Time for a standings update and frankly, it’s not pretty. I went 8-8 in weeks 11 and 12 while Al went 10-6 both of those weeks. Then there was last week, where I went 6-10 and Al went 10-6. It’s a merciless beating. Al had a correction some time back and probably should get credit for another game somewhere, but it completely doesn’t matter, I’m now a full 20 games behind with only three weeks left plus playoffs and bowls… I think it’s out of reach. 92-99-1 to 112-79-1. I’m really not doing all that badly overall, just a little below .500, but Al is just on fire this year.
But, for the sake of completeness…
Sunday 1:00
Saints @ Atlanta(+10)
Yeah, I don’t see the Falcons doing much better this week against the Saints than they did the week before against the Eagles.
Lions @ Baltimore(-14)
Man, the Lions’ injury list is… scary. In particular, Stafford is out, and it looks like Suggs might be back for the Ravens. I don’t like giving this many, but without Stafford I can’t see how the Lions will keep up.
Packers @ Chicago(+4)
Spread seems to small, since the Bears aren’t very good and the Packers have really improved of late. I think they’ll be good to cover this.
Seahawks @ Houston(-7)
The whole family is going to this game.You know, the Texans should cover this easily, but really I’m not even sure that they’ll even win. Take the points.
Broncos @ Indianapolis(-7)
I think that Denver has turned it back around and that they’ll make the playoffs… but they still aren’t a good bet on the road against the Colts.
Dolphins @ Jacksonville(-3)
So, the Jags have the better record, but I’ve watched their last couple games and I have no faith in them at all. I’ll take the points.
Bills @ Kansas City(+2)
Man, I have absolutely no idea. OK, so… logic. The Bills can’t stop the run but they’re pretty good against the pass, and the Chefs can’t run, so I guess that gives Buffalo an edge.
Bengals @ Minnesota(-6.5)
Awesome, I love getting almost a full TD here. The Bengals don’t have the offense that the Cardinals do, but they rock on defense and now that the blueprint has been supplied, this game could easily be 10-7.
Panthers @ New England(-13)
OK, so I know the Pats have been awful lately, but the problem they have is that they simply cannot cover people. But the Panthers can’t pass, so…. nope, I still can’t do it. Take the points.
Jets @ Tampa Bay(+3.5)
I keep taking the Bucs because of the points, and I keep getting shafted. No more. Jets.
Sunday ~4:10
Rams @ Tennessee(-13)
Well, the Rams are still awful. Maybe the Titans came back to earth a little last week, but they’re still a lot better than St. Louis. Give the points.
Redskins @ Oakland(+1)
You know… this might even be a game worth watching, but nobody will because everyone outside DC and the Bay Area will get the Chargers and Cowboys. Oh, well. I actually like the Redskins on the road; I think they have the defense to carry the day.
Chargers @ Dallas(-3)
Again, I’m thrilled to get points here. Anybody looked at the Cowboys’ record in December of late? How about the Chargers’ record in December? Yeah.
SNF
Eagles @ New Jersey Giants(+1)
So, the Giants are getting better, but the Eagles are kind of on cruise control. I think Philly is just better… I’ll give the point.
MNF
Cardinals @ San Francisco(+3.5)
Look out when Arizona gets on a roll. This is starting to look at lot like last year when things started to click for them. The Niners are done.
And, from Al’s email:
Sunday
1pm
Saints at Falcons (+10)
I’ll be at this game. It was looking a lot more interesting a few weeks ago! This games are usually tight and competitive. I don’t think that’s gonna happen this time. Give the points.
Lions at Ravens (-14)
The spread is way too large for a team that hasn’t scored more than 20 points in the past 6 weeks. I’ll take the Lions and the points.
Packers at Bears (+4)
The Pack is peaking at the right time. Cutler is struggling because he has to do it all. And oh yeah, they have no O-Line. Give the small number of points.
Seahawks at Houston (-7)
Even though Houston is done for the year, the Seahawks suck on the road. Give the points.
Broncos at Colts (-7)
While the Colts are awesome, they just don’t need this game in the slightest. The Broncos still have something to play for. Colts likely will still win, but it will be close. Take the points.
Jets at Buccaneers (+3.5)
The Jets are desperate for a win, but Sanchez isn’t playing and Clemens has looked plain awful. They can’t cover any kind of number on the road. Take the points.
Bengals at Vikings (-6.5)
Favre finally showed signs of wear last week. It will continue this week. The spread is way too high, anyway. The Bengals are very good! I’ll take the points.
Bills at Chiefs (+2)
I like the Bills. Doesn’t matter either way.
Panthers at Patriots (-13)
I can’t see the Pats losing three in a row. The Panthers can still run the ball but their season is pretty much over. They won’t put up much of a fight in New England. Give the points.
Dolphins at Jaguars (-3)
I don’t like Henne on the road and the Jags play better when they are underdogs. I’ll take the points.
4pm
Rams at Titans (-13)
The Titans offense is too conservative to cover such a big number. Plus, the Rams seem willing to play hard these days. Take the points.
Redskins at Raiders (+1)
Long trip for the Skins and they’re off a really tough loss to the Saints. Meanwhile, the Raiders are en fuego! Take the point(s)!
Chargers at Cowboys (-3)
Dallas continues their late season swooning. Take the points.
Sunday
8pm
Eagles at Giants (+1)
I have no idea. I love the way Jacobs played last week, but its a mirage. The Cowboys were going to lose to anybody. I’ll take the Eagles on the road.
Monday
8pm
Cardinals at 49ers (+3.5)
Yes, yes, the Cardinals are very good, but they don’t need this game at all. They won’t be able to catch the Vikings for the bye. On the other hand, the Niners still have a shot at the playoffs (albeit slim) so they really need this game. I’ll take the Niners and the points.