Columnist Sal DeFilippo: N.Y. fans in need of offense

Sal DeFilippo

Friday, Oct. 22, 1999 | 9:47 a.m.

Sal DeFilippo's pro football picks column appears Friday. Reach him at sal@vegas.com or 259-4076.

This whole thing about having baseball playoffs continue this deep into football season is really annoying to us die-hard football fans.

This year, it's also a little bit confusing.

Case in point: On Monday night, I watched New York's offense put six on the scoreboard en route to victory over its longtime divisional rival.

In both sports.

The Giants and Yankees both showed how defense can win games in either sport, although the Giants also needed good special-teams play to defeat Dallas -- namely, Tiki Barber's fourth-quarter punt return that provided New York its only touchdown.

And although there were some differences -- baseball's Rocket, Roger Clemens, wore a New York uniform, while football's Rocket, Raghib Ismail, lined up against them -- the example of a football team putting up a baseball-type score is also true for New York's other club.

Seven days previous on the same Monday night stage, the Jets managed the same six offensive points in a loss to Jacksonville. Last week, Bill Parcells' team was a comparative juggernaut, rattling the scoreboard with a 13-spot in a home loss to Indianapolis. Naturally, such an exhibition came at a price -- Ray Lucas, a last-minute starter for Rick Mirer -- was injured on the game's final play. Mirer will be welcomed back by New York fans in the same fashion as, say, Kenny Rogers.

No wonder Robin Ventura didn't circle the bags after his fence-clearing single ending last Sunday's game against Atlanta. He probably wasn't sure the hometown faithful could handle that much scoring at one time on a Sunday afternoon.

For the record

The Vikings took the first half off against Detroit, punctuating a sour 6-7-1 mark against the spread, my first losing week since the disastrous Weeks 1 and 2. A 7-7 mark on totals keeps that season ledger well above the break-even mark.

Top of the line: 2-4.

Against the spread: 40-43-3.

Over/unders: 46-38-2.

Straight-up: 47-38.

Top of the line

CLEVELAND +18 1/2 at St. Louis, under 43 1/2 -- The way this season has gone, the Browns will probably win this game by three scores. Perhaps that's not so realistic, but St. Louis could easily attempt to waltz through this one in preparation for next week's game at Tennessee. St. Louis 24, Cleveland 10.

Other games

San Francisco +7 at Minnesota, under 48 -- The Vikings still have not covered the point spread in any game this season. It's hard to anoint Jeff George as the solution for Minnesota, since he's been a problem for his entire career. Minnesota 19, San Francisco 17.

Denver +3 1/2 at New England, over 40 1/2 -- After rallying in each of four season-opening wins, the Patriots have lost heartbreakers in each of their last two games. Meanwhile, the Broncos are coming off impressive wins against Oakland and Green Bay. Brian Griese is looking more and more slick every week. Denver 27, New England 22.

Washington +2 at Dallas, over 44 1/2 -- The Redskins' only loss came in Week 1 when they blew a 21-point second-half lead to the Cowboys, but the Washington defense has played better of late. Rookie cornerback Bailey has Washington looking like a Champ. Washington 31, Dallas 24.

NEW ORLEANS +3 at New York Giants, under 34 -- Take away Tiki Barber, and the Giants' offense is running with scissors. New Orleans 21, New York Giants 12.

TAMPA BAY -8 vs. Chicago, under 36 -- Cade McNown will be the subject of much verbal abuse in Chicago after Tampa Bay's defense makes him a direct object of their aggression. Tampa Bay 19, Chicago 3.

Philadelphia +10 1/2 at Miami, under 37 1/2 -- Damon Huard, who has never started an NFL game, was forced into action last week, trailing 7-0, when Dan Marino couldn't continue because of an injury. He was on the road, against a 4-1 team. He was sacked a team-record nine times. And he ... won? More of the same this week, although the Eagles score a backdoor touchdown late to cover. Miami 20, Philadelphia 10.

CAROLINA -4 1/2 vs. Detroit, under 43 -- I'm 0-for-Detroit this season -- I haven't correctly picked a Lions game yet against the spread, on them or against them. The uncertainty of Charlie Batch's health has me expecting less from Motown. Carolina 24, Detroit 10. .

INDIANAPOLIS -10 1/2 vs. Cincinnati, over 44 1/2 -- The Colts are seeking their fourth win of the season -- sad as it is, that would already eclipse their win total from each of the past three seasons. The Colts won 39-26 at Indianapolis when these teams met last year -- expect more silliness this time around. Indianapolis 35, Cincinnati 19.

GREEN BAY -3 1/2 at San Diego, under 37 1/2 -- I'll probably start believing in San Diego about the time the Chargers clinch a playoff spot. Until then, I just can't see it. Green Bay 17, San Diego 10.

New York Jets +6 1/2 at Oakland, under 37 -- Tim Brown is averaging eight catches, more than 120 yards receiving, and a touchdown for each of the last three games he has played against the Jets, whose secondary already is depleted by injuries to Steve Atwater and Kevin Williams. Still, the Raiders seem to play down to the level of struggling teams. Oakland 17, New York Jets 16.

Buffalo +2 1/2 at Seattle, over 38 -- The Seahawks' offensive struggles continue -- they are the only NFL team without a rushing touchdown this season. Doug Flutie is without Eric Moulds for four weeks or so, but as he has done often the past two seasons, he'll improvise. Buffalo 27, Seattle 23.

Pittsburgh -5 1/2 vs. Atlanta, over 36 1/2 -- It's tough to guess which Steelers team will show -- the one that's 7-0 at home on Monday Night Football under Bill Cowher, or the one that has lost four straight home games for the first time since 1970. Either way, I know which Falcons' team will be there. Pittsburgh 24, Atlanta 14.