Amazingly enough, both Al and I went 8-5 last week. I’m 60-49-7 and Al is 60-48-6. Obviously, huge crash is coming. I wonder how long it’ll hold off…
Until looking at the spreads right now, I could have told you two of the matchups, the obvious one, and Eagles-Cowboys. Somehow, the big game has eclipsed almost the entire rest of the schedule. I think the only reason that I know about the Eagles game is because of Andy Reid’s highly successful parenting.
So, the question is, will having no idea hurt or help? We’ll see…
Sunday 1:00
Panthers @ Tennessee(-4)
OK, so it appears that Carr will be starting for Carolina. Titans.
Bungles @ Buffalo(+1)
I’m taking the Bills at home, at least until they’re actually favored at home.
Broncos @ Detroit(-3)
I’ll give the points; the Broncos have no idea how to score anything but field goals.
Packers @ Kansas City(-2)
The Chefs are vulnerable to the run, but the Packers can’t run, so I see this one going to KC.
Jaguars @ New Orleans(-3.5)
Gerrard is still out, I think, so I expect the Saints to see a serious dose of MJ-D. The Saints are the glamor pick here, so I’m going the other way–I think the Jags defense and ball control gives them the victory, or at least keeps it awfully close. (I’m liking that extra half-point here.)
Chargers @ Minnesota(+7)
The Vikings are horrible, no matter how good Peterson is. Bolts.
Niners @ Atlanta(-3.5)
Totally hideous, and I was thinking a tossup–I wonder why the Falcons are giving the extra half-point? They must know something I don’t; Falcons, I guess.
Redskins @ New Jersey Meadowlands(+3.5)
I see no reason to pick the Jest.
Cardinals @ Tampa(-3.5)
I like the Bucs here and I also, for some reason, want them to win, so obviously I should be picking Arizona. Cards it is.
Sunday 4:10±5
Seahawks @ Cleveland(-1)
Wow, look at the Browns, favored and everything. I’m even going to pick them.
Texans @ Oakland(-3)
Uhh, yeah. Are the Texans starting anybody on offense who started in week 1? Anyone? No? Raiders.
Patriots @ Indianapolis(+5.5)
The big game, the biggest regular-season game ever that didn’t have a playoff berth on the line. I get the sense these two teams really don’t like each other. These are two shockingly good football teams, there is no way I should have picked against the Colts two weeks ago (against the Jags). However, because the Colts have two key injuries–Marvin Harrison and their starting left tackle–and the Pats are basically healthy, I have to go with the Pats to cover. I’ll be in my Brady jersey, of course…
Sunday NBC
Cowboys @ Philadelphia(+3)
Man, the pundits all seem to be on the “Eagles will rally” bandwagon. What on earth have they shown this season which suggests the Eagles can rally? Cowboys.
MNF
Ravens @ Pittsburgh(-9)
This could easily be a push, with the Steelers kicking 3 FGs and the Ravens being shut out. Seems like too many points, though, doesn’t it? Yeah, I’ll take the points.
Sunday 1:00
Panthers @ Tennessee(-4)
Carolina is really bad. Until they can get Smith into the offense, they might as well miss the bus. Titans.
Bungles @ Buffalo(+1)
The Bengals have to get it in gear. This is a chance for them to get healthy.
Broncos @ Detroit(-3)
It’s at Detroit, so that means they’ll play better? Oh heck, I don’t know. Detroit is a huge tease. Look to them to totally blow this one. Broncos.
Packers @ Kansas City(-2)
What a strange game. 3 weeks ago no way KC is favored. They seem to have discovered Gonzalez was on the team at that time. KC.
Jaguars @ New Orleans(-3.5)
Without a QB they can’t win. Saints.
Chargers @ Minnesota(+7)
The Chargers have figured this thing out. They’re going to roll to the playoffs. Give the biggish number.
Niners @ Atlanta(-3.5)
I’m pretty close to Atlanta and I think I know what’s going on with this team. They are blacked out this week. Yeah, I know. Niners.
Redskins @ New Jersey Meadowlands(+3.5)
One reason might be Kellen Clements. Let’s see what the kid can do! Then again, the Redskins have to show some pride after the pasting they got last week (UGLY!). Jets have no O-line. Redskins.
Cardinals @ Tampa(-3.5)
The Bucs will win this game at home. I hope they win by more than a field goal. Garcia’s a winner!
Sunday 4:10±5
Seahawks @ Cleveland(-1)
The Seahawks. Man, what a soft-ass team. Still, they’ll win this one. Cleveland loves to disappoint their fans right when they have some hope.
Texans @ Oakland(-3)
Yeah, the Texans got killed by injuries. Look at Oakland racking up the wins!
Patriots @ Indianapolis(+5.5)
Until I see any reason not to, I’m picking the Pats (I learned my lesson last week). The Colts are really good, but the Pats are on a different level. I think I’d give 7.
Sunday NBC
Cowboys @ Philadelphia(+3)
This is a pretty big game. I know the Giants will be watching on TV. Dallas should really win this one, though. The Eagles missed their window.
MNF
Ravens @ Pittsburgh(-9)
Pittsburgh has put up some impressive numbers this year and the Ravens have injuries at key positions on defense. I’m seriously considering benching Peyton Manning and starting Big Ben this week. If the Ravens could score, I would take the points, but they can’t, so Pittsburgh covers this.