After a third straight week with 10+ correct picks, I am on a roll, now hitting atwell over a 60% clip selecting winners straight up. I plan to continue that streak, although with a bunch of playoff spots being decided this week, teams might opt to rest players in the season's final week leading up to the playoffs. The Baltimore Ravens can clinch a spot in the post season with a win either Sunday at the Cleveland Browns or the following week at home against the Cincinnati Bengals. We'll pan the Browns game and make our not-so-surprising pick in Sunday morning's post. The Pittsburgh Steelersdidn't shock anyone in dominating the Carolina Panthers in Thursday night's game. For now, let's get at it:
Bears over Jets: Had New York not upset the Steelers last week, they'd be on their way to losing four straight. Instead they only lose three of four as Chicago wants to get a post season bye and will prove to their home fans they are a solid contender to go deep in the playoffs while the Jets offense continues to struggle.
Patriots over Bills: New England is the unquestioned favorite to get to and win the Super Bowl and could probably beat Buffalo with their collective eyes closed Now that the Pats have a dangerous 300 pound kick returner, the Bills have no answer in trying to put points on the board.
Cowboys over Cardinals: My, what a difference a season makes, as Arizona is just horrible and Dallas might be the NFL's most disappointing team, so who really cares what happens in this one?
Jaguars over Redskins: Jacksonville tries to keep pace with the AFC South-leading Indianapolis Colts while Washington is trying to decide who will be their starting QB next season, but it almost definitely won't be Donovan McNabb.
Chiefs over Titans: If Kansas City can win their last two games, they will not only win the AFC West, but keep the San Diego Chargers out of the playoffs. They should be able to keep their undefeated home record intact as Tennessee played well last week but at home against a weak Houston Texans team.
Dolphins over Lions: Detroit won in Florida last week to break their road losing streak but not twice in a row although Miami fans have not been happy with their team's performance, they still should be able to win this one.
Rams over 49ers: Two teams with losing records but this game still has playoff implications in the NFC West. St. Louis at home despite a rookie QB is a better team in my opinion than a San Francisco team with any guy named Smith at QB.
Bengals over Chargers: Here we go with my "Upset Special Pick of the Week" as I like Cincinnati to get their passing game untracked despite the loss of TO for the remainder of the season. San Diego is trying to catch the Chiefs but will look at their rough start of the season as the reason they just could not win the AFC West.
Broncos over Texans: Rookie QB Tim Tebow gets his first NFL win in his second start and something tells me he'll thank the Lord for the help. Houston's defense is just horrible and while Denver is not much better, they are at home.
Colts over Raiders: I was tempted to pick this game as my Upset Special, but Peyton Manning looks to be on a personal mission to stay ahead of the Jags and make the post season once again. Oakland is a pretty decent team but might not have the firepower to pull this one off, although I will certainly be rooting for them to prove me wrong!
Packers over Giants: Huge playoff implications in this battle and with Green Bay getting QB Aaron Rodgers back, it does not look good for New York. If they blow another double-digit lead, I wouldn't be surprised if head coach Tom Coughlin's head explodes.
Buccaneers over Seahawks: The thud heard around the Tampa Bay area was the sound of the team hitting rock bottom with their loss to the Lions at home. They should rebound against Seattle, which is turning the ball over faster than anybody recently.
Eagles over Vikings (Sunday Night Football): Philadelphia is on a roll with a serious MVP candidate in Michael Vick, while it looks like Minnesota's old QB might stay on the sidelines for one more game, not that it matters.
Falcons over Saints (Monday Night Football): Atlanta looks unbeatable at home and a win clinches home field advantage through the post season, while New Orleans proved last week they can be beaten up by a more physical team in the Ravens.
Last week: 11-5
Season record: 137-85