I’ll update the standings next week. Also, I goofed and we missed the Thursday game this week. Oops. Classes are now over, so I promise I’ll be more on the ball with those games the rest of the season.
Now, some comments on last week:
* The catch by Winslow should have been ruled a catch; they were totally robbed.
* The Ravens need to shut the hell up and play as hard all the freaking time as they did in the first three quarters of that game. They can whine about the officiating all they want, but the refs didn’t call the timeout, the refs didn’t throw that awful pick, and it wasn’t the refs who failed to get the Ravens a first down in the 4th quarter. Professionals keep their cool, and the Ravens didn’t. They deserved to lose that game.
Anyway, on to this week…
Sunday 1:00
Panthers @ Jacksonville(-10.5)
I didn’t even see highlights of the Panthers last week, apparently they didn’t suck. However, the Jags are about a zillion times better than the Niners. I’m giving the points.
Cowboys @ Detroit(+10.5)
The Lions are in an absolute tailspin. Again, give the points.
Dolphins @ Buffalo(-7)
Miami is awful, but they’ve kept it close—at least, closer than the spread—most of the season. I’m taking the points here.
Giants @ Philadelphia(-3)
When the team with the notably worse record is favored, something is wrong. Giants.
Raiders @ Green Bay(-10.5)
Even with Farve a little nicked up, the Packers have had extra time and they’re at home. The number is a little bigger than I’d like, but I just can’t see taking the Raiders here.
Chargers @ Tennessee, pick
On talent, I’d have to take the Bolts. On coaching, I’d have to take the Titans. Tossup. I’ll take the Titans just because they’re at home.
Rams @ Cincinnati(-8)
Eight seems like an awful lot for a Bengals team to give—they just aren’t that good. I’ll take St. Louis here.
Bucs @ Houston(+3)
Unfortunately, the Texans have already won too many games to be in the McFadden lottery. I sure hope they get some freaking help on the O line, finally. Oh, and they’ll lose this game by more than 3.
Sunday, 4:10±5
Cardinals @ Seattle(-7)
In Seattle, I have to go with the Seabags.
Vikings @ San Francisco(+8.5)
Any team which can get pounded that badly by a team led by Vinny “Geritol” Testaverde is horrible beyond comprehension. Vikings all the way.
Steelers @ New England(-10.5)
You wan the real reason the Pats had trouble the last couple weeks? They were looking ahead to this game. If this were in Pittsburgh I would not give ten, but the Steelers are a different team on the road (hello, Jets). I will once again give the points.
Browns @ New Jersey Meadowlands(+3.5)
Cleveland was robbed last week. They’ll make it up this week and will cover this.
Chefs @ Denver(-7)
I think KC is starting Croyle in this game. That’s enough for me to give the points.
Sunday NBC
Colts @ Baltimore(+9)
The Ravens blew their wad last week and have imploded. Colts cover this easily.
MNF
Saints @ Falcons(+3.5)
The Saints aren’t as good as I hoped, but they’re still more than a FG better than the Falcons, who have obviously given up for the season.