Power Rankings and Week 12 picks...

Before we start this week's column I must ask this question:

Can you find a gayer picture then this? I mean obviously if you look for one you can but can you find a gayer picture then this where guys are not kissing and aren't naked? It might just be the gayest photo ad of all time. Not that there's anything wrong with that (sorry, normally I don't miss the opportunity for a Seinfeld reference) Now you're wondering where I found it, it was one of the ad's on a website I was reading, and I was thinking, really Tom, are you really that desperate to do work for a cologne company? Just was bothering me because it's just so laughable.

Also Thursday's Cowboys game was nice to see for the 1st 20 minutes of the game. The offense looked like it did all last year and the 1st couple weeks of this season. Romo was getting plenty of time and was accurate. Then for about the next 15 minutes of game time the line looked like garbage like in the 2nd half of last year's playoff game vs. the Giants. I don't know why they couldnt keep the Seahawks guys out of Romo's face. DeMarcus Ware made a statement and hopefully put himself in contention for the defensive player of the year. 'Fat' Albert Haynesworth would probably be my pick but Ware would be no lower then 3rd. The only thing I really didn't like from this past week was the pass defense was horrid, I'm not sure if Dallas played a lot of zone and soft coverage or if Mike Jenkins being out made that big a difference but it was a problem, especially with us travelling to Pittsburgh next Sunday. Also I'm more and more impressed every week at how this defense plays when the team gets inside the red zone, they really pick it up a notch. My favorite part of the game was watching Julius Jones running into the back of a linemen's ass, just classic J. Jones.

But I figured this week I'd try and take a crack at doing some power rankings, all the big time affiliates have them and well I'm pretty big time myself, I may have 10 readers soon, so let's get to it. I'd also like to point out these are my opinions and some of it may not be based on records:

1. New York Giants - Pretty obvious pick, if I wasn't so anxious to knock this team down a peg or 2 I'd say it would take a lot to remove this team from a fairly secure spot.

2. Tennessee Titans - Really here because of there record. I believe they lost last week because they fell down early against a good team. The week before they fell down to a bad Jacksonville team and came back to win. Against a good team like the Jets that's not going to happen because they're a run heavy team and when they're forced into obvious passing situations Kerry Collins will be ineffective, it's not his style and it's not the Titans style. They're built to play with a lead or close 1 possession games and rely on there defense to make plays, that's why they lost to the Jets. These type of teams are always susceptible to upsets in the playoffs.

3. New England Patriots - This might look crazy considering the Jets just beat the Patriots but if they play the Jets again there is no doubt in my mind they will prevail, they win the coin toss agains the Jets in there last meeting and they're most likely the victors and sitting atop the division.

4. New York Jets - They're in prime position to win the division title with Miami and Buffalo at home and Seattle and San Francisco on the road. I feel that Brett Favre may screw up once the playoffs get started though.

5. Dallas Cowboys - May be overreacting but they're starting to get it together (and as it happens injuries occur) But I really think they can go into there next game and upset Pittsburgh especially if they get after Big Ben and his porous offensive line.

6. Indianapolis Colts - The reason they aren't ahead of the Cowboys is they're having to many close calls, I want to see a blowout or 2 everyonce in a while. 6 of there wins have been by a total of 23 points. They could be higher come playoff time and going into the final week vs. Tennessee they should have 8 wins in a row (they play Cleveland, Detroit, Cincinatti and Jacksonville)

7. Pittsburgh Steelers - There schedule is a hell of a lot harder then the Ravens, if they lose against New England Sunday, I don't think they're making the playoffs. It's a shame either them or the Ravens can't take the AFC West's playoff spot.

8. Baltimore Ravens - After this week's gimme vs. Cincinatti they play Washington, Pittsburgh then @ Dallas and close out against Jacksonville. They go 2-1 (or beat Pittsburgh) in that 3 game stretch they should clinch a playoff spot.

9. Tampa Bay Bucs - I've seen other publications rank them higher, and frankly I had them lower when I started this. I just don't see this team going far in the playoffs, they're like a poorer version of the Titans, that suck on the road. I just am not that impressed by them, in fact aside from the Saints (and the Falcons at home) I don't think either team has a chance to go places, though some places really like the Panthers.

10. Atlanta Falcons - They get this spot because they proved to have recovered nicely from the loss against the Broncos the previous week. Guess they are a legit team who will be in it til the end, but now they're gonna have to prove it on the road (@ Nawlins, Minnesota and San Diego) Ultimately with that schedule they're going to miss the playoffs.

11. Carolina Panthers - They beat the Falcons last week and they're a lot higher, they only have 2 home games the rest of the year. They play on the road against Nawlins, the Giants and Green Bay all tough places and Tampa whupped them earlier this year at there place they need to rebound this week or they'll be on the outside.

12. Washington Redskins - Big game vs. the Giants this week. There 1st matchup was embarrassing, the 'Skins looked like they had no idea what to do offensively. Defensively after the 1st couple drives Eli looked awful against them. If they force them to pass this week they can pull off the upset and not fall back a game in the division and go up a game on Dallas in division games.

13. New Orleans Saints - Say what you want about Kurt Warner but Drew Brees has been for awhile my MVP, it is scary what he could with Warner's weapons maybe over 75% completion percentage. I can't give up on this team as long as he's healthy and I would hate to meet up with them in the playoffs. The more I look at there schedule it actually looks somewhat favorable for them, as long as they dont screw up.

14. Philadelphia Eagles - Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in.

15. Arizona Cardinals - They can't play past East of the Mississippi, luckily the rest of the division can't play in the entire continental US

16. Minnesota Vikings - I think they may be the best team in the division but there schedule (I may be overplaying the schedule factor, a tad) is the hardest, it's there own fault there record isn't better though.

17. Chicago Bears - Week 16 showdown vs. the Pack could decide the division

18. Green Bay Packers - I still think letting Aaron Rodgers start was the right move even if he was part of the reason they lost last week vs. the Saints, but if it makes them feel better, Drew Brees does that to about every team he plays.

19. Denver Broncos - Had they not been absolutely embarrassed last week at home they could be about 6 spots higher, but jesus there defense is abysmal, what's even more sad is they'll get a home playoff game. That's a rule that needs to be fixed this off season, a team does not deserve a playoff game vs. the wildcard team if there record is worse (and this year they may be 3 games worse then there opponent)

20. Miami Dolphins - No surprise they lost last week, excuse me while I pat myself on the back. They should get to 9 wins though playing StL this week and playing San Fran and KC at home. If they can win at Buffalo that would give them 10 wins, which would make them the 2nd worst 10 win team Parcells has built this decade.

21. Houston Texans - They'll be better heading into next year, I'm liking what I see for them now and they should get a win Monday on there 1st ever MNF game.

22. Buffalo Bills - They've fallen on tough times, but they take care of San Fran this week and they have a season deciding showdown against the Jets on the road. Playoffs are still a long shot though. They're probably ranked a little low.

23. San Diego Chargers - Again maybe to low, it's sad that there division is still attainable, I find it hard to believe Norv will be back, but if he's gone he'll latch onto another team and make there offense great and maybe sucker an owner 1 more time into being a head coach.

24. Cleveland Browns - So much for Brady Quinn getting experience. Just promise me America gets to keep seeing his sculpted chest each week as he runs the hurdles and drinking those energy drinks.

25. Oakland Raiders - I didnt get to see any of this game I just want to know if Jamarcus looked as good as his stats may have indicated, I was shocked that they beat the Broncos like that.

26. Jacksonville Jaguars - I hate when I make a pick thinking some team will be great and they totally crap on your heart, shame on you Jacksonville.

27. San Francisco 49ers - I hope Mike Singeltary will always have a job.

28. Kansas City Chiefs - Well Tyler Thigpen looks legit there defense though is as bad as anyone's in the league.

29. Seattle Seahawks

That's all I really have to say about the Seahawks. Goo goo g'joob g'goo goo g'joob

30. Cincinatti Bengals - If there owners weren't so cheap Marvin Lewis and Chad Johnson would have been gone a long time ago, instead this off season they'll lose there best WR TJ Houshmanzadeh.

31. St. Louis Rams - They have 1 more win but ever since barely losing to New England they've fallen on terrible times, nothing else to say.

32. Alabama Crimson Tide - # 1 until beaten, and nobody thinks they can beat Florida either. They're the Tennessee Titans of football, great defense and run game with average at best QB's. Only real difference is Julio Jones.

33. OU Sooners - It's almost a bad thing that they beat T. Tech by 40+ because now everyone is bitching about UT not getting into the Big XII title game. Everyone now just brushes Tech by like they've wanted to the entire time. I think OU's schedule is better and are more impressive then UT (and I realize they lost to them, I've heard that enough this week) None of the 3 teams deserve to bitch about the final verdict since they all lost though.

34. Florida Gators - I hate Florida and hope Tebow sucks in the SEC title game (for Bama's sake)

35. Texas Longhorns - Already adressed there situation, I also doubt they'll have a rematch against OU in the title game. Here's what would have to happen: Florida loses to FSU, then beats Alabama. Then I expect USC to jump ahead of the horns, so you'd have to have them lose. Also OU would have to win Bedlam and there conference title. And even if all that happened Utah might jump Texas if voters really dont want an interconference title game.

36. USC Trojans - I think there might be overhate for SC, I dislike them but nobody I know wants them in the title hunt but want them to face a legit BCS opponent. I think everyone is annoyed that they'd have the nerve to lose with all that talent on there team especially since the Pac 10 isn't that great (though I think overall the NCAA isn't what it's been in the past) Oh well if Oregon State wins Saturday then we'll probably see a Texas vs. USC game somewhere.

37. Utah Utes - I really wish the WAC and the MWC and maybe even C-USA would combine there best team to form a BCS conference, they deserve it this year as much as the ACC or Big East. Especially the top 3 in the MWC this year.

38. Acapella music - some guy on a forum I frequent was talking about it the other day and I can't get enough of this style of singing, here's a couple video's











39. Detroit Lions - they can't even sit atop the BCS rankings! How the mighty have fallen, oh wait they were never mighty.


9897987988787. Jonas Brothers - I never heard them before and prior to Thursday the only time I noticed them was when they were talking to Leno and they were on mute. Even then I waas hoping Ron Howard (who was sitting next to them) would take a fork out of his pocket and stab one in the eyeballs. They're the latest product of the Disney hype machine and my god they're horrible, are kids really this stupid. Obviously but my god there's a new low reached by disney every year. If I have a kid where do I have to go or who do I give my soul to that will allow me to exploit my kid and damaging his future to allow myself to get rich all while brainwashing kids with this filth?

9897987988788. Carson Daly - an all time douchebag. It takes a lot to go lower then him, about the only guy I can definitely say is lower then him is Skip Bayless.

Until next week, where I'll be typing to a few (loyal?) readers

Picks for Thanksgiving

Greetings everyone on this early bird edition of Thanksgiving.

Here are my picks for this craptastic threesome of games

Tennessee Titans (-11) @ Detroit Lions
Had the Titans not lost last week I may have chosen the Lions to cover but they're annoyed because they not only have to be away from there families but also have to play on Thanksgiving against the Lions. That's like the boss calling you in on Christmas Eve to help sort out some financing, Titans. Maybe we'll even get a Vince Young sighting to make this holiday complete.

Seattle Seahawks @ Dallas Cowboys (-12)
I missed most of last week's Cowboys game for work and it's the 1st Cowboys game with actual meaning that I've missed in years. I'm annoyed that I didn't watch it on TIVO before I went home for Thanksgiving. From what I've gathered it didn't sound like the team was overly impressive except for T.O and the pass rush for a little while. But Seattle is in shambles, the only chance I'd give them is Matt Hasslebeck is playing QB instead of Seneca Wallace, but that still won't be enough as Tony Romo will improve to 3-0 on Thanksgiving games.

Arizona Cardinals @ Philadelphia Eagles (-3)
I've bought into the Eagles all year and you think that after all this turmoil this team has gone through the past 5 days I'm going to turn my back on them now with Andy Reid and Donovan McNabb's job security questioned? Hell no, the Eagles find a way to win this game and somehow keep there slim playoff hopes alive. I can't believe I believe in them so much since I'm such a big Cowboys fan, I'll just say this; I hate there fans but McNabb and Brian Westbrook have been to good to my fantasy teams to just forget about all the good things they've done for me.

And the over/under for the battle of the birds is set at 47, take the over.

Random Stuff in the World of Sports...

President-elect Obama seems dead set on getting a playoff in college football and ridding this country of the evils of the BCS. He's gone as far as proposing an 8 team playoff system, even gone to several national publications saying as much. Now college football not having a playoff system is one of the things holding it back from being declared as the nation's best sport, and even though bowls are fun and all it really needs a playoff system. I could even accept a plus 1 system, anything.

But I was thinking, what if Obama made it his biggest priority to get a playoff system, exerted his biggest resources and made this the main objective of the country to get a playoff system. Say he succeeded in an 8 team playoff system, but say the rest of the country was in shambles and the same as it was in 2012 as it was in 2008, do you think he could get re-elected? I think most people would give him another chance, if he can convince the greedy commissioners of the BCS conferences then I think he can convince people he could fix things (hell he just won an election saying as much) Just something I was pondering, it'd be hilarious if that happened.

1 more thing about the BCS, Fox pulled out of the bidding for televising BCS games from 2011-2014 and ESPN won the rights to televise the Orange, Sugar and Fiesta bowls, the 1st time they'll be televised on cable. Fox's coverage sucks so that's no big loss what struck me odd about this though was on ESPN's ticker at the bottom of the screen on the TV, it said something along the lines of, "Reports are surfacing that ESPN is close to buying the rights of the BCS, ESPN has no comment" Someone explain who the dumbass is who feels the need to deem this newsworthy and who exactly do they approach with to get the 'No comment' quote on? Just a complete waste of time reading and just makes your company look stupid (a feat that they've mastered over the years)

Donovan McNabb is not that smart, and frankly not many people throughout the league are either. Whodathunkit. Let's move on.


The New York Knicks today traded Zach Randolph to the LA Clippers and Jamal Crawford to the Golden State Warriors. The pieces they got back are still serviceable players (Cuttino Mobley and Al Harrington among others) but they all lead to one direction, creating cap space for the summer of 2010, they join about 14 other NBA teams doing the same thing, along with USC 3 SEC teams and 8 teams in Europe all prying for one prize, Lebron James. Of course he's been rumored to headed to the Big Apple (whether it be NYC or New Jersey maybe about to be Brooklyn Nets) since he signed this extension. Other free agents will be Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh along with plenty of other big names. I'm going to guess that at least 2 of those 3 players stay in there current location, Lebron is the only one I can see leaving because he's money hungry (and isn't afraid to admit it).

It's a real shame, he's the best player in the league yet his teammates have hardly improved his entire career, in New Jersey things would be better with the likes of Devin Harris, Brooke Lopez and Yi Jianlin but the Knicks don't have much to offer. But it's pathetic that newly acquired Mo Williams might be his best shooter/#2 option he's had his entire career. But they have cap room coming next season so maybe they'll get him some real help, like they were supposed to the last time they had cap room.


And finally Roger Goodell reinstated Adam 'Pac Man' Jones and he will rejoin the team December 7th when they play the Pittsburgh Steelers. Many people disagree with Goodell on this move, and just looking back on how he's gone fine happy and a quick trigger for suspensions I'm a little shocked that we're seeing Jones back this season, much less at all with Goodell running a dictatorship. But anyways at the risk of sounding like a homer (as if I've never done that before) I'm fine with Goodell giving Jones another chance, personally I thought it was a BS suspension to begin with, he got into a scuffle with his bodyguard and no police report was filed (though in all honesty I'm almost positive Jerry Jones paid off that cop) but legally there were no repurcussions, just a reputation suspension, sort of like how Rasheed Wallace or Ron Artest will get a reputation technical, and yes I know the Jones thing is a bigger deal. But I'm all for giving athletes 2nd chances, and then 3rd and 8th chances.


I think I would feel this way if he was on any team, I never really hold vendettas for players business in there personal life, if I form a hatred for a player it's simply for there actions in the game. Leonard Little maybe being the one exception because there is no reason he shouldn't be in jail.


Onto the games:

San Francisco 49ers @ Dallas Cowboys (-10)I love Mike Singeltary, there is nothing to hate about this guy, from his pants party to his press conference about his teams embarrassment to how he reacts with his players. Watching Inside the NFL this week, they had audio of him interacting with a coach pre game and he said Vernon Davis has responded the most to his criticism and he loves the guy. Then later in the game the camera picks him up chewing out a player for fumbling the ball and the guy starts walking away from him til he proclaims, "Coach I gotta get on the field" then he lets him go do his business. The man is hilarious. As for the game it could be a long day in Dallas for San Francisco if there running game stalls. I saw the Monday Night game vs. Arizona and I thought Shaun Hill looked awful, throws a bad ball and if pressured he will make plenty of dumb mistakes. I want Dallas to blitz relentlessly, do that and Hill throws at least 2 picks. Dallas will be rolling with there throwback uniforms (I love those uni's so much) and I think they'll be flying high from last weeks season saving victory in Washington. I'll pick take my 'Boys.


Philadelphia Eagles @ Baltimore Ravens (-1.5)Philadelphia may have cost themselves the season by failing to beat the lowly Bengals and having the 1st tie in 6 seasons, for all that talent (at least in my eyes) they have been constantly underachieving ever since there Superbowl appearance. The Ravens just got abused by the league's best running attack and are looking to rebound, since it's a home game I'll take them. Over/under 39 take the over.


New York Jets @ Tennessee Titans (-5.5)
Big time game, this is a statement game for the Titans, people think the Jets are for real and even though they're undefeated nobody is completely sure how good the Titans are, I also think if there running game struggles it will be interesting to see how they play with no running game. I realize that Kerry Collins played great passing the ball vs. the Bears but the Jets secondary is a little better and the Bears were putting no pressure on Collins who just sat back there all day, containing Kris Jenkins is going to be hard for the Titans, as will containing the front runner for DPOY Albert Haynesworth. I'll take the Titans at home.


Buffalo Bills (-3) @ Kansas City Chiefs
3 week ago if this game's played the Chiefs are double digit underdogs, my how things can change so quickly, Tyler Thigpen appears to be a legit QB for the Chiefs and the Bills lost 3 straight divisional games while proving to the city of Cleveland that nobody chokes harder then Buffalo. Buffalo should have won that game in the end, they had a 47 yard field goal opportunity with a minute left and instead of trying to improve field position they run it 3 times, stupid playing not to lose mentality cost them the game and maybe Dick Jauron's job (though he got a contract extension prior to all this losing). A 47 yarder is never a chip shot, especially in a cold environment with gusting winds like there were in Buffalo, in a dome I can partially understand but any cold climate is generally regarded as one of the harder places to kick field goals (Buffalo, Green Bay, Pittsburgh) Anyways I didn't like what I saw from Trent Edwards last week though Marshawn Lynch was beastly, I like the Chiefs to pull off the upset since there play has been better as of late.


Minnesota Vikings @ Jacksonville Jaguars (-2.5)
The Jaguars certainly collapsed last week, they crapped there pants in the 2nd half vs. the Titans, this is not the same team as last year, they finally broke some ground in the playoffs and this was supposed to be there break out season. Well that dream's over and they're likely done for the year. The Vikings are in a 3 way tie for there division at 5-5 but techincally are 3rd because a 2-2 divisional record compared to Chicago and Green Bay's 3-1 record. They'll be hungry and I'll take the Vikings, expect big things from Adrian Peterson.


New England Patriots @ Miami Dolphins (-1)
Rarely do the same tricks work on Bill Belichick, I expect the Dolphins running attack and the wildcat formation to be slowed or stopped. I don't expect Matt Cassell to throw for 400 yards again but I expect him to make the plays to win (god that sounds so cliche) I just can't come around to the Dolphins, they're a good team but have caught some breaks, they may be a pick next year to be a break out team but in the end will be middle of the road next year just like this year. Still a great improvement from last year obviously.


Chicago Bears (-7.5) @ St. Louis Rams
When you see the Rams embarrass themselves like they did last week it makes you embarrassed that your team not just lost to them but lost handily. Da Bears.


Houston Texans @ Cleveland Browns (-3)
The Texans have been good enough to win all but 2 games, but as of now they're 3-7, they can still play spoiler ruining Cleveland's playoff hopes which are hanging by a thread. I like the Texans in this game.


Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-8) @ Detroit Lions
Tampa is bad on the road and the Lions slowly but surely are getting closer to a win (maybe) I'll pick the Lions to cover.


Oakland Raiders @ Denver Broncos (-9)
Denver has a bad defense but a high powered offense, playing a crappy team with an anemic offense usually means big things for No-D teams like Denver. Denver and this game will likely be over in the 1st half, especially with Denver building off those 2 huge wins against Cleveland and Atlanta (1st team this year to beat Atlanta at home) I'll take the over at 43 too.


Washington Redskins (-3.5) @ Seattle Seahawks
As Matt Hasselbeck gets healthier the 'Hawks could play spoiler to the victor, and I'd love for that to happen to an ailing Redskins team, but I don't see it, 'Skins.


NY Giants (-3) @ Arizona Cardinals
We'll see how Kurt Warner fares when he'll be dealing with the likes of Justin Tuck in his face all day among others and how the 'Zona front 7 deals with the 3 headed attack of Brandon Jacobs/Derrick Ward/Ahmad Bradshaw. If the O-line can protect Warner this game will be much closer than I anticipate but an immobile QB spells trouble against this attacking Giants D. I'll take the Giants.


Carolina Panthers (-1) @ Atlanta Falcons
People love seeing that 8-2 record next to the Panthers and just automatically think potential Superbowl contender but they're like night and day when playing at home and on the road, and they've already played 6 of there 8 home games. They have a tough schedule the rest of the way all against play off contenders and/or divisional foes, they need this win to prove to people (like me) that they are for real. Atlanta needs to rebound from last weeks close loss to the Broncos, we'll find out what kind of club they are this week and if they're ready for this step towards the playoffs. I think it's a year or 2 to early for the Falcons and last weeks loss is a pre cursor for the rest of the season. Panthers. (Obligatory statement that I make every week then seemingly pick against it, NFC South is dominant at home but sucks on the road)


Indianapolis Colts @ San Diego Chargers (-2.5)
The Colts have finally seem to have righted there ship while the Chargers lost a close one last week (though the refs screwed gamblers everywhere) Even though the Chargers defense sucks, this is the one team over the past 4 seasons that Peyton Manning has struggled against (mainly attacking 3-4 defenses but the Chargers moreso) throwing for 6 INT's in 1 game last year. And the Colts still should have won that game, the Chargers lose this game there season's done. Peyton would love to stick that dagger into there hearts. Colts


Monday Night

Green Bay Packers @ Nawlins Saints (-2.5)
Now this will be another great game for Monday Night Football, hopefully the Saints will be healthy and Reggie Bush can play. The Packers are getting better every week and Aaron Rodgers is looking great (no real surprise) They're riding high after the beatdown delivered to there rival Bears. But the Saints are hungry and tired of losing these tight games and will win in what should be a shootout. And the over/under is 51.5 you know I got the over.


3 games I'd bet on:
Denver at home vs. the Raiders
Giants on the road vs. the Cardinals
Redskins on the road vs. the Seahawks
over/under of the week, Monday night take the over Packers/Saints

Until next week, where I'll be writing for myself.

Thursday's night game

Well I had a terrible week picking games last week after finally having a good week. The Pittsburgh Steelers last week should have covered the spread but the refs once again this season screwed up and now they've got Vegas in a tizzy.

So of course to appease Vegas (or at least the gamblers, the bookies were probably pleased by last week's result) The refs will throw the Steelers a bone this week and allow them to cover the spread.

Cincinatti Bengals @ Pittsburgh Steelers (-11)
Pathetic display by the Bengals/Eagles last week, but the Bengals at least have the excuse to suck, I don't know what McNabb's problem was, everyone for the 3rd straight season is jumping on the Will Donovan McNabb be back this next season? And with the Eagles struggling again and looking like the playoffs may be out of reach I'd say this time is a real possibility, same goes for Andy Reid's job security, it's hanging by a thread. But back to this game, the Steelers SHOULD cover but that doesn't mean they will, but every crappy team they've played this year they've handled quite easily so I'll take them.

Over/under is 34.5
Last time these 2 teams met it was 38-10, if the Steelers are to win by more then 11, I suspect the final score will reflect the results of there 1st meeting, rarely can I bring myself to bet the under, so over.

NFL Picks Week 11...

Well last week was a nice little rebound from my recent struggles, and here to make your picks for week 11 is...drumroll...


me!

I also apologize to all my faithful readers out there for being lazy the past several weeks for not actually writing a legit article (Oh wait that's me and like 2 other people) But as Tom Petty says, "Baby even the losers, get lazy some time" or something like that...

onto week 11:

Detroit Lions @ Carolina Panthers (-14)
The Panthers have looked less then stellar recently but they're an NFC South team playing at home against the worst team in the NFL (though I think I'd be inclined to call the Raiders the worst at this point. It's a shame the Lions don't play them) Panthers.

Denver Broncos @ Atlanta Falcons (-6.5)
I know the Falcons are good and great at home but it will always be surprising to see a team with a rookie QB as a 6.5 point favorite. Once again I'll take them because the NFC South dominates at home, and I'll take the over that is set at 51 too.

Houston Texans @ Indianapolis Colts (-8)
Tough call, the Texans are coming off 2 tough losses while the Colts finally look to have turned a corner. The last time these 2 teams played the Texans should have won, and fairly handily at that, but Sage Rosenfels felt like the ball was a hot potato and was fumbling the ball all over the place. I'll say the Colts roll at home.

Oakland Raiders @ Miami Dolphins (-10)
The Dolphins failed to cover last week but the Seahawks are a lot more legit then the Raiders, Dolphins.

Minnesota Vikings @ Tampa Buccaneers (-4)
Tampa would be one of if not the best bet to contain Adrian Peterson, especially at home, Bucs.

New Orleans Saints (-5.5) @ KC Chiefs
I know the Saints have struggled as of late but the Chiefs suck (despite that they nearly pulled off the upset last week) But I applaud Herm Edwards for having the guts to go for 2 last week, you're a 15 point dog on the road to a vastly superior opponent and you're a 1-7 team. You aren't going anywhere anyways might as well try and light a fire on your young, up and coming team. And Tyler Thigpen has been putting up some numbers the past couple weeks. That said I just have a hard time betting against Drew Brees.

Chicago Bears @ Green Bay Packers (-3.5)
Logical choice says take the home team, especially since the Titans last week passed all over the Bears secondary. As long as the Packers O-line can block for Aaron Rodgers, the Pack should roll. Packers

Philadelphia Eagles (-9.5) @ Cincinatti Bengals
Easiest game of the week, don't think twice, just bet EAGLES!

Baltimore Ravens @ NY Giants (-7)
I've been waiting for Eli to have an awful game and aside from the Browns game on Monday night, it hasn't really happened. But this is the type of game where the Ravens led by Ray Lewis and Haloti Ngata can stop the running game and force the Giants to become more one dimensionsal. I fully trust Joe Flacco even though he will be going up against the best pass rush in the league, take away the 2 weeks in a row vs. Tenn and Indy where he threw for 5 Int's and he's got an TD/INT ratio of 7 to 2. And the last 4 weeks he has thrown for 6 TD's and 0 INT's. I'll take the upset and continue to be spiteful towards the Giants.

St. Louis Rams @ San Francisco 49ers (-6.5)
I love what Mike Singeltary is doing with this team, eventually when he learns from mistakes he'll be able to turn some of these close heartbreaking losses to victories. I still want to know what the hell that last sequence of plays was for the 49ers, passing is what got there team down inside the 5 yard line (particularly the fantastic play of WR Jason Hill) and I can't believe they didn't at least try to pass the ball 1 time. Once QB Shaun Hill took forever to get his team to the line of scrimmage to spike the ball, right after the spike they should have passed the ball. And if not there, the next play, it's just ridiculous to not have passed the ball 1 time in that situation. Oh and about this game, I feel the Rams have as good a chance as the 49ers, so I'll take them.

Arizona Cardinals (-3) @ Seattle Seahawks
A road victory vs. a divisional opponent would be huge for the Cardinals, especially in a short week against the 'Hawks. I'll take the Cardinals

San Diego Chargers @ Pittsburgh Steelers (-5)
The Chargers suck on the road, flat out terrible, I can't believe the spread isn't bigger, but of course every other week the Steelers upset the people trying to believe in that team, but the Chargers ineptitude is to much for themselves to overcome. Steelers, Big Ben better get some protection this game.

Tennessee Titans (-3) @ Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jags last chance to try and revive this season, finally coming off a convincing win, but it's not saying much as it was against the Lions. I won't be shocked seeing them win but the smart money is on the Titans, so I'll pick them.

Dallas Cowboys (-1.5) @ Washington Redskins
This is a very interesting game, Dallas is getting 3 valuable starters back at least (Tony Romo, Terrence Newmand and G Kyle Kosier) and it's looking more and more likely that Clinton Portis won't play. So obviously the cards should be in the Cowboys favor. But it hasn't been that easy for them all year, but as long as we are able to stop Santanna Moss and not playing 8 yards off every WR every single freaking play we should be able to win. I'm especially interested in how the offense will come out the 1st several possessions, if they'll see how healthy Romo's pinky is or if they'll try and establish a running game, either way I think with Romo back into the thick of things it's important to hit T.O and Roy Williams early and often. I'll take the Cowboys, somewhat reluctlantly though we should go in and handle our business (hopefully somewhat handily) I'll take the over which is set at 43

Monday Night

Cleveland Browns @ Buffalo Bills (-5)
The 2 cities with the biggest reputation of choking, I almost feel like predicting this will be a tie so nobody will be happy. Both teams seemingly out of the playoff race, because the Browns can't win a game late and because the Bills just dropped 3 straight games in the division, they have an outside shot but in all likelihood will be losing all tiebreakers to there interedivision rivals. Brady Quinn looked good last week but the defense let him down and they blew a lead to a Jay Cutler led team that was using it's fullback as it's primary running back in the 2nd half because they lost all healthy running backs. That's plain pathetic knowing your opponent's going to pass and you still can't do anything about it. I'll take the Bills

3 games I'd bet on:
Philly on the road vs. Cincinatti
Saints on the road vs. the Chiefs
Panthers at home vs. the Lions

Over/under on the week:
Cowboys/Redskins set at 43, take the over.

NFL Week 10 picks...

Already off to a crappy start losing the Thursday night game, let's get rolling


Buffalo @ New England (-3.5)
Buffalo's lost there last 2 weeks against divisional opponents this week will be no different.

Tennessee Titans (-3) @ Chicago Bears
These 2 teams are very similar, if Kyle Orton plays at QB that's the only advantage I would give to the Bears, every other position goes to the Titans, Titans roll and remain undefeated.

New Orleans @ Atlanta Falcons (-1)
Who would have thought the Falcons this season would be favored in a game vs. the Saints? Going by trends this season you're supposed to pick the NFC South team at home and against them on the road, but I like the Saints to much to stick with that trend. Let's just hope for a high scoring game with big production from Roddy White and Michael Turner.

Seattle Seahawks @ Miami Dolphins (-8)
It sucks knowing what we know now that the Cowboys let Tony Sparano get away, I still have a hard time picking the Dolphins as an 8 point favorite even if Seneca Wallace is starting, 'Hawks.

Green Bay Packers @ Minnesota Vikings (-2.5)
The Packers nearly pulled off the upset of the Titans last week, they're the better football team right now and the most logical pick.

St. Louis Rams @ New York J-E-T-S JETS JETS (-9.5)
I'm not sure if I have picked 2 Jets games right all year, everytime I believe in them they disappoint me, and lately if I've gone against them, they've surprised me. At home vs. the Rams they should handle there business, Jets.

Baltimore Ravens @ Houston Texans (-2)
The Texans have spent the past 3 games building up there confidence playing some bunnies, now it's a real test with Sage Rosenfels starting. I'll take the Ravens in a hard fought game.

Jacksonville Jaguars (-6.5) @ Detroit Lions
What a disappointment the Jaguars have been, this will be Detroit's best chance to win the rest of the season, I'll predict the Lions cover the spread. WAKE UP JAGUARS!

Carolina Panthers (-9.5) @ Oakland Raiders
My gosh the Raiders are a mess, nothing more to say, Panthers.

Indianpolis Colts @ Pittsburgh Steelers (-3.5)
It looks like Big Ben will play, the Steelers looked very good last week finally showing up against the NFC East, Byron Leftwich looked fantastic, I think part of the reason was the 'Skins didn't gameplan for him, nonetheless it was a dominant performance. They'll look to continue that against the Colts today, could be a make or break game for the Colts. And I expect big things from the Colts today.

KC Chiefs @ San Diego Chargers (-14.5)
Neither of these teams are good, it's hard to pick the Chargers with the way they're playing right now but they just had the bye week and playing pretty good at home. Tough game, Chargers

NY Giants @ Philadelphia Eagles (-3)
From a Cowboys perspective, it's best if the Eagles lose, from a fan's perspective I really hate the Giants though (admittedly though they kicked our ass last week) Both QB's will get beat up today, this game could be decided early if a team jumps onto a 2 score lead. This is an unpredictable game that I wouldn't bet on, I'll take the Giants, but I wouldn't mind seeing a 5 INT day by Eli.

Monday Night
San Francisco @ Arizona Cardinals (-9.5)
Last time Monday Night was in the desert Dennis Green exploded in his classic, "They are who we thought they were !" rant, this may happen this game but from the 49ers coach Mike Singeltary (I loved his post game rant following his 1st game as head coach 2 weeks ago) Cardinals BIG!

3 games I'd bet on:
Cardinals over the 49ers on Monday Night
Panthers on the road vs. DA RAIDAAS
Jets at home vs. the Rams

Over/under I'd take: the over in the Giants/Eagles game at 43

Thursday's pick

Tonight's game features the hapless Broncos vs. the potential new golden boy of Cleveland, the cunning and dashing Brady Quinn.

Denver Broncos vs. Cleveland Browns (-3)
I'm going to guess the Browns come out fired up in the wake of the quarterback switch, the Browns have been getting better every week while Denver is regressing. Browns take this game.

And just to take a stab at the O/U it's set at 46, I'll take the over.

I'll try and crank out something tomorrow that I can read to myself later.

Picks for week 9

Been a little to lazy to write anything this week so I'm just writing down my picks for this week. Next week I'll try and write a little NBA preview and maybe about the suckitude of Brad Johnson.

But how about Texas Tech last night, Michael Crabtree snatched that ball out of the air and ripped the heart and soul out of the Longhorn faithful, what a game. Probably the game of the year, especially how it ended. We'll see how impressed the voters were with the victory and whether or not Tech will jump both Alabama and Penn State for the #1 ranking. And my school Oklahoma State gets to go in there next week and play Tech, should make for another fantastic game and perhaps we will play the spoiler next week. I personally don't think Tech can run the table so the thing that I hate about seeing Texas lose is it likely sets up for the 3rd freakin straight year a Big 10 team lucking out with there weak schedule and going to the National Title game, because in all likelihood they aren't losing another game.


Last week wasn't to bad but wasn't much better then the week before
I was 6-7-1 last week and 1-1 on the over/under
And for my 3 games I'd bet on I was 1-1-1 and missed the over/under
So for the year I am 45-51-4 15-12-2 on the over/under
And games I'd bet on I am 4-5-1 and 1-2 vs. the over/under

Onto this weeks slew of games:

Baltimore Ravens @ Cleveland Browns (-2)
The Ravens slaughtered them in week 2 but this Browns team is looking rejuvenated coming off an impressive victory over the Jaguars on the road. This Ravens team looked equally impressive vs. the lowly Raiders last week, I'll go with the safer pick here and choose the Ravens, a win here for the Browns however gets them right back into the playoff race.

Tampa Bay Bucs (-9) @ Kansas City Chiefs
I got cute 2 weeks ago and thought maybe just maybe the Chiefs they could give the Titans a close hard fought game, and that failed miserably. They did almost upset the Jets last week in a surprsingly strong start by 3rd string QB Tyler Thigpen especially since his running game didn't help him at all. The running game will fail again this week vs. a stout Tampa defense and I forsee Thigpen throwing at least 2 picks. Bucs, and the over/under is looking mighty low at 36.5 even with 2 stagnant offenses.

New York J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS @ Buffalo Bills (-5)
Both teams coming off of lackluster games but at least the Jets were able to win, the Bills were dismantled on the road vs. the Dolphins. These division games are tough to choose but I picked Buffalo over the Jets at the start of the season and am sticking to it. Bills

Arizona Cardinals @ St. Louis Rams (-3)
Even with the Rams great play over the last 2 weeks I expect this to be a one sided affair, the receiving trio of Boldin/Fitzgerald/Breaston will prove to be to much. I'd say the only thing the Rams have in there favor is it's a West Coast team having to play the noon start time that seemingly plagues the majority of west coast teams (and with good reason, when your body is on west coast time it's hard to get up to play a game at 10 o'clock)

Detroit Lions @ Chicago Bears (-12.5)
Bears are coming off of there bye week after puting up 48 points against the Vikings, the Lions have lost there last 3 games but have covered the spread in 2 of there last 3 (and the one they didn't they failed to do by a single point) They were embarrassed in there own place last time they played the Bears I expect an inspired effort by the Lions, but will still lose, but I expect them to cover.

Houston Texans @ Minnesota Vikings (-4.5)
This is a big game for the Texans, they've won there last 3 games after an 0-4 start and left for dead after giving the game away vs. the Colts. The Vikings will look to redeem themselves after giving up 48 points to the Bears. They have the worst special teams in the league (even worse then the Cowboys, which is hard to do) and Jacoby Jones has returned a punt 2 of the last 3 weeks and won't be surprised if we see that happen again today. This game is a real toss up in my mind, I'll flip a coin...Texans won the toss, they've elected to win. The over/under is at 47, I'm taking the under.

Green Bay Packers @ Tennessee Titans (-4)
I really could see the Packers coming into Tennessee's house and stealing this game but I'll keep picking the Titans until I see something that I don't like. But the Packers have had 2 weeks to prepare for this game so look out.

Jacksonville Jaguars (-7.5) @ Cincinatti Bengals
Something is off with the Jaguars, maybe it's the injuries to the offensive line but the defense doesn't seem as good as last year, perhaps they aren't responding to Jack Del Rio like they used to, but it's hard to bet against them vs. the lowly Bengals, Jags.

Miami Dolphins @ Denver Broncos (-3.5)
2 top 10 offenses in terms of yards per game, this will be a high scoring affair especially since the Broncos do most of there damage at home, Broncos, and the over/under is 50.5 I'll take the over.

Philadelphia Eagles (-7) @ Seattle Seahawks
I'm not really all that surprised the 'Hawks kicked the 49ers ass last week, I've been waiting for it I just needed to see it, but Seneca Wallace is not going to replicate that performance vs. the blitz schemes of Jim Johnson, Eagles big and take the over which is set at 43.

Atlanta Falcons (-2.5) @ Oakland Raiders
The Raiders did upset the Jets in there last home game, but I doubt that happens again, the Burner Turner and Rowdy Roddy White keep the Falcons in contention, although the NFC South does suck on the road.

Dallas Cowboys @ New York Giants (-8.5)
It doesn't look like the weather will be a factor in the game today so that takes away one of the reasons I would have given Dallas for possibly pulling off the upset, the other one is that it is a division game. The key is for Dallas to stop the 3 headed monster of the Giants running game, they did a great job stopping the run last week vs. Tampa but they've been fairly inconsistent stopping it the whole season. But you have to force Eli make plays, he's been good this season but he's always prone to Eli mistakes our young corners just have to be ready to pounce on those opportunities and not let the ball slip through there hands (like the guy last night in the Texas/Texas Tech game) Also on 3rd downs they need to cover Steve Smith which is easier said then done, I expect alot of blitzing by the Cowboys today. As for the offense where that's where things get hairy, the Giants lead the league in sacks, to negate that fact I'd line up Brad Johnson in shotgun and run a bunch of quick routes, slants, stops and try and work the middle of the field. The offensive line needs to deliver one of there best performances today and need to know where Justin Tuck is at all times. I expect us to lose this game, we're decimated by injuries and it's still up in the air if Jason Witten will even play which makes it even harder, and if the Cowboys get down by 2 TD's early expect Brad Johnson to get benched. The bye week can't come soon enough, Giants to win Cowboys to cover.

New England Patriots @ Indianapolis Colts (-6)
The NFL's marquee matchup of the past few seasons is now just another game, but I expect the intensity to still be electric tonight, but seriously what the hell are the Colts favored by 6 for? They've proven nothing so far and I'm still waiting to see some consistency, also I'm confused as to why Tony Dungy called a run on 4th and 1 last week when you're playing the league's best run defense and have Peyton Manning as your QB. If Addai was healthy was healthy I could maybe buy it but this is Dominic Rhodes we're talking about, that play may have cost them the game, that and the Colts receivers letting the ball bounce off there hands. I'll take the Pats who are getting stronger with each passing week.

Monday Night
Pittsburgh Steelers @ Washington Redskins (-2)
Is anyone pumped up for Chris Berman interviewing Obama and McCain at halftime? Me neither, how stupid, not to mention Berman is just a big pile of suck. As for the game, I read this little nugget the other day:
Since 1936, the outcome of the last Redskins home game before Election Day has correctly predicted the winner of the presidential race. For 64 years and 17 presidential elctions, if the Redskins won the game, the incumbent party won the White House. If they lost, so did the incumbent party, this has held true in every year except 2004 when the Redskins lost and the Republicans still held the presidential office.
So this little golden nugget will be put to the test this Monday, normally I'd take this info and take the Steelers since it's becoming fairly obvious Obama will win but the Steelers have looked god awful against the NFC East and makes me wonder why the hell they were favorites before last week to represent the AFC, I just don't see it and haven't been overly impressed with them all season. The Redskins however have and I'll take them, the over/under is 36.5 I'll take the over.

3 games I'd bet on:
The Eagles on the road over the Seahawks, Cardinals @ the Rams house, and Broncos at home vs. the Dolphins

over/under of the week would be the Eagles/Seahawks game set at 43

man i really like to overrate the eagles dont I

until next week where i'll likely be writing for myself (hopefully it will at least get written a couple days before sunday)