I went 9-5 last week but Al didn’t make picks for entirely legit medical reasons. We’ll have to sort out what to do with my wonderful +4 week later on. So, without further ado, here are this week’s picks.
Sunday 1:00
Broncos @ Atlanta(-6.5)
OK, so the Broncos managed to win on the road last week in what was an epic display of tackling ineptitude by both teams. And the Falcons are, I think, more than a bit better than the Browns. I’m giving the points here.
Lions @ Carolina(-14.5)
The scariest thing about the Lions is that their remaining schedule is tougher than what they’ve faced so far. I love that some people think that Culpepper will help them—too funny. Oh, yeah, Panthers cover.
Bears @ Green Bay(-3.5)
Amazing that the Packers are favored—this must mean that Vegas thinks Rex Grossman is starting. Ah, but Clayton just reported that Orton is starting. Thus, I’m taking the points.
Texans @ Indianapolis(-9)
The Colts are getting healthier and the Texans are going to start Sage Rosenfels again. Once again, I’m picking the favorite to cover.
Saints @ Kansas City(+5)
Brees should easily throw for 400 against the Chefs, and I’m giving the points yet again.
Raiders @ Miami(-10.5)
Oakland is hopelessly bad, but then the Dolphins haven’t been blowing teams out, either. But the Raiders might never get the ball past midfield. Again, the favorite covers.
Ravens @ New Jersey Giants(-7)
I see a lot of field goals here, and that’s good because I have the Giants’ kicker on my FF team. More to the point, I like Baltimore to keep it close; I’m thinking 12-9 or 12-6, so I will actually take the points.
Eagles @ Cincinnati(+9)
Philly is really not that good against good teams, but they light it up against bad teams, and the Bungles are a bad team. They’ll cover.
Sunday ~4:10
Rams @ San Francisco(-6.5)
Both of these teams are 2-7; this is sure to be a ratings winner. Seems like too many points in what should be a horrific game, so I’ll take ‘em.
Cardinals @ Seattle(+3)
The Seabags actually showed some life last week, and they’re much better at home. But the spread is only three, so I’m taking the Cards.
Titans @ Jacksonville(+3)
Not only is Tennessee 9-0, but they’re 8-1 against the spread. I don’t see the Jags breaking that trend, either.
Chargers @ Pittsburgh(-5)
Big Ben is vulnerable to being rushed, but San Diego has no pass rush. Really, though, the Steelers go as Willie Parker goes, and I think he’s actually supposed to go this week. Stillers.
SNF
Cowboys @ Washington(+1)
Portis is out, and it looks like Santana Moss is also out. I hate taking the Cowboys, but I’m not sure how the Redskins will move the ball. I have to go with Dallas here.
MNF
Browns @ Buffalo(-5)
I have no idea what to do with this game. The Bills appear to have imploded, Cleveland has no defense at all… it’s two sides of ugly. I guess that it’s too many points in a game where both teams are awful. Meh, I hate that pick. On the other hand, I’m not any happier picking the Bills. OK, take the points.