NFL Week 17 ATS

Can’t say that I’ve had a fabulous season picking the spread this year and Week 17 is hardly the week to feel confident about any sort of rebound, but what the heck, here we go.

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Saturday, December 29^th, 2007

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New England Patriots -14
New York Giants

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Sunday, December 30^th, 2007

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Buffalo Bills +8
Philadelphia Eagles

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Carolina Panthers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers +3

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Cincinnati Bengals -3
Miami Dolphins

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Detroit Lions
Green Bay Packers -5

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Jacksonville Jaguars +6.5
Houston Texans

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New Orleans Saints -2
Chicago Bears

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Seattle Seahawks +1.5
Atlanta Falcons

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San Francisco 49ers +10
Cleveland Browns

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Dallas Cowboys
Washington Redskins -9

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Pittsburgh Steelers
Baltimore Ravens +3.5

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Minnesota Vikings -3
Denver Broncos

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San Diego Chargers
Oakland Raiders +9

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St. Louis Rams
Arizona Cardinals -6

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Kansas City Chiefs +6
New York Jets

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Sunday, December 30^th, 2007 Sunday Night Football

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Tennessee Titans -4.5
Indianapolis Colts

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And with that we not only conclude Week 17, but bring the regular season to a close. But have not fear there are still a few weeks of post season to keep us entertained before we find ourselves twiddling our thumbs in the off season.

NFL Week 17 Picks

We have reached the wonders of week 17. Who starts, who sits? Will New England push for a pursuit of perfection, or will they aim to protect everyone from injury before the post season? What about the other teams who have nothing left to gain in Week 17? What will teams like Indy, Dallas, Green Bay, Seattle, or Jacksonville do? Play starters for one series, two, three, first quarter, or the half? Does anyone play the whole game? How will this effect the teams that are still struggling to get in? What will become of Cleveland, Tennessee, Washington, Minnesota, or New Orleans? These are the questions we must ask ourselves as we prepare to analyze and predict an outcome. What’s the right choice? If I was sure of that someone would be paying me for the information I’m about to disclose to you.

Struggling through yet another mediocre week this season I completed week 16 with a 10-6 for a season total of 144-96 (.600). Good news is that I’ve managed to regain my .600 season, bad news is that I barely have that .600 season. Only one week left for improvement, it sure would be nice to see that elusive 16-0 week, but with the challenges of picking the final week of the season, that will prove a difficult task.

NOTE: ALL TIMES ARE EASTERN

Saturday December 29th 2007 8:15PM

New England Patriots(15-0) at New York Giants(10-5)

With history and the perfect season in the balance, it would appear that the Giants are posed to hand the record book over to New England with a ribbon on it. With the injuries on the Giant sideline and a spot in the playoffs starting next week, it’s almost a sure bet that Tom Coughlin will be sitting his remaining starters for hopes of a healthier line up next week and practically forfeiting this final game to the Patriots.
Patriots make history; go perfect with 16-0

Sunday December 30th 2007 1:00PM

Buffalo Bills(7-8) at Philadelphia Eagles(7-8) 1:00PM

With nothing left to play for but the game and pride, I expect to see another hard fought game by Donovan McNabb. If not for an opportunity to keep his starting job in Philly from rookie Kevin Kolb, then to put a rise in his stock for trade talks at the seasons end. Does McNabb’s outstanding performance in New Orleans last week raise more questions for his future? Either way, a great performance here can only work to benefit him and his future…where ever that may be.
Eagles finish out season at .500

Carolina Panthers(6-9) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers(9-6) 1:00PM

Tampa Bay has nothing left to play for and will be looking forward to next weeks playoffs. However, I still don’t see a Panthers win this week. I know that doesn’t say a lot for Carolina, but even if they will be facing the Buccaneers second stringers they are still dealing with the injury dings of the year.
Buccaneers finish out strong at home

Cincinnati Bengals(6-9) at Miami Dolphins(1-14) 1:00PM

In what could possibly by Cam Cameron’s last game as the Dolphins head coach and worse, his last game as a head coach, the Dolphins will attempt to close out with a win. However, I’m not sure it would make a difference. Bill Parcells and Cam Cameron are two difference styles of people, and if Bill lets Cam go…who will hire a coach that went 1-15 in his only season? Part of me wants to go with Miami on this game, but the Bengals are in need of some self reassurance as well.
Bengals squeeze off a win by a field goal

Detroit Lions(7-8) at Green Bay Packers(12-3) 1:00PM

With hopes of home field in the balance, I couldn’t believe the Packers let last weeks game go the way that it did. However, what better way to finish out the season than at home and matched up against a Lions team that tanked in the second half of their season. Brett Favre and the Packers will look at this game as an opportunity to regain some momentum going into the post season.
Packers blow out the Lions at Lambeau

Jacksonville Jaguars(11-4) at Houston Texans(7-8) 1:00PM

The Texans have displayed great improvement this year and had it not been for some of the injuries they suffered throughout the season they may have finished out with a spot in the playoffs. It didn’t work out that way and the Texans will have to settle for a chance to increase their record to 8-8 against a Jacksonville team with nothing left to play for in the regular season. However, even if Jack Del Rio decides not to play all his starters this week, I think the Jaguars still steal away with this small victory.
Jaguars still roll through with second stringers

New Orleans Saints(7-8) at Chicago Bears(6-9) 1:00PM

The Bears put a dent in Green Bay’s armor last week ensuring Dallas with the home field in the NFC post season. Now they have the opportunity to completely squash any playoff hopes for the struggling Saints. Clinging to the post season by a tread, the Saints are in a must win situation just to remain a possibility, but will still have to wait on the outcome of the Washington and Minnesota game to know their fate. It may be all in vain, but…
Saints keep themselves as hopefuls as they cross their fingers and hope for help

Seattle Seahawks(10-5) at Atlanta Falcons(3-12) 1:00PM

Another team set and settled in the post season, the Seahawks will also be entering this final week with nothing to play for. However, the Falcons have been a team under distress all season with one headache after another. From Michael Vick to Joey Harrington, Byron Leftwich, and back, the loss of Bob Petrino, and the inability to seal the deal with Bill Parchells, the Falcons have just failed to find a break. They won’t even be benefiting from the first pick in the draft to start on a new season!
Seahawks bench beat a defeated Falcons organization

San Francisco 49ers(5-10) at Cleveland Browns(9-6) 1:00PM

After dazzling spectators and energizing fans, the Cleveland Browns went from playoff bound to post season hopefuls. A crippling lose last week has taken the Browns destiny out of their hands and placed it to balance upon a fence. Let’s not forget that it was the 49ers that spoiled a Denver post season last year and they will be looking to repeat the sentiment again this week. With a must win situation just to cling to hope, Derek Anderson and company will need to pull out all the stops.
Browns keep their post season hopes alive

Sunday December 30th 4:15 games

Dallas Cowboys(13-2) at Washington Redskins(8-7) 4:15PM

The last time these teams matched up the Skins gave the Boys a run for their money. That’s why this week, as the Boys travel to the Skins home field with a crew of laughing and good natured starters to warm their bench, the Skins will be looking at a real good shot of clinching the final wild card slot left to the NFC. With their destiny in their own hands expect to see Todd Collins make another plight for why he should remain a starter behind center as he looks to lead this team into the playoffs.
Redskins make their way into the playoffs

Kansas City Chiefs(4-11) at New York Jets(3-12) 4:15PM

The ‘who cares’ of the week, neither team has a playoff hope, neither team can finish with a winning or .500 season, neither team has excited a crowd and that includes their own fans, and neither team should be of interest to watch this week. With that said, I’ll take the home team and wait till the highlights to find out if I was right or not.
J.E.T.S, Jets…oh forget it…Jets win

Minnesota Vikings(8-7) at Denver Broncos(6-9) 4:15PM

The Broncos have struggled all year to compete as a complete unit. Jay Cutler has shown great promise for the future and Brandon Marshall has been more than eager to be his favorite target with great hands and the ability to fight his way down field, but Denver’s offensive line grows older, tired and the protection just isn’t giving Cutler the time he needs. The defensive line has crumbled and failed to hold so that even when they do make a tackle they fall down field for three more yards. The time has come for some changes in Denver, but that won’t help them in this match up as the Vikings hold to their hopes of a playoff berth with the legs of Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor.
Vikings take the win in hopes of help into the playoffs

Pittsburgh Steelers(10-5) at Baltimore Ravens(4-11) 4:15PM

The Steelers are in the post season, but are still competing for the third seed. However, with the loss of Willie Parker last week and I wouldn’t be surprised if Mike Tomlin kept Ben Roethlisberger, Hines Ward, and every other starter in the locker room so that they won’t get hit by accident on the sidelines before making it into the playoffs. If the Steelers play it safe as I think they will, and if the Ravens are as desperate for some self esteem redemption this season, then they might just squeak out one last win on the season.
Ravens take one more win just for pride

San Diego Chargers(10-5) at Oakland Raiders(4-11) 4:15PM

While the playoffs are a reality for the Chargers I believe that they still feel a need to hold onto the third seed. With the Pittsburgh game playing out in unison with their own, the Chargers will have no choice but to begin with their starters. However, once they get the lead I think we will see starters like LaDainian Tomlinson, Antonio Gates, and Shawne Merriman watching from the sidelines.
Chargers finish season with division win.

St. Louis Rams(3-12) at Arizona Cardinals(7-8) 4:15PM

This match up is another meaningless game without any playoff contention. In fact, I really don’t know what to even say about this match up. I feel that the Cardinals are better staffed to win this game and given the home field advantage it should be a no brainer, but who Knows.
Cardinals finish season at .500

Sunday December 23th 2007 Sunday Night Football

*Note: Sunday night games in Weeks 11-17 subject to change.

Tennessee Titans(9-6) at Indianapolis Colts(13-2) 8:15 PM

With the destiny of their playoff dreams resting solely on their own performance in this game I would expect nothing less than the all of every player lined up for the Titans this week. The question will lie in Tony Dungy’s decision on whether or not to sit his starters and when. Chances are Peyton Manning may see only one or two series this week meaning the Titans should be set to take advantage of the possible gift they just might receive.
Titans celebrate a playoff spot

With the regular season at it’s conclusion we will be focusing our attention on the teams that found enough luck to prevail and persevere, the luck of good health and good situations, and in as Don Shula would say, “luck means a lot in football. Not having a good quarterback is bad luck.” Here’s wishing your team luck.

NFL Week 16 ATS

Once again, I have waited till the last moment to get my picks posted. With less than an hour to go before the Thursday Night Kickoff, I will once again make this short and sweet. Not that much explanation should be needed. That’s all given in my straight up picks. I’m a little nervous this week as I seem to be heavily picked on the favorites to make the spread. We’ll have to wait and see.

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Thursday, December 20, 2007

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Pittsburgh Steelers -8
St. Louis Rams

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Saturday, December 22, 2007

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Dallas Cowboys -11
Carolina Panthers

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Sunday, December 23, 2007

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Cleveland Browns -3
Cincinnati Bengals

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Green Bay Packers -9
Chicago Bears

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Houston Texans +7
Indianapolis Colts

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Kansas City Chiefs
Detroit Lions -5

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New York Giants
Buffalo Bills +3

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Oakland Raiders
Jacksonville Jaguars -14

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Philadelphia Eagles
New Orleans Saints -3.5

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Atlanta Falcons
Arizona Cardinals -10.5

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers -6
San Francisco 49ers

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Miami Dolphins +22
New England Patriots

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Baltimore Ravens
Seattle Seahawks (Pick)

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New York Jets +8.5
Tennessee Titans

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Sunday, December 23, 2007 Sunday Night Football

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Washington Redskins +6.5
Minnesota Vikings

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Monday, December 24, 2007 Monday Night Football

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Denver Broncos
San Diego Chargers -9

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Once again, I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, may they be good to you and yours. Bring on the football!!!

NFL Week 16 Picks

As the regular season nears an end, our playoff picture is just about complete. It’s these weeks that make picking a winner a little more difficult. Will certain teams bench their starters for the playoffs? Will the eliminated play the part of spoiler? Do the teams walking the line cement their post season slot or fall from it? And then there are the games that have no meaning one way or another, a game of pride or bragging rights between teams as they begin to look toward next season.

Had there been a pick analysis playoff, I think I would have been eliminated this season. Another sub par week finds me at 8-8. This gives me a season total of 134-90 (.598) and drops me below .600. Only two weeks left to correct that, let’s get to it.

NOTE: ALL TIMES ARE EASTERN

Thursday December 20th 2007 8:15PM

Pittsburgh Steelers(9-5) at St. Louis Rams(3-11)

After two losses in a row and finding themselves in danger of losing control of the AFC North, the Steelers enter into a need to win situation as they travel to St Louis to open up Week 16. This should be an easy win for the strong Steelers defense, but this season has been full of upsets, and the Steelers have already seen a few.

Steelers play as they should and win in their race to hold onto the AFC North

SAturday December 22th 2007 8:15PM

Dallas Cowboys(12-2) at Carolina Panthers(6-8)

Panthers have struggled gaining the wins that they have this season while Dallas has been on top of NFC all season. After falling to Philadelphia last week the Cowboys will be looking for a bounce back game. Sorry Tony Romo, that means leaving your girlfriend Jessica Simpson at home. Whether his girlfriends are a curse on his game or not, why risk it?

Dallas dominates on the road

Sunday December 23th 2007 1:00pm games

Cleveland Browns(9-5) at Cincinnati Bengals(5-9)

The Browns managed to claim the win last week, even if they couldn’t tell where they were on the field. This week they travel to Cincinnati where, weather permitting, we could see a shoot out through the air between quarterbacks Derek Anderson and Carson Palmer. Cleveland already won the first match up, and Anderson has thrown more touchdowns and less interception than Palmer for their season totals.

Browns outscore Cincy

Green Bay Packers(12-2) at Chicago Bears(5-9)

The Packers have suddenly found themselves in position one game out of home field throughout the playoffs. By winning the remainder of their games and hoping for a Dallas lose they can pave the road to the Super Bowl through Lambeau. Brett Favre would like nothing better and the Bears offense couldn’t possibly keep up with him.

Packers keep their hopes alive for home field

Houston Texans(7-7) at Indianapolis Colts(12-2)

Peyton Manning and the Colts have a way of making you wonder just how good they are. In a match up where they should dominate, they just hold on to win. However, how much does it matter how you win, as long as it’s a win and the Colts have twelve of them. Sage Rosenfels and Mario Williams ended Denver’s playoff hopes last week only to have there own ended. It won’t be possible for Houston to take anything away for Indy in this match up, but they’ll be looking for the win regardless. Unfortunately for them, I don’t think the Colts will sit their starters right away this week.

Colts win by a field goal as Manning doesn’t play the whole game

Kansas City Chiefs(4-10) at Detroit Lions(6-8)

Tough pick!!! The Lions, who started the season strong have since lost six games in a row, but the Chiefs have them beat, having lost seven in a row. Good news? One of these teams is about to break their losing streak!!! Who gets to celebrate at the end of this match up? I’m going to have to give this one to the home team.

Lions break their losing streak

New York Giants(9-5) at Buffalo Bills(7-7)

Buffalo has been eliminated from the playoffs, after week 17 they will go home and start to think about next year. However, they find themselves in a position to have an impact on those that will make the playoffs in the NFC. With the energy of their home crowd, the error prone Eli Manning, and the Giants loss of Jeremy Shockey…

Bills give the Giants a reason to sweat

Oakland Raiders(4-10) at Jacksonville Jaguars(10-4)

The Raiders attempted to make a run at Indy last week but failed at the sound of the final whistle. Now they will try their hand against to also dominate Jaguars in sunny Florida. Given the losing record of the Raiders, and the Jet lag of traveling from one coast to the other, I’m going to give a dominate win to Jacksonville.

Jaguars fend off the Raiders

Philadelphia Eagles(6-8) at New Orleans Saints(7-7)

The Eagles played a fantastic game against Dallas last week to open up home field hopes for Green Bay. Unfortunately, that win was unable to keep them alive in the playoff race and they have been eliminated. Will they play the spoiler for the Saints? New Orleans desperately needs this win if they want to hold any hopes of a post season. Here’s a rumor of interest, with post season elimination the Eagles could bench Donovan McNabb for rookie Kevin Kolb. Hmmm, interesting.

Saints cling to their playoff hopes

Sunday December 23th 4:00 games

Atlanta Falcons(3-11) at Arizona Cardinals(6-8) 4:05PM

As if the Falcons haven’t had enough headaches this season, Bob Petrino couldn’t even have the dignity to finish the season with his team. At least they have a better record than Miami. This week they will take their woes to Arizona, where at least they can mope in the sun. Neither team has anything to gain or lose in this match up as neither team will see the post season from anywhere other than their couch at home.

Cardinals win as they attempt to get one game away from a .500 season

Tampa Bay Buccaneers(9-5) at San Francisco 49ers(4-10) 4:05PM

Having wrapped up their division, the Buccaneers will travel to San Francisco this week to go head to head with the 49ers. The Niners would like nothing better than to take a win for the sake of pride, but I don’t think Tampa is ready to gear down this week.

Buccaneers win on the road

Baltimore Ravens(4-10) at Seattle Seahawks(9-5) 4:15PM

The Ravens have lost several heartbreakers this season losing by 3 to Arizona, 2 to the Niners, called out of the locker room to lose to Cleveland by 3, 3 points from upsetting New England, and then find defeat to a winless Miami team while losing Ray Lewis to a broken left hand. Somehow I don’t see good things this week for the Ravens as they increase their losing streak to nine.

Seahawks thankful Lewis is out, add another win

Miami Dolphins(1-13) at New England Patriots(14-0) 4:15PM

To sit or to play, that is the question? Tom Brady and the Patriots already have a chest full of Super Bowl rings, so which is more enticing this season, another Super Bowl ring or the perfect season that will rewrite the record books? I have to believe that both Bill Bilichick and Tom Brady both want the perfect season. No one sits this week and the Dolphins don’t end the Patriots win streak.

Patriots in the race for perfection

New York Jets(3-11) at Tennessee Titans(8-6) 4:15PM

Tennessee is the only team remaining in the AFC on the outside looking in that hasn’t been mathematically eliminated. So they will be taking this game seriously as the Jets will no doubt be looking to play the spoiler. Although Tennessee may very well find themselves eliminated by kickoff, they will come to play

Titans win at home

Sunday December 23th 2007 Sunday Night Football

*Note: Sunday night games in Weeks 11-17 subject to change.

Washington Redskins(7-7) at Minnesota Vikings(8-6) 8:15PM

This game promises to be one of the best match ups of the week. The Redskins are on the outside looking in. As luck would have it, they travel to Minnesota this week to stand before the team that occupies the number six slot they want to be in.

Vikings push forward into the playoffs

Monday December 24th 2007 Monday Night Football

Denver Broncos(6-8) at San Diego Chargers(9-5) 8:30PM

All I want for Christmas is a Broncos Win!!!
There’ll be rooting and there’ll be cheering as my Broncos take the field, but filled with holes and defensive woes our seasons end is near. No playoff hopes as Dre Bly chokes and Bailey’s beat down field, can’t stop the run as fans ho hum, and fight away a tear. But all’s not sad, Cutlers not bad, there’s hope for future cheers, we’ll root on through these last two games and claim a rebuilding year.

Chargers maintain their roll to win this second match up

--Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!!!

And the picks are in and I can only hope for improvement this week. As I’ve found a bit of struggle in these last few weeks, I can only choose to quote Terry Bradshaw this week as he commented, “I may be dumb, but I’m not stupid.” Gonna have to see some improvement this week. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all.

NFL Week 15 ATS

Last week was a definite improvement from the week before, but I still can’t say that it was a great week finishing with a .500 record at 8-8. Time is short, the season is drawing to an end, and it’s about time I got my 16-0 week. Here they are, Week 15’s picks against the spread.

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Thursday, December 13th 2007

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Denver Broncos -1
Houston Texans

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Saturday, December 15th 2007

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Cincinnati Bengals -8.5
San Francisco 49ers

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Sunday, December 16th 2007

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Arizona Cardinals
New Orleans Saints -3.5

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Atlanta Falcons
Tampa Bay Buccaneers -14

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Baltimore Ravens -4
Miami Dolphins

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Buffalo Bills +6
Cleveland Browns

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Green Bay Packers -10
St. Louis Rams

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Jacksonville Jaguars +4
Pittsburgh Steelers

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New York Jets
New England Patriots -24

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Seattle Seahawks -8
Carolina Panthers

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Tennessee Titans -4
Kansas City Chiefs

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Indianapolis Colts -11
Oakland Raiders

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Detroit Lions +11
San Diego Chargers

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Philadelphia Eagles
Dallas Cowboys -11

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Sunday, December 16^th 2007 Sunday Night Football

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Washington Redskins
New York Giants -4.5

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Monday, December 17^th 2007 Monday Night Football

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Chicago Bears +10
Minnesota Vikings

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With the playoffs around the corner, many teams will be giving it all they’ve got ore going home. Should make for some great football.

NFL Week 15 Picks

Not wanting to beat around the bush this week, I’m going to just get right to it. I finished last week with an improved 12-4 record that brought my season total to 126-82 (.606). Time is running out for my 16-0 week. So lets give it another shot. Week 15:

ALL TIMES ARE EASTERN

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Denver Broncos(6-7) at Houston Texans(6-7) 8:15PM

After four touchdown passes by Jay Cutler and 156 rushing yards by Selvin Young last week, the Broncos will travel to Houston in hopes of continuing their momentum. Here Mike Shanahan will face off against his former offensive coordinator and quarterback coach, Gary Kubiak. With Houston coming off a big win as well, both of these teams are holding on to hopes of a playoff position, but can only get there by winning out and a little help.

Broncos try to keep their playoff hopes alive with a win

Saturday, December 15, 2007

Cincinnati Bengals(5-8) at San Francisco 49ers(3-10) 8:15

The 49ers are out of the playoff race. They have been officially eliminated, but so have the Bengals. So without any team being given the role of spoiler, this is a prime game to play on the NFL Network, where many fans won’t be able to watch and only the team fans will care.

Bengals win in this meaningless matchup

Sunday, December 16, 2007

Arizona Cardinals(6-7) at New Orleans Saints(6-7) 1:00PM

Two teams knocking on the door for an NFC wild card slot. With only one game between both these teams and Minnesota, who is currently holding that last slot, this game could have the result of leaving one of these teams on the outside looking in. Granted they would need some assistance to get there, neither of these teams can afford to risk a loss. I think this match up will fall into the hands of Drew Brees and Marques Colston.

Saints keep marching just behind the Wild Card slot

Atlanta Falcons(3-10) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers(8-5) 1:00PM

After last week’s loss, the Falcons are out. It was an expected finish for a team in the middle of a PR nightmare. How happy will the Falcons be to begin a new year without the drama surrounding Michael Vick surrounding them…as much? This week they will travel to Tampa in hopes of filling the role of the spoiler. A role New Orleans would like to see them fulfill. Sorry, I don’t see it.

Buccaneers hold off the Falcons to maintain their two game divisional lead

Baltimore Ravens(4-9) at Miami Dolphins(0-13) 1:00PM

The Ravens are out, and the Dolphins are WAY OUT!!! The Dolphins have absolutely nothing to lose by laying it all out on the line. It will be up to the Ravens to defend there season from possibly fielding the only win by a winless Miami Dolphins team. So many games have slipped from the finger tips of both these teams just as they thought a win was there’s for the taking. Who will manage to hold on for a little bit of pride this week?

Ravens escape giving the Dolphins a win

Buffalo Bills(7-6) at Cleveland Browns(8-5) 1:00PM

The Browns currently hold the last slot in the AFC Wild Card, but the Bills are only one game behind. This week Buffalo will make the trip to Cleveland with hopes of a win and move into that last Wild Card spot. Browns defense has been had some problems keeping their opponents out of the end zone, but the Browns offense has been enjoying some scoring success of their own. I expect this to be a hard hitting match up full of hard hits and high emotions. In the end…

Bills steal the win to cause more mischief in the AFC Wild Card race

Green Bay Packers(11-2) at St. Louis Rams(3-10) 1:00PM

The Packers have their division wrapped up and will be looking to claim a first round bye this week with hopes of home-field advantage before the season is up. The Rams on the other hand will hope to find themselves in the spoiler role regardless of the injuries that still plague this team. Unfortunately, I think this is a task that proves to be too great of a challenge for St. Louis.

Packers continue to finish strong

Jacksonville Jaguars(9-4) at Pittsburgh Steelers(9-4) 1:00PM

The Steelers have a good team, they have a lot of talent, they have a decent record, but yet they still find ways to lose games they shouldn’t. Then last week, they failed to find a way in what could very well have been the last opportunity to end a perfect season for New England. Jacksonville has lost their four games to only three teams because of two losses to 11-2 Indy. Both teams have high hopes of a post season and control their own destiny at this point. It’s going to come down to who wants it more.

Jaguars continue to sink their claws into a playoff berth

New York Jets(3-10) at New England Patriots(13-0) 1:00PM

The Patriots have already wrapped up their division, the first round bye, and will look to clinch home-field before this day is out. The only thing that stands in their way is the eliminated Jets, who are second worst only to Miami in the AFC. If this game were to be an upset, it would be a big one, but I wouldn’t put any bets on it.

Patriots wrap up their playoff scenario, do they sit starters now?

Seattle Seahawks(9-4) at Carolina Panthers(5-8) 1:00PM

The Seahawks are in the playoffs. As division winners, they can at least take one quick breath. However, a few more wins and a couple Green Bay losses would move them into the first round bye. Somehow I don’t see it happening, but the Seahawks will play to win and keep their fingers crossed as they travel to Carolina to take on the Panthers. Surprisingly the Panthers have only won one home game this season and are still considered in the hunt for the wild card at this point. That won’t last long.

Seahawks relieve Panthers of any hopes of a playoff berth

Tennessee Titans(7-6) at Kansas City Chiefs(4-9) 1:00PM

Titans will be looking to Vince Young this week for leadership as they find themselves holding on to playoff hopes, but facing yet another AFC West team. After squeaking by Oakland, falling to Denver, and then getting upset in overtime by San Diego, the Titans can’t feel comfortable about this match up regardless of how unbalanced the AFC West has been this year. The Chiefs are out, and no longer have anything to lose. As much as Denver would love to benefit from a Titans loss during the Wild Card race…

Titans pull off the victory at Arrowhead

Indianapolis Colts(11-2) at Oakland Raiders(4-9) 4:05PM

The Colts have clinched a playoff berth, but thanks to the pursuit of Jacksonville, they have yet to wrap up the division. The Colts should be thankful to have what should be an easy match up for them this week. However, they shouldn’t go into this game to lightly, parity loves the playing field.

Colts win to take their division

Detroit Lions(6-7) at San Diego Chargers(8-5) 4:15PM

Jon Kitna won’t be getting his 10+ wins this season, but the Lions aren’t ready to go quietly into the night. They remain among the teams that are one game out of the Wild Card spot. After a disappointing loss last week where they let Dallas sneak back for the win in the fourth quarter, the Lions will look to try and not replay Week 14 for both these teams, as San Diego found themselves on the winning side of last weeks comeback.

Lions find a way to hold onto win

Philadelphia Eagles(5-8) at Dallas Cowboys(12-1) 4:15PM

The Cowboys came close to letting a game slip away last week as they found themselves down in the fourth with a desperate need for a comeback. Of course, Tony Romo delivered and the Boys were victorious. They are already the division winners in the NFC East and will be looking to hold on for a first round bye and home-field advantage. At this point, they want a second shot at New England in the Super Bowl.

Cowboys win and move one step closer to that match up

Sunday, December 16, 2007 Sunday Night Football

*Note: Sunday Night games in Week 11-17 subject to change

Washington Redskins(6-7) at New York Giants(9-4) 8:15PM

With the Giants holding onto a Wild Card slot and the Redskins still alive in the hunt, both teams should bring a passion for victory into this divisional rivalry. It’s going to be a question of which version of Eli Manning will we be expected to see and can Todd Collins lead his team to another victory? Giants may have the better record on the season, but I would have to call this game a toss up. So when in doubt, pick the home team.

Giants preserve the home field win

Monday, December 17, 2007 Monday Night Football

Chicago Bears(5-8) at Minnesota Vikings(7-6) 8:30PM

Adrian Peterson or Devin Hester…which playmaker will lead his team to victory? Although they are still alive in the Wild Card hunt the Bears are not likely to make the playoffs this year while the hot Minnesota Vikings are running a win streak into the post season. I expect to momentum to remain on the side of Minnesota. Add the home field advantage and I’ve got my pick.

Vikings continue to remain hot and hold their playoff slot.

So there you have it. Only two more regular season weeks to go after this and then it’s on to the playoffs. Who will stay and who will go? Some teams have a playoff berth in the bag, others are still struggling. Should make for some interesting games, and as the Miami Dolphins will probably join the 1976 Buccaneers at 0-14 after this week I think it’s only fitting to quote the Bucs first coach John McKay when he said, “Well, we’ve determined that we can’t win at home and we can’t win on the road. What we need is a neutral site.”

NFL Week 14 ATS

Alright, for simplicity reasons I will post all my picks against the spread at one time this week. Ever since the NFL started the Thursday games this year and I’ve split my ATS picks, my record has tanked! So this week I will pick them all together again. Here they are:

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Thursday, December 6, 2007

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Chicago Bears +3
Washington Redskins

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Sunday, December 9, 2007

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Carolina Panthers
Jacksonville Jaguars -11

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Dallas Cowboys -11.5
Detroit Lions

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Miami Dolphins +7
Buffalo Bills

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New York Giants +3
Philadelphia Eagles

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Oakland Raiders
Green Bay Packers -11

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San Diego Chargers
Tennessee Titans +1.5

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St. Louis Rams
Cincinnati Bengals -7

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers -3
Houston Texans

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Arizona Cardinals +7
Seattle Seahawks

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Minnesota Vikings -9
San Francisco 49ers

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Pittsburgh Steelers +10
New England Patriots

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Cleveland Browns -3.5
New York Jets

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Kansas City Chiefs
Denver Broncos -7

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Sunday, December 9, 2007 Sunday Night Football

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Indianapolis Colts
Baltimore Ravens +10

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Monday, December 10, 2007 Monday Night Football

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New Orleans Saints -4.5
Atlanta Falcons

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Fourth and goal from the 5 with the game on the line,…pass it or run it in?

NFL Week 14 Picks

If I thought that I was going down last week, than I had another thing coming. Week 13 proved to be as unlucky as any number 13 can be. I tanked, flopped, sank, bombed, stank, crashed, you got a name for it, I did it last week by finishing 6-10 bringing my season average down below the .600 mark (114-78 (.594)). But that’s OK, just like Minnesota in their 34-0 loss to Green Bay, I will bounce back. Minnesota has since gone on a 3-0 run, guess that means I need to look to finish the season strong. No better way to do it, than to get right to it! Week 14 Picks!!!

ALL TIMES ARE EASTERN

Thursday, December 6, 2007

Chicago Bears(5-7) at Washington Redskins(5-7) 8:15PM

I really had expected the Redskins to play hard in memory of Sean Taylor, but the truth of the matter was probably that it was too early. The tragedy shook up the team and probably had them distracted all week, making for a tough game on Sunday. I’d like to say that this is the game the Skins get back into it, but I’m having my doubts.

Bears win in squeaker, thanks to Devin Hester

Sunday, December 9, 2007

Carolina Panthers(5-7) at Jacksonville Jaguars(8-4) 1:00PM

Wow, did the Panthers finally pull off a one sided win last week at home? Yes, as a matter of fact they did, and I thank them for being one of my very very few wins last week. However, I don’t give them a chance against a Jaguar team that almost completed a comeback against Indy last week.

Jaguars win at home

Dallas Cowboys(11-1) at Detriot Lions(6-6) 1:00PM

After the Cowboys were able to take care of business in their match up with Green Bay last week, I find it hard to believe that the Lions will be able to hold them back. After starting the season 6-2, I’m afraid this week will extend their losing streak to five. Sorry Jon Kitna, looks like you’ll have to wait till next year for your 10+ win season.

Cowboys continue to dominate the NFC

Miami Dolphins(0-12) at Buffalo Bills(6-6) 1:00PM

After losing two in a row to top notch teams like New England and Jacksonville, the Bills finally recorded a ‘W’ in the win column last week against Washington. As for the Dolphins, it looks like they will be on their way to being the only team in history to have two perfect seasons, one perfectly played and one perfectly painful.

Bills don’t slack off in front of the home crowd

New York Giants(8-4) at Philadelphia Eagles(5-7) 1:00PM

Even if Donovan McNabb is expected to return for this match up, I wouldn’t expect much from him. He’s been a questionable up and down this year and may have a little rust to shake off after his injury. On top of that, the Eagles are only 2-4 at home this season. However, I can’t hold a lot of faith in Eli Manning either as we have seen just as many interceptions as touchdown thrown by him this season.

Giants in another close win

Oakland Raiders(4-8) at Green Bay Packers(10-2) 1:00PM

The Packers are coming off a loss that they could have comeback from had they played just a few things differently, but hindsight is always 20/20. This week they should be getting Brett Favre back, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, we can only hope that he sticks with a better game plan this week. His gunslinger attempts at big gains last week resulted in interceptions that got the Packers off to a horrible start. Far be it from me to try and tell Favre how to play his game, but it’s been the shorter passing and longer runs by the receivers that got them to 10-1 in the first place. Stay with what works.

Packers win at home, look to rematch with Dallas in the playoffs

San Diego Charger(7-5) at Tennessee Titans(7-5) 1:00PM

Vince Young and the Titans have gotten back on the winning side of the scoreboard as they prepare to host the Chargers this week. Albert Haynesworth will look to test his hand at bringing down LaDainian Tomlinson while Young tries to repeat last weeks throwing performance. This game looks to be pretty evenly matched up, so I’m going to go with the home team.

Titans fend off the Chargers to win two in a row

St. Louis Rams(3-9) at Cincinnati Bengals(4-8) 1:00PM

The Rams have seemed to have some good looking games after the return of Steven Jackson to the line up, but what a mess the quarterback position has become. With Marc Bulger’s neuropsych exam and Gus Frerotte’ MRI the Rams may be starting Brock Berlin. This may be a tough week for the Rams.

Bengals take the win at home

Tampa Bay Buccaneers(8-4) at Houston Texans(5-7) 1:00PM

With Houston’s recent losing streak and the possible loss of Matt Schaub with a dislocated left shoulder, the Texans will have their hands full this week as they host the Buccaneers. All isn’t lost with Sage Rosenfels, but it can’t be said that he’s the guy you want behind center when facing any division leader. I wouldn’t count the Texans as hopeless for a win, but I wouldn’t put money on it.

Buccaneers advance win streak to five

Arizona Cardinals(6-6) at Seattle Seahawks(8-4) 4:05PM

I really can’t tell you what to make of the Arizona Cardinals this year. They defeat teams like Pittsburgh and Cleveland, but lose to San Fran twice! This week they are on the road and possibly without both of their top receivers Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin. Kurt Warner will need a lot of supporting help from Edgerrin James in order to pull this one off.

Seahawks take the home win to even up this division series

Minnesota Vikings(6-6) at San Francisco 49ers(3-9) 4:05PM

Tarvaris Jackson looks better every week, and it sure doesn’t hurt to have Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor running the ball. With the surging power of these running backs propelling this team through three victories in a row it’s possible the Niners might get hurt if they don’t move out of the way.

Vikings continue to streak for a playoff spot.

Cleveland Browns(7-5) at New York Jets(3-9) 4:15PM

The Jets looked like a professional football team last week as they rolled their opponent 40-13. Even Thomas Jones was able to find his way into the end zone for the first time in a Jets uniform…as a Jet’s player. Of course, it helps when you’re playing 0-12 Miami. The Browns may have stumbled a bit and fell last week in Arizona, but they shouldn’t suffer from that problem again this week.

Browns take a win on the road to try and stay behind Pittsburgh

Kansas City Chiefs(4-8) at Denver Broncos(5-7) 4:15PM

Everyone has a bad week and last week Cutler had an awful one. It doesn’t matter how good or bad a team is, it’s hard to win if you keep giving the ball to your opponent on your side of the field. Add the bit of rust that Travis Henry had to shake off and there’s your lose. This week the Broncos will look to bounce back in hopes for a run (and a little bit of help) to keep them in the shadow of a playoff hope. Minimizing turnover’s and no Devin Hester to kickoff to, the Broncos will find a way to get back on track inside Mile High.

Broncos bounce back

Pittsburgh Steelers(9-3) at New England Patriots(12-0) 4:15PM

Alright, who doesn’t think this is a trap pick? With the Patriots coming off two close calls over their last two match ups, this game has to show a light of hope for the Steelers. The run style offense of Pittsburgh with Willie Parker should be able to duplicate Baltimore’s run attack last week and the connection between Ben Roethlisberger and his receivers Santonio Holmes(if he returns) and Hines Ward can offer the opportunity to mimic the Philadelphia air attack displayed by Philly two weeks ago. Add to that the stout defense of Pittsburgh and the possible return of Troy Polamalu and this could be it, but is there really a possibility for an upset?

Time to stick a neck out, Steelers upset Patriots to end their perfect season

Sunday, December 9 2007 Sunday Night Football

*Note: Sunday Night games in Weeks 11-17 subject to change

Indianapolis Colts(10-2) at Baltimore Ravens(4-8) 8:15 PM

Another game that is hard to call after the performance put forth by the Ravens last week against New England when they ALMOST managed the upset. However, after Baltimore had a near victory stolen from them by Cleveland they were routed by San Diego. This week they will repeat the confusing spin after losing the game they should have had by giving up a big game to Peyton Manning and the Colts.

Colts take a win on the road

Monday, December 10, 2007 Monday Night Football

New Orleans Saints(5-7) at Atlanta Falcons(3-9) 8:30PM

New Orleans has lost a few close match ups in recent weeks, but will look to put up some numbers this week on the road in Atlanta. The Falcons have had to struggle through this season in an attempt to regain an identity post-Vick. This week it won’t get any easier as they host the Saints.

Saints march on Monday Night

Well, this concludes yet another week of NFL picks. This week promises to be much better than last week after recording an all-time low. So, in the spirit of improvement, a quote from George Rogers: “I want to rush for 1,000 or 1,500 yards, whichever comes first.”

NFL Week 13 ATS

Well, my, my how time does fly. Here it is late on a Saturday evening and I have yet to get my picks against the spread up in print. Shame on me! Alright, we’re gonna do this rapid fire style. Set ‘em up, let’s knock ‘em down.

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Sunday, December 2, 2007

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Atlanta Falcons +3.5
St. Louis Rams

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Buffalo Bills
Washington Redskins -6.5

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Detroit Lions +4
Minnesota Vikings

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Houston Texans +4
Tennessee Titans

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Jacksonville Jaguars +7
Indianapolis Colts

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New York Jets
Miami Dolphins -1

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San Diego Chargers -6.5
Kansas City Chiefs

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Seattle Seahawks
Philadelphia Eagles -3

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San Francisco 49ers +3
Carolina Panthers

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Cleveland Browns -1
Arizona Cardinals

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Denver Broncos -4
Oakland Raiders

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers
New Orleans Saints -3.5

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New York Giants -1.5
Chicago Bears

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Sunday, December 2, 2007 Sunday Night Football

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Cincinnati Bengals +7
Pittsburgh Steelers

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Monday, December 3, 2007 Monday Night Football

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New England Patriots -21
Baltimore Ravens

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Slam, bam, and thank you ma’am. There they are and here we go, let’s get ready for some football!!!