Friday, October 31, 2008

NFL Week 9 Update

Update: Picks for the lines that were not available upon the initial post.

Monday, November 3rd, 2008, Monday Night Football

Pittsburgh Steelers(5-2) at Washington Redskins(6-2) 8:30PM

Redskins hold on for a narrow home win

(Redskins No Line) (Redskins -2)

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

NFL Week 9 Picks

Due to some time restraints on my part, I’m going to have to keep this introductions nice and short. My record last week was among the worst of them as my sure things became busts and my upsets were anything but. That said, I finished 6-8 on the straight picks and 5-8-1 against the spread. Improvement shouldn’t be a hard task this week after such a pitiful performance.

Season Stats:

66-50 / 66 of 116 (.570) Straight picks

60-53-3 (.517) Against the spread

----Picks against the spread in red----

ALL TIMES ARE EASTERN

Open Date: Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints, San Diego Chargers, San Francisco 49ers

Sunday, November 2nd, 2008

New York Jets(4-3) at Buffalo Bills(5-2) 1:00PM

Buffalo will be looking to take back the score board after last weeks lose in Miami. I expect the Buffalo defensive line to spend all night in Favre’s facemask.

Buffalo rebounds with a home win

(Buffalo -5.5)

Detroit Lions(0-7) at Chicago Bears(4-3) 1:00PM

I’m sure Detroit is bound to create an upset sooner or later. I just don’t see them doing it against the Bears at Soldier Field.

Bears keep the Lions winless

(Lions +13)

Jacksonville Jaguars(3-4) at Cincinnati Bengals(0-8) 1:00PM

With two winless teams left you would have to figure one of them would break the streak this week, but no Palmer, no prayer.

Jaguars pull it together to regain .500 on the season

(Jaguars -8)

Baltimore Ravens(4-3) at Cleveland Browns(3-4) 1:00PM

Browns struggled at the beginning of their season when they had to travel to Baltimore and suffer a loss to the Ravens. Now they are showing some signs of life and have the opportunity to return the favor.

Browns tie up this division series

(Browns -1.5)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers(5-3) at Kansas City Chiefs(1-6) 1:00PM

Following a tough loss to Dallas last week, the Buccaneers will have to battle another road game in a harsh environment, Arrowhead. Lucky for them, the Chiefs have been full of mistakes and mishaps on and off the field.

Buccaneers take a win on the road

(Chiefs +9)

Houston Texans(3-4) at Minnesota Vikings(3-4) 1:00PM

Houston has been on a winning streak that has started to get their season turned around. Unfortunately, that won’t make this trip any easier. This week the Texans are traveling to Minnesota to test their win streak against a tough and rested defense.

Vikings hold down the home field and finish out with a win

(Vikings -4.5)

Arizona Cardinals(4-3) at St. Louis Rams(2-5) 1:00PM

The Rams win streak was ended last week, but I somehow don’t think we’ve heard the last of this team. This week they will look to recover their position in the win column as they host the Cardinals. Unfortunately, with the return of Anquan Boldin, the Cardinals have other plans.

Cardinals continue to dominate the NFC West

(Cardinals -3)

Green Bay Packers(4-3) at Tennessee Titans(7-0) 1:00PM

The Titans have done it. They have gone 7-0 and done it against by going through the Colts. But at the same time, just how good are the Colts this year? Before going into the bye week, the Packers defeated the Colts by an even larger margin. Now, with both teams coming off big wins against the Colts, the Packers will look to end the Titans undefeated season while the Titans must continue to prove they are worthy of such an impressive record.

Titans take advantage of home field and pull off the win in a close game

(Packers +6)

Miami Dolphins(3-4) at Denver Broncos(4-3) 4:05PM

Just call me a Homer this week. The Broncos turnover ratio has been ridiculously horrid and their defense as porous as a sponge, but their offense continues to be a huge threat when healthy and holding onto the ball.

Broncos bounce back after bye.

(Broncos -3.5)

Dallas Cowboys(5-3) at New York Giants(6-1) 4:15PM

Cowboys came away with their first win without Romo last week, but playing a division rival on their home field can always prove to be a challenge. Especially when that rival is the 6-1 Giants playing in Giant Stadium…and your still without your starting QB. Johnson is going to be seeing a lot of blue jersey this week, most likely followed by green turf.

Giants take advantage of a Romo-less Cowboys

(Giants -9)

Atlanta Falcons(4-3) at Oakland Raiders(2-5) 4:15PM

They may not be the best team in the NFC South, and they may not be playoff bound this year, but the Falcons have shown miles of improvement with the rookie Matt Ryan at the helm.

Falcons find a way to soar over the Raiders

(Falcons -3)

Philadelphia Eagles(4-3) at Seattle Seahawks(2-5) 4:15PM

I had honestly expected more from Mike Singletary’s debut game as an NFL coach, but instead the Seahawks took their opportunities where they can find them. Somehow I don’t think the Eagles will be as accommodating this week. Even on the road.

Eagles take a win to keep the entire NFC East above .500

(Eagles -7)

Sunday, November 2nd, 2008, Sunday Night Football

New England Patriots(5-2) at Indianapolis Colts(3-4) 8:15PM

At the seasons start, I don’t think anyone would have been surprised to see this match up as the game of the undefeated. However, I don’t think anyone expected a Brady-less Patriots and a below .500 Colts to be matching up on the ninth week of Sunday Night. Truth is, I think the Patriots are 5-2 on luck, and the Colts have been unstable, but capable of pulling out the win on any given Sunday.

Colts take down the Patriots

(Colts -6)

Monday, November 3rd, 2008, Monday Night Football

Pittsburgh Steelers(5-2) at Washington Redskins(6-2) 8:30PM

It looks as if we’ll have another Monday Night game worth watching as the Steelers hop over to FedEx Field for another slug-fest, this time with the Redskins. Both teams have seen some nicks and scraps over the season as well as dealt out their own bumps and bruises.

Redskins hold on for a narrow home win

(Redskins No Line)

And that would be a wrap. Sticking with the short…May the Football Gods shine upon your team (unless I picked against them) and enjoy your Football filled weekend!

Sunday, October 26, 2008

NFL Week 8 Updates

Update: Picks for the lines that were not available upon the initial post.

Sunday, October 26th, 2008

Tampa Bay Buccaneers(5-2) at Dallas Cowboys(4-3) 1:00PM

Buccaneers add more woes to the Cowboys season

(Buccaneers No Line) (Buccaneers +2)

St. Louis Rams(2-4) at New England Patriots(4-2) 1:00PM

Rams continue to shock the NFL

(Rams No Line) (Rams +8)

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

NFL Week 8 Picks

Another week has come and another week has gone. Fortunately, my picks improved, but unfortunately, my Broncos look as if they are self destructing week after week as they seem determined to give the ball away.

But we must move on, and I’ll make this intro short and sweet. Last week my picks finished 11-3 straight up and 10-4 against the spread. This was the improvement I’ve been looking for to boost my season record which now sits at 60-42 or 60 of 102 (.588) on the straight picks and 55-45-2 (.539) against the spread. So lets get to this weeks picks and see if I can’t pull off back-to-back good weeks.

----Picks against the spread in red----

ALL TIMES ARE EASTERN

Open Date: Chicago Bears, Denver Broncos, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings

Sunday, October 26th, 2008

Oakland Raiders(2-4) at Baltimore Ravens(3-3) 1:00PM

The Raiders managed to come out on top in overtime last week as they upset Brett Farve and the Jets. Unfortunately for them this week, they won’t have home field advantage.

Ravens win in a low scoring match up

(Raiders +7)

Arizona Cardinals(4-2) at Carolina Panthers(5-2) 1:00PM

Cardinals will hope to add Anquan Boldin back to the line up this week and increase their receiving arsenal. Of course, the Panthers have an arsenal of their own and will be looking to hold their place along side the Buccaneers at the top of the NFC South. This should prove to be a high powered match up full of hard hits and big plays.

Cardinals finish one step ahead to steal out of Carolina with a win

(Cardinals +4.5)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers(5-2) at Dallas Cowboys(4-3) 1:00PM

The Buccaneers are playing strong as they’ve been holding their own week after week. The Cowboys, however, are battered, broken, and beaten. Without Tony Romo, the Cowboy passing game is suffering, and how much longer do you think Terrell Owens will put up with a lack of receptions before he sets out to destroy yet another locker room?

Buccaneers add more woes to the Cowboys season

(Buccaneers No Line)

Washington Redskins(5-2) at Detroit Lions(0-6) 1:00PM

After beating the Saints, topping the Cardinals, upsetting the Cowboys, and stunning the Eagles, the Redskins have gone flat. This team won’t be able to ride the shoulders of Clinton Portis and his run game alone. This game could shape up to be another upset by an winless team if the Redskins don’t find the drive they had in weeks 2, 3, 4, and 5.

Redskins win and avoid going 0-2 to winless teams this season.

(Lions +8)

St. Louis Rams(2-4) at New England Patriots(4-2) 1:00PM

Do we have new hope in the Patriots after their 41-7 rout of the Broncos? No, not really. What was displayed on Monday Night was more of a self destructing of a Denver team than a coming out party for the Patriots. Did they score 41 points? Yes, but everyone scores on Denver. Let’s not forget FIVE turnovers! Patriots still aren’t the same without Brady, and I’m going to stick my neck out for the Rams for one more shocking week. Could I be too late to jump this train? Guess we’ll find out.

Rams continue to shock the NFL

(Rams No Line)

Atlanta Falcons(4-2) at Philadelphia Eagles(3-3) 1:00PM

Who would have thought this would be a tough call at the beginning of the season? After all the Falcons have been through with Vick, there has to be a small sigh of relief in Atlanta this season as rookie Matt Ryan has been able to manage games well enough to get them this far with a winning record. But will it be enough to take them through Philadelphia on the winning end?

Falcons win and give Philadelphia fans a reason to Boo.

(Atlanta +9)

Kansas City Chiefs(1-5) at New York Jets(3-3) 1:00PM

The Chiefs have struggled all season. Team leaders aren’t leading the team. L.J. has been dealing with problems off the field that have…well,…kept him off the field and Gonzalez made an unsuccessful attempt to leave the team. Now they will have to go on the road to face Favre and the Jets on their home turf as the Jets will be looking to get back off a tough OT loss in Oakland.

J. E. T. S., Brett, Brett, Brett!!!

(Jets -13)

San Diego Chargers(3-4) at New Orleans Saints(3-4) 1:00PM

Although the long trip can take it’s toll on the traveling team, the travel has been shared by both teams this week. That simply leaves two teams battling it out for a win. As much as both these teams want this win, only one can take it, and the loss of Reggie Bush just might be the deciding factor.

Chargers win the battle off of a foreign shore

(Chargers -3)

Buffalo Bills(5-1) at Miami Dolphins(2-4) 1:00PM

This game should be all Buffalo, but Miami has a way of winning the games they shouldn’t and losing the games they should win. Go figure. So will the Bills fall in South Florida? Or will their defense hold against the Miami trickery as their offense finds their own way to move on the Dolphin defense?

Bills continue to show why they lead the AFC East

(Bills -2)

Cincinnati Bengals(0-7) at Houston Texans(2-4) 4:05PM

The Bengals should be due for a win about now and what better team to get it from than a team below .500. However, as the Bengals must continue to play without Palmer, I wouldn’t hold my breath for that win. Texans have home field advantage and Andre Johnson has found his stride.

Texans punish the already hurting Bengals

(Texans -10)

Cleveland Browns(2-4) at Jacksonville Jaguars(3-3) 4:05PM

The Browns have had moments, moments where you thought, hmm, maybe. The Jaguars have had their own moments that have left you scratching your head and saying “what”? But make no mistake, the Jaguars are still a strong team and coming off a bye week to play at home will all work toward their advantage.

Jaguars win at home to advance above .500

(Jaguars -7)

Seattle Seahawks(1-5) at San Francisco 49ers(2-5) 4:15PM

News is in, 49ers have a new coach. So if it works out for them at all like it has seemed to be working for the Rams then this game should be all 49ers. Actually, if the Seahawks keep playing like they have been lately it should be all 49ers anyway. So let’s just say…

49ers take advantage of a home game and take the win

(49ers -5)

New York Giants(5-1) at Pittsburgh Steelers(5-1) 4:15PM

Now we’re talkin’! Now we’ve got ourselves a game. Although the Giants might have recently stumbled, they are far from fallen as they make the short trip into Pittsburgh to play a little smash mouth with the Steelers. And while the Steelers may have a few nicks and scraps that may or may not bring back Willie Parker, Mewelde Moore has shown he is willing to shoulder the load.

Giants bounce back to upset the Steelers at Heinz Field

(Giants +3)

Monday, October 27th, 2008, Monday Night Football

Indianapolis Colts(3-3) at Tennessee Titans(6-0) 8:30PM

The undefeated Titans will defend not only their home field this week, but also their sole undefeated record as the Colts gallop into town and I don’t think anyone would be to surprised to see the Colts end that record this Monday Night. However, with the Colts showing signs of inconsistency and the Titans showing an unwillingness to participate in the NFL’s “Any Given Sunday”…err…”Monday” rule, who knows for sure which way this game will go. Personally, I think that the…

Titans continue to shock everyone with a 7-0 start

(Titans -4)

And there we have it, another week of picks in the bag. Here’s wishing all your teams well, even though someone’s got to loss, and this week it’s my week to guarantee my team. The Denver Broncos are GUARANTEED not to loss this week! See if you can’t find someone willing to take a bet on that.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

NFL Week 7 Picks

Wow! I saw a few people come out of last week with a winning pick record, but as for me…Wow! I tanked! Honestly, I’m shocked! The ‘Any Given Sunday’ rule applied, and we should probably expand that to include ‘Any Given Monday.’ So the Rams and Texans are no longer winless, and the Browns served up a can of Whoop Ass to the Giants. And when all was said and done, I finished the week with the lowest weekly record I think I’ve ever recorded at 5-9 on the straight up picks. Luckily I didn’t fall so hard against the spread, as I finished 7-7 in that category this week. This puts my season record at 49-39 or 49 of 88 (.557) on the straight picks and 45-41-2 (.511) against the spread. I can only hope to improve as we move into Week 7.

----Picks against the spread in red----

ALL TIMES ARE EASTERN

Open Date: Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Jacksonville Jaguars, Philadelphia Eagles

Sunday, October 19th, 2008

San Diego Chargers(3-3) at Buffalo Bills(4-1) 1:00PM

After a big Charger victory over the Patriots last week I think it will be easy for many to jump on board the Charger Train. But this team has been sporadic this season, and until I see other wise, I expect more of the same. Bills are rested of the bye week, playing at home, and have a defense that will keep L.T. under wraps and pressure Rivers all night long.

Bills continue to lead the AFC East

(Bills Pick)

New Orleans Saints(3-3) at Carolina Panthers(4-2) 1:00PM

The Panthers have been displayed some strong play this season, including starting out 2-0 without their star receiver. However, Drew Brees has been lighting up the scoreboards almost all season and with the continued help of Reggie Bush this offense is difficult to stop. Expect the Panthers to attempt to keep up, but I think they are going to fall short.

Saints take their first road win of the season

(Saints +3)

Minnesota Vikings(3-3) at Chicago Bears(3-3) 1:00PM

Both teams are 3-3, both teams have shown moments of strength as well as moments of weakness where they simply couldn’t get the job done. This week they match up against each other. Many said the Bears would tank this season, many said the Vikings were playoff bound. Well, I don’t know about all that, but…

Bears secure a home win to move above .500

(Bears -3)

Pittsburgh Steelers(4-1) at Cincinnati Bengals(0-6) 1:00PM

If Carson Palmer were to return for this game, I might have taken this game as the upset that gets the Bengals their first ‘W’. However, as far as I can tell, it isn’t looking very promising that he will. So with that said.

Steelers roll over the Bengals

(Steelers -10)

Tennessee Titans(5-0) at Kansas City Chiefs(1-4) 1:00PM

So many upsets last week what game could ever come with the comforts of a sure thing? The Titans have looked strong this season while the Chiefs have struggled. However, this is being played in Arrowhead, and anyone whose played there as a visitor before knows just how hard a place to play this can be.

Titans hang on for a nail bitter

(Chiefs +8.5)

Baltimore Ravens(2-3) at Miami Dolphins(2-3) 1:00PM

I’ve actually found myself struggling with this pick as the Dolphins have served up a couple of upsets that bar them from simply being disregarded. The Ravens on the other hand still have a defense that might be able to create havoc in Miami’s backfield. The Ravens first two wins came against struggling teams, and their last three losses have come against a few strong teams.

Ravens break losing streak

(Ravens +3)

San Francisco 49ers(2-4) at New York Giants(4-1) 1:00PM

After the Giants suffered a shocking upset on the road, they are forced to return home to prepare on a short week. It can be said they are “only” playing the 49ers, but Monday night they were “only” playing the Browns. I believe the 49ers have some weapons that could work to serve up a second upset for the Giants, but somehow I don’t see the Giants allowing them to do it on their home turf.

Giants rebound with a big win at home

(Giants -10.5)

Dallas Cowboys(4-2) at St. Louis Rams(1-4) 1:00PM

Well, I heard a lot of talk last week about how the Cardinals could be the upset and defeat the Cowboys and sure enough, they did. Now Tony Romo is out, Roy Williams is in, and the Rams will be hosting the Cowboys after a huge upset win last week over a Redskin team that recently defeated Dallas on their home turf. Can the Rams serve up a second upset to an injured Cowboy team?

Cowboys cling to a win by the skin of their teeth

(Rams +7)

Detroit Lions(0-5) at Houston Texans(1-4) 4:05PM

And the Texans have tasted victory! Will it be addicting? After finally finishing a game on top the Texans will now host a desperate Lions team looking to find their first win. With Schaub starting to find a rhythm, Johnson finally getting an active role in the passing game, and rookie Steve Slaton continuing to make his presents known in the NFL…

Texans put together a two game win streak

(Lions +9)

Indianapolis Colts(3-2) at Green Bay Packers(3-3) 4:15PM

An Indianapolis team that has looked a bit dazed throughout this season finally came forward and dismantled the Ravens to grab their first win inside their new stadium. However, this week they must travel to Green Bay and take on the Packers on their home turf. I see this game as a close one, with plenty of high flying passes and both teams lighting up the score board, but when the smoke clears…

Packers steal away with the win

(Packers +2.5)

New York Jets(3-2) at Oakland Raiders(1-4) 4:15PM

Brett Favre is starting to click with the rest of the Jets offense and they have been putting numbers up on the board. However, a trip into the Black Hole isn’t a pleasant experience for anyone and the Raiders defense has been able to create headaches for opposing offenses. Oakland has been pure chaos, but this week they share with New York.

Raiders upset the Jets

(Raiders +3)

Cleveland Browns(2-3) at Washington Redskins(4-2) 4:15PM

The Browns will be coming off a short week, but should be flying high after a dominating display to upset the previously undefeated Giants. This week they must travel to Landover and FedEx Field to face a Redskins team looking to redeem them selves after falling victim to their own shocking upset. Browns will come in strong, but the Redskins won’t be going down without a fight twice.

Redskins fight off a motivated Browns team to finish with a win

(Browns +7.5)

Sunday, October 19th, 2008, Sunday Night Football

Seattle Seahawks(1-4) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers(4-2) 8:15PM

It’s always rough for a team to travel from the West coast to the East coast and steal away with a victory. It’s even harder when that team is struggling to secure a victory in the first place. This week the Seahawks must travel, but the trip won’t be a pleasant one.

Buccaneers win and send the Seahawks on a long flight home

(Buccaneers -11)

Monday, October 20th, 2008, Monday Night Football

Denver Broncos(4-2) at New England Patriots(3-2) 8:30PM

Without any current news on the status of Scheffler, Young, Royal, and Stokley its difficult to decide the impact that Cutler and Marshall will have against the Patriots on Monday Night. Guessing that Scheffler and Young are probable and that Royal will take the field to play I’m going with a Denver win, but I’m going to reserve the right to reconsider this game later this week. So, unless I say otherwise…

Broncos continue to have the Patriots number and win 400th overall game

(Broncos +3)

So that concludes another week of picks. Stay tuned to next week to find out whether or not I rebounded or feel flat for a second week in a row.

Saturday, October 11, 2008

NFL Week 6 Update

Update: Picks for the lines that were not available upon the initial post.

Sunday, October 12th, 2008

Detroit Lions(0-4) at Minnesota Vikings(2-3) 1:00PM

Vikings move to .500 and stay within their division race

(Vikings no line) (Lions +13.5)

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

***NEW, JUST FOR YOU***

Hey Sports fans,

New and just for you, I've added your opportunity to be a member of the Dragon Clan as well as subscribe to the site. Show your support by becoming a member of the Dragon Clan. Add my RSS feed to your home page and know instantly when the weekly picks have hit the web!!! Just look to the top of the side bar on the right and get connected today.

Thanks,
The Dragon

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

NFL Week 6 Picks

Last week proved to be another wild weekend on the gridiron. With Washington winning two tough division match ups in a row, Houston completely imploding at the end of the fourth quarter, Miami completing back-to-back upsets, Arizona knocking Buffalo from the ranks of the unbeaten in dominating fashion, Denver’s defense stifling an offense, and the Saints showering gifts upon the Vikings with two fumbles, two interception, eleven penalties, and a blocked field goal returned for a touchdown that not even two Reggie Bush punt returns could overcome. How could anyone possibly ask for more drama?

So although I’m not really happy with the outcome of my picks, I could say that after such a wild weekend, I at least came out above .500. So just to run the numbers, at the completion of Week 5, my weekly numbers were 8-6 straight up and 7-6-1 against the spread. This puts my new totals at 44-30 or 44 of 74 (.595) straight up and 38-34-2 (.514) against the spread. Only one way to improve these numbers and that’s to move along into the next week. So let’s get started.

----Picks in red against the spread----

ALL TIMES ARE EASTERN

Open Date: Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs, Pittsburgh Steelers, Tennessee Titans

Sunday, October 12th, 2008

St. Louis Rams(0-4) at Washington Redskins(4-1) 1:00PM

After back to back impressive road wins against the Cowboys and the Eagles, the NFL has been put on notice that the Redskins are here to play. Now that they are returning home to play…who?...the Rams?...if your looking for an upset here, your wishing on a hope and a prayer.

Skins are for real and looking to make their run on the NFC East with a win

(Redskins -14)

Miami Dolphins(2-2) at Houston Texans(0-4) 1:00PM

I’m of the opinion that the Houston Texans will do whatever it takes to lose at all costs. Hey, Rosenfels, here’s a hint…when you’re trying to protect a lead late in the fourth quarter, don’t make stupid fumbling leaps into the air, protect the ball when your scrambling out of the pocket, and don’t throw interceptions!!! Are you kidding me? Meanwhile, the Dolphins are turning some heads. Did they really just win back to back games?

Dolphins make it three in a row

(Dolphins +3)

Detroit Lions(0-4) at Minnesota Vikings(2-3) 1:00PM

The Vikings were given a gift in last weeks match up against the Saints, but you can’t blame them for taking advantage of it and holding on for a win in the end. This week they will host a trouble Lions team.

Vikings move to .500 and stay within their division race

(Vikings no line)

Oakland Raiders(1-3) at New Orleans Saints(2-3) 1:00PM

The Saints looked awful in their performance against Minnesota last week. Despite some big numbers and two punts returned for touchdowns by Reggie Bush they still weren’t able to overcome their own miscues. After that performance I could definitely see an upset pulled off by Oakland this week, but then again, this is Al Davis’ Raiders.

Saints pull themselves back together for a win

(Saints no line)

Carolina Panthers(4-1) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers(3-2) 1:00PM

Carolina with travel to Tampa this week to face a Buccaneer team looking to rebound at home after their loss to Denver in a close game. Unfortunately for Tampa, the Panthers won’t be willing to let the Buccaneers take the time to bandage their wounds.

Panthers pull off a road win in Tampa

(Panthers +2)

Cincinnati Bengals(0-5) at New York Jets(2-2) 1:00PM

Although the Bengals kept in the game last week against Dallas, they are still an undisciplined team. The Jets on the other hand have begun to settle into life with Brett. The Bengals defense can’t stop him, and they won’t be able to out gun him. Bengals are looking at some more sorrows.

J.E.T.S., Brett, Brett, Brett!!!

(Jets -6)

Baltimore Ravens(2-2) at Indianapolis Colts(2-2) 1:00PM

After losing back-to-back games by three points, the Ravens have got to be fuming. What better way to vent your frustrations than on Peyton Manning and a Colts team that has seemed…well…off this year. Only problem…the Colts could come out gunning on any given week.

Ravens continue the Colts losing streak at Lucas Oil Stadium

(Ravens +5)

Chicago Bears(3-2) at Atlanta Falcons(3-2) 1:00PM

Atlanta has managed to teeter back and forth between a .500 team and a winning team weekly. The pattern says they lose this week. The Bears say they can assist them with that.

Bears win as their defense stifles the Falcons

(Bears -3)

Jacksonville Jaguars(2-3) at Denver Broncos(4-1) 4:05PM

Although they’re far from a bad team, Jacksonville hasn’t been the dominating team they were thought to be before the start of the season. This week they will have to take the show on the road to play in Investco Field against a Denver team that has been finding ways to get it done.

Broncos continue to make Denver a tough place to play for opponents

(Broncos -3.5)

Philadelphia Eagles(2-3) at San Francisco 49ers(2-3) 4:15PM

Eagles may not be among the teams with winning records at this point in the season, but they are a tough team playing in a tough division and while the 49ers have had moments that have looked good, it would have to be called an upset for them to pull off a victory this week.

Eagles increase their record to .500

(Eagles -5)

Green Bay Packers(2-3) at Seattle Seahawks(1-3) 4:15PM

With Rodgers still nicked up and the Packers traveling for a road game. I’m going to have to call this a close game. While Rodgers could still arrive ready to play and the Packers have the ability to blow this game out of the water, I’m going to say the Seahawks could take this opportunity to bounce back from the beating they took at the hands of the Giants.

Seahawks manage a win and send the Packers packing

(Seahawks -3)

Dallas Cowboys(4-1) at Arizona Cardinals(3-2) 4:15PM

After the Cowboys performance against the Bengals last week this game feels like it could actually go either way. When Dallas is running on all cylinders they can mow through teams at home and on the road, but as we saw last week, the Cardinals can run up a scoreboard of their own.

Cowboys hang on for a close victory

(Arizona +5)

Sunday, October 12th, 2008, Sunday Night Football

New England Patriots(3-1) at San Diego Chargers(2-3) 8:15PM

New England just hasn’t been the same without Brady, but the Chargers haven’t had the start everyone expected either, and L.T. has been an average back at best. However, the game will be held in San Diego and there is something to be said for home field advantage.

Chargers look to put Miami in the rear view by winning at home

(Chargers -6)

Monday, October 13th, 2008, Monday Night Football

New York Giants(4-0) at Cleveland Browns(1-3) 8:30PM

The Giants have been eating teams like the Browns for lunch this season and although Plaxico Burress feels no need to redeem himself after his suspension, he is a player that loves playing in a national spotlight. I’m not expecting any surprises here, but I’m sure looking forward to watching the Giants take on a much more difficult schedule the second half of the season.

Giants continue to manhandle yet another sub .500 team

(Giants -8)

And with that, another week has come and gone. My how time flies when you’ve got hard hitting, turf pounding, spiral sailing, nonstop action playing out every week in the NFL. Man I love this game!!!

Saturday, October 4, 2008

NFL Week 5 Updates

Update: Picks for the lines that were not available upon the initial post.

Sunday, October 5th, 2008

Tennessee Titans(4-0) at Baltimore Ravens(2-1) 1:00PM

Titans continue to add to their win streak

(Titans no line) (Titans -3)

Atlanta Falcons(2-2) at Green Bay Packers(2-2) 1:00PM

Packers bounce back with a win at home

(Packers no line) (Packers still no line)

Washington Redskins(3-1) at Philadelphia Eagles(2-2) 1:00PM

Redskins continue to turn heads in the NFC East

(Redskins no line) (Redskins +6)

Cincinnati Bengals(0-4) at Dallas Cowboys(3-1) 4:15PM

Cowboys brutalize the Bengals

(Cowboys no line) (Cowboys -17)

Sunday, October 5th, 2008, Sunday Night Football

Pittsburgh Steelers(3-1) at Jacksonville Jaguars(2-2) 8:15PM

Jaguars advance above .500 in a smash mouth style victory

(Jaguars no line) (Steelers +5)