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The Annual "Best Weekend in the NFL"

This has always been my favorite weekend on the NFL calendar. We get two games each day, and they're usually great matchups. This year is no different.

Picks appear in bold.

Seattle at Green Bay (-7.5)                                                                                                                                                      It's very easy to like Matt Hasselbeck. His postgame interview last week, where he jokingly repeatedly his now-famous "we want the ball and we're gonna score" proclamation at Lambeau Field a few years ago, let's us see that in a game based on cliches and male bravado, there's still a playfulness that makes it fun for the fans and players. That being said, the Seahawks can't run the ball and I can't see their receivers doing much against the best set of cornerbacks in the league. On the flip side, there's no better quarterback in bad weather games than the venerable Brett Favre, and from what I hear, it's going to be classic "playoff football in Green Bay" conditions.

Jacksonville at New England (-11.5)                                                                                                                                        I've been saying for quite some time that Jacksonville represents the best chance of any team beating the Patriots, and while I still believe that, I can't see them actually pulling it off. Obviously, they still have a great running game, but against a team as good as New England, your quarterback has to make a few big plays in the passing game. Last week, against a poor Steelers' defense (there's something you never thought you'd hear, huh?), David Garrard simply couldn't do it. I don't think it's going to get easier against a Bill Belichick-coached defense, either.

San Diego at Indianapolis (-8.5)                                                                                                                                               My decision on this game was made late in the Tennessee game. When Antonio Gates went down with a dislocated toe. The super-sized, agile tight end is as important to the Chargers' game plan as LaDainian Tomlinson. With him, Norv Turner can take advantage of safeties, linebackers, and cornerbacks. In addition, he can alter defensive alignments and schemes based on where he's lined up. If he were playing, this might have been an interesting game, but as is, this one will be over by halftime.

New York Giants (+7.5) at Dallas                                                                                                                                         Don't believe all the garbage about Tony and Jessica's weekend getaway and its effect on the Cowboys. Don't believe the hyperbole about "Eli Manning finally getting it." When it comes down to it, this game hinges on Terrell Owens' ankle. If it's less than 100 percent, and it affects his mobility, the Cowboys are done. As we've seen the last few weeks, Dallas' offense simply isn't the same without him. They have difficulty spreading the field and Romo definitely misses his security blanket. If the Giants get in his face, press him off the line, and can't make them pay for it, the Pokes are in for a long day.

Last Weeks Record: 3-0-1                                                                                                                                                   Overall Record: 138-113-9