Picks of the Week

After a second consecutive 5-9 week, I decided to take a couple of weeks off. (OK, that really wasn't the decision, I was just too busy to put the post up before the games started. Nevertheless, I am back. Here are this week's, "Picks of the Week".

As a refresher, I use the same website for the betting lines for consistency. If they are different than your lines, too bad. Standard 100 bet with a 10% vig for losing. For one game each week, I will "bet" $250. Totals for the season will be tabulated.

On to the picks ...

Baltimore Ravens -3 1/2 v. Denver Broncos
Denver has been a pleasant surprise this year. It just seems like time for the Ravens to finally make a stand against a good team. Plus, it is about time for Denver to lose a big game.

Miami Dolphins +3 1/2 at New York Jets
Jets seem to be reeling a bit, and the Dolphins have been able to run on everyone. I think they can do that against the Jets, at least enough to win.

Indianapolis Colts -13 v. San Francisco 49ers
Alex Smith. PERIOD.

Detroit Lions -4 v. St. Louis Rams
Desperately close to selecting the Rams here. Stephen Jackson is quietly having a very good season. However, the Rams themselves have been so uncomptetitive, they will have to prove it to me before I pick them. Plus, Stafford is back, and Kevin Smith has traditionally played very well against the Rams.

Dallas Cowboys -9 1/2 v. Seattle Seahawks
More of a note on how bad Seattle can be versus how good Dallas is.

Chicago Bears -13 v. Cleveland Browns
See above.

Houston Texans -3 1/2 at Buffalo Bills
Texans seem to be heating up. It looks like Andre Johnson is going to play. If he can be effective, this is an easy bet. Johnson's lung is the only thing that kept this from being my "Big Game of the Week".

Philadelphia Eagles +1 v. New York Giants
Giants seem to be reeling a bit after being taken down a notch by the Saints. I think the trend might continue as good coaches like Reid pick apart the Saints and Cardinals film.

San Diego Chargers -16 1/2 v. Oakland Raiders
Double digit favorites have been remarkably successful this year. I think the Chargers are embarrased after the week 1 debacle, and they will not be surprised by the Raiders this week, especially with the Raiders coming off the Eagles game.

Jacksonville Jaguars +3 at Tennessee Titans
Vince Young is starting and giving points. Deadly combination. The downside of this bet, Young is well rested.

Minnesota Vikings +3 at Green Bay Packers
Adrian Peterson is pretty good too in case you didn't know.

New Orleans Sants -11 v. Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta is a very good team that can score from anywhere on the field. They are no New Orleans offense, which can score in absolute bunches. Atlanta could play New Orleans very close and still lose by 14-17.

BIG BET OF THE WEEK

Arizona Cardinals -10 v. Carolina Panthers
Arizona's play against the Giants was the first that they have actually looked like they were in the Super Bowl last year. Still waiting for the Panthers to look like they were in the NFL last season (other than DeAngelo Williams, of course).

Previous Week's Record: 5-9 (0-1 Big Bet)
Year to Date: 46-30 (3-2)
Previous Weeks Winnings (Losses): ($1155)
Year to Date Winnings (Losses): $1365