Picks of the Week

It is time for the "picks of the week". As you know, I like to keep track of what I would have earned had I actually bet on all of the games (since gambling is illegal). Each pick is using the spread (straight up is for wussies), and the betting line is from the same website each week as of the time of typing the entry. I will keep a running tally of my record, plus my winnings/losses. We will pretend that I bet $100 on each game, with one game each week going for $250. Winnings/Losses will be calculated including a 10% vig, which just makes the math that much simpler. On to the picks.

New Orleans Saints -5 v. Chicago Bears
I would love for my Bears to pull this off, but with the funeral of Brian Urlacher's mom being held yesterday, and several players and stafff flying back to New Orleans just yesterday, they will likely be a bit tired. Also, the adrenaline that will carry them through the first quarter would likley fade quickly as the game goes on.

Buffalo Bills -4 v. Oakland Raiders
Although I think that the Raiders are the better team, west coast teams flying east to play the early game just are not very successful. A big congratulations to my body Sebastian Janikowski for his record-tying 63 yard field goal on Monday night.

Washington Redskins -4 v. Arizona Cardinals
Again with the west coast teams going east. Plus, we are still a few weeks from the inevitable Rex Grossman implosion.

Baltimore Ravens -5 1/2 at Tennessee Titans
The only explanation for last week for the Ravens is "WOW"!

Jacksonville Jaguars +9 at New York Jets
The Jets offense was not impressive last week against the Cowboys. At least not 9 point spread impressive. Jacksonville still has to prove themselves, and this is their chance.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers + 1 1/2 at Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings were absolutely horrible last week. McNabb might just be done.

Green Bay Packers -10 1/2 at Carolina Panthers
What would the point spread have been if the Packers were at home?!

Detroit Lions -7 1/2 v. Kansas City Chiefs
Detroit seems to be this year's "it" team, while Kansas City was simply awful last week.

Cleveland Browns -2 at Indianapolis Colts
No Peyton Manning.

Dallas Cowboys -3 at San Francisco 49ers
Dallas should have won that game against the Jets, but they didn't. Doesn't matter because the 49ers are nowhere near the same level of the Jets.

New England Patriots -7 v. San Diego Chargers
This could be another PAtriots barnburner with tons and tons of yards and points. Exciting game to watch for sure.

Denver Broncos -3 v. Cincinnati Bengals
I really have no reason to support this pick other than the fact that Tim Tebow prayed extra hard this week.

Houston Texans -3 at Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins were valiant on offense against the Patriots, but virtually nonexistent on defense. that is not the side of the ball to be weak against the Texans.

Philadelphia Eagles -2 1/2 at Atlanta Falcons
Both sides have weaknesses, but I think the Falcons might be bruising from the beating the Bears gave them last week.

St. Louis Rams -6 1/2 v. New York Giants
Is Hakeen Nicks going to play? Even if so, are the Giants that much of an offensive threat to win this game by 7? I don't think so.

BIG BET OF THE WEEK

Pittsburgh Steelers -13 1/2 v. Seattle Seahawks
Tarvaris Jackson! Plus, the Steelers should be angry after the beat down last week at the hands of the Ravens.

Previous Week's Record: 10-6
Year to Date: 10-6
Big Bet Last Week: 1-0
Big Beat Year to Date: 1-0
Winnings (Losses): $490