Sunday 1:00
Eagles @ Ravens(-1.5)
Westbrook is banged up and the Eagles just simply aren’t that good. I know the Ravens got roughed up last week by the Giants, but the Eagles aren’t in the same class. Baltimore covers.
Texans @ Cleveland(-3)
Houston is like 0-8 in their last 8 road games, and I see no reason to believe this will change anytime soon. Give the points.
Niners @ Dallas(-10)
You have to like the effort from San Fran lately, and while I think the Cowboys will win, I don’t see them putting up something huge. I’ll take the Niners and the points.
Buccaneers @ Detroit(+9)
The Lions are hopeless. I’m now actively rooting for 0-16. Oh, and the Bucs will cover this, probably 10-0 or 13-3.
Vikings @ Jacksonville(-2.5)
The Jaguars can’t seem to put it together—I’ll take the points.
Bills @ Kansas City(+3)
I dunno, there’s no reason to pick the Bills here, but I’m going to anyway.
Patriots @ Miami, pick
The best analysis I heard for this was that with the early game last Thursday, Belichick has 10 days to prepare for a team he’s facing the second time. I’ll gamble on the Pats here.
Bears @ St. Louis(+9)
The Rams will again be without Stephen Jackson, and while the Bears were humiliated last week, they should have little trouble smoking the hapless Lambs.
Jets @ Tennessee(-5.5)
OK, so both teams are great at stopping the run. However, I think the Titans have the better pass defense and there’s always the chance we get to see “bad Brett” force a few balls into double coverage. Tennessee to cover.
Sunday ~4:10
Raiders @ Denver(-9.5)
While the Broncos aren’t all that good, Oakland is simply awful. And there is no team Shanahan likes to run it up on like the Raiders. I’ll give the points.
Panthers @ Atlanta(-1)
I have absolutely no idea here. I like the idea of the Falcons winning because it makes the division race really interesting since the Bucs are pretty much a lock to win, and then Atlanta would be only one game back of both Carolina and Tampa. So, since that’s what I’d like to see happen, I’m going the other way and taking the point.
Giants @ Arizona(+3)
Three points? Man, Vegas really wants people to pick the Giants here—which they should. Look, the Cardinals are a nice story, but seriously, watch the Giants a little. They’re fantastic, and I only have to give a field goal.
Redskins @ Seattle(+3.5)
Is Portis healthy? I think he’s supposed to be OK this week. If so, then Washington covers.
SNF
Colts @ San Diego(-2.5)
I have no idea why the Chargers are favored here. The Colts are getting better by the week and San Diego, well, they still have Norv at the helm. I’ll take Indy.
MNF
Packers @ New Orleans(-2.5)
Seems like the wrong team is favored here. I know they have the same overall record and it’s in the Big Easy and everything, but still, the Packers just look better. I like getting points here.
Sunday 1:00
Eagles @ Ravens(-1.5)
The Eagles are in bad shape. They were desperate for a win last week and all they could muster was a tie against the Bengals. The Ravens got absolutely hammered by the Giants, but the Eagles are not the Giants right now. Their o-line is porous and they don’t have a running, or short passing game without Westbrook. Give the points.
Texans @ Cleveland(-3)
Both teams should be able to run. Rosenfels has thrown a lot of picks lately, including a game loser last week. Quinn has a broken finger, but he’s playing? They still have a better backup option in Andersen. I dunno. Browns. This might actually be a fun game.
Niners @ Dallas(-10)
I actually see this as a rout. Dallas went through they’re mid-season swoon and they’ve been through the tough part of their schedule. Meanwhile, this is now the tough part of the Niners schedule after beating up on west coast teams. Dallas simply has gobs more talent. I’ll give the points at home.
Buccaneers @ Detroit(+9)
Wow, Detroit is seriously running out of time. Will they really go 0-16? The Bucs have no Graham and Dunn is gimpy. So no running game to speak of. Meanwhile, Cullpepper has improved in every start. The real problem with Detroit is their defense. They can’t stop anyone and I doubt they’ll stop Garcia. I dunno, though. I like the 9 points. Detroit will hang around.
Vikings @ Jacksonville(-2.5)
The Vikings are a huge disappointment this year. I thought they were among the best teams, but they just aren’t. They got rolled by a subpar Tampa offense last week and Gus Frerotte looks no better than Tavaris Jackson lately. I like the Jaguars at home.
Bills @ Kansas City(+3)
The Bills are flying downhill and the Chiefs are at the bottom waiting for them. Lynch should have a big game, if they give him the ball. If they don’t, likely Edwards will turn it over. On the other side, I think Thigpen has looked pretty good and has improved every time. Dunno if Larry Johnson has anything left in the tank, but it’s something. I think this will end up in a push, but I’ll take KC anyway.
Patriots @ Miami, pick
Belichick with extra days, plus an OVERRATED Miami team spells Patriot win. It won’t be by a lot, but New England will win.
Bears @ St. Louis(+9)
No Stephen Jackson and no ability to stop the run means St. Louis can’t possibly win. But can they keep it within 9? Yeah, I think they can muster that if they don’t turn the ball over. But of course they will. They’ve lost their last three games by an average of 27 points. Bears.
Jets @ Tennessee(-5.5)
Yeah, the Jets won a few games, but against Buffalo, St. Louis and New England. These aren’t playoff quality teams (although the Pats might squeak in). The AFC East is a terrible division and the Titans should beat up the Jets. However, the Titans have been letting games get a little tight lately. I think it’s possible the Jets get within this spread. A late touchdown will negate any semblance of a close game, though. I’ll give the points. But go JETS!
Sunday ~4:10
Raiders @ Denver(-9.5)
After somehow beating the Jets, the Raiders have returned to form. Meanwhile, Denver has been playing better and, thanks to the worst division in football, can win the division outright. They will handle the raiders and probably cover with a late touchdown.
Panthers @ Atlanta(-1)
Unfortunately, despite all the wonderful press and good vibes, Atlanta is overrated. Their defense is average and if you can stop the run, they are severely hampered, despite the solid play of Ryan, who, after all, is a rookie. I think this game will be close, but Carolina will find a way to win this.
Giants @ Arizona(+3)
I think the line is a reflection of the thought that this is upset city. Warner has all but been granted the MVP. Brandon Jacobs is hurt. Burress is causing strife, missing practice. But the Giants are just better. They should win. I’ll give the points.
Redskins @ Seattle(+3.5)
Seattle is done and the Redskins have a must-win. I’ll give the points on the road. Portis should be ok.
SNF
Colts @ San Diego(-2.5)
The Colts are getting healthy and the great weather will only help their passing game. I’ll take the 2.5 points. Colts.
MNF
Packers @ New Orleans(-2.5)
New Orleans is missing 3 defensive backs. It should be a big night for Aaron Rodgers in a dome. Also, Grant has produced more lately for the Packers. If he’s able to run, it will keep Brees off the field. I like the Packers here.