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The Ultimate Source for your Ph.D. in Pigskin |
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At the Three Quarter Pole... Well, we're coming down the home stretch, and what do we know? Well, the division winners in the AFC will be New England, Pittsburgh, Indianapolis, and San Diego, with Jacksonville and Cleveland claiming wild card spots. I like the Browns because of their easy schedule, where Tennessee still has to play San Diego and at Indianapolis. Over in the NFC, where things are always a little more murky, the divisional crowns will be handed to Dallas, Green Bay, Tampa Bay, and Seattle. Also, I like Minnesota and the New York Giants to gain entry to the playoffs as well. With their rushing attack and run defense, don't be surprised to see Minnesota win a game or two in the cold weather. As for the outcome in January and February, we'll take a look at that next week. Hey, I gotta do something to keep you guys coming back. Picks appear in bold. Chicago (+3) at Washington Two games in 11 days while dealing with Sean Taylor's death and last week's bizarre ending against Buffalo. I wouldn't blame them if they phoned it in for the rest of the season. Tampa Bay (-3) at Houston The Texans now have 17 players on injured reserve, of which nine were starters. It's a credit to Rick Smith and Gary Kubiak that they're still competitive. Miami at Buffalo (-7.5) I thought I heard Cam Cameron on SportsCenter the other night asking if "there's anyone within the Miami city limits who can run the ball?" St. Louis at Cincinnati (-6.5) I remember watching Brock Berlin at Miami and thinking, "I wouldn't want this guy quarterbacking my high school team." He gets the start for the injury-riddled Rams today. Dallas (-10.5) at Detroit Sorry Jon Kitna, but the dream of ten wins this season dies today...in emphatic fashion. Oakland at Green Bay (-10) After last Thursday's game against the Cowboys, the future without Brett Favre certainly looks brighter. Aaron Rodgers performed well against an above-average defense in a huge game for the Pack. Carolina at Jacksonville (-10) Not only should David Garrard make the Pro Bowl, but he should make it ahead of Peyton Manning. New York Giants (+3) at Philadelphia I guess it's because of the Patriots' game a couple weeks ago, but the Eagles have been three point favorites the last two weeks against two playoff teams. Get over it, Vegas, it was an anomaly! San Diego (PK) at Tennessee When it comes down to it, I just don't trust Vince Young as a passer. Minnesota (-7) at San Francisco Minnesota looks like a good Big Ten team in November. They know they're going to run it. You know they're going to run it. So why can't you do anything to stop it. Arizona at Seattle (-6.5) Regardless of the health of Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin, the most damaging injuries for the Cardinals are the three missing starters in the defensive backfield. Especially against a Seahawks team that can't run the football. Kansas City at Denver (-6.5) It's amazing how many picks you can chalk up to the ol' "too many injuries" excuse at this time of year. Pittsburgh (+10.5) at New England Don't get me wrong, I still think the Patriots are going to win. However, I've thought for quite some time now that the team with the best shot would be Pittsburgh, only because of their blitzing scheme and running game. Don't be surprised, though, if after two weeks of hearing the doubters, New England comes alive and blows them out. Cleveland (-3) at New York Jets I realize Cleveland isn't the best road team, but come on, Vegas...only three points...against the Jets!!! Indianapolis (-9.5) at Baltimore One word...hangover. New Orleans (-3.5) at Atlanta Remember, when in doubt, take the best player on the field. That's easy - Drew Brees. Last Weeks Record: 10-6-0 Overall Record: 102-83-7 |
