New ways to look at old ways to say things

The NFL has a new cliché.

Teams that start 0-2 and win their third game have officially "saved their season." Add an exclamation point and a radio voice if you like.

Blame the cliché on the 1993 Cowboys, 2001 Patriots and 2007 Giants. Each went 0-2, won their third game and went on to win the Super Bowl.

I did some research Thursday. Here's a stat I uncovered:

From 2003 to 2007, 15 teams started 0-2 and won their third game. Fourteen of them missed the playoffs, and seven of them finished last in their division.

Maybe we need another new cliché. Maybe one of these:

MN +3 at TEN: Titans by 7

DEN -9 at KC: Broncos by 14

Brandon Marshall needs to bring his "A" game ... and an attorney, just in case.

HOU +7 at JAC: Jaguars by 3

The AFC South is in the zone. The hospital zone.

ARI +1 1/2 at NYJ: Jets by 6

SF +5 at NO: Saints by 10

The best defense is a good offense, except in New Orleans, San Diego, San Francisco ...

ATL +7 at CAR: Panthers by 10

The Falcons have stepped up to the plate, answered the bell ... and beaten the Lions and Chiefs.

GB +1 at TB: Buccaneers by 3

BUF -8 at STL: Bills by 14

There's no quit in this team, unless, of course, you're talking about St. Louis.

SD -7 1/2 at OAK: Chargers by 10

With a stiff upper lip, Raiders coach Lane Kiffin has decided to take it one erroneous national Internet report at a time.

WAS +11 at DAL: Cowboys by 7

PHI -3 at CHI: Eagles by 7

Finish strong. Step on their throats. You know, all the things the Bears don't do.

BAL +5 1/2 at PIT: Steelers by 6

The Ravens have risen to the challenge, proven all you media geniuses wrong ... and beaten the Browns and Bengals.

CLE +3 1/2 at CIN: Browns 30, Bengals 24

Last week: Jaguars 20, Colts 17 • Result: Jaguars 23, Colts 21 • Record: 2-1

Last week

13-3 / 7-9 vs. spread

Season