I’ll update the standings next week. I mostly watched three games last week: Jags-Saints, Chargers-Vikings, and, of course, the big game. The Saints look like they’re completely back, at least on offense; Brees was a minor deity in that game. However, he looked like nothing compared to Peterson. That was amazing. You knew Peterson was going to get the ball, the Bolts had 9 (and sometimes 10) guys in the box, and still nothing stopping him. Yikes.
As for Pats-Colts, that was quite a game. Those are good teams, man. I have to think with Harrison playing at full strength, the Colts win that game. OTOH, without all those phantom interference calls, the Pats win by a lot more. Can’t wait to see the rematch in January. I also have to say, given the Shula comments, that I’ll take the Pats and give the 25 or whatever the spread is when the Pats play the Dolphins. They’ll win by 50. * that, dolphins.
Anyway, on to the games…
Sunday 1:00
Bills @ Miami(+2.5)
Speaking of the Dolphins, I think they lose this game by at least a field goal.
Browns @ Pittsburgh(-10)
Ten is a lot. I know the Stillers lit up the Ravens like a Christmas tree, but I think the Browns might be better; at least they have an offense. I’ll take the ten.
Broncos @ Kansas City(-3)
Denver is, I think, pretty much done for the season. Chefs.
Jaguars @ Tennessee(-4)
I was going to guess the spread was Titans by 5, so I guess I’ll give the points.
Vikings @ Green Bay(-6)
I dunno, Peterson is awesome, but I can’t think the Vikings can do that two weeks in a row. I’ll give the points at Lambeau.
Eagles @ Washington(-2.5)
I’m amazed this isn’t more than a field goal. The Iggles suck, give the points all the way.
Rams @ New Orleans(-11)
I would, however, take the Eagles over the Rams. I see no reason to think the Saints won’t blow them out of the building.
Falcons @ Carolina(-4)
I’m not sure if anybody is more of a train wreck than the Panthers’ QB situation. I’m actually going to take the points here.
Sunday 4:10±5
Bengals @ Baltimore(-4)
More horrible teams. I cannot figure out what the problem is with the Bengals; the Ravens problem is clear, they have no offense, in part because of horrible QB play and a refusal to acknowledge that. OK, I’ve talked myself into taking the points.
Bears @ Oakland(+3.5)
I like getting more than a field goal here; I’m not sure the Bears can move the ball much against the Raiders. Granted, the Raiders probably won’t be able to move the ball, either, so I’m thinking a field goal game, so take the points.
Cowboys @ New Jersey Giants Stadium(+1.5)
You know, the Giants D-line gets all this great press, but what did they do against the Dolphins? And the Cowboys can also run the ball, which tends to blunt the pass rush. I’m happy to be giving less than two points.
Lions @ Arizona(-1.5)
For the first time I can remember, the Lions seem to actually have figured something out on defense. That makes them the favorite here in my book.
Sunday NBC
Colts @ San Diego(+3.5)
Indy will have something to prove, and Norv “Duh” Turner will have no idea what to do about it. I’m giving the points.
MNF
Niners @ Seattle(-10)
The Seabags aren’t all that good, but the Niners are plain awful. Are they 10 full points more awful than Seattle. Nah, that’s too many points.