Ben Burns

THE PLAY: Colorado -13.0 (-110)

These teams used to play regularly but they haven't met for quite a few years. This will be the first meeting since 2009 and only the second meeting since 1997. The Buffaloes won the 2009 game by a score of 24-0 and have an 24-3-1 overall series advantage. The Buffaloes should improve on those stats in relatively comfortable fashion on Saturday. 

The Cowboys managed only six points in last week's loss vs Utah and they tend to have real trouble scoring on the road. They've scored 15 or less in each of their last three road games, including just 10 at Akron earlier this season. (The Zips have given up 99 points in their two games since.) The Buffaloes, who have an extra day's worth of rest from having played Friday, have much tougher games ahead-they won't play an "easier" game the rest of the way. Their next four opponents include BYU, TCU, Iowa State and Utah. Knowing this is their chance to build some confidence, look for the Buffs to run up the score en route to a lopsided win and cover. *good at -14 or better

Ben Burns is the reigning football champion, our #1 overall football handicapper last season. 

THE PLAY: 1H Total Under 23.5 (-125)

Both these defenses impressed in Week 1. The Chargers limited the Chiefs to 21 points, just six in the first half. The Raiders held New England to 13 points for the entire game. The last two seasons, the first meeting between these division rivals was low-scoring. Last season's first game had a final score of 22-10, only 13 points at the break. The previous season, the first meeting had a final score of 24-17. (The second games had scores of 34-20 and 63-21!) In fact, for each of the past four seasons, the first game between the Raiders and Chargers was lower-scoring than the second. With both defenses off solid efforts, look for a relatively low-scoring start to Monday's nightcap. *good at 23 or better 

Ben Burns is the reigning football champion, the #1 overall football record on the site.