Week 15

An abbreviated version of the Week 15 picks in the league where they play...for pay...

San Francisco 49ers @ San Diego Chargers - Chargers keep pressure on Chiefs with a win here. Pick: SAN DIEGO

Kansas City Chiefs @ St. Louis Rams - Chiefs win a low scoring affair. Pick: KANSAS CITY

Buffalo Bills @ Miami Dolphins - Miami guts one out over a game Bills team. Pick: MIAMI

Cleveland Browns @ Cincinnati Bengals - Cleveland keeps playing tough and Cincinnati finds more ways to blow it. Pick: CLEVELAND

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Indianapolis Colts - I should know better than to keep picking against Peyton Manning; however, I just think that Jags are the more complete team right now. Pick: JACKSONVILLE

Houston Texans @ Tennessee Titans - I think the Titans have quit on Jeff Fisher, who will be dismissed at the end of the year because Titans owner Bud Adams prefers Vince Young. Texans showed heart coming back against Baltimore last week, and will do so here. Pick: HOUSTON

Washington Redskins @ Dallas Cowboys - Is it me or do good coaches forget how to coach once Daniel Snyder hires them to coach the Redskins? Cowboys continue to play well for Jason Garrett. Pick: DALLAS

Philadelphia Eagles @ New York Giants - "Let's go out there like a bunch of crazed dogs and have some fun!" Giants defense will follow the great Lawrence Taylor's advice as they'll continue to bottle up Michael Vick. Pick: NEW YORK GIANTS

Arizona Cardinals @ Carolina Panthers - Who cares? Pick: ARIZONA

Detroit Lions @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers - The Bucs beat inferior competition, and while the Lions are building a solid core, they appear to be inferior to the Bucs. Pick: TAMPA BAY

New Orleans Saints @ Baltimore Ravens - This should be a great game between a couple of heavyweights. I'll take the Saints in a close one. Pick: NEW ORLEANS

Atlanta Falcons @ Seattle Seahawks - Seattle better be rooting hard for Kansas City to knock off St. Louis because there is no way Atlanta leaves without a win. Pick: ATLANTA

New York Jets @ Pittsburgh Steelers - Troy Polamalu is out for the Steelers, but the Jets and their fans are reeling after 2 straight losses. Better hope for help in other games, Jets fans, because the Steelers are taking this one. Pick: PITTSBURGH

Denver Broncos @ Oakland Raiders - Tim Tebow is not the second coming of Jesus and he's not the second coming of John Elway. Pick: OAKLAND

Green Bay Packers @ New England Patriots - If Aaron Rodgers isn't playing, the Packers have no shot at beating the Pats. Pick: NEW ENGLAND

Monday

Chicago Bears vs Minnesota Vikings @ University of Minnesota - Bulls...Bulls...Bulls...Bears...Bears...Bears...Ditka...Polish sausage...Ditka...Bears...Bears...Bears...Bears.... Pick: CHICAGO

Week 14 Picks

My apologies for the lack of updates to the blog over the past week and a half. I've missed an awful lot in such a short period of time, including the escalation of the arms race in the American League East; the Red Sox have acquired Adrian Gonzalez and Carl Crawford and the Yankees are going after Cliff Lee as hard as they can. The Jets got embarrassed in New England, but if you ask me, and you haven't, they'll still have a huge say in who wins the AFC. The Giants remain tied with the Eagles in the NFC East and still remain in a tight race for their division and an NFC wild card spot. My football picks went 12-4 for the third straight week to bring the season record to 120-72, but, alas, not good enough to win the pool. So, we move onward and hopefully upward as I give you the picks for week 14 in the league where they play...for pay...

Thursday

Indianapolis Colts (6-6) @ Tennessee Titans (5-7) - Both teams come into this one looking to jumpstart their seasons for one final push at the AFC South title and a spot in the playoffs. The Titans come in losers of 5 in a row and a loss tonight to the Colts pretty much buries them for the season. The Colts, losers of 3 in a row, sit 1 game back of division leading Jacksonville and are in desperate need of a victory tonight. Peyton Manning has thrown 11 interceptions in the last 3 games for Indianapolis as teams can sit back and flood the passing lanes on a Colts offense that cannot run the ball and lacks some very important pass catchers. It's hard to feel confident about either team in this one, but I'll trust that a very prideful Peyton Manning shows up and leads the Colts to victory and keeps them alive in the AFC South. Pick: INDIANAPOLIS

Sunday

New England Patriots (10-2) @ Chicago Bears (9-3) - After the Pats blew out the Jets on Monday night it looks like the Patriots are the new "best team in the NFL" contest. However, after beating the Jets, are the Patriots ready to take on another one of the better teams in the NFL? If they had anyone else at coach and quarterback, I would look for a letdown, but it's hard to see Belichick or Brady allowing that to happen here. The Bears are usually able to generate an excellent pass rush, but that ability is going to be tested against an offensive line that has kept Tom Brady upright and his jersey clean all year. I also think that Jay Cutler is certainly capable of turning the ball over a few times, perhaps even to Devin McCourty, the rookie CB from Rutgers. Pick: NEW ENGLAND

Cleveland Browns (5-7) @ Buffalo Bills (2-10) - A matchup featuring two teams that have not given up despite their sub-.500 records. The Browns have somehow found a way to get victory away from the jaws of defeat while the Bills have stolen defeat from the jaws of victory. I would expect this one to be an even game, and the Browns close out the victory behind RB Peyton Hillis. Pick: CLEVELAND

Cincinnati Bengals (2-10) @ Pittsburgh Steelers (9-3) - What a disappointment the Bengals have been this season, especially Carson Palmer, who continues to turn the ball over way too much. And you may not like him, but Terrell Owens has been very productive this year, so you can't blame him for this team's terrible performance. As for this one against the Steelers, who won a hard fought battle with Baltimore last week, I think the Bengals will show up and play the Steelers tough, perhaps in the neighborhood of 17-14 or 20-17, but Palmer will make a critical turnover in the 4th quarter to give the Steelers another victory. Pick: PITTSBURGH

Oakland Raiders (6-6) @ Jacksonville Jaguars (7-5) - The Raiders came up with a big effort last week in San Diego against the Chargers to level their record at 6-6, and while they most likely will miss the playoffs, there is reason to be optimistic about the Raiders going forward. This week they face another daunting challenge, traveling across the country to face the Jacksonville Jaguars, who lead the AFC South. It would not be a shock if the Raiders won this one, but I think the combination of traveling across the country and facing a Jacksonville team that senses an opportunity to win the division will be too much for the Raiders; Oakland is 2-4 on the road and the Jaguars are 4-2 at home. The running backs on both sides should have a big say in how this one ends up. Pick: JACKSONVILLE

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-5) @ Washington Redskins (5-7) - The Bucs have to be smarting after last week's loss against Atlanta at home. Leading in the 4th quarter, the Bucs could not close the Falcons out and, as a result, now sit 1 game out of the playoffs with 4 to play. Washington could have helped the Bucs out last week, but they didn't even show up against the Giants in New York. As far as this one goes, I'm sticking with the trend that has held true all season: the Bucs don't lose against teams that are worse than they are...they also don't beat the teams that are better either. Pick: TAMPA BAY

Green Bay Packers (8-4) @ Detroit Lions (2-10) - The Lions continue to play hard, which you have to respect, but it is not translating into victories. Unfortunately, for the Lions, I don't see them getting a victory here either. The Lions nearly pulled off a miracle comeback in the first meeting between these two up at Lambeau Field, and I would expect the Lions to make the Packers sweat a bit here too; however, I think Green Bay is one of the better teams in the NFC and they should come away with the win. Aaron Rodgers is the real deal at quarterback and the Packers defense is one of the best in the league. Pick: GREEN BAY

New York Giants (8-4) @ Minnesota Vikings (5-7) - Last week the pressure was on the Giants to keep pace with the Eagles, who had won earlier in the week; this week the Giants can put that pressure on the Eagles, who play Sunday night. There has been a lot of discussion about whether or not Brett Favre will start, but I don't buy for a second that he won't be starting. He is agonizingly close to 300 consecutive starts and, let's face it, he didn't come out of retirement to hold a clipboard. So, while I think he will start, I also think he will be running for his life as the Giant pass rush chases him down all afternoon. The Giants are also starting to get healthy as WRs Steve Smith and Hakeem Nicks and LT David Diehl are all practicing, and OLs Shaun O'Hara and Shawn Andrews could be back next week. Pick: NEW YORK GIANTS

Atlanta Falcons (10-2) @ Carolina Panthers (1-11) - Talk about a real chance to fatten up and get the #1 seed in the NFC playoffs; the Falcons get to face the lowly Panthers twice in the season's last 4 weeks. In addition to facing the Panthers this week in Carolina, the Falcons will play at Seattle in week 15, home against New Orleans in week 16, and finish at home against Carolina in week 17. And while the Saints are nipping at the Falcons' heels, their last 4 are a bit tougher. In addition to the Falcons in week 16, they have the Rams this week, then go to Baltimore, and they finish at home against Tampa Bay. But, as for this game, I'm taking the Falcons. Pick: ATLANTA

St. Louis Rams (6-6) @ New Orleans Saints (9-3) - On its face, this one looks like an easy one for the Saints; however, I would urge you to have more respect for Steve Spagnuolo's Rams. They may not have the fire power to equal the Saints, but they are a hard-nosed team that will play tough defensively. However, that just means I don't think that the Rams will get blown out. This one is at New Orleans, a traditionally tough place to play, and the Saints are getting healthy in the backfield as well. Pick: NEW ORLEANS

Seattle Seahawks (6-6) @ San Francisco 49ers (4-8) - Talk about an awful division, the NFC West is so bad that even the 3-9 Cardinals are still technically in the playoff hunt, as are the 49ers, who seemed to be everybody's preseason pick. Now, as bad as this division is, I still like the idea that a division winner gets to host a playoff game against a wild card, even if the wild card has a better record. I don't want to hear this nonsense that it's not fair to the team that won more games to have to go on the road to play an inferior team in the playoffs. Silencio! Any team that wins its division deserves to host a playoff game. If home field means so much to you, then you should have won your own division. Now quit crying, and go play on the road! I have not heard the Saints do any of this crying, but I have heard it from others elsewhere, and I suspect as the season draws to a close we will hear it more, especially if the NFC West winner has a sub-.500 record. Pick: SEATTLE

Miami Dolphins (6-6) @ New York Jets (9-3) - The Jets were embarrassed by the Patriots on Monday night and now they look to take it out on the Dolphins. It's not going to be that easy. Miami is a much better team on the road, although that usually doesn't translate for Miami late in the season when they come north. But, they have a secret weapon on their side! That's right, the New York Giants, who will let the Dolphins practice in their facility prior to the game so the Dolphins can get acclimated to the conditions. However, while the Dolphins will use the Giants facility, they will be practicing in the Giants' practice bubble, and, last I had heard, the new Giants Stadium does not have a dome. So, how this will aid the Dolphins and why it's such a big deal is beyond me. After getting punched in the mouth...repeatedly, the Jets are hitting the panic button just a bit. Rex Ryan has said he'll take the ball first if the Jets win the coin toss instead of letting his defense go out and set the tone early. And, for the first time in Ryan's tenure, the Jets have been relatively quiet in the media. The Jets were certainly humbled by Bill Belichick, Tom Brady, and the rest of the New England Patriots last week, but they should still be able to beat Miami this week. The Jets defense shuts down the run very effectively, the Dolphins are not a big time passing team, and Mark Sanchez and the offense were playing very well until last week. If the Dolphins do knock off the Jets, then it's time to...PANIC!!!!!!!! Pick: NEW YORK JETS

Denver Broncos (3-9) @ Arizona Cardinals (3-9) - The Broncos are hoping that what worked for the Cowboys and Vikings will work for them. After firing their head coaches the Cowboys and Vikings both won the next week. Well, the Broncos fired Josh McDaniels this week, and they'll look to get interim coach Eric Studesville his first win as head coach. I picked Denver, but I have little conviction about this pick. More importantly, regardless of who coaches the Broncos next year, they will be paying 3 coaches next season. They still owe Mike Shanahan, who now coaches in Washington, the recently deposed McDaniels, and McDaniels' replacement. While I have no idea who Denver will target, it will be interesting to see if they go for a cheaper, lesser known commodity, or if they go after a coach with a proven track record, like Brian Billick, Jon Gruden, et al. Pick: DENVER

Kansas City Chiefs (8-4) @ San Diego Chargers (6-6) - The Kansas City Chiefs can thank the Oakland Raiders for potentially winning the AFC West for them. Last week the Chargers attempt to make another late season run at the AFC West took a major hit when the Chargers lost at home to the Raiders. Instead of being 7-5, 1 game back, and a chance to draw even this week, the Chargers, 6-6 and 2 games back, face a must win game this week against the Chiefs. If Kansas City wins, they will have a 3 game lead with 3 to play and the division all but locked up. In order to win, though, they're most likely going to have to do so without QB Matt Cassel, who underwent an appendectomy this week and is most likely out. The Chargers, meanwhile, will have their elite QB, Phillip Rivers, at the controls and I would expect San Diego to get back on track and win this week and win out to keep the pressure on Kansas City. Pick: SAN DIEGO

Philadelphia Eagles (8-4) @ Dallas Cowboys (4-8) - After sleepwalking through much of the season and getting their coach fired, the Cowboys now appear to be playing up to their talent level. They have won 3 of 4 under interim coach Jason Garrett, and, let's be honest, if it weren't for Roy Williams' fumble late against New Orleans, it would be 4 of 4. They beat a 1 dimensional Indianapolis team last week, forcing Peyton Manning into 4 interceptions. This week they will face a much tougher challenge in Michael Vick and the Philadelphia Eagles. I would expect this one to be another high scoring affair like the Cowboys-Colts game was last week (38-35, OT), as the Eagles' defense just does not seem to be as good under Sean McDermott as it was under the deceased Jim Johnson. Pick: PHILADELPHIA

Monday

Baltimore Ravens (8-4) @ Houston Texans (5-7) - The Ravens were hard luck losers against the Steelers last Sunday night, but I would expect them to bounce back in a big way against the Texans this week. Houston lost a tough one to Philadelphia, but they will be facing one of the best defenses in the NFL this week and Matt Schaub and the offense will have a much tougher time moving the ball this week. Conversely, Joe Flacco and his Ravens offense should put up more than the 10 points they put on the Steelers on a very weak Houston defense. Pick: BALTIMORE and 41 points.

Week 13 Picks

Hopefully everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving, but now it's time for the stretch run in the NFL season. It's hard to believe, but there are only 5 weeks to go in the season, which also means there are only 5 opportunities left to win the weekly football pool. Last week, for the 2nd week in a row, I went 12-4 to run the season's record to 108-68; however, it was still not good enough. And now the picks for week number 13 in the league where they play...for pay...

Thursday

Houston Texans (5-6) @ Philadelphia Eagles (7-4) - The Texans ended their 4 game losing streak last week when they shut out the Tennessee Titans and in doing so they stayed alive, unbelievably, in the AFC South race, as Jacksonville and Indianapolis both lost. Houston is fortunate that WR Andre Johnson will not miss tonight's game after getting into a fight with Tennesse DB Cortland Finnegan. However, even with Johnson in the lineup, I don't think that Houston is good enough to go into Philadelphia and get a victory against an Eagles team smarting after a loss to Chicago last week. I'd expect Michael Vick and the birds to put up a big number on the Texans defense, which, despite the shutout last week, is not very good. Pick: PHILADELPHIA

Sunday

Buffalo Bills (2-9) @ Minnesota Vikings (4-7) - The Bills literally let a chance to knock off Pittsburgh and get a third straight win slide through their fingertips last week as Ryan Fitzpatrick's pass to Stevie Johnson fell harmlessly into the Pittsburgh endzone in overtime. I know I've said it a lot about Buffalo, and Detroit for that matter, that they are not as bad as their record indicates; however, they're still 2-9. The Vikings continued this season's latest trend, getting a W for an interim coach in his first game as they beat Washington for coach Leslie Frazier's first win. Now, will they be able to duplicate that "success" against the Bills this week? I think so. I think playing in the dome helps, as does having a reliable rushing attack. Pick: MINNESOTA

Cleveland Browns (4-7) @ Miami Dolphins (6-5) - Big effort by the Dolphins last week to go into Oakland and come out with a victory. Cleveland also won last week, albeit in very unimpressive fashion. They were ahead of the Panthers 21-7 midway through the 2nd quarter and at that point you figured the Panthers would just mail it in. But, give the Panthers credit, they came all the way back, even taking the lead 23-21, only to fall 24-23 as their last second field goal attempt hit the upright and was no good. As for this week, with Chad Henne back at QB for the Dolphins and Colt McCoy still out for the Browns, I'll take Miami, even if they are at home. Pick: MIAMI

Jacksonville Jaguars (6-5) @ Tennessee Titans (5-6) - The Titans were embarrassing last week against Houston, getting shut out 20-0; meanwhile, the Jags could not hold onto a double digit lead over the Giants and fell back to the pack in the AFC South, a division no team seems to want to win. I think after blowing that lead to New York last week, the Jags come out on top this week, but it won't be by much. Pick: JACKSONVILLE

Denver Broncos (3-8) @ Kansas City Chiefs (7-4) - If the Chiefs aren't motivated to get revenge in this one after Denver blew them out a few weeks ago in Denver, then San Diego is going to have no problem winning this division. I don't think that Denver is very good, first of all, and while Kansas City is 2-2 over their last 4, I still think that home field advantage and being the superior team overall is enough to get the job done. Pick: KANSAS CITY

Washington Redskins (5-6) @ New York Giants (7-4) - The Giants got a huge boost last week with their come from behind victory over Jacksonville, and losses by Tampa Bay, Green Bay, and, most importantly, Philadelphia, which gives the Giants two roads to the playoffs (division championship or wild card). I have not seen the Redskins yet this season, but they do have Donovan McNabb at QB, and he seems to have some of his better games against the Giants. However, I think he may be running for his life during much of the game with the way the Giants pass rush is able to terrorize quarterbacks. Pick: NEW YORK GIANTS

Chicago Bears (8-3) @ Detroit Lions (2-9) - The Lions had the Bears dead to rights in week 1 when Calvin Johnson caught a touchdown pass in the game's waning moments, but then he lost control of the ball as he was going to celebrate and the pass was ruled incomplete, and the Lions lost. The Lions have been one of those teams that have fought hard all year and I really think they could be pretty good in the next few years; I mean, did you see the game that Ndamukong Suh played on Thanksgiving Day? I still think the Bears will win, but the Lions would be smart to go take a look at what the Giants defensive line did to the Bears offensive line and replicate that. Pick: CHICAGO

San Francisco 49ers (4-7) @ Green Bay Packers (7-4) - Oddly enough, both teams are a game out of 1st place in their respective divisions, but that's where the similarities end. San Francisco has picked up the pace a bit after their horrendous start, but Green Bay's defense is first in the league in points against, so I think it will be a struggle for the niners to find the endzone in this one. On the other side of the ball, the Packers have Aaron Rodgers, who has become an elite QB in the league and has also made the Packer backers forget about #4. Pick: GREEN BAY

Atlanta Falcons (9-2) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-4) - Both teams faced tough tests in their games last week. The Falcons won at home against Green Bay on a last second field goal after the Packers had tied it up in the final minutes; it was very similar to their victory over Baltimore a few weeks ago. The Bucs went north to Baltimore and fell 17-10. Again, the Bucs can beat the teams with sub-.500 records, but, while they have had a good year, against the good teams they can't get the job done. Pick: ATLANTA

New Orleans Saints (8-3) @ Cincinnati Bengals (2-9) - After blowing a 17-0 lead to the Cowboys on Thanksgiving, the Saints can thank DB Malcolm Jenkins for their 30-27 victory. Jenkins ripped the ball from Roy Williams as Williams was racing toward the New Orleans endzone, recovered the ball, and then Drew Brees led the Saints down the field for the winning score. In the Thanksgiving nightcap, the Bengals showed up for the first half, and then fell asleep in the second half, losing 26-10. Pick: NEW ORLEANS

Oakland Raiders (5-6) @ San Diego Chargers (6-5) - After all the feel good stories about the Raiders resurgence a few weeks ago, the story can now be on the Chargers, who are making yet another second half run at a division championship. Phillip Rivers is playing like a serious MVP candidate. Pick: SAN DIEGO

Dallas Cowboys (3-8) @ Indianapolis Colts (6-5) - Peyton Manning and the Colts did not look sharp last Sunday night against the Chargers, and Manning, like his younger brother, has turned the ball over a lot. However, he's still one of the best players in the league, if not the best, and the Colts are at home. Pick: INDIANAPOLIS

St. Louis Rams (5-6) @ Arizona Cardinals (3-8) - The Rams got a well earned victory in Mile High last week, and the Cardinals got blown out on Monday night. The Cardinals play terrible defense, the Rams have an average defense and a very good young quarterback. Pick: ST. LOUIS

Carolina Panthers (1-10) @ Seattle Seahawks (5-6) - This one's in Seattle so I'll take the Seahawks. Pick: SEATTLE

Pittsburgh Steelers (8-3) @ Baltimore Ravens (8-3) - The first of two titanic matchups to end Week 13, and hopefully at least one of these games lives up to the hype. In this one you have a young elite quarterback on both sides going up against one of the league's top defenses, and both defenses are ferocious. This is going to be one of those low-scoring, tight defensive battles that comes down to the last few minutes. I am going with Baltimore in this one, mainly because they're home, but there is no clear favorite in this one at all. Pick: BALTIMORE

Monday

New York Jets (9-2) @ New England Patriots (9-2) - Again, another rivalry game. The Jets are going to Foxborough looking to prove that they are as good as their record says they are. Now, when you win 9 and lose 2, you're pretty damn good, and I think that Rex Ryan and co. deserve all the respect in the world. However, will their defense be able to get to Tom Brady? All year long the Pats offensive line has kept Brady well protected and, as a result, the Pats offense has clicked. In fact, I think that in this matchup it's the two offenses that have the advantage over the opposing defense. While the Patriot defense has improved, there is no question that Mark Sanchez is feeling comfortable with the offense and can make the big plays when they need it most. Pick: NEW ENGLAND and 48 points for the tie breaker

Week 12 Picks

Thanksgiving week, in my opinion, is one of the best weeks in the season for an NFL fan. You get to watch 3 games on Thanksgiving Day, 3 more on Sunday, and 1 on Monday. Although, now that I think about it, the Monday night game this week is brutal and you won't miss anything if you skip it.

And now for the picks for week 12 in the league where they play...for pay...

Thanksgiving Day

New England Patriots (8-2) @ Detroit Lions (2-8) - The Thanksgiving Day games kick off where they always do as the Lions will host the Patriots. Now, I have been on the Lions bandwagon this year and really think they are moving in the right direction, but I just don't see how they're going to beat the Patriots. Ndamukong Suh has been very good on Detroit's defensive line this year, but New England's offensive line has been great all year in protecting Tom Brady. Pick: NEW ENGLAND

New Orleans Saints (7-3) @ Dallas Cowboys (3-7) - Since Jason Garrett took over as head coach, the Cowboys are 2-0. Early in the season the Saints were playing with a Super Bowl hangover, but they have started to regain last year's form in recent weeks. I think the Saints will go marching into Dallas and come out with a victory to keep the pressure on Atlanta and Tampa Bay in the NFC South. Pick: NEW ORLEANS

Cincinnati Bengals (2-8) @ New York Jets (8-2) - The Jets defense has been showing some chinks in the armor this season. The way they talked going in you would have thought that they were the '85 Bears or the 2000 Ravens, but they don't rank with either of those teams. Those teams did not blow leads and allow inferior teams to come back from 16 down in the 4th quarter. Statistically they are a good defense, but they are not a great defense. However, the defense does not need to be great against these Bengals. If, somehow, the Jets do find themselves in trouble, they can turn to their young quarterback, Mark Sanchez, who is playing with a lot of confidence right now, and rightly so. Pick: NEW YORK JETS

Sunday

Jacksonville Jaguars (6-4) @ New York Giants (6-4) - The Giants defense played very well last week against Michael Vick and the Eagles, but Eli Manning and the offense gave the game away and the Giants now find themselves in perilous position in the NFC. I'm surprised to see the Jaguars atop the AFC South, especially considering that they're -50 in net scoring. I think the Giants defense will be the difference here and the senseless calls for Tom Coughlin's head can be silenced for at least a week. Pick: NEW YORK GIANTS

Pittsburgh Steelers (7-3) @ Buffalo Bills (2-8) - I know the Bills have won a couple games in a row and they have played tough most of the year, but they're taking a real step up in class in this one. The Steelers are one of the elite teams in the league and they showed it last week when they whacked the Raiders around. Pick: PITTSBURGH

Tennessee Titans (5-5) @ Houston Texans (4-6) - How much more can the Texans take? They lose on a Hail Mary to the Jaguars in week 10, and then last week they lose in the final seconds to the Jets after coming back from 16 down in the 4th quarter. So much for the Texans making their first playoff appearance. While the Texans have lost 4 in a row, the Titans haven't been much better, they've lost 3 in a row. Pick: HOUSTON

Minnesota Vikings (3-7) @ Washington Redskins (5-5) - 3 weeks ago the disappointing Cowboys (not that I'm disappointed with the Cowboys being 3-7, but you get the idea) fired their coach and have since won 2 in a row. This week the Vikings fired their coach, Brad Childress, and hope to have the same results. Unfortunately, they did not address the turnover machine that they have at quarterback. Pick: WASHINGTON

Philadelphia Eagles (7-3) @ Chicago Bears (7-3) - The Bears have an elite defense and they probably went to school on a lot of the things the Giants did last week in containing Michael Vick. The Bears defense is also very good at creating turnovers, but Vick has only turned it over once while he's been at the helm this season. Unfortunately, for the Bears, their quarterback throws a lot of interceptions, which is not a good sign against an Eagles defense that is also good at forcing turnovers. Pick: PHILADELPHIA

Green Bay Packers (7-3) @ Atlanta Falcons (8-2) - One of the marquee matchups of the weekend. Not only is it a marquee matchup between two elite NFC teams, but also a marquee matchup between two of the elite young quarterbacks in the game. Atlanta's Matt Ryan never loses at home, and the Falcons are 5-0 at home this season. Pick: ATLANTA

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-3) @ Baltimore Ravens (7-3) - The Bucs are great against inferior competition. Unfortunately, for the Bucs, the Ravens are not inferior competition. When the Bucs play a team with a winning record they usually don't fare to well. Pick: BALTIMORE

Carolina Panthers (1-9) @ Cleveland Browns (3-7) - This is probably Carolina's last chance of the season to get a victory, so they might be more game than usual for this one. However, they're still really bad. Cleveland has played tough and inspired football all year (what, you thought they would play tough and inspired basketball?) and they seem to have found a quarterback in Colt McCoy. Pick: CLEVELAND

Kansas City Chiefs (6-4) @ Seattle Seahawks (5-5) - The division leaders of the two worst divisions in the league match up. Seattle is 3-1 at home and the Chiefs are 1-4 on the road, but I still think the Chiefs are the better team. Pick: KANSAS CITY

Miami Dolphins (5-5) @ Oakland Raiders (5-5) - Something's gotta give here: Miami is 4-1 on the road and Oakland is 4-1 at home. What gives is that Miami is playing without either of its top 2 quarterbacks and the Raiders have won 4 of 6 after a dreadful 1-3 start. Pick: OAKLAND

St. Louis Rams (4-6) @ Denver Broncos (3-7) - St. Louis has not won a road game all year (0-4) and going into the thin air at Mile High Stadium will make it that much tougher for St. Louis to get a win here. It's not that I have much faith in Denver, I just have less faith in St. Louis on the road in a traditionally tough place to win on the road. Pick: DENVER

San Diego Chargers (5-5) @ Indianapolis Colts (6-4) - The Chargers are making yet another second half surge toward the post-season and Phillip Rivers deserves to be mentioned in the talk for league MVP. The Colts, despite all their injuries, are still in the hunt because of their own MVP candidate, Peyton Manning. In the recent past the Colts have not fared well against the Chargers, and, given the directions both teams are going in, I think the Chargers narrowly escape Indianapolis with a victory and will continue to put pressure on Kansas City. Pick: SAN DIEGO

Monday

San Francisco 49ers (3-7) @ Arizona Cardinals (3-7) - Both teams are bad, but Arizona is worse. Pick: SAN FRANCISCO and 44 points.

Happy Thanksgiving

Week 11 Picks

I apologize that it's been nearly a week since my last post, but my abysmal performance last week sent me into a deep depression. However, my doctor has told me that there is a cure for this kind of depression: winning. So, with that in mind, after a 6-8 mark last week that left me 84-60 for the year, we go to the picks for week number 11...in the league where they play...for pay...

Thursday

Chicago Bears (6-3) @ Miami Dolphins (5-4) - 25 years ago these two met on a Monday night in Miami with the undefeated Bears threatening to join the 1973 Dolphins as the only undefeated teams in league history. That night Dan Marino and company derailed the Bears undefeated dreams; however, Chicago did defeat New England 46-10 in one of the most lopsided Super Bowls of all-time. This one, however, is not nearly as compelling. The Bears are 6-3, but they have struggled since their 3-0 start; the Dolphins, meanwhile, are without their 1st and 2nd string quarterbacks. Even though the Bears have an issue at quarterback as well, specifically, Jay Cutler's propensity to turn the ball over, I think Miami's QB issues are more alarming. Pick: CHICAGO

Sunday

Baltimore Ravens (6-3) @ Carolina Panthers (1-8) - If the Ravens are as good as I think they are, they'll have little trouble dispatching the Panthers, who just might be the worst team in the league. Pick: BALTIMORE

Houston Texans (4-5) @ New York Jets (7-2) - Three weeks ago this looked like it could be a pivotal matchup in deciding seeding in the AFC playoffs. Now, after losing 3 in a row, the Texans need the W just to stay in the hunt to make the playoffs. The Texans defense is one of the worst in the league, which is good news for a Jets offense that needs a boost. Pick: NEW YORK JETS

Arizona Cardinals (3-6) @ Kansas City Chiefs (5-4) - After getting out to a 5-2 start the Chiefs need to come out with a big effort this week because Oakland has caught them for the division lead and San Diego is looming 1 game behind. Both teams are 1-4 on the road this year; however, unfortunately, for the Cardinals, the Chiefs are 4-0 at home and this one is in Kansas City. Neither team is playing well going into this one, Arizona has lost 4 in a row and Kansas City 2 straight, including an embarrassing loss in Denver last week, but I think Kansas City will be able to hold the Cardinal offense in check just enough. Pick: KANSAS CITY

Washington Redskins (4-5) @ Tennessee Titans (5-4) - I don't understand the Redskins. One week Donovan McNabb is not good enough to quarterback the team in the final 2 minutes, and the next week he's getting a 5 year/$40M guaranteed contract extension. I mean, if I'm McNabb, I sign that deal in a heartbeat, but why would Washington be in such a rush to get this deal done? Even though he is the same age as Tom Brady, 33, and a year younger than Peyton Manning, it's not like he's playing at an MVP level, as Brady and Manning are. I thought Mike Shanahan was supposed to come in and bring order and respect to the Redskins. Randy Moss was completely ineffective for the Titans in his debut with the team last week in Miami. Both teams are inconsistent, which explains their near .500 records, but Tennessee is 3-0 against the NFC East and they're at home. Pick: TENNESSEE

Buffalo Bills (1-8) @ Cincinnati Bengals (2-7) - The Bills finally got a win last week when they beat the Lions, the last team to go winless for the season. While they both have terrible records, they both have been competitive in most of their games. I'm going to take the Bengals here because they're at home and because of the possibility that Buffalo might relax a bit this week after getting that win and avoiding an 0-16 campaign. Pick: CINCINNATI

Oakland Raiders (5-4) @ Pittsburgh Steelers (6-3) - Where did the Raiders come from? At 2-5 it looked like it would be another miserable year for them, but they have won 3 in a row and now sit tied with Kansas City for the division lead. They'll test their mettle this week though when they go to Pittsburgh. Keep in mind, though, that since Ben Roethlisberger came back the Steelers are only 3-2, and they did get whacked around last week by the Patriots in prime time. Oakland is a team on the rise, but they do take a step up in class this week. Pick: PITTSBURGH

Cleveland Browns (3-6) @ Jacksonville Jaguars (5-4) - The Jaguars won on a Hail Mary against the Texans last week and the Browns had a crushing defeat to the Jets with 16 seconds to go in OT. Cleveland has been a tough out all year and Colt McCoy looks like he may be another one of those good young QBs. Jacksonville has won 2 in a row, but that was against a lifeless Dallas team and a Houston team that gives up 30 points a game. Cleveland is going to be a much tougher test for the Jags. Pick: CLEVELAND

Detroit Lions (2-7) @ Dallas Cowboys (2-7) - The Cowboys showed a lot of life against the Giants last week in their debut under interim coach Jason Garrett, and Dez Bryant continues to impress in his rookie year. This game is an opportunity for both teams to get a victory before they both take a step up in class when they host games on Thanksgiving Day. I'll take the Cowboys here because they may have caught a spark under the new coach. Pick: DALLAS

Green Bay Packers (6-3) @ Minnesota Vikings (3-6) - Last week's loss in Chicago most likely ended the season for the Vikings. At 3-6 with about 5 teams to leap frog their playoff hopes are all but gone. The Packers, meanwhile, are coming off their bye week and have an opportunity to really solidify themselves as one of the NFC's elite teams. The Vikings are still a talented team, but I think in the end Brett Favre will throw an interception that costs his team the game. Pick: GREEN BAY

Seattle Seahawks (5-4) @ New Orleans Saints (6-3) - The Seahawks may be 5-4, but outside of their own division they are 2-3. The Saints look like they may be starting to hit their stride, except for their week 7 loss to Cleveland, and they'll have an excellent opportunity to get to 8-3 in the span of 5 days. Pick: NEW ORLEANS

Atlanta Falcons (7-2) @ St. Louis Rams (4-5) - St. Louis appears to be improving under coach Steve Spagnuolo and they are very tough to beat at home, 4-1, but they have not beaten a team as good as Atlanta; nor have they played a team as good as Atlanta. Atlanta has had a couple of instances in which they've stubbed their toe, but they're still an elite team, and they further proved that when they rallied for a last minute victory over Baltimore last Thursday night. Pick: ATLANTA

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-3) @ San Francisco 49ers (3-6) - Give them credit, the 49ers really are fighting hard to get back into the race to win the NFC West after a terrible 1-6 start. They're only 2 games out and they still have 4 division games to play, including 1 with first place Seattle. However, Tampa Bay has shown ability all year to beat the weaker teams on their schedule, and San Francisco looks like they are set up for Tampa Bay to knock down; Tampa Bay's only losses have been to Pittsburgh (6-3), New Orleans (6-3), and Atlanta (6-3). Pick: TAMPA BAY

Indianapolis Colts (6-3) @ New England Patriots (7-2) - For about the 7th year in a row these two teams will meet in the regular season. Unfortunately, the Colts come in undermanned after the injury bug has bit them hard. The Patriots are coming off an impressive win in Pittsburgh and may be primed to make a serious run at the AFC championship in what was supposed to be a rebuilding year. However, there is a certain 6'5", 230 pound quarterback with a laser rocket arm that stands in their way, and as long as he's on the field the Colts have a chance. Pick: NEW ENGLAND

New York Giants (6-3) @ Philadelphia Eagles (6-3) - The winner of this one walks away with the lead in the NFC East. The Giants were embarrassed last week at home against Dallas and the Eagles put up 59 on the Redskins. This one will hinge on the the ability of the Giants defense to get a consistent pass rush AND to also keep Michael Vick from running loose. The Giants may have looked terrible against the Cowboys last week, but they still have one of the league's leading rushers, Ahmad Bradshaw, a receiving corps that can play with anybody, and an elite QB in Eli Manning. It will be close, and I may be going with my heart on this one, I admit, but I like the Giants here. Pick: NEW YORK GIANTS

Monday

San Diego Chargers (4-5) @ Denver Broncos (3-6) - Denver has been on both ends of two of the league's biggest blowouts so far this year; they were smacked around by the Raiders a month ago, 59-14, and they beat up on the Chiefs last week 49-29. San Diego, meanwhile, seems poised to go on yet another late season run--I'll admit, I thought that they were done, but I may have spoken too soon. I will take Phillip Rivers and company in this one. Pick: SAN DIEGO and 54 points for the tiebreaker.

Week 10 Picks

To combat teams from resting their starters late in the season the NFL changed the way it scheduled games this year by stacking divisional games in the second half. As a result, while a few teams have played 3 or 4 division games, teams like the Giants and the Eagles have only played 1 divisional game through the season's first 9 weeks. That all changes this week as the schedule features 8 division games and Thursday Night Football begins in earnest.


Last week my picks were 10-3 and I improved to 78-52 on the season; however, it still was not good enough to take the top spot in my weekly pool. That said, I've been ordered to get it right! And so, with the NFL schedule heating up as the temperatures get colder, I give you the picks for week number 10 in the league where they play...............for pay...


Thursday


Baltimore Ravens (6-2) @ Atlanta Falcons (6-2) - Week 10 opens with a bang as two of the NFL's best will meet in the Georgia Dome. Not only does this game feature two of the elite teams in the NFL, it's also a match up of two of the top young quarterbacks in the league: Baltimore's Joe Flacco and Atlanta's Matt Ryan. To me this is a pick'em game and, judging by Atlanta only being favored by 1, the bookmakers think the same; in fact, they probably think Baltimore is 2 points better because the home team usually gets 3 points just for being at home. While Atlanta has a slight edge offensively, Baltimore possesses a slight edge defensively, and without a doubt, the best defensive players on the field play for the Ravens in the form of Ray Lewis and Ed Reed. However, the turnover margin favors Atlanta, +7 to Baltimore's +1, and Atlanta's point differential is 6 points better than the Ravens as well. Pick: ATLANTA


Sunday


Tennessee Titans (5-3) @ Miami Dolphins (4-4) - In a year when it's probably going to take at least 10 wins to get an AFC Wild Card berth, neither team can afford to fall back even further. Things don't shape up well for the Dolphins in terms of the home/road records in this one either; Miami is 0-3 at home, Tennessee is 3-1 on the road--I know, I know, you Dolphin fans out there will tell me that they should be 5-3, and 1-2 at home, because of that call at the end of the Pittsburgh game. Tennessee will have to adjust for the loss of WR Kenny Britt, but they hope newly acquired WR Randy Moss will ease that adjustment; however, this will be Moss' third team this season, so his attitude and desire will be closely scrutinized. Tennessee's defense is going to make it very tough on Miami to score points; I also don't like the fact that Miami is -7 in turnovers, and Tennessee is +6. Pick: TENNESSEE


New York Jets (6-2) @ Cleveland Browns (3-5) - When the 2010 schedule came out there were 2 revenge games on the schedule for Jets fans: week 5 against their former QB, Brett Favre, and the Vikings and week 10 against their former coach, Eric Mangini, and the Browns. They beat Favre in week 5, and now will go for the sweep in week 10. However, the Browns are not going to be a pushover and if the Jets decide to overlook the Browns, they won't just be in a close game, they might also get blown out as the Saints and Patriots did against these Browns. Now, I am going to pick the Jets because I think they're the better team, but, like last week, don't be shocked if this one is still in doubt late in the 4th quarter. Cleveland has been very competitive this year (3 of their losses are by 7 or less) and the Jets have been inconsistent and prone to taking penalties. But, I think the Jets defense will be the difference here. Pick: NEW YORK JETS


Cincinnati Bengals (2-6) @ Indianapolis Colts (5-3) - The Colts suffered a tough loss in Philadelphia last week. They not only lost the game, but WR Austin Collie was knocked out of the game and was listed as questionable when this post was written on Wednesday. Terrell Owens has been anything but a malcontent so far this year for the Bengals, in fact, he's the leading WR in the NFL through the first 9 weeks. Now, while I think that this one will be close, I think that having Peyton Manning on their side will be enough of an edge for the Colts to pull out a victory. Pick: INDIANAPOLIS


Houston Texans (4-4) @ Jacksonville Jaguars (4-4) - This could be a de facto playoff game. The loser would sit at 4-5 and hold last place in the AFC South and would have to leap frog possibly 5 teams just to get into the playoffs. After starting out 3-1, the Texans are on life support. They are 1-3 in their last 4 games and have given up an average of 31 points in those 4 games. While the Jaguars did put 35 up on the Cowboys 2 weeks ago, they have had problems scoring points, and so something has to give in this one. Even if it is the Texans defense that gives in this one, I still think their offense is good enough to score on a Jaguars defense that may be as bad as their own. Pick: HOUSTON


Minnesota Vikings (3-5) @ Chicago Bears (5-3) - The Bears opened with a surprising 3-0 start, but since the Giants beat them up in week 4 they have lost 3 of their last 5. Except for their loss to the Giants and the win the following week against Carolina, each game for the Bears has been decided by 7 points or less. On the other side, the Vikings have been a team in turmoil virtually all season, and that has not ceased into week 10. I think that this game will be decided by the two defenses and both quarterbacks will throw at least 2 interceptions each. Pick: MINNESOTA


Carolina Panthers (1-7) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-3) - Now, last week when they went into Atlanta to play the Falcons, I told you, courtesy of SI's Peter King, that the teams the Bucs beat had a combined record of 12-24 and the teams they lost to were a combined 10-5. So, a week after facing a very good team in their division, the Bucs get to play the very worst team in their division. Pick: TAMPA BAY


Detroit Lions (2-6) @ Buffalo Bills (0-8) - Give these two teams credit, despite their poor records they have not given up and they have really made their opponents earn their victories. Buffalo has lost 3 straight by 3 points or less, and the game before that they blew a big first half lead against the Jaguars; and the Lions gave away a victory last week against the Jets. However, that ability to find a way to lose is the reason that these two have the records they do. I thought that the Bills had a great chance to get a win last week against the Bears, but I don't think their chances are as good against the Lions. Pick: DETROIT


Kansas City Chiefs (5-3) @ Denver Broncos (2-6) - The Chiefs travel to the Mile High City a week after a hard luck loss to the Raiders in Oakland. About the only thing going for Denver this week is that Kansas City is 1-3 on the road; however, Denver is only 1-3 at home, so that advantage may not be that great anyway. Denver has been outscored by 69 points this year and is -4 in turnovers, and Kansas City is +38 and +6. During their 4 game losing streak the Broncos have not been competitive enough to make them a live dog here; 2 losses by 8 or less and 2 blowouts. Since it's a division game and the Chiefs aren't a high scoring team it may be somewhat close, but I like Kansas City here. Pick: KANSAS CITY

Dallas Cowboys (1-7) @ New York Giants (6-2) - The Giants are a 14 point favorite against a Dallas team that was once a favorite to be in the Super Bowl. There is really little reason to pick the Cowboys here. Their starting quarterback, Tony Romo, was knocked out for the season by these Giants a few weeks ago; they're -9 in turnovers; and they've been outscored by 71 points on the year. The one thing that has to concern you is that after firing coach Wade Phillips this week, the Cowboys might come out motivated to show that they are not going to just roll over for their opponents the rest of the year. However, even if the Cowboys do come out with a strong effort, I wouldn't expect the Giants to take a division opponent lightly. Pick: NEW YORK GIANTS

Seattle Seahawks (4-4) @ Arizona Cardinals (3-5) - The Seahawks have been shell shocked the previous 2 weeks and this week they go on the road to play Arizona. Seattle will also be without its starting quarterback. I think the Cardinals get a slight edge here because they're at home, but it really is an even game. The bookies seem to agree with me as Arizona is a 3 point favorite. Pick: ARIZONA

St. Louis Rams (4-4) @ San Francisco 49ers (2-6) - If Arizona were to beat Seattle and San Francisco beats St. Louis, the 49ers, unbelievably, would be within 1 game of first place after starting the year 0-5. The Rams don't travel well, 0-3 on the road, and the 49ers are 2-2 at home, and those 2 losses were by a combined 6 points. I'll take the 49ers here. Pick: SAN FRANCISCO

New England Patriots (6-2) @ Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2) - Another match up of teams tied for the best record in the NFL. The Patriots were badly beaten by the Browns last week and it gets no easier this week as they play the Steelers. The Steelers have played like one of the NFL's best all year and they've lost 2 games by a total of 13 points, and the 2 teams that beat them are a combined 12-5. Now, this is not a situation like the Bucs faced last week because the Steelers have also beaten good teams as well. They've beaten Atlanta, Miami, Tennessee, and Tampa Bay, all of whom are at .500 or above. The Pats have a couple of quality wins (Miami and Baltimore), but they did lose to Cleveland last week too. I think the Steelers have a slight edge here; they are better in net points and turnover margin. Pick: PITTSBURGH

Monday

Philadelphia Eagles (5-3) @ Washington Redskins (4-4) - The Eagles beat the Colts last week in Michael Vick's return from injury; the Washington Redskins come back from a much needed bye week. The Redskins beat Philadelphia 17-12 in week 4, and have been competitive in most of their games. However, the Eagles are a better team, and they'll have their eyes on avenging that week 4 loss. Pick: PHILADELPHIA and 49 points

Week 9 Picks

Looking to build on last week's 7-6 mark, without further ado, I give you the picks in the league where they play............for pay...

New York Jets (5-2) @ Detroit Lions (2-5) - The Lions got their quarterback, Matthew Stafford, back last week and they pulled out a win against Washington while the Jets were shut out by the Packers. This one is not going to be easy for the Jets, but their defense will not let them down in Detroit. It's going to be close, though. Pick: NEW YORK JETS

Miami Dolphins (4-3) @ Baltimore Ravens (5-2) - This should be a struggle between two hard hitting, physical teams. The good news for the Dolphins is that they aren't playing at home where they are 0-3, but they are coming north in a cold weather month, which, historically, has not been kind to them. Miami is good enough to keep this one close, but Baltimore is just a bit better. Pick: BALTIMORE

New England Patriots (6-1) @ Cleveland Browns (2-5) - Looking at the records it would be easy to say that the Pats will roll to an easy win this week, but I don't see it that way. Cleveland's played tough most of the year and they are coming off a shocking win in New Orleans. However, since trading Randy Moss, New England seems to be reverting back to their Super Bowl winning formula by controlling the ball and winning close games. The Browns will keep it within 7, but New England finds a way. Pick: NEW ENGLAND

San Diego Chargers (3-5) @ Houston Texans (4-3) - The Chargers have made a habit of making 2nd half of the year runs to make the playoffs, and if they're going to do it this year, now's the perfect time to start. The Texans defense is terrible (they've given up 30+ points in the last 3 weeks) and the Chargers can move the ball effectively. Troubling for the Chargers is that TE Antonio Gates is questionable. Pick: SAN DIEGO

Chicago Bears (4-3) vs Buffalo Bills (0-7) in Toronto - The Bills make their annual pilgrimage to Toronto this week. They have played better than their 0-7 record indicates and they've been close the last 3 weeks. The Bears struggle to protect their quarterback and after getting destroyed by the Giants they have really been exposed. It's a risky pick, but I like the Bills here. Pick: BUFFALO

Arizona Cardinals (3-4) @ Minnesota Vikings (2-5) - The Cardinals have not been good this year, don't be fooled by their 3-4 record; if not for Sebastian Janikowski missing a chip shot field goal at the end of regulation in week 3, they'd be 2-5 as well. They've lost 4 games by 10 or more points and they don't have a quarterback who can play. The Vikings, meanwhile, have a hall of famer at quarterback, but he's not playing like it. Brett Favre has turned the ball over at the most inopportune times and is a huge reason the Vikings are in the hole they're in. Even still, the Vikings have been consistently competitive and should be able to win here. Pick: MINNESOTA

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-2) @ Atlanta Falcons (5-2) - SI's Peter King had an interesting stat about the Bucs: the record of the 5 teams Tampa Bay has beaten: 12-24; the record of the two teams they've lost to: 10-5. As you can see, Atlanta is 5-2. I think Tampa Bay is headed in the right direction, but they're certainly taking a step up in class this week and on the road, as well. Pick: ATLANTA

New Orleans Saints (5-3) @ Carolina Panthers (1-6) - The Saints looked like they were back on track in their win last week over the Steelers. The Panthers only score 12 points per game with Matt Moore and Jimmy Clausen at quarterback, and the Saints score 20 a game and they have Drew Brees as their quarterback. Sorry, but I just don't think the Panthers really have a chance here. Pick: NEW ORLEANS

New York Giants (5-2) @ Seattle Seahawks (4-3) - The Giants travel across the country to play in one of the loudest buildings in the league. The Seahawks will be without starting quarterback Matt Hasselbeck and will go with Charlie Whitehurst instead, so if the Giants defense knocks another quarterback out of the game, we'll find out who the Seahawks 3rd string QB is. While the Giants do appear superior on paper, a couple things have to concern you: the Seahawks edge in special teams and the effect of crowd noise on the Giants offense. Pick: NEW YORK GIANTS

Indianapolis Colts (5-2) @ Philadelphia Eagles (4-3) - The Eagles caught the bye week at the right time as they will get QB Michael Vick, WR DeSean Jackson, and T Jason Peters back this week. The Colts, also decimated by injuries, may have WR Austin Collie back, so there is some good news for the defending AFC Champions. The Eagles offense has looked best with Vick at the helm, and if he's in there this week, I think the Eagles have a slight edge. Pick: PHILADELPHIA

Kansas City Chiefs (5-2) @ Oakland Raiders (4-4) - A game between these two teams has not mattered in about 20 years. Both teams boast strong running games and there should be a heavy emphasis on the run in this one. I think this one is close, and the Chiefs have been very good in close games. Pick: KANSAS CITY

Dallas Cowboys (1-6) @ Green Bay Packers (5-3) - This one looked like a playoff preview heading into the season, but the Cowboys have been a big disappointment. Jon Kitna hasn't looked totally inept in replacing Tony Romo at quarterback, but the Packers are still better than the Cowboys right now. Pick: GREEN BAY

Monday Night Football

Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2) @ Cincinnati Bengals (2-5) - I think this one will be closer than expected. The Bengals will be able to keep the Steelers close, but ultimately, I think Carson Palmer turns the ball over late and the Steelers come away with the win. Pick: PITTSBURGH and 42 points.

Week 8 Picks

Paul is dead! No, not Paul the Beatle--the Paul the Beetle? No, Michelle Beadle, who do you think we're talkin'!--but, rather, Paul the Octopus. Paul the Octopus gained international fame this past summer when he correctly predicted the winner of all 7 of Germany's World Cup matches, including Germany's loss to Spain in the tournament semi-final. For being a traitor, Paul met the swift hand of vengeance that he deserved. No, actually, he died of natural causes and the average lifespan for an octopus such as Paul is about 2 years. Knowing what's in store for me if I don't start picking NFL games better I will have to improve on my 9-5 mark last week, which brought me to 61 up and 43 down on the year. So, without further ado, the picks for week 8...in the league...where they play...for pay...

Denver Broncos (2-5) vs San Francisco 49ers (1-6) - The Niners and the Broncos will fly across the Atlantic to meet in England before taking their bye week. Neither team comes into this game flying high, as their records would indicate, as the Broncos were embarrassed by the Raiders last week in Denver giving up 59 points; and the 49ers gagged one away to the Panthers, falling 23-20. I'll say the Broncos passing game gets it done here. Pick: DENVER

Jacksonville Jaguars (3-4) @ Dallas Cowboys (1-5) - The Cowboys shot themselves in the foot with stupid penalties against the Titans and Vikings, and last week the Giants knocked Tony Romo out with a broken clavical. Jon Kitna will get the start for Dallas while the Jaguars will be getting their QB, David Garrard, back. Experts say that Jacksonville has a porous defense, Dallas is 1-5 for a reason. Pick: JACKSONVILLE

Miami Dolphins (3-3) @ Cincinnati Bengals (2-4) - Cincinnati had a great comeback last week against Atlanta, rallying back from 24-3 down to take a 25-24 lead, but Atlanta still had enough time, an entire quarter, to score 18 more points and come away with the win. Miami lost to Pittsburgh 23-22 in one of the more controversial calls of the year, but if Miami wants to blame anyone, they should only blame themselves. Their first two possessions started deep in Pittsburgh territory, but they came away with only 2 field goals to keep the Steelers in the game. I don't trust either one of these teams, but Carson Palmer has been very shaky for the Bengals this year. Pick: MIAMI

Buffalo Bills (0-6) @ Kansas City Chiefs (4-2) - Buffalo has been close the past couple weeks, but they did what losing teams do, they lost. The Chiefs are building something worth taking notice of this season, and they should get a W to move out further in the AFC West. Pick: KANSAS CITY

Washington Redskins (4-3) @ Detroit Lions (1-5) - The Lions are an improving team, but so are the Redskins, and I think the Redskins are more talented. But, seriously, though, next year the Lions are going to be a lot better, especially if Matthew Stafford can come back this season and continue to learn how to play QB at the NFL level. For now, I think Shanahan and McNabb continue to move in the right direction. Pick: WASHINGTON

Carolina Panthers (1-5) @ St. Louis Rams (3-4) - The Panthers got their first win last week against the Niners, and the Rams lost on a last minute touchdown to the Bucs in Tampa. The Rams are 3-1 at home and the Panthers 0-2 on the road, and I think that trend continues here. Pick: ST. LOUIS

Green Bay Packers (4-3) @ New York Jets (5-1) - The Packers beat the Vikings last week on Sunday night and the Jets are coming back from their bye. The Jets won't let the Packers run the football, and chances are the anemic Packer running game couldn't against even an average defense, but the Jet secondary will be tested by these Green Bay receivers. Even still, the Jets are the better team and they've had a 2nd week to prepare for this game, so go with the Jets. Pick: NEW YORK JETS

Tennessee Titans (5-2) @ San Diego Chargers (2-5) - The Chargers made a furious rally late to nearly pick off the Patriots last week and the Titans came back in the 2nd half to beat the Eagles behind a huge day from Rutgers WR Kenny Britt. I was high on the Chargers early this season, but, except for a few minutes against New England, I haven't seen enough to back them here against a good Tennessee team. Pick: TENNESSEE

Minnesota Vikings (2-4) @ New England Patriots (5-1) - Randy Moss comes back to New England after being traded by the Patriots earlier this year. The Pats haven't lost since trading Moss, and after reacquiring WR Deion Branch from Seattle they are getting away from relying on the big play. The Vikings, in case you haven't heard, are possibly facing the possibility of being without Brett Favre, who may sit for the first time in almost 20 years. Pick: NEW ENGLAND

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-2) @ Arizona Cardinals (3-3) - The Bucs had a thrilling victory over the Rams last week at home, and look to take that success on the road to the desert. The dropoff in QB from Kurt Warner is going to kill the Cardinals this year, and the Bucs seem to have a good one in Josh Freeman. Pick: TAMPA BAY

Seattle Seahawks (4-2) @ Oakland Raiders (3-4) - Don't expect the Raiders to put up 59 points again this week. I think this one is fairly even, and I'll give the Raiders a slight edge because they're at home. Pick: OAKLAND

Pittsburgh Steelers (5-1) @ New Orleans Saints (4-3) - This one has the potential to be a great game. Both defenses are fully capable of shutting down the opposing offense, and on the fast track of the Superdome, the offenses could have big nights as well. The Steelers aren't going to be intimidated by the Superdome and the crowd though, and that defense will look to turn Drew Brees over 4 more times this week, as the Browns did to him last week. Pick: PITTSBURGH

Monday Night Football

Houston Texans (4-2) @ Indianapolis Colts (4-2) - The Texans get up to play the Colts, and they are all that the team from Houston thinks about during the year. They'll be ready to play the Colts in Indianapolis. The Colts have big health issues though, but the one player that matters most on the team is healthy, so those health concerns may not be much of an issue. I'll take the Texans here, even though I do like Peyton Manning's team. Pick: HOUSTON and 52 points

Note - A misspelling of the Beatles band name has been corrected. My apologies for the error.

Week 7 Picks

My apologies for the delay in getting these picks out. So without further ado, the picks in week 7 in the league where they play.........for pay

Cincinnati Bengals (2-3) @ Atlanta Falcons (4-2) - The Falcons will do just enough to pick off the Bengals. Carson Palmer will throw a key interception and the Falcons will come away with the W. Pick: ATLANTA

Pittsburgh Steelers (4-1) @ Miami Dolphins (3-2) - Pittsburgh's dominant defense will hold the Dolphins down and the Steelers escape Miami with a victory. Pick: PITTSBURGH

Buffalo Bills (0-5) @ Baltimore Ravens (4-2) - If Baltimore is the elite team I think they are, they'll have no trouble knocking off the Bills. Buffalo will struggle to move the ball against the vaunted Ravens defense. Pick: BALTIMORE

Jacksonville Jaguars (3-3) @ Kansas City Chiefs (3-2) - Even though they've lost 2 in a row, the Chiefs have looked tough through the first 5 games. I believe. Pick: KANSAS CITY

Cleveland Browns (1-5) @ New Orleans Saints (4-2) - After struggling early, the Saints seem to be regaining their form that won the Super Bowl last year. If this one was in Cleveland, it would be tempting to pick the upset, but since it's in New Orleans...laissez les bon temps rouler (let the good times roll) Pick: NEW ORLEANS

Washington Redskins (3-3) @ Chicago Bears (4-2) - Donovan McNabb returns to his hometown and the Redskins, another surprising team, pick up a victory. Pick: WASHINGTON

San Francisco 49ers (1-5) @ Carolina Panthers (0-5) - It's usually tough for a team to come all the way across the country and pick up a victory, but even at 1-5 the 49ers are still better than the Panthers. Pick: SAN FRANCISCO

St. Louis Rams (3-3) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-2) - This one seems like a toss-up, but Tampa is home. Pick: TAMPA BAY

Philadelphia Eagles (4-2) @ Tennessee Titans (4-2) - The Eagles seem to be picking up the pace now with Kevin Kolb at QB, and with a good defense they'll go in and pick off a team that is every bit as good as they are. Pick: PHILADELPHIA

Arizona Cardinals (3-2) @ Seattle Seahawks (3-2) - The Seahawks are 2-0 at home and the Cardinals are 1-2 on the road. I'll take the Seahawks, even though I've yet to figure them out this season (0-5 in their games). Pick: SEATTLE

New England Patriots (4-1) @ San Diego Chargers (2-4) - The Chargers are not as good as they thought they would be. Pick: NEW ENGLAND

Oakland Raiders (2-4) @ Denver Broncos (2-4) - Oakland will struggle in the Mile High City. Pick: DENVER

Minnesota Vikings (2-3) @ Green Bay Packers (3-3) - The Packers, when healthy, are an elite team in the NFC; however, they're not healthy, and the Vikings may be getting ready to go on a roll. Pick: MINNESOTA

Monday Night Football

New York Giants (4-2) @ Dallas Cowboys (1-4) - The Giants will win in a shootout, and look for the Giant defensive line to overwhelm the Cowboy offensive line. Pick: DALLAS and 50 points

Week 6 Picks

Last week I went 6-8 for my worst week of the year thus far and I stand at 43-33 for the year. So, without further ado, the picks in week 6 in the league...where they play.........for pay...

Miami Dolphins (2-2) @ Green Bay Packers (3-2) - Neither team is playing well coming into this one, and Green Bay has been beset by the injury bug, including their most important players on offense and defense. Pick: MIAMI

San Diego Chargers (2-3) @ St. Louis Rams (2-3) - The Chargers are 0-3 on the road and they turn the ball over regularly; however, they still move the ball effectively on offense. The Rams are coming off a blow out loss in Detroit and two of their leading receivers are out. Pick: SAN DIEGO

Baltimore Ravens (4-1) @ New England Patriots (3-1) - Since we last saw the Patriots they traded WR Randy Moss to the Vikings and reacquired WR Deion Branch from Seattle. Ray Rice and the Ravens ran all over the Patriots in last year's playoffs so you'd have to figure the Pats would be motivated. The Patriots may be motivated, but Ray Lewis and the Ravens defense will be too. Pick: BALTIMORE

Cleveland Browns (1-4) @ Pittsburgh Steelers (3-1) - The Steelers will have QB Ben Roethlisberger back under center and the Browns will look to rookie QB Colt McCoy, who will be making his first career start. McCoy will be going against one of the best defenses in the NFL, which does not bode well for the rookie. Pick: PITTSBURGH

Kansas City Chiefs (3-1) @ Houston Texans (3-2) - After hot starts by both teams, they were both cut down by the Mannings last week. The Chiefs defense held Peyton Manning and the Colts to 19 points, but they could only manage 3 field goals; meanwhile, the Texans let Eli Manning and the Giants score at will and lost 34-10. The Chiefs will look to play a close to the vest, low scoring game and the Texans will not be afraid to get into a shootout. Pick: HOUSTON

Detroit Lions (1-4) @ New York Giants (3-2) - The Lions finally got a victory last week, blowing out the Rams at home. The Giants seem to have corrected their mistakes of the first few weeks and the defense seems to be flying under defensive coordinator Perry Fewell, but, more importantly, the ridiculous calls for Tom Coughlin's job can stop. Pick: NEW YORK GIANTS

Atlanta Falcons (4-1) @ Philadelphia Eagles (3-2) - The big issue in this one is whether the Eagles will have Michael Vick or Kevin Kolb at quarterback. The Eagles have confidence in both, but have looked better with Vick. There's no controversy in Atlanta, Matt Ryan has established himself as a quality NFL quarterback. The Atlanta defense forces turnovers and has only allowed 6 fourth quarter points. Pick: ATLANTA

Seattle Seahawks (2-2) @ Chicago Bears (4-1) - Jay Cutler returns to quarterback the Bears after suffering a concussion 2 weeks ago in New York against the Giants. The Seahawks acquired RB Marshawn Lynch from Buffalo, but that won't matter much against one of the NFL's better defenses. Pick: CHICAGO

New Orleans Saints (3-2) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-1) - The Saints have yet to hit their stride this season and last week were tripped up in Arizona by the Cardinals; meanwhile, the Bucs have surprised many, already matching their win total from last year. This game seems similar to last week's Chiefs-Colts game and is an opportunity for the Bucs to make a statement that they are for real. Pick: NEW ORLEANS

New York Jets (4-1) @ Denver Broncos (2-3) - The Jets travel to the mile high city to face the Broncos and one of the best aerial attacks in the NFL. However, the Jets might not have the services of CB Darrelle Revis, one of last year's best shutdown corners, who has not been nearly as good this year. Pick: NEW YORK JETS

Oakland Raiders (2-3) @ San Francisco 49ers (0-5) - This is not one of those games that you get NFL Sunday Ticket for. The Raiders used their special teams to upset the Chargers last week and the 49ers failed in an attempt at a comeback victory over Philadelphia. Pick: OAKLAND

Dallas Cowboys (1-3) @ Minnesota Vikings (1-3) - Both of these teams were expected by many to be Super Bowl contenders and this week's game was to be a prelude to a possible NFC Championship game. Instead, this game turns into what amounts to a playoff game for both teams. The loser goes to 1-4 and would most likely be out of the playoff picture, while the winner would still hold on to playoff hopes at 2-3. The addition of Randy Moss should be the difference in this one as the Cowboys will have nobody who can cover him. Pick: MINNESOTA

Indianapolis Colts (3-2) @ Washington Redskins (3-2) - Like the Saints, Super Bowl XLIV's other combatant, the Colts have struggled through the season's first 5 weeks. The Colts still have one of the best offenses and the Redskins have one of the league's worst defenses. Pick: INDIANAPOLIS

Monday Night Football

Tennessee Titans (3-2) @ Jacksonville Jaguars (3-2) - Tennessee has one of the best defenses in the league and they have RB Chris Johnson. Pick: Tennessee and 45 points

Week 5 Picks

With one-quarter of the regular season complete, we head toward the backstretch in the NFL season, and so far my record is a rather disappointing 37-25. Now, it's a decent record and I would be good enough for 4th place in comparison with ESPN's panel of experts, but I'm not satisfied. So, after three straight weeks of being 2 above .500, it's time to turn in a big number. So, with that being said, the picks in week 5 in the league where they play.........for pay...

Sunday, October 10

Jacksonville Jaguars (2-2) @ Buffalo Bills (0-4) - Last week the Jets came into Buffalo and whacked the Bills around 38-14; meanwhile, the Jaguars had an inspiring 31-28 win over the Indianapolis Colts. This game does set up as a trap game for Jacksonville as they have another division game next week against Tennessee, so it's not crazy to think that they would be overlooking the Bills, who are looking to get to the bye week next week for a chance to possibly regroup. It's impossible to have any faith in either defense, both have given up at least 28 in the last 3 weeks, Buffalo is even worse, giving up at least 34 in that stretch. However, Buffalo struggles mightily against the run--they allowed two-100 yard rushers last week--and the Jaguars have one of the best in Maurice Jones-Drew. Pick: JACKSONVILLE

Denver Broncos (2-2) @ Baltimore Ravens (3-1) - The Ravens come in to this one following their huge come from behind victory over division rival Pittsburgh, while Denver beat the Titans in Tennessee last week in a come from behind effort of their own. Denver has no running game to speak of, and against a defense as good as Baltimore's that only allows 117 yards per game, that does not bode well. As good as Baltimore's run defense is, Denver's is even better, allowing just 101 yards per game, so Ray Rice, who says he's healthy and ready to go, could be in for a long day. If this game was in Denver, I think I might take the Broncos in an upset because the thin air in the mile high city might be able to slow down Ray Lewis; however, the game is not in Denver, it's in Baltimore. Pick: BALTIMORE

Kansas City Chiefs (3-0) @ Indianapolis Colts (2-2) - The league's only remaining unbeaten team comes off its bye week and goes into Indianapolis to play Peyton Manning and the Colts, who lost last week in Jacksonville on a last second field goal. For years Manning and the Colts were tormented by Romeo Crennel and Charlie Weis while they were the defensive and offensive coordinators with the New England Patriots, and now they both hold the same positions with the Chiefs, so there will be familiarity, especially in the chess match between Crennel and Manning. Colts WR Autin Collie has not been practicing for much of the week and is questionable for the game, and his absence would be HUGE. The Chiefs feature a well balanced offensive attack that averages 160 yards on the ground and through the air, but look for them to to rely on the running game against an Indianapolis defense that allows 150 rushing yards per game and to keep Manning off the field. The Chiefs have looked impressive, but they really do take a step up in class this week, despite Indianapolis only being 2-2. So, the question here is whether or not you believe in the Chiefs. Maybe you do, but I don't. Pick: INDIANAPOLIS

Green Bay Packers (3-1) @ Washington Redskins (2-2) - The Packers nearly gave one away last week against Detroit, but hung on for a 28-26 win after leading 28-14. The Redskins beat the Eagles 17-12 in Donovan McNabb's return to Philadelphia; in fact, both teams have gone into Philadelphia and won. I think Aaron Rodgers is going to have to win this one through the air for Green Bay, and my guess is that he will and the Green Bay defense will come up with a big effort. Pick: GREEN BAY

St. Louis Rams (2-2) @ Detroit Lions (0-4) - The Lions are not going to go away quietly, and they've shown that in two of the last 3 weeks, rallying against both Philadelphia and Green Bay. the Rams knocked off Seattle last week to move into a three way tie for 1st place in the NFC West. This would be a great matchup of young QBs, and the last two #1 picks in the draft, if Matthew Stafford were playing, but he's not and instead it will be Shaun Hill vs Sam Bradford. I don't have a real strong feeling on this game, and neither do the odds makers, who have Detroit as a 3 point favorite, and teams usually get 3 points for being at home. Pick: ST. LOUIS

Chicago Bears (3-1) @ Carolina Panthers (0-4) - Everyone saw the beatdown that Jay Cutler took as he was sacked 9 times in the first half of the Bears 17-3 loss to the Giants. Cutler sustained a concussion on the last of those sacks and did not return, nor will he play in this one against the Panthers. At least the Bears will not have to worry about blocking Julius Peppers, who they signed from Carolina this past off-season; however, they will have to worry about Todd Collins starting under center for the first time since 2007. It would be tempting to pick the Panthers, but they will not have WR Steve Smith, which will really hamper their rookie QB Jimmy Clausen in the passing game. I think this is going to be a low scoring game, especially with Cutler out and Collins in, and the first to 20 should come away with the win. Pick: CHICAGO

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-1) @ Cincinnati Bengals (2-2) - The Bucs come back from the bye week after they allowed Charlie Batch and the Steelers to throw the ball all over the field on them and the Bengals are on the rebound after an embarrassing loss to the Browns in Cleveland. While they certainly have the big names that we're all used to hearing about, the Bengals have struggled to put up points, and you have to wonder if Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens are not Batman and Robin, but rather Dumb and Dumber. I still have my doubts about the Bucs, and I'll take the Bengals, but that's out of respect for Cincinnati's defense. Pick: CINCINNATI

Atlanta Falcons (3-1) @ Cleveland Browns (1-3) - The Falcons took all the 49ers could give them last week, but squeaked by with a 16-14 win, and the Browns got a close win of their own at home against the Bengals. Peyton Hillis has run wild the last two weeks for the Browns, who have played close games all year. I would expect this one to be close as well, but the Falcons are a step up in class, and the last time Cleveland played a team as good as Atlanta, they lost to the Ravens. Pick: ATLANTA

New York Giants (2-2) @ Houston Texans (3-1) - The Giants made quite a statement last Sunday night against the Bears in getting 9 sacks in the first half, 10 overall, and knocking Jay Cutler out of the game with a concussion while winning 17-3. The Texans beat the Raiders in Oakland. I'll admit that my first thought in this one was that the Texans would win easy, but I'm not so sure anymore. Neither team has looked good in interconference play, the Giants have been embarrassed by their 2 AFC South opponents, and the Texans are 1-1 thanks to a heroic rally from 17 points down in Washington. The two defenses play right to the strengths of their opposing offenses, the Texans allow big yards through the air, although they've been better in the past two weeks; and the Giants are vulnerable against the run, but the Bears would tell you otherwise. The Giant offense worries me, and I don't think the Texans will struggle to put up points. Pick: HOUSTON

New Orleans Saints (3-1) @ Arizona Cardinals (2-2) - The Saints are 3-1 and they have yet to fire on all cylinders, while the Cardinals are incredibly fortunate not to be 0-4. Arizona takes a big step up in class this week, and the last time they played a team this good they got blown out by the Falcons in week 2. Pick: NEW ORLEANS

Tennessee Titans (2-2) @ Dallas Cowboys (1-2) - The Titans blew a 4th quarter lead last week against Denver in losing 26-20, and the Cowboys are coming back from their bye week after beating in-state rival Houston in week 3. The Titans feature one of the best rushing attacks in the league, something the Cowboys have done a good job of stopping so far. Pick: DALLAS

San Diego Chargers (2-2) @ Oakland Raiders (1-3) - The Chargers are 0-2 on the road this year, but I still have no faith in the Raiders. Pick: SAN DIEGO

Philadelphia Eagles (2-2) @ San Francisco 49ers (0-4) - The Eagles lost to Donovan McNabb and the Redskins last week in McNabb's homecoming, while the 49ers lost a hard fought game to the Falcons. More importantly, the Eagles lost QB Michael Vick, who had been playing extremely well, and will go into this one with Kevin Kolb, the original successor to McNabb, under center. The Eagles have not looked good with Kolb, but the 49ers do not boast an elite QB of their own in Alex Smith. Pick: SAN FRANCISCO

Monday Night Football

Minnesota Vikings (1-2) @ New York Jets (3-1) - The Vikings had a much needed bye last week and the Jets steamrolled the Bills in Buffalo. Both teams will get upgrades at wide receiver this week, Santonio Holmes returns from his suspension and the Vikings acquired Randy Moss from the Patriots in a trade this week. Jets CB Darrelle Revis says he's healthy and ready to go against Moss, which is encouraging news for Gang Green. Pick: NEW YORK and 42 points

Week 3 Picks

This week I look to rebound off a rather weak 9-7 week 2. And without further delay, the picks for week 3...in the league...where they play......for pay...

Sunday, September 26

Tennessee Titans (1-1) @ New York Giants (1-1) - The Giants defense let Joseph Addai run crazy on them last week in Indianapolis. The Steelers bottled up Titans RB Chris Johnson to the tune of 34 rushes on 16 carries last week to the point that Steelers WR Hines Ward said he thought that Johnson "gave up." Pick: TENNESSEE

Cincinnati Bengals (1-1) @ Carolina Panthers (0-2) - The Bengals rebounded after an embarrassing week 1 loss in New England by defeating Baltimore 15-10 last week; however, they failed to get into the endzone. The Carolina defense is not as good as Baltimore's and the Panthers are starting a rookie QB in Jimmy Clausen. Pick: CINCINNATI

Dallas Cowboys (0-2) @ Houston Texans (2-0) - Don't let the Cowboys 0-2 record fool you, they are better than an 0-2 team. Both teams struggled in Washington against the Redskins, the Cowboys in week 1 and the Texans in week 2. I think the Texans were overlooking the Redskins in between their big opener against Indianapolis and this week's matchup with in-state rival Dallas. Pick: HOUSTON

San Francisco 49ers (0-2) @ Kansas City Chiefs (2-0) - Despite their loss to New Orleans last Monday the 49ers played fairly well, but need to do a better job of protecting the football. The Chiefs barely escaped with a victory over Cleveland. Pick: SAN FRANCISCO

Pittsburgh Steelers (2-0) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-0) - The Bucs are a surprise at 2-0, but they will struggle to score against an outstanding Pittsburgh defense. The issue here will be whether Charlie Batch can lead the Steelers to enough points to win. Pick: PITTSBURGH

Buffalo Bills (0-2) @ New England Patriots (1-1) - New England will be able to rebound from their loss to the Jets last week quite easily at home against the Bills, who were blown out in Green Bay last week. It's going to be a long year in Buffalo. Pick: NEW ENGLAND

Cleveland Browns (0-2) @ Baltimore Ravens (1-1) - The Browns have played tough against two 2-0 teams, but they're taking a step up in class this week against the Ravens. Pick: BALTIMORE

Detroit Lions (0-2) @ Minnesota Vikings (0-2) - The Lions are not that bad and I am very tempted to pick them here. If the Vikings can avoid turning the ball over, which they did seemingly at will last week, they should be able to win. Pick: MINNESOTA

Atlanta Falcons (1-1) @ New Orleans Saints (2-0) - Tempting to pick the Falcons here, and if they were home I probably would take them, but they aren't. Interesting stat, in the last 4 meetings the total score is Saints 110-Falcons 109. Pick: NEW ORLEANS

Washington Redskins (1-1) @ St. Louis Rams (0-2) - The Redskins had a chance to grab the early lead in the NFC East, but let the Texans come storming back and lost in OT. The Rams are not good and will be fighting with Buffalo for the #1 pick in the draft. Pick: WASHINGTON

Philadelphia Eagles (1-1) @ Jacksonville Jaguars (1-1) - The QB controversy continues to storm in Philadelphia and Donovan McNabb is still being booed. The Michael Vick Experience has looked good in the 6 quarters it's been off and running. Pick: PHILADELPHIA

Indianapolis Colts (1-1) @ Denver Broncos (1-1) - The Broncos will be playing this game with heavy hearts after WR Kenny McKinley died after an apparent suicide. The Colts looked to be back to their old selves in picking apart the Giants. Pick: INDIANAPOLIS

Oakland Raiders (1-1) @ Arizona Cardinals (1-1) - The Cardinals are not nearly as good as they are with Kurt Warner under center for them, but they're playing the Raiders. Pick: ARIZONA

San Diego Chargers (1-1) @ Seattle Seahawks (1-1) - San Diego should outclass the Seahawks here. Pick: SAN DIEGO

New York Jets (1-1) @ Miami Dolphins (2-0) - This is one of those division rivalry games that could go either way. The Jets are without Darrelle Revis and Braylon Edwards has created plenty of controversy and distractions for this team. I like that Miami is at home and the Jets defense has struggled against Miami's Wildcat offense. Pick: MIAMI

Monday, September 27

Green Bay Packers (2-0) @ Chicago Bears (2-0) - Green Bay is the better team, and I think Aaron Rodgers vs Jay Cutler is a potential shoot out that could get the total points near 50. GREEN BAY and 50 total points

Week 2 Picks

Last week I went 11-5 in my NFL picks, which do not factor in the point spread. And now, the picks for week 2 in the league...where they play......for pay...



Sunday

Arizona Cardinals (1-0) @ Atlanta Falcons (0-1): Last week the Falcons lost a hard fought game with the Steelers in Pittsburgh 15-9 and the Cardinals beat the Rams in St. Louis 17-13. The Cardinals are still developing chemistry between new QB Derek Anderson and WR Larry Fitzgerald, meanwhile the Falcons are well settled with franchise QB Matt Ryan and a quality defense. One cause of concern for the Falcons has to be RB Michael Turner's lack of production, but that could be attributed to a superior Pittsburgh defense in week 1. Pick: ATLANTA



Baltimore Ravens (1-0) @ Cincinnati Bengals (0-1): The Ravens won 10-9 in a low scoring defensive struggle against the Jets at the new Giants Stadium and the Bengals were shredded by Tom Brady and the Patriots 38-24 in Foxboro. Last year the Bengals swept the season series from the Ravens en route to winning the AFC North, but the Ravens have added big play WRs Anquan Boldin and TJ Houshmandzadeh to make a run at winning the division and the AFC. If they're going to beat the Bengals they'll have to stop Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco with a suspect secondary and keep RB Cedric Benson contained. The Ravens' run defense should be good enough to keep Benson from running wild and I think they'll get enough pressure on QB Carson Palmer to keep the passing game in check. Pick: BALTIMORE



Kansas City Chiefs (1-0) @ Cleveland Browns (0-1): The Chiefs beat San Diego 21-14 at home on Monday night in the rain and the Browns lost 17-14 to the Bucks in Tampa last week. The Chiefs defense and special teams looked very good against San Diego and the Browns lost to Tampa Bay, predicted by many to be one of the worst teams in the league. Pick: KANSAS CITY



Chicago Bears (1-0) @ Dallas Cowboys (0-1): The Bears beat the Lions 19-14, and were fortunate to do so, and the Cowboys lost in Washington 13-7. Dallas did not look like a team that should be good enough to threaten to win the NFC in losing to the Redskins. An awful play to end the half resulted in a fumble and recovery for a touchdown for the Redskins pretty much summed up the night for the Cowboys. The Bears are fortunate that the NFL rulebook saved them from a loss to the Lions after WR Calvin Johnson made what seemed to be a game-winning touchdown catch for Detroit. Dallas should be able to win this game. Pick: DALLAS



Philadelphia Eagles (0-1) @ Detroit Lions (0-1): Philadelphia rallied behind QB Michael Vick, but lost 27-20 to Green Bay in week 1 and the Lions lost on an unfortunate call to the Bears in Chicago, 19-14. Both teams will be without their starting QBs from week 1, but for the Eagles this seems to be an improvement. The Lions did look like a team that really is improving, but they should be overmatched by the Eagles. Pick: PHILADELPHIA



Buffalo Bills (0-1) @ Green Bay Packers (1-0): Buffalo looked punchless at home against Miami in their 15-10 week 1 loss and the Packers hung on at Philadelphia, 27-20. Even without RB Ryan Grant the Packers should be good enough to get to 2-0. Pick: GREEN BAY



Pittsburgh Steelers (1-0) @ Tennessee Titans (1-0): The Steelers slugged it out with Atlanta and won 15-9 in OT and the Titans rolled over the Raiders 38-13 at home. The Steelers have a top 5 defense, which they are going to need against QB Vince Young and RB Chris Johnson. Johnson will have a tough time getting his 100 yards, but I think the Steelers will struggle behind backup QB Dennis Dixon, who should face relentless pressure from Jeff Fisher's relentless defense. Pick: TENNESSEE



Miami Dolphins (1-0) @ Minnesota Vikings (0-1): Miami relied on its defense to hold on for a 15-10 win in Buffalo and the Vikings played a low scoring physical contest against the Saints in New Orleans, but lost 14-9. Without Pro Bowl WR Sidney Rice the Vikings could not get much going offensively against the defending Super Bowl champions, but they should have an easier (but not easy) time of it against the Dolphins, who held the one dimensional Bills down all day. WR Percy Harvin should help the Vikings free up RB Adrian Peterson for some big gains. Pick: MINNESOTA



Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-0) @ Carolina Panthers (0-1): The Bucs beat Cleveland last week, 17-14, and the Panthers lost to the Giants, 31-18. QB Matt Moore did not look good for the Panthers in week 1, and certainly not as good as he looked in the last few games of last season. The Bucs won one of the few games last week they'll win all year. Pick: CAROLINA



Seattle Seahawks (1-0) @ Denver Broncos (0-1): The Seahawks created a lot of doubts about the NFC West in beating the 49ers, 31-6, and the Broncos lost in the final minutes to the Jaguars, 24-17. Both of these teams come from each conference's weakest division, the West in both cases, and they're both probably the 2nd or 3rd best team in their division. Seattle has the edge at QB with Matt Hasselbeck, who is probably on the 2nd tier of the league's QBs, and the Broncos over the last two years have rid themselves of two of their better players, QB Jay Cutler and WR Brandon Marshall. Denver started 6-0 last year, but closed 2-8 under first year coach Josh McDaniels. While playing in the thin air of Denver is an edge for the Broncos, I don't think it's enough. Pick: SEATTLE



St. Louis Rams (0-1) @ Oakland Raiders (0-1): The Rams lost 17-13 at home to the Cardinals in QB Sam Bradford's debut and the Raiders were beaten up by the Titans, 38-13. These two teams are bad, but the Rams are supposed to be worse. Pick: OAKLAND



New England Patriots (1-0) @ New York Jets (0-1): The Patriots opened up strongly and sent a message to the rest of the AFC East in their impressive 38-24 victory over Cincinnati at home and the Jets did nothing but cause panic and questions in doing very little in a 10-9 loss to the Ravens. There is little doubt that Jets CB Darrelle Revis will shut down whoever he lines up against, whether it is WRs Randy Moss or Wes Welker, but the Jets will still have to cover the other, and they looked very poor against the Ravens WRs on Monday night; the Jets did, however, shut down the Ravens running game. Playing a disciplined game and avoiding penalties will be crucial to the Jets' success. On offense the Jets are going to have to find their game quickly, because they do not want to dig themselves too deep a hole while they wait for WR Santonio Holmes to come back from his suspension. While it is hard to call a game in week 2 must win, this is pretty close.

I also think that the Jets might be better off if this game were up in Foxboro because it might galvanize them into the "us against the world" mindset that they seemed to adopt during last season's run to the AFC Championship. Another reason that they would be better off being on the road this week is that if things don't start out well for the Jets, the crowd could turn ugly and then panic may set in. Pick: NEW ENGLAND



Jacksonville Jaguars (1-0) @ San Diego Chargers (0-1): The Jaguars used a 4th quarter touchdown to beat the Broncos 24-17 and the Chargers struggled in the rain in Kansas City while losing 21-14 to the Chiefs. I think this game is very similar to the Chicago-Dallas game and I think the Chargers will keep RB Maurice Jones-Drew in check and get back to .500. Pick: SAN DIEGO



Houston Texans (1-0) @ Washington Redskins (1-0): The Texans finally beat the Colts, winning 34-24, and the Redskins knocked off the Cowboys 13-7. The Redskins relied on their defense to hold the Cowboys down, although it was a hold by the Cowboys that was the difference in this game on the last play. The Texans defeated their longtime nemesis, Indianpolis, and now may be ready to break through and make the playoffs for the first time in team history. Houston should use the momentum from that win to defeat the Skins, who may be too satisfied after defeating their rivals last week. Pick: HOUSTON



New York Giants (1-0) @ Indianapolis Colts (0-1): The Giants beat the Panthers to open the new Giants Stadium and the Colts fell to division rival Houston in week 1. The Giants may be able to exploit the porous Colt run defense, but even if they do that it is hard to imagine that they will be able to stop Peyton Manning, who will be well prepared to prevent his team from falling to 0-2. Pick: INDIANAPOLIS



Monday Night Football



New Orleans Saints (1-0) @ San Francisco 49ers (0-1): The Saints opened their title defense with a win over the Vikings and the 49ers, picked by many to win the NFC West, were humbled by the Seahawks. I still think the 49ers are going to win the NFC West, but they're going to have to do it after an 0-2 start. Pick: NEW ORLEANS and 43 total points for the tie-breaker

Week 1 Picks

The picks for week 1 in the league...where they play......for pay...

Thursday, September 9
Minnesota @ New Orleans - The Saints beat Brett Favre up in last season's NFC Championship game at the Superdome, which the Vikings vow will not happen again. The Vikings may do a better job of protecting Favre, but he'll still be without Pro Bowl receiver Sidney Rice, which certainly will not help their cause. One thing the Vikings can't promise is that Favre won't do THIS! Pick: NEW ORLEANS

Sunday, September 12
Miami @ Buffalo - Last season the Bills were 30th (out of 32) against the run and Miami loves to run the football. (What, you thought they would run the basketball?) Miami quarterback Chad Henne also has a new favorite target in Brandon Marshall, acquired during the off-season from Denver. The Bills are not without talent, however, and CJ Spiller, their #1 pick in the draft should be fun to watch...unless you're a Dolphins fan. Pick: MIAMI

Detroit @ Chicago - The Lions are finally starting to get past the Matt Millen (more on him in future posts) era. I mean, it's been [3] YEARS since they've drafted a wide receiver with their first pick! Matthew Stafford seems like he could be a franchise quarterback, and you certainly can't question his toughness after he led the Lions to victory by throwing a game-winning touchdown with a separated shoulder. The Bears are still the better team. Pick: CHICAGO

Oakland @ Tennessee - Tennessee almost made the playoffs last year after starting 0-6; they won't have to wait that long for their first victory this year. Pick: TENNESSEE

Cincinnati @ New England - I think this is a toss-up game, but I like the Patriots at home. Pick: NEW ENGLAND

Carolina @ New York Giants - The Giants closed down the old Giants Stadium by basically giving up and getting blown out by these same Panthers last season. This season there are still some questions for the Giants, especially on the offensive line and how will the defense respond to their new defensive coordinator, Perry Fewell, but they'll find a way, most likely through the air, to open the new Giants Stadium with a win. Pick: NEW YORK GIANTS

Atlanta @ Pittsburgh - Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger earned himself a 4 game suspension to start the season, so the Steelers will rely on backup Dennis Dixon to keep them alive until Big Ben comes back. Pick: ATLANTA

Cleveland @ Tampa Bay - These two teams are bad and hopefully Tampa Bay can use home field advantage to their benefit in this one. Pick: TAMPA BAY

Denver @ Jacksonville - Denver looked great through their first 6 games last year in starting 6-0, but fizzled out and went 2-6 to close out the year. Denver is probably the second best team in the AFC West, but that doesn't say much. Pick: JACKSONVILLE

Indianapolis @ Houston - This should be an outstanding game, but I'm still not betting against Peyton Manning. This guy seems to be obsessed with him.... Pick: INDIANAPOLIS

San Francisco @ Seattle - San Francisco will win the NFC West. Pick: SAN FRANCISCO

Green Bay @ Philadelphia - I just don't like the Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay is pretty good. If the Eagles were playing the Browns or Lions, for instance, then I would pick Philadelphia, but not here...Pick: GREEN BAY

Arizona @ St. Louis - Even without Kurt Warner and Anquan Boldin the Cardinals are still better than the Rams. Pick: ARIZONA

Dallas @ Washington - The Redskins will be much improved this year under Head Coach Mike Shanahan and Quarterback Donovan McNabb, but Dallas is much better. Pick: DALLAS

Monday, September 13
Baltimore @ New York Jets - This one should be a fairly low scoring game considering the ability of the two defenses; however, I think Baltimore has the more potent offense and that's why they'll win...and they have Ray Rice. Pick: BALTIMORE

San Diego @ Kansas City - San Diego is still the class of the AFC West and should be a top threat to win the AFC again. Pick: SAN DIEGO

*Note: All picks are straight up and not against the point spread*