Well, last week was a train wreck for me and I’m running the risk of being completely out of it before we even get to the halfway point of the season. Ugh. The numbers: I went 4-10, Al went 6-8, so for the season I’m 42-43-3 and Al is still a rockin’ 47-38-3. I think it’s time to replace me with some very dumb regression model… On the other hand, I’m 6-0 in FF, so that’s something.
Sunday 1:00
Titans @ Kansas City(+9)
That seems like a lot of points, but the Titans seem to have it all together this year, so I’m going to go with Tennessee.
Chargers @ Buffalo(-1)
The Bills are 4-1 and at home against a 3-3 team, and yet the spread is only one. Something about the Bills seems fragile, but of course the Chargers haven’t exactly been the model of consistency. I like the Bolts’ talent to win out here, though, so I’ll take the point.
Pittsburgh @ Cincinnati(+9.5)
I can’t imagine that Fitzpatrick will fare very well against the Steelers’ pass rush, and Big Ben always plays well against the Bungles. I’m giving the big number.
Baltimore @ Miami(-3)
The Dolphins are legitimately not awful any more. The Ravens have a good D as usual—though they sure got lit up last week—and are again struggling to move the ball on offense. I guess I like Miami slightly better here.
Cowboys @ St. Louis(+7)
There are few things I like better than seeing the Cowboys implode. The Williams trade seems completely bizarre to me from the Cowboys standpoint; exactly how are Barber, Witten, Jones, T.O. and Williams all supposed to get the ball enough? And is Romo playing or not here? Ah, well, it doesn’t matter, the Rams are awful, last week notwithstanding. Dallas.
Vikings @ Chicago(-3)
I really don’t know what to do with this game, and obviously neither does anyone in Vegas, as we have the generic “home team by three” spread. I have no faith in Minnesota, though, so I’m taking the Bears.
Saints @ Carolina(-3)
Another game Vegas doesn’t want. I’m going to ride the current Drew Brees hot hand and say the Saints outright win this one.
Niners @ New Jersey Giants(-10.5)
I certainly expect the G-Men to win, but that’s an awful lot of points. I have to go with SF here with that many points.
Sunday ~4:10
Lions @ Houston(-9.5)
Bold move by the Detroit front office, unloading Williams for three picks. They’ve completely sold out this year for the future. I have no idea how the Lions stayed in the game against the Vikings last week, but without Williams who’s playing offense? Of course, they’re playing the Texans here. My boys have actually played quite well the last two weeks, but even I’m not ready to say they’re about to blow anybody out, even the Lions. I say they repeat last week in that they win, but fail to cover.
Jets @ Oakland(+3)
Did you hear what Warren Sapp was saying about the Raiders, that Al Davis was changing game plans and sending down plays? Crazy stuff. I hope Kiffin gets his money. Oh, and I see the Jets covering this—they seem to be on the upswing.
Browns @ Washington(-7.5)
I’ve seen Cleveland twice this season, week 1 against the Cowboys and last week against the Giants, and it’s kind of amazing that it’s the same team in both of those. Which Browns team do we get this week? And which Redskins team, the one that was on a mini tear or the one that lost to the hapless Rams? Too much uncertainty, and with that much uncertainty, that’s too many points. Cleveland.
Colts @ Green Bay(+1)
The Colts have looked good for exactly one game this year. Granted, that was last week, but the Packers seem like they at least kind of have it together, plus they’re at home. Green Bay.
SNF
Seahawks @ Tampa(-10.5)
The Seabags on the road starting a backup QB? Give the points.
MNF
Broncos @ New England(-3)
Al, I think you’re right, I think the Pats just aren’t good this year. I’ll take Denver and the points.