (46): The Packers have averaged 30.5 points a game, and have given up only 13.5. The Bears have average 23 points a game, and have gained an average of 385 yards a game, for a 6.8 yards per play average. The Bears have given up an average of 17 points a game an 289 yards per game. In the past two seasons, all four games have gone under the total with the two teams combining for 40 points only once.
