We both took the Colts on Thursday and the Saints on Saturday… oops.
Sunday 1:00
Patriots at Buffalo(+7)
I don’t like the Pats on the road this season. I think they’ll probably win because they really need to, but that’s too many points.
Cardinals @ Detroit(+14)
I think that Arizona does have something to play for: erasing the memory of last week to build momentum for the playoffs. The Lions’ defense can’t stop anything, I like the Cards to light it up.
Browns @ Kansas City(-2)
Cleveland has shown signs of life lately, and I don’t like the idea of the Chefs giving points.
Falcons @ New Jersey Jets(-7)
Atlanta on the road in a game that means nothing to them and everything to the Jets? Give the points.
Texans @ St. Louis(-14)
How bad is the NFC West? I saw the Texans absolutely light up the Seahawks last week; that game was actually way worse than the score. However, the Texans still can’t stop the run, and the Rams will run, and… err, I have to try to catch up somewhere, so I’ll take the points and hope my boys only win by 10.
Dolphins @Tennessee(-5)
Miami needs this game, I’ll take the points.
Sunday ~4:10
Forty-Niners @ Philadelphia(-7.5)
If all you can do is pass, the Niners can defend that. Oh, look, it’s the Eagles. Yeah, take the points.
Raiders @ Denver(-14)
The Raiders lost Gradkowski, who was the source of their looking decent again. Broncos will stomp all over them.
Bengals @ San Diego(-7)
Tough week for Cinci. They don’t really need the game and I’m taking the Bolts all December until they give me reason to go otherwise.
Bears @ Baltimore(-11)
Is Ed Reed back yet? I’m not sure the Ravens are really that good (beating up on the Lions shows nothing) until Reed gets back. On the other hand, Chicago is plain awful. OK, give the points.
Packers @ Pittsburgh(-2)
Wrong team favored! The Packers are much better than Pittsburgh. Gotta love getting points here.
Buccaneers @ Seattle(-6.5)
The Seabags are really, really bad. I can only begin to tell you how awful their offense looked last week in person. But you know what? The Bucs are even worse, and are on the road. I’ll take Seattle.
SNF
Vikings @ Carolina(+9)
Now that the Saints have lost, the Vikings need to keep on the pressure to hope for home field. Give the points.
MNF
Giants @ Washington(+3)
The Giants have no defense, even the Redskins will be able to move the ball on them. Plus, the Redskins have a real defense. I like getting points here.
Here are Al’s picks via email:
Patriots at Bills +7
The Bills will keep this close. Pats seem to be in trouble. Take the points.
Cardinals at Lions +14
A lot of points. Stafford is playing, and this game is meaningless to the Cardinals. I’ll take the points.
Browns at Chiefs -2
Cleveland is showing lots of pride these days. I’ll take the points.
Falcons at Jets -7
The Falcons are still the walking wounded. They put up a huge fight against the Saints, but as a result, won’t be up for this game on the road. Jets cover.
Texans at Rams -14
The Rams are so done. Give the points.
Dolphins at Titans -5
Too many points. The Dolphins will keep this close.
4pm
Forty-Niners at Eagles -7.5
SF will keep this game close. I’ll take the points.
Raiders at Broncos -14
As soon as Russell came in last week, the Raiders just died. Will they be up for this game? Will the Broncos after losing to the Colts? Too many questions and too many points. I’ll take them.
Bengals at Chargers -7
The Bengals are having a bit of trouble these days. They won’t be focused. Give the points.
Bears at Ravens -11
The Ravens are fighting for their lives and will handle the hapless Bears. Give the points.
Packers at Steelers -2
GB wins straight up. Take the points.
Buccaneers at Seahawks -6.5
Seahawks at home against an inferior team. Give the points.
8pm
Vikings at Panthers +9
Completely meaningless game for the Vikings. Take the points.
Monday
8pm
Giants at Redskins +3
I think Washington is just better right now! I’ll take the 3 points.