Saturday NFLN
Cowboys @ Atlanta(+3)
I don’t see Vick winning this all by himself, and the guys who run the ball are too nicked up.
Sunday 1:00
Bucs @ Chicago(-13.5)
That’s a lot of points for the Bears inept offense to cover, but then, the Bucs might not cross midfield. Wait, wait, Rex looked good last week, so he’ll suck this week. They’ll still win, but they won’t cover this.
Steelers @ Carolina, no line
Yeah, if I were the bookies I’d stay away from a line on this game, too. What’s up with the Panthers? I guess the Steelers have looked kind of better lately, and the Panthers… I have no idea. I guess I’ll take Pittsburgh here, but that’s a coin flip.
Lions @ Green Bay(-5)
Allow me to quote myself from Week 7: “Detroit on the road? No thanks.”
Browns @ Baltimore(-11)
The schitzo Cleveland team bothers me. They could beat this spread, but it could just as easily be 34-0 Ravens. I hate giving that many points, but I think this time I have to.
Jaguars @ Tennessee(+3.5)
Vince Young is just too hot to pick against right now, and I get points, which I think I’ll need.
Jest @ Minnesota(-3)
I fear the thought of the Vikings backing into the playoffs given their weak competition down the stretch. Come on, Jets, you even get points!
Texans @ New England(-11.5)
The Patriots will play down to the level of competition. They’ll win, but that’s too many.
Redskins @ New Orleans(-9.5)
I see no reason to think that the Saints won’t be able to run it up on the Skins like they did on the Cowboys.
Dolphins @ Buffalo(-1)
Since Culpepper was benched, the Dolphins have been great. Jason Taylor is a wrecking crew this year, I don’t see the Bills with an answer to him, Miami wins.
Sunday ~4:10
Broncos @ Arizona(+2.5)
Cutler has to win one eventually, right? Methinks Arizona is a good place for that to happen, so I’ll go with Denver here.
Rams @ Oakland(-2.5)
How the mighty have fallen. If I’m the Rams GM, the team is playing for the coaching staffs’ jobs right now. And the Raiders… well, at least their defense is decent. Freaky, I’m actually picking the Raiders.
Eagles @ New Jersey Giants(-5.5)
Well, those are enticing points, I was expecting the spread to be more like three. Yes, OK, I’ll take the points.
Sunday NBC
Chefs @ San Diego(-8.5)
I have little doubt that the Chargers will win, but they’ve not done well against large spreads this year; most of their big blowouts have been when they had small spreads. I think I’ll foolishly take the points.
MNF
Bengals @ Indianapolis(-3)
Whee, the big game of the week. And I have Rudi Johnson on my (admittedly hapless) fantasy team. I love getting these points.
Sunday 1:00
Bucs @ Chicago(-13.5)
I like Chicago to put up a good number. I think they’ve turned the corner and will finish up strong. Plus, it’s probably really cold up there.
Steelers @ Carolina, no line
DelHomme is still banged up. I’ll take the Steelers.
Lions @ Green Bay(-5)
Favre can afford to make mistakes against the Lions.
Browns @ Baltimore(-11)
These guys usually play close games. I’ll take the points.
Jaguars @ Tennessee(+3.5)
Wow, Young is playing great. I’ll take the Jaguars anyway. They need to keep winning to solidify a playoff spot.
Jest @ Minnesota(-3)
The Jets will bounce back from that awful loss last week. If they win, it’s possible Mangini would deserve a coach of the year nod.
Texans @ New England(-11.5)
Perfect chance for Brady and his O-Line to get healthy. I’ll give the big number.
Redskins @ New Orleans(-9.5)
That’s a big number, but it seems that NO is on a mission right now.
Dolphins @ Buffalo(-1)
Can Harrington beat Lossman? Is that a wash? I guess Miami is better and it’s not nearly cold enough in Buffalo this weekend to matter.
Sunday ~4:10
Broncos @ Arizona(+2.5)
The Denver defense should win this one for them.
Rams @ Oakland(-2.5)
Oakland favored? No. Rams.
Eagles @ New Jersey Giants(-5.5)
Wow, I like getting that amount of points. I’ll take the Eagles. Westbrook needs a big game – he’s on my fantasy team and I’m in the playoffs! Go me!
Sunday NBC
Chefs @ San Diego(-8.5)
The Chargers are one of the top teams, but I think the Chiefs have an outside shot at the playoffs so maybe they’ll try. I’ll take the points.
MNF
Bengals @ Indianapolis(-3)
Bengals all the way. When your coach has a presser and says “everything’s fine,” it’s time to follow the rats off the ship. How long before Dungee wears out his welcome? The window is closing very fast.