NFL Week 10 Picks!

92-38


Ok, so I didn’t go 13-0 after all… firstly because there were 14 games (good one, Waleed) and secondly because I finished 8-6. Pathetic. Moving on.



Raiders @ Chargers

Let’s get this week started right. This is the biggest game of the year for the AFC West. Sure, these same two teams will tangle again on New Year’s Eve to close out the season and maybe that game decides the division (with the way these two have been going, it just might) but this game tomorrow night will determine the rest of the season for both teams, I believe. For one, both are coming off tough-to-swallow losing streaks, the Chargers mired in a 3 game slide and the Raiders losing back to back division games while trying to navigate through an injury-riddled transition. Making matters much tougher on the Raiders is the continued absence of Darren McFadden, something I’m sure Turner and company are glad for. That said, I do believe, homer pick or not, that the Raiders emerge as winners here. The Raider defense will be tested much more than they were either of the past two games and that has got to motivate them to stop the bleeding. The offense is fine all things considered but the turnovers must be limited or this one’s a wrap. San Diego runs the ball well enough to balance the offense but everybody knows this runs through Rivers and if he’s on point, it’ll be a long, painful day for the Raider Nation. I’ll be at the game and I know we’re in for a great one. I’m also convinced whomever wins this game wins the division but that’s just me. Here’s hoping it’s my team.

Raiderz



Broncos @ Chiefs

So while the Raiders and Chargers tangle on Thursday night, the other half of the AFC West get messy on Sunday. The Broncos shocked the division last week with a 360 degree comeback in the 2nd half to stun the Raiders and tighten the division by coming within a game of a 3 way tie for first. That said, I give more credit to an inexplicable mental breakdown on the Raider defense and Special Teams than I do to the Broncos offense and believe that the Chiefs who were pounded by a winless Dolphins team will bounce back at home to lock this one up. Broncos better hope for another defensive breakdown.

Chiefs



Jags @ Colts

Another of this week’s several divisional romps. I’m feeling the Colts in this one. I think they saw that Miami got their first win of the season and they want theirs too. This might be the only game left on the schedule that they can win and, being at home, they should lock it down. Or at least, I think.

Colts



Saints @ Falcons

I’m convinced the Saints are totally overrated… at least in the same way the Chargers are. They appear to be the same team with the same talent as past iterations but that is due to an explosive passing game which often masks the deficiencies this team really has… such as a mediocre rushing game and meh defense. The Falcons on the other hand have gotten it together by getting back to the run and playing tougher defense than they had early in the year. This is a classic NFC South battle and I give the edge to the hometown team.

Falcons



Texans @ Bucs

I was tempted to go with the Bucs given how much better they play at home but the Texans’ offense is just rolling and I don’t know if anyone can stop their running game right now. There are whispers that Andre Johnson might be able to go but even if he doesn’t, the Texans have been putting up points on everyone and I don’t know if that’ll change this week.

Texans



Steelers @ Bengals

This is Cincy’s first real test and it’s against a franchise that has tormented them and dominated them for decades but is also coming off a tough loss to another division rival. If there was ever a wrong time to be playing the Steelers, it’s this weekend. Luckily for the Bengals, they have one of, if not the, best defense in the league, an emerging strong passing duo and a fresh RB. Won’t matter, though. Pittsburgh is scary, their defense will be pissed off for getting hustled in the 1 minute drill the previous Sunday night and will execute some Jedi Mind Tricks on the Bengals en route to a road win.

Steelers



Titans @ Panthers

The Titans have been hard to predict this year due to being painfully mediocre and having an inconsistent, perplexing running game … especially so given that CJ2K has done nothing to earn his contract. I’ve been riding the Cam Newton bandwagon all year and this week will be no different. The Carolina defense is absolutely atrocious but their offense can put up some points and I’m banking on them getting just enough to win.

Panthers



Cardinals @ Eagles

That loss to the Bears on MNF had to sting. The Eagles will soon find a dose of Arizona’s non existent defense a great tonic for that mess. Not to say that anything in the NFL is truly a lock but this might be the only true lock of the week.

Eagles



Bills @ Cowboys

The Bills are coming into town off a loss to the Jets that left their offense sputtering so they’ll be looking to come out firing. What they might end up discovering, however, is that the Big D stands for more than just “Dallas.” However, the Cowboys have been basically alternating wins and losses all season and they’ll need to be more consistent to catch the Giants. I think they put back to back wins together this weekend by running the ball and getting it done on defense stifling the high powered Buffalo defense. They’re 3-1 at home.

Cowboys



Rams @ Browns

I was up on the Rams after their awesome win over New Orleans on a weekend their town was celebrating their 11th world series title. Then they got smacked by a crappy Cards team. Lost a lot of faith there. The Browns play better at home and have a tough defense. If they can just avoid the distraction that is Peyton “Paris” Hillis, I think they can win this one.

Browns



Redskins @ Dolphins

What can winning do for a team? It can help them win their second game of the season right away at home against a team that can’t move the ball or score on offense. The Skins have lost 4 in a row and have scored a total of 11 points in the last two games. I’m not saying that the Dolphins are an elite defense or anything but they should be able to ride the momentum of having broken through with their first win of the season and win at home.

Dolphins



Ravens @ Seahawks

One of the top run defenses in the league got run through by the Cowboys last week and could get skewered again this week by Ray Rice when the Ravens come to town. Sure, the Hawks play better in Seattle and you never know which Ravens team shows up but if it’s even the mediocre Ravens team, they should still be able to get a road win here. I’m not going to put my money on the Seahawks.

Ravens



Giants @ Niners

First real test for the Niners and it’s against a Giants team coming off a nice, critic-smacking last minute win over the Patriots. The Niners have been strong all year behind an elite defense, a steady and cautious approach offensively and gritty play. But they haven’t yet had a signature win or defeated the opponent people can look at and say that they’re truly for real. Beating the Giants would definitely do that for them. I just don’t see it happening. This is a QB league and if the game is close late and I’m looking for either Eli or Alex to lead the team to a victory, I’m going with Eli as he is having a very nice year. The Giants have yet to really run the ball the way they can and while their defense can be absolutely GORED by Frank Gore, I think they’ll hold up for a critical road win to solidify their elite status in the conference. This should be one of the better games to watch this weekend. Can’t wait.

Giants



Lions @ Bears

I know everyone’s going with the Lions on this one but I’m calling upset. I watched the MNF game very closely and what I saw is that with time to throw and Earl Bennett in the mix, there is no reason to think the Bears offense cannot score points with the best of them including Detroit’s high powered offense. And frankly, Chicago’s defense is better than Detroit’s and especially so at home and especially against Detroit lol. You know this game is going to get chippy and that the Bears are going to show up for this one coming off an awesome win on the road against the Eagles. I’m usually on the Detroit side of the CHI-DET tilt (it’s a Redwings thing, sorry) but I’m squarely BULLISH on the Bears in this one.

DA BEARS



Patriots @ Jets

Oh goody. So what are the chances the Pats lose… ahem… THREE in a row?? Not very likely and you know Belichick especially gets up for these Jets games. This is now New England’s second New York battle in a row and you better believe they want to exact revenge on the city. This time, however, they run into a red hot defense that is finally starting to play like the team most people picked to be an AFC Elite power. If they couldn’t get it done against the Giants’ decent defense, what are they going to do against the Jets especially if they can’t run the ball at all? I’m not discrediting what Coach Belichick can do against a rival he sees twice a year but this isn’t looking too good for the Patriots on the road. I see everyone picking the Pats in this one but I’m going with the home team upset here. The Jets are the better looking team right now and are rolling and a little confidence from beating the very good Buffalo Bills on the road and seeing New England slip in the standings has to be the best kind of news to keep this team dialed in and moving forward as the most critical stretch of the season is lying ahead of them. I’m sold on the Jets making a huge move in the division with back to back wins over the folks they’re chasing.

Jets



Vikings @ Packers

Know this: this will be a barn burner. Footballs are going to be in endzones. The last time these two met, the Vikes held their own and lost by a score in what was a 60 point game. I’m calling another one just like it with another Packer win. Aaron Rodgers is simply too much for everyone at this point. It almost doesn’t matter that Green Bay’s defense is a no show most games. We know they’ve got talent but it’s like they aren’t even trying knowing they have A-Rod beating teams singlehandedly. They might be saving themselves for the playoffs but careful, careful, complacency has killed many a good sports team. Anyway, none of that matters this week because the Pack isn’t losing the Purple People Eaters in Lambeau any time soon.

Packers



Dig it.

NFL Week 9 Picks!

84-32

After going 11-2 and STILL unable to win my office pool, I’m left with no choice but to go a perfect 13-0 this week.

 

Falcons @ Colts

The list of teams that the Colts might be able to squeak a victory past is getting shorter by the week. This week included.

Falcons

 

Jets @ Bills

I might be one of the few (non Jets fans) who actually think the Jets are gonna show up here. Matters are more urgent for the Jets who cannot afford to fall two games back of the pace to a PAIR of division teams to whom they’ve lost a game to, each. They’re awful on the road (giving up 32 points per game) and the Bills are explosive offensively, everywhere. This is the toughest game to call this week and may also be the best game of the bunch. Look for a gutsy, narrow road victory for the Jets who capitalize on a late game turnover to seal the deal.

Jets

 

Browns @ Texans

Although the underrated Browns’ secondary is likely going to keep Schaub in check (especially without Andre Johnson, still), I’d be shocked if Arian Foster didn’t have another 100-150 yard day. The Texans have got to be feeling that this season is the one they finally win the division but they’ve got to take care of these sorts of games at home.

Texans

 

Dolphins @ Chiefs

A few weeks ago this would have been a toss up. Instead this matchup is a near lock as the Chiefs are coming off a 4 game winning streak, climbing back into a tie for 1^st in the division and doing it with pretty strong defense, a serviceable offense and a lot of guts. Can’t believe I’m saying this but the Chiefs are going to continue to roll.

Chiefs

 

Niners @ Redskins

I don’t want to hear any nonsense about traveling East and playing an early game. The Redskins don’t have enough healthy offensive weapons to score on this Niner team. Also, Harbaugh has managed to prepare the team for eastward road games this year and they’ve yet to lose any of em. The Niners continue to cruise towards a division title.

Niners

 

Bucs @ Saints

One of a couple revenge tilts this week, I don’t expect a repeat of their last meeting. The Bucs stunned the Saints in Tampa on a day that saw Coach Payton sidelined (on the sideline) with a broken leg. The distraction and ensuing chaos (albeit controlled) may have played a role in Tampa ’s win. That won’t happen again. Unless, of course, a scoreboard falls on the Saints coaching staff or something. Saints will bask in their vengeance at home.

Saints

 

Seahawks @ Cowboys

The Hawks have a better than advertised run defense but not much else. That may dampen things for Demarco Murray but Romo should unleash his fury on the Seahawks to atone for last week’s clinic inPhilly.

Cowboys

 

Broncos @ Raiders

McFadden isn’t gonna play and nor should he; Michael Bush is more than capable of rushing for 100 yards on the Broncos at home. Palmer looked sharp in practice and says the extra work this bye week with his receivers (and the arrival of TJ Houshmandzadeh) has helped him learn the whole playbook. And there’s of course also the fear that Tebow might not resurface from the Black Hole. Look for him on milk cartons come next week.

DA RAAAIDAAZ

 

Bengals @ Titans

The Titans are in a strong position in the AFC South albeit due to circumstance. When they’ve won, they’ve looked good. When they’ve lost, they’ve looked awful. My concern with them in this matchup is that, even though they’re at home, they go up against one of the top defenses in the league and an offense led by a couple rookies who are playing years older than they really are. They also get a fresh Benson back from suspension and the Titans are 27^th in the league against the run. The Bengals are, apparently, for real.

Bengals

 

Giants @ Patriots

Super Bowl rematch. Strangely enough, the Giants are a better road team and its because they rely on Eli’s arm more on the road. Completely counterintuitive but then again so has everything about the Giants been this year. This is a classic New York v. Boston battle and just as the Giants pulled an improbable upset in the Super Bowl a few years ago, they are not to be overlooked here. That said, I don’t expect Brady and Belichick to start losing back to back games all of a sudden. Brady is more dangerous when he’s pissed and I think Pitts pissed him off.

Patriots

 

Rams @ Cardinals

I’m not sure how anybody is picking the Cards in this game. I understand that this is a match up of two 1-6 teams and usually the home team is the safe bet in these sorts of toss ups but I don’t know if this is as much a toss up as it’s being made out to be. For one, these two are headed in opposite directions. The Rams are getting healthy, recently dealt for Brandon Lloyd and are coming off an impressive victory against the Saints. The Cards have lost 7 straight since barely edging out a Panthers team that’s only won a couple of games, might not have Kolb and even if they did, haven’t had much offense at all. The Rams play above average defense and run the ball considerably better.

Rams

 

Packers @ Chargers

I don’t deny my homerism; I do not like the Chargers but I do give credit where credit is due and for years, I’ve figured them into the conversation with the sport’s elite teams because that is what they were. That is not what they are, now and won’t be any time this season. If Norv does not lose his job by the end of this year, I’ll be completely shocked. Rivers is playing like a man overwhelmed with having to do EVERYTHING for his team because his supporting cast has either been jettisoned, is old or hurt. Or simply suck, which many of the replacements for departed players are. The Pack doesn’t have the best defense around and their running game is meh at best but if Matt Cassel could move the ball in the air against them, I can’t imagine what A-Rod is going to do. It’ll be tough for Rivers to, again, have to put this team on his back after Rodgers spots the Packers a couple early scores. San Diego is headed for .500

Packers

 

Ravens @ Steelers

The other revenge game. As much as this is being heralded as one of the week’s best games because of the history between these two rivals, this is also damn near a lock. The comeback against Arizona was nice but given their opponent, the Ravens didn’t impress me. They’re looking oddly susceptible to slow starts and the way the Steelers have been mashing people, that’s not a good thing. I also can’t imagine the Steelers losing at home to the team that wooped them the very first game of the season. The Steeler transformation is nearly complete… they are no longer the run-run-pass team of old and they seem to also have ditched the standard issue zone blitzburgh packages of Dick Lebeau’s legendary career. And they’re much better for it.

Steelers

 

Bears @ Eagles

The Bears won’t have the Monday Night magic to beat the Eagles. Normally, I have a hard time betting against the Bears in primetime as it just seems they play out of their minds the bigger the game is. In this case, the Eagles are going to be looking to keep the flow going from their impressive primetime victory over the Cowboys last week in which they appeared to shore up a lot of the problems that were plaguing them on both sides of the ball. Most notable is the improved play of Michael Vick, the return to form of Nnamdi Asomugha and the change of scheme of the defensive front. With the way Chicago ’s O line has been playing, this cannot be good for the Bears.

Eagles.