I’m having a good season, last week I went 9–7 again and for the season I’m now 27–21, six games above .500. Not shabby. However, it’s meaningless, because Al is simply lighting it up. 13–3 last week, and now 34–14 for the season. That’s freakin’ 20 games over .500, after only three weeks. Al, this is your season to go to Vegas. Holy crap, Al, give a guy a chance. I’m doing well and I’m down 14 games. We’re going to be talking about your magic number by Halloween. However, Al did turn in a 4–10 week last year, and so I have to hope that I can keep the 9–7 going and Al will cough up a few of those… Oh, and I want a pony.
Sunday 1:00
Lions @ Chicago(-10)
Detroit had their moment in the sun last week, and the Bears seem to be figuring things out. I’m going with the home team here, but again, I’d love to see the Lions pull one out, I can’t imagine how it could happen, particularly in Chicago.
Bengals @ Cleveland(+6)
How is the spread only six? The Browns are completely horrific, and the Bengals are actually OK this year.
Raiders @ Houston(-8.5)
I know Oakland is awful, but so are the Texans. I think the home team will prevail, but not by that much—that’s just too many points. The Texans are starting some guy they signed off the street at safety. Even if Jamarcus throws directly at the Texans’ secondary, they still won’t catch it. Oakland ought to just hand off to McFadden on every play, since Houston can’t stop the run, either. Texans win, but not by nine.
Seahawks @ Indianapolis(-10)
Hasselbeck is most likely still out… Seattle has no chance whatsoever. Give the big number.
Titans @ Jacksonville(+3)
I was pretty unimpressed with both of these teams last week, but you have to figure Tennessee will get off the schnide sooner or later. I say it’s this week, but will it be by more than a FG? I say this is a push.
Giants @ Kansas City(+9)
The Chefs might not get the ball past midfield. Nine is not nearly enough.
Ravens @ New England(-1.5)
Someone in the Pats coaching staff remembered last week that it’s possible to run the football, and that worked out pretty well. However, I really think the Ravens are one of the best teams in the league. I’ll go with Baltimore, especially since Moss is dinged up.
Buccaneers @ Washington(-7.5)
Wow! I really don’t think the Redskins are more than a touchdown better than anybody, even the hapless Bucs starting a rookie QB. Again, I think they’ll win, but they won’t cover this, especially since Portis might not play.
Sunday ~4:10
Bills @ Miami, even
Were this for real money, I wouldn’t get anywhere near this game… I have absolutely no idea. I was planning on just taking whoever was the underdog figuring I could use the points—but there are no points. D’oh. Coin says… heads, and buffaloes have more impressive heads, so I’m taking the Bills. <shrug>
Jets @ New Orleans(-7)
I’m really looking forward to this game. I think the big stage and an improved Saints defense will give New Orleans the win here, but the Jets might be able to keep it close. I’m taking the team from New Jersey because it’s a full TD.
Cowboys @ Denver(+3)
Yeah, sure, Denver is 3–0 but against some of the worst competition possible the last couple of weeks. The Cowboys haven’t looked all that impressive, either, so this might actually be a game. I’ll take Dallas, though.
Rams @ San Francisco(-9.5)
Speaking of teams that might not get across midfield, we have the Lambs. I’ll give this big number as well.
SNF
Chargers @ Pittsburgh(-6.5)
Neither of these teams is right. However, the Chargers have at least shown some signs of life. I’m really not sure who will win the game, but I don’t see it as a blowout either way, so I’ll be taking these points.
MNF
Packers @ Minnesota(-3.5)
Ahh, yes, the Favre-bowl. If I watch, I’ll have to have it on mute, or the sound of the constant ESPN sucking up to Favre might cause me to start throwing up. It’s a football game between two teams, neither of which is great. The Vikings should be dominant, but they’re just not. The Packers should be good, and they’re… OK. The O-line needs work and the defense isn’t anything special. I have to say that the Vikings are just the better team and give the points, but I’m not happy about it… I almost think the Packers will pull the upset, but I just can’t pick it.