Columnist Sal DeFilippo: Long-awaited battle between intrastate rivals is here at last

Sal DeFilippo

Friday, Oct. 20, 2000 | 9:55 a.m.

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

All the hullabaloo over the big intrastate matchup is getting a little out of hand.

Sure, you have the defending champs involved. And, as you can tell by their previous six games, they're going to be tough to beat.

Especially if they score early, because to this point, they've had no problem closing out games. They play pitch and catch better than anybody in the league, and they're no stranger to the home run ball on offense.

But don't count out the other guys. They have a lot of heart and won't go down easily. They have a stingy defense, too, and lots of veteran hitters.

The way these teams play, you're likely to see emotions run high, a helmet flying off, and maybe even a few brawls. State bragging rights are at stake, after all.

Adding to the intrigue is that despite their proximity, these American and National representatives don't play each other too often.

But that's what happens when you get these teams together -- the Rams and Chiefs, that is. Sorry if I threw you a curve there, but what did you expect?

The spread is seven points, but I'm not sure I'd feel comfortable betting on either side.

Not even at the sports book at New York-New York.

Last week

Jacksonville's dysfunctional offense capped a lame 1-4 week against the spread. Philadelphia covered easily against Arizona, but Baltimore, Buffalo and Carolina were losers.

My top five

INDIANAPOLIS -8 1/2 vs. New England -- Two weeks ago, the Colts were beaten at Foxboro. So why back these horses now? The Patriots threw a Hail Mary pass for a touchdown to end the first half in that game and Peyton Manning threw three interceptions. Last week, however, the Colts went back to their biggest horse, Edgerrin James, who ran for a career-high 219 yards as Indy lapped Seattle 37-24. Look for the Colts to get back on the fast track. Indianapolis 34, New England 14.

ARIZONA +7 at Dallas -- Troy Aikman has gone through some tough times in the past few seasons -- he's only 21-24 since the Cowboys last won a playoff game in 1996. He missed a few games earlier this season after a concussion. Last week, he threw a career-worst five interceptions in a loss again the Giants. He watched on the sidelines as Arizona squeaked by his club 32-31 in a week 2 showdown. But it's not all Aikman's burden. You have to have someone to catch the ball, too. Rocket Ismail is out. Joey Galloway is out. Jay Novacek and Michael Irvin aren't coming out of retirement. These Cowboys just don't have much ammunition for their main gunslinger, especially minus a touchdown. Dallas 13, Arizona 10.

SEATTLE +7 1/2 at Oakland -- The Raiders improved to 5-1 with impressive road wins at San Francisco at Kansas City. Credit coach Jon Gruden with making the right adjustments at halftime -- Oakland has outscored its opponents by an 83-39 count in the second half this season, and is especially tough in the third quarter, piling up 44 points and allowing only 6. But the Seahawks are in desperate need of a victory and in a rivalry game, always pick against the team featured on that week's Sports Illustrated. Oakland 35, Seattle 29.

CLEVELAND +9 at Pittsburgh -- In September, Cleveland signed veteran quarterback Doug Pedersen, just to give itself a cushion for Tim Couch. This week, Pedersen will be an armchair quarterback no longer -- Couch was injured in practice and is out indefinitely. Pittsburgh is coming off a 15-0 win over Cincinnati, but the Bengals are the biggest lazy boys in the league. The Browns won at Pittsburgh last year and should stay close again. Pittsburgh 19, Cleveland 11.

NEW YORK JETS -3 vs. Miami -- The Dolphins have won a record 35 Monday Night Football games -- but they've played in more Monday games, too, with 64 appearances. Great rivalry, one in which the Jets have had the upper hand recently, winning the past four against the Fish. The Dolphins' defense has allowed only three touchdowns in six games, tying a modern-day NFL record. But with Jay Fielder at the helm, points could be at a premium for both sides. Jets score late to win and cover. New York Jets 17, Miami 13.