So, first, last week I went 8-4-2 and Al went 7-5-2; the two pushes were of course games that Al and I picked differently. For the season I’m 38-33-3 and Al is 41-30-3; man, Al, you’re tearing it up!
Now, comments on last week’s games. Obviously, the Steelers have some kind of juvenation machine, because Big Ben looked fantastic after weeks of looking crappy. I think the Jags just aren’t as good as before. And the Saints have nobody but themselves to blame for losing that game; they should have finished the first half up by 10 or 14. The absolutely most gut-wrenching game was the Colts and Texans—a game I watched almost all of. Hideous, just hideous. The Texans outplayed them for 56 minutes and then just freaking gave away the win. Made me ill—almost as ill as watching Michigan this year. Ugh, let’s just move on…
Sunday 1:00
Bears @ Atlanta(+3)
Chicago is starting to look more and more like they did two years ago. The Falcons are obviously much improved, but they still haven’t beaten anybody good yet, and the Bears are at least a little good, so I’ll give the points.
Raiders @ New Orleans(-7)
Oakland is a train wreck with the coaching situation, but something is seriously wrong in New Orleans as well. However, Colson and Shockey might both be back and that will be enough for the Saints to cover.
Panthers @ Tampa(-1.5)
Carolina is just plain better, I’m going with them.
Rams @ Washington(-13.5)
Have the Rams yet played within two TDs of anyone? And the Redskins are actually even decent—I would think they should cover this.
Bungles @ New Jersey Jets(-8.5)
Palmer is out, which means Cinci will have no offense; even the Jets should be able to pound them.
Lions @ Minnesota(-13)
I don’t think even the Vikings can mess this one up—I’m giving the points.
Dolphins @ Houston(-3)
OK, yes, the Texans have actually looked pretty good in both of the last two weeks, but they still lost both of those. The Dolphins are also looking better—and they’ve won. I think I’ll wait for the Texans to actually win one before I start giving points with them.
Ravens @ Indy(-4)
The Colts are living on borrowed time—they are just a hair away from being winless. I think even the Ravens will be able to move the ball on their hapless D, and look for Manning to have to run for his life—and watching Manning run is always good for a laugh. Anyway, I’m taking Baltimore and the points.
Sunday ~4:10
Jaguars @ Denver(-3.5)
One would think the Jags will just run like crazy, but they haven’t been running very well lately, and the Broncos D finally made an appearance last week, and I generally like the Broncos at home, so I’ll go with that.
Cowboys @ Arizona(+5)
If the Cowboys were an animal, right now they’re looking like some kind of animal that eats their own young. They looked so good early and now look like they’re trying to implode. Nonetheless, Dallas just has better talent. They’ll get after Warner and force some turnovers and the Cards won’t be able to stop the Barber/Jones tandem. Give the five.
Eagles @ San Francisco(+4.5)
Westbrook is out, I’m taking the Niners and the points.
Packers @ Seattle, pick
How on earth is this a “pick” game? The Seabags are cover-your-eyes horrible, and the Packers are at least average. Green Bay all the way.
SNF
Patriots @ San Diego(-5)
You’d think the Bolts would be a lot better, given their talent, but they just don’t have it together so far. I’m taking the road ‘dog and the points.
MNF
Giants @ Cleveland(+8.5)
The Browns are a mess (with Winslow possibly out) and the Giants seem to be firing on all cylinders. And all the press on politics (ooh, rich white stiff Notre Dame grad Brady Quinn is a Republican? Really?) isn’t good—the coach should be worried about football, not fivethirtyeight. Easy pick, give the points.