Week 16 - Midwest Flava

Two weeks to go and I'm down seven picks. At this point, I'd be labeled a longshot in any of the sportsbooks Mr. Kim has been known to frequent. But I've got a few tricks up my sleeve so I should at least make this interesting. May the best man (me) win.

Pittsburgh -7.5 @ St. Louis
Dallas -10.5 @ Carolina
Cincinnati +3 vs Cleveland
Chicago +9 vs Green Bay
Indianapolis -7 vs Houston
Kansas City +4.5 @ Detroit
NYG -3 @ Buffalo
Jacksonville -13 vs Oakland
New Orleans -3 vs Philadelphia
Atlanta +11 @ Arizona
Tampa Bay -6 @ San Francisco
Miami +22 vs New England
Seattle -10 vs Baltimore
NYJ +10 @ Tennessee
Minnesota -6.5 vs Washington
San Diego -9 vs Denver

TPC

Week 15 - Midwest Flava

Three weeks to go and I'm only five games back. Clearly I had to be listed as the underdog (3-1 sound right Rich?) when we started this thing - my opponent LIVES in Vegas. Let's just say he has a significant homefield advantage. I know, I know....excuses are like assholes. But, it would have to considered an upset if I come back and beat the geographically confused Rich aka West Coast Style - Vegas is just a little bit a way from being West Coast. We'll have to change that name to West Close Style.

Alright, after I just called out my competitor (and compadre) I need to back up my words. To quote Key from the movie Hustle & Flow, "There are two types of people: those that talk the talk and those that walk the walk. People who walk the walk sometimes talk the talk but most times they don't talk at all, 'cause they walkin'. Time for me to start walkin'....or something.


Denver -1 @ Houston
Cincinnati -9.5 @ San Francisco
New Orleans -3.5 vs Arizona
Tampa Bay -13.5 @ Atlanta
Baltimore -3.5 @ Miami
Buffalo +5.5 @ Cleveland
Green Bay -10 @ St. Louis
Pittsburgh -3.5 vs Jacksonville
New England -23.5 vs NYJ
Seattle -9 @ Carolina
Tennessee -4 @ Kansas City
Indianapolis -10.5 @ Oakland
Detroit +10 @ San Diego
Dallas +10.5 vs Philadelphia
Washington +4.5 @ NYG
Chicago +10 vs Minnesota

TPC

Week 14 - TPC

Washington +3 vs Chicago

Carolina +10.5 @ Jacksonville

Philadelphia -3 vs NYG

Dallas -11 @ Detroit

Buffalo -7 vs Miami

Oakland +10 @ Green Bay

Pittsburgh +10.5 @ New England

Tennessee +1 vs San Diego

Cincinnati -6.5 vs St. Louis

Houston +3 vs Tampa Bay

Arizona +7 @ Seattle

Minnesota -8 @ San Francisco

Cleveland -3.5 @ NYJ

Kansas City +6.5 @ Denver

Baltimore +9.5 vs Indianapolis

New Orleans -4.5 @ Baltimore



TPC

Week 13 - TPC

I'm catching up! Another 10-6 week would look good here.

Dallas -7 vs Green Bay - Blowout Special!
St. Louis-3 vs Atlanta - I could care less who wins this game.
Washington -5.5 vs Buffalo - Skins rally together and win big
Minnesota -3.5 vs Detroit - Lots of home favorites this week. All Day should be back!
Houston +3.5 @ Tennessee - VY has looked horrendous lately. Coincidentally, the big 3 QB's from last year's draft have all looked bad. Hmmm.
Indianapolis -7 vs Jacksonville - Indy needs a statement game. This will be that game.
NYJ +1 @ Miami - I'm still rooting for the O'fer. J-E-T-S, JETSJETSJETS!
Kansas City +6 vs San Diego - For once I'm betting AGAINST the obvious pick of the week.
Seattle +3 @ Philadelphia - No McNabb, No way. Why not let Kolb pick up a start. What does AJ Feeley bring to the table that the rook doesn't? I'm just don't get it.
San Francisco +3 @ Carolina - The 9'ers live and die by Frank Gore. So does my fantasy team.
New Orleans -3 vs Tampa Bay - Not jumping off the Creole Bandwagon just yet.
Arizona -1 vs Cleveland - Should be a fun shoot out. Warner still has it....who would've thunk it?
Oakland +3.5 vs Denver - Should be a close game with both teams establishing a running game. Take the under on this one. Denver should win by a FG or less.
NYG -1 @ Chicago - Oh how the mighty have fallen. Giants win a laugher.
Pittsburgh -7 vs Cincinnati - The Steelers officially eliminate the Bengals from playoff contention. It'll be interesting to see what they do with Marvin Lewis....I think he'll get canned.
Baltimore +20.5 vs New England - If there was ever a Monday Night home underdog to take, this is it. This is waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too many points. Pats win by double-digits but Ravens cover.

TPC

Week 12 - TPC

Happy Turkey Day everyone. Or as I like to call it, Domestic Depression. Goddamn pilgrims. Anyways, on to the picks.

Green Bay -3.5 @ Detroit - Can't bet against GB, not even on Thanksgiving. You won't find me betting on this game, though.
NYJ +14 @ Dallas - Dallas wins by 10.
Atlanta +11.5 vs Indianapolis - Too many points for such a banged-up team.
St. Louis +3 vs Seattle - The Rams are back on track.
Minnesota +7 @ NYG - Vikes' D will keep this game close until the end. Giants squeek one out.
Buffalo +7.5 @ Jacksonville - *Upset Alert* Buffalo wins 21-17
New Orleans -2 @ Carolina - Saints will rebound and still make the division interesting.
Tampa Bay -3.5 vs Washington - I'm officially off the Redskin bandwagon. Go Bucs!
Houston +3.5 @ Cleveland - Houston is healthy and will win some games down the stretch, including this one.
Cincinnati +1.5 vs Tennessee - Teams have figured out the Titans...make Vince throw. He can't.
Oakland +6 @ Kansas City - Rumors of a JaMarcus Russell sighting makes me want to change my pick.
San Francisco +10.5 @ Arizona - Way too many points to give a Kurt Warner-led team.
San Diego -9.5 vs Baltimore - Baltimore is pitiful on offense. Quick prediction - Billick resigns at the end of the season.
Chicago -2.5 vs Denver - I've said it once this season now I'll say it again, Rex will turn his season around. This is the game he does it.
Philly +21 @ New England - Damn that's a lot of points!!
Pittsburgh -16 vs Miami - A rookie QB against this defense, no sir!

TPC

Week 11 - TPC

Quick picks again this week.

Jacksonville -3 vs San Diego
Indianapolis -14.5 vs Kansas City
Oakland +5.5 @ Minnesota
Cleveland -2.5 @ Baltimore
NYJ +10 vs Pittsburgh
Atlanta +3 vs Tampa Bay
Cincinnati -3 vs Arizona
Philadelphia 10 vs Miami
Dallas -10.5 vs Washington
New Orleans +1 vs Houston
Green Bay -10 vs Carolina
NYG -3 @ Detroit
St. Louis +3 @ San Francisco
Seattle -6 vs Chicago
New England -14.5 @ Buffalo
Tennessee +1 @ Denver

TPC

Week 10 - TPC

Quick picks this week. Go Titans! Good luck Rico.

Tennessee -4.5 vs Jacksonville
Denver +3.5 @ Kansas City
Buffalo -3 @ Miami
Cleveland +10 @ Pittsburgh
New Orleans -11.5 vs St. Louis
Atlanta +4 @ Carolina
Washington -3 vs Philadelphia
Green Bay -6 vs Minnesota
Cincinnati +4.5 @ Baltimore
Chicago -3.5 @ Oakland
NY Giants +1 vs Dallas
Arizona -1 vs Detroit
Indianapolis -3.5 @ San Diego
Seattle -10 vs San Francisco

TPC

Week 9 - TPC

Sorry for the late entry and the following quick picks. I've had a very busy week and didn't have the time to post until now. Sorry they're so late. Maybe picking with my gut will actually help me this week!

Washington -3.5 @ New York Jets
Kellen Clemens, I'd like for you to meet the Redskins' defense. Oh by the way, you'll be playing without your go-to receiver, Laveranues Coles. Yeah, good luck with that. Never been so scared of a half point but the Skins should win a close one...20-16 sounds right.

Kansas City -2.5 vs Green Bay
I like KC at home. Especially against a very lucky Packers team. KC wins late and Favre throws 4 picks.

Tampa Bay -3.5 vs Arizona
What happens when you're picking in a hurry? You take the favorites....there's definitely a theme developing here. Another half point that scares the shit out of me but I like the Bucs by a TD.

Carolina +4.5 @ Tennessee
Finally, an underdog. I like my Titans to win this game but give me the points on a late cover. LET'S GO TITS....LET'S GO TITS....

Atlanta -3 vs San Francisco
San Fran is too banged up to be taken seriously. Their offense has been abysmal and they'll probably be without Frank Gore this week. If he does play I don't anticipate him being very effective. That leaves us with Maurice Hicks and Michael Robinson. I'd actually take Joey Harrington in this case. Hate to give the points but Falcons win a close game (possible push) that nobody will be watching.

New Orleans -3.5 vs Jacksonville
I had Jacksonville penciled in to win this game outright until I remembered Quinn Gray is still starting for the Jags. I expect the Saints to load the box up with 12 people and dare Gray to beat them. No way that happens. Saints punch the Jags in the mouth early and coast to an easy win.

Detroit -3 vs Denver
I hope Mike Martz is smart enough to run Kevin Jones 30 times against the horrible run D of the Broncos, but I'm worried that might happen. If Martz gets pass happy, the Lions will lose this game. And to think someone is going to give this guy another head coaching gig. That's scary. Lions in a close one (another possible push).

Cincinnati -1 @ Buffalo
At some point the Bengals have to start winning games, don't they? They should kill this Bills team....should being the operative word. Go Bengals!

San Diego -7 @ Minnesota
My gut tells me to take the points but I can't bring myself to do it. Chargers should destroy the Vikes. Man, I really should take the points!! Nope....gonna stick with SD to win big.

Seattle +2 @ Cleveland
All signs point to a Cleveland win, but I think this is where the clock strikes midnight for the Browns. They have been playing out of their minds and there's no way they can keep this up. Seattle wins by a late FG - should be an interesting game either way.

Indianapolis +4.5 vs New England
Let me get this straight. I get the defending Super Bowl champs at home, undefeated, and playing the best football they've ever played, on both sides of the ball no less, AND I get 4.5 points??? I just hope this games turns out to be as good as advertised. Indy will finally show everyone that the Pats are mere mortals and can be stopped with a good pass rush and great secondary play. No way the Pats continue this dominance with a blatant refusal to run the ball. Indy wins by double-digits. CROWN THEIR ASSES!

Oakland -3 vs Houston
Sage Rosenfels, Kevin Walter, Ron Dayne, Adimchinobi Echemandu, and Andre Johnson will all play prominent roles in this game. I'll take my chances with the Black and Silver. I do have one prediction for this game - RB Justin Fargas of Oakland will establish himself as the man in Oakland and will be the hottest waiver-wire pickup of the week in fantasy football. Write that down.

Dallas -3 @ Philadelphia
Dallas will reassert themselves as the best team in the NFC. I don't even see how this game is close. Cowboys by two TDs.

Baltimore +8.5 @ Pittsburgh
I don't get this line? What about this game says blowout? Two run-first teams, two really good defenses, a ball control offense that will make paint drying seem more exciting? Give me the points and I'll watch the highlights Tuesday morning.

Sorry for the late, quick picks. I'll try to do better next time.

TPC

Week 9 - Rich

Let's face it, last week's football may have been the worst of the year. There were way too many blowouts and very few watchable games. As it turned out, probably the best game turned out to be the Packers-Broncos Monday Night game. How the Broncos did not win the game 17-13 is still beyond me. Blame Cutler? Shanahan? The end of the Broncos final drive was so poorly managed that you would have thought Dennis Green took over coaching the Broncos. Taking the Broncos -3, it made me absolutely sick. Last week's wagers: Cleveland -3 (W), New England -16.5 (W), Oakland +7.5 (W), Cincy +3.5 (L), Denver -3 (L). Again, bet on New England, against the Rams. 15-1 ATS on the year. This is not rocket science. Sadly, the Lambs have the week off this week....and the Pats....I think I heard they might be playing this week?

Pats. New England, so far this year, looks like the most dominant team in history. They are a machine. Flawless. This team has incredible talent AND is pissed off by the whole cheating scandal. I've never seen anything like it.

Colts. Indy, in most years, would look like a team that nobody could possibly stop from repeating as Super Bowl Champs. Offensively, they are still as good as anybody and their defense has improved dramatically since the return of Bob Sanders. Throw in a raucous crowd at the RCA dome, and you have one of the most unbeatable teams in history.

I'm going on record as saying this is the first ever Super Bowl played in November. Winner take all. Home field advantage is at stake halfway through the season. Maybe the Pats could come back to the RCA dome and beat the Colts in January, but there's not a snowball's chance in hell that the Colts can takeout the Pats in Foxboro in January. It's usually not wise to overhype one game, but when the stakes are this high and the rivalry this good, how can you not? This is the most anticipated regular season game since San Fran-NY Giants in 1990. Both teams were 10-1 entering that game and squared off on Monday Night Football. San Fran ended up winning the game 7-3. That game was a little strange, so hopefully this game will be more "normal".

Over/Under: 56. This is the highest NFL total I can recall. Even with that said, how does this game not go over the total? Regardless, the only thing we can't guarantee is that the game itself will live up to the hype. If they played 10 times (at Indy), I'd take the Pats by double digits 5 out of 10. The Pats would win by a TD or so 1 or 2; Pats by a FG 1 or 2. My take is that New England beats Indy outright 8 out of 10 times. They are just that good.

Week 8 picks

• NY Jets +3.5 Washington-As much as I hate the 1 win J-E-T-S, the Skins on the road don't blow out anybody. Even without Coles, the J-E-T-S can keep it C-L-O-S-E.
• Kansas City -2 Green Bay-The Packers play solid defense and the Chiefs quietly play solid D as well. This game should be low scoring, and barring another Favre miracle, the Chiefs win a close game.
• Arizona +3.5 Tampa-I think I've figured it out. Take the Cardinals as the underdog, but bet against them as the favorite. Seems to work pretty well so far this season.
• Carolina +4.5 Tennessee-Tough game to pick. The Titans are clearly the better team and I hate Testaverde's old ass, but this game (as are most Titans games) will be close. Titans win another game by 3-4 points.
• San Fran +3 Atlanta-I'm not giving points with the Falcons against ANYBODY.
• Jacksonville +3.5 New Orleans-I actually like this game a lot. The Jags are not getting any respect and are quite solid. New Orleans is starting to turn their season around but will stumble against a good AFC opponent. Jags win outright by a TD.
• Denver +3 Detroit-The Lions are a huge surprise this year. Who knew Kitna was right when he said they would win 10 this year? KJ should have a big day against the Broncos run D, but this is a do or die game for the Broncos. At minimum, they should keep this one close.
• Cincy -1 Buffalo-I've gotten burned a few times this year by the Bungles. This is a coin flip of a game, but I'm going to take what I think to be the better team here.
• San Diego -7 Minnesota-No brainer, the Chargers will have absolutely no problem with the QBless Vikes. Chargers by 20.
• Cleveland -2 Seattle-Another game that I like a lot. The Browns are quietly putting together a good season. The offense is clicking, and at home, they may blow the Seahawks out of the water. The Lions and Browns are good this year...and the Cubs made the playoffs. Unbelievable.
• New England -4.5 Indy-Biggest game in years...unfortunately New England may put up 50 on the Colts defense. Look for New England to lead most of the game by 10-14 with the Colts constantly trying to keep up. 8-0 ATS....no way I'm bailing on the Pats in the greatest "F you" game of the season.
• Houston +3 Oakland-No Matt Schaub OR Andre Johnson. Unfortunately Oakland is completely unimpressive offensively. If I had to guess, Oakland wins this game by a FG. Thankfully, nobody will point a gun to my head and make me watch this game.
• Philly +3 Dallas-With everybody talking about the Pats-Colts game, this is secretly going to be the best game of Week 9. Huge game in the NFC East. Thankfully, it's on Sunday Night instead of 1:00 while the Pats-Colts are playing. This game could be end of the season for the Eagles. I'm taking the desperate Eagles over a more talented Cowboys team.
• Pittsburgh -8.5 Baltimore-I have a horrible record on MNF this year, but am confident in this pick. The Steelers will blow out the Ravens on national television. Can you say exposed?

Good luck in Week 9

Week 8 Recap

I said I needed a 10-3 week to get back into this thing and I almost got it. I ended up going 8-5 this week, not too shabby. There is one problem though...Rich also went 8-5. Let's chalk this one up as a moral victory.

As for this next week. You can't turn on your tv without hearing about the Pats/Colts game so we know that should be a good one. But, on paper, there aren't too many other games to get excited about. That is, until you dig a little deeper. Nine of the 14 games, win or lose, will influence a division lead. While that might not make each game any more exciting, it will make for an interesting Monday morning where we could potentially have the following division leaders: Arizona, Detroit, Tampa Bay, New Orleans (tie), Kansas City (current division leader - wow), San Diego (tie), NY Giants (tie). That might very well make Skip Bayless' head explode or render Emmith Smith speachless....or hopefully, God willing, both.

At least St. Louis and Miami both have byes so they can't lose (or win). Can we just give them both losses and get it over with? Too bad they don't play eachother this season. That would challenge Pats/Colts for game of the year.

Weekly Totals
Rich - 8-5
TPC - 8-5

YTD Totals
Rich: 62-46-8
TPC: 50-58-8

TPC

Week 8 - TPC

After another sub-par week, it's time to buckle down and actually pick some winners. This is what I get for picking so many favorites. I have to admit though, this is a lot tougher than I thought. I figured I knew plenty about the NFL to be able to successfully pick winners ATS (against the spread). Boy was I wrong. At this rate, I'm not even sure my record would be above .500 if I were just picking outright winners. This proves just because I can spit out just about any random stat in football, I can't make sense of the sport on a weekly basis. I'm not giving up here...I've just come to a Zen-like realization that I don't know near as much as I think I know. Man that was tough to say.

I feel better now. I feel rejuvenated, reinvigorated, rededicated, and slightly reintoxicated. I'm ready for a 10-3 week!!

Cleveland -3 @ St. Louis
Rams fans, think back to when the schedule came out. Admit it, you looked right past this game as an easy win on your way to a 10-6 season. I'm just as guilty as the rest of you. I would have mortgaged my house on the fact that, at week 8, the Rams would have a better record than the Browns. But somehow, and I have clue how he's done it, QB Derek Anderson has turned this team into an offensive juggernaut. They're 7th in total offense (354 yards/game) and 4th in scoring offense (27.8 pts/gm). At the other end of the spectrum are the Rams...30th in total offense (274 yds/gm) and dead last in scoring (11.3 pts/gm). The only thing the Rams lead the league in are turnovers with 23. Granted this team has been decimated by injuries but an Arena League team could put up a better fight than this. The return of RB Steven Jackson can only help the hapless offense but the injury bug has struck again. It looks like DE Leonard Little and C Brett Romberg will miss the game...definitely not what the doctor ordered for the Rams. Regardless of what the Rams can muster on offense, their defense won't be able to stop the aerial attack of the Browns. Anderson to WR Braylon Edwards should be a reoccurring theme Sunday. At least we won't have to watch this massacre on tv as the game surely won't sell out...Browns win big.

Detroit +5 @ Chicago
I'm only taking the points here because I think this game could turn out to be a 34-31 slugfest. Both teams are giving up way to many points to be taken seriously. We've previously discussed the demise of the once proud Chicago D, but Detroit's defense is just plain bad. Hell, they gave up 56 points to a Philly team that, without that 56 point game, would be averaging 12 points/game. We're talking Rams territory there. Look for the worst 4-2 team in football to fall at Soldier Field. Da Bears in a close game that I will not be watching.

Indianapolis -6.5 @ Carolina
So let me get this straight...the defending Super Bowl champs are undefeated while playing a tough schedule, they've overcome key injuries, and they've never played better football (3rd ranked offense and 3rd ranked defense) and nobody is talking about them?!?! And they might actually be underdogs next week to New England AT HOME?!? How does this happen? They only way they don't cover this game is if they do what I just did...look ahead to next week. I say they use the Panthers as an example and open up a can on them to set the tone for next week. I can't wait to see the line for Indy/NE - I'm pretty sure you already know which way I'll be going. Colts roll through Carolina on their way home.

New York Giants -9.5 @ Miami (London)
What's that you tell me? There's a game being played in London this week? Am I supposed to give a shit? Are the broadcasters going to have annoying accents? Will there be soccer-style chants in the stands? Better yet, will there be soccer-style fights in the stands? Even better, will there actually be people in the stands? Will any of the players be able to pass through customs? Is Ricky Williams still with the Dolphins? Does he know he can't bring a duffle bag full of pot onto a plane? So many questions, so little time. Roger Godell's plan to take over the world is almost complete. Although, I'm not sure why he decided to send the Giants and Dolphins as ambassadors. Giants roll in a laugher that nobody will be watching.

Oakland +7.5 @ Tennessee
Tennessee's average margin of victory this year....7.25. Coincidence? I think not. This is a lot of points to lay even though the Titans should win this game easily. If not for my rejuvenation and reintoxication, this would be a classic example of me taking the favorite just because I think they should win easily. Well, I'm not falling for that one anymore. Titans win by 7.25 points and Oakland barely covers.

Philadelphia -1 @ Minnesota
As long as the Vikings keep spoon-feeding the ball to Adrian Peterson, they will continue to struggle. There's no denying this kid is special so it's baffling why the Vikes don't get him more involved. Maybe they're trying to win the Matt Ryan/Andre Woodson/Brian Brohm sweepstakes. That's the only way I can explain it...they're tanking. And why wouldn't they really? They're not going anywhere this year and they need a franchise QB (Tavaris Jackson is clearly not the answer). Can you imagine the potential of this team with Peterson and Matt Ryan running the offense for the next 7-10 years? Minnesota's coaching staff obviously can. Philly in a low-scoring, boring game.

Cincinnati +3.5 vs Pittsburgh
I've all but written off the Bengals this season and had Pittsburgh pegged in this game. Then I dug a little deeper. The Steelers have been struggling on the road lately and the Bengals have played well at home. Coming off a big road loss to Denver, I just don't think Pittsburgh will be up for this game. Plus, Cincy is in a must-win situation. Desperation + Disappointment = Bengals win. See, I'm still an idiot.

Buffalo +3 @ New York Jets
The 1-6 Jets have done nothing to make me think they can beat anyone, let alone a team that has already beaten them once this year. This game could go either way and I could care less. Moving on....

San Diego -9.5 vs Houston
Two teams headed in opposite directions. I hate to give this many points because I think the San Diego players can't help but be distracted. But a 3 touchdown San Diego win feels about right.

Jacksonville +3.5 @ Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay -3.5 vs Jacksonville
I just have one question...who the hell is Quinn Gray? All I know is he looked absolutely atrocious last week. The half point scares the hell out of me.....but......nope I can't do it. I can't take the Jags, not when Quinn Gray is prominently involved. That half point might come back to bite me on the ass but I can't rely on Quinn if I want to hit 10-3 this week. Bucs win 10-6.

New Orleans -1 @ San Francisco
This is that obvious game of the week the Sports Guy likes to talk about. So what do I do? I take the obvious team of course. Like I said last week, the Saints are going to make a run at the playoffs and the 49ers don't pose a threat to a Saints team that's firing on all cylinders. Reggie Bush is proving my point though that he's not an every down back. He's just not built for it. Saints roll on their way to a 9-7 record.

Washington +16.5 @ New England
This is the best defense the Patriots have faced all year, hands down. So, what do you get when you pit the #5 ranked D (Washington) against the #4 ranked D (Pats)? You get a closer game than most people think. The Patriots should still win this game, but a 10 point margin sounds right. One thing I wanted to point out about the Pats. There's no way a Belichick coached team will ever get caught looking past an opponent. They might get caught spying on an opponent but never past one, not even with Indy on tap next week. But, what I do think will happen this game is Washington will bring their smash-mouth style of football to Foxboro and give the Pats all they can handle. This is the best possible scenario if Indy is going to have any chance of winning next week. They'll get a Patriot team that could be banged up and beaten down and that could make all the difference. I sure can't wait to find out!

Denver -3 vs Green Bay
What's Denver's one glaring weakness? That's right, it's their run defense. What's the single worst aspect of Green Bay's offense? That's right, it's their running game. If the Pack could only establish a running game, which the won't, they'd have a shot at winning this game, which they won't. Broncos by a td in a game where, for 3+ hours, we'll have to hear the Monday night gang sing the praises of one Brett Lorenzo Favre. Maybe their special "celebrity" guest will be Brett's old high school coach...gee that would be swell! You know what would be better? How about interviewing Favre's old pharmacist that helped feed his addiction to painkillers? Now there's a man I'd love to meet....

TPC

WEEK 8 - Rich

• Cleveland -3 St. Louis: I already have action on the Browns but am starting to have second thoughts on this. Bulger may have a breakout week. Jackson appears to be back for this game. The Browns can't play defense and haven't played well on the road. The Rams are way overdue....so yes indeed, give me the Browns. Over 45.5 is definitely looking good here.
• Chicago -5 Detroit: 5 points is a lot, but I definitely like the Bears to win this game. Coming off a big road win, the momentum should continue this week.
• Indianapolis -6.5 Carolina: On paper, the Colts should trounce the Panthers. Will they get caught looking ahead? My sources say no.
• NY Giants -9.5 Miami: An absolute no brainer here. The Giants offense absolutely cannot be stopped by the Fins. Slowly, I may be jumping on the Giants bandwagon....not there yet.
• Oakland +7.5 Tennessee: Do the Titans blowout anybody? This spread is way too high, VY or no VY.
• Minnesota +1 Philly: Possibly the toughest game on the board to handicap. The Eagles, on paper, are the better team. The Vikes at home will let Peterson loose....Vikes win on a late FG.
• Cincy +3.5 Pittsburgh: Rudi is out. The Steelers offense will put up 24-28 points against the awful Bengals defense. So what? This is a do-or-die game for the Bengals and at minimum this game will be close. Definitely taking the home dog here.
• Buffalo +3 NY Jets: Worst game of the week. I've spend the last 5 minutes trying to contemplate what the right play is here. The J-E-T-S are A-W-F-U-L; the Bills on the road??? This game could potentially be very competitive, but my Sunday Ticket won't touch that game.
• San Diego -9.5 Houston: I'm not sure how it's possible this line exists. As of right now the game "could" be played in San Diego this weekend. I'm assuming this line is indicative of a game played there? Even if this game is played in Kosovo, I'm taking the Chargers here. Huge difference in class here. (If this line is taken off the board and put back on due to a change of venue, this pick did not exist.)
• Jacksonville +3.5 Tampa Bay: Over/under of 32....that's all you need to know here. I'm not sure you can really make the over/under low enough. Because of the obvious lack of scoring (even with Garrard out) I'm taking the Jags. Bucs 3 Jags 0.
• New Orleans -1 San Francisco: This seems too obvious. "America's Team" seems to be getting their legs back and San Francisco is too beat up. Somehow, I can't make myself go up to the betting window and put my hard earned money on them....I can't put my finger on it.
• New England -16.5 Washington: With how well the Skins play defense, I can't believe this line is so high. Still, how do you pick against the most impressive team of my generation? The spread could be 27 and I'd still consider taking New England against 80% of the NFL. 7-0 ATS....riding the wave baby.
• Denver -3 Green Bay: It's a shame the Broncos beat Pittsburgh last week. I had this game circled on my calendar. If the Broncos don't pull that game out, at best this game would be a pick. Denver by double digits....and maybe this will cheer up Denver sports fans.

Breeder's Cup Saturday! If I have time, I'll post my wagers. Good luck.

Week 7 Picks - TPC

Quick picks this week....

Washington -9 vs Arizona
Who's starting for the Cards this week, Neil Lomax? They are so beaten up I'd give 14 points in this game. By the way, is it just me or is Brenda Warner borderline hot now that she got rid of the buzz cut?? Sorry...it's the painkillers talking.

New Orleans -9 vs Atlanta
The Byron Leftwich era in Atlanta has officially begun. While this is a ton of points to give, I say the Saints open up a can on the Falcons this week. Saints by double-digits.

Baltimore - 3 @ Buffalo
Trent Edwards, meet the Baltimore Ravens' defense. You'll be seeing a lot of them this week. Look for Kyle Boller (fantasy alert!) to pick apart the Bills D...I can't believe I said that. Ravens roll.

Dallas -9.5 vs Minnesota
It's official, I'm taking all the damn favorites. Never a good sign! I would take the Vikes in this game if they didn't come out and publicly say Peterson will still split carries with Chester Taylor. Nobody can convince me this is a good idea. Cowboys win big in a statement game.

New England -16.5 @ Miami
The Dolphins generally play the Pats tough at home but I just can't bring myself to taking Cleo Lemon and Marty Booker. This game could get ugly early. Pats pound the fish...or mammals...or whatever.

San Francisco +9.5 @ New York Giants
Finally, an underdog. I like for the 9ers to keep this game close. The Giants should pull away late, but I'm looking for a late cover here. Here's to gambling...WOO HOO!

Tampa Bay+1 @ Detroit
Tough game here. My gut says go with the home team but Tampa just seems to find ways to win. I think they'll eek out another win this week. This feels like a 17-14 type game to me.

Tennessee -1 @ Houston
This game depends entirely on if VY is playing. Last reports say he's clos to playing so I'm going out on a limb here. Mark my words, though. If Vince doesn't play, the Titans will not win this game.

Oakland -1 vs Kansas City
KC looked rejuvenated last week but there's no way in hell I'm taking the road team in this rivalry. This should actually be an entertaining game between two very bad teams.

Cincinnati -6 vs New York Jets
This game is a fork in the road for these two teams, and they're inevitably headed in opposite directions. Not even Chad "Dead Man Walking" Pennington will be able to pick apart the Bengals' paper-thin defense. Look for Cincy to right the ship and pick up a much needed win.

Philadelphia -5 vs Chicago
To stick with the them of taking the home favorites, I'll take my chances with Philly in this one. I can see it now - Brian Westbrook pulls an Adrian Peterson and destroys any fantasy team in his path. I sure hope I'm not playing the team this week that owns him. Iggles by a td.

Seattle -9 vs St. Louis
Seattle wins 42-6.

Pittsburgh -3 @ Denver
I really don't think this game will be close. Big Ben is having a breakout year (another one) the Steelers look like a legit threat in the AFC. Funny but I'd feel more comfortable taking the Broncos if they still had Jake Plummer. Hmmm.....

Indianapolis -3 @ Jacksonville
This game should be close but the Colts will make David Garrard beat them....he's not capable of doing that. As long as Indy stops the run, they will roll. 21-13 Ponies sounds about right.

Sorry for the quick picks....busy week. This could very well be the week I go 0-14. It is very possible.

TPC

Week 6 Results

A very anticlimactic finish for the two of us, but it's better than most weeks I've had. At least the NFL was more exciting this week than our picks. Here are some random thoughts on Week 6.

• The Giants are a legit contender in the NFC. They beat up on a bad Falcons team but their defense has come together and looks very, very good.
• The Rams are the worst team in football. I honestly think all the injuries could save Linehan's job. Regardless, this hire was a complete and utter mistake. It's never too early to blow it up and start over.
• With a favorable schedule ahead, the Saints are going to make a run at a very winnable division and contend for a playoff spot.
• The Chargers are back with a vengeance. The rest of the AFC should be afraid of this team.
• Why do people keep kicking the ball to Devin Hester? I mean, seriously, I can't think of any circumstance where it would be ok to kick him the ball. Just kick the damn thing out of bounds and be done with it.
• Adrian Peterson will be, and currently is, the best player to come from the 2007 NFL draft. And, the Vikings have said he will continue to split carries with Chester Taylor. That's why the Vikings will continue to lose. That and abysmal QB play.
• The AFC is infinitely better than the NFC. We already knew that - NE/Dal helped solidify it.
• The Jags are the best team nobody knows about. Maybe Garrard was the answer in Jacksonville. Through 5 games he has not thrown a single INT.
• Vinny Testaverde is better than 75% of NFL quarterbacks....and he's 43!
• The Bears D is overrated. They've grown old quickly and can't stay healthy. But still, please keep kicking the ball to Devin Hester. A Hester return is one of the most exciting moments in any sport.

Weekly Totals
Rich - 5-6-2
TPC - 6-5-2

YTD Totals
Rich - 46-35-8
TPC - 36-45-8

Until next week....

TPC

Week 6 - TPC Style

I'm in need of a big week here, and I'm also looking for an excuse not to watch the NLCS. So here we go...Week 6...



Cincinnati -3 @ Kansas City
Great....The first game is the 'Obvious Pick of the Week' game. The game I should avoid at all costs. I guess the logical thing to do is go with the obvious pick. No seriously, I love this pick - Lock O' the Week. Cincy is 16-5-1 Against The Spread (ATS) in their last 22 road games and they desperately need a big win.


Houston +6.5 @ Jacksonville
Houston is very overrated and has beaten some bad teams this year. On the other hand, Jacksonville doesn't seem to score many points and does just enough to win. They should win this game but they won't cover.


Miami +4.5 @ Cleveland
I'm predicting a shootout here. I also think there will be two unlikely fantasy studs emerge from this ugly game - Jamal Lewis' backup RB Jason Wright and Miami QB Cleo Lemon. I'm actually considering starting Lemon over Carson Palmer this week. No seriously. Miami will pick up their first win and the Brady Quinn chants will reign from the sky like Cleo Lemon touchdown bombs.


Minnesota +6 @ Chicago
Tavaris Jackson...Kelly Holcomb....does it really matter? Of course it doesn't, but I don't like giving this many points. This game just has that feel of a 16-12 slugfest. Until the Bears get healthy again, I'll be taking the points, even if Tavaris Jackson is prominently involved. By the way, is it too early to say Adrian Peterson is going to be the best player to come out of the 2007 NFL draft? This guy is for real. Chicago wins a close one.

Philadelphia -3 @ NYJ
This Philly team is tough to get a read on. They hang 56 on a very bad Detroit D in week 3 then only manage 3 the next week against a decent Giants D. They were also held in check by Green Bay and Washington. So, the theme seems to be that they can only beat bad defensive teams. The Jets definitely fit that description with their 28th ranked defense. This is the sole reason I'm taking Philly here....I hate this pick. Philly by 3 TDs.

Baltimore -9.5 vs St. Louis
The Rams are more banged up than a hooker on a Saturday night. The following players are either out are will most likely miss this game: Stephen Jackson, Orlando Pace, Dante Hall, Dane Looker, Marc Bulger, Isaac Bruce, Corey Chavous. Baltimore's 4th ranked D could very easily pitch a shut-out this week. Ravens in a laugher.

Tennessee +3 @ Tampa Bay
Let me go on record as saying, I am not a Bucs believer. This team will show it's true colors this week when VY and the Titans come to town. I honestly can't believe the Bucs are favored in this game. Give me the Titans, the points, and an outright win. LET'S GO TITS....LET'S GO TITS!

Washington +3 @ Green Bay
I can't give up on my sleeper team of the year now, especially with the way they're playing defense. Look for the 4th ranked D to bottle up the Packer running game and force a few Favre turnovers. This should be a pretty close and exciting game and I like the Skins to come out on top.

Carolina +4 @ Arizona
I want nothing to do with Kurt Warner vs a fast defense. This could get ugly. I know this isn't the same Panther D we've seen in the past, but they still have the ideal pash rush to disrupt Old Man Warner. I like Carolina to win outright on the road.

New England -5.5 @ Dallas
I'm pumped for this game! It should be fun, high-scoring, and exciting! But, more importantly, it will further prove that the AFC is infinitely better than the NFC. Conferences aside, Randy Moss and Donte Stallworth are going to shread the Dallas secondary. And, since defense seems to be the theme this week, the 2nd ranked Pats D will be Tee'ing off on Romo. I like New England to pull away late and win easily.

Oakland +10 @ San Diego
The Chargers are hitting their stride and should win this game easily, but this line scares me. It's a lot of points to give up to a team that's averaging 25pts/game (more than the Chargers, incidentally). Like I said, the Chargers should win this game, but I'm still not sold on them just yet. Chargers win a close one with the Raiders threatening an upset.

Seattle -6.5 vs New Orleans
Things are going to get worse before they get better in New Orleans. I'll say it again...Reggie Bush is not an every-down back. Has anyone else noticed he only has one 100 yard rushing game in his 22 game career? Seattle will take over first in the NFC West this week and start to run away with the division. Seahawks by double digits.

NYG -3.5 @ Atlanta
Two important things to remember here.
1. The Giants are playing damn good football.
2. Joey Harrington is starting for the Falcons.
Giants win easily and I'll be asleep by halftime.

Have a great weekend everyone and Go Cubs...wait...

TPC

Week 5 Recap

With another impressive showing, Rich is starting to pull away fast. What can I say? I'm a sucker for the favorite. But, with youthful exuberance and a fistful of painkillers I'm ready to take on the world this week. Rich, your Polish ass is grass buddy!

Week 5
Rich - 9-5
TPC - 5-9

YTD Totals
Rich - 41-29-6
TPC - 30-40-6

Week 5 - TPC Style

The Cubs have killed any chance of a legitimate column this week. Did I mention that I hate being a Cubs’ fan? Attention gamblers: Feel free to use my picks as an example of how NOT to bet...enjoy.


New Orleans -3 vs Carolina
The loss of McAllister is bigger than people think because I’m not convinced Reggie Bush is an every-down back. We’ll definitely see what he’s made of from here on out. The Saints have to turn this thing around some time, and this is the perfect week to do it. The Superdome will be rocking (David Carr will be shaky) and the Saints will still have plenty of firepower left to dismantle the streaky Panthers. Saints win big.

Kansas City +1 vs Jacksonville
I still can’t believe KC put a whoop knot on the Chargers last week. They definitely starting to turn things around, but do they have another big week in them? I say yes. WR Dwayne Bowe looks like the real deal, TE Tony Gonzalez hit paydirt for the first time, LJ finally cracked 100 yards, and Damon Huard is settling into the starting QB role. Did I mention Huard is 7-0 at home? The Chiefs won’t need much from Huard this week, just manage the game and no stupid mistakes. LJ will do the rest - the Jags have the 26th ranked run. My gut tells me to take Jacksonville but the stats say KC. Chiefs in a tough, low-scoring game.

Washington -3.5 vs Detroit
I’m sticking with my sleeper team. Washington has had 2 weeks to shake off blowing that Giants game. The Lions are overachieving right now and will lose a close game because Mike Martz will refuse to run the ball…again. Washington in a close one – that damn half a point scares the shit out of me!

Tennessee -9 vs Atlanta
This is a big number but, with VY involved, I feel pretty good about this one. Since taking the starting QB spot, Vince is 13-3 against the spread (ATS) and 9-1 ATS in his last 10 games. VY doesn’t deserve all the praise. The Tennessee defense has been stout, giving up only 15 points/game. The Falcons and QB Joey “Big Bust” Harrington won’t crack that number. Titans win big at The Coliseum.

Houston -5 vs Miami
Who knows what to make of these two teams? I was prepared to lay the points in this game but then I realized I was taking the Miami Dolphins. This team is bad, really bad. RB Ronnie Brown has finally put together consecutive outstanding efforts. He would be able to run against this Texans team but he won’t have a chance. Miami will fall behind early and will be forced to air it out more than they like. Could this be the game we finally see rookie QB John Beck? If not this week then some time soon. Nick Saban sure left a mess in Miami. Houston by a td.

Pittsburgh -6 vs Seattle
Seattle has had trouble putting points on the board – the complete opposite of what Pittsburgh has been able to do. Seattle is one of the better teams in the NFC but this game will show, once again, the complete stranglehold the AFC has on the league. This game should be close until the Steelers pull away late. Pittsburgh covers in a garbage time TD.

New England -16.5 vs Cleveland
Could this Pats team be one of the most dominate teams of our generation? Are we witnessing history? I think we could be. I’m not saying they’ll go 16-0 but, barring injury and another scandal, New England is going to come close. The only thing that worries me about this game is if the Pats are looking ahead to next week’s game at Dallas. If the Pats can stay focused, they’ll crush the Browns. New England puts up 40 points and covers easily.

Arizona -3.5 @ St. Louis
Here’s a list of NFL coaches that didn’t make it to their third season: Hugh Campbell – Hou, Bud Carson – Cle, Pete Carroll – NYJ, Bud Carson – Cle, Marty Feldman – Oak, Clem Crowe – Bal, Hugh Devore – Phi, Eddie Erdelatz – Oak, Rod Dowhower – Ind, Gunther Cunningham – KC, Dennis Erickson – SF, Chan Gailey – Dal, Kevin Gilbride – SD, Al Groh – NYJ, Wade Phillips – Den, Mike Mularkey – Buf, Ray Rhodes – GB, Buddy Ryan – Ari, Hank Stram – NO, Dick MacPherson – NE, (the list goes on and on). This year we can add Scott Linehan – Stl to the list. This was obviously a terrible hire and he is wasting the considerable talent on this team…he needs to be fired asap. Think about it like this….what happens if the Rams go 3-13 this year and Rams brass decide to give Linehan one more year? What happens if they start the 2008 season 0-6? He would undoubtedly get fired then. Why wait? This was a bad hire – cut the cord and move on. Arizona in a laugher.

NY Giants -3.5 vs NY Jets
This game sucks. I’ll take the home team and move right along.

Tampa Bay +10 @ Indianapolis
This line is way too high. TB has been rejuvenated by Jeff Garsssia and I think the loss of RB Carnell Williams to a blown knee could actually help this team. The 1-2 punch of RBs Michael Pittman and Earnest Graham will prove to be better than the brittle back know as the Cadillac. Indy wins a close game ( The Bucs could actually pull off an upset if RB Joseph Addai misses the game.)

Denver -1 vs San Diego
San Diego is crumbling from the inside out. Maybe it’s karma for firing a coach that went 14-2…who knows why this team has fallen so hard?! I’m not totally sold on the progress of QB Jay Cutler and RB Travis Henry went all Ricky Williams on us and failed another drug test. Henry might still be able to start as he is suing the league to block an imminent suspension. If Henry does miss the game, look for undrafted rookie RB Selvin Young to step up (fantasy alert – grab this guy immediately!). These two teams are evenly match so I’ll take the home team and coach Mike Shanahan over Norv “In over his head” Turner. Denver in a tight one.

San Francisco +3.5 vs Baltimore
Two teams that came into this season with a lot of hype and what do they have to show for it? A combined 4-4 record…ah the sweet smell of mediocrity. This is a tough game to pick. I’ve gone back and forth several times so I’m just going to flip a coin. Heads = SF and Tails = Baltimore. Heads it is.

Green Bay -3 vs Chicago
Oh how the might have fallen. The only thing more sure than the Madden Curse is the Superbowl loser hangover. I have no clue how or why this happens but it seems to rear it’s ugly head every year. Chicago is too banged up and their offense is totally inept at this point. Packers improve to 5-0 and Bears’ QBs Brian Griese, Rex Grossman, and Kyle Orton alternate possessions and combine for 4 picks and 25 sacks. Is Jim McMahon still alive? What about Kordell Stewart or Jim Miller?

Dallas -10 @ Buffalo
The Cowboys are the cream of the crop in the NFC. The only way they don’t blow out Buffalo is if they get caught looking ahead to next week (see: NE vs Cle). Man I can’t wait for that game! Can we just skip this game? If this were Tecmo Superbowl, I’d auto pilot skip this game and go straight to Week 6.

My picks can’t get any worse than last week…can they? The Cubs can come back from an 0-2 deficit…can’t they? I need to start drinking again.

TPC

Week 4 Recap

See, what had happened was....I was under a lot of stress...I wasn't thinking clearly....I really don't have an excuse for my typical disgusting display last week. I should have my blogging license revoked - wait, anyone can blog and make crappy picks with no repercussions. Never mind then. Here's to at least a mediocre showing this week...Cheers!

Week 4
Rich - 7-7
TPC - 3-11

YTD Totals
Rich - 32-24-6
TPC - 25-31-6

TPC

Quick Picks by TPC

I'm going to say this once and for all. I hate being a Cubs fan. It is by far the most stressful, depressing, happiest, disappointing experience of my life. It's like a drug laced roller coaster ride. The highs are high and the lows are low. It is 100 times more stressful than planning my wedding, which has been a breeze compared to my relationship with the Cubbies.

Let me try to put this into perspective for everyone else. Being a Cubs fan is like dating a smoking hot chick that's a solid 9 in the looks department. Everything about her, physically, is perfect....cute face, great body, and a wardrobe that leaves little to the imagination. Not only is she drop-dead gorgeous but the sex, oh the sex is unreal. We're talking some too hot for TV, even late-night Skinemax, breaking headboards sex. The drawback is she constantly cheats on you and you know it, your friends know it, hell everyone knows it. In fact, she's even cheated on you with some of your friends. You're the laughingstock of the neighborhood. People openly belittle you, even right to your face. But, you keep her around because you know you'll never be able to match what she has to offer. That, my friends, is what it feels like to be a Cubs fan.

So here are my picks, but please remember I'm an emotional wreck right now. Proceed with caution.

ALDS - Red Sox over Angels
ALDS - Indians over Yankees
ALCS - Indians over Red Sox

NLDS - Cubs over Diamondbacks
NLDS - Rockies over Phillies
NLCS - Cubs over Rockies

World Series - Cubs over Indians - and the world will implode

There, I officially jinxed the Cubs and now they'll get swept in the first round. I'm sure Cubs fans will end up getting screwed anyways....but at least it will be the best screw of our lives.....or something.....

The People's Champs

Week 4 - TPC Style

After last week's debacle (5-8-3), this is clearly a must win week for me. This is the point of the season where my irrational side takes over and I dive head first onto the panic button. Or at least that’s what I’m supposed to do, right? I’m supposed to say that I don’t have a chance to win this pick ‘em challenge if I don’t put together a good week, when in reality I’m only three games back with FOURTEEN weeks to go. Obviously it’s way too early to give up on the NFL season.

So why do we, sports fans, overreact so quickly? It’s like we all have a mild (in some instances extreme) case of Sports Bipolar disorder. One week we are clearing our calendars for Superbowl Sunday because our team is clearly the odds-on favorite to bring home a title. The next week we refuse to even refer to our team by name because that alone could very well induce vomiting. Our coach is always on the proverbial hot seat, a QB change is absolutely necessary, and our latest batch of draft picks are already declared busts. All this and we’re not even four games into the 2007 NFL season.

The Rams went from the preseason hype of being a legitimate contender to win their division to a 13 point underdog at home in three weeks. Oakland went from a preseason Power Ranking of dead last to almost beating a Broncos team on the road, to winning their first game against a team that put up 51 points the previous week (Cleveland), to being a 4.5 point underdog against the winless Miami Dolphins. Hell, I wrote off the Titans before the season even started and now I actually believe Vince Young can take us to the playoffs. And I hated the pick of Young in the 2006 draft. I wanted the Titans to take Matt Leinart, who went from potential franchise savior to being benched in favor of the 52 year old Kurt “Paper or Plastic” Warner. That shows you I’m just as crazy as the rest of you.

Now, let’s get to the picks before my meds wear off.

Oakland +4.5 @ Miami
I’m still baffled by this. Aside from the Falcons, the Dolphins are the worst team in football. They shouldn’t be giving points to anyone. Not even the lowly Oakland Raiders. The key will be for RB Lamont Jordan to establish the run game early to set up play action opportunities for new starter QB Daunte Culpepper. Look for Culpepper to revitalize this stagnant offense and turn WR Jerry Porter into a great fantasy play this week (start Porter – you can thank me later).

Houston -3 @ Atlanta
Houston is about to be one of those teams that is so underrated that they become very overrated. The Texans beat a very bad KC team, a decent Panthers squad, and played the defending champs as tough as you can. They’ll have their way with a reeling Falcons team and should beat Miami at home next week. That could put this team at 4-1 and firmly plant them in overrated territory. Their following three games (@ Jacksonville, home against the Titans, and @ San Diego) will determine if this team is for real.

Baltimore -4 @ Cleveland
If we’re going to talk about overrated teams, we can’t leave out the Baltimore Ravens. So far this year, The Ravens lost to Cincy while only scoring 20 points against that paper thin defense, and beat the Jets and Cardinals by an average of 3.5 points at home. This is not the same team that went 13-3 last year. Good news for them though, Cleveland sucks. Look for Willis McGahee to break 100 yards for the first time this year. Baltimore by double digits.

Chicago -2.5 @ Detroit
It looks like the Rex Grossman era in Chicago is officially over. Too bad for the Bears the move came a year too late. Grossman will join DE Michael Haynes, OT Marc Colombo, WR David Terrell, QB Cade McNown, RB Curtis Enis, and RB Rashaan Salaam, among others, as notable first round busts. The Bears have been very fortunate their later round picks have panned out, otherwise there’s no telling how bad this team could be right now. Well, as a matter of fact, they could be as bad as the Lions. The Lions are no strangers to draft busts but are finally trying to put together their first winning season since the 2000 season. They’re off to a good start but this game will put a wrench in their playoff (PLAYOFFS?!?!) plans. Enter: QB Brian Griese, this year’s version of Trent Dilfer. This move, and an easy win in Detroit this week, will vault the Bears back into NFC supremacy.

Green Bay -1 @ Minnesota
Green Bay is another team, like the Titans, that I’m not betting against anymore. Especially in a virtual pick em against a Vikes squad that has lost to Detroit and Kansas City in successive weeks. The Packers really need to establish some semblance of a running game, but they won’t be able to do so against a stout Vikes run D. Instead, QB Brett Favre should break Dan Marino’s TD record sometime before halftime and send the Vikings into their bye week with three consecutive losses. (Note: Minnesota will come out of their bye week with this schedule - @ Chi, @ Dallas, vs Philly, vs SD, and @ GB. This team could very well be 1-8 headed into week 11.)

St. Louis + 13 @ Dallas
The Rams are hurting, literally, in a bad way. They will be without Orlando Pace and Mark Setterstrom on the OL and their best player in RB Steven Jackson. It looks like Marc Bulger will try to play through his rib injury, but one big hit and you’ve got QB Gus Frerotte in the game…this is ungood. So why the hell am I picking the Rams and taking the points? Because I think this game has serious potential to be a letdown game for the Cowboys. They’re still high off their impressive win over Chicago and have already been anointed NFC favorites. It is very possible Dallas could come out flat in this game. Plus, St. Louis really has nothing to lose at this point. They are going to have to throw everything they have at this team just to stay in this game. In the end, the Rams will come up short. Dallas by 10.


NY Jets -3.5 @ Buffalo
I offer you this quote from espn.com, “With three starters in the secondary as well as LBs Keith Ellison and Paul Posluszny out of the lineup the Bills are playing with guys who were signed off the street a week ago, and the offense is without QB J.P. Losman.” Jets 21, Bills 6

Carolina -3 vs Tampa Bay
Can I pick a “Push” instead of picking an actual team? This game has Carolina 13, TB 10 written all over it. Ok, since I have to pick a winner, I’ll take the team with the most playmakers and the home field advantage. Carolina takes control of the NFC South in a close one.

San Francisco +1 vs Seattle
This should be an entertaining game and it's really a tough pick. San Francisco traditionally plays well against the Seahawks (what the hell is a Seahawk anyways??). In my mind, that gives them a slight advantage here...that and the fact that they're at home. Look for Alex Smith to continue his progression towards being a solid starting QB. In order to do this, he's going to have to look for TE Vernon Davis more. They may be forced to throw more with Frank Gore banged up (bruised hand). I'll take the Niners in what could be a fun, high-scoring game.

Pittsburgh -6 @ Arizona
Don't confuse the Cardinals with a Major League Baseball team. Just because they're treating their QBs like starting and relief pitchers doesn't mean they've found the secret to success. When have you ever seen a rotating QB situation work in a professional game? You're right...never. It may work effectively in the college game but a QB has to get in a rythym to be effective. This will only help the Steelers; a team that needs no help in dismantling a yet again dissapointing Cards team. Pitt wins big and Leinart and Warner will be running for their lives all day long.

San Diego -11.5 vs Kansas City
I'm not normally a fan of double-digit lines in the NFL. Parity says these lines are way too high. But the Chiefs are one of a few teams that might be double-digit underdogs every week. San Diego has to get back to 2006 form some time and this is the perfect game to do so. LDT (I refuse to call him LT) will finally have a breakout game this year and look for him to score 2 or 8 TDs. Not much else to say here but SD will beat the shit out of KC. Easy pick.

Denver +9.5 @ Indy
There's no denying this Colts team is very good and Denver has looked flat so far and is the luckiest 2-1 team in the league. With that being said, Indy no longer has the fire power to blow out teams every single week. That makes this line too high for my liking. I do have a lingering question that I'd like your opinion on: Would the Broncos be better off this year if they would've stuck with Jake Plummer? I think they would be a much better team b/c it's clear Jay Cutler is still going through growing pains. After all, he's learning on the job. But, that's today's NFL. Teams throw young QB's to the wolves before they're ready and totally ruin their confidence(See: Cutler, Leinart, JP Losman, Tavaris Jackson, Jason Campbell, Rex Grossman, Eli Manning, Chris Simms, and Alex Smith). Of course, there are exceptions like Vince Young and Ben Roethlisberger, but these exceptions are few and far between. And, in a few weeks, we'll be able to add JaMarcus Russell and Brady Quinn to that list. Indy wins by a TD.


Philly -2.5 @ NY Giants
I still think the Giants are a terrible team this year. McNabb still hasn't fully recovered from his knee surgery but that won't matter in this game since the Giants can't tackle anyways. Their defense has almost become comical and brutal to watch. I guess that's what you get when you're playing for a lame duck coach that the players hate with a passion. The result....a 1-3 start (0-2 at home) and millions of fans calling for Coughlin's job. It won't be long now. Philly wins easily.

New England -7 @ Cincy
The age old adage is to take the Monday Night home underdog. Not in this case. Not when the dog is playing the best team we've seen in a long time. Can we just crown New England champs now and get it over with? Of course, if they lose this game, we'll dismiss them as afterthoughts because, remember, we're all Bipolar when it comes to sports. New England wins 75-17.

The People's Champ