WEEK 8 PICKS
* I pick four “best bets” and make one of those a “lock” each week. Those are listed at the end.
Carolina (-6.5) at Tampa Bay
I’m sorry, but 6.5 just isn’t enough (damn, I sound like my wife). Tampa is reeling in all phases, and now they’ll trot out a lineup without their workhorse back Doug Martin? Pass. Meanwhile, the Panthers are starting to click a little bit and that defense is showing everyone they are no joke up front.
Pick: Panthers
Detroit (-3.5) vs. Dallas
This has the feel of, that game that Cowboy fans will look back on when they’re 8-7 in the final week of the season and wonder how they let it get away.
Pick: Lions
San Francisco (-16.5) at Jacksonville
As good as the Niners are and as bad as the Jags are, I don’t feel like there’s a three score differential when a ball control team is the one laying the points.
Pick: Jaguars
New England (-6.5) vs. Miami
Looks like I was wrong about the Dolphins breaking through. Again.
Pick: Patriots
Kansas City (-7.5) vs. Cleveland
This one feels like it’s a point too high. There’s a great chance that the Chiefs run the record to 8-0 against an underwhelming Browns squad, but the Browns aren’t the doormats they appear to be (and even moreso, the Chiefs aren’t the juggernaut their 7-0 record suggests they are).
Pick: Browns
New Orleans (-12.5) vs. Buffalo
You could take out the decimal and I’d still consider taking the Saints here.
Pick: Saints
Philadelphia (-5.5) vs. New York Giants
Why are the Eagles favored against anybody? Vick is probably back, but let’s be honest – he’s only being rushed back because of how pathetic Foles and company looked last week. Philly’s offense suddenly looks like they spent the last month eating bowls of MRSA.
Pick: Giants
Pittsburgh (-3.5) at Oakland
Now that the Steelers got that big divisional win under their belts, it’s time to remind everyone that they really aren’t that good. A loss against a league doormat should be a sufficient reminder.
Pick: Raiders
Cincinnati (-6.5) vs. New York Jets
It’ll be tough to hit this one. I hope I don’t get beat. Last week I did well on same games, but was abused on others. So it means a lot to record a win here. Jets fans punch girls on camera. Look, it’s a Jets thing so I have to make light of them but let’s be clear that I’m NOT trying to make light of the situation. I mean jeez…please tell me, loyal readers, that you are with me that there is NEVER a time when a man hits a woman. Like ever right? I could be in the worst mood of my life and trippin serious balls and the thought would never even cross my mind. Sorry, off the soapbox now.
Pick: Jets
Arizona (-2.5) vs. Atlanta
Even though I didn’t love them coming into the season, Atlanta is still coming off an NFC title game appearance just a year ago. Despite the losses of Julio and Roddy White for long stretches, this is still a team with some talent. And Arizona still looks mostly wretched on a weekly basis.
Pick: Falcons
Denver (-12.5) vs. Washington
Manning’s arm looked like a noodle the other day, and Robert Griffin III looks as healthy as he’s been all season. I’m not saying they win, but I could see Washington hanging around in this one right? Wait, no that’s ludicrous. They aren’t a very good team. And I just traded for Knowshon Moreno. LET’S DO THIS!
Pick: Broncos
Green Bay (-9.5) at Minnesota
The Vikings aren’t nearly as bad as they looked last week, and one of these games Adrian Peterson is going to unleash hell on everyone. A home date with a divisional rival should be just what the doctor ordered.
Pick: Vikings
Seattle (-10.5) at Saint Louis
This past week, the Rams called Brett Favre to come out of retirement. I repeat. They called up Brett Favre. To ask about playing.
Pick: Seahawks
BEST BETS: Panthers, Saints, Falcons, Seahawks
LOCK: Atlanta Falcons
RECORD
LAST WEEK
Overall: 9-6 (60%)
Best Bets: 0-4 (0%)
Lock of the Week: 0-1
YEAR TO DATE
Overall: 57-50 (53%)
Best Bets: 12-16 (42%)
Lock of the Week: 3-4 (42%)
POWER RANKINGS
Team Name W/L (Prv)
1. Broncos 6-1 (1)
2. Seahawks 6-1 (2)
3. 49ers 5-2 (3)
4. Bengals 5-2 (4)
5. Patriots 5-2 (5)
6. Saints 5-1 (6)
7. Packers 4-2 (8)
8. Chiefs 7-0 (9)
9. Colts 5-2 (11)
10. Bears 4-3 (7)
11. Ravens 3-4 (10)
12. Lions 4-3 (12)
13. Chargers 4-3 (15)
14. Cowboys 4-3 (16)
15. Jets 4-3 (20)
16. Dolphins 3-3 (13)
17. Falcons 2-4 (21)
18. Panthers 3-3 (22)
19. Texans 2-5 (14)
20. Eagles 3-4 (17)
21. Browns 3-4 (18)
22. Titans 3-4 (19)
23. Redskins 2-4 (24)
24. Bills 3-4 (25)
25. Steelers 2-4 (28)
26. Rams 3-4 (23)
27. Giants 1-6 (31)
28. Vikings 1-5 (26)
29. Cardinals 3-4 (27)
30. Raiders 2-4 (29)
31. Bucs 0-6 (30)
32. Jaguars 0-7 (32)
