NFL picks: Pros and cons

We'd all be richer if someone was giving odds on player arrests

To the surprise of many, the New Orleans Saints are one of six teams heading into the weekend with an undefeated 3-0 record.

It has been pointed out that someone, somewhere, should offer odds on off-the-field activities. For instance, it would have been a savvy play to bet that yet another Cincinnati Bengal -- in this case, linebacker Odell Thurman, who was already under suspension for violating the league's substance abuse agreement -- would be arrested by, say, Week 3.

It would have been savvier still had you bet on the infraction in question (DUI), and on the NFL's punishment (a season-long suspension). And if you could have teased a bet that receiver Chris Henry would have been involved -- the four-arrest man was in the car, which may have violated the terms of a bond Henry was granted in a case of allegedly providing three underage girls with alcohol in June -- you, friend, would be richer. But not by a lot, because betting on Chris Henry getting into trouble would not involve long odds.

As for betting on when the Dallas Cowboys would truly regret signing receiver/cancer Terrell Owens, you might have guessed Week 3, but you would probably have not wagered on the words "attempted suicide" applying to Owens rather than to, say, coach Bill Parcells.

Meanwhile, we screwed up yet another prediction last week. We foresaw a .500 week, when in fact, this space went 9-5. Frankly, we're as shocked as you are.

All times are Eastern. All lines could change.

SAN DIEGO (-2.5) AT BALTIMORE ,1 P.M.

In other happy news, Chargers strong safety Terrence Kiel was arrested at team headquarters this week on felony drug charges. On the plus side, he will still be paid for missing this week's game. The NFL is having a terrific week, no? Pick: San Diego

NEW ORLEANS (+7) AT CAROLINA, 1 P.M.

In the feel-good story of the season, the Saints -- the Saints! -- are one of only six teams at 3-0. Still, we somehow doubt the contention that their win on Monday over Atlanta made everything OK in ravaged New Orleans, even for just one night. Pick: New Orleans

MIAMI (-3.5) AT HOUSTON, 1 P.M.

On one side, we could wager on Daunte Culpepper. On the other, the Texans. Is there a third option? Pick: Miami

INDIANAPOLIS (-9) AT N.Y. JETS, 1 P.M.

If you told us before the season that we would pick the Jets to cover less than, oh, a 28-point spread against the Indianapolis passing machine, we would have said you were crazy. Now, we would ask whether you see Tie Domi and Belinda Stronach tying the knot. Which we favour, because we've always wanted to see a Bizarro Wayne Gretzky wedding. Pick: N.Y. Jets

DALLAS (-9.5) AT TENNESSEE, 1 P.M.

Dallas police corporal Glenn White, as quoted by The Associated Press, on Owens and his publicist claiming the police report was wrong: "[The officers] are being put under a microscope by some fancy little football person. Give me a break. Those officers are 10 times better than this man." Agreed. Pick: Tennessee

MINNESOTA (+1) AT BUFFALO, 1 P.M.

All we know is that many in the Toronto area will resent being forced to watch this turkey rather than, say, San Diego-Baltimore. Pick: Minnesota

ARIZONA (+7.5) AT ATLANTA, 1 P.M.



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