NFL Week 9 Picks

Due to the event of several uncontrollable occurrences taking place in my household, this week’s picks will have to be short and to the point. Here they are Week 9’s predictions.

Last week: 10-3

Season: 70-46 (.603)

ALL TIMES ARE EASTERN

Sunday, November 4, 2007

Open Date: Chicago Bears(3-5), Miami Dolphins(0-8), New York Giants(6-2), St. Louis Rams(0-8)

Arizona Cardinals(3-4) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers(4-4) 1:00 PM

Kurt Warner should have had time to let his elbow heal a bit, but I don’t think the Cardinals will survive a road game against an improved Buccaneers team at home.

Buccaneers win at home

Carolina Panthers(4-3) at Tennessee Titans(5-2) 1:00 PM

Carolina has yet to beat a team above .500 and the Titans defense is the reason they are 5-2. Look for Vince Young to improve this week after a shaky return in Week 8.

Titans continue to roll

Cincinnati Bengals(2-5) at Buffalo Bills(3-4) 1:00 PM

This one is tough for me. I still want to say the Bengals are good and the Bills aren’t, but the Bengals defense has more holes than a screen door and the Bills have got a bit of a mini streak going.

Dare I say Bills again in front of their home crowd? OK, I dare

Denver Broncos(3-4) at Detroit Lions(5-2) 1:00 PM

My heart says Denver, but my head says Detroit. Let’s be honest, Denver’s run defense was a one hit wonder against Pittsburgh, Dre Bly and Champ Bailey are underperforming, and the offense’s get up and go, gets up and leaves in the red zone. All that said, Lions should win this week, but the homer in me can’t do it, to much talent on this team!

Broncos pull it back together

Green Bay Packers(6-1) at Kansas City Chiefs(4-3) 1:00 PM

Brett Favre just has a way of getting it done when he’s on, and he certainly isn’t off. Question is can the Packers produce a run game on some one besides Denver’s reflection of last years Indy run defense.

Packers continue on path to playoffs

Jacksonville Jaguars(5-2) at New Orleans Saints(3-4) 1:00 PM

Drew Brees and Reggie Bush may be leading the charge on their three game winning streak, but they haven’t beat anyone with like the Jaguars.

Jaguars take another one on the road

San Diego Chargers(4-3) at Minnesota Vikings(2-5) 1:00 PM

LaDainian Tomlinson is charged to go. Philip Rivers has a new receiver in Chris Chambers and an old favorite in Antonio Gates. Vikings just have trouble headed to town.

Chargers take a road win

San Francisco 49ers(2-5) at Atlanta Falcons(1-6) 1:00 PM

With a few weeks under his belt I had expected Byron Leftwich to make a bit of a turn around for the Falcons, to bad his injury has him out of the game quicker than he got into it. Here’s the 49ers opportunity to add a ‘W’ to their stats.

49ers find a way to finish on top

Washington Redskins(4-3) at New York Jets(1-7) 1:00 PM

OK, J.E.T.S., Jets, Jets, Jets. Now I got it out of the way before I picked the winner of this match up because I’m not picking them again this week. Redskins are too good, and the Jets are too bad.

Redskins need a little w.i.n. to help them get over last weeks destruction

Seattle Seahawks(4-3) at Cleveland Browns(4-3) 4:05 PM

Another game that would have seemed an easy pick at the beginning of the season, but now requires a bit of thought. Shaun Alexander has lacked any fire this year, while Derek Anderson has continued to keep Brady Quinn on the bench.

Browns continue to put points on the board

Houston Texans(3-5) at Oakland Raiders(2-5) 4:15 PM

Houston has had a bit of a struggle, and I’ve swallowed the pain of picking Oakland enough this week only to be proven wrong on top of it.

Houston gets a road win

New England Patriots(8-0) at Indianapolis Colts(7-0) 4:15 PM

This is it, the last obstacle between the Patriots and a possible perfect season. Parity seems to be escaping New England this year, so I can only guess that the Colts hold the only chance at an upset. It’s now or never.

Peyton Manning out guns Tom Brady for Patriots first loss

Dallas Cowboys(6-1) at Philadelphia Eagles(3-4) 8:15 PM

A great divisional rivalry and the possibility for a good game; However, I believe that Tony Romo and Terrell Owens will own this game.

Cowboys shoot down the Eagles

Monday, November 5, 2007 Monday Night Football

Baltimore Ravens(4-3) at Pittsburgh Steelers(5-2) 8:30 PM

Ravens defense hasn’t been as dominating as recent years and the Steelers have continued in their tradition of smash mouth football. This could possibly be a good game, but I only see one outcome.

Steelers win on Monday Night

And that completes this week’s picks. Just remember, “Football isn’t a contact sport, it’s a collision sport. Dancing is a contact sport.” – Hugh “Duffy” Daugherty.

Good luck everyone.

NFL Week 8 ATS

My apologies. Due to circumstances beyond my control, involving a family emergency, I was unable to publish my picks ATS before the start of the football week. Thank you for your understanding.

NFL Week 8 Picks

Week 7 has come and Week 7 has gone and all I can say is that I survived. My distance over the .500 mark has increased, but only in what I would call an average fashion. I did, however, come out on top with two of my upset picks as Buffalo was able to rise above Baltimore and my homer pick, as many would call it, of Denver over Pittsburgh finished Jason Elam style. I finished the week 9-5 bringing my season to 60-43 (.583). However, the perfect week still eludes me. With a shorter list of games this week (13) we’ll have to see if I can’t accomplish this task. Come on 13-0! Here we go, Week 8.

ALL TIMES ARE EASTERN

Sunday, October 28, 2007

Open Date: Arizona Cardinals(3-4), Atlanta Falcons(1-6), Baltimore Ravens(4-3), Dallas Cowboys(6-1), Kansas City Chiefs(4-3), Seattle Seahawks(4-3)

Cleveland Browns(3-3) at St. Louis Rams(0-7) 1:00 PM

The Rams are going to have to win at some point aren’t they? Maybe or Maybe not. Even if the Browns aren’t one of the greater teams in the league they have been putting up a lot of offensive points. The Rams on the other hand have been giving points while not getting many of their own. If the Rams are going to get a win, this is probably one of their chances, but I just don’t see them getting it.

Browns move above the .500 mark

Detroit Lions(4-2) at Chicago Bears(3-4) 1:00 PM

The Lions were able to step up and upset the Bears in Week 4 when they hosted Chicago. This week they will go on the road to Chicago for the rematch. Brian Griese will be the man behind center for the Bears in this match up and the Lions defense has been a little porous. The question will remain whether or not the Bears defense will continue to struggle. With Kevin Jones back for this match, I think the Lions may just take another win.

Lions sweep the Bears

Indianapolis Colts(6-0) at Carolina Panthers(4-2) 1:00 PM

Peyton Manning should hope to have Marvin Harrison more active this week. Even though he hasn’t missed a beat in his absence, Manning will be more comfortable with his favorite target back in the mix. As long as the Colts don’t over look the Panther in preparation for New England next week, this game should go to Indy.

Colts will host next week in a battle of the unbeaten

New York Giants(5-2) at Miami Dolphins(0-7) 1:00 PM (LONDON)

What a poor representation of American Football for London and I’m not talking about the Giants. With the recent loss of Ronnie Brown to a torn ACL, the Dolphins might as well call it a season the way they have played to date. Eli Manning will continue to hit his receivers as Brandon Jacobs racks up even more yards now that he has returned and warmed up. Does anyone besides diehard Dolphin fans think there might be an upset here?

Giants continue to battle for the NFC East

Oakland Raiders(2-4) at Tennessee Titans(4-2) 1:00 PM

Titans came back for an NFL record breaking win last week after letting Houston get back in the game and almost steal the win. It may not be as good as eight touchdowns in one game, but Rod Birona’s record eight field goals made for quite an interesting win. With the possibility of facing the Raiders defense without Vince Young again this week I have to admit I have question marks about a successful week for Tennessee, but even with Daunte Culpepper and an improve offense from last year Oakland has issues.

Titans stay in the ‘Win’ column one more week

Philadelphia Eagles(2-4) at Minnesota Vikings(2-4) 1:00 PM

I have to admit I’m having trouble figuring these teams out. With Adrian Peterson averaging 6.2 yards a carry you would think that the Vikings would have more in the winning column. Then after Donovan McNabb and the Eagles racked up 56 points on Detroit, you would have thought they would have performed better. For this match up, I’m going to have to go with the home team. They have the run and their defense should hold.

Vikings protect the home village

Pittsburgh Steelers(4-2) at Cincinnati Bengals(2-4) 1:00PM

Ben Roethlisberger had the look of panic and fear in the first half of last weeks match up against Denver as their defense stepped it up. However, he regained his footing in the second half as Denver got to comfortable and softened the rush and he was almost able to come back for the win. Big Ben shouldn’t expect any pressure this week as the Bengals aren’t stopping anyone for scoring, leaning on their offense to shot it out with their opponents.

Steelers get back on the winning track this week

Buffalo Bills(2-4) at New York Jets(1-6) 4:05 PM

The Bills won this first match up as they hosted the Jets a few weeks back. This week they take to the road to meet up with Chad Pennington and his company. Will Thomas Jones finally find the end zone in New York? Or do the Bills carry the energy of their win and home crowd over the last few weeks to win on the road? The Jets are getting desperate for a win and will look to take one from their division rival to avoid being swept.

J.E.T.S., Jets, Jets, Jets

Houston Texans(3-4) at San Diego Chargers(3-3) 4:05 PM

Houston started out looking good with a 2-0 start and then a close game against Indianapolis, but has struggled since with only one win against Miami. With Matt Schaub’s injury to his hip making him a question mark and the more than likely continued absence of Andre Johnson this match up in San Diego on the Chargers home field will prove to be tough against San Diego will prove to be tough, no matter where they decide to play this game. Especially since LaDainian Tomlinson seems to be starting to roll.

Chargers gain a winning record

Jacksonville Jaguars(4-2) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers(4-3) 4:05 PM

Jaguars may not have won last week, but I still believe they are a strong NFL team. However, Jeff Garcia and the Buccaneers have had some shining moments of their own. This week David Garrard won’t be around to lead the charge across Florida to Tampa, but I believe that it will be the legs of Maurice Jones-Drew that will be leading the chaos felt by the Buccaneers defense.

Jaguars stake claim to best team in Florida

New Orleans Saints(2-4) at San Francisco 49ers(2-4) 4:15 PM

At this point, I’m still trying to find out if the Saints have really come out of their funk. After an impressive win over Seattle, they seemed to have a little more difficulty putting away Atlanta. I will give them the fact that Byron Leftwich made his first start against them, and Leftwich is a much better option than Joey Harrington in my opinion. So now Drew Brees and Reggie Bush take their show on the road to San Fran in an attempt to advance their standings at the expense of the offense deficient 49ers.

Saints continue to march on with their win streak

Washington Redskins(4-2) at New England Patriots(7-0) 4:15 PM

Although the Redskins have had some success on the field this year, I simply can’t see anything other than a Patriots victory until somebody can rock Tom Brady’s world. He’s playing with such confidence and such composure in every situation that he seems unshakeable. Why not be confident when throwing to a talent like Randy Moss, at least now that he’s actually excited to play.

Patriots add one more in search of perfect season

Monday, October 29, 2007 Monday Night Football

Green Bay Packers(5-1) at Denver Broncos(3-3) 8:30 PM

Brett Favre and the Packers have been looking hot this season, but it’s been mainly because of their passing game. Their run offense has been a bit of struggle. This week they will match up with Denver who has one of the best pass defenses in the NFL. Their weakness has been the run, but there seems to have been some repair in that area as the Broncos defeated Pittsburgh last week. Dre Bly has somehow managed to stay off the injured list at this point although it was obvious he was banged up. The return of Champ Bailey is unknown right now. Will the Denver Defense hold? I was called a homer last week, but we won. So call me a homer again this week.

Denver wins two in a row at home to stay in the race for the AFC West

Now with Week 8’s picks in the books I’d like to see myself pull off a week of genius with a 13-0 finish, but as Joe Theismann said, “Nobody in football should be called a genius. A genius is a guy like Norman Einstein.” Thanks Joe, I feel smarter already.

NFL Week 7 ATS

Better late than never, games haven’t started yet so I’ll get my ATS in a quickly as possible. Finishing last week 6-5-2, it was an improvement from week 5, but not enough. Let’s see what we can pull off this week.

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Sunday October 21, 2007

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Arizona Cardinals
Washington Redskins -9

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Atlanta Falcons +8
New Orleans Saints

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Baltimore Ravens
Buffalo Bills +3

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New England Patriots -17
Miami Dolphins

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San Francisco 49ers
New York Giants -9.5

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers +2.5
Detroit Lions

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Tennessee Titans
Houston Texans -1.5

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Kansas City Chiefs
Oakland Raiders -3

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New York Jets +6.5
Cincinnati Bengals

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Minnesota Vikings +9.5
Dallas Cowboys

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Chicago Bears
Philadelphia Eagles -6

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St Louis Rams
Seattle Seahawks -8.5

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Pittsburgh Steelers
Denver Broncos +4

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Monday, October 22, 2007 Monday Night Football

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Indianapolis Colts -3.5
Jacksonville Jaguars

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Quick and simple, short and sweet, and I can only hope accurate and correct. There are the picks, tune in next week for the results.

NFL Week 7 Picks

Week 6 ended another brutal week for me in the NFL picks. Although I continue to keep my head above .500, it most certainly isn’t anything to write home about. I was the only one upset about my upset picks and the Saints finally won a game…that in itself should sum it up for me. Last week I finished 7-6 for another mediocre week. This brings my running total to 51-38 (.573). It’s time for a turn around. This week I’m looking to bounce back and come on strong. Only one way to do that, and that’s to get this show on the road.

ALL TIMES ARE EASTERN

Sunday, October 21, 2007

Open Dates: Carolina Panthers, Cleveland Browns, Green Bay Packers, San Diego Chargers

Arizona Cardinals(3-3) at Washington Redskins(3-2)

How far down the depth charts do you have to go to keep a quarterback on the field? Matt Leinart and Kurt Warner played musical center. However, Leinart’s injury handed the job over to Warner full time. Now Warner is out and the Cardinals find Tim Rattay as their new starter and he starts by putting up three INT’s. This may not look good for Arizona, especially on the road this week.

Washington’s Defense makes Rattay wish he was back on the bench.

Atlanta Falcons(1-5) at New Orleans Saints(1-4)

I keep pulling for the Saints and pulling for the Saints only to be let down time and time again. So I give up and pick them to lose. That was last week. And last week Reggie Bush came to play while Drew Brees only passed to his own receivers. David Patten had a breakout day and the Saints finally put one in the win column. Dare I pick them this week? Should I pick them this week? Or am I destined for disaster with this team this year?

Saints march it on home against the Falcons.

Baltimore Ravens(4-2) at Buffalo Bills(1-4)

After the Bills performance against Dallas before their bye week I’m not sure picking the Bills to win this week would be much of an upset. Yes the Ravens are 4-2, but the only teams they’ve beat above .500 is…well, actually, Arizona is exactly at .500, so the Ravens have yet to defeat an above average team. If the Bills defense can pick off Tony Romo then they’ll pick off whoever starts for the Ravens, Steve McNair or Kyle Boller. The question will be how often Trent Edwards will turn over the ball.

Bills home crowd energy is enough for the win this week

New England Patriots(6-0) at Miami Dolphins(0-6)

Um, yeah, right. At this point, Miami should just save themselves the embarrassment and just forfeit this game. Tom Brady and Randy Moss are hot enough to beat the Dolphins alone. Patriots are just too hot, and the Dolphins are just too cold.

Patriots will remain undefeated

San Francisco 49ers(2-3) at New York Giants(4-2)

Eli Manning and Plaxico Burress have continued to connect but the Giants as a whole aren’t the most dominate team this year. This may be true, but the 49ers will be traveling across three time zones with Trent Dilfer at their lead. Let’s face it, Trent Dilfer is…well…a backup with a 43.3 passer rating. Need I say more? No, I’m afraid all 49er fans are going to have to continue to wait for another win. It won’t come this week in New York.

Giants continue to roll on their winning streak.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers(4-2) at Detroit Lions(3-2)

The Lions have been an interesting team to watch this season. Their offense has been a bit up and down, but entertaining none-the-less. Jon Kitna made a 10+ win promise at the beginning of the season this year, and although he may not hit that mark, he’s making a God honest effort. With Kevin Jones easing his way back onto the field and having a bye week before getting back on the field, the Lions will host the Bucs who have been making a little run of their own. Hmmm, tough call, I’m going with…

Bucs give Lions their first home loss of the season.

Tennessee Titans(3-2) at Houston Texans(3-3)

Titans will travel to Houston unsure whether Vince Young will return or whether Kerry Collins will be their quarterback. Houston welcomed Ahman Green back last week and should be feeling more complete with the return of Andre Johnson. Yeah, yeah, I know, I’ve said Johnson was coming back for the last three weeks. Just shows how reliable information this early in the week can be, but this week I think it’s more likely to be true. With the team more intact, or should I say with Matt Schaub’s favorite receiver back, Houston defends their home turf.

Houston wins one at home

Kansas City Chiefs(3-3) at Oakland Raiders(2-3)

The Raiders have shown some improvement since Daunte Culpepper got behind center. And LaMont Jordan has had the bye week to mend a few wounds. But the Chiefs pass defense has been good, and that may cause problems for Culpepper, and maybe LaMont Jordan hasn’t healed enough now that Larry Johnson seems to have found his feet. The Raiders may be improving, but can the Chief survive the Black Hole this week?

Raiders rob Chiefs of the chance at a winning record

New York Jets(1-5) at Cincinnati Bengals(1-4)

The Jets only win has come against Miami, and that one was even close. The Bengals only win, against a better Baltimore team. That’s one Bengals. Jets have been averaging 17.5 points a game, Bengals 24.2. Two Bengals. Jets have given up an average of 25.7 points a game, Bengals 31.2…OK, yeah, the Bengals defense has been a bit awful. That one goes to the Jets. Home team? Bengals. Jets one, Bengals three. So why do I want to pick the Jets in this match up? Maybe it’s the Bengals Defense.

J.E.T.S., Jets, Jets, Jets!!!

Chicago Bears(2-4) at Philadelphia Eagles(2-3)

It’s official. The Bears defense is no longer a threat. Whether he’s good or not, you simply can’t let a single running back run up 224 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns and call yourself a defensive team. At least Brian Griese has decided to give their offense some production, and, oh yeah, Devin Hester! Man that guy is good. Donovan McNabb flings a TD or two this week and Brian Westbrook uses some of the holes Adrain Peterson left in the Bears defense.

Eagles win at home and move to .500

Minnesota Vikings(2-3) at Dallas Cowboys(5-1)

Adrian Peterson proved he could be lightning in a bottle last week as he absolutely shredded the Chicago defense for 224 yards and 3 touchdowns. However, the Cowboys aren’t Chicago, and Dallas will be looking to redeem their selves after the beating they took from New England. The Vikings defense can be stout, but Tony Romo will aim to return to his early season self.

Cowboys continue to fight to stay above the NFC

St. Louis Rams(0-6) at Seattle Seahawks(3-3)

For two weeks in a row we have seen the Seahawks under perform. Although Pittsburgh may have simply been the better team, very few saw New Orleans coming out of nowhere to slap the Seahawks at home. After giving New Orleans their first and only win, will the Seahawks offer the Rams the same gift? No, I think New Orleans earned it, the Rams will need Seattle to lay down and give it.

Seahawks shake off daze and win.

Pittsburgh Steelers(4-1) at Denver Broncos(2-3)

Pittsburgh is a smash mouth running team, and although Denver has one of the best pass defenses in the NFL, even Indianapolis chose to run the ball toward a win before opening up the pass late in the game. Jacksonville ran the ball and San Diego ran the ball. At this point Denver needs to stop the run or kiss their season goodbye. I’m going to call it a hunch, that Shanahan has addressed this problem during the bye week and that all the talent on the Denver team will start to find some honest to God chemistry this week. I’m going to call it a feeling. Everyone else is going to call it a homer pick. Either way, that’s fine with me.

Denver begins to turn their season around with a home win.

Monday, October 22, 2007 Monday Night Football

Indianapolis Colts(5-0) at Jacksonville Jaguars(4-1)

The Jaguars have been running the ball on everyone lately. Not to mention that Maurice Jones-Drew enjoyed a lot of run yards (166) against the Colts in last years second match up. This game promises to be a good match up, but the Colts defense have been holding up MUCH better against the run this year and Peyton Manning may still have a little bit to say about the final score again this week. Even with a good possibility that Joseph Addai and Marvin Harrison will remain questionable this week. May sound like the makings of an upset, but somehow I’m not sure Manning will tolerate it on a Monday Night in front of the Nation.

Colts remain undefeated as they get one step closer to New England

So once again the weekly picks come to a close. It’s time to get it on!!! Get pumped up!!! 14-0!!! This is the week!!! In the words of Vince Lombardi, “If you aren’t fired with enthusiasm, you will be fired with enthusiasm.” Let’s get ready for some Football!!!

NFL Week 6 ATS

Last week broke the bank, sent me to the poor house, and ruined my credit!!! Well, it would have if I had actually placed money on all my picks. Last week was a devastating 3-10-1 week. Ouch. Let’s try to bring those numbers up. Another week of short and sweet, here’s the breakdown.

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Sunday October 14, 2007

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Cincinnati Bengals -3
Kansas City Chiefs
If Larry Johnson is going to get a run game this year, this would be the time. However, the Bengals will still score quicker and more often. Taking the Bengals give the points.

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Houston Texans +7
Jacksonville Jaguars
Even with a little scare against Miami, Houston has looked pretty good this year. I expect them to cover and will look for an outright upset.

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Miami Dolphins
Cleveland Browns -4.5
A game where anything could happen, I’m betting on the more likely, but when has that ever been a lock this year? Give the points.

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Minnesota Viking +5.5
Chicago Bears
Bears have a tough defense, but so does Minnesota. This will be a low scoring game and a close score. Vikings Cover.

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Philadelphia Eagles -4
New York Jets
Far from a lock, the Eagles have had their struggles this year, but with Westbrook returning, take the Eagles and give the points.

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St. Louis Rams +9
Baltimore Ravens
The only reason the Rams cover in this game is because the Ravens offense can’t run up the score. That’s right, Rams cover.

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Tennessee Titans +3
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
I’ve been envisioning a game winning field goal to win this game all week. Buccaneers win, but Titans cover.

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Washington Redskin
Green Bay Packers -3
Redskins are no push over team this year, but the Pack will be back this week and intend to play BOTH halves. Give the points and take the Packers.

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Carolina Panthers +6
Arizona Cardinals
A bit of a struggle picking this spread. Cardinals will win, but by how much? I wanted to give the points, I tried to give the points, but I couldn’t give the points, Panthers cover.

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New England Patriots
Dallas Cowboys +6.5
This is probably only one of the two chances the NFL will get to keep the Patriots from being undefeated. Cowboys will rebound from Romo’s awful game last week, play well at home, and cover this spread. In fact, I’m predicting a straight out win.

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Oakland Raiders
San Diego Chargers -10
Can we really trust the Chargers to do it again after only one week? They’ve looked pretty off their game the rest of the season. It’s possible the Chargers are back in action, so I’m giving the points.

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New Orleans Saints
Seattle Seahawks -6.5
The Saint’s ain’t marching. In fact, they haven’t even gotten off the bench. They’ve been down right awful this year. What happened here? Give the points.

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Monday, October 15. 2007 Monday Night Game

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New York Giants -3.5
Atlanta Falcons
Giants defense has been stepping up little by little and Eli Manning and Plaxico Burress continue to connect. Give the points.

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That concludes this weeks spread.

NFL Week 6 Picks

Alright, this week I must make it short and sweet. I went 8-6 last week and my season record has now come to 44-32 (.579). It was just another unimpressive week that I will need to improve on. Let’s get week 6 started.

ALL TIMES ARE EASTERN

Sunday, October 14, 2007

Open Date: Buffalo Bills, Denver Broncos, Detroit Lions, Indianapolis Colts, Pittsburgh Steelers, San Francisco 49ers

Cincinnati Bengals (1-3) at Kansas City Chiefs (2-3)

Cincinnati returns from their bye week this week and travels to Arrowhead. Carson Palmer will continue to hit Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh, while the Chiefs may need Larry Johnson to find his legs without Damon Huard behind center.

Bengals win their return game

Houston Texans (3-2) at Jacksonville Jaguars (3-1)

Jaguars have now won three in a row, while the Texans looked a little bit lost in last weeks match up. This week they hope to see the return of Andre Johnson and, although less likely, Ahman Green. This would be a great boost for Matt Schaub and the Texans offense. If Johnson returns I see a Houston win, but even without, it’s still possible…so...

Houston by another field goal

Miami Dolphins (0-5) at Cleveland Browns (2-3)

Miami ALMOST pulled off a win last week, but almost doesn’t count for squat. Trent Green was given another awful scare and a 50+ yard field goal kept the Dolphins under the boot of the NFL. Now that play an improved Browns team that has managed to stay somewhat competitive in spite of some tough match ups. Miami needs a new game plan.

Browns move back to .500

Minnesota Vikings (1-3) at Chicago Bears (2-3)

The Bears Defense showed us they have a second wind. Either that or Green Bay was simply winded after the first half last week. This could give some new hope to the Bears. Brian Griese will have some trouble moving the ball against the Vikings Defense, but Tarvaris Jackson or Kelly Holcomb will have their own troubles with the Bears Defense.

Bears win at home

Philadelphia Eagles (1-3) at New York Jets (1-4)

The Eagles have had a week off to recoup. They can only hope to have regained their composure as well as their starting RB Brian Westbrook. It’s been a bumpy road and Donovan McNabb needs to lead this team to a victory. The Jets on the other hand should really start to consider turning center over to Kellen Clemens if Chad Pennington doesn’t start getting the ball down the field. I don’t see Clemens starting yet, so..

Eagles take first step into regaining some of their season

St. Louis Rams (0-5) at Baltimore Ravens (3-2)

Although the Ravens haven’t been as dominating on defense as they were last year, the Rams have been absolutely awful. With Marc Bulger and Steven Jackson on the field they haven’t produced, without them they are no better. I looked for them to upset last week, but only off an itch. I won’t make that mistake again.

Ravens send Rams home 0-6

Tennessee Titans (3-1) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-2)

Vince Young and the Titans have looked pretty good this season, but Tampa has given up a few surprises. Although neither team should be considered great this year, this match up should be fairly well balanced. I think the key here is defense and the Titans have a fairly poor pass defense. That should work to the advantage of Jeff Garcia and Joey Galloway.

Buccaneers hold on to win at home

Washington Redskins (3-1) at Green Bay Packers (4-1)

Ok, I’m a bit more sold on the Redskins defense now. Sorry about the hold out. However, even good teams have bad weeks. Brett Favre and the Packers lit up the Chicago defense in the first half of last weeks match up and then went flat in the second half to loose the game. I see lots and lots of films this week in Favre’s future and a recovery in Week 6.

Packers don’t lose two in a row in Lambeau field

Carolina Panthers (3-2) at Arizona Cardinals (3-2)

Two of Arizona’s three wins have come against good teams. Carolina’s three wins have come against three teams that are collectively 1-13!!! Matt Leinart may be out, but Kurt Warner won’t be shaking off cobwebs getting off the bench. He’s already seen play time and done well. Edgerrin James is averaging 4.1 yards a carry and Bryant Johnson has been decent in Anquan Boldin’s absence.

Cardinals remain undefeated at home

New England Patriots (5-0) at Dallas Cowboys (5-0)

How do you expect to stay undefeated when Tony Romo turns the ball over six times? Monday Nights game was simply handed to Buffalo…huh…they what…your kidding?!?! Ok, so this is the game we’ve all been waiting for. A match up of undefeated teams, I had initially thought this would be the game to remove the Patriots from the ranks of the undefeated, but after Romo’s performance last week…I have my doubts. However, there are “Any given Sundays,” perfect seasons are very allusive, and I think if the Patriots lose one, it won’t be to an 1-4 or 2-3 team, but rather a 5-0 team. Tom Brady just isn’t going to allow that big of an upset. So Dallas is one of the few teams that has a chance. I’ll take that chance this week.

Romo recovers, Cowboys play hard, no team goes undefeated this year, Cowboys win

Oakland Raiders (2-2) at San Diego Chargers (2-3)

Chargers handed Denver their worst home loss in 41 years last week. This may be a good indication that they are starting to find their chemistry. Philip Rivers was 13/18 for 270 yards and two touchdowns, Michael Turner rushed for 147 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries, LaDainian Tomlinson rushed 67 yards on 21 carries and had 73 yards on 3 receptions, and Antonio Gates went for 113 yards on 7 receptions and a touchdown. This week at home…

Chargers move to 3-3

New Orleans Saints (0-4) at Seattle Seahawks (3-2)

This will be the week the Saints FINALLY wins one. Why? Because I’m tired of expecting them to come back, I’m tired of picking them to upset, and I’m tired of watching them lose time and time again. I refuse to pick them to win until they actually win one, so I’ll pick against them and this will be the week they win…NOT!

Seahawks win and Saints are 0-5

Monday, October 15, 2007 Monday Night Football

New York Giants (3-2) at Atlanta Falcons (1-4)

Atlanta has a little juice in them as they have manage to win one and threaten in others, but I’m going to expect a little less theatrics in this weeks Monday Night game and say that Eli Manning and Plaxico Burress keep hold of this match up.

Giants Win.

And that’s going to wrap up this weeks picks. Who will come out on top this week? Who will be the best? In the words of Jerry Rice while he was a San Francisco 49er, “I feel like I’m the best, but you’re not going to get me to say that.” Um, I think you just did.

NFL Week 5 ATS

Once again I will have to make this week ATS picks short and sweet. I completed last week’s picks 8-6 to bring my season total to 35-21-3 (.593). That average doesn’t include the wash games that came out even. Not the greatest week, but an above .500 week shouldn’t send anyone to the poor house. Let’s see if I can’t improve in Week 5.

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Sunday, October 7, 2007

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Carolina Panthers
New Orleans Saints -3.5
This is the week the Saints bounce back. Panthers injuries take their toll. Saints win and give the points.

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Jacksonville Jaguars
Kansas City Chiefs +2
At home in Arrowhead I see the Chiefs winning so take the points and look for the straight win.

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Detroit Lions +3.5
Washington Redskins
Lions have actually looked decent this year and I’m not sold on the Redskin D just yet. Lions with the upset, take the points.

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Atlanta Falcons +8.5
Tennessee Titans
Titans are looking good, but after the Falcons pulled their first win last week I’m not to quick to give the points. Titans win, but take the Falcons and the points.

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Miami Dolphins
Houston Texans -6
Dolphins are looking awful and the Texans suffered an upset last week. Take the Texans and give the points this week.

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Seattle Seahawks +6.5
Pittsburgh Steelers
I have Pittsburgh winning this match up, but the Seahawks will stay within a field goal. Take the Seahawks and the points.

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Cleveland Browns +17
New England Patriots
If one things for sure, the Patriots have been consistent for four weeks now and that would lead me to want to give the points, but one things for sure, nothing can stay consistent in the NFL. Call it a feeling, Browns cover…barely.

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Arizona Cardinals
St. Louis Rams +3.5
I truly feel that this is an upset pick because of the Rams injuries, but for the line to be this close, one has to wonder if I’m not the only one feeling an upset brewing. Rams cover.

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New York Jets
New York Giants -4
The Jets travel to their home stadium this week…that’s just wrong. I pick the home team. No the other home team. Take the Giants give the points.

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers +10
Indianapolis Colts
Some nicks and scraps on the Colts side will allow the Buccaneers to hang in there. Many think this could be an upset. Not me, but I’ll take the points.

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San Diego Chargers
Denver Broncos (Pick)
As if this division rivalry isn’t heated enough, the line just had to be even as well. No wash on this match up, I’ve got the Broncos in the straight out win.

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Baltimore Ravens -3.5
San Francisco 49ers
I had this game down to a field goal, but I think the absence of Alex Smith is enough to give the points.

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Chicago Bears
Green Bay Packers -3.5
I’m sticking with the Pack Attack this week so give the points.

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Monday, October 8, 2007 Monday Night Football

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Dallas Cowboys -11
Buffalo Bills
I know this goes against what I said about the New England game, but we’re talking about the Bills here. I don’t see them covering this spread and an upset win would give me a heart attack. Take the Cowboys give the points.

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NFL Week 5 Picks

What a wild ride Week 4 rolled us through. Following to the letter the saying, “Any given Sunday,” Week 4 saw many NFL picks on the wrong side of .500. Detroit proved Chicago has lost their Super Bowl defense, Cleveland denied any domination from Baltimore’s defense, the power house that was San Diego has fallen to 1-3, Atlanta claimed their first win post-Vick, and Pittsburgh fell from the ranks of the undefeated.

Week 4 also delivered me a shocking defeat as I fell into the sub .500 category for the first time this season. Week 4 found me on the wrong side of the winner’s column as I recorded a low 6-8 week. Although my season totals remain above .500, they desperately call out for improvement this week. Currently standing at 36 of 62 games, or 36-26 (.581), I can only look forward to a better week in Week 5. So without any further delay, let’s get down to this weeks analysis.

ALL TIMES ARE EASTERN

Sunday, October 7, 2007

Open date: Cincinnati Bengals, Minnesota Vikings, Oakland Raiders, Philadelphia Eagles

Arizona Cardinals at St. Louis Rams 1:00 PM

Could Arizona be the first team to run a successful quarterback tandem? Or should we call it a community quarterback system? After a near comeback win against Baltimore in Week 3, the trade in and out between Matt Leinart and Kurt Warner provided a victory over undefeated Pittsburgh in Week 4. The Rams on the other hand are 0-4. With the possibility of Steven Jackson remaining on the injured list, and Marc Bulger struggling to lead this team to a victory, it’s hard to see a win for this team this week, but Week 4 proved upsets are reality.

Rams claim first victory of season.

Atlanta Falcons at Tennessee Titans 1:00 PM

The Falcons claimed their first ‘victory after Vick’ last week as Joey Harrington connected with Michael Jenkins for two touchdowns and Morten Anderson tapped over four field goals. This is a great personal victory for this team, especially against a Houston team that seemed to be vastly improved although missing Ahman Green and Andre Johnson. However, I can’t see a repeat as the Falcons travel to Tennessee to take on a fresh and rested Vince Young and Titans team that have looked pretty hot up to this point.

Titans pick up where they left off, with a win.

Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints 1:00 PM

The Saints have stunned everyone with their less than impressive play to this point in the season. After establishing themselves as an offensive powerhouse last season, they have started this season as just plain offensive. However, the Panthers will be traveling to New Orleans, giving the Saints a second chance under a hometown crowd, more than likely taking the field without Jake Delhomme for a second week in a row. Unfortunately for the Panthers, David Carr has failed to find chemistry with Steve Smith right away. Could this be the week Drew Brees and Reggie Bush turn things around for the Saints?

Saints finally get into the win column.

Cleveland Browns at New England Patriots 1:00 PM

Derek Anderson, with the assistance of Braylon Edwards and Jamal Lewis has been able to give the Browns a few flashes of brilliance, but brilliance with some inconsistency. It will be interesting to watch this team as the season continues. However, this week they will travel to Foxboro in a match up with the Patriots. Even if this team was able to keep pace and upset Cincinnati in week 2, they will need more than just the alignment of a few stars in their corner to overcome the Tom Brady / Randy Moss connection. I foresee the continuing pattern in Cleveland…Lost, won, lost, and won…this week?

Patriots continue to roll on.

Detroit Lions at Washington Redskins 1:00 PM

One thing is for sure in Detroit, the Lions have improved…greatly!!! That doesn’t mean they’re great. They’ve just made giant steps forward from what was a terrible team last year. Jon Kitna is taking care of business and it has to be said that this offense has been fun to watch. However, Philadelphia exposed several holes in the Detroit defense. Can Clinton Portis follow Brian Westbrook’s lead? Can Jason Campbell repeat McNabb’s performance? Or will the Detroit defense continue to haunt Campbell’s touchdown to interception ratio? I found this a tough call, but my decision will rest with…

Kitna brings Lions one game closer to 10+ promised wins.

Jacksonville Jaguars at Kansas City Chiefs 1:00 PM

Kansas City made it known that they weren’t as bad as we thought they were. Jacksonville put forth a solid performance just before a break in their bye week. This week David Garrard will with him the run combo of Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew into Kansas City to see if they can out run Larry Johnson. However, The Damon Huard / Dwayne Bowe combo has begun to find some chemistry. As much as it pains me to do so, I have to take the side of the home team this week.

Chiefs continue to make Arrowhead Stadium a tough place to play.

Miami Dolphins at Houston Texans 1:00 PM

Sooner or later the Dolphins have to pull off a win. I don’t think a team has finished a season without a win since the 1976 Bucs were 0-14. Or could it be that we are over due for another winless team for the history books? I’m not going to predict that far ahead, but I will give my two-cents on this match up. Houston has improved, Matt Schaub has worked wonders for this offense, we could see the return of either or both Ahman Green and Andre Johnson, and Trent Green has been awful in Miami.

Texans get back on a winning track.

New York Jets at New York Giants 1:00 PM

Jets have yet to win on the road this season…um, if you can call this match up ‘going on the road’. Further more, the only team the Jets have been able to rise above has been Miami, who sits at 0-4! Even with last Weeks reminder of any team, any Sunday, I simply can’t reproduce the chant this week as Thomas Jones has yet to rush for a touchdown and Chad Pennington hasn’t established this offense as one of the higher ranking passing teams. The Giants defense has been clicking, and the Jets will feel it. That, and I expect Eli Manning and Plaxico Burress to continue to roll through this week along with the ground support of Derrick Ward.

Giants rise above .500 for first time this season.

Seattle Seahawks at Pittsburgh Steelers 1:00 PM

Matt Hasselbeck and Shaun Alexander will take their 3-1 Seahawks to Pittsburgh where they will face Ben Roethlisberger and Willie Parker of the 3-1 Steelers. Better yet,…both teams have suffered their only lose to Arizona, in Arizona. To me, this makes for an interesting match up. Even though Pittsburgh had looked good through the first three weeks, it can be argued that they haven’t played any formidable teams this season. Of course, after the struggles that Cincinnati have faced, the same could be argued about the Seahawks. This makes for another tough pick, and I’m going to have to side with the home team and what appears to be a tough defense.

Steelers rebound for a home field win.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Indianapolis Colts 4:05 PM

I don’t believe anyone outside of Tampa fans would have guessed that the Buccaneers would be 3-1 at this point in the season, but not only are they matched up with the Colts this week, but they have to play in Indy. Most teams have found that blitzing Peyton Manning will usually get you beat deep. Then Denver proved last week that patience and coverage will protect you from the big play, but still gets you beat. Any given Sunday? Sure. But don’t let the absence of Joseph Addai and Marvin Harrison fool you, Manning still gets protection in the pocket and has numerous other receivers in his arsenal. Based on the facts laid out before me…

Colts move to 5-0.

Baltimore Ravens at San Francisco 49ers 4:15 PM

Ravens offense has never been a powerhouse; it’s been their defense that has made winning come this teams way. However, the Raven’s defense looked less than frightful last week as the Browns stunned them with an upset that concluded without a single sack recorded for this fearsome defense. And now at 2-2, they must try to recover on the road. Fortunate for them, they must do it against a reeling 49er team. This in no way guarantees a win for Baltimore, as their own future is a little questionable, but this should help. I expected much more from Alex Smith and Frank Gore in San Fran, but I’m tentatively leaning the way of Baltimore by a field goal.

Ravens squeak by to regain a .500+ record.

San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos 4:15 PM

If you believe that San Diego is suffering from a fluke and will soon return to last season’s former glory, then you expect the Chargers to Charge into Mile High and claim a victory over their division rival. However, if you have come to see the error of ever believing that Norv Turner belongs anywhere near a head coaching position, then you also grieve for the destruction of such a great team only one year removed. If Travis Henry avoids missing the game due to injury, he should match LaDainian Tomlinson yard for yard although L.T. may see the endzone more. However, should Henry not play, Selvin Young has impressed that he may be able to fill in quite nicely having averaged 9.2 yards on 15 carries. Jay Cutler will out perform Philip Rivers hands down, and Brandon Marshall will continue to let the league know he is a receiver not to be ignored. Will Javon Walker return this week? Surprisingly, the question to ask in Denver is whether or not their highly talented defense will pull their chemistry together. This would be the week to find their run defense.

Broncos remain in the fight for top of the AFC West.

Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers 8:15 PM

I think last week really brought the Bears into question. With dents and dings, this defense simply can’t perform as they have in the past and they can’t seem to get a break off the field. I think that last week I said that ANYTHING would be better than Rex Grossman and Brian Griese was, but not much. This could continue to get ugly for the Bears, especially now that they must travel to Lambeau Field and face the undefeated Packers. Brett Favre has been resurrected this season with a vengeance and the Packers defense will only create more woes for a disoriented Bears offense.

Packers continue to impress.

Monday, October, 8 2007, Monday Night Football

Dallas Cowboys at Buffalo Bills 8:30 PM

The Bills took a step in the right direction last week as they replaced J.P. Losman for rookie Trent Edwards to claim their first victory of the season. However, there is no reason to get too excited, as the only team they defeated was the also struggling Jets. This week they host Tony Romo and Terrell Owens of the undefeated and super hot Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys are outscoring everyone, from match ups to just plain everyone in the NFL. Does anyone think it will be the Bills defense that will bring this team down? Add to this the fact that the Cowboys defense has been doing fairly good and this should be a blow out. A Bills win here would have to be a major upset. Not this week.

Cowboys easily advance through another week undefeated.

And that concludes the predictions on another exciting week in the NFL. With only four teams remaining undefeated all the other teams will be locked in a struggle to stay one step behind with hopes of overtaking them should they fall because in the words of Vincent Lombardi, “If winning isn’t everything, why do they keep score?”