Week 11 Picks

Week 10: 10-4  Overall: 90-56

Cardinals vs. Falcons

The Cardinals have loss 5 straight.  Their team is beatup and the defense is tired and frustrated.  I don’t know about other fans but I know I am already looking for remedies for next season.  They still can play spoiler, especially since they’ve played in some close games many times this year.  If they manage to keep up with the Falcons they have a chance.

Pick: Falcons

Browns vs. Cowboys

The Browns are the best 2 win team in the NFL.  The Cowboys show at times that they should be better than their 4-5 record.  Then other times you go, oh right, thats why they have a losing record.  This game could very well be close, closer then the 8 point spread.  But I’m still going Dallas.

Pick: Cowboys

Packers vs. Lions

Just when I thought you know, maybe the Lions can make a late push and surprise some people.  They lose to the Vikings which would have made it 3 wins in a row.  Now they face the ever dangerous although beat up Packers.  If Nelson plays I see the Packers winning.  If he doesn’t I think it’s more of a toss up.  Gennings being out so much this year has slowed down what was the best offense in football last year (well tied for first maybe with New Orleans).

Pick: Packers

Bengals vs. Chiefs

The Bengals are just another one of those teams you expected to be better this year.  After a hot 3-1 start they drop 4 in a row.  Then they put a womping on the struggling Giants.  As long as Dalton and Green are on the field together, this team could hang with anyone.  This week they have their weakest opponent of the season.  They should be ok.

Pick: Bengals

Jets vs. Rams

Both of these teams haven’t looked that great.  I’ve seen some rankings that really like the Rams though.  I guess when you look at each team the Rams are less of a mess.

Pick: Rams

Eagles vs. Redskins

This one was a tough one for me.  I am actually really excited to see an offense by the Eagles that flows through McCoy and not through Vick.  I think his absence in the offense might just facilitate that.  Right?  We will see how rattled Nick Foles gets.  The Redskins will be putting points on the board as longs as RG3 doesn’t get too crazy and puts himself in a position to get hurt again. 

Pick: Eagles

Buccaneers vs. Panthers

The Bucs are on a roll. They have won 4 of their last 5 and now take on an inconsistent Panthers team.  If Martin gets involved early and Freeman keeps being efficient, rack up another win for this Tampa Bay team.

Pick: Buccaneers

Jaguars vs. Texans

My upset pick of the weak, is not this game.  The Texans really should destroy the Jags.  Now we saw the Jaguars keep up with the Packers so they aren’t that bad right?  I just don’t see it happening.

Pick: Texans

Saints vs. Raiders

The Raiders are an odd team and often times I never know what to expect from them.  They are inconsistent.  They manage to almost beat the then undefeated Falcons then barely squeak by the lowly Jaguars.  Now Palmer could very well just go off against this defense with big long plays from Moore and check downs to Meyers but can they really keep up with Brees?

Pick: Saints

Chargers vs. Broncos

The Broncos are looking scary.  I mean like one of the best teams in the AFC scary.  Manning is a MVP candidate to some and he only builds on his case after each game.  If this game were close, I wouldn’t be shocked.  I also wouldn’t be shocked if the Broncos lay into the Chargers.

Pick: Broncos

Colts vs. Patriots

Ok this really is my upset of the week.  I am drinking the Andrew Luck Kool-Aid.  This team looks alive and excited.  They aren’t out there struggling to not get their ass kicked behind Curtis Painter.  They are out there competing week in and week out.  Wayne has proved he isn’t that old yet and can still dominate opposing defenses.  They will have to score a lot of points I think to keep up with the Pats.  If however, Hernandez and Welker (who are both questionable) don’t play.  Lookout.

Pick: Colts

Ravens vs. Seelers

Both defenses are beat up.  The Steelers are without starting quarterback and main reason they are 6-3 this year, Big Ben.  The Ravens, well they have their offense in tact.  I believe Leftwich gets the start.  I just don’t see Byron carrying this team the way Roethlisberger does. 

Pick: Ravens

Bears vs. 49ers

In this one we have another starting quarterback out.  Now if they weren’t playing the 49ers defense I would say it wouldn’t matter.  The offense could be more Forte focused but against this rush defense?  No way.  The 49ers are going to have to get a little creative to score as well.  This could be a very close game regardless of who is at quarterback for the Bears but I’m going with the healthy offense.

Pick: 49ers

Thursday Night Pick for Week 11

Week 10: 10-4  Overall: 90-55

Dolphins vs. Bills

This one was actually pretty tough for me.  CJ Spiller will be getting more touches now that Fred Jackson is hurt again, which is a good thing for Buffalo.  I'm not saying he'll maintain his ridiculous 7.3 YPC average but he's explosive.  He is going up against a pretty tough run defense but the Dolphins did just come off a blowout loss to the Titans where Chris Johnson totaled up 126.  The Bill's defense is atrocious so if Miami and their rookie quarter back are going to come out of their slump, this is the week to do it.

Pick: Dolphins

Week 9 Picks

Week 9: 9-5  Overall: 81-51

Giants vs. Bengals

The Bengals are struggling this year to reach .500 but with Dalton and Green on the team still they are fully capable of keeping up with most anyone.  The Giants have been winning in spite of less than exceptional play out of Eli.  Once Nicks gets more involved (which you’d assume has to be eventually), this offense should start clicking.

Pick: Giants

Titans vs. Dolphins

Titans get Jake Locker back in the fold this week against the Dolphins.  Although Chris Johnson may have a hard time getting things going against this rush defense, they can be thrown on.  Although the Dolphins are the better team, I see the Titans pulling out the W.

Pick: Titans

Lions vs. Vikings

The Vikings have lost two straight and do not look like they are on the right track.  The once tough defense of the Vikings, now are having a tough time stopping people from scoring on them.  The Lions who have been great offensively and defensively, finally are making that translate to wins.  Their streak will continue.

Pick: Lions

Bills vs. Patriots

The Bills are in shambles.  They aren’t even confident in Fitzpatrick who just got a huge contract last year.  They also cannot stop the run.  Look for a big day from Ridley. 

Pick: Patriots

Falcons vs. Saints

I don’t know about you but I keep waiting for the Falcons to lose a game and for the Saints to start winning more often.  Well the Saints for 3-1 the past 4 weeks but would probably need to win out in order to sneak in the playoffs.  I think they’ll have a hard time stopping Matty Ice and this potent offense though.

Pick: Falcons

Chargers vs. Buccaneers

The Chargers are hot and cold all year and the Bucs are streaking.  Freeman has being playing some of his best football the past few weeks and it finally looks like Doug Martin is living up to the hype.  The Chargers are tough to run on so look for Vincent Jackson to have a big game against his former team.

Pick: Buccaneers

Broncos vs. Panthers

The Broncos are on fire still and look to put some more hurting on the Panthers.  Steve Smith finally got his first TD last week but the Broncos defense is much better than Washington’s.  Manning will keep it rolling.

Pick: Broncos

Raiders vs. Ravens

People are saying the Ravens aren’t as good as their 6-2 record.  Although the Raiders are pesky, the Ravens are the better team.

Pick: Ravens

Jets vs. Seahawks

I’m not so sure that the Seahawks will win by the 6 point spread but they should beat the lowly Jets.  Look for Lynch to get a heavy workload after a few weeks of a pass heavy offense.

Picks: Seahawks

Cowboys vs. Eagles

This pick was a tough one.  These two teams are pretty similarly disappointing.  Until McCoy gets more involved the Eagles offense will continue to turn the ball over with Vick in charge.  The Cowboys have their own struggles but Romo is due for a big game like he occasionally gets.

Pick: Cowboys

Rams vs. 49ers

The Rams will have a really tough time scoring against this D. 

Pick: 49ers

Texans vs. Bears

This is the game of the week by far.  Some people might even think of this as a SuperBowl preview.  The Bears defense has been ridiculously good.  Cutler and Marshall have been hooking up often and Forte continues to run the ball well.  The Texans who in my opinion are the best team in the AFC will face the team who is playing the best football in the NFL right now.

Pick: Bears

Chiefs vs. Steelers

The Steelers should roll on the Chiefs.  A 12 point spread is quite a lot but they could very easily reach that.

Pick: Steelers

Thursday Night Pick Week 10

Week 9: 9-5  Overall: 81-51

Colts vs. Jaguars

The Colts are the better team especially with Luck behind the helm.  I wont go into details.  The Jaguars should have a tough time keeping up.

Pick: Colts

Week 9 Picks

Week 8: 10-4  Overall: 73-46

Broncos vs. Bengals

The Broncos are a hot team going into week 9.  They have won 3 of their last 4 with receiver Eric Decker getting 5 TDs during that span.  Their rapport that people speculated about all preseason is finally showing up.  The Bengals are going in the opposite direction.  after starting 3-1 they’ve quickly loss 3 straight.  After a much needed bye week we’ll see if they can rebound to form.  I think this could turn into a high scoring affair only if the talented AJ Green gets involved early.  Otherwise it could be all Denver.

Pick: Broncos

Ravens vs. Browns

The Browns have won 2 of their last 3 games including the Chargers in the middle of a storm.  The Ravens on the other hand although are a soft 5-2, meaning, although they have a good record, indication shows they might not be as good as advertised.  Injuries on their defense has helped them have a 24th ranked passing defense and 30th against the run.  Those aren’t typical numbers that a Baltimore defense will put up.  After a shellacking from the Texans and a bye week, look for a heavy Ray Rice workload.  Don’t get tricked into picking the Browns this week.

Pick: Ravens

Cardinals vs. Packers

The Packers only squeaked by the Jacksonville Jaguars last week without the help of Jennings and Nelson.  This week they have, although slumping, a tougher opponent in the Cardinals.  Defensively the Cardinals match up well.  The big question is weather or not the Cardinals offense can score.  Although the Packers D is banged up, Clay Matthews should still wreck havoc in the backfield.  This could  be a close game, but Green Bay just has too much talent.

Pick: Packers

Bears vs. Titans

Cutler and Marshal have appeared to return to their old Denver form.  Forte is back into rhythm and this defense has been amazing.  If they can keep away from any more destructive performances like against Green Bay, this team will be scary.

Pick: Bears

Dolphins vs. Colts

Both of these teams are 4-3.  The Dolphins have done it by running the ball and stopping the run.  The Colts have done it by throwing the ball and stopping the passing game.  I think I like Miami in this one however, they just seem like a more complete team right now.

Pick: Dolphins

Panthers vs. Redskins

The game of the two most athletic quarterbacks in the game.  The Panthers have a sophomore slumping Newton and the Redskins have an improving RG3. The main difference is that the Skins have a more complete team and a running game.

Pick: Redskins

Lions vs. Jaguars

The Jags hung for a while with the Packers last weekend so they aren’t all that bad right?  Wrong.  The Lions who are one of the most talented 3-4 teams you’ll see in the league should win this one.

Pick: Lions

Bills vs. Texans

The Texans are one of the best teams in the league.  They can pound the ball and play defense.  The Bills get ran on by anybody.  Opponents average almost 180 yards per game against them.  Foster and the Texans have to be salivating at the mouth.

Pick: Texans

Buccaneers vs. Raiders

Josh Freeman has been a hot QB as of late and after the biggest game of his career, Doug Martin and the Bucs looks to keep the ball rolling.  After a tough loss to the Falcons the Raiders have won two straight, but against some pretty poor teams.  This game could very easily be a shootout.  I think the edge will go to the team who can run the ball better, which will be the Bucs.  McFadden hasn’t been all that great this year and Tampa knows how to shut down the run.

Pick: Buccaneers

Vikings vs. Seahawks

The Vikes have been struggling as of late dropping two of their last three, the worse being last week against Tampa.  Now they face a pesky Seattle team.  Seattle has loss two straight road games but now return home where they are 3-0.  This is probably why they are favored in Vegas.    I think Minnesota will tighten up their defense miscues the past few weeks.  We will also see a heavy dose of Peterson, although his YPC may not be the best, it will open up the passing game for the dynamic Harvin.

Pick: Vikings

Steelers vs. Giants

Both of these teams identities have changed some over the years.  No longer are these teams a run first pass later offense.  Both of these offenses now go through these Super Bowl winning quarterbacks.  The Giants however are healthier on defense, which I think gives them the edge in this one.

Pick: Giants

Cowboys vs. Falcons

When will the Falcons lose?  I think it is fair to say that we all believe the Falcons are an elite team in the NFL, but very few think they will remain undefeated.  This week they are playing a confusing Cowboy team.  Just look last week when they mopped the floor of the NYG and won....wait...oh they turned the ball over how many times?  And his pinky was on the chalk line at the end huh...oh.  I think this week Jerry Jones Cowboys don’t quite shoot themselves in the foot.  If the they can slow down this passing attack like they did the Giants they’ll win this time.  I think.

Pick: Cowboys

Eagles vs. Saints

I have to admit I was disappointed with the Saints performance against the Broncos last week.  I thought it was time for one of those rolls that this team goes on.  Now they have 5 losses to the seasons and are losing some playoff hopes.  Especially without their star mighty mouse, Sproles.  Their opponent is in shambles as well however.  The Eagles have dropped 3 straight the most recent in the form of a beat down by the Falcons.  They have a question mark at their quarterback position and their head coach is in danger of losing his job.  This should be the week for a statement game right?  Nope, I see another let down to Philly fans.

Pick: Saints

Thursday Night Pick for Week 9

Week 8: 10-4  Overall: 73-46

Don’t have time for last weeks take a-ways.  Here is my Thursday pick as it starts (I’m not even watching it btw)

Chiefs vs Chargers

Neither one of these teams are playing all that great lately.  The Chargers after a hot start to the year have really fizzled the past few weeks.  They do however still have an intimating rush defense and a streaking Mathews (who’s YPC has been pretty good after returning from injury).  The Chiefs’ offense has looked dismal at times and seems to have no direction.  I’m going with the safe bet. 

Pick: Chargers