WEEK 12 PICKS

WEEK 12 PICKS

Home team in CAPS.

Bengals (+11) over STEELERS

Who Dey? Dey Bengals are on a three game non-losing streak if you count the tie and bye, so hope is not lost for the Cinci faithful! This "rivalry" game is pretty lopsided in favor of the Steelers, and I don't really expect anything different. I think with Ocho Stinko (who is my least favorite player in the league) out of the game for violating team rules, the Bengals will be more relaxed and not be forced to throw the ball in his direction. I like the Steelers in a close one.

On a sidenote, how crazy was the gambling swing in Steelers/Chargers game last week? Apparently it cost Vegas betters over 66 million dollars. I imagine people who took the Chargers to cover immediately threw the remote at their TV's when Troy Polamalu ran back a touchdown. The call was later reversed (incorrectly, I might add) screwing just about everyone.



BROWNS (-3) over Texans

This is a vote of confidence for Brady Quinn to pick apart the Texans. I think Quinn is the real deal--both pectorally and footballory (I think Emmitt Smith used these words in his last broadcast). Quinn would be even better if Braylon Edwards possessed hands instead of bricks. I can't remember a better athlete who had worse hands. I was watching the Bills/Browns game this past Monday and I needed Braylon Edwards to go off for fantasy football. He managed 100+ yards but it would have been at least 150 if they man possessed average hands. It's almost as if Quinn was throwing Edwards the ball and he responded by setting the ball up in the air like a volleyball waiting for a teammate to spike it. Incredibly frustrating.

CHIEFS (+3) over Bills

Ryan Lindell missed a last minute field goal attempt wide right in Monday's game, which must have seemed eerie to the Buffalo faithful. The Bills need to get Lynch and Jackson going early to establish the running game. Unfortunately, Trent Edwards has no confidence to throw down the field allowing the Chiefs to crowd the line of scrimmage and force at least eight men in the box. When the Chiefs have the ball, Tyler Thigpen has surprisingly spread the ball around to Dwayne Bowe and Tony Gonzalez. In one of my leagues, I am actually going to start Tyler Thigpen over Donovan McNabb. I'm not really sure if that's a compliment to Thigpen or an insult to McNabb.

TITANS (-5) over Jets

I'll be rooting for the Titans to go 16-0 forcing all those annoying Pats fans to admit they aren't the greatest team in the world. I'm not so sure they can do it, but I say they keep the ball rolling with a win against the Jets. For the Pats/Jets Thursday night game last week , I went with some coworkers to a Patriots bar to cheer on the Jets. None of us were Jets fans, but we just wanted to annoy Pats fans a "Pats" bar. By the end of the night, I was cheering for the Redskins, so by all accounts, the night was a success. So give me the Titans in this one.

PATRIOTS (+1) over Dolphins

The Dolphins have a pretty easy schedule after this game, so if they can squeeze out a win here, they have a decent shot at the playoffs. This game won't be easy and I think Belicheat will have videotaped the Dolphins practices figured out a way to contain the Wildcat. Joey Porter might dislocate his jaw from talking smack during this game. Unfortunately, I don't think Porter nor the Dolphins will make enough big plays to get the victory.

49ers (+10) over DALLAS

Can people just settle down when talking about Tony Romo. He didn't look that good against the might Skins defense. If the Skins offense wasn't so anemic, people would be wondering why the Cowboys lost the game and what is wrong with his wittle winkie winger. The 49ers should do well enough to avoid a pants dropping episode from Singletary, although I am hoping for a juicy post game conference regardless.

LIONS (+7.5) over BUCS

0-16? Is that possible? I think the Maret JV football team could score a few TD's against the woeful Lions. That being said, there is still fight left in this team, and I think this is their one win of the season. All Culpep needs to do it throw it up to Megatron a few times.

Eagles (+1) over RAVENS

Can everyone please stop harping on the fact McNabb didn't know games could end in a tie. First of all, I just think he is messing around with the media---no ten year veteran could not know. Second of all, it wouldn't really determine how he plays the game. McNabb and the Eagles are still trying to win the game. Let's just hope McNabb can redeem himself and push the Philly haters away. Also, I'll be rooting for him to throw up on the field ala 2004 Super Bowl.

Bears (-7.5) over RAMS

With the exception of a two game burst in the middle of the season when they beat the Redskins and Cowboys, the Rams have looked like one of the worst teams in the NFL. They played one of the most horrendous games ever against the Jets and laid another stinker against the 49ers. This team has quit on one coach, and they are about to make it two when they stink it up for Jim Haslett and the rest of the Rams fans/coaches. Not that the Bears have been tearing it up lately, but at least they're in the middle of a divisional race and will play with heart.

JAGUARS (-2.5) over Vikings

Talk about two disapointing teams. Raise your hand if you thought their collective records would be under .500 at this point in the season. Yeah, you can put them down now. Purple Jesus and MJD should run wild and, at the very least, score a couple of TD's since these two defenses have been bustahbusts.

Panthers (+1) over FALCONS

He may have either water or natty ice running through his veins, but young Matt Ryan will get a wake up call from the swarming Panthers defense. The NFL season is long and hard--that's what she said--so Ryan won't be able to relax for a week and play a cupcake, like, say, Duke. Each and every game is a grind.

BRONCOS (-9) over Raiders

If one this is clear this far into the season, the Raiders might be the worst team in the NFL. Seriously, I would pick the Lions, Rams, Bengals and Chiefs to all beat the Raiders right now. Especially on the road. Brandon Marshall will get shut down since the best CB, Nmadii Osissdksndfsdbfk, is covering him. That means Eddie Royal should have a field day. Yep, give me the Broncos, big.

Redskins (-3.5) over SEAHAWKS

Even though the Redskins seem to play in Seattle every year, I think they finally beat the Seahawks and the supposed "12th Man." Jim Zorn should know the Seahawks playbook in and out and should be able to stop anything the 'Hawks might throw at them. I'm positive the Skins defense can hold the Seakawks to under 17 points. It's just a matter if the Skins offense can generate enough points to win. I think they can.

Cardinals (+3) over GIANTS

This is only if Brandon Man-Child Jacobs doesn't play, otherwise I like the Giants by a Jacobs size load. The Cardinals should be able to spray the ball around the field unless Tuck tears Mr. Brenda Warner's arm off. Additionally, I don't think a West Coast team has won a game in the EST, but that might change this week.

CHARGERS (-2.5) over Colts

The Chargers are terrible on the road yet amazing at home. The Colts look like the hottest team in the NFL right now. Something has to give. I give the slight edge to the Chargers since LT seems to be healthy again, and, in case you missed it at the beginning of the post, this commercial.

Packers (+2.5) over SAINTS

Know why Drew Brees is going to break Dan Marino's single season passing mark? It's because the Saints are so bad, they consistently fall behind and are forced to air it out to try to make up the point difference. Rodgers and the Pack looked great last week, and I say they keep it going. If you are unsure about this game then go by this measure: if Rodgers has any facial other than a mustache, then I like the Pack huge. If he is clean shaven, then forget it, give me the Saints.