Last Week: 8-7-1
Season: 27-19-1
My apologies to Sean right off the bat for not making him much money last week. Hopefully I will be able to rebound after another average week. The stretch run is underway in the NFL with some outstanding match-ups this week that have major playoff implications. A major snow storm is crossing the middle of the country and heading for the northeast which could have a major impact on several games this weekend. Proceed with caution. Home teams in CAPITALS.
Colts (-3) over TITANS
The Colts have been in a major funk and the Titans are an absolute mess right now. Peyton Manning had another disappointing performance last Sunday against the Cowboys throwing two separate interceptions returned for touchdowns. He has to snap out of it at some point, right? I’ll say Manning and company have a big performance on Thursday night and beat the Titans.
JAGUARS (-4) over Raiders
I have stayed away from the Jaguars all season but at some point you have to recognize what Jack Del Rio’s team is accomplishing. Maurice Jones Drew is having an outstanding season and Jacksonville deserves its spot a top the AFC South. Oakland is playing very good football under Tom Cable but a West Coast team coming off a big divisional win traveling across the country for a 1pm EST start normally spells disaster.
Bengals (+8.5) over STEELERS
If it looks like a trap game and it smells like a trap game… is it a trap game? Cincinnati has lost 9 straight games and is one of the most disappointing teams in the entire NFL this season. Pittsburgh comes into this matchup coming off a huge road win at Baltimore and with the New York Jets on the schedule next week. A lot of snow is expected at Heinz Field this weekend which should make this a lower scoring game. I expect the Steelers to win but it will be closer than a lot of people think.
Browns (Pick Em) over BILLS
Both of these teams have been playing much better football over the past month under Eric Mangini and Chan Gailey respectively. I just think Cleveland (even with Jake Delhomme under center) is the better team right now.
Giants (-3) over VIKINGS *subject to change
Stay away from this game as the situation surrounding its start time is an absolute mess. New York was stranded in Kansas City on Saturday due to inclement weather and now the roof of the Metrodome caved in from snow Sunday morning. This game may be played at a neutral site such as the University of Minnesota or Ford Field in Detroit on Monday night, but it has not been determined yet. Normally the Vikings have success against Eli Manning and the Giants but wherever and whenever this game is played, New York simply needs the win more.
Packers (-7) over LIONS
Green Bay is still in the thick of the NFC playoff hunt and needs to continue to win games in order to stay alive. With the Lions down to 3rd string QB Drew Stanton, expect Clay Matthews and the Packers defense to have a big afternoon.
Falcons (-7.5) over PANTHERS
Atlanta is due a loss after pulling out several close games over the past month. However it won’t happen Sunday afternoon against the lowly Panthers. Matt Ryan and the Falcons deserve their spot a top the NFC and will prove it once again on Sunday with a big victory.
Buccaneers (+1.5) over REDSKINS
It was a devastating week for Tampa Bay after a heartbreaking loss at home to the Falcons and CB Aqib Tabib and C Jeff Faine were both lost for the season due to injury. Tampa Bay’s season is on life support and it will take a lot for a young team to bounce back from the adversity they have faced this past week. I think Josh Freeman and Raheem Morris are up to the task.
Rams (+8.5) over SAINTS
Sam Bradford and company are right in the mix for a playoff spot in the NFC West. I don’t expect St. Louis to go into the Superdome and pull out a victory but I wouldn’t be surprised if the Rams keep it close.
Seahawks (+5) over 49ERS
Seattle is the better team… right? The NFC West is an absolute joke and although Pete Carroll’s squad has been very up and down this season, the bottom line is they are a better team than San Francisco.
BEARS (-3) over Patriots
Make sure to remind me that I’m a moron for picking against Tom Brady and the Pats. However coming off of a dominating performance on Monday Night against the Jets, I wouldn’t be shocked to see the Patriots struggle this week. No one is giving the Bears any credit yet and they can make a major statement with a win on Sunday. The field conditions at Soldier Field are expected to be atrocious (what else is new?) which could have an impact on both offenses.
JETS (-5.5) over Dolphins
Rex Ryan and the Jets are coming off of an embarrassing 45-3 loss on Monday night at New England. They are going to want to take their frustrations out on somebody and this week that happens to be the Dolphins.
Broncos (-4) over CARDINALS
Denver fired head coach Josh McDaniels early in the week and turned the reigns over to former running backs coach Eric Studsville. Firing your coach in the middle of the season has worked well so far in 2010. The Cardinals are starting rookie QB John Skeleton out of Fordham. I’m thinking Studsville gets a victory in his first game as coach.
CHARGERS (-9.5) over Chiefs
This is a must win for San Diego and Matt Cassell will miss the game after having an appendectomy on Wednesday. Backup QB Brody Croyle is a whopping 0-9 as a starter in the NFL. His record will move to 0-10 after Sunday’s game in San Diego.
Eagles (-4) over COWBOYS
Dallas is playing much better football and the Eagles losing CB Asante Samuel for this game will make it much tighter. However this is a major revenge game for Philadelphia. After being absolutely embarassed in Week 17 and the Wild Card round of the playoffs last season in Dallas, the Eagles return to Cowboys stadium with a chip on their shoulder. Andy Reid has only lost 1 game in his career after having at least 10 days to prepare for an opponent (Super Bowl nightmares are coming back…).
Ravens (-3) over TEXANS
Baltimore needs this win after losing at home to Pittsburgh on Sunday night. Ray Lewis and the Ravens defense should have success in Houston and Joe Flacco should have a field day against the Texans porous secondary.
Leave a Reply