After a pedestrian-like record last week (9-5), I still am picking winners at a 75% clip, which is pretty good even for straight up selections. Ravens' wins the past two weeks would have helped up that percentage, but they didn't cooperate with my game planning. Hopefully, they'll do so this week and escape the "Thunderdome" with an upset victory to get back on track. Let's get right to it:
Jaguars over Rams: As bad as Jacksonville looked in getting shut out last week, they're still better than the winless Rams with Kyle Boller at QB.
Saints over Giants: This is the best game of the weekend, as only one team will exit the Superdome still undefeated. While I have New York listed as the #1 team in the Power Rankings, New Orleans is right behind them at #2 and I like them at home in a great battle.
(More "NFL Picks & Pans: Week 6" after the 'Jump')
Panthers Over Buccaneers: As bad as Carolina has looked this season, I see their running game too much for the hapless Tampa Bay defense.
Packers over Lions: Green Bay is not having the type of season they were expected to but still have enough to win over the visiting Detroit team that is improving but...
Bengals over Texans: I actually was thinking of taking Houston over Cincinnati, but that might have been my heart talking louder than my head. However, Matt Schaub has been on fire but the Bengals defense, especially their cornerbacks, look really tough this year.
Steelers over Browns: Why waste the "ink" typing here? Next.
Chiefs over Redskins: Here we go with my "Upset Special Pick of the Week," which considering how Washington has been playing, might not be that much of an upset at all. Kansas City is beginning to get it together and the 'skins might be just what the doctor ordered to put a "W" on the board for KC and Washington coach Jim Zorn out of his misery.
Seahawks over Cardinals: I didn't pick Seattle last week and then they went out and proved me wrong by shutting out Jacksonville and appear back on track while Arizona has looked more like the team that lost seven games last year than the NFC Super Bowl rep.
Eagles over Raiders: Not only is Philly the pick in my 'Suicide Pool,' but the Raiders are quite possibly the worst team in the NFL right now, although folks in St. Louis, Tampa, Buffalo and Cleveland may differ.
Jets over Bills: New York will be an angry team after losing in Miami on MNF and they should be able to shut down TO and the Bills, which should only worsen the spreading cancer in their locker room.
Patriots over Titans: Can you believe that Tennessee will end the week at 0-6, but still definitely the best winless team in the league? Uhhh, right? New England will be ready to pass all over them and rebound from their loss in Denver.
Falcons over Bears (Sunday night): Good game for Sunday night, as both teams are looking solid, but I like the Falcons at home in the dome on national TV.
Chargers over Broncos (Monday night): Time for Denver to come crashing back to earth in prime time. San Diego's passing game will overwhelm the undefeated Broncos who are clearly a good team and while anyone can compete in the AFC West, they are not THAT good. Or are they?
(NOTE: I'll pick & pan the Ravens @ Vikings game in Sunday's post.)
Last Week: 9-5
Season Record: 57-19