Remember, use my picks to wager $$$ at your own risk. If you lose, I had nothing to do with it. If you win beaucoup $$$, a 10% tip would be cool.  But, I’m realistic. This is just for your entertainment…or not, and for me to keep my sports “mojo” going until “I’m back in the saddle”. Remember the league’s unofficial motto…“ON ANY GIVEN SUNDAY, MONDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY OR SATURDAY……….

Last Week: 12-4 Season: 100-76

THURSDAY

HOUSTON (5-6) +8 @ PHILADELPHIA (7-4) O/U 52 pts

-Eagles QB Michael Vick threw his first interception since before his incarceration and Philly suffered its first loss with Vick at starting QB at Chicago last week. The Texans, with that pathetic defense, shut out a Tennessee team in turmoil. The Texans will have issues chasing Vick at the “Linc”. EAGLES (34-24, EAGLES)

SUNDAY

NEW ORLEANS (8-3) -6.5 @ CINCINNATI (2-9) 45.5 pts

-An upset special? Maybe. Bengals with much too much talent to be this bad. Saints need to keep pace with Atlanta. SAINTS (34-30, SAINTS)

CHICAGO (8-3) -5 @ DETROIT (2-9) 44 pts

-A little pay-back for the Lions? Remember opening day when the refs took the win from Detroit in Chicago?

Unfortunately for the Lions, Matthew Stafford is out and they’re playing out the string while the Bears are much better on both sides of the ball. No controversy in this one. BEARS (24-20, BEARS)

SAN FRANCISCO (4-7) +9 @ GREEN BAY (7-4) 41 pts

-Can you believe it! After that 27-6 Monday Night win over Arizona, the 49ers are in the thick of the NFC West race. Too bad they won’t have Montana-Rice or Young-Rice in this one because Aaron Rodgers should have a field day. PACKERS (34-16, PACKERS)

JACKSONVILLE (6-5) EVEN @ TENNESSEE (5-6) 0 pts

-This one’s even because of the uncertainty in the Titans camp regarding many things. The Jags are tied for first with QB David Garrard and RB Maurice Jones-Drew playing well. Who ever’s QBing the Titans will have to find WR Randy Moss or give the ball a majority of the time to RB Chris Johnson. JAGUARS (17-6, JAGUARS)

DENVER (3-8)  +9 @ KANSAS CITY (7-4) 48.5 pts

-The Chiefs are rolling while the Broncos have been caught cheating. Too much running game by KC and, NOW, QB Matt Cassel and WR Dwayne Bowe are a dynamic duo. CHIEFS (10-6, CHIEFS)

CLEVELAND (4-7) +5 @ MIAMI (6-5) 43 pts

-The Browns are good. But, without rookie QB Colt McCoy out with a high ankle sprain and gives them the best shot to win, the Dolphins have too much on both sides of the ball and will take it to Cleveland. DOLPHINS (13-10, BROWNS)

BUFFALO (2-9) +5.5 @ MINNESOTA (4-7) 44.5 pts

-If Buffalo WR Steven Johnson can hold on to the ball…….Bills are the only team to have lost three overtime games in one season. It’s in the Dome against a more talented Vikings team with nothing to lose at this point and just playing to have fun for undefeated “interim coach” Leslie Frazier. VIKINGS (38-14, VIKINGS)

WASHINGTON (5-6) +7 @ NY GIANTS of NEW JERSEY (7-4) 43.5 pts

-NFC East showdown. Redskins can make a race of it with a win. Giants are the better team and shouldn’t overlook Washington. GIANTS (31-7, GIANTS)

OAKLAND (5-6) +12.5 @ SAN DIEGO (6-5) 45 pts

-Raiders are REALLY  .500 team. The Chargers are who we thought they were! SLOW STARTERS…FAST FINISHERS!……One of the AFC’s best teams especially with QB Phillip Rivers.

Remember that HOLY ROLLER 1978 game at The Q (then known as Jack Murphy Stadium). Enjoy Jim Simpson and ex-Miami Dolphins/Cleveland Browns WR Paul Warfield calling the action for NBC.

Love how Simpson rattles off scores in between plays mentioning LOS ANGELES with a 10-0 lead on ATLANTA with seven minutes to go, Cullen Bryant scoring the TD for the LA RAMS. Anyway…..No HOLY ROLLER finish for the Raiders. CHARGERS (28-13, RAIDERS)

DALLAS (3-8) +5 @ INDIANAPOLIS (6-5) 48 pts

-Colts still with nagging injuries, were exposed by the Chargers. A little pass rush can force Colts QB Peyton Manning into mistakes. Dallas defense can cause some problems. I REALLY want to pick the Cowboys in an upset. I just can’t see Peyton allowing two straight home losses. Close one. COLTS (38-35, COWBOYS….should’ve gone with the gut.)

ST. LOUIS (5-6) -3 @ ARIZONA (3-8) 43.5 pts

-Can the Rams win two straight roadies? Well, considering how pathetic the Cardinals looked on both sides of the ball in their Monday Night home loss to the 49ers, the Rams are rolling to .500 behind that top-ten defense, rookie QB Sam Bradford and the Man Amongst Boys RB Steven Jackson. Playoffs (and Los Angeles in 2015), HERE WE COME! RAMS (19-6, RAMS)

CAROLINA (1-10) +6 @ SEATTLE (5-6) 40 pts

-Seahawks must keep pace with the Rams in the NFC West. Panthers playing for the 2011 top draft pick. SEAHAWKS (31-14, SEAHAWKS)

ATLANTA (9-2) -3 @ TAMPA BAY (7-4) 44.5 pts

-NFC South battle. If the Buccaneers want to keep their division and playoff hopes alive, beating the Falcons at home is a must. QB Matt Ryan and the Falcons trying to nail down not only a division title, but home filed throughout the NFC playoffs.  Bucs QB Josh Freeman up to the challenge. Close one. FALCONS (28-24, FALCONS)

PITTSBURGH (8-3) +3 @ BALTIMORE (8-3) 39.5 pts

-Ben Roethlisberger, reportedly, has a broken bone in a foot. Problems. Two very similar teams. However, the Ravens, who really don’t have any question marks on either side of the ball, are loaded and are my AFC Super Bowl pick. Close one for the AFC North. RAVENS (13-10, STEELERS)

MONDAY

NY JETS of NEW JERSEY (9-2) +3.5 @ NEW ENGLAND (9-2) 45.5 pts

-Too bad I can’t call a tie in an NFL game. Well. I guess I can if each team can’t score a point in the 15 minute overtime period. This is for the AFC East with two teams who’ll both make the playoffs. Patriots looked awfully good in Detroit Thanksgiving Day as the Jets did at home against Cincinnati. Jets held serve in New Jersey. Gotta go with the Patriots holding down “The Razor”. PATRIOTS (45-3, PATRIOTS)

BYE WEEK:

*Los Angeles (15 yrs, 13 wks)

Eric’s Week 12 NFL Picks

Remember, use my picks to wager $$$ at your own risk. If you lose, I had nothing to do with it. If you win beaucoup $$$, a 10% tip would be cool.  But, I’m realistic. This is just for your entertainment…or not, and for me to keep my sports “mojo” going until “I’m back in the saddle”. Remember the league’s unofficial motto…“ON ANY GIVEN SUNDAY, MONDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY OR SATURDAY……….

Last Week: 10-6 Season: 88-72

Had internet issues and wasn’t able to post my picks in time for the annual Thanksgiving Day Games. I did TWEET and FACEBOOK my Turkey Day Picks.

THURSDAY – THANKSGIVING

NEW ENGLAND (8-2) -7 @ DETROIT (2-8) O/U 45 pts
-Lions still going through growing pains. Patriots too good and eyeing the AFC East and beyond. PATRIOTS (45-24, PATRIOTS)

NEW ORLEANS (7-3) -3.5 @ DALLAS (3-7) 45.5 pts
-Cowboys playing well and going for three straight wins under “interim head coach” Jason Garrett. Saints getting healthy at just the right time. QB Drew Brees playing like an MVP. I’ll take him over Jon Kitna. SAINTS (30-27, SAINTS)

CINCINNATI (2-8) +9 @ NY JETS of NEW JERSEY (8-2) 37 pts
-This season just keeps getting worse and worse for a very talent-laden Bengals team. Jets QB Mark Sanchez and WR Santonio Holmes have some chemistry working. JETS (26-10, JETS)

SUNDAY

GREEN BAY (7-3) +1.5 @ ATLANTA (8-2) 47 pts
-Falcons QB Matt Ryan is “almost” a sure win at home having only lost once in his career at the GeorgiaDome. QB Aaron Rodgers playing like Brett Favre back in the day. Pack also getting healthy. Playoff preview. FALCONS (20-17, FALCONS)

PITTSBURGH (7-3) -6 @ BUFFALO (2-8) 43.5
-Bills are tough having won two straight. Steelers need to keep up with the Ravens in the AFC North. STEELERS (19-16, STEELERS)

CAROLINA (1-9) EVEN @ CLEVELAND (3-7) 0.0 pts
-No over/under because of QB uncertainty for both teams. Panthers with the “Couch Potato QB” Brian St. Pierre. Notre Dame rookie Jimmy Clausen set to return after an injury. Browns playing well with Rookie QB Colt McCoy who is hobbled with a high ankle sprain. Ex-panther QB Jake Delhomme will start for the Browns. BROWNS (24-23, BROWNS)

JACKSONVILLE (6-4) +7 @ NY GIANTS of NEW JERSEY (6-4) 44.5 pts
-How about them Jags!! First place in the AFC South. Their perch is tenuous. QB David Garrard is playing well as is fire plug RB Maurice Jones-Drew. Problem is, the Giants defense is still too good and QB Eli Manning and the offense won’t lose a third consecutive. GIANTS (24-20, GIANTS)

MINNESOTA (3-7) +2 @ WASHINGTON (5-5) 43.5 pts
-Vikings finally fired coach Brad Childress replacing him with defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier. Should’ve been done before Childress pulled the plug on Randy Moss. Don’t kid yourself. Whereas QB Brett Favre has made some bad throws, he’s still playing well and has been hobbled by WR’s with “drop-the-ball-itus”. Sense of relief for the Vikings’ players will give them a loft that’s too little, too late. Redskins have injury issues. VIKINGS (17-13, VIKINGS)

TENNESSEE (5-5) EVEN @ HOUSTON (4-6) O/U 0.0 pts
-No over/under because of the Vince Young/Jeff Fisher soap opera with the “Oilers (Titans)” while Houston’s defense is just horrible losing the last two games with just seconds left. It’s a Houston home game and the visiting “Oilers” are starting some guy named Rusty Smith at QB. Plenty on their minds as well with offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger diagnosed with cancer. TEXANS (20-0, TEXANS)

MIAMI (5-5) EVEN @ OAKLAND (5-5) O/U 0.0 pts
-Again, no over/under because these teams aren’t as good as their respective records? If only this were Griese vs. Stabler circa 1974.

But, it isn’t. Both these teams brought back down to reality and need “To Check Themselves Before They Wreck Themselves” – Ice Cube. RAIDERS (33-17, DOLPHINS)

KANSAS CITY (6-4) -1 @ SEATTLE (5-5) 44 pts
-Believe it or not, a battle of division leaders! Chiefs in the AFC West, Seahawks in the NFC West. Chiefs seem to be the better team because of that top-ranked running game. But the Seahawks are 3-1 at home. SEAHAWKS (35-24, CHIEFS)

PHILADELPHIA (7-3) -3 @ CHICAGO (7-3) 43 pts
-Michael Vick’s got the Eagles soaring into the playoffs with “Super Bowl” being mentioned in the same breath. QB Jay Cutler and the defense doing the same for the Bears. Most are unsure because they can’t run the ball well. Bears will be chasing Vick all day! EAGLES (31-26, BEARS)

ST. LOUIS (4-6) +4 @ DENVER (3-7) 44.5 pts
-Rams with a shot at the playoffs just a game behind first place Seattle in the NFC West. They need to win on the road for a shot at the playoffs, something they haven’t done in over a year. Here’s their chance. Rams ranked sixth in defense with 28 QB sacks and could get their mitts on Bronco QB Kyle Orton. Rams QB Sam Bradford the likely rookie of the year. RB Steven Jackson’s a man among boys. RAMS (36-33, RAMS)

TAMPA BAY (7-3) +7.5 @ BALTIMORE (7-3) 41 pts
-QB Josh Freeman has the surprising Buccaneers in the NFC South playoff chase. The Ravens are in a two-team race with Pittsburgh in the AFC North. It’s cold in Baltimore and Josh Freeman hasn’t been introduced to the NFL until Ravens LB Ray Lewis plants one on him. Ravens balanced on both sides of the line. RAVENS (17-10, RAVENS)

SAN DIEGO (5-5) +3 @ INDIANAPOLIS (6-4) 51.5 pts
-Phillip Rivers vs. Peyton Manning. Plenty of darts being flung in this one. Bolts have won five of six meetings between these two. Their quickness on defense causes problems for the stationary Manning. Rivers and the Chargers hitting their stride. CHARGERS (36-14, CHARGERS)

MONDAY

SAN FRANCISCO (3-7) EVEN @ ARIZONA (3-7) 40.5 pts
-Can I just flip a coin to pick the winner. Believe it or not, the winner still with a shot of winning the NFC West. CARDINALS (27-6, 49ERS)

Eric’s Week 11 NFL Picks

Remember, use my picks to wager $$$ at your own risk. If you lose, I had nothing to do with it. If you win beaucoup $$$, a 10% tip would be cool.  But, I’m realistic. This is just for your entertainment…or not, and for me to keep my sports “mojo” going until “I’m back in the saddle”. Remember the league’s unofficial motto…“ON ANY GIVEN SUNDAY, MONDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY OR SATURDAY……….

Last week: 6-8 Season: 78-66

THURSDAY

CHICAGO (6-3) +1.5 @ MIAMI (5-4) O/U 39 pts
-Dolphins lost both “Chad QB’s” in Sunday’s 29-17 win over Tennessee which means third-stringer Tyler Thigpen starts. Thigpen started 11 games for the Chiefs a few years back and went 1-10. Not good. Expect plenty out of the “Wildcat” from the Fins. Means plenty of Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown being forced down Chicago’s defensive throat. Bears QB Jay Cutler had maybe his best day against the Vikings defense running Mike Martz’s offense. Still, that offensive line has issues protecting Cutler. Dolphins need to make sure to keep kickoffs and punts away from Devin Hester. They kick to him, the fins are fried. DOLPHINS (16-0, BEARS)

OAKLAND (5-4) +7 @ PITTBURGH (6-3) 41.5 pts
-The rivalry is BACK  ringing up great memories from the 1970s.

Hard for me to pick against the Raiders here. Winner’s of three straight to take first place in the AFC West, this game kicks-off at one pm local time making it 10am for the Raiders. Plus, the Steelers lost at home to the Patriots last week. Not twice in a row. Maybe an “Immaculate Reception” determines the winner of this one.

How about the legendary Curt Gowdy with the call. STEELERS (35-3, STEELERS)

BUFFALO (1-8) +5.5 @ CINCINNATI (2-7) 44 pts
-Bills finally scored a win last week over Detroit. Much better than their record. Bengals trying to end a six-game skid. Far too much talent to have such a poor record. BENGALS (49-31, BILLS)

DETROIT (2-7) +6 @ DALLAS (2-7) 46 pts
-Last week Cowboys played like the team most pundits thought would reach Super Bowl in Jason Garrett’s first game as “interim” head coach beating the Giants in Jersey, 33-20. Lions again without QB Matthew Stafford and coming off loss at Buffalo. COWBOYS (35-19, COWBOYS)

WASHINGTON (4-5) +7 @ TENNESSEE (5-4) 43.5 pts
-Redskins defense made Eagles QB Michael Vick look like a combination of P. Manning/Favre/Brady/S. Young. Redskins were horrible. Titans couldn’t take advantage of new WR Randy Moss in loss at Miami. This week, Moss with big numbers. TITANS (19-16, REDSKINS)

ARIZONA (3-6) +8 @ KANSAS CITY (5-4) 43.5 pts
-Cardinals with QB issues and the worst rushing defense in the league. Chiefs angry after bad loss at Denver last week and with the league’s top rushing offense. CHIEFS (31-13, CHIEFS)

GREEN BAY (6-3) -3 @ MINNESOTA (3-6) 44 pts
-Irony of ironies here. The team future hall-of-fame QB Brett Favre is synonymous with, the Green Bay Packers, could put an end to his career with a win at the MetroDome. Packers won first meeting after Favre missed a receiver slant for a TD then threw an interception on the next play. Vikings much better than their record and will have WR Sidney Rice back. Favre won’t go out like this. VIKINGS (31-3, PACKERS)

HOUSTON (4-5) +7 @ NY JETS of NEW JERSEY (7-2) 46 pts
-Texans defense is atrocious. Jets QB Mark Sanchez will pad the stats while RB’s LaDanian Tomlinson and Shaun Greene run up the score. JETS (30-27, JETS)

BALTIMORE (6-3) -11.5 @ CAROLINA (1-8) 37 pts
-Panthers starting QB Brian St. Pierre was watching games from his couch with a beer in hand last week. RAVENS (37-13, RAVENS)

CLEVELAND (3-6) +1.5 @ JACKSONVILLE (5-4) 44 pts
-Browns are a GOOD football team. Texas rookie QB Colt McCoy is their franchise QB leading them to wins over the Saints, Patriots and almost did the same to the Jets last week. Jaguars won on a “Hail Mary” on the final play at home against Houston last week. BROWNS (24-20, JAGUARS)

ATLANTA (7-2) -3 @ ST. LOUIS (4-5) 43 pts
-I want to pick the Rams in this one but their defensive secondary isn’t good at all. Too bad because the Rams defensive line and linebackers are excellent. I think that secondary’s going to be exploited by Falcons QB Mattie “Ice” Ryan. Rams QB Sam Bradford and RB Steven Jackson will keep it close. FALCONS (34-17, FALCONS)

SEATTLE (5-4) +11 @ NEW ORLEANS (6-3) 44 pts
-RB Reggie Bush back in the line-up after he broke a leg in week two. He’ll take pressure off QB Drew Brees and open up the offense for the World Champions. Bush and Pete Carroll on the same field for the first time since Bush won the Heisman he since has given up, a few years back at USC. Seahawks inconsistent. SAINTS (34-19, SAINTS)

TAMPA BAY (6-3) +3.5 @ SAN FRANCISCO (3-6) 41.5 pts
-The Buccaneers clearly one of the biggest surprises this year. QB Josh Freeman has proven to be quite capable leading Tampa to some impressive late 4th quarter comeback wins. Niners looking for three straight wins with former Heisman trophy winner Troy Smith at QB. 49ERS (21-0, BUCCANEERS)

INDIANAPOLIS (6-3) +4 @ NEW ENGLAND (7-2) 49 pts
-Thee rivalry of the past decade in the AFC. Colts QB Peyton Manning dealing with many injuries to his RB and WR’s. He could have Austin Collie back. Pats QB Tom Brady has the Patriots rolling after a win in Pittsburgh last week. A close one at “The Razor”. PATRIOTS (31-28, PATRIOTS)

NY GIANTS of NEW JERSEY (6-3) +3 @ PHILADELPHIA (6-3) 48 pts
-Giants didn’t look good in losing to the Cowboys in Jersey last week and have lost four straight to the Eagles. QB Michael Vick responsible for six touchdowns in Philly’s 59-28 Monday night win over the Redskins. Giants have the quick defenders to stop Vick. Vick is playing out of his mind. EAGLES (27-17, EAGLES)

MONDAY

DENVER (3-6) +9.5 @ SAN DIEGO (4-5) 50.5 pts
-After a bye week, Denver annihilated Kansas City last week. The Chargers are coming off a bye and will be the fresh team Monday night at “The Q”. Chargers have the top-rated offense and defense in the league. Their Achilles Heel, the special teams which have lost three games. Chargers begin that familiar second-half of the season push towards the AFC West Title and playoffs. CHARGERS

BYE WEEK:
*LOS ANGELES (15 yrs, 11 wks)

Eric’s Week 10 NFL Picks

Remember, use my picks to wager $$$ at your own risk. If you lose, I had nothing to do with it. If you win beaucoup $$$, a 10% tip would be cool.  But, I’m realistic. This is just for your entertainment…or not, and for me to keep my sports “mojo” going until “I’m back in the saddle”. Remember the league’s unofficial motto…“ON ANY GIVEN SUNDAY, MONDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY OR SATURDAY……….

Last week: 9-4 Season: 72-58

Computer issues struck Wednesday. Wasn’t able to upload my picks in time for Thursday’s game. From my phone, I did post on Facebook that I was picking the Falcons over the Ravens.

Here’s what I had written for that one:

BALTIMORE (6-2) +3 @ ATLANTA (6-2) O/U 40 pts (THUR)
-Super Bowl preview?? Falcons coming off bye week. QB Matt Ryan 17-1 at Georgia Dome. Ravens best team in the league (at least that’s what I think). Home Cooking! FALCONS (26-21, FALCONS)

Falcons QB Matt Ryan on the come-from-behind win.

DETROIT (2-6) +3 @ BUFFALO (0-8) 43.5 pts
-If there is such a thing, the Bills are the BEST winless team. Buffalo’s in most games they’ve played in only to lose in last minute including last week in Toronto against the Bears, 22-19. Lions QB Matthew Stafford out for season after separating his throwing shoulder again in last week’s 23-20 OT loss to the Jets. BILLS (14-12, BILLS)

MINNESOTA (3-5) -1 @ CHICAGO (5-3) 40.5 pts
-Some Viking players, who don’t want to be identified, can’t stand head coach Brad Childress and would like him to be fired. Vikes saved his job and season coming from behind last week at home against Arizona. If there is such a thing, Bears the worst 5-3 team. QB Jay Cutler getting pummeled by opposing defenders and the Bears can’t run the ball. You gotta love offensive coordinator Mike Martz. Cutler will get well acquainted with Vikings DE Jared Allen. Brett Favre and Adrian Peterson will balance the Viking Offense. VIKINGS (27-13, BEARS)

NY JETS of NEW JERSEY (6-2) -3 @ CLEVELAND (3-5) 38 pts
-Browns head coach Eric Mangini going up against his former team for the first time since Jets replaced him with Rex Ryan. WR Braylon Edwards returns to Cleveland for first time since being traded to the Jets. Browns are on way back after two consecutive wins against Super Bowl Champion Saints and three-time former champion Patriots. Jets having issues needing a fourth quarter comeback to win at Detroit in overtime last week. Browns have found their QB in rookie Colt McCoy who’s making things happen. BROWNS (26-20, JETS)

CINCINNATI (2-6) +7 @ INDIANAPOLIS (5-3) 47.5 pts
-Everything that can go wrong has gone wrong in Cincy this season. Defending AFC North Champion Bengals handed a fifth consecutive loss Monday night at the hands of the Steelers. Despite 26-24 loss at Philly last week, QB Peyton Manning and the Colts haven’t lost to the Bengals during Manning’s career. COLTS (23-17, COLTS)

TENNESSEE (5-3) -1 @ MIAMI (4-4) 43 pts
-Titans debuting WR Randy Moss who went without a catch in Miami a month ago in his last game as a Patriot. Traded to Minnesota the following week and waived by Minnesota two weeks ago, Moss finds himself back up against the Dolphins after a second bye week for the all-pro receiver. Dolphins have yet to win at home this season. QB Chad Pennington replacing injured Chad Henne. Addition of Moss opens up the ground game for RB Chris Johnson. Close one. TITANS ((29-17, DOLPHINS)

Carolina (1-7) +7 @ TAMPA BAY (5-3) 37 pts
-COME ON, MAN!! BUCCANEERS (31-16, BUCCANEERS)

HOUSTON (4-4) +1.5 @ JACKSONVILLE (4-4) 49.5 pts
-Loser of this one in last place in the AFC south while the winner still can make something happen against the Colts and Titans. Texans defense is atrocious. Jags QB David Garrard can exploit bad defenses as he did against Dallas. Plus, he’s got Maurice Jones-Drew running the football. JAGUARS (31-24, JAGUARS)

KANSAS CITY (5-3) -1.5 @ DENVER (2-6) 43 pts
-Broncos can’t stop the run. Chiefs have a two-headed monster at running back. Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones make KC one of the best running teams in the league. Plus, the Chiefs are mad at the way they let one get away in Oakland last week. Broncos should’ve stayed in London. CHIEFS (49-29, BRONCOS)

DALLAS (1-7) +13.5 @ NY GIANTS of NEW JERSEY 45.5 pts
-The Jason Garrett regime begins in Dallas after Cowboys stopped playing for ex-coach Wade Phillips losing at Green Bay last week, 45-7. Giants are at the top of the NFC (alongside Atlanta) and rolling. GIANTS (33-20, COWBOYS)

SEATTLE (4-4) +3 @ ARIZONA (3-5) 41.5 pts
-NFC West WIDE OPEN! Who wants it?!?! Seahawks laid an egg at home last week without injured QB Matt Hasselbeck. Giants ran up 545 yards of offense beating Seattle 41-7. Hasselbeck’s back this week. Might not matter because Cards QB Derek Anderson looked solid in last week’s OT loss at Minnesota. Seahawks will be seeing the back of Larry Fitzgerald’s jersey A LOT. CARDINALS (36-18, SEAHAWKS)

ST. LOUIS (4-4) +6 @ SAN FRANCISCO (2-6) 38 pts
-NFC West WIDE OPEN! Who wants it?!?! 49ers went to London, got a win, and maybe found themselves a QB. Third-stringer and former Heisman trophy winner Troy Smith came off the bench and made things happen “Michael Vick-like” in Frisco‘s 24-16 win over Denver. Rams haven’t won on the road since beating the Niners in Frisco 13-9 in 2007. Rams have the division’s best QB in rookie and top-overall draft pick Sam Bradford. Their defense is top 10 and let’s not forget RB Steven Jackson. Rams are ascending. But, Smith is the X-factor for Frisco. RAMS (23-20, 49ERS)

The NFC WEST could come down to an INCH!

NEW ENGLAND (6-2) +5 @ PITTSBURGH (6-2) 45 pts (SNF)
-Patriots turned the ball over three times in last week’s stunning 20 point loss at Cleveland. Pittsburgh looked solid and took advantage of Cincinnati miscues in the Steelers Monday night win. This will be a close one. Pittsburgh’s defense gets the edge. STEELERS (39-26, PATRIOTS)

PHILADELPHIA (5-3) -3 @ WASHINGTON (4-4) 43 pts (MNF)
-Redskins won the first meeting in Philly earlier this year. Plenty of QB turmoil with the Eagles in that one. Tables have turned. Redskins coach Mike Shanahan has issues with former Eagle QB Donovan McNabb. Michael Vick has the Eagles rolling. EAGLES (59-28, EAGLES)

BYE WEEK:
GREEN BAY (6-3)
OAKLAND (5-4)
NEW ORLEANS (6-3)
SAN DIEGO (4-5)
*LOS ANGELES (15 yrs, 10 wks)

Eric’s Week 8 NFL Picks

Last Week: 8-6 Season: 55-49

MIAMI (3-3) +1 @ CINCINNATI (2-4) O/U 44.5 pts
-Dolphins played well and were robbed in last week’s 23-22 loss to the Steelers. Defending AFC North Champ Bengals, surely, won’t lose a 4th straight game will they? BENGALS (22-14, DOLPHINS)

JACKSONVILLE (3-4) +6.5 @ DALLAS (1-5) 44 pts
-Things are looking up for the Cowboys. The most over-rated and over-hyped player in NFL history, QB Tony Romo’s out with a broken clavicle. Pocket passer Jon Kitna replaces Romo. Kitna just has to hand off the ball and complete a pass here and there. Jags getting QB David Garrard Back. He should just give the ball to RB Maurice Jones-Drew. COWBOYS (35-17, JAGUARS)

WASHINGTON (4-3) +3 @ DETROIT (1-5) 44.5 pts
-Lions QB Matthew Stafford’s back after suffering a shoulder injury in week 2. Lions with two weeks to prepare for the NFC’s worst defense which did a number on the Bears last week. CB DeAngelo Hall with four picks of Bears QB Jay Cutler. REDSKINS (37-25, LIONS)

BUFFALO (0-6) +7 @ KANSAS CITY (4-2) 46.5 pts
-Bills getting ready to select Stanford QB Andrew Luck with the top overall pick in the 2011 Draft. Chiefs rolling. CHIEFS (13-10, CHIEFS)

CAROLINA (1-5) +2.5 @ ST. LOUIS (3-4) 37.5 pts
-Rookie QB Sam Bradford and the Rams should be able to regroup against a bad Panthers team at home after last week‘s road loss to the Bucs. Rams RB Steven Jackson questionable with a fractured finger. He’ll play and run all over the Panthers. RAMS (20-10, RAMS)

GREEN BAY (4-3) +6 @ NY JETS of NEW JERSEY (5-1) 42.5 pts
-Jets with two weeks to prepare for a still banged-up Packers team that beat the Vikings this past Monday Night. Emotionally drained and going up against one of the top teams in the league, Packers are cheese. JETS (9-0, PACKERS)

DENVER (2-6) +2.5 @ SAN FRANCISCO (1-5) 43 pts (London)
-If the league’s trying to attract fans by playing a regular season game on a neutral field, instead of flying over-seas to London, England why not play the game in our nation’s second-largest market which is without an NFL team. LOS ANGELES! And have the Rams play San Francisco. Oh well. 49ERS (24-16, 49ERS)

Just for you, the WLAF (later, NFL Europe) 1992 World Bowl Game between the London Monarchs and the Barcelona Dragons at Wembly in London.

TENNESSEE (5-2) +4.5 @ SAN DIEGO (2-5) 44.5 pts
-Chargers can’t be that bad and the Titans can’t really be that good. CHARGERS (33-25, CHARGERS)

SEATTLE (4-2) +2.5 @ OAKLAND (3-4) 41 pts
-Who are the Raiders that won at Denver last week, 59-14? Was Ken Stabler handing off to Mark Van Eghen and throwing to Cliff Branch? Pete Carroll’s Seahawks looking to work a strangle-hold on the NFC West. RAIDERS (33-3, RAIDERS)

MINNESOTA (2-4) +5.5 @ NEW ENGLAND (5-1) 43.5 pts
-The more things change, the more they stay the same for the Patriots. Tom Brady and some flashy catchers. For the Vikings, QB Brett Favre is a gambling gunslinger. Two slightly fractured bones in that left ankle won’t stop his consecutive game streak. WR Randy Moss back in Foxboro after trade that sent him back to Minneapolis two weeks ago. I smell upset. VIKINGS (28-18, PATRIOTS)

TAMPA BAY (4-2) +3 @ ARIZONA (3-3) 39 pts
-The Cardinals don’t have a quarterback. The Buccaneers have Josh Freeman. BUCCANEERS (38-35, BUCCANEERS)

PITTSBURGH (5-1) EVEN @ NEW ORLEANS (4-3) 45 pts (SNF)
-Must’ve been “throw-back day” in the Big Easy with “Aints Bags” handed out last week. QB Drew Brees threw four picks in the Saints 30-13 home loss to the Browns. Steelers got away with one beating the Dolphins by one. SAINTS (20-10, SAINTS)

HOUSTON (4-2) +5.5 @ INDIANAPOLIS (4-2) 51 pts (MNF)
-Texans worked the Colts opening day with RB Arian Foster running for over 200 yards against Indy. QB Peyton Manning won’t lose to this team twice in a season. COLTS (30-17, COLTS)

BYE WEEKS:
ATLANTA (5-2)
CHICAGO (4-3)
CLEVELAND (2-5)
NY GIANTS of NEW JERSEY (5-2)
BALTIMORE (5-2)
LOS ANGELES (15 yrs, 8 wks)

ERIC’S NFL WEEK 7 PICKS

Before I get to the prognostications, here’s the opening to a classic football flick from the early 70s starring Charlton Heston as the quarterback of the New Orleans Saints. NUMBER ONE. You gotta love the LA RAMS sporting the old BLUE & WHITE Unis. Enjoy the open and rent the DVD. Music score credits…DOMINIC FRONTIERE. Yes, Georgia’s husband. Heston wears #17. The actual game footage of #17 is Billy Kilmer…the Saints first QB.

Remember, use my picks to wager $$$ at your own risk. If you lose, I had nothing to do with it. If you win beaucoup $$$, a 10% tip would be cool.  But, I’m realistic. This is just for your entertainment…or not, and for me to keep my sports “mojo” going until “I’m back in the saddle”. Remember the league’s unofficial motto…“ON ANY GIVEN SUNDAY, MONDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY OR SATURDAY“…………

Last Week:  8-6 (better)  Season:  47-43

CINCINNATI (2-3) +3 @ ATLANTA (4-2) O/U 43 pts
-Bengals QB Carson Palmer hearing the boos with some turnover issues. Palmer and the Bengals with two weeks to figure it out. How about setting up the pass by handing off to RB Cedric Benson. Then, work it downfield to T.O. and Ocho Cinco. The Falcons are plus 14 in turnovers. That’s good. Didn’t look good in last week’s loss at Philadelphia. CB Dante Robinson makes the D work. But, he could be out because of last week’s helmet-to-helmet hit to Eagles WR DeSean Jackson. Robinson was docked 50-Large and given a one-game suspension. Palmer will look to torch the secondary. Falcons QB Matt Ryan could have a field day against a Bengals D that’s got just six sacks this season, second fewest in the league. Falcons get RB Mike Turner going, that’s going to open it up for Ryan. FALCONS (39-32, FALCONS)

WASHINGTON (3-3) +3 @ CHICAGO (4-2) 40.5 pts
-Redskins have a terrible defense. Bears have a terrible offense because they have a swiss-cheese offensive line that’s let QB Jay Cutler get sacked a league-worst 27 times. I have a headache just reading that. Considering they can’t run the ball, it doesn’t look good. The Bears defense is one of the best. Difference is Redskins QB Donovan McNabb has solid pass protection and will have more time than Cutler to find receivers downfield. It’ll be close. REDSKINS (17-14, REDSKINS)

PHILADELPHIA (4-2) +3 @ TENNESSEE (4-2) 42.5 pts
-Eagles beat Atlanta last week with QB Du Jour Kevin Kolb having a huge passing day. WR DeSean Jackson’s out with a concussion due to a hit by Falcons CB Dante Robinson. Jeremy Macklin will be busy. Titans QB Vince Young questionable with a sprained knee and ankle. Back-up Kerry Collins suffering from an injured finger on his throwing hand. Look for Young to play and hand off to RB Chris Johnson to set up some short passes. The Titans defensive line is the best in the league sacking QB’s 24 times and going up against an Eagles offensive line that’s allowed 20 sacks. You do the math. I did. TITANS (37-19, TITANS)

JACKSONVILLE (3-3) +9 @ KANSAS CITY (3-2) 37.5 pts
-Did you take a look at the Jags sideline as time was running down in their Monday night 30-3 home loss to Tennessee? Those blank stares said “wave the white flag”. Both QB’s David Garrard and Trent Edwards are out with injuries. J’Ville just signed Todd Bouman, THIS WEEK, and will make his first start since ‘05. RB Maurice Jones-Drew is going to be busy. Kansas City’s solid on defense, special teams and that running game. QB Matt Cassel’s improving and just needs to not make mistakes and manage the game. CHIEFS (42-20, CHIEFS)

PITTSBURGH (4-1) -3 @ MIAMI (3-2) 41 pts
-This game’s going to hurt so don’t sit too close to the tv screen. Both teams are built with monster lines on both sides of the ball and look to control the game in the trenches. Dolphins with a huge win in Green Bay last week. Meanwhile, Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger worked his “pre-season game” beating the Browns last week after a month off due to a suspension. Steelers are loaded everywhere and are the best team in the league at the moment. Close and physical. STEELERS (23-22, STEELERS)

CLEVELAND (1-5) + 13 @ NEW ORLEANS (4-2) 43 pts
-Saints QB Drew Brees showed off that “gun” that made him MVP and a Super Bowl Champion last season. Last week, he threw darts downfield and pulverized a Tampa Bay secondary that was primed to make a statement against the champs. A statement was made. But, by the Champs. Subbing for injured RB’s Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas, Chris Ivory ran for 158 yards and opened the air for Brees. Browns may have found their “franchise quarterback”. Subbing for injured Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace, Texas rookie Colt McCoy had a solid debut against the “Steel Curtain Defense” despite being sacked five times. “The Real McCoy” passed for 281 yards and a touchdown in the Browns loss. Browns need to roll with their Colt and get better while taking their lumps. SAINTS (30-17, BROWNS)

ST. LOUIS (3-3) +3 @ TAMPA BAY (3-2) 38.5 pts
-The Buccaneers defense got smoked at home by the Saints last week. With good reason. They can’t put pressure on the QB recording a league-low four sacks so far. They’re second worst against the run. Uh-oh. The Young Rams are back and for real! The Rams defense held San Diego’s top-ranked offense to under 300 yards in St. Louis’ 20-17 win sacking Bolt QB Phillip Rivers seven times. On offense, top overall pick, rookie QB Sam Bradford is playing like a seasoned vet.  “Slingin’ Sammy B” made the Bolts D work hard finding 10 different receivers. He can thank RB Steven Jackson who’s rushed for over 500 yards and a National Conference-high 127 carries which opens up the passing game for Bradford. Jackson’s a scary man to try and stop. Doesn’t look good for the Bucs. RAMS (18-17, BUCCANEERS)

SAN FRANCISCO (1-5) -3 @ CAROLINA (0-5) 35.5 pts
-Could be the worst game of the day. Carolina’s terrible and going back to QB Matt Moore who was replaced by Notre Dame rookie Jimmy Clausen who proved completely ineffective. I think the University of Oregon Ducks could give the Panthers a run for their money. The 49ers finally got a win over Oakland last week. QB Alex Smith still has issues. But, when he’s on, he’s good. He can reduce some pressure by handing off to RB Frank Gore who recorded 149 yards in the win over the Raiders. The Niners defense is playoff caliber. 49ERS (23-20, PANTHERS)

BUFFALO (0-5) +13 @ BALTIMORE (4-2) 40 pts
-The Bills are playing hard but are no match for the Ravens. I think the University of Oregon Ducks could give the Bills a run for their money. RAVENS (37-34, RAVENS)

ARIZONA (3-2) +7 @ SEATTLE (3-2) 40 pts
-First place in the NFC West on the line in the Emerald City! Last week, the Seahawks traded for Bills RB Marshawn Lynch and it paid off immediately. He rushed for 44 yards on 17 carries scoring a touchdown in Seattle‘s 23-20 win at Chicago. His threat took the heat off QB Matt Hasselbeck who threw for 353 yards looking like the QB who took the Water Birds to the Super Bowl a few years back. The Cardinals have a solid running game and defense. Problem is their QB is undrafted Max Hall. Who’s he you ask? That’s the issue. They let go of former top pick Matt Leinart and Browns reject Derek Anderson was terrible. The old “chicken with his head cut off” routine. SEAHAWKS (22-10, SEAHAWKS)

OAKLAND (2-4) +7.5 @ DENVER (2-4) 43 pts
-The Raiders with defensive issues and QB issues. Starter Bruce Gradkowski’s still out with a shoulder injury and Jason Campbell played “JeMarcus Russell-espque” in the loss at Frisco last week and, adding injury to insult, suffered a left knee sprain. Here comes Ravens and Rams reject Kyle Boller. Broncos ran the ball well in their 24-20 home-loss to the Jets last week. QB Kyle Orton putting up great numbers. This old AFL Rivalry’s always entertaining. BRONCOS (59-14, RAIDERS)

NEW ENGLAND (4-1) +2 @ SAN DIEGO (2-4) 48.5 pts
-I feel bad for this die-hard Chargers fan who may end up like this for the third straight week.

Have I mentioned that’s me in the 70s whenever the LOS ANGELES RAMS suffered a loss. I feel your pain, little man!! Poor kid. I’m inclined to go with the Chargers who play much better at the Q while going 0-4 on the road. QB Phillip Rivers carries that team like Peyton Manning does the Colts. Chargers defense gave up huge yards in last week’s loss at St. Louis. Their special teams continue to falter. Not good considering the Patriots special teams take advantage in that department. Just ask Miami. Pats QB Tom Brady has his old partner, WR Deion Branch back after his exile in Seattle. Patriots defense getting better after stopping the Ravens in the 4th quarter last week in New England’s win. PATRIOTS (23-20, PATRIOTS)

MINNESOTA (2-3) +2.5 @ GREEN BAY (3-3) 44 pts (SNF)
-Sure. Brett Favre’s back in Green Bay. He’s also got off the field issues we’ve all heard about. He’s got tendonitis in his throwing shoulder. He also has Randy Moss, Percy Harvin and Sidney Rice to throw to. Not to mention (but I will) RB Adrian Peterson. The Vikings defense is one of the best led by Jared Allen. Vikes are back on track after beating the Cowboys last week. Meanwhile, injuries galore on both sides of the ball for the Packers who will try to avoid a three-game skid against Favre and the Norsemen. QB Aaron Rodgers and the packers will be working on raw emotion. I think it’s close for three quarters. Then, the injuries and a better team take its toll on the Cheese Heads. “Who’s your Huckleberry?” Brett Favre is. VIKINGS (28-24, PACKERS)

NY GIANTS of NEW JERSEY (4-2) +3 @ DALLAS (1-4) 44.5 pts (MNF)
-The Cowboys played much better last week and still lost, this time to the Vikings, 24-21, after the most over-rated and over-hyped player in NFL history, QB Tony Romo, threw a pick late in the game with a tie score which led to the Vikings winning field goal. Romo did throw three TD passes. But his mistakes led to 10 Minnesota points. Dallas might have the league’s best talent (although I completely disagree), but don’t seem to be a cohesive unit. The Giants are playing extremely well since a slow start looking like the team that won the Super Bowl a couple of years ago. They’re running, the defense is stellar and QB Eli Manning’s getting time to make good passes for scores. With all that said, it’s an NFC East clash and I just can’t see the Cowboys going 1-5, especially with all that pre-season Super Bowl hype. Close one. COWBOYS (41-35, GIANTS)

BYE WEEK:
DETROIT (1-5)
INDIANAPOLIS (4-2)
NY JETS of NEW JERSEY (5-1)
HOUSTON (4-2)
*LOS ANGELES (15 years, 7 weeks…………COME ON, MAGIC JOHNSON!!)

“Bloop Single”

Think about this. Either the Texas Rangers win the World Series in their first-ever trip to the Fall Classic, or the San Francisco Giants win their first World Series since 1954 when they were in New York and Willie Mays patrolled center field. Either way, all baseball fans win (except maybe those in Gotham and the City of Brotherly Love) because there will be a brand new World Series Champion and we’re all spared from watching the Yankees and the Phillies. I’m going with the Rangers in seven because of some guy named Cliff Lee. Should be a fun series to watch. ENJOY!!