So, last week I went 7-6-1 and Al had another bad week, went 5-8-1. So for the season I’m now only one game back, 55-57-4 and Al is even at 56-56-4. The Pats missed covering by a half-point and really should have managed that as they really dominated that game. Ah, well, I’ll have to get that one game back this week and even it up…
Sunday 1:00
Jest @ Buffalo(-5.5)
The Bills are going to be pissed after losing last week and will be tough at home, so I’ll give the points.
Lions @ Chicago(-13)
Wow, that’s a lot of points. I mean, yeah, it is the Lions, but that’s just too many points for me
Jaguars @ Cincinnati(+7.5)
Did you see how awful the Bungles were last week? That’s a team in a death spiral. Jax covers.
Ravens @ Cleveland(-1.5)
This is a really tough pick, because I have absolutely no idea what’s going to happen in this game. If the Brown won by 10, I’d shrug and say “OK.” And I’d do the same if the Ravens won by 10. So, I guess I like getting the points.
Buccaneers @ Kansas City(+9)
That’s a lot of points. The Bucs, like everyone else in that division, seems kind of up and down. I expect them to win this game, but not to blow KC out, particularly on the road. Take the nine.
Texans @ Minnesota(-4.5)
This is exactly the kind of game the Vikings should win… but won’t. I can’t believe I’m picking my Texans.
Cardinals @ St. Louis(+3)
I think the Rams are now coming back to earth after their brief moment in the sun, so I’ll take the Cards.
Packers @ Tennessee(-4.5)
Fisher has the Titans firing in all cylinders. I’m going to give the points.
Sunday ~4:10
Dolphins @ Denver(-3.5)
Something is seriously wrong with the Broncos. Gimme those points!
Cowboys @ New Jersey Giants(-9)
It was very nice for the ‘Boys that they won last week, but Brad Johnson is going to get killed in this game. I’m taking the G-Men.
Falcons @ Oakland(+3)
Beating the Jest in OT was a big deal for the Raiders (and that must have just killed Jets fans anywhere—you know any?), but I don’t think they can find a miracle two weeks in a row. I’ll take Atlanta.
Eagles @ Seattle(+7)
Is Westbrook going to play? Yes? Philly covers.
SNF
Patriots @ Indy(-6)
The Colts are getting Addai back and the Pats are banged up at RB, but the Colts really seem kind of out of sync this year. I think the spread should be more like 3, so I’m going to take the points on the assumption that the Pats will keep it close.
MNF
Steelers @ Washington(-2)
Looking forward to this game, it should be a good one. I think the ‘Skins are playing excellent football, and while the Steelers have also looked good, they aren’t quite up to the Redskins on the road.
Sunday 1:00
Jest @ Buffalo(-5.5)
The Jets are in a bad place right now. And that’s Buffalo. I’ll give the points.
Lions @ Chicago(-13)
The Lions have packed it in. They are playing out the string. I’ll give the big number.
Jaguars @ Cincinnati(+7.5)
The Bengals are intent on being doormats again. Lewis needs to be fired. Jags.
Ravens @ Cleveland(-1.5)
The Ravens beat them earlier this year, but the Browns are a different team right now. Winslow should be back, but whatever. The key is that Andersen has cut back on his mistakes. If he doesn’t make any, they should win. I’ll give the points.
Buccaneers @ Kansas City(+9)
KC has a second string QB and a third string RB. I don’t fear the Thigpen-Bowe combo. I’ll give the big number.
Texans @ Minnesota(-4.5)
Minnesota needs a win and they’re at home. The Texans have won 3 in a row against pretty bad teams. The Vikings should prove a sterner test. I’ll give the points.
Cardinals @ St. Louis(+3)
The Rams getting three points at home. Interesting. Still, Arizona is at full strength at receiver and that will prove too much for the St. Louis D. I’ll give the 3 on the road.
Packers @ Tennessee(-4.5)
The Titans are looking really good these days. I thought the Colts game was pretty good. I got a chance to see the Titans come back. They honestly didn’t look worried at all. They should beat the Packers at home.
Sunday ~4:10
Dolphins @ Denver(-3.5)
Denver is coming off a bye. They should be able to handle the Fish, in cold Denver, on the road. I’ll give the points.
Cowboys @ New Jersey Giants(-9)
I like the Giants, but I think that’s too many points. I’m not convinced the Giants D line will get through to Johnson. I’ll take the points.
Falcons @ Oakland(+3)
I still contend that field goal was a camera trick perpetrated by Al Davis and the NFL. No way that was good. Whatever.
Oh yeah, Falcons.
Eagles @ Seattle(+7)
Is Philly going to show up to play the game? If so, they cover. Seattle is done. Holmgren will leave the club on a decidedly down note.
SNF
Patriots @ Indy(-6)
I have no faith in the Pats to beat a decent team which the Colts barely are. Wow, has this matchup lost its luster fast, or what? I’ll give the points. This is a touchdown game.
MNF
Steelers @ Washington(-2)
Very interesting matchup. Portis is the league’s best rusher, but the Steelers have the third best rushing defense. The Pittsburgh o-line is porous, but the Skins only have 10 sacks this year. The fact that it’s only two shows that folks are leaning Pittsburgh’s way. I’ll take the 2 points.