NFL Picks and an E-Mail Exchange

Tweet Daki: Luka, I just realized that once the NBA starts we may never talk about anything else on this blog. I think this is a perfect time to bust out the time tested gimmick of exchanging e-mails and talk NFL picks (for maybe the last time until playoffs). Just to drive that point home I will sprinkle in random NBA tidbits throughout the post. But first, we might as well start with one of the games of the week in the NFL. The Atlanta Falcons going up against the Eagles of Philadelphia. How do you think your Eagles will do this week against the undefeated Falcons? The line has moved all the way to -3 and it seems that people are trusting Andy Reid off a bye-week vs. Andy Reid in any other game.

Atlanta (+3) At Philadelphia

I gotta say, I love the Eagles to win here, can't really explain why, but I just think that they are too talented to be so mediocre and with Andrew Bunym's knee injury, the people of Philadelphia need hope!

Luka: My favorite Eagles week this year was last week and we had it off. Everyone says the same thing when they talk about this team, that they could win by 40 or lose by 40 any given week and it's true. For this week though, I also am feeling an Eagles win. Reid is inexplicably great after bye weeks and a Falcons team that has practically clinched their division already (Let-Down game!!) adds up to a possible Philly victory that will get all their fans (myself included) praising the likes of Vick and Jackson as the second-coming of Montana and Rice. I'm personally excited to start calling a (hopefully) 4-3 team the Super-Bowl favorites next week. As for Bynum and the Sixers, I don't think any fan will tell you they were shocked when they started hearing Bynum injured stories. That comes with the territory but I do hope he gets better and we  have an NBA season where the Atlantic Division is undoubtedly the strongest (maybe the Mayans were right).

Daki: Yes, for the first time in a long time it seems that the East actually managed to get stronger across the conference. Speaking of strong conferences, how about this NFC? I am making a slightly bold prediction that 11 wins might not be enough for the playoffs and that one team from the NFC East, North, and West will legitimately feel that they could have made the playoffs in almost any other season. Which is what makes games like these:

Carolina (+7.5) At Chicago

So important. Chicago has relatively few "easy" games left and has to win them all to a) keep up with Atlanta for home-field advantage and b) fend off teams like the Giants and Packers for a first-round bye. Am I crazy or does Carolina get random respect from Vegas? Chicago by 2+ touchdowns lock it down.

Luka:I agree with your point on Vegas' unfounded respect for the Panthers and think it has to come from the Cam Newton effect. But is he even that good? I mean don't get me wrong, hes incredibly gifted physically but his team is 1-5 and it seems like every week more and more stories of Cam throwing his teammates under the bus seem to surface. I too like the Bears to cover this game. Chicago is somehow a sneaky 5-1.

Daki: Chicago is playing the old San Antonio Spurs trick of not drawing any attention as they demolish the league.

Indianapolis (+3.5) At Tennessee

Is it possible that one of these two teams could sneak into the AFC playoffs? Have they caught the guy giving Chris Johnson steroids? That has to be the logical explanation of his sudden re-emergence as a running back who can beat teams by himself. Johnson scares me enough to pick the Titans at home here

Luka: Lance Armstrong's guy had to find a new client. As for the game I feel like it'll come down to whether or not you trust Chris Johnson's ability to string consistent games together (Matt Hasselbeck is starting for the Titans. Yes, you read that correctly) and personally I feel like until I see it again, I'm not jumping back onto that ship. So give me Luck and the Colts to somehow be 4-3 after this game. Quick, let's go to the next game though before I change my mind.

Jacksonville (-14.5) At Green Bay

Daki: *sigh* The Jaguars? We have to talk about one of the least interesting franchises in North American sports? CFL teams are more interesting than these guys. At least they get to be one of the teams that the Packers slaughter on their way back to 'Superbowl team' status. Why isn't David Stern running the NFL? He would have moved the Jaguars to Toronto years ago. Even better, nobody would have cared (unlike the Seattle Sonics fans). On that note what do you think of Stern announcing his retirement (15 months early?) I will always remember him as the guy who screwed the 02' Kings out of a title and as a stubborn old man who to this day refuses to acknowledge that his league has a massive officiating problem.

Luka: I just thought of something, how amazing would it be if the NFL adopted a relegation system with the CFL where the worst two teams in the NFL get replaced by the two best CFL teams each year? You're telling me this game wouldn't be more fun to talk about if Green Bay had to go to Saskatchewan to take on the Rough Riders instead? Goodell and CFL commissioner whose name I didn't even bother googling. Let's make this happen. Green Bay should demolish the Jags at home so i'll pick them to cover although I'm not feeling it's a lock they'll win by 2+ touchdowns. David Stern I'll always remember as this sort of grumpy old bully who despite some missteps (the microfiber ball? that was fun) has made the NBA a juggernaut of a league worldwide. All i ask from him before he retires is to move a team back to Seattle and to give the Kings the 02 title. The early 2000's Lakers were the most unlikable team in that era (Fuck Rick Fox) so who's saying no to this?

Daki: The people who are saying no to that are those moronic Laker fans who think that Kobe is the best player in the league today (sorry, he may not be top 5 anymore). I love the relegation idea, if anything it would single-handily save the CFL. Can you imagine if the Redskins had to go to Montreal (the team who they stole the Expos from) for a playoff game? Nazi Germany would receive a better welcome. If by some miracle anyone in the NFL/CFL is reading this make it happen! All we ask is for credit and royalties. Anyways, on to the next game:

Miami Dolphins (+3) At New York Jets

A perplexing line to me. I think that this Jets team is sneaky underrated and will take care of business in this key division game.

Luka: A good defense combined with a wacky offense and the dynamic duo of Sanchez and Tebow (kidding, obviously) spells trouble for the Dolphins this week. I'll take the Jets too although i wouldn't be surprised if I turn on the game in the second quarter to see a score of 24-0 for the Dolphins while the Jets fans boo Sanchez and plea for Tebow. Also, Rex Ryan has to be in the conversation for coach of the year right? I mean who's on this Jets team?

Daki: Absolutely.

New England (-7) Vs. Rams - From London England!

Perplexing that this game will be on at the same time that Chelsea takes on Man U and Liverpool plays Everton in the Merseyside derby. Just poor decision making from the NFL schedule makers here. I think that the Rams cover this week, the Patriots need to prove that they are a good team before spreads over 4 points are applied to them.

Luka: I`m taking the Patriots, Chelsea, and a draw in the Merseyside derby. I`m not sure anyone in London even cares that they get an NFL game each year. If the NFL was serious in expanding its popularity across the globe, you`d think that this game would be a bigger deal each year and yet it never is. Strange.

Daki: San Diego (-3) At Cleveland A.k.a: Free money!

Luka: It should tell you how bad the Chargers season is going that I was going to pick the Browns this week before  reading that Trent Richardson might be out. Without Richardson I think that Cleveland's offense will be more reliant on Brandon Weeden and no one should have to bet on a team "more reliant on Brandon Weeden". So give me the mediocre Chargers on the road.

Daki: Seattle (+2.5) At Detroit

At first I almost wagered all I had on this game, then I realized that the game is being played in Detroit and not in Seattle. The fact of the matter is that the Seahawks are not a very good road team and I fully expect the Lions to cement that notion.

***The James Harden Trade put everything into flux for this post, so we shelved it and decided to stop here.

A Collaborative Effort: The Week 5 NFL Picks

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This was supposed to be the year where I managed to make picks for every week of the season. The year I could accurately gauge my results and see how much I actually know about predicting the outcomes of football games with point spreads. The year where I would manage my time appropriately and not let school overwhelm me to the point where I could not do the things I liked to do (like write on this blog for example). So much for that. A test, two assignments and a presentation squeezed in-between a trip to Kingston quickly dashed any hope of a week 4 picks post. With some luck that will be the only lost week we have. To get this thing off to a fresh start, Luka and I decided to do a nice back-and-forth for the slate of games in week 5 of NFL action. I kicked things off with the most puzzling spread of the week.

Atlanta Falcons (-3) At Washington Redskins

Daki: Luka, this has to be the weirdest line of the week right? Atlanta is undefeated and coming off of a tough game, looking to prove that they are a much better team than the one that almost lost to Carolina last week. The Atlanta offense vs. the Redskins defense seems like a bigger mismatch than Ron Artest vs. Sanity. Does Vegas know something we don't!?

Luka: The only thing i can think of is Vegas must have a case of RG3 fever because based on their play this season there's no reason Atlanta shouldn't be favored by more than a touchdown. That being said, the Falcons didn't play well at all last week against Carolina and only won due to Andy Reid-like coaching from Ron Rivera and terrible plays by a poor Panthers secondary. With the Nationals making the playoffs for the first time in forever, maybe the Redskins can pull off this upset and make this a Washington weekend. I doubt it though so I'm taking Matty Ice (horrible nickname) and the Falcons.

Daki: I too am taking the Falcons.

Baltimore Ravens (-6.5) At Kansas City Chiefs

Daki: This one seems almost too easy doesn't it? One team (The Ravens) is clearly better than the other and should win this game comfortably. So why do I have an absolutely horrible feeling about taking the Ravens here?

Luka: You shouldn't. Baltimore's going to put KC in a vacant this week. Let's move on.

Cleveland Browns (+8.5) At New York Giants

Daki: Can we just rename the Ravens to be 'The Baltimore Wire'? I would like the team 15x more if this happened. As for this game (and for all six people who plan on watching it) I see the Giants winning but the Browns covering the spread. This Giants team cant play the role of favorites, had they come into this game with only 20 available players I would have taken them without hesitation.

Luka: They could even play the Clay Davis "Shieeeeeeeetttt" soundbite each time they got a penalty. Come on Baltimore, let's make this happen. As for the Giants, I'm not sure they've recovered from the beatdown (extremely close and lucky win) my Philadelphia Eagles put on them last week. In all seriousness though, I can already see what's going to happen with this game. With about 10 minutes left in the 4th quarter the scores will come up on whatever game you're watching and it'll show the Browns up by 7 with the ball. Next thing you know a Brandon Weeden pick-6 will be followed by an Eli late-game drive to give the G-men the win.

Green Bay Packers (-7) At Indianapolis Colts

Daki: And you know that when you finally see the highlights from the game there will be a combination of at least two of the following: miraculously avoided sacks by Eli, sure picks dropped by Browns defenders, A Giants fumble that gets ruled 'down by contact'or blown dead for no reason, a miraculous catch by a Giants wide-receiver. I am anticipating that we will see those highlights at some point of this Packers obliteration of the Colts. Seriously Green Bay, you have not played one complete game of football yet. Make this the week where you send out a friendly reminder to the rest of the NFL that you should be taken seriously, I think this one is over at half.

Luka: Based on talent alone this game shouldn't be close. However, Colts head Coach Steve Spagnolo was sadly diagnosed with leukemia this past week and will not be at the game as he continues to battle the disease. We've seen these types of stories before and these games usually go one of two ways. Either the team battling off-field issues is too emotionally drained to show up or they're as fired up as a team can be. I'm still taking the Packers but this game has a "DO IT FOR COACH" factor that could lead to an upset. Also I'm hoping the Packers continue to get screwed by the refs since it's become a funny subplot of this season.

Miami Dolphins (+3) At Cincinnati Bengals

Daki: Funny for everyone who is not a Packers fan that is. I legitimately feel bad for them, its a real testament to them that they're still finding ways to win. I am also terrified of the "DO IT FOR COACH" factor. As for this Dolphins-Bengals game (If you're scoring at home: that is now four out of a possible five games that will be absolutely terrible to watch on paper) who really knows? The Bengals are 3-1 and I don't think that we could name the teams they've beaten without the aid of the internet. the Dolphins almost beat Arizona last week and honestly, that is the only relevant thing I can think of with them. Is it wrong of me to not care about teams that have no shot at winning the Super Bowl? I'm taking the home-team with the better record here.

Luka: How come the Bengals get no slack for being a shitty 3-1 team and the Eagles do? At least we beat the Giants AND the Ravens! As for this game, stay away unless you have a gambling problem because literally anything could happen. If i had to pick I'd take the Dolphins only because Ace Ventura rescued their mascot and Dan Marino from Ray Finkle (What do you mean that was a movie?!?).

Philadelphia Eagles (+3.5) At Pittsburgh Steelers

Daki: Speak of the devil! To answer your question in the simplest way possible: The Bengals get slack because they do not have a -17 point differential, they are not expected to do anything (the Eagles are), and frankly, no one cares about the Bengals. Its in my nature to hate the Dolphins simply for that whole 'get together and celebrate when the last unbeaten team loses' tradition that is on par with thinking that the early 2000's Lakers squad was a bunch of classy guys. But I could write 50, 000 words about those topics so I will save them for another time. Anyways, your Eagles are long overdue for an absolute Andy Reid time management cluster-fuck that costs them a game (so far he's tried, but has not succeeded in losing a game in this way). He has been getting closer though, and I think that this is the week he pulls it off. I am taking the Steelers who have had the extra week to prepare, are at home, and can't afford to go 1-3.

Luka: I can't handle this Eagles team anymore. I feel like i should be writing a 10000 page hate-filled rant about the season so far and then i look at our record and we're 3-1!! I mean has there ever been a team so talented winning games in spite of themselves? It's nerve-wracking to watch and yet I like our chances this week. Philly is kind of like the Giants in the sense that when they should win, they don't. So I love how no one is picking the Eagles this week. Also, the Andy Reid thing is really getting out of hand. Do you think he thinks he's a horrible coach or that the moronic, impossible to understand decisions he makes week after week are actually beneficial to his team? Can the NFL just make us play with no timeouts since that's 3 less ways he can fuck up the game. Just really really bad coaching. On a positive note though, our pass rush is going to make Ben feel like he made that girl feel in that bathroom (too soon?).

Chicago Bears (-5.5) At Jacksonville Jaguars

Daki: I don't think its ever too soon for Ben jokes (Also I think I just figured out why announcers affectionately call "Ben" by his first name, its a lot easier to say and type than his last name, which I wont bother with). All I know is that I am looking forward to sending you my now weekly "hey, have the Eagles ever finished a game with three time-outs?" BBM. That game will definitely be on a television in the house, a perfect tie-in with this Bears game that even Chicago-area bars might have second-thoughts about showing. I personally think this line is ridiculous and that Vegas is throwing free money at people. So naturally at some point on Sunday I will stare blankly as the ticker at the bottom flashes: Jags 15 Bears 14 (because you know it will be some odd scoreline).

Luka: "YOU DON'T GO IN TO THE HOUSE GABBERT BUILT AND GET A WIN THAT EASY" - no one ever. This line gets even weirder when you realize that the Jags lost to the Bengals last week by 17. The only thing I can think of that would make Vegas put this line so low is that they (like the rest of us) hate Jay Cutler because he's a huge douche. And that's something I can get behind. Take the Bears though, that defense could beat Jacksonville by themselves.

Seattle Seahawks (+3) At Carolina Panthers

Daki: Its like the NFL made sure that everyone would have to watch Brady and Manning by offering can't miss games like these. Seriously, I am on at least my sixth "man this is a crappy game" joke and we only have half as many Wire references? This needs to change. So I'm gonna let your boy Stringer Bell talk to us about this Panthers season so far:

This week the Panthers submit another 40-degree day.

Luka: Best Wire character (possibly greatest TV character) hands down. Also that clip became 100x times better after I pictured Pete Caroll delivering that exact same speech to his team before the game tomorrow. At least we know what we're getting from the Panthers though, a few great Cam Newton plays combined with a lot of other bad stuff. The Seahawks? They're the most confusing team in the league. Russell Wilson might be really bad and this team should be 1-3 not 2-2. If GOLDEN TATE doesn't happen, are the Seahawks even relevant anymore? In my opinion they have to show up for this game and beat the Panthers convincingly if they want to be taken seriously and in my opinion they will. I'm taking the Hawks.

Buffalo (+9.5) At San Francisco

Daki: This is only San Francisco's second home game? Other than that I don't really have much to say as I abstain from commenting or making predictions on the games that involve my favorite team. I will say this though: how is it possible that the NFC West could be the best division in football? In the same year that the Atlantic division in the NBA might be the best one, the Orioles made the playoffs and Oakland is 'money-balling' again miraculously. What's next? A Leafs Stanley Cup?

Luka: The one good thing about the NHL lockout? I can delay my Maple Leafs-induced sadness for a few months. Moving on, how many passes does Fitzpatrick complete? 4? 5? Is it possible to throw for negative yardage? Unless you're a Niners fan, don't watch because this one won't be close. So instead, watch this clip from the greatest Michael Bay movie of all time, 'The Rock' (yes that's Sean Connery and Nicolas Cage in a chase scene in the streets of San Francisco and yes, Connery is driving a Hummer. You can thank me later.)

Denver Broncos (+6) At New England Patriots

Daki: Can we get Bay and Cage in on 'Fast and Furious 6'? Is it too late? Would a movie ever be as unintentionally funny as that one? But I digress. This is easily the game of the week for the NFL. They get to trot out their two golden boys and hype the match-up beyond proportions. So on Sunday expect: Every game's announcers to mention this one. Every studio break will talk about this game. At least 12 "Isn't it great to see these two play against each other again" quotes, and some questionable officiating to keep the game close.

Luka: At this point I'd pay to see Cage in anything. I can't wait for this game even though every Manning pass thrown for more than 20 yards looks like a punt. Am I the only who thinks the Pats are going to kill the Broncos? They have better players at each position and are playing at home. Everyone's going to be watching this game though. Can't wait.

Tennessee Titans (+5.5) At Minnesota Vikings

Daki: You are not the only one, but the NFL be damned if their marquee match-up is a blow out. This next game sucks. I want the Vikings to win though, so I am gonna pick them.

Luka: This game does suck but Minnesota appears to be good (if not good at least average) which defies everything anyone said prior to the season starting. You remember how everyone was deservedly hating on Ponder last season and look at him now. He's done a decent job at a John Elway impression these past 4 weeks and has silenced (for the time being) all of the naysayers. The one thing Vikings fans should be worried about is Matt Hasselbeck starting for the Titans. What's that? It's not 2005? Okay scratch that last thing I said. Let's take the Vikings in this game and move on.

San Diego Chargers (+3.5) At New Orleans Saints

Daki: People laughed at me when I said the Saints would go 6-10, well who's laughing now! On that note, how is an 0-4 team favored in any game? I mean sure that touchdown streak is pretty cool but does anyone actually care? I personally think that if Brees was offered 4-0 and no record, that he would take that option. Also I know that the Matt Ryan MVP bandwagon is gaining steam, so is this not the game for Rivers to throw his hat into the race?

Luka: As weird as this sounds, do you know who I think is loving this Saints season more than anyone else? Sean Payton. He finally has ammunition whenever anyone says he isn't a great coach or that coaching in general isn't important. As for the game, I'm not sure I've seen one snap of Chargers football all year but no matter who they have on the offensive side they should be able to score 30+ points on this terrible Saints D. If I were the Saints defensive coordinator, I'd bring back the bounty system because what's worse? Getting embarrassed each and every week with teams scoring at will on you or the chance that somewhere down the line you get caught by the NFL and punished justly. Alright so that wasn't serious but you have to admit there's some weird logic to it. I'm taking the Chargers in a very high-scoring affair that should be fun to watch.

Monday Night Football: Houston Texans (-8.5) At New York Jets

Daki: Sean Payton must be getting more excited by each loss, because it sets up a dream scenario for him next season: the savior. Its basically a no-lose situation for him (the exact opposite of the replacement refs) If the team does well it is because of him, if they don't then it is because the team is poorly built to begin with. Finally for our last game we get to TEEEEEEBOOOOOOWWWW. Why is Rex Ryan insisting on keeping faith with the Sanchize? Did he not watch football last year? This is an ideal scenario to throw Tebow into. At the very worst he would generate excitement and intrigue about the Jets, and maybe even spark them to a few extra wins. If Tebow were starting I would take the Jets without blinking, but he is not, so I am taking the best team in football (so far) to cover.

Luka: I feel bad for Mark Sanchez, as bad as you can feel for a multi-millionaire that plays football for a living that is. How much must it suck for all of your team's fans to be clamoring for your head on a plate while at the same time begging the coach to play your backup who in every single conceivable, logical way is a much worse quarterback then you?!?! I get that Tebow has magical powers and is the second coming of Jesus but I don't think we'll be seeing him pull his shit this week. If anything, he'll come in with the Jets down 20+ points and proceed to look frisky but that's it. Houston is too good for Tebowmania to strike them. However when the Jets play the Colts next week, watch out. That'll be the first week this year where Tebow turns into TEEEEEEEEEBBOOOOOOOOOWWWWWW. For this week's game beware the backdoor cover by the Jets but nothing more. I'm taking the Texans.

Daki: I really do hope Tebow starts defying the odds again so we can watch fun arguments between analysts and former pro's about whether or not Tebow is actually good. Is it so wrong to cheer for a hard-working athlete who nobody believes in? If Rex eventually gives in and starts playing Tebow and the Jets start winning, it will be another classic 'overcame the odds' story and I don't think that there is a person on the planet who does not enjoy those. In any case, this exchange was actually a lot of fun and we should do it more often.

Week 3 NFL Picks

Tweet Sorry for the lack of an NFL 'big picture' post this week, but I left town to visit my sister on Thursday and had just enough time to post a pick for the Thursday night game. Luckily for me (and my pick) Eli, Tom Coughlin and the Giants came through in a game that no one expected them to win... wait! Did I say luckily? I meant totally expectedly. Bill Belichick and Brady passed that torch to Tom Coughlin and Eli a long time ago and I don't think they will be giving it up any time soon. I have to give credit where credit is due: the Giants are the current model franchise of the NFL. That Thursday night game could have easily been a write-off, yet the smart draft-choices they made (Bill Barnwell of Grantland mentioned an interesting point: since the Eli Manning trade, the Giants have always had their top four picks in each subsequent draft) came into the game and fired on all cylinders. Anyways, lets move on to the rest of the games.

Buffalo (-3) At Cleveland

Ugh. What a terrible game. The Bills got curb-stomped in their opening game, then proceeded to embarrass the Kansas City Chiefs at home. Is Buffalo just going to be good at home? This game will tell us a lot. As for the Browns and their poor fans, this could be one of the only games that they can actually win this year...yay?

The pick: Buffalo

Cincinnati (+3) At Washington

Okay, rising star RG3 took about 50 cheap-shots last week against the rams, and the incompetent replacement officials (their new name) ignored every single one of them. The commissioner will make sure to 'remind' the refs of who the league's stars are and RG3 will draw flags if a defender so much as looks at him this week. Wait a second, this is not the NBA and this is not David Stern pulling the strings. If this were the NBA, I would pick the Redskins in a heart-beat, but its not, so I am going with the Bengals.

The pick: Bengals

Detroit (-4) At Tennessee

I think that this Titans team really sucks and the artist formerly known as Chris Johnson is among the primary reasons why. I think a corpse would gain more yards than he has this season. Take the Lions and the money.

The pick: Detroit

Jacksonville (+3) At Indianapolis

Andrew Luck really showed something at the end of last weeks game against the Vikings. He set up Vinateri (he's still got it) for a game-winning kick in less than 18 seconds! Once the Colts win this game, look for a slew of: "Here come the Colts" stories. Will they really be 2-1?

The pick: Colts

Kansas City (+9) At New Orleans

Both teams are 0-2, both teams desperately need a win to avoid a nightmare-ish 0-3 start, (I can't think of many teams that overcame such starts to make the playoffs, but I am pretty sure the numbers are not good), and both teams might not even be that good. Also working against the saints is D-block reminding me that football teams with major off-the field issues never do well. Kansas might lose, but they can cover the spread.

The pick: Kansas City

New York Jets (-1) At Miami

I think that this is a pretty good Jets team that simply got overwhelmed by a much better Pittsburgh squad last week. This is their chance to prove that point (and make me look really smart).

The pick: Jets

San Francisco At Minnesota

Once again, as I am a fan of the 49ers, I will not be picking their game.

St. Louis (+7) At Chicago

Not since LaDanian Tomlinson was in his heyday with the Chargers has a player (in this case two players) eaten so much crow when talking pre-game. Cutler and Marshal submitted comically bad performances against the Packers of Green Bay in their last outing. Luckily for them, the schedule gives them the Rams this week.

The pick: Chicago

Tampa Bay (+8) At Dallas

Tampa really blew it last week. They had a chance to go 2-0 and send the Giants into a potential tailspin, but instead they are 1-1 and now face the second of their NFC East test. This line is just a little bit too high for my liking.

The pick: Tampa Bay

Atlanta (+3) At San Diego

I know, I am just as baffled as you are that the Chargers are favoured in this game.

The pick: Atlanta

Philadelphia (-3) At Arizona

Okay Arizona, you managed to upset the Patriots in one of the most poorly played last minutes of a game I have ever seen. The Patriots and Cardinals were trying to out-do each other to see who could blow the game in a worse way with the Patriots coming out on top (but not by much). Now you are coming up against a team that I have no idea what to expect from. The Eagles could win by 50 or lose by 50 and I don't think that I would bat an eyelash. Tragically, Vegas took the odds of "Andy Reid screwing up a clock-management situation" props off of the board after they almost went bankrupt last week.

The pick: Eagles

Houston (-1.5) At Denver

Here you go Houston, you know that attention will be paid to this game, this is your chance to send the rest of the AFC (and the league) a message that you are for real.

The pick: Houston

Sunday Night Football/Game of the Week: New England (+2) At Baltimore

The Ravens make their second straight appearance in my gimmicky "game of the week" feature, and what a game this could be! Both teams are coming off losses in games that they feel should have been wins. Both teams do not like each other, and both teams will bring it. It is hard to fathom that one of these two teams will be 1-2 after this game (unless they tie... don't bet on it). Also last week I received a rather annoying post on my Facebook wall about Ray Lewis' performance in week one, so I will return the favour here by posting his stellar week 2 stat-line: 5 whole tackles. That is all. As for the betting aspect of this game, this is one of those that you stay-the-hell away from at all costs and just enjoy what should be a spectacular duel between two AFC contenders.

The pick (since I have to): Ravens

Green Bay (-3.5) At Seattle

I do not fear Qwest Field.

The pick: Packers (and the over)

The results so far
Thursday night games: 2-0
All other games: 7-7
Overall: 9-7

Enjoy your football everyone!

NFL Week 4 picks

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Week 4 Lines:

Sunday:
Carolina Panthers at Chicago Bears (-6.0)

Buffalo Bills (-3.0) at Cincinnati Bengals

Tennessee Titans at Cleveland Browns (-1.0)

Detroit Lions at Dallas Cowboys (-1.5)

Pittsburgh Steelers at Houston Texans (-3.5)

New Orleans Saints (-7.0) at Jacksonville Jaguars

Minnesota Vikings (-2.0) at Kansas City Chiefs

Washington Redskins (-2.0) at St. Louis Rams

San Francisco 49'ers at Philadelphia Eagles (-9.0)

New York Giants (-1.0) at Arizona Cardinals

Atlanta Falcons (-4.0) at Seattle Seahawks

Denver Broncos at Green Bay Packers (-12.0)

New England Patriots (-4.0) at Oakland Raiders

Miami Dolphins at San Diego Chargers (-7.0)

New York Jets at Baltimore Ravens (-3.0)

Monday:Indianapolis Colts at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-10.0)

The Picks:

panthers
bills
titans
lions
steelers
saints
vikings
redskins
49ers
giants
falcons
packers
patriots
chargers
ravens
colts

Last week: 6-10

Overall: 23-25

NFL Week 3 picks

Tweet Here are my picks for the week 3 games, guaranteed results or your money back!


Sunday:
New England Patriots (-7.5) at Buffalo Bills

Jacksonville Jaguars at Carolina Panthers (-3.5)

San Francisco 49'ers at Cincinnati Bengals (-2.5)

Miami Dolphins at Cleveland Browns (-2.5)

Detroit Lions (-3.0) at Minnesota Vikings

Denver Broncos at Tennessee Titans (-6.5)

New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles (-7.5)

Houston Texans at New Orleans Saints (-4.0)

Baltimore Ravens (-4.0) at St. Louis Rams

Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers (-14.5)

New York Jets (-3.0) at Oakland Raiders

Atlanta Falcons at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-2.0)

Arizona Cardinals (-3.5) at Seattle Seahawks

Green Bay Packers (-3.5) at Chicago Bears

Pittsburgh Steelers (-10.0) at Indianapolis Colts

Monday: No line due to the Tony Romo Injury,  I'm taking the Cowboys anyways.


The Picks:


Patriots
Panthers
49ers
Browns
Lions
Titans
Eagles
Saints
Ravens
Chargers
Jets
Falcons
Cardinals
Packers
Steelers
cowboys


Last Week: 9-7
Overall: 17-5


Note: All pushes will be counted as wins, because you do not lose your bet with a push.

NFL Week 2 Quick Picks

Tweet Due to the lot of us being busy with school or work, and a brilliant review of Drive posted, this weeks picks will be quick.


The Match-ups


Sunday:

Oakland Raiders at Buffalo Bills (-3.0)

Pick: Bills


Green Bay Packers (-10.0) at Carolina Panthers

Pick: Packers


Kansas City Chiefs at Detroit Lions (-7.5)

Pick: Lions


Cleveland Browns (-2.0) at Indianapolis Colts

Pick: Colts


Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Minnesota Vikings (-3.0)

Pick: Tampa


Chicago Bears at New Orleans Saints (-7.0)


Pick: Saints


Jacksonville Jaguars at New York Jets (-8.5)

Pick: Jets


Baltimore Ravens (-5.5) at Tennessee Titans

Pick: Ravens


Arizona Cardinals at Washington Redskins (-3.0)

Pick: Redskins


Seattle Seahawks at Pittsburgh Steelers (-14.0)

Pick: Steelers


Dallas Cowboys (-3.0) at San Francisco 49ers

Pick: 49ers


Cincinnati Bengals at Denver Broncos (-3.5)

Pick: Broncos


San Diego Chargers at New England Patriots (-6.5)

Pick: Patriots


Houston Texans (-3.0) at Miami Dolphins

Pick: Texans


Philadelphia Eagles (-1.5) at Atlanta Falcons

Pick: Eagles


Monday Night Football:

St. Louis Rams at New York Giants (-6.0)


Pick: Rams


Last week I went 8-8 against the spread, so take these with a grain of salt