Picks of the Week

Last week was abhorrent.  Clearly it is time that I put some thought and analysis into my picks, rather than just winging it.  Although by the time the games start tomorrow, I will likely have had several wings.

Detroit Lions -6 v. Green Bay Packers
The interior of the defensive line of the Lions (Suh and Fairley) have to be salivating at having to chase Matt Flynn instead of Aaron Rodgers.  Just too much offensive firepower for the Packers to compete with during a short week.

Dallas Cowboys -9 v. Oakland Raiders
Again, because of the short week I am taking the Cowboys.  With a full week of preparation, Matt McGloin might be ready, but Thanksgiving games are a different story.  Witten and Bryant with a couple of touchdowns each.

Pittsburgh Steelers +3 at Baltimore Ravens
Although neither of these teams are as good as they have been for the past decade or so, this is an interesting intra-divisional game with both teams jockeying for playoff positioning.  The Steelers are streaking, and Roethlisberger has settled into a tremendous groove with Antonio Brown.  Plus, they are getting points in what is likely to be a close game.

Carolina Panthers -8 v. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Carolina is hot right now, but so are the Buccaneers.  Cam Newton's statistics are down tremendously this year, however, this is by far his best year of play, and it shows in the Panthers' record.  He is spreading the ball around.  Mike Glennon is starting to settle in nicely, and has a great connection with Vincent Jackson, but Carolina's defense will be the story.

Jacksonville Jaguars +7 at Cleveland Browns
Maurice Jones-Drew is starting to resemble his former self.  Meanwhile, Cleveland is starting Brandon Weedon.  Joe Haden of the Browns is the best cornerback in football, but that does not matter when playing a team with no true receiver to have to stop.

Tennessee Titans +4 at Indianapolis Colts
Tennessee is getting points from a team that is completely different from the squad that beat the 49ers, Seahawks and Broncos.  Andrew Luck, and this entire offense, just has not been the same since Reggie Wayne was injured, and Trent Richardson brought nowhere near the the running game that was expected from him.  The Colts are physical, but the Titans relish such play.

Chicago Bears +1 1/2 at Minnesota Vikings
The Bears can score points.  That may be it at this point, but they can score points.  The Vikings secondary is suspect, and Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffrey and Martellus Bennett have been exploiting even good defensive teams.

Miami Dolphins + 1/2 at New York Jets
Really, the Dolphins are getting points?

Philadelphia Eagles -3 v. Arizona Cardinals
I just don't trust the Arizona Cardinals.  It isn't that I trust the Eagles more, but just a feeling that the Cardinals have to come down to earth sometime, right?  Nick Foles does seem to be hitting his stride, and although the Cardinals corners have been playing tremendously (if you don't believe me just ask them - especially Patrick Peterson), but the Cardinals spread it around to a lot of different players.  Call this one a hunch.

New England Patriots -7 1/2 at Houston Texans
You should know by now how much I hate taking road favorites, but with that being said we all saw what the Patriots did to the Broncos Sunday night.  The Texans are nowhere close to being the Broncos.

Buffalo Bills -3 v. Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons are a train wreck.  The Bills, at the very least, play with some fire.

St. Louis Rams +8 1/2 at San Francisco 49ers
The Rams always play their divisional foes tough.  San Francisco is playing a lot tougher lately, and the offense, especially the passing game, is starting to explode.  But, the Rams should keep this close with their defensive line leading the way to slow the 49ers, and their running game trying to keep Kaepernick, et. al. off the field.

Denver Broncos -4 1/2 at Kansas City Chiefs
Denver scored enough to beat the Chiefs when they had Justin Houston and Tamba Ali - their two stud defensive ends.  Now those two are out.  Plus, Denver has to be pissed at the outcome of last week's game against the Patriots.  I look for this one to turn into a rout.

New York Giants -1 at Washington Redskins
The Redskins are a train wreck right now.  Although the Giants are not exactly good, they are better than at the beginning of the season, and they look to be gaining some momentum.  Their running attach behind Andre Brown and a resurrected Brandon Jacobs should wear down the Redskins, with Victor Cruz getting open for a couple of deep plays.

New Orleans Saints + 5 1/2 at Seattle Seahawks
This is a tough line, as Seattle looks like the best team in the league again.  However, New Orleans will not be intimidated because of a loud stadium, as they play in what is likely the second loudest.  I honestly think the Saints can win this game outright, so I will definitely take the points.

BIG BET

Cincinnati Bengals + 1 1/2 at San Diego Chargers
I would have reluctantly picked the Bengals giving  1 1/2 points, and I checked to see if their was a mistake in the line, but no, the Bengals are getting points.  The week off should have recharged Dalton, Bernard and Green, and they should take advantage of the Chargers.  San Diego is hit-or-miss this year in games, and they do not want to get into a shootout with Cincinnati, as they will surely lose.  Plus, who is going to guard A.J. Green?  I wanted to take the Giants here, but I hate making the Thursday, Sunday or Monday night games my big bet.

Last Week's Record: 5-9
Year To Date Record:  73-78-6
Last Week's Big Bet: 1-0
Big Bet Year To Date: 7-5
Last Week's Winnings (Losses): ($340)
Year-To-Date Winnings (Losses): ($935)