Jesus, I suck at this. DO NOT use these picks as any sort of guidance. 6-10 last week, 122-118 on the season. Home teams in bold. All I ask is to finish above .500.
Giants (+14.5) over Patriots – It’s always a pain to throw in New Jersey; Brady and Moss might get their records, might not, but I don’t think Coughlin will let everyone lie down — at least not for more than two scores worth.
Seahawks (+2.5) over Falcons – This violates every rule about Seattle traveling to the East Coast and playing early, but I don’t think they’ll lose to Atlanta, of all teams.
49ers (+9.5) over Browns – Pick the Browns to win outright, take the Niners and the points with a weak defense in Cleveland.
Bears (+2.5) over Saints – Yes, New Orleans has a remote chance of something to play for, but it will be cold in Chicago, and if it’s windy, well, there goes the passing game.
Dolphins (+2.5) over Bengals – Cincy’s too much of a mess to go win on the road, I think, and the Dolphins players have to show Parcells something.
Eagles (-7.5) over Bills – Donovan McNabb will put on one more show before Philly shows him out the door.
Buccaneers (+2.5) over Panthers – Luke McNown is still better than Carolina’s QB options; doesn’t matter that Tampa Bay is locked into its playoff spot.
Packers (-3.5) over Lions – Brett Favre won’t want to lose to another division rival for the second straight week.
Jaguars (+6.5) over Texans – Unless Jack Del Rio is playing third stringers the entire game, take Jacksonville.
Steelers (-5.5) over Ravens – Guess Troy Smith can only do so much with this receiving corps. The Steelers still have a chance at a three seed, I think, if San Diego falters — expect them to fight it out.
Cowboys (+8.5) over Redskins – The Skins need it more and will win, but I don’t expect the Cowboys to lie down for a division rival to walk all over them just to freshen up for the playoffs.
Broncos (+2.5) over Vikings – Probably a completely misguided homer pick, but why do I sense that Tarvaris Jackson will make a couple errors to give the Broncos a game despite an all-out great rushing performance by Purple Jesus?
Chargers (-6.5) over Raiders – Betcha Lane Kiffin misses USC a whole lot right now. When Tomlinson has rushed for touchdown #3, we’ll probably see it on his face.
Jets (-3.5) over Chiefs – Herm Edwards can’t even beat worthless teams properly on the road.
Colts (+6.5) over Titans – Even if Tony Dungy pulls Peyton after a half, do you really think Tennessee can produce enough on offense to actually win a game, never mind that the Colts want no part of any more AFC South teams making the playoffs?
Filed under: A Fool And His Money, NFL
There’s hope for Denver. Purple Jesus can be stopped, and Denver’s secondary is a lot better than Chicago’s is. Chicago had to fuck up in a legendary fashion to blow that game, even with Kyle Orton at the helm. When you can’t win a game with a frigging +3 turnover advantage (+4 before the closing seconds) you know that you’re working under a Super Bowl Loser curse.
Also, Sidney Rice is out, so feel free to put 8 in the box.