I go out until late and get up late and I forget to do the NFL Picks.
I did pick the Broncos on Thursday, so I’m wrong there. I forgot to pick last night’s Cincinnati-SF game in which I would have chosen the Bengals so I’m spared a wrong pick there.
Last week was 12-4 and with an 0-1 start today, I’m 120-80 for a .600 winning percentage. Let’s do these quick pick style.
Buffalo at Cleveland – CBS, 1 p.m.
You thought when you looked at this game at the beginning of the season that this would just be one of those contests that would fill out the last part of the schedule. Not so! This is for the playoffs. Bills are 7-3 in their last ten games. Their offense can’t move, but they manage to win. The Browns are 6-4. Derek Anderson has emerged as a true leader on offense, but my Browns’ defense is next to horrendous. But I’m going with the Browns at home to win, 31-21.
Jacksonville at Pittsburgh – CBS, 1 p.m.
I like this matchup. After Buffalo-Cleveland, I’ll be using the DirecTV Supercast to switch over to this game from the Red Zone every so often. Two good running attacks. Two good defenses. Had not Spygate Bowl II come along, this would be the game of the day. The Steelers are undefeated at home this season (7-0) and love playing at Heinz Field. This is the deciding factor even though I really think the Jags are going to wreak havoc on teams in this postseason. Take the Steelers to win by a figgy, 27-24.
New York Jets at New England – CBS, 1 p.m.
The spread is somewhere around 21 points today. Pats won’t cover, but the Jets won’t win either. Yeah, there’s the underlying theme about the cold relationship between Belichick and Mangini, but they’re not playing the games. Expect both teams to try to control the ball in harsh weather conditions. After some snow early this morning, it’s raining hard now and we expect 300 mph wind gusts in Foxboro today. The Jets are a bad team. Yeah, they’ll keep the game close for a half and might even be up by a figgy or two, but the Pats will overtake them to win, 13-6 in a very bad weather day in New England.
Tennessee at Kansas City – CBS, 1 p.m.
I don’t know what happened to the Chiefs. I was expecting much better from them this season. If the Titans can run the ball well today, I can’t expect the Chiefs to stop LenDale White. Take the Tennessee Tuxedos to win, 34-13.
Baltimore at Miami – CBS, 1 p.m.
The Ravens are in shambles having lost 8 straight. They’re fighting on offense. The defense is pissed. Brian Billick somehow is coming back to coach next season. It’s unbelievable, but through it all comes the Miami Dolphins who are still looking for its first win. If the Ray Lewis-led D can get some pressure on the young Cleo Lemon, the Ravens can get a win. I cannot in my right mind take the Dolphins after they burned me twice this season. I’ll go with the Ravens, 14-13.
Seattle at Carolina – Fox, 1 p.m.
We’re not going to see Vinny Testaverde at QB for the Panthers so fans at Bank of America Stadium will be treated to Matt Moore. I think Panthers fans can no longer stand to watch statue David Carr get sacked in the backfield 10 times a game so John Fox will have Moore start today. The Seahawks have already clinched the NFC West so it’s now about getting healthy for the first weekend of the playoffs. Expect the Hawks to win today, 21-13.
Arizona at New Orleans – Fox, 1 p.m.
Two 6-7 teams fighting for their playoffs lives. While Arizona is showing some promise under first year coach Ken Whisenhunt, the Saints are a true disappointment under Sean Payton. After being a #2 seed in the NFC last season, they’re now wondering what happened this season. The Cardinals had a chance to make a statement last week for the playoffs against Seattle, but ended getting doubled up by the Seahawks, 42-21. I can’t see the Cardinals winning today, but the Saints have to do better to get to the playoffs. Take the Saints today, 18-16.
Atlanta at Tampa Bay – Fox, 1 p.m.
The Falcons have had another tumultuous week. Losing to the Saints on Monday night, then losing their coach in a true cockroach move after Bobby Petrino had promised team owner Arthur Blank that he was staying. And on Tuesday, we all saw Petrino do the Pig Sooooey call at an Arkansas press conference. Hey, Arkansas! You know that feeling Atlanta is experiencing right now? You fans will be trashing Petrino in two to three years for the same thing when he takes off for another job. The man is a snake. Anyway, take the Bucs, 31-20. The Falcons will make a true effort today, but the Bucs will win to clinch the NFC South today.
Green Bay at St. Louis – Fox, 1 p.m.
Remember we used to say Brett Favre had a bad record in domes? Well, he’s won against Minnesota and Detroit, two dome teams and today, he’ll play in the EJ Dome against the Rams. While the Rams have played better in recent weeks, I think the Packers who have a new-found running attack with Ryan Grant will take this game, 34-10.
Indianapolis at Oakland – CBS, 4:05 p.m.
The Raiders have no shot, none, zero, nada, to beat the Colts today. If the Raiders win today, it should be considered the Upset of the Century. Colts will run up the score, 44-0.
Detroit at San Diego – Fox, 4:15 p.m.
The Lions now have no shot at 10 wins, but they played so well against the Cowboys last week. I would have gladly taken my pick of the Cowboys in exchange for the Detroit win. They’ll be up for this game as well, but the Chargers will be ready. The Bolts have turned things around after a bad start. Take the San Diego Super Chargers to win, 24-16.
Philadelphia at Dallas – Fox, 4:15 p.m.
NFC East Division rivalry game. They’re always tough. Philly will play the Cowboys tough for 3 quarters, but the Boys will then pull away at the end. I’ll say the final will be 31-20.
Washington at New York Giants – NBC, 8:15 p.m.
It seems like Eli Manning has reversed the tide after the horrible game he had against the Vikings three weeks ago. However, Washington’s defense is pretty decent. I’ll take the Redskins to win tonight, 16-9.
Chicago at Minnesota – ESPN, 8:15 p.m. Monday
I like the running attack of the Vikings. Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor are as good as the Jags two headed attack of Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew. Take the Vikes, 26-13.
Enjoy Week 15.
