It’s not whether your favorite team wins or loses, it’s whether you make some extra cash on side bets and your fantasy team crushes your co-worker’s team, especially if it’s that cocky prick in the marketing department.

The Bet

I’m 2 -0, so far this season when it comes to Bucs vs the spread. I see no reason for it to change this week.

The Bucs are 7 point underdogs.

You must resist the urge to think the Bucs are due to win one. They will probably win one at some point during the season, but it’s not going to be in week 3. You must also avoid the mindset that the Giants are going to have a let down after the nationally televised, brand new stadium, home opener in Dallas last week, because it won’t matter if the Giants are a bit flat. You shouldn’t think the loss of Justin Tuck will open up the running game, because the Giants are going to control both sides of the trenches. The only place that the Giants are marginally suspect is in the secondary. The loss of Kenny Phillips will haunt the Giants as the season progresses, but their defensive line should off set that this week against an inferior team and they should be able to sack and smack Byron Leftwich around as they please.

Take the Giants -7, the G-men will cover it easily.

The Giants have the 5th best passing game in the NFL. They have totaled 578 yards, completed over 67% of the passes and are averaging 8.6 yards per play. They also have a solid running game. The Buccaneers’ pass defense is 27th in the NFL. The Bucs allow 282 yards per game through the air and opponents average almost 10 yards per play. Starting safety experiment Jermaine Phillips is out for the season after week 2 and safety Tanard Jackson is serving his suspension. Combine the secondary with one of the weakest pass rushes in the NFL will allow the other Manning kid to dice the Bucs up.

Disclaimer: These are my opinions. What you win and lose is on you, so bet responsibly.

Fantasy Spin

Many people have been picking up Leftwich faster than fat people gobbling up 2 for 1 Big Macs. It’s apparent the Bucs can’t run the ball with the current offensive line, so Leftwich will get some yards and plenty of attempts. He’s also going to get pressured all day and my guess is he’ll turn the ball over at least 3 times. I also don’t think he’ll finish the game. If you have another viable option, play it.

Kellen Winslow is the biggest beneficiary in the passing game, so if you got him start him. He’ll get some catches, modest yards and he’ll probably get his number called in the red zone.

Don’t start anyone else on the Bucs, period.

Eli Manning is a must start. He’ll have a career day against this team.

With some injuries and question marks in the Giants receiving corps, Steve Smith will have an opportunity to blow up this weekend. Also, TE Kevin Boss should have a nice game.

Brandon Jacobs and the Giants offensive line should be able to out muscle and wear down the Bucs. Look for Jacobs to get in the end zone at least once.

Giants defense is an absolute must start. They will control the Bucs in the trenches and Byron Leftwich will get sacked, pressured, hurried and hit play after play. Week 3 could be the Bucs first look rookie Josh Freeman.

Good luck.