NFL: Week 17 Picks
Carolina (-3) at New Orleans
Still playing for the division title, the Panthers will be doing everything to win this game, and it will work.
Houston (-3) vs. Chicago
The Texans are a late season surprise. The Bears are a special teams force. But, alas, the Bears will miss the playoffs as they lose in Texas.
Pittsburgh (-10.5) vs. Cleveland
Romeo, Romeo…wherefore art thou? Gone after this game. A casualty of continued mediocrity for the new mistake by the lake.
Detroit (+10) at Green Bay
I guarantee nothing here.
Cincinnati (-3) vs. Kansas City
Cincinnati, now that it’s way too late, is actually performing like a solid football team.
Buffalo (+6) at New England
This will be a close divisional contest that New England will win.
New York Giants (+6.5) at Minnesota
They say the Giants will rest, but I wouldn’t be so sure that means they are going to lay down. Ths rivalry is long and heated, and sometimes results in bizarre outcomes.
Tampa Bay (-13) vs. Oakland
Tampa Bay can still make it and they have the easiest shot with Oakland in town. Down goes the Cable Guy!
Atlanta (-14) vs. St. Louis
Blowout from the starting kickoff. Enough said.
Indianapolis (+3) vs. Tennessee
Home dog will prevail against the mighty Titans. This could turn into an exhibition game since both teams are already locked into the playoffs.
Philadelphia (-1) vs. Dallas
The Cowboys’ luck will run out—probably because of something Tony Romo does. Will the Eagles make the playoffs? Lots of scoreboard watching in this one.
Baltimore (-12.5) vs. Jacksonville
Baltimore needs a victory here. Jacksonville needs the season to be over.
New York Jets (-3) vs. Miami
This is the game of the week. Who would have thunk it? In sloppy GIANTS Stadium, I see a late score to pushe the Jets over the top.
Seattle (+6.5) at Arizona
Seattle will play well for Coach Holmgren on the final Sunday. Arizona’s free fall will continue.
San Francisco (-3) vs. Washington
The 49ers are going one way and the Redskins are going the other way.
Denver (+8) at San Diego
All signs point to San Diego winning going away, but I just don’t trust them in a big spot like this. Rivers has too much hate inside of him.
NFL: Week 16 Picks
Last week was one for the ages. OUCH! If you are still reading this blog, it means you have a sense of loyalty. Or, you are looking at my picks and going the other way, which is a method I used when my father was a gambling man.
Anyway, I actually feel good about the picks below. This could be a redemptive weekend.
Dallas (-4) vs. Baltimore
Dallas is peaking at exactly the right time of the season. This game is going to be close and could fall right on the number, but I am impressed with just how powerful the Cowboys are right now.
New England (-7.5) vs. Arizona
The Cardinals in cold Foxboro just doesn’t make a lot of sense. New England is still in a big playoff fight so they should dispatch the Arizona.
Cincinnati (+3) at Cleveland
The lowly battle of Ohio on the shores of Lake Erie. The Dawg Pound will be moaning as Cincinnati enjoys some more late season success at the hands of the ailing Browns.
Miami (-4) at Kansas City
The Dolphins need to keep winning. They are better in all facets of the game. December in Arrowhead could be tough but the Chiefs just do not have any game.
Detroit (+7) vs. New Orleans
Detroit may well win this game. They have been so close for so long now, and the Saints come limping in with their season over.
Tennessee (+2) vs. Pittsburgh
The team with the best record in football is a home underdog? This is very interesting. Pittsburgh, as good a team as it is, has been lucky, and is going to run out of that luck this weekend.
Tampa Bay (-3.5) vs. San Diego
Tampa Bay will win this game by at least a touchdown. San Diego has disappointed all season long. At least the weather is nice out there.
San Francisco (-5.5) at St. Louis
The 49ers will continue to show that they have integrity as a team even though there is little to play for, except for a tougher schedule next year and a lower draft pick.
Denver (-7) vs. Buffalo
In Mile High Stadium, flailing Buffalo will run out of gas against the high powered, if deeply flawed, Bronco team.
Houston (-7) at Oakland
If only Houston had started the season as well as it is finishing it, they would be considered for the playoffs.
Seattle (+4.5) vs. New York Jets
The Jets are 0-3 on the west coast. If they prevent going winless, it will not be by much.
Minnesota (-3) vs. Atlanta
This is a giant game between two emerging powers. I take Minnesota only because they are home.
Philadelphia (-5) at Washington
The Jim Zorn era may be getting shorter and shorter with each passing loss. Look for the surging Eages to keep their slim playoff chances alive here.
New York Giants (-3) vs. Carolina
The Giants are going to overpower the Panthers, everyone’s darling right now.
Chicago (-4) at Green Bay
Green Bay is done. Chicago still has a shot, and is a respectable team.
NFL: Week 14 Picks
Mike and Mike bring you their confidence picks every Friday on ESPN Radio. Well, I am bringing you my lack of confidence picks this weekend. Last week’s performance was the worst of the season, but perhaps there will be a rebound here.
Atlanta (+3) at New Orleans
I am a believer in Atlanta and not so much in New Orleans. Atlanta seems to be improving week to week. New Orleans is up and down, and a little injured.
Indianapolis (-14.5) vs. Cincinnati
Perhaps they could put the slaughter rule in effect here. Once Cincinnati goes down by 30, they can call the game.
Cleveland (+15) at Tennessee
Tennessee should handle the broken down Browns but I can’t picture a blowout, not with Tennessee’s offense.
Green Bay (-6.5) vs. Houston
Cold weather Packers should be able to handle the warm weather Texans.
Chicago (-7) vs. Jacksonville
The only thing left that even looks tough for the Jaguars (as opposed to the Jaguires) is the leather jacketed Jack Del Rio, and that’s an open question. Chicago looks to keep pace with the Vikings.
Minnesota (-10) at Detroit
The classic trap game. Lots of folks are saying pick Detroit but I think the Vikes are making a December run and will not be seduced into laying down on this one.
Philadelphia (+7.5) at New York Giants
Giants 27, Eagles 20. The extra half point puts me into the Eagles camp on this one.
Denver (-9) vs. Kansas City
The Broncos are due for a bad game after their great performance against the Jets. That’s why I am picking them to kill the Chiefs.
Miami PK at Buffalo
The game is being played indoors in Toronto. Pennington will enjoy that. The Bills will not.
Seattle (+7) vs. New England
New England should win this game, but after last week’s stinker against Pittsburgh, I have lost confidence in them.
New York Jets (-4) at San Francisco
I have no faith in the Jets. They are still figuring out how to be a winning team. They have been figuring it out since 1969. They should still win this game. But I wouldn’t be surprised if they didn’t.
Pittsburgh (-3) vs. Dallas
Brings back great memories for those who lived through the glorious 1970s. I like Roy Gerela to miss a few field goals, but I see Mel Blount intercepting a late Staubach pass and returning it for a touchdown.
St. Louis (+15) at Arizona
Arizona has peaked and is on its way down. St. Louis is down. This game will be played down to the Ram level and stay closer than two touchdowns.
Baltimore (-6) vs. Washington
Washington’s playoff hopes are fading. Early season media darlings Jim Zorn and Jason Campbell have been found out. Baltimore is a very good football team and will continue to show that this weekend. Did you hear that Ray Lewis was with Antonio Pierce and Plax? Neither did I.
Tampa Bay (+3) at Carolina
Tampa Bay has better offense and defense. The Panthers are not what we thought they were.
Last Week: 7-9
Season: 95-92-4
NFL: Week 10 Picks
Week 10 is where some good teams are going to start demonstrating their strength: New England, Carolina, Atlanta, and the Giants. There are also a couple of big point spreads that look too big to this speculator.
Last week was another down week but I’m feeling strong this weekend, like I have the pulse of the NFL.
Take a peak and then go make yourself some money.
Baltimore (-1) at Houston
I would stay away from this game if I didn’t have to bet on it. Either the Ravens have found their way on offense and stifle the Texans, or Houston has enough pride and ability to hold on at home. I think the former is more likely. Joe Flacco and the Ravens to win.
Buffalo (+3.5) at New England
New England has found a steady upward trend, last week’s game aside. They are going to begin to show the rest of the league that they will have to be dealt with in January, at least early January. They should dispatch the flailing Bills this time around.
Green Bay (+2) at Minnesota
The Packers are good. The Vikings are only so-so. If they can stop Minnesota’s running game, they should be able to win this game. Plus, ESPN’s Chris Mortensen likes Green Bay.
Jacksonville (-6.5) at Detroit
Jacksonville typically doesn’t win by more than a touchdown. The same should hold true this time. The Lions seem to want to win a game or two this season and they can at least keep it close. Plus, we might get to see the beginning of the Daunte Culpepper Epoch begin.
New Orleans (+1) at Atlanta
Atlanta is a good team. They have a good coach and a good quarterback and a top ten defense (in points allowed). The Saints are too hard to figure right now, even with MVP heir apparent Drew Brees in the house. I like Atlanta.
Seattle (+8) at Miami
I like Miami to win this game but 8 is a lot of points. I would keep my money in my pocket on this one. But if forced, I’ll take the home team in a rout.
St. Louis (+8.5) at New York Jets
I like St. Louis to keep it close here. The Jets are solid but they’re not convincing me enough to give away this many points. St. Louis will keep it respectable. And there may be a ton of points scored, too.
Tennessee (-3) at Chicago
If Tennessee is going to lose a game this season, this could be it. I like Rex to confuse Chicagoans by striking early and forcing the Titans to play from behind, right into the hands of the Bear defense.
Carolina (-9.5) at Oakland
Oakland may not be able to beat Cal at this point, or Middlebury College for that matter. Al Davis should host a reality show instead of owning an NFL team. More seriously, the Panthers will demonstrate this weekend why they will get a bye in the first round of the playoffs. They run well and play stifling defense.
Kansas City (+15) at San Diego
This is way too may points to give to an unpredictable Charger team playing a division foe. The Chiefs and Chargers love to play back and forth games and this should be no different.
New York Giants (+3) at Philadelphia
The Giants don’t need this game as much as the Eagles do, but the Giants love coming in as the underdog. When will they get the love? Now the Eagles are a solid team with a healthy quarterback playing a big game at home. I see a late field goal sailing wide and a Giant football victory.
San Francisco (+9.5) at Arizona
Arizona is strong in the desert and should win this game. I take the points here because I am banking on Singletary having spent the last two weeks remaking the 49ers into a team that respects itself and plays with discipline. I like them to stay in it all the way to the end.
Last Week: 6-8
Season: 64-61-4
NFL: Week 9 Picks
Week 9 has some good fodder. Tennessee continues to be disrespected by Vegas, et al. There are some possible blowouts to consider, and I think Cincy has value this week. They might even win this one.
Last week I threatened to go into business if I kept picking so well. And I got served…humble pie. But no worries. We continue to pick everything, and my record is above .500 for the season, which is always good.
New York Jets (+5.5) at Buffalo
The Jets are now playing a for real team on the road, and Buffalo is mad about last week. Take the Bills.
Detroit (+12.5) at Chicago
It’s a lot of points to give, but the Bears can score those points and the Lions continue to stink. Bears in a blowout.
Jacksonville (-7.5) at Cincinnati
Can Jacksonville win convincingly on the road? Are the Bengals just awful? This is a scary pick, but I’m taking the home dog to at least keep it close.
Baltimore (+1.5) at Cleveland
These two teams are hard to figure, but it looks like Cleveland is righting its ship enough to outlast the Ravens. Take the Browns.
Tampa Bay (-7.5) at Kansas City
I like Tampa to rebound against the hapless Chiefs, winning big in Arrowead.
Houston (+4.5) at Minnesota
Interconference game with no history. I’m taking the home team and giving the points.
Arizona (-2.5) at St. Louis
The battle of St. Louis past and present, in a dome, with a resurgent Rams team. Take the home dog, which is playing with pride these days.
Green Bay (+5.5) at Tennessee
The Titans continue to receive no love from the oddsmakers, unless of course you are picking them. Unload the gun on Tennessee. Some say it is a trap game, coming off the emotional win in Indianapolis. I disagree. Tennessee is too methodical and disciplined.
Miami (+3.5) at Denver
Denver should win this once marquee matchup and should do so by more than a field goal. They have a highpowered offense and the home field.
Dallas (+7.5) at New York Giants
I haven’t been picking the Giants right lately, but I think they are going to demonstrate their superiority this week against an overmatched Cowboy team.
Atlanta (-2.5) at Oakland
I continue to not like Oakland and Atlanta has shown they can play. Can they go west and do it. I think so. Plus, they are angry after last week’s blown call.
Philadelphia (+6.5) at Seattle
Seattle is down and Philly is up. Therefore, take Seattle to keep it close.
New England (+5.5) at Indianapolis
The Patriots will keep it close, if not win this game. The Colts just cannot seem to hang anymore. They look beat.
Pittsburgh (+1.5) at Washington
Pittsburgh will win this game. Why? Because the Redskins just really are not that good. They think they might be but Pittsburgh will prove them wrong.
Last Week: 4-8-2
Season: 58-53-4
NFL Picks: Week 5
Welcome everyone to my picks for NFL Week 5!
Chicago (-3.5) at Detroit
Detroit is in disarray. Yes, the burden of Matt Millen is gone, but Chicago’s defense will stifle the Lions and the offense will get them a convincing road win.
Houston (+3.5) vs. Indianapolis
A tough pick for me. Who knows which Peyton shows up? Is it time this week? Can we really imagine the Colts going to 1-3? Take the home dog!
Carolina (-9.5) vs. Kansas City
Kansas City is not good, end of story. Give the points. Take the Panthers.
San Diego(-6.5) at Miami
San Diego looks like it has righted its season. They put up big numbers. Will Miami do the same as it did against New England? Nope!
Seattle (+7) at New York Giants
The Giants will win this game, most likely. But will they win going away. I’d say no. Look for a 20-14 kind of win, and take the points.
Baltimore (+3) vs. Tennessee
Philadelphia (-6) vs. Washington
Divisional games are close. Washington just had a huge win in Dallas. Philadelphia is mad. Be careful here. I’d stay away but if forced, I’ll take Philly.
Denver (-3) vs. Tampa Bay
Who knows what’s going on in Denver? They sure can score points and are angry after loss to KC. Give Denver the chance to rebound and win by at least a field goal.
Arizona (PK) vs. Buffalo
A cold weather team goes to the desert and loses. A likely story. Take Arizona.
Dallas (+16) vs. Cincinnati
This is a ton of points to give up. Dallas is possibly a bad game away from a TO-Romo meltdown but I think Cincy’s soap opera far exceeds it. Take the Cowboys.
New England (-3.5) at San Francisco
New England has spent two weeks fuming over the Miami loss. San Fran is a nice team but still unproven.
Jacksonville (-4) vs. Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh’s ground game is a big question. Jacksonville wants to show itself as the pre-season darling it was. This is there shot.
New Orleans (-3) vs. Minnesota
New Orleans has the weapons. Minnesota will continue to disappoint.
(I didn’t pick Green bay vs. Atlanta because Aaron Rodgers is still a question mark.)
