OK, so the bad news is that my fantasy team is in total disarray. The good news is that I went 9-5 last week making me 38-33-5 overall. Al, you went 6-8 last week, putting you at 37-33-6. (Al has more ties than I do because of my foolish use of over/under; I lost that game, Al got a push.)
Too much going on this weekend for me to have lots of commentary. Let’s just say that, as someone who follows the Texans, I’m damn glad that (A) the Dolphins are horrible, and (B) the Texans kicker had it going on. 3 kicks over 50? Nice…
Anyway, picks.
Sunday 1:00
Bengals @ Kansas City(+3)
The Chefs are horrible. I’ll give the field goal.
Texans @ Jacksonville(-7)
Every time I pick against the Texans, they win. I’m picking against them again.
Dolphins @ Cleveland(-4.5)
The Browns aren’t good, but Miami is much, much worse than being merely “not good;” they’re straight-up horrible. Browns cover easily.
Vikings @ Chicago(-5)
The QB problems for the Bears get a lot of ink and air time… but the Vikings QB situation is actually worse. Bears now have some confidence, they’ll rip the Vikings.
Eagles @ New Jersey Meadowlands(+3.5)
The Eagles aren’t very good, but history says
Rams @ Baltimore(-9.5)
I think the Ravens win, but that’s a huge spread. The only way the Ravens cover that is if their defense scores a couple TDs. Oh. Yeah, OK, with Ed Reed they’ll cover.
Titans @ Tampa Bay(-3)
So, the Bucs have looked good up until last week. The Titans also didn’t exactly look great last week. I think the Bucs defense will befuddle Young and they’ll cover this. Intriguing game, though; I’ll probably watch some of this one…
Redskins @ Green Bay(-3)
I don’t have any idea. None. Neither does Vegas, with the default “home team by three” spread. Redskins, I guess.
Sunday, 4:10±5
Panthers @ Arizona(-4.5)
All Cardinals, all the time.
Patriots @ Dallas(+5.5)
I love it when the Cowboys are on the board in a big game. Only 5.5? Really? I’ll gladly give those.
Raiders @ San Diego(-9.5)
This is a sucker bet—that’s too many points.
Sunday NBC
Saints @ Seattle(-6.5)
The Saint can’t go 0-16, can they? Probably not, but I’m not picking them on the road until they win one.
MNF
Giants @ Atlanta(+3.5)
The Falcons have been playing better lately, but so have the Giants. I think the G-men will have this one.
Sunday 1:00
Bengals @ Kansas City(+3)
I think that LJ may be done. Bengals D is bad, but they should be able to light up KC. Give the points.
Texans @ Jacksonville(-7)
I like get the 7 points here.
Dolphins @ Cleveland(-4.5)
Gosh, how bad do you have to be when the Browns are favored over you? Fine. Give ’em.
Vikings @ Chicago(-5)
This isn’t enough points. Bears.
Eagles @ New Jersey Meadowlands(+3.5)
History says what? I know that the Jets have lost their last 7 against the Eagles and Westbrook is back. Plus the Jets are riddled with key injuries. Eagles.
Rams @ Baltimore(-9.5)
The Ravens win, but this is too many points.
Titans @ Tampa Bay(-3)
Young had a lot of trouble last week. Frankly, I don’t think they were really up for the game against the Falcons and proved that you don’t really need to be (also, see Buffalo). Young will bounce back. I’ll take the points.
Redskins @ Green Bay(-3)
I’d like to Riverside you here, but honestly, if I was picking first I would have picked the Redskins. I’ll take the points. I think it will be a fun game.
Sunday, 4:10±5
Panthers @ Arizona(-4.5)
Weird game. Cardinals win by 3. Therefore, Panthers.
Patriots @ Dallas(+5.5)
This game means so much more to Dallas than it does to the Patriots — but they certainly can’t put in the performance they did last week. This is their chance to show the NFL that they are the true class in the NFC and can contend with the best of the AFC. They will fail.
Raiders @ San Diego(-9.5)
The Chargers have turned it around. This will be a rout.
Sunday NBC
Saints @ Seattle(-6.5)
Wow, the Saints collapse is bizarre. Seattle is as goofy a team as ever. I kind of like getting the points, although I hope it’s high scoring because I had to pick up Hasselback for my fantasy team. /sigh. Saints.
MNF
Giants @ Atlanta(+3.5)
The Falcons were an embarrassment last week — just like Buffalo they got 5 turnovers and still LOST! Whatever. Giants roll big.