Another week of selections that can only be summed up by one word: ouch! Repeating my previous week of sub-.500 accuracy in telling all of you who the winner in each game will be, I am humbled by the amount of surprising winners each week in sport that is defined by the term, "any given Sunday." Hopefully, not only will this week be better, but my "Upset Special Pick of the Week" comes through, making all Baltimore Ravens fans a much happier lot. Speaking of the Ravens, I'll pick & pan their game hosting the Buffalo Bills in Sunday morning's post.
Falcons over Bengals: Cincinnati is fast falling towards the bottom of the AFC North despite their victory over our Ravens in week two. Atlanta wants to get back on the winning track after last week and should defend their home turf.
Dolphins over Steelers: Here it is already, my "Upset Special Pick of the Week!" Miami manages to play solid defense and makes the plays at home to spoil Ben Roethlisberger's second game and shock the Steelers!
Saints over Browns: No surprise here, but if the three other teams in the AFC North lose today and the Ravens win, then hooray for us! New Orleans puts up a ton of points in an easy victory over Cleveland.
Chiefs over Jaguars: KC should run and throw all over Jacksonville, who is not only coming off of a short week, but without their starting QB as well. Ouch.
Bears over Redskins: If this game was in Washington, I'd have taken the 'skins, but it is in Chicago, who should be able to squeeze out a close win in what will end up being a low scoring game.
49ers over Panthers: Someone has to win this yawner, and perhaps San Francisco can actually come back and even compete for the NFC Worst West, while Carolina is aiming for one of the top two picks in the NFL Draft.
Buccaneers over Rams: Two surprisingly decent teams this season, one with a rookie QB (St. Louis) and one with a 2nd year QB (Tampa Bay), with that extra year of experience plus a better defense and home field advantage that should make the difference.
Titans over Eagles: One of the better games of the weekend, and with the injuries on both teams, the one that stays the healthiest and makes the plays should prevail in a game that could easily go either way.
Seahawks over Cardinals: Seattle seems to always play very good at home and the Cardinals have not played well anywhere despite their win last week with their rookie QB.
Chargers over Patriots: Take the 'over' in this one, as San Diego's offense should spin the heads of New England's secondary and that whiny Patriots' QB should be able to put some points on the board, but not enough to outscore Phil Rivers and his frustrated teammates and fans at home.
Broncos over Raiders: Denver's losing skid halts for at least a week as they host an Oakland team that has to decide whether or not to start former Raven Kyle Boller and then try to win on the road. Not!
Vikings over Packers (Sunday Night Football): This was a tough one to pick and while Green Bay should be getting a few of their injured players back for this important NFC North contest, they lost at home to the Miami Dolphins last week. Minnesota is back on the winning track and no stranger to the folklore of Lambeau Field, especially their QB!
Giants over Cowboys (Monday Night Football): The NFL thought Dallas would be a Super Bowl contender this season and now that only means the entire nation gets to see how bad they are. New York might be the best team in the NFC right now and usually does well in Dallas, which should mean a win, to the chagrin of Jerry Jones.
Last week: 6-8 (ouch)
Season record: 53-37