Week 8 Picks

Just like in week 6, I didn't watch any Sunday football games in week 7. I did see the Skins/Browns game in person, but it wasn't the most ideal environment to analyze football. Therefore, gamblers beware. On to the week 8 picks!

Home team in caps.

RAVENS -7½ over Raiders

I've got a new idea for local Oakland TV commercials. You know that Direct TV ad where Craig T. Nelson looks on in horror as he realizes he is still watching basic cable instead of switching to direct TV? Instead of some low rent movie, they should just be showing Raiders games, featuring coach Tom...Cable. Zing!


SAINTS (in London) (+3½) over Chargers

West coast teams are something like 0-47 playing on the east coast this season, so playing in London at eight time zones away must be even worse for west coast teams. Even without Bush, I like the Saints in this one.


JETS (-11½) over Chiefs

The Jets are a classic 7-9 or 8-8 team. Win at home, lose on the road and occasionally drop games to crappy teams. Well, you don't get much worse than Kansas City this season. In the last few days, I've heard name like Joey Harrington, Daunte Culpepper, Mark Rypien and Doug Flutie tossed around as possible backups for the Chiefs. Give me the the Jets in possibly the most unwatchable game of the day.

Bills (- 2½) over DOLPHINS

Just when we thought the Bills were overrated, they go and do something like this (beat the Chargers)...and totally redeem themselves. I think teams have figured out the Wildcat.

BUCS (+5½) over Cowboys

If the Cowboys lose this game, Wade Phillips is going to be replaced by Jason Garrett. For all the Cowboys fans that hopped on and off the bandwagon the last few months, there are still a couple of spots left on the Skins bandwagon. Last stop: Tampa Bay.


EAGLES (-7½) over Falcons

Both of these teams are coming off much needed byes, so they should be healthy. If Westbrook plays, I like the Eagles to dominate. Also, this is a bit of a homecoming for Matt Ryan who grew up an Eagles fan, but Matty Ice will be a little nervous playing in front of the locals.

PATRIOTS (-7½) over Rams

Maybe it just took a couple of games for Matt Cassel to figure out the system. I mean, the guy had not started a game since high school, give him a break. Or the Denver defense is just really, really bad. Perhaps a combination of the two. Either way, I say the Rams come back to earth.

PANTHERS (-4½) over Cardinals

I have a simple formula for Cardinals games for the remainder of the season. Win at home. Win on the road against lousy teams. Lose on the road to solid teams. Carolina certainly qualifies as solid so even if Q Boldin plays, I've got to take the Panthers at home.


LIONS (+7½) over Redskins

The Redskins never blow anyone out and always win close games. Even though Detroit is the local Midwestern representative for league doormat (although Kansas City might have an argument as well), I see them playing a passionate game with nothing to lose. In the end, Portis' running and the Skins defense is too much for the Lions.

Browns (+7½) over JAGUARS

Dear Braylon Edwards fan I heckled at the Redskins game,

I would think twice about wearing that jersey to a DC sporting event any time soon. Go back to Shaker Heights.

Yours truly,

Belligerent fan wearing youth medium 1991 Skins windbreaker.


STEELERS (-2½) over Giants

This game should be a real barnburner. No Willy Parker--no problem. Enter Mewelde Moore from stage right. I'm worried about the Giants D line harassing Big Ben and pounding him into the ketchup soaked field at Pitt, but I think the Steelers do just enough to win by a field goal.

49ERS (-2½) over Seahawks

R.I.P. Mike Nolan's suit. How could the 49ers fire a man so immaculately dressed? So many questions. So few answers. I think Charles Haley comes out of retirement to harass Seneca Wallace/Charlie Frye/Elizabeth Hasselbeck just enough to win.


Bengals (+9½ ) over TEXANS

Do you know how to go from 0-4 to 3-4? Play the Dolphins, Lions and Ben Gals in three consecutive weeks. The Hahvahd guy is starting at QB again for Cinci, so give me the Texans.

Colts (+3½) over TITANS

I can't figure out this Colts team. Whenever I think they will lose, they win. Whenever they should lose, they win. The Colts are like some cheesy, horror movie villain. Just when you think they're dead, they pop out at the last second and kill one more good guy. I still think the Titans win this division, but the Colts should take the Monday nighter in my upset du jour.



Last week: 7-6