TRYKA'S TASTIES

Ouch - another college loss. Maybe I need to stick with betting against Oakland - too bad they have a bye week....

Minnesota -2.5 at Purdue: I am basing this pick on one simple thing - Purdue's defense is horrible. They have been ripped for 35, 31 and 28 points against a couple of bad MAC teams and a Division I-AA team.

There is no way they are stopping Minnesota. Minnesota has an excellent running game averaging nearly 240 yards per game. In addition, Purdue is only 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games. Look for an easy road win for the Golden Gophers.

Atlanta -3.5 at New Orleans: I am not sure what is a worse idea - taking New Orleans +3.5 or the fact that the NFL has scheduled three of the whitest bands - the Goo Goo Dolls, Green Day and U2 - to perfom for the people of New Orleans.

Anyway, everyody is playing up the feel-good story of the New Orleans Saints. Yes, they are 2-0, but they have beat two horrible teams in Cleveland and Green Bay. Atlanta is also 2-0 and many experts think they can contend for the NFC title. I love the fact that they are averaging nearly 280 yards per game rushing. In addition, they are 13-6 ATS against the Saints in their last 19 meetings. That is going to get it done Monday night.

Record: 2-2