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……….
-HO HO HO!! WHO CARES!! COWBOYS (27-26, CARDINALS)
SUNDAY
NEW ENGLAND (12-2) -8 @ BUFFALO (4-10) 44 pts
-Bills are tough and won’t lie down for Brady and the Pats. PATRIOTS
NY JETS of NEW JERSEY .(10-4) +1 @ CHICAGO (10-4) 36.5 pts
-Nice win by the Jets in Pittsburgh. Bears peaking. BEARS
BALTIMORE (10-4) -3.5 @ CLEVELAND (5-9) 40 pts
-“Old Browns” always have problems with “New Browns”. Colt McCoy QBing the Browns. RAVENS
TENNESSEE (6-8) +5 @ KANSAS CITY (9-5) 42.5 pts
-Matt Cassel’s back running the Chiefs. KC needs to keep winning for AFC West Title. CHIEFS
SAN FRANCISCO (5-9) +2.5 @ ST. LOUIS (6-8) 39.5 pts
-Amazingly, should the Niners beat the Rams and the Seahawks lose, San Francisco would be in the driver’s seat for the NFC West Title. Rams are at home and, I think, better than Frisco. RAMS
DETROIT (4-10) +3 @ MIAMI (7-7) 41.5 pts
-Dolphins are 1-6 at home, 6-1 on the road. They’ll be 2-6 at home after Sunday. DOLPHINS
WASHINGTON (5-9) +6.5 @ JACKSONVILLE (8-6) 46 pts
-Jags will be without RB Maurice Jones-Drew who’s having knee issues. But Washington’s defense is so badwhile the offense will be starting third-string QB John Beck, it won’t matter. JAGUARS
SAN DIEGO (8-6) -7.5 @ CINCINNATI (3-11) 43.5 pts
-The Chargers need to keep winning to keep pace with KC for any shot at the AFC West. CHARGERS
HOUSTON (5-9) -3 @ DENVER (3-11) 49.5 pts
-I happen to think Tim Teebow’s going to be a good NFL QB. BRONCOS
INDIANAPOLIS (8-6) -3 @ OAKLAND (7-7) 48 pts
-Colts need to win last two games to clinch AFC South. Raiders still with a shot at the AFC West. If Colts can stop the run as they did last week against Jags, they’ll win. If not. Raiders. RAIDERS
NY GIANTS of NEW JERSEY (9-5) +3 @ GREEN BAY (8-6) 43 pts
-Giants need to rebound from that collapse against the Eagles. Aaron Rodgers back at QB for the Pack. Packers lose, they’re out eliminated from the playoffs. PACKERS
SEATTLE (6-8) +6 @ TAMPA BAY (8-6) 44 pts
-Seahawks need to win to keep pace for the NFC West. Bucs need some help to make the post-season looking up at New Orleans and Atlanta in the NFC South. BUCCANEERS
MINNESOTA (5-9) +14 @ PHILADELPHIA (10-4) 43.5 pts
-My NFC Super Bowl pick, the Vikings, are done as is Brett Favre. Eagles have their sites set on Super Bowl XL. EAGLES
MONDAY
NEW ORLEANS (10-4) +2.5 @ ATLANTA (12-2) 49 pts
-Falcons win, they’re NFC South Champs with road to the Super Bowl going through the ATL in the NFC. Defending Super Bowl Champion Saints are starting to play as they did last year when they went on their Super Bowl run. Falcons won in week 3 in OT, 27-24. Dirty Birds don’t lose at home with “Matty Ice” QBing in the dome. FALCONS
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: 11-5 Season: 123-85
THURSDAY
SAN FRANCISCO (5-8) +9 @ SAN DIEGO (7-6) O/U 44 pts
-Both teams a game out of first in their respective Western Divisions. Both teams with convincing wins over the leaders in their respective divisions this past Sunday. 49ers QB Alex Smith completed 17 of 27 for 255 yards and three TD passes in Frisco’s 40-21 win over Seattle, a career-best for the former top overall draft pick. He’ll have to go up against the league’s top-ranked defense. The Charger “D” sacked Chief QB’s four times in their 31-0 win allowing just 67 total yards, 19 through the air. Bolts QB Phillip Rivers with 26 TD’s against 11 INT’s this season piloting the league’s second best offense. If the Chargers’ special teams, prone to mistakes all season long, can stay clear of miscues, San Diego will win its sixth out of its last seven games. CHARGERS (34-7, CHARGERS)
SUNDAY
CLEVELAND (5-8) +1.5 @ CINCINNATI (2-11) 39.5 pts
-At some point the disappointing Bengals, with all that talent, will end their 10 game losing which began against the Browns on October 3rd. The Browns have a good, young team that’s learning each week. Close one. The streak ends. BENGALS
WASHINGTON (5-8) +6 @ DALLAS (4-9) 45.5 pts
-Dallas’ final home game of the season comes against its arch rival. Redskins won the season-opener 13-7. Down hill for both teams since then. Cowboy RB’s Felix Jones and Marion Barber figure to get plenty of carries against a bad defense. Redskins QB Donovan McNabb benched for this one. COWBOYS
HOUSTON (5-8) +1.5 @ TENNESSEE (5-8) 47 pts
-Both these teams are out of the playoff picture with a loss or a Jacksonville win. Houston’s dropped six of seven and Tennessee’s lost six straight. These teams met in Houston three weeks ago with the Texans winning 20-0. In that game, Titans CB Cortland Finnegan and Texans WR Andre Johnson brawled, were ejected and fined $25,000. Neither was suspended. That should be fun to watch. TEXANS
JACKSONVILLE (8-5) +5 @ INDIANAPOLIS (7-6) 48.5 pts
-This is a playoff game. It’s for the AFC South Title. The Jags have won five of six games and have done it boasting a running game that’s averaged a league-best 193 yards per game in that span. If Maurice Jones-Drew breaks free for the century mark, the Jags usually are on the winning side. Colts have the fourth worst rush defense allowing 141 yards a game. Uh-Oh. Colts QB Peyton Manning finally got back on the winning track last week after tossing eleven picks during a three-game losing skid. Some key weapons are on the mend and able to play for the Colts. Jags won previous meeting. Hard to pick against Peyton in a “must-game.” MJD will have a big game. So will Peyton. COLTS
KANSAS CITY (8-5) EVEN @ ST. LOUIS (6-7) 0.0 pts
-Division leaders tangle in the Battle for Missouri. If Chiefs QB Matt Cassel plays, it makes a world of difference. He’s thrown 19 TD’s and only one pick in his last eight starts. Cassel had an emergency appendectomy on December 8th and missed last week’s 31-0 loss at San Diego. KC relies on RB’s Jammal Charles and Thomas Jones. Rams rookie QB Sam Bradford needs to avoid picks in the red zone for the Rams to win. He’ll rely on RB Steven Jackson. Rams are 4-2 at home this season. Chiefs have lost five of six on the road. Close one whether Cassel plays or not. RAMS
BUFFALO (3-10) +5 @ MIAMI (7-6) 40 pts
-The Bills have been competitive in most of their games. The Dolphins are solid having won two straight on the road in Oakland and at the Meadowlands against the Jets. DOLPHINS
PHILADELPHIA (9-4) +3 @ NY GIANTS of NEW JERSEY (9-4) 46 pts
-Winner likely takes the NFC East Title. Giants have lost five straight to the Eagles including a month ago in Philly, 27-17. Since then, the Giants have won three straight. Speed kills. That’s exactly what the Eagles have done with QB Michael Vick at the helm. The Vick-DeSean Jackson Duo is lethal. Both teams can run the ball. Both with solid defenses. Close one. Gotta go with speed. EAGLES
DETROIT (3-10) +6 @ TAMPA BAY (8-5) 43 pts
-How are the Lions 3-10 after beating down the Packers and knocking out Aaron Rodgers last week, 7-3? Tough young team. So are the Buccaneers. The youngest team in the league is still in the playoff hunt with QB Josh Freeman at the helm. BUCCANEERS
ARIZONA (4-9) +2.5 @ CAROLINA (1-12) 37.5 pts
-Cardinals won with Fordham rookie QB John Skelton last week beating Denver 43-13. Panthers haven’t won with Notre Dame rookie QB Jimmy Clausen this season. Arizona defense played well in the win. Panthers need to run the ball to get another win. Expect Jonathan Stewart to run wild………well. PANTHERS
NEW ORLEANS (10-3) +1.5 @ BALTIMORE (9-4) 43.5 pts
-What’s wrong with that vaunted Ravens defense? Sure, Baltimore beat Houston in overtime, 34-28 Monday night. But, the Ravens D gave up two 90+ yard drives allowing the Texans to get back in the game. Meanwhile, the Saints are getting everyone back and healthy and they’re peaking at the right time on both sides of the ball. SAINTS
ATLANTA (11-2) -6 @ SEATTLE (6-7) 45 pts
-Sure, both teams are in first place in their divisions. But the Falcons are the “legit” one. Atlanta QB Matt Ryan and the defense have the Falcons headed towards home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs. The Seahawks are, actually, tied for first in the NFC West with the Rams. Seattle could, possibly, make the playoffs with a 7-9 record. FALCONS
DENVER (3-10) +6.5 @ OAKLAND (6-7) 43 pts
-Broncos playing out the schedule with an interim coach. Denver gave up 43 points t0 Arizona last week. They gave up 59 to the Raiders in their first meeting at Mile High. Oakland’s 5-0 in the AFC West and ran the football at will in Denver. RAIDERS
NY JETS of NEW JERSEY (9-4) +5.5 @ PITTSBURGH (10-3) 35.5 pts
-Jets are nose-diving. They haven’t scored a touchdown in two games. Steelers have struggled on offense as well. But, the “Steel Curtain” is making it tough for opponents to have a chance allowing just nine points a game during a five-game winning streak. Jets have NEVER won in Pittsburgh. Close one because the Jets have to win to keep their playoff hopes alive. PITTSBURGH
GREEN BAY (8-5) + EVEN @ NEW ENGLAND 0.0 pts
-this one off the board because of the uncertain status of Packers QB Aaron Rodgers. He was knocked out of last week’s 7-3 loss in Detroit with a concussion. Patriots are rolling behind QB Tom Brady. Won’t matter if Rodgers plays or not because the Pats are undefeated at The Razor. PATRIOTS
MONDAY
CHICAGO (9-4) EVEN @ MINNESOTA (5-8) 0.0 pts
-This one’s off the board because the game will be played outdoors at TCF Bank Stadium, the University of Minnesota’s home field because the MetroDome is still damgaged after the roof collapsed last week from heavy snowfall.
Also, will Vikings QB Brett Favre be back after ending his 297 consecutive games played streak last week. He’s still suffering from a shoulder injury. Vikings lost a “home game” in Detroit to the NY Giants of New Jersey last week, 21-3. The Bears got pummeled by the Patriots in a heavy snowfall at Soldier Field last week, 36-7. Bears better while the Vikings are a mess. BEARS
BYE WEEK:
L
*Los Angeles (15 years, 15 weeks)
*AEG is moving forward on designs for a DownTown Stadium and hope to have the NFL’s approval, a design and a TEAM within 90 days.
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: 112-80
THURSDAY
INDIANAPOLIS (6-6) -3 @ TENNESSEE (5-7) O/U 45 pts
-Colts have lost three straight with QB Peyton Manning going through his worst stretch in memory. He’s tossed 11 interceptions in the three losses. Colts have been competitive in all three losses including last week’s 38-35 overtime loss to Dallas at the “Oil Field”. Since the Vince Young-Jeff Fisher fallout, the Titans have unraveled. Even WR Randy Moss can’t help struggling RB Chris Johnson. COLTS (30-28, COLTS)
SUNDAY
CLEVELAND ((5-7) +1 @ BUFFALO (2-20) 39 pts
-Two up and coming teams that play hard and competitive every week. Both teams will run the ball and play solid defense. Bills have had some bad luck. If they’re going to win a game, this is it. BILLS (13-6, BILLS)
GREEN BAY (8-4) -6.5 @ DETROIT (2-10) 47 pts
-If the playoffs began this weekend, Packers would be on the outside looking in. Close game in Green Bay last month. Packers playing with sense of urgency. PACKERS (7-3, LIONS)
CINCINNATI (2-10) +8 @ PITTSBURGH (9-3) 39 pts
-So disappointed by the Bengals. So much talent and little to show for it. Could this be a Steelers let-down game after last week’s hard fought 13-10 win over the Ravens? No. They need to keep winning because they know the Ravens are still right there. STEELERS (23-7, STEELERS)
TAMPA BAY (7-5) -1 @ WASHINGTON (5-7) 40.5 pts
-Bucs need to stay in the NFC South race trailing both Atlanta and New Orleans. QB Josh Freeman and that young defense have won all their games against teams with losing records. Redskins have many issues including the benching of their best defender, Albert Haynesworth. BUCCANEERS (17-16, BUCCANEERS)
ATLANTA (10-2) -7 @ CAROLINA (1-11) 42 pts
-Panthers are terrible but won’t lay down for the division rival Falcons. Atlanta looking to make sure the road to the Super Bowl goes through Dixie. FALCONS (31-10, FALCONS)
OAKLAND (6-6) +3.5 @ JACKSONVILLE (7-5) 42 pts
-A lot of running in this one. Raiders boast Darren McFadden and Michael Bush while the Jags have Maurice-Jones Drew. Two solid defenses. Difference is at QB with David Garrard a steady presence who plays well every other year. This is one of those “other years”. Raiders have problems at QB especially when behind. JAGUARS (38-31, JAGUARS)
ST. LOUIS (6-6) +8.5 @ NEW ORLEANS (9-3) 46.5 pts
-I really want to pick the Rams in this one. A top ten defense, RB Steven Jackson and rookie of the year QB Sam Bradford. But, they’re in the Dome against a saints team getting healthy on both sides of the ball and ready to defend their Super Bowl title. QB Drew brees has many weapons to go to especially with Reggie Bush back in the line-up. Close one. SAINTS (31-13, SAINTS)
SEATTLE (6-6) +5 @ SAN FRANCISCO (4-8) 41.5 pts
-Seahawks can take a stranglehold on the NFC West with a win over the Niners who are going back to Alex smith at QB. Seahawks steady with veteran Matt Hasselbeck and Marshawn Lynch gives them solid running. 49ers very physical. Close one. SEAHAWKS (40-21, 49ERS)
NEW ENGLAND (10-2) -2 @ CHICAGO (9-3) 38 pts
-Patriots are rolling behind opportunistic defense and QB Tom Brady. Bears are rolling behind a great defense and QB Jay cutler playing well. Weak link is that Chicago offensive line which has issues protecting Cutler. Patriots will come at him. Close one. PATRIOTS (36-7, PATRIOTS)
MIAMI (6-6) +5 @ NY JETS of NEW JERSEY (9-3) 38.5 pts
-Jets aren’t happy after getting blown out on Monday night football to the Patriots, 45-3. Dolphins lost at home to the browns 13-10. Rex is coming after it. JETS (10-6, DOLPHINS)
DENVER (3-9) -4 @ ARIZONA (3-9) 43.5 pts
-Josh McDaniels is out as coach of the Broncos who have a solid passing game behind QB Kyle Orton. Cardinals would be really good with Orton. They have no QB and it shows. BRONCOS (43-13, CARDINALS)
KANSAS CITY (8-4) -9.5 @ SAN DIEGO (6-6) 45 pts
-This poor Chargers fan taking last week’s home loss to the Raiders poorly AGAIN.
QB Matt Cassel’s out after an appendectomy. Chiefs with a huge running attack. Chargers not too happy after special teams had issues against Oakland last week. QB Phillip Rivers and the league’s top defense need to win and keep pace with KC in the AFC West. CHARGERS (31-0, CHARGERS)
PHILADELPHIA (8-4) -3.5 @ DALLAS (4-8) 51 pts
-Cowboys would be undefeated under “interim head coach” Jason Garrett if not for a Roy Williams fumble against the Saints on Thanksgiving. With QB Michael Vick in the line-up, Eagles are a Super Bowl contender. Close one. EAGLES (30-27, EAGLES)
MONDAY
NY GIANTS of NEW JERSEY (8-4) EVEN @ MINNESOTA 0.0 pts
-No line and the game is even because of the uncertainty for the Vikings at QB and the game’s been moved to Monday in Detroit because the **MetroDome roof collapsed due to heavy snow. 4th time that’s happened in the MetroDome’s history. No wonder the Vikings want a new stadium.
Brett Favre with a shoulder injury that knocked him out of last week’s win over Buffalo after three plays. Tarvaris Jackson took over and led the Vikings to a nice win. Favre just four games shy of starting in 300 straight games. The streak is really all the Vikings have. Giants playing well again and have a defense that likes to take down a quarterback. Close one. Favre starts and has a big game. VIKINGS (21-3, GIANTS)
BALTIMORE (8-4) -3 @ HOUSTON (5-7) 46 pts
-Houston’s defense is terrible. The Ravens defense is one of the top three in the league and unhappy after losing at home to the Steelers last week. RAVENS (34-28, RAVENS)
BYE WEEK:
*Los Angeles (15 years, 14 weeks)
**Wanted to mention the temperature today, December 12, 2010, in Los Angeles is 84 degrees with clear, blue skies. What a “terrible” place for an NFL game. GIVE ME A BREAK!!
Rams and Chargers could be back in the City of Angels soon.
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)
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)
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
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)
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“…………
NFL WEEK 9
TAMPA BAY (5-2) +8.5 @ ATLANTA (5-2) O/U 44.5 pts
-NFC South showdown and New Orleans isn’t in this one. Bucs QB Josh Freeman’s won eight games, six late in the fourth quarter. Falcons tough at home and coming off of a bye. FALCONS (27-21, FALCONS)
CHICAGO (4-3) -3 vs. BUFFALO (0-7) @ TORONTO 40.5 pts
-The Bills are much better than their record having lost their last two in overtime. The Bears offensive line can’t protect QB Jay Cutler. Bills add “Lights Out” LB Shawn Merriman who was waived by San Diego earlier this week. Buffalo gets its first win……………in Toronto. BILLS (22-19, BEARS)
NEW ENGLAND (6-1) -4 @ CLEVELAND (2-5) 43.5 pts
-Browns coming off a shocker beating the World Champs in the Big Easy, 30-13. Browns whistle-blower Eric Mangini trying to get the upper-hand on his former boss, Bill Belichick. Patriots with the league’s best record playing like they did for their Super Bowl runs with QB Tom Brady driving them home. PATRIOTS (34-14, BROWNS)
NY JETS of NEW JERSEY (5-2) -4.5 @ DETROIT (2-5) 41 pts
-Jets surprisingly grounded last week in Jersey by Green Bay working the 9-0 shutout. Lions getting their second win of the season beating Washington last week. It’ll be tough with Matthew Stafford back at QB for Detroit. NY/New Jersey rebounds behind QB Mark Sanchez and RB LaDanian Tomlinson. JETS (23-20, JETS)
NEW ORLEANS (5-3) -6.5 @ CAROLINA (1-6) 40.5 pts
-New Orleans making a statement with last week’s win over Pittsburgh. In Carolina before the Big Easy Bye Week. Saints looking to grab a share of the NFC South lead with a win. Panthers are just terrible. SAINTS (34-3, SAINTS)
ARIZONA (3-4) +8.5 @ MINNESOTA (2-5) 41 pts
-Vikings coach Brad Childress feeling the heat after waiving WR Randy Moss just three weeks after trading a third round draft pick to New England for him. All this without telling the Vikes owner! Then, Childress gets into it with WR Sidney Rice during practice. Good thing QB Brett Favre can still play. He’s the Energizer Bunny……taking a hit and keeps on ticking. Last week, smacked in the chin requiring ten stitches in the loss at New England. Vikes still have RB Adrian Peterson too. Cardinals going back to QB Derek Anderson after Max Hall didn’t work out. Vikings still better. VIKINGS (27-24, VIKINGS)
MIAMI (4-3) +5 @ BALTIMORE (5-2) 40.5 pts
-Something you don’t see to often. Miami undefeated on the road and winless at home. Baltimore coming off a bye week and well rested. Running games will dominate in this one setting up play-action for both Dolphins QB Chad Henne and the Ravens Joe Flacco. RAVENS (26-10, RAVENS)
SAN DIEGO (3-5) -3 @ HOUSTON (4-3) 50.5 pts
-Statistically, the Chargers have the league’s top-rated offense and defense. Problem is San Diego’s lost three games because of pathetic special teams miscues. Going into Houston, Bolts QB Phillip Rivers must be salivating because the Texans defense is the worst in the league. Bolts can pressure Houston QB Matt Schaub, containing WR Andre Johnson and let RB Arian Foster try to beat them. CHARGERS (29-23, CHARGERS)
NY GIANTS of NEW JERSEY (5-2) -6.5 @ SEATTLE (4-3) 41 pts
-Battle of division leaders in the Emerald City. The Giants are the Giants. Running the football well, QB Eli Manning feeding off his running game and the NY/New Jersey defense stopping the oppositions offense. Seahawks might be the worst division leader in the league. They’ll be without QB Matt Hasselbeck who’s out with a concussion after getting knocked around by the Raiders, 33-3. Charlie Whitehurst takes over. “The 12th Man”, a.k.a Seahawks fans, will be loud. Not enough. GIANTS (41-7, GIANTS)
INDIANAPOLIS (5-2) +3 @ PHILADELPHIA (4-3) 46.5 pts
-Michael Vick’s back at QB for the Eagles and will present problems for the Colts defense because he can take off with the pill. DE’s Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney will be breathing heavy. Colts have this guy named Peyton Manning at QB. Stop him if you can, Philly. COLTS (26-24, EAGLES)
KANSAS CITY (5-2) +2.5 @ OAKLAND (4-4) 40.5 pts
-Looks like the heated AFL/NFL rivalry is back!!! Seems the “Swagger’s Back for the Silver & Black.”
Well, maybe not with that much…..um…..romance? Both teams learning to win and playing well. Raiders scored 59 two weeks ago in Denver and put up 33 last week on Seattle. Oakland’s looking for its first three-game winning streak since 2002 when they went to the Super Bowl. Chiefs have won eight straight AT Oakland. That streak ends. RAIDERS (23-20, RAIDERS)
DALLAS (1-6) +7.5 @ GREEN BAY (5-3) 45.5 pts (SNF)
-No ICE BOWL drama in this one.
Dallas playing for pride, if it has any left after falling at home to Jacksonville last week. Banged-up Packers worked a 9-0 shut-out beating the Jets in Jersey last week. PACKERS (45-7, PACKERS)
PITTSBURGH (5-2) -5.5 @ CINCINNATI (2-5) 41 pts (MNF)
-Last year, Bengals supplanted the Steelers as AFC North Champs during a Pittsburgh five-game skid. Steelers looking to return the favor trying to extend Cincy’s current four-game skid. Too much talent on the Bengals roster for that. Some pride from QB Carson Palmer, WR’s T.O. and Ocho-Cinco and RB Cedric Benson. It’ll be tough against Big Ben and Big Troy. BENGALS (27-21, STEELERS)
BYE WEEKS:
DENVER (2-6)
TENNESSEE (5-3)
ST. LOUIS (4-4)
SAN FRANCISCO (2-6)
WASHINGTON (4-4)
JACKSONVILLE (4-4)
*LOS ANGELES (15 yrs, 9 weeks)
*The AEG Downtown Los Angeles Retractable Roof Billion Dollar Stadium gaining some momentum. AEG’s Tim Leiweke says the stadium can be built in time for the Super Bowl’s Golden Anniversary (50th or “L”). Remember, Super Bowl I was played at the L.A. Coliseum with Green Bay Beating Kansas City.
It would be a TRAVESTY if SBL was played anywhere BUT in Los Angeles.
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)
On Any Given Sports Day 