COLTS (-13.5) over BengalsI received an inside tip the starting QB for the Bengals, Ryan Fitzpatrick, proposed to his longtime girlfriend in a McDonald's. Seriously? This is a starting QB in the NFL, making close to $1 mil and not only is he eating at a McDonalds, but he is proposing to his girlfriend in the restaurant? I wonder if she's going to reconsider when Fitzy throws for 147 yards, 0 TD's and 3 INT's against the Colts?
BEARS (-6.5) over Jaguars
Earlier in the season, I traded Matt Forte for Roy E. Williams and I'm currently sitting at 5-8 in that league. Of course, I have the most points in the league, but I'm certainly not putting this trade on my resume. Bottom line: Forte is nasty and should run wild over the Jags. And I also regret the trade.
PACKERS (-5.5) over Texans
This isn't a stamp of approval for the Packers, but rather a thumbs down for the all-red jerseys Houston wore on Monday night. Those red unis were some of the most hideous things I've ever seen. Maybe Gary Kubiak should pull a Pete Carroll of USC and forfeit timeouts to wear their red jerseys on the road. No matter what color jersey they wear, they should still lose to the Pack.
TITANS (-14) over Browns
Ken Dorsey is now the starting QB for the Browns and Albert Haynesworth couldn't be happier! Dorsey was the Browns opening day 3rd stringer behind the now-injured Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson, but is now thrust into the starting role. I'm going out on a limb and saying Tennessee is going to stack the line of scrimmage and force Dorsey to throw. Even if he does somehow get the ball away, we all know Braylon Edwards is dropping anything thrown his way.
SAINTS (-3) over Falcons
Should I take the home team to cover every single game? Why not. The 'Aints seem like the team that only plays well at home and when they are faced with a must win game. Plus, I'm hoping the 8-4 Falcons lose so the Redskins.
GIANTS (-7) over Eagles
Let Plax go! Let Plax go! I don't think we are going to see a NFL and United Way commercial with Plax anytime soon. The strange thing about the suspension is that the Giants might be better off without their most talented receiver. Since Plax is gone, opponents don't have to worry about devoting two defensive backs to cover him and can crowd the line of scrimmage to neutralize the run. This move actually helps Manning, Toomer, Hixon and Steve Smith (not the good one) but hurts the running game. This is truly the Eagles last gasp, but even without Plax, the Giants should pull out the victory.
LIONS (No Line)* over Vikings
Background: The massive Vikings' defensive linemen, Pat and Kevin Williams (no relation), were suspended for taking dietary water pills, a banned substance by the NFL. The lineman sued the NFL and got the four-game suspension lifted, or at least, delayed the suspension for one more game. What I love about this whole episode is that it was a Minnesota judge who ruled against the NFL. Isn't that a conflict of interest? A judge who is most likely a Vikings fan ruling in favor of the Vikings. Frankly, I'm just shocked.
* I guess Vegas is holding back the line until the suspensions are finalized. Either way, I like the Lions to cover.
49ERS (+4) over Jets
I'll be rooting for the 49ers to win, so it can stop all this Jersey A/Jersey B Super Bowl matchup nonsense. Frankly, it's not happening and I just want all the talk to go away.
Dolphins (Pick 'em) over BILLS (in Toronto)
The Bills gave up whatever home field advantage they had by playing this game in the cushy confines in domed-field Toronto. The warm weather 'Phins should be able to adjust quite well to the indoor conditions whereas if they were playing outside in Buffalo, they wouldn't be able to stop thinking about the cold weather.
Chiefs (+9) over BRONCOS
I think I have the Broncos figured out: They play down to their competition, but excel during a big game. I'm guessing the Cutler-led Broncos overlook their 2-10 opponents and might even lose this game. Let's build on that, Herm.
CARDINALS (-14) over Rams
Final Stats:
Kurt Warner - 378 Yds, 4 TD's, 0 INT's
Q Boldin - 124 Yds, 2 TD's
Larry Fitzgerald - 147 Yds, 1 TD
Steve Breaston - 94 Yds
Soooo yeahhh, I like the Cards to absolutely steamroll the Rams on 10 days of rest.
STEELERS (-2.5) over Cowboys
My early pick for Defensive POY hails from the Steelers secondary, and should be able to get at least one pick and several tackles. We know Romo is throwing at least one interception, and I'm guessing Troy Polamalu is the lucky recipient. I'm forecasting a wintry mix on Sunday afternoon with a probable Dallas loss.
Patriots (-4.5) over SEAHAWKS
If the Patriots have any postseason dreams, this is a must win game. I see a lot of touch passes from Cassel to Welkah and Moss, who should feast on the Seahawks secondary and the excess blubber from Mike Walrus Holmgren.
Redskins (+5) over RAVENS
Let me set the scene for you: Early December 2007, the Redskins sit at 5-7 and people are writing off the season. Fast forward to late December 2007--the Redskins are 9-7 and in the playoffs. The lesson here? Never count them out, and since we're 7-5 this year, I'm predicting another Sunday night victory in December when no one believed in us (similar to the Vikings Sunday night game last year).
BUCS (+3) over Panthers
ESPN couldn't happier about having two 9-3 teams playing each other this late in the season. Most of ESPN's games this time of year are of the Thursday night San Diego/Oakland variety. The Bucs defense is really, really good and should be able to stop the surprisingly good DeAngelo Williams. My dream scenario is that one of these teams wins out, while to loser goes into a December tailspin and lets the Redskins back into the playoff race.
During a slow, rainy day in New York, the mind sometimes wanders. This wondering usually leads to the Internet, which leads to google, and inevitably leads to a simple Erin Andrews search.
