NFL Record: Best Bets 3-2, Regular Picks 8-4 (Updated Oct 19)

Most weeks we provide our NFL best bet of the week and an additional two to three picks that we believe offer some betting value. Last season our top play crushed the book with an incredible 15 point spread covers from 21 selections. Good for a 71.4 winning percent. While it will be difficult to improve on that record, we'll do our best to help our readers in their quest of a profitable football handicapping season.

Arizona raced out to a 21-0 lead before holding on for a 28-21 victory over Houston last week. Seattle welcomed back QB Matt Hasselbeck in a 41-0 romp over Jacksonville.

The Cardinals keep saying they want to run the ball but its lip service at best. With a three-TD lead last week, they ran the ball four times in the 2nd half. The Seahawks aren't stout run defenders and will want to focus on QB Kurt Warner and the vaunted passing attack (280 yards-per-game) of Arizona. The Cards boast good size at wideout while Seattle's corners are on the small side. This will allow Warner to throw more high balls to receivers without fear of picks. However, Arizona has to be able to run the ball to keep the defense honest. Otherwise, the defenders can pin their ears back and come after the immobile Warner.

Seattle's offense woke up last week with the return of Hasselbeck from a broken rib. He has a 7-2 TD/INT ratio this year and a QB rating of 103.1. Arizona's pass defense has not been good in '09 as they have allowed 303 yards-per-game. This week, Seattle is going to their fourth LT of the young season as they signed OT Damion McIntosh off the street and he's expected to see action this week. Look for Hasselbeck to face more pressure as the Cards don't want to sit back and let him fire away. The Seahawks are so-so on the ground while Arizona hasn't had to play a lot of run defense. They do have a good front seven and we don't see Seattle running at will in this game.

This is a key matchup for both teams as neither club wants to drop a divisional game with the resurgent 49ers in the division. Arizona should be able to pass effectively and we feel they will be able to break a few runs. Seattle's two shutout wins have come over St. Louis and Jacksonville and we don't see them getting a big lead in this contest. Look for Warner and the Arizona front seven to make the difference in a road cover for the Cards.

Additional Pro Football Picks
Other games selections that we like this week are listed below.

• Baltimore +3
• New Orleans -3.5
• Tennessee +9.5