OK, so last week both Al and I went under .500, we went 6-8. That makes me 66-57-7 and Al is 66-56-8. Still above water for the season, but the waves are now lapping at our noses. Let’s see if we can get it going again this week! That probably depends on whether teams like the Broncos, Saints, and Lions can decide if they’re decent or not…
Sunday 1:00
Cardinals @ Cincinnati(-3)
Yeah, the Bungles beat the Ravens last week, but the Ravens are awful. I’m more than happy to get points here.
Panthers @ Green Bay(-9.5)
I think Terry Bradshaw’s dad will be suiting up for Carolina at QB—they’re a joke. Packers cover this big number without breaking a sweat.
Browns @ Baltimore(+2.5)
This is the same Ravens team which got spanked by the lifeless Bengals last week, right? Yeah, and the Browns didn’t win, but they at least put in a respectable effort vs. Pittsburgh last week. I think the Browns should cover this.
Chefs @ Indianapolis(-14.5)
I don’t doubt that the Colts will win this game, but that seems like a heck of a lot of points for such a banged-up Indy team. The only reason I’m not enthusiastic about this is that it’s clear that Vegas wants us to take KC… aww, screw it, I’m taking the pile of points.
Dolphins @ Philly(-9.5)
I dunno. The Iggles looked good last week, which this season has been a sure sign that they’d be awful in the following week. Plus, Miami has played both the Giants and the Bills closer than 9.5 the last couple weeks, and I think both of those teams are better than Philly. I’ll take the points.
Saints @ Houston(-1)
The Texans aren’t very good, but I guess there’s a small chance they’ll have Andre Johnson back this week. The Saints are the most amazingly schitzo team in the league. Horrible start, then looked great, then dropped one to the Rams (!). If the good Saints show up, they’ll cruise. If the bad Saints show up, then it’ll be close. I say the good Saints show up.
Raiders @ Vikings(-4.5)
I hear some retiree friend of my dad’s will be suiting up at QB for the Vikings so that the Panthers won’t be the only team starting guys ten years older than me. (OK, OK, five.) Anyway, these are two horrible teams. With Brooks at the helm for the Vikes and Peterson out, I say this comes down to a field goal.
Chargers @ Jacksonville(-3)
How do you barely manage to squeak out a win when you get six picks and run back a kick? Those wacky Bolts. I’m taking the Jags here.
Bucs @ Atlanta(+3)
The Falcons have looked better lately, but I can’t see that actually becoming a trend. Tampa.
Giants @ Detroit(+2.5)
This is a tough pick. I mean, the Lions got exposed last week, but I believe they’ve beaten the spread every week at home this year. Hmm. OK, Lions lose by a point, but cover the spread.
Sunday 4:10±5
Steelers @ New Jersey Meadowlands(+9.5)
I have seen nothing which indicates this will be anything but a blowout. Steelers.
Redskins @ Dallas(-11)
Man, that’s a lot of points. Here’s why: the Redskins are 2-6-2 against the spread in their last ten road games, and Dallas is 8-2 against the spread in their last ten games. I’m not gonna argue with those numbers and I’ll give the points.
Rams @ San Francisco(+3)
Wow, getting three points when at home vs. a 1-win team. You know how bad the Niners are? I think the spread is probably too small. Rams.
Bears @ Seattle(-5.5)
I keep blowing it when I pick against the Seabags. I’ve learned my lesson and I’ll give the points.
Sunday NBC
Patriots @ Buffalo(+16)
I keep hearing all this crap about how the Bills are resurgent, etc. Look, this is the Patriots with two weeks to prepare, now with the added bonus of the Shula “asterisk” comments. The Pats will light up the Bills like a Christmas tree. Pats all the way. (However, this will be a small thing compared to how badly the Pats are going to treat the Jets and Dolphins later.)
MNF
Titans @ Denver(-2)
Tennessee is two games better (6-3) than Denver (4-5) and the Broncos are favored? Really? OK, I’ll take the points.