Do I need to hype this game up at all? It’s the Super Bowl, the spectacles of spectacles. I’ll just wait a few till my prediction to try to hype both teams up. Well, the season is almost over, and it’s been a good ride. Prediction wise, I’m very proud of my record this season. The is the last game (yes, I do make Pro Bowl predictions, but that game doesn’t matter).
Last Week: 1-1 Season: 179-97
New York Giants vs New England Patriots
One team of destiny, one looking for perfection. The Giants run of 10 straight road wins has been remarkable. Maybe now, we won’t hear Eli Manning getting called a bust. The Patriots on the other hand, have won 18 in a row, but need one more to become the best team of all time (yes, this would be more impressive then the ‘72 Dolphins, and I know Don Shula does not want to read that). A loss would be a disaster for the Pats. I picked them to win the Super Bowl earlier this season, I might as well stick with my pick. I do this this will be a close game. I’m saying it will be another 3 point win for the Patriots. Winner: New England Patriots
So, there won’t be a matchup of the Superpowers in the AFC this year. It’s a shame. While the Colts are left at home wondering what might have been, the Cowboys have to be kicking themselves. They had homefield advantage, and Brett Favre never has played well in Dallas. Both the Colts and Cowboys are good examples of what happens when you don’t go into the playoffs strong. The Chargers are the second hottest team in the NFL (the Pats have won 17 in a row, and the Chargers have won 8 in a row). The Giants are on a great roll, winners of nine straight on the road. The Packers have history on their side, as it will be cold in Lambeau Field. When it’s cold, the Packers usually win at home.
Last Week: 3-1 Season: 178-96
San Diego Chargers vs New England Patriots
It will be hard for Tom Brady to top his performance from last week. The Jags had no answers, and Brady was as close to perfect as any quarterback ever (his two incompletions were drops). The Chargers have more depth than anyone thought, but you don’t want depth being a factor when you are so close to the Super Bowl. L.T. should play, Philip Rivers might play, and Gates probably will play. Even if all three play, they still have to stop the Patriots. I don’t think they have enough left to beat the Patriots. Winner: New England Patriots
New York Giants vs Green Bay Packers
If Ryan Grant can play like he did after his two fumbles against Seattle, who is going to stop the Packers? The Giants defense is good enough to limit Grant, but their secondary is banged up. If the Giants don’t get pressure, Brett Favre will find the open man, and the Packers could have a big lead. We don’t know how the Giants will handle the elements, and it will be cold Sunday. I think Brett Favre knows this is his last chance to win the Super Bowl. Winner: Green Bay Packers
This is one of those weeks where, it’s possible for all four road teams to win. Is that going to happen? Probably not. In the AFC, the two Golitahs are looking to have a rematch in the AFC Champions. In the NFC, the Cowboys and looking for a 3-0 season sweep of the Giants, while Brett Favre faces his former coach. Usually, the Divisional round has one epic game, it’s just a matter of waiting to see which game it will be this season.
Last Week: 4-0 Season: 175-95
Seattle Seahawks vs Green Bay Packers
The playoffs return to Lambeau Field, and so does Mike Holmgren. Four years ago, this teams played in the playoffs, and Matt Hasselbeck said the now infamous words “We want the ball, and we’re going to score” after the overtime coin toss. They lost that game. Seattle is a weird team to figure out, they played well for 3 quarters, blew a 13 point lead against the Redskins, then won by 21. They have a good offense, but their defense is even better. One bad thing about the Seahawks, they are bad on the road. No one is better at playing in cold weather then Brett Favre, and his magic ride will continue. Winner: Green Bay Packers
Jacksonville Jaguars vs New England Patriots
After three quarters, the Jags looked poised to take on anyone, but then they blew an 18 point lead to the Steelers. Sure, Jacksonville won the game, but their are some chinks in the armor. If they couldn’t stop the Steelers passing attack, what chance do they have against the Pats? The Jags do have a good enough team to beat the Patriots, but the Patriots have too many weapons on offense. Winner: New England Patriots
San Diego Chargers vs Indianapolis Colts
The Chargers got their first postseason win in 13 years last week. Philip Rivers played well against the Titans, but if they don’t have Antonio Gates for this game, they could be in for a long game. I don’t think the Colts will blow out the Chargers, because the Chargers always play the Colts tough. Peyton Manning is looking for back to back Super Bowls, and with Marvin Harrison back, that just adds more weapons for the potent Colts. Winner: Indianapolis Colts
New York Giants vs Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys haven’t played well since their win over the Packers. Terrell Owens should play, and we all know how quick he can recover from injury. The Giants are 8-1 on the road this season, and want to avoid getting beat three times by the Cowboys. If the Giants can get pressure on Romo, they have a good chance to advance to the NFC Championship. Winner: New York Giants
Wild Card Weekend, in the past, has lived up to it’s name. Usually, these games are hard to figure out, but last year all four home teams won. Will that happen again this weekend?
As for my my picks last week, I ended the regular season well. This has been my best year for picking games. Picking playoff games, is a whole other matter. With the pressure on, some teams don’t live up to expectations. I’ll have to be on the lookout for that.
Last Week: 11-5 Season: 171-95
Washington Redskins vs Seattle Seahawks
This is the toughest game to pick this weekend. The Redskins are riding a wave of momentum. This is a team united, and Todd Collins has been playing very well. On the other hand, Seattle has been shaky lately. One thing the Seahawks have going for them is that this game is at home, and it’s hard to win in Seattle. I’d like to see the Redskins win this one, but I’m going to pick the Seahawks. Winner: Seattle Seahawks
Jacksonville Jaguars vs Pittsburgh Steelers
The Jags always give the Steelers problems, but this time, the pressure is on the Jags. Sure, this game is in Pittsburgh, but the Steelers are banged up, and everyone will be expecting an early exit for the Steelers. The Jags need to follow the gameplan that has been working all season, don’t have Garrard throw too much, run the football, and control the clock. If they do that, they will advance. Winner: Jacksonville Jaguars
New York Giants vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Bucs have been resting guys the last few weeks. I can’t really blame them for that, but one has to wonder, just what team is going to show up. The Giants are 7-1 on the road, so they like having to go to Tampa. There is a lot of pressure on Eli to win in the playoffs. In order for that to happen, the Giants are going to have to run the ball. If put up some points, the Bucs offense will have a hard time. Winner: New York Giants
Tennessee Titans vs San Diego Chargers
The Titans have won 3 in a row since their overtime loss to the Chargers, but injuries could be a major factor in this one. Last week’s win took a lot out of the Titans, and the Chargers are red hot. The Chargers are looking to win their first playoff game since 1994. Winner: San Diego Chargers
The final week of the regular season, which is sort of sad. For most of the teams out there, it’s going to be a long wait till next season. There are two spots lefts to be filled, and five teams are battling for those spots. In the AFC, the Browns season is riding on the Colts/Titans game. In the NFC, the Saints need to win, and have the Vikings and Redskins lose to get in. The Vikings and Browns are kicking themselves this week, for not being able to clinch playoff berths last week. Should be a fun week of football.
Last Week: 9-7 Season: 160-90
New England Patriots vs New York Giants
The Giants have ended undefeated seasons before, but this time, it would be wise for them to rest their starters, and focus on their game vs the Bucs next week. Three networks are going to broadcast this game. Do the NFL realize that this is why everyone is sick of the Pats? What ever happened to their hopes of the NFL Network taking off on it’s own? Winner: New England Patriots
San Francisco 49ers vs Cleveland Browns
The Browns’ playoff hopes are in the hands of the Colts. They had their chance last week, but Derek Anderson had his worst performance. The 49ers are hot, but the Browns are 6-1 at home, and would like to end the season with 10 wins. Winner: Cleveland Browns
Detroit Lions vs Green Bay Packers
The Packers handed home field to the Cowboys after that bad loss to the Bears. Now they want to enter the playoff on a good note. Luckily, they play the Lions. The Lions never win in Green Bay. Winner: Green Bay Packers
New Orleans Saints vs Chicago Bears
The Saints playoff hopes are slim, but they don’t have to worry about a team with a good offense. Kyle Orton might not put up good numbers, but he doesn’t turn the football over as much as Griese, or Grossman. Isn’t that what has killed the Bears this season? I still like the Saints to finish the season 8-8. Winner: New Orleans Saints
Jacksonville Jaguars vs Houston Texans
The Texans would like to finish 8-8 for the first time, but they have to play the Jags. The Jags are going to the playoffs on a roll. Could they be the team to end the Pats undefeated season? Winner: Jacksonville Jaguars
Carolina Panthers vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Bucs sort of gave up against the 49ers. While that doesn’t make me like their chances in the playoffs, I like them against the Panthers. Their defense will probably score a touchdown. Winner: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Buffalo Bills vs Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles beat the Saints last week, so they are on a roll. The Bills would like to finish the season 8-8, but they aren’t good on the road. Winner: Philadelphia Eagles
Cincinnati Bengals vs Miami Dolphins
The Bengals might have spoiled the Browns season last week. As a reward, they get to play the Dolphins. The Dolphins will play hard, but they got their win already, and the number one draft pick, they don’t need to get greedy. Winner: Cincinnati Bengals
Seattle Seahawks vs Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons are happier than ever, because they can finally put the 2007 season to bed. This has been an awful season for the Falcons. The Seahawks probably will rest some guys, making this a hard game to pick. The Seahawks backups are better than some of the Falcons starters. Winner: Seattle Seahawks
Pittsburgh Steelers vs Baltimore Ravens
Talk about another team happy that 2007 is almost over with, the Ravens will be glad when this game is over. It’s hard to believe that this team was 4-2. A nine game losing streak has that effect. The Steelers will play some backups in this one, but their defense should be able to score more than the Ravens offense. Winner: Pittsburgh Steelers
Minnesota Vikings vs Denver Broncos
It’s sad that the Denver Broncos are playing the roll of spoiler. Usually, this is playoff time for Denver fans. The Vikings blew their chance to clinch the final spot in the NFC. Going to Denver is never easy. Winner: Denver Broncos
Dallas Cowboys vs Washington Redskins
The Redskins have been playing well with Todd Collins. It might not be pretty, but they’ve been winning. The Cowboys have clinched home field, and would love to knock the Redskins out of the playoff picture. This is the time of year where you need to use logic, and rest some guys. Winner: Washington Redskins
San Diego Chargers vs Oakland Raiders
The Raiders are not ending their season on a good note. Last week was hard to watch, as the Raiders got destroyed by the Jags. The Chargers are playing for the 3rd seed, which means with a win, they’d play either the Browns or Titans. They don’t want to face the Jags. Winner: San Diego Chargers
Kansas City Chiefs vs New York Jets
This was suppose to be the Sunday Night game, good thing we have flex scheduling. The Jets seem to be playing hard, while the Chiefs have lost 8 in a row. Winner: New York Jets
St Louis Rams vs Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals want to finish the season 8-8. It’s been a season of what ifs for the Cards. Those two losses to the 49ers ended their playoff hopes. Still, 8-8 isn’t bad for the Cardinals. Winner: Arizona Cardinals
Tennessee Titans vs Indianapolis Colts
The Titans win, and they are in. The Browns are in if the Titans loss. Talk about a lot of pressure. The Colts have everything wrapped up, and will be playing backups for most of this game. The Colts do need to rest guys. One thing the Colts have going for them is depth. There backups have gotten a lot of playing time, so they aren’t just some bums. The Titans will have their hands full in this one. With that being said, the Titans have a playoff berth to play for, and should not lose to backups. Winner: Tennessee Titans
The Dolphins got their first win last week, and there is no team that wants to end the Patriots undefeated season more than the Dolphins. Elsewhere in the NFL, all of the divisions, expect the AFC North, have been clinched. So, the final spots are up for grabs. Speaking of up for grabs, the Redskins/Vikings game is a major game for the 6th seed in the NFC. I know the Redskins have played well the last two weeks, but three primetime games in a row?
Last Week: 12-4 Season: 151-83
Pittsburgh Steelers vs St Louis Rams
The Steelers are cold at the wrong time. The Steelers are now tied with the Browns, and if they lose out, there is a good chance that they might miss the playoffs. That’s a lot of pressure. The Steelers defense has not played well the last two weeks, and now they have to go to St Louis. I don’t like their chances in the dome. Winner: St Louis Rams
Dallas Cowboys vs Carolina Panthers
The Cowboys let the Packers back into the race for homefield advantage. Now the Cowboys must win both games to clinch homefield. While the Panthers are still alive for the playoffs, the Cowboys have too much to play for to let this game slip away. Winner: Dallas Cowboys
Houston Texans vs Indianapolis Colts
The Texans are looking to finish 8-8 for the first time in team history. The Colts have a first round bye clinched, but they should learn from last year. They need to go into the playoffs on a roll. I think they’ll rest their starters somewhat over the next two weeks, but I look for them to play hard. Winner: Indianapolis Colts
Green Bay Packers vs Chicago Bears
The Bears are done, and the Packers couldn’t be happier. This could be a tough game for the Packers, but with Kyle Orton at quarterback, I don’t expect the Bears to be able to put up enough points to hang with the Packers. Winner: Green Bay Packers
Cleveland Browns vs Cincinnati Bengals
The Browns are a win away from the playoffs, but have to play their Ohio rivals. The Bengals will give the Browns all they can handle, but the Browns know that their best chance of winning, is handing off to Jamal Lewis at least 30 times. Lewis is ready to carry the Browns on his back. Winner: Cleveland Browns
Oakland Raiders vs Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jags win, and they are in the playoffs. The Raiders are not as bad as their record might indicate, but the Jags are a tough team to beat. The Jags are now starting to get noticed, I wonder will that hurt them in the playoffs? They aren’t a “sleeper” team anymore. Winner: Jacksonville Jaguars
New York Giants vs Buffalo Bills
The Giants now have to worry about injuries, something that has haunted them the last few season. They don’t want another late season swoon, but with the Vikings, Redskins, and Saints are fighting for wild card spots, the Giants need to win this game. The Bills are playing for pride at this point, and want their home finale to end in a victory. Winner: Buffalo Bills
Kansas City Chiefs vs Detroit Lions
These two teams were at one point, in the playoff picture, but losing streaks by both teams makes this a hard game to watch. The Chiefs might like Brodie Croyle as their quarterback of the future, but I don’t know if this team is ready to win road games at this point. Winner: Detroit Lions
Philadelphia Eagles vs New Orleans Saints
The Saints are still alive, while the Eagles are not. The Eagles did get a big win over the Cowboys last week, but back to back road wins is hard to do. The Saints offense is looking a lot better with Aaron Stecker. Winner: New Orleans Saints
Atlanta Falcons vs Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals are not going to make the playoffs. They have to be looking at those two losses to the 49ers and wondering what if. The Falcons are a mess right now, and the Cardinals want to make their fans happy for the holidays. Winner: Arizona Cardinals
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs San Francisco 49ers
The Bucs are in a weird spot. Do they want to be the 3rd of 4th seed? It might not sound like much, but the Colts can tell you how important it is to be the 3rd seed. Winner: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
New York Jets vs Tennessee Titans
The Titans will know if they alive or not in the AFC playoff picture before this game kicks off. I don’t think either possibility bodes well for the Jets. Winner: Tennessee Titans
Baltimore Ravens vs Seattle Seahawks
The Ravens loss to the winless Dolphins. The Seahawks lost to the punchless Panthers. The Seahawks are fighting for the 3rd seed in the NFC. The Ravens are looking towards the draft. Winner: Seattle Seahawks
Miami Dolphins vs New England Patriots
We almost had an 0-14 team vs a 14-0 team. The Dolphins won though, and now their want to end the Pats perfect season. The Patriots have had some close calls of late, and the Dolphins will play hard. In the end, the Pats know how important it is to play well going into the playoffs. Winner: New England Patriots
Washington Redskins vs Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings control their own destiny, but a loss to the Redskins would hurt them in the playoff race. This is a must win game for both teams, and the Vikings defense has been playing well during this five game winning streak. The Vikings could be a dangerous team in the playoffs. Winner: Minnesota Vikings
Denver Broncos vs San Diego Chargers
The Chargers have won the AFC West, but now are playing for the all important 3rd seed. How important is it for the Chargers? If they are the 3rd seed, and win their first round game, they play the Colts, a team that they know how to beat. Winner: San Diego Chargers
Looks like this season, is going to have less drama down the stretch. In the NFC, three divisions are wrapped up, and the Bucs are only a win (or Saints loss) away from winning the NFC South. In the AFC, the Pats are a win away from home field, and they play the team that started the whole “Spygate” mess. That isn’t to say there isn’t big games this week. The Browns-Bills game is the one to watch, as both teams are fighting for 6th seed (in the Browns case, the division is still up for grabs.
As for my picks last week, it was a good week to rebound after a losing week. Now is the time of year, where elements play a factor, so picking will be harder.
Last Week: 12-4 Season: 139-79
Denver Broncos vs Houston Texans
This is an elimination in the AFC. Both teams are one loss away from being out of the playoff picture, so expect an interesting game. Denver can either get blown out, or blow some out. I don’t expect a blow out, but I like the Texans at home. Winner: Houston Texans
Cincinnati Bengals vs San Francisco 49ers
NFL Network must be very unhappy that both of these teams are not in the playoff picture. The 49ers won’t even have Trent Dilfer, while the Bengals have been played well since their dreadful start to the season. Winner: Cincinnati Bengals
Baltimore Ravens vs Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins are looking for their first win, and will start Cleo Lemon. While, Lemon isn’t a world beater by any means, he’s a lot better than John Beck. The Ravens have fallen apart, and as hard is it is for me to pick the Dolphins, I look for the Ravens to struggle on the road. Winner: Miami Dolphins (finally)
Tennessee Titans vs Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs are ice cold, and the Titans are mad over their overtime loss to the Chargers. If they don’t make the playoffs, they will be looking at that game wondering what if. The Titans need to win to stay in hunt. Winner: Tennessee Titans
Seattle Seahawks vs Carolina Panthers
The Seahawks are hot, and travel to Carolina, and place that hasn’t been too friendly for the Panthers. The Panthers are still alive in the NFC, but their hard schedule isn’t helping matters. They need to worry about who will be the quarterback of this football team in 2008. Winner: Seattle Seahawks
Green Bay Packers vs St Louis Rams
I’ve been picking a lot of road teams, which isn’t normal for me. Still, the Packers still have hopes for home field, while the Rams should just worry about making sure no one gets hurts. They’ve had too many injuries this season. Winner: Green Bay Packers
Atlanta Falcons vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Bucs are a win away from the NFC South crown, and who better to face, then the Atlanta Falcons. Their coach bails on them after a bad loss to the Saints. It’s been a terrible season for the Falcons. Maybe next year, they will go from worst to first in the NFC South, but for this year, the title belongs to the Bucs. Winner: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
New York Jets vs New England Patriots
The Pats have been waiting for this game since the whistle was blown on Spygate. While, it’s going to be tough to play with a cool head in this game, the snow, and too much Tom Brady, should lead to an easy win for the Patriots. Looks like the Pats will clinch home field this Sunday. Winner: New England Patriots
Arizona Cardinals vs New Orleans Saints
This is a big game in the NFC. Both teams are fighting to stay alive in the wild card race. The Cardinals aren’t very good on the road, and the Saints offense should be able to put up points against the banged up Cardinals’ defense. Winner: New Orleans Saints
Jacksonville Jaguars vs Pittsburgh Steelers
The Jags have the Steelers number. The Steelers are fading fast, and play a team that always gives them problems. The Jags have slim hopes for the AFC South, but are very close to clinching a playoff spot. If there is one team that can make some noise in the AFC, it’s the Jags. It’s not pretty, but it’s effective. Winner: Jacksonville Jaguars
Buffalo Bills vs Cleveland Browns
The biggest game of the week, and who would have thought that in week one? The Browns need to win, or the Bills will be in the driver seat for the 6th spot. The Browns still have hopes for the AFC North, and the Dawg Pound is going to be loud. The Browns are so close to the playoffs, and a win will go a long way. Winner: Cleveland Browns
Indianapolis Colts vs Oakland Raiders
The Raiders have to be wondering, why is our schedule so hard? The Colts are one win away from winning the AFC South, and with a win, and Steelers loss, will have a first round bye. Looks like we are getter one step closer to another Pats-Colts AFC Championship game. Winner: Indianapolis Colts
Detroit Lions vs San Diego Chargers
The Chargers showed the heart, that I thought they were lacking, against the Titans last week. The Chargers can get the 3rd seed in the AFC. The Lions have to upset over their loss to the Cowboys. Now, the playoffs, much like Jon Kitna’s “10 win” prediction, are turning into a joke. This team was 6-2, what the hell happened? Winner: San Diego Chargers
Philadelphia Eagles vs Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys magic season, got a scare last week when the Lions almost upset the Cowboys. Dallas should know, that they need to play well at the end of the season. Last year, the Cowboys limped into the playoffs. A win over the hated Eagles should give them a boost. Winner: Dallas Cowboys
Washington Redskins vs New York Giants
The Giants are a win away from clinching a playoff spot. If they want to do anything in the playoffs, they need to play well in the next three games. The Redskins need to win, and Todd Collins give them hope. The Meadowlands is a tough place to play in December. Winner: New York Giants
Chicago Bears vs Minnesota Vikings
Finally, the Bears went to a quarterback who won’t make big mistakes. Sure, Kyle Orton isn’t going to put up big numbers, but he won’t make stupid turnovers. Since they won’t be able to pass, the Bears hopes of winning are limited, because the Vikings are the best defense against the run. The Vikings are red hot, and a few more wins, means they will be going to the playoffs. Winner: Minnesota Vikings
Only four weeks left in the season, which means it’s time for some teams to step up and get on a roll going into the playoffs. In an odd twist, all the divisions can be clinched this weekend. Seems a little early for things to be wrapped up, but while the division races might be coming to a close, the wild card race is heating up. As far as my picks go, last week was my worst week of the season. I’d like to end the season strong, but these games keep getting harder to pick.
Last Week: 7-9 Season: 127-75
Washington Redskins vs Chicago Bears
The Redskins tough week gets even tougher with them having to go to Chicago. Last week was a bad loss. Two timeouts in a row? Maybe Joe Gibbs has more on his mind than football. The Bears blew a chance to be tied for the 6th seed, but a win over the Redskins will keep them in the hunt. Winner: Chicago Bears
Carolina Panthers vs Jacksonville Jaguars
The Panthers are only one game out of the wild card, and they have an important tiebreaker over the Cardinals, but their schedule isn’t doing them any favors. David Garrard threw his first pick last week, and the Jags are angry over that. They should roll in this football game. Winner: Jacksonville Jaguars
Dallas Cowboys vs Detroit Lions
The Lions always play the Cowboys tough. I would have picked the Lions, but the extra days off, and the fact that the Lions are falling apart before our eyes makes me lean towards the Cowboys. Winner: Dallas Cowboys
Miami Dolphins vs Buffalo Bills
The Dolphins got their ass kicked by the Jets, in a game that they were favored to win. It looks like their best chance for a win has past. I still think the Dolphins will get a win this season, but the Bills win with Trent Edwards. It won’t be pretty, but the Bills should win, and stay alive for a wild card spot. Winner: Buffalo Bills
Oakland Raiders vs Green Bay Packers
The Packers needed the extra days off for this one. They should be healthy again, and the Packers need to win out to have any hopes of catching Dallas. The Raiders are improving, but they aren’t good on the road. Winner: Green Bay Packers
San Diego Chargers vs Tennessee Titans
The Chargers look like they are back to their 2006 form. With that said, I like the Titans at home. Vince Young is moblie enough to avoid sacks, and has been looking much better throwing the ball. Winner: Tennessee Titans
St Louis Rams vs Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals defense is going to have their hands full with the Rams. One thing I don’t like about the Rams, is they don’t know how to finish games, and that is not a good thing on the road. I can see this one going either way, but I’ll take the home team. Winner: Cincinnati Bengals
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Houston Texans
Matt Schaub is out, and the Bucs are only one win away from clinching the NFC South. It looks like the trend in the South will continue, where a team finishs last one year, then wins the division the next. Houston’s slim playoff hopes will be dashed in this one. Winner: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
New York Giants vs Philadelphia Eagles
The Giants have to be happy that Eli Manning was able to win a late season game on the road. A come from behind win no less. The Eagles will be happy to have Donovan McNabb back, and the Giants are starting to feel the effects of the late season injury bug. Winner: Philadephia Eagles
Arizona Cardinals vs Seattle Seahawks
Arizona is tied for the final wild card spot, which might not be a good thing. The Cardinals aren’t a team that handles pressure very well. If the Seahawks win, they clinch the NFC West. Quietly, the Seahawks have been a perennial playoff team. Winner: Seattle Seahawks
Cleveland Browns vs New York Jets
The Browns suffered a heartbreaking defeat in the desert last week. They should bounce back against the Jets. This won’t be an easy win by any means, but if the Browns want to make the playoffs, they have to win, and watch out for the Titans. Winner: Cleveland Browns
Minnesota Vikings vs San Francisco 49ers
I know, I picked the 49ers last week. Even though I think this will be a close game, I don’t care. I can pick the 49ers again this season. The Vikings are hot, and are playing well at the right time. Vikings in the playoffs? There is a very good chance that will happen this season. Winner: Minnesota Vikings
Kansas City Chiefs vs Denver Broncos
The Broncos got beat by the Raiders last week, and they saw their division hopes go down the toilet. They are two games back, but this season, the Broncos have been too inconsistent for me to believe they have the heart for a playoff run. I think they will win this game though, but not by much. Winner: Denver Broncos
Pittsburgh Steelers vs New England Patriots
The Pats are feeling good about getting out of Baltimore with a win. It seems like they are the only people around who think going 19-0 is hard. The oddsmakers keep making them big favorites, and that just gets their opponents fired up. The Steelers are a tough team to beat, but I don’t like what I’m seeing out of the Steelers. This one will be close, but in the end, the Patriots will survive. Winner: New England Patroits
Indianapolis Colts vs Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens have to be crushed over that loss to the Pats. They had them on the ropes, but their defense could not keep the Pats out of the end zone. Now, they have to face the Colts. The Colts might not be getting as much attention as usual, but you know they have to like their chances against the Patriots if they meet in the playoffs. Winner: Indianapolis Colts
New Orleans Saints vs Atlanta Falcons
ESPN has to be pissed off that they have this game. Last week’s game was everything you could ask for, now they have to go to Atlanta to see the woeful Falcons. The Saints blew their chances for the division with a fumbled reverse. They still are alive in the NFC playoff picture, and should easily beat the Falcons. Winner: New Orleans Saints
The NFC playoff picture is tightening up. With a whole bunch of teams at 5-6, and one game out of the final wild card spot, who knows what will happen in the upcoming weeks. The NFC will get a chance to shine Thursday with the Cowboys vs the Packers. Both teams are 10-1, and a win could very well decide where the road to the Super Bowl in the NFC is going to be. Not that the AFC is without drama, with some big games as well this week. Last week, I had a winning record, but some upsets made my week average.
Last Week: 10-6 Season: 120-56
Green Bay Packers vs Dallas Cowboys
Seems like ESPN has been very upset that a high caliber like this is on NFL Network. They should be more upset that most of the Monday Night Football games have been clunkers. Onto the game. It seems like everyone wants Brett Favre to pass the torch to Tony Romo, but the old man has his Packers flying high. The Cowboys aren’t good against pressure, and you know the Packers will be putting heat on Tony Romo. Winner: Green Bay Packers
Atlanta Falcons vs St Louis Rams
A fumbled snap cost the Rams a chance last week. The Falcons defense is going to have their hands full trying to stop the Rams offense. The Rams are looking to prove that they are better than their record indicates. Winner: St Louis Rams
San Francisco 49ers vs Carolina Panthers
The 49ers are coming off a big win, while the Panthers haven’t had a big win in a while. Their offense is terrible, and with Trent Dilfer, the 49ers offense seems to be able to put some points on the scoreboard. The Panthers are winless at home, and that will be the difference. Winner: San Francisco 49ers
San Diego Chargers vs Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs running game got a boost from Kolby Smith, but they still lost last week to the Raiders. The Chargers are inconsistent, and this season have bad weeks after good weeks. The Chiefs need this game for the all important sweep over the Chargers. Winner: Kansas City Chiefs
Jacksonville Jaguars vs Indianapolis Colts
The Jags can make a major statement with a win. They need to show the Colts that they are a force to be reckoned with in the AFC South. The Colts are banged up. A win would put the Colts in the driver seat in the AFC South. This should be a primetime game, but even so, I like the Colts. Winner: Indianapolis Colts
Seattle Seahawks vs Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles came close to pulling off the biggest upset ever last week. They could be in for a letdown against the Seahawks. The Seahawks aren’t great on the road, but a win would go a long way for them in the NFC West. Winner: Seattle Seahawks
New York Jets vs Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins are glad to get out of the slop, and back home. They’ve lost 6 games this year by 3 points, and it’s starting to get to them. While the winless season would be something historic, I think the Dolphins are anger, and due for a win. Winner: Miami Dolphins
Buffalo Bills vs Washington Redskins
The death of Sean Taylor will have an effect on the Redskins. The Bills are use to adversity, but the Redskins will be fired up. Winner: Washington Redskins
Detroit Lions vs Minnesota Vikings
The Lions freefall looks to continue this week. With their 10 win season looking more and more out of reach, they play the Vikings, a team who always gives them problems. Tarvaris Jackson might have turned the corner, and the Vikings will be happy to have Adrian Peterson back. Winner: Minnesota Vikings
Houston Texans vs Tennessee Titans
The Titans have lost 3 in a row, and Vince Young is not happy. Albert Haynesworth might be back, and if he plays, the Titans will be a force to be reckoned with. Without him, the Titans are 0-3. I think he’ll be back this week. Winner: Tennessee Titans
Denver Broncos vs Oakland Raiders
The Broncos suffered a big loss last week. They blew a 14 point lead against the Bears. They have to be happy that the Raiders don’t have anyone like Devin Hester. The Raiders won their first division game in 4 years last week. The Broncos are still in the mix in the AFC West, so they need to win this game. Winner: Denver Broncos
Cleveland Browns vs Arizona Cardinals
The Browns defense played well last week, but face a tough challenge trying to stop the Cardinals passing attack. Kurt Warner almost threw for 500 yards, and he still found a way to cough up the football, and lose to the 49ers. The Browns offense should be able to put up points against the banged up Cardinals defense. Winner: Cleveland Browns
New York Giants vs Chicago Bears
The Bears big comeback last week puts them back in the playoff hunt. Eli Manning is coming off his worst game ever, and the Giants are hoping to avoid their usual late season slide. If the Giants kick away from Hester, they should win, but will they? Winner: Chicago Bears
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs New Orleans Saints
The Bucs offense really took a blow last week when Jeff Garcia got hurt. Without him, this is a very limited team on offense. The Saints need to win if they want any hope of winning the division. A loss, would put them 3 out, and mean they got swept by the Bucs. The Saints might be ready for a playoff push. Winner: New Orleans Saints
Cincinnati Bengals vs Pittsburgh Steelers
I bet that NBC is wishing that they picked a different game after watching that Monday Night performance by the Steelers. The field will be much better this time around, and the Steelers running game should play a lot better. Winner: Pittsburgh Steelers
New England Patriots vs Baltimore Ravens
Once again, the Pats are big favorites. Last week it was 25 (or 24 depending on your sources) this week they are 20 point favorites. No, I don’t think they’ll cover against the tough Ravens defense. The Ravens offense just doesn’t have the ability to put up points to hang with the Pats. Winner: New England Patriots
Well, Thanksgiving is tomorrow, and we have three games to look forward to. While the Packers-Lions game might look like the only good game on paper, you never know how things are going to be. I have to say, the Sunday games, and Monday night game just don’t look all that great. Even so, teams are making their push towards the playoff, and that in itself is interesting. Last week was a great week for me.
Last Week: 13-3 Season: 110-50
Green Bay Packers vs Detroit Lions
The last few Thanksgiving games have not been good for the Lions. This year could be different. They are 6-4, but have lost two straight games. The Packers are riding the wave of momentum, and though they usually have a hard time at Ford Field, the Packers should continue their winning ways. Winner: Green Bay Packers
New York Jets vs Dallas Cowboys
The Jets are coming off the biggest upset of the season so far. They beat the Steelers in overtime. It’s going to be harder to beat the Cowboys in Dallas. The Cowboys had a little scare last week, but they have too many weapons for the Jets to stop. Winner: Dallas Cowboys
Indianapolis Colts vs Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons made an odd move starting Byron Leftwich last week. A win would have put them in the mix in the NFC South, but that move probably will cost them any chance to catching the Bucs. The Colts are really banged up, and the short week isn’t good for them. Still, the Colts will find a way to win. Winner: Indianapolis Colts
Houston Texans vs Cleveland Browns
The Browns are back home after two crazy division games. That kick against the Ravens might propel them to the playoffs, but before the Browns can start thinking playoffs, they have a tough game against the Texans. Houston is also in the mix for the playoffs, and are healthy again. The Browns are a good time at home, and that should be enough. Winner: Cleveland Browns
New Orleans Saints vs Carolina Panthers
The Panthers offense has been hard to watch lately. They struggle at home, and the Saints should rebound this week. Winner: New Orleans Saints
Oakland Raiders vs Kansas City Chiefs
Priest Holmes has retired, so the Chiefs offense will relay around Kolby Smith. The Chiefs gave the Colts a scare, and their defense should be able to limit the Raiders offense. Winner: Kansas City Chiefs
Washington Redskins vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Redskins need a win to stay in the hunt in the NFC. The Bucs defense has been playing well, and they are starting to pull away in their own division. Winner: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Seattle Seahawks vs St Louis Rams
The Rams are hot, and are looking to end their season strong. Seattle can’t let their guard down against the Rams, because the Cardinals are right behind them in the NFC West. Seattle likes to throw a lot, but I like the Rams at home. Winner: St Louis Rams
Tennessee Titans vs Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals loss last week, might have put out their hopes for the playoffs. The Titans are looking to rebound after losing to the Broncos on Monday night. This is a tough game to pick, but the Titans should be able to rebound against the Bengals. Winner: Tennessee Titans
Buffalo Bills vs Jacksonville Jaguars
The Bills were embarrassed against the Pats, and now have to go to Jacksonville against a tough Jags team. I’ve been harsh on the Jags offense, but with David Garrard back, the offense is starting to look pretty good. Jacksonville can still catch the Colts. Winner: Jacksonville Jaguars
Minnesota Vikings vs New York Giants
I’m going out on a limb with this one, but I like the Vikings. The Giants always have one game at home, that looks way too easy, but turns into a battle. The Vikings pass defense might not be good, but I like their ball control offense in this one. Winner: Minnesota Vikings
San Francisco 49ers vs Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals have been suffering major injuries, but the 49ers haven’t shown signs of life since week 2. The Cardinals need wins to keep pace with the Seattle Seahawks. Winner: Arizona Cardinals
Baltimore Ravens vs San Diego Chargers
The Chargers are hard to figure out. On week, they look like world beaters, the next, their high powered offense can’t put points on the board. The Ravens are losers of four in a row, and are pissed after that loss to the Browns. The Ravens defense will cause Philip Rivers to panic. Winner: Baltimore Ravens
Denver Broncos vs Chicago Bears
The Broncos are tied for first in the AFC West, and their defense is starting to play well. That isn’t good for Rex Grossman. The Broncos cornerbacks are hard to throw on. Expect Rex to struggle in this one. Winner: Denver Broncos
Philadelphia Eagles vs New England Patriots
The Pats are the biggest favorite in 14 years. What is the world coming to when a team is favored to win a game by 22 points? One thing we know about the Pats, they will run it up, so while 22 points is a lot, you know the Patriots will be throwing in the 4th quarter. Winner: New England Patriots
Miami Dolphins vs Pittsburgh Steelers
Everything was looking good for the Steelers. They were tied with the Colts for the 2nd seed, and they got upset by the Jets. The Steelers are banged up, but their defense should be able to confuse John Beck. Winner: Pittsburgh Steelers
Last week was a hard week for picking games. There were some small upsets, but the small ones add up to losses. I had a winning week, but just barely. Now is the time in the football season where teams can get hot, and get into the playoffs. On the flip side, teams that have gotten off to hot starts, might been in for a hard road towards the playoffs.
Last Week: 8-6 Season: 97-47
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons are hot, and a win would put them one game out of the lead in the NFC South. While that seems to be more of a statement of how bad the NFC South has been, it doesn’t mean this isn’t a big game in the division. The Bucs are holding onto the lead, but for how long? Winner: Atlanta Falcons
Miami Dolphins vs Philadelphia Eagles
The Dolphins have made the move to start John Beck. While this maybe be good for the future, it isn’t for this football game. The Eagles blitz a lot, and expect John Beck to be sacked several times. Winner: Philadelphia Eagles
Cleveland Browns vs Baltimore Ravens
The Browns were so close to being in first place in the AFC North, but now they need to rebound and stay in the playoff picture. The Ravens will start Kyle Boller, which should open up the passing game. Even with Boller, the Ravens offense is dreadful, and even against the Browns defense, I expect more of the same. Winner: Cleveland Browns
San Diego Chargers vs Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jags now find themselves one game out of first place in the AFC South. They might not be fun to watch, but they win. The Chargers survives against the Colts, and their struggling offense is going to have their hands full with the Jags defense. Winner: Jacksonville Jaguars
New Orleans Saints vs Houston Texans
The Saints were hot going into last week, but they couldn’t get past the winless Rams. The Texans needed the bye week, and are somewhat healthy. The last time they were healthy, they were 2-0. Winner: Houston Texans
Kansas City Chiefs vs Indianapolis Colts
The Colts may be banged up, and upset over losing two games in a row, but the Chiefs offense has no punch. Larry Johnson is out, and Brodie Croyle will get his first start. The Colts should be able to shut down the Chiefs offense, and cruise to a win. Winner: Indianapolis Colts
New York Giants vs Detroit Lions
This is a pivotal game for both teams. Both teams are coming off losses, and both could come back down to Earth after 6-2 starts. The Giants have had a hard time finishing season the last few years, and the Lions are in uncharted waters. The fact that the Lions aren’t use to this situation might be a good thing. Winner: Detroit Lions
Carolina Panthers vs Green Bay Packers
The Panthers are terrible at home, but good on the road. The Packers might be looking past the Panthers, which could lead to a close game. The Panthers offense however, just isn’t good enough for late game heroics. I’ll go with the Packers, again. I’ve yet to pick against them this season, and so far, so good. Winner: Green Bay Packers
Oakland Raiders vs Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings will not have Adrian Peterson, which is a shame. He was off to great start. Without him, the Vikings offense is terrible, but the Raiders offense hasn’t been good either. The Vikings defense should be able to cause some turnovers, which will be the difference in a low scoring game. Winner: Minnesota Vikings
Arizona Cardinals vs Cincinnati Bengals
What happened to the Bengals offense last week. I know the Ravens defense is good, but seven field goals. Yikes. The Cardinals need to win to stay near the Seahawks. The Bengals defense is going to have a hard time stopping Bolden and Fitzgerald. Winner: Arizona Cardinals
Chicago Bears vs Seattle Seahawks
The up and down Bears go to Seattle in a rematch of last year’s divisional playoff game. The Seahawks are coming off a shutout win over the 49ers, and with Rex Grossman back at the helm for the Bears, who knows how many turnovers the Seahawks defense can cause. Winner: Seattle Seahawks
St Louis Rams vs San Francisco 49ers
The Rams are happy to get their first win, and they are looking for more. The 49ers are the right opponent for them. The 49ers have been awful since their 2-0 start, and the Rams offense is starting to look good. Winner: St Louis Rams
Washington Redskins vs Dallas Cowboys
The Redskins suffered a tough loss to the Eagles last week, and now the division is out of reach. The Cowboys offense has too many weapons for the Redskins to handle. The Redskins playoff hopes might be fading. Winner: Dallas Cowboys
Pittsburgh Steelers vs New York Jets
The Steelers had a big comeback last week, and are now looking for the 2nd seed in the AFC. This is one of those games, that they might struggle. The Jets are going to play much better with Kellen Clemens in, but the Steelers running game should be the difference. Winner: Pittsburgh Steelers
New England Patriots vs Buffalo Bills
The Bills are back in primetime, and are heavy underdogs facing an undefeated team. You know what happened last time the Bills were at home in primetime. The Cowboys made a miraculous comeback. The Bills will be fired up for this one. The Patriots are in total command of the AFC East, but a loss would give the Steelers hope for home field. I think this will be close game, but in the end, the Pats have too many weapons for the Bills to stop. Winner: New England Patriots
Tennessee Titans vs Denver Broncos
The Broncos are feeling good after their win in Kansas City last week, and being at home could be the difference in this football game. The Titans offense is very one sided, a lot of running. The Broncos are in the hunt in the AFC West, and a win would go a long way. Winner: Denver Broncos
I’m happy with my record last week. If the Colts had only held onto to their 10 point lead, then I would have had a great week. Anyway, onto Week 10. This is the last week of byes, and that’s always a good thing. The Pats get a much needed rest after that mega matchup against the Colts. Maybe them not playing for a week will help calm down the “16-0″ talk. They might be a little over halfway there, but there is still a lot of football to be played. Speaking of games to be played, this week offers some very interesting games, and some games on paper that look like mismatches. Now is the time when games that are won on paper, aren’t won on the football field.
Last Week: 11-3 Season: 89-41
Cleveland Browns vs Pittsburgh Steelers
This is going to be a lot different then the Week one matchup between these two teams. The Browns have been one of the best surprises in the NFL, while the Steelers are coming of a blowout win over the Ravens. The Browns have the passing attack to make this a close game, but their defense doesn’t have the players to stop Big Ben Roethlisberger. Winner: Pittsburgh Steelers
Minnesota Vikings vs Green Bay Packers
Adrian Peterson is coming off a record breaking performance. The Vikings now know that they can’t limit his carries. Even with a heavy dose of Adrian Peterson, I still like the Packers at home. At what point will the Packers be called the best team in the NFC? Winner: Green Bay Packers
Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins
This is not going to be a cake walk for the Bills. The Dolphins are coming off a bye week, and that should help. I like what the Bills are doing. J.P. Losman will start, so expect Lee Evans to have a big day against the Dolphins. The Bills are in the playoff picture, who would have thought that? Winner: Buffalo Bills
Denver Broncos vs Kansas City Chiefs
The Broncos got their ass kicked, and now have to go to Arrowhead. Larry Johnson might be done for the season, and without him, the Chiefs offense is going to have a hard time doing anything. The Broncos have their share of problems, but their defense should be able to win this football game. Winner: Denver Broncos
St Louis Rams vs New Orleans Saints
The Rams are also coming off a bye, and while I think they will get a win before the Dolphins, the Saints have been red hot. The Saints are closing in on the Bucs, and they need to win these easy games if they want to take control of the NFC South. Winner: New Orleans Saints
Jacksonville Jaguars vs Tennessee Titans
While I don’t think the Titans offense can do what the Saints did to the Jags, I like the Titans in this football game. It won’t be pretty, but the Titans defense will cause a lot of pressure, and be able to shut down the Jags offense. The Titans also need wins to stay near the Colts. Winner: Tennessee Titans
Philadelphia Eagles vs Washington Redskins
The Redskins survived against the Jets. The Redskins offense has taken some steps backwards, and the Eagles defense is pissed off after getting embarrassed by the Cowboys. The Eagles are in last place, and need wins if they want to climb back into contention in the NFC East. Winner: Philadelphia Eagles
Atlanta Falcons vs Carolina Panthers
The Panthers offense is struggling, but they might get a boost because David Carr is hurt. Yes, that means that the ageless one, Vinny Testaverde will start. It’s bad, when Vinny is a spark. Winner: Carolina Panthers
Cincinnati Bengals vs Baltimore Ravens
No defense vs no offense. If the Ravens don’t want to lose games, they might as well put Kyle Boller in. Boller doesn’t do much, he doesn’t fumble the football though. The Bengals are in a tailspin, and I expect that tailspin to continue. Winner: Baltimore Ravens
Chicago Bears vs Oakland Raiders
Even with Josh McCown, the Raiders offense just doesn’t seem to have the parts needed in the AFC West. Sure, the division is still up for grabs, but the Raiders are on a four game losing streak. The Bears have problems, but they should be able to beat the Raiders. Winner: Chicago Bears
Detroit Lions vs Arizona Cardinals
The Lions are 6-2, but now comes the hard part of their schedule. They aren’t great on the road, and the Cardinals have enough weapons on offense to put points on the scoreboard against the Lions defense. Winner: Arizona Cardinals
Dallas Cowboys vs New York Giants
If the Giants really want to win the NFC East, and big a factor in the playoffs, they need to win this game. Last season, they were 6-2, then the wheels fell off. They have improved a lot since their week one matchup against the Cowboys. The Giants defense needs to put pressure on Tony Romo, that’s how you beat the Cowboys. Winner: New York Giants
Indianapolis Colts vs San Diego Chargers
The Chargers have given the Colts problems in the past. I like the Colts to rebound, and beat the Chargers though. The Chargers just allowed the record for most running yards in a game last week, so they have a lot of defensive problems. The Colts like the challenge of winning the much improved AFC South, and they need wins to stay above the tough Titans. Winner: Indianapolis Colts
San Francisco 49ers vs Seattle Seahawks
You think ESPN is upset about this game? The 49ers are on a 6 game losing streak. Even with the losing streak, a win would put the 49ers one game out of the lead. Seattle needs to take control of this division. Winner: Seattle Seahawks
Category: 
