Other than the Baltimore Ravens loss last week, I started off strong in my picks, including my "Upset Special" of the Bears over the Vikings. However, as the late games and Sunday Night Football unfolded, I was brought down back to earth, only to be saved from a .500 week by the Eagles blowout of the Redskins. Hope to improve this week, so let's get to it and as always, I'll pick & pan the Ravens at the Panthers Sunday morning:
Steelers over Raiders: Last year Oakland upset Pittsburgh but after the Steelers ugly loss at home on prime time, I can't see the Raiders, despite their improvement doing it again, but I hope they do!
Browns over Jaguars: Cleveland has looked impressive the past month or so and therefore is my "Upset Special Pick of the Week" as they have been a solid team on defense and running the ball. Jacksonville was lucky last week and won't pull this one out on the game's final play this time.
Bengals over Bills: Time for Buffalo to go back in the "tank" and also time for Cincinnati to actually win a game for a change of pace.
Cowboys over Lions: As bad as Dallas has looked, if Detroit can't bet Buffalo on the road, how can they go to Cowboys Stadium and beat what looks to be an improved Dallas team under a more comfortable Jon Kitna.
Chiefs over Cardinals: Kansas City looks to be having a drop off from their great start but it also looks like Arizona could be exactly what the doctor ordered to right the ship and get back on the winning track.
Packers over Vikings: This should be one of the better games in the week but the way that Minnesota and Brett Fvre have looked, it might be just another pick away from getting Vikings backup QB Tavares Jackson into the game, as Green Bay's defense has been the league's best the past month.
Jets over Texans: Bet New York (Jersey?) is glad to be out of Cleveland and home for a game against a Texans team that has a solid offense but absolutely no defense, so even the "Sanchize" might put up solid numbers against them and win easily.
Titans over Redskins: After a home embarrassment on prime time TV, Washington gets to stink up another team's city when their $100 million former Titan returns to Tennessee, which doesn't miss him a bit!
Saints over Seahawks: New Orleans is poised for a division and Super Bowl run and Seattle is pretty bad coming east, so this bodes for a blowout win for the Saints.
Buccaneers over 49ers: I'd like to see former Ravens backup QB Troy Smith run the table and lead his San Francisco team to the NFC West title, but I think Tampa Bay is for real and playing great on both sides of the ball.
Falcons over Rams: Atlanta continues their run and after a mini-bye, they should be rested and repared to stop the can't miss Rookie of the Year in St. Louis' Sam Bradford (sorry Suh!).
Patriots over Colts: One team is playing great and the other, while still winning, is beginning to look like it's on its last legs. You can never count Peyton Manning out and these two teams put on a great show every time they play, but at home with Tom Brady playing so well, he might be a MVP candidate right now and should pick apart he ndianapolis wounded secondary.
Eagles over Giants (Sunday Night Football): Not even the great state of New York can stop Michael Vick, the best athlete in the NFL. His game last week, in the first half (or even 1st quarter) was the first time any QB threw for three TD's and rushed for two in NFL history! Vick should frustrate the New York defense all game and make the home town fans very happy he's there and Donovan McNabb's in DC!
Chargers over Broncos (Monday Night Football): I so want to pick Denver to beat San Diego, if only to see the look on Chargers QB Philip Rivers when he whines and looks so sad. However, this is about the time that Denver swoons and San Diego soars each season, isn't it?
Last week: 8-6
Season record: 86-58