Week 8 NFL Predictions

Indianapolis at Carolina

Line: Colts by 7

It’s not that he’s starting. It’s the fact that Vinny Testaverde actually looks like a serviceable QB that has me wondering where all the good college QB’s are. Teams can’t be in such a sad state at that position that they’re actually depending on mediocre career QB’s in the their 40’s, can they?

Colts 31, Panthers 17

Pittsburgh at Cincinnati

Line: Steelers by 3.5

Pittsburgh fooled a lot of people, myself included, into thinking they’re contenders. This team still hasn’t put together a good road game since Week 1. Most of Cincinnati’s failures have occurred outside of Paul Brown stadium, so they ride some more of that home-crowd mojo in upsetting the Steelers. Bengals 24, Steelers 23

Detroit at Chicago

Line: Bears by 5

Going with Chicago is a dicey proposition, but the Lions were completely uncompetitive in their last two road outings and will have a tough time throwing in cold weather. Bears 24, Lions 14

Oakland at Tennessee

Line: Titans by 7.5

And speaking of aging, mediocre QB’s, Kerry Collins somehow still has a job. No I’m not drinkin’ the Kool-Aid, even when Collins was a regular, did he ever string together two good games in a row? Titans 16, Raiders 14

Cleveland at St. Louis

Line: Browns by 3.5

Everyone’s excited about the Pats and Colts chasing the ’72 Dolphins, but the battle for 0-16 is just as mesmerizing. Oh yeah, JLew, stop making guarantees that you’re gonna play and copping out at the last minute! I can’t keep playing Kevin Faulk every week!

Browns 17, Rams 10

Philadelphia at Minnesota

Line: Vikings by 1

I’ll keep drinking the purple Kool-Aid as long as A-Pete keeps showing signs of being the next great one. What happened to Philly last week will probably keep them staggering for the next few weeks. To lose a game at home to the Bears when you had them pinned on the three yard-line? Forget about a punch in the gut, that’s being hit in the back of the head with a champagne bottle while not looking! Vikings 21, Eagles 16

New York Giants vs Miami

Line: Giants by 9.5

So, does anyone think the English will start rioting when they hear that instead of seeing Trent Green and Ronnie Brown, they get to watch the always formidable duo of Cleo Lemon and Jesse Chatman? Giants 24, Dolphins 10

Buffalo at New York Jets

Line: Jets by 3

The Jets can’t just keep “coming close” every week. Eventually they have to break through, right? Last chance, Mangini! Save the season now or you’re officially on my shit list! Jets 24, Bills 20

Houston at San Diego

Line: Chargers by 10.5

I have visited San Diego. It’s a beautiful city and it breaks my heart to hear that it’s caught ablaze. Hopefully, wherever the game is played, the players, their families, the fans and the good citizens of San Diego find that state of normalcy again. Chargers 24, Texans 17

Jacksonville at Tampa Bay

Line: Buccaneers by 3.5

No Garrard, no MoJo, no chance. Tampa should count their blessings, first the Titans lose Vince when they travel there, and now the Jags come in banged up. The good vibes stay with the teams I jock (remember two years ago suckas??) Buccaneers 14, Jaguars 7

Washington at New England

Line: Patriots by 16

Alas, a line even the legendary Patriots may not cover. Washington won’t win the game outright, but I could see them limiting New England’s possessions by churning out rushing yards and hitting the Pats’ receivers on virtually every play. Patriots 31, Redskins 17

San Francisco at New Orleans

Line: Saints by 2.5

The classic Sunday Night Game with Preseason hype that fizzles when both teams go in the tank about halfway through the season. Watching the Niners’ OL against the Saints’ DL will be the resistable force against the moveable object. 49ers 17, Saints 14

Green Bay at Denver

Line: Packers by 3.5

Shanahan’s Broncs have circled the wagons yet again. I had that feeling I’d be screaming “Where was that in the first five games!!” at the TV, now with another win here, Denver can move into a possible 3-way-tie for first in the AFC West. Broncos 24, Packers 21

Week 7 vs the spread 7-7

Season vs the spread 47-48-8

Week 7 Straight up 10-4

Season straight up 67-36

Week 7 NFL Predictions

Baltimore at Buffalo

Line: Ravens by 3

Buffalo has played above expectations at home and Baltimore’s offense is running hot-and-cold. I’m taking Buffalo outright as a home underdog. Bills 16, Ravens 13

San Francisco at New York Giants

Line: Giants by 9

I wonder what this line would look like if these teams met up in Week 3. Since these teams are moving in dramatically opposite directions, you go with the Giants to cover, especially with Vegas moving the line back almost 2 points. Giants 27, 49ers 10

New England at Miami

Line: Patriots by 16.5

You can forget the “Tom Brady in Miami” theory. This Patriots’ system is fool-proof. They can score points with Kevin Faulk and Kyle Eckel in the backfield. As long as the dominant receivers are there, Miami is helpless to stop them. Patriots 41, Dolphins 10

Tennessee at Houston

Line: Titans by 1.5

The Texans just seem to inspire less and less confidence in me that they’ll truly emerge as a playoff team. Is it too late to say first winning record in franchise history? They win this week because of Vince’s bum wheel limiting him. Texans 17, Titans 10

Tampa Bay at Detroit

Line: Lions by 2

Finesse offense against a speed defense. Gotta go with Tampa in this one, other than the Indianapolis game, their defense has allowed a grand total of 54 points. Buccaneers 14, Lions 13

Atlanta at New Orleans

Line: Saints by 9

Possibly the worst line of the week. New Orleans has had precisely one good offensive half all year and somehow they’re 9 points better than the Falcons. Sorry, but Atlanta has at least made things respectable in all their losses. Saints 24, Falcons 17

Arizona at Washington
Line: Redskins by 9

Not too crazy about this line either, as I think the Arizona defense can at least make the contest respectable on the road. Redskins 20, Cardinals 17

Kansas City at Oakland

Line: Radiers by 3

I’ll let recent history be the judge of the outcome here, as the Chiefs have dominated the series lately, have played beyond expectations, and the Raiders are still a young team that must take its lumps. Chiefs 13, Raiders 10

New York Jets at Cincinnati

Line: Bengals by 6

Two talented teams are fighting desperately for their playoff lives and the Bengals are the ones who finally play up to their lofty preseason expectations. Bengals 28, Jets 23

Minnesota at Dallas

Line: Cowboys by 9.5

Dallas is already showing early signs of playing down to its competition, as they did two weeks ago in Buffalo. They’re also facing a red-hot RB in Adrian Peterson, who’s enough of a threat to beat a team single-handedly. The Cowboys fortunately have just enough talent to overtake the Vikes. Cowboys 31, Vikings 24

Chicago at Philadelphia

Line: Eagles by 5

Chicago is abysmal against the run and you know Philly can’t wait to give them a handful of Brian Westbrook, who can kill you running and catching. Oh, and Brian Griese in Philadelphia? Fuhgidabowdit! Eagles 24, Bears 10

St. Louis at Seattle

Line: Seahawks by 8

Until I see the Seahawks’ offense play like it has a pulse, I’m going to continue to pick against them. I probably should have started this trend last week when they got embarrassed by the Saints. Seahawks 21, Rams 14

Pittsburgh at Denver

Line: Steelers by 3.5

The Broncos’ flat offense is not going to get better against one of the toughest defenses in football. Meanwhile, the Steelers should play a solid, efficient game and hammer one of the most overrated teams in the NFL. Steelers 24, Broncos 10

Indianapolis at Jacksonville

Line: Colts by 3

None of the Sunday games are watchable, they had to save the good game for Monday Night. While the Jaguars’ D will be game, Peyton has shown that he can overcome a good defense and always plays well under the spotlight. Plus, the Colts’ D will show some pride after last year’s meltdown against the Jags. Colts 27, Jaguars 20

Week 6 vs the spread 6-5-2

Season vs the spread 40-41-8

Week 6 Straight up 8-5

Season Straight up 57-32

Week 6 NFL Predictions

St. Louis at Baltimore

Line: Ravens by 9.5

As bad as the Rams are, I hesitate to take the Ravens to win by more than 7 against anyone unless their offense suddenly shows a dramatic improvement. Ravens 14, Rams 7

Washington at Green Bay

Line: Packers by 3

The Redskins will be game, but Favre will do them one better as the Pack put last week’s meltdown against Chicago behind them. Packers 20, Redskins 16

Tampa Bay at Tennessee

Line: Buccaneers by 3

This is a banged up Tampa squad playing at home against one of the premier teams in the AFC. Vince will be back to his old tricks after a stinker performance against Atlanta last week. Titans 20, Buccaneers 10

Cincinnati at Kansas City

Line: Bengals by 3

The Bengals’ miserable D is making the entire league look good. Even an anemic offense like KC’s can put up points against this sad excuse for a D. Cheifs 27, Bengals 24

Philadelphia at New York Jets

Line: Eagles by 3.5

The Eagles are a different team without Brian Westbrook. That was apparent against the Giants when they had no blitz protection against McNabb, no short targets in the passing game, and their offense turned to goo. This week, not only is Westbrook back, but so is William Thomas, whose backup got burned last week by Umenyoria to the tune of 6 sacks. I’ll go with a healing Philly against the blundering Jets. Eagles 24, Jets 17

Houston at Jacksonville

Line: Jaguars by 6.5

The Jaguars smell the cheese and get lured into this trap game, thanks to the Houston Texans, the team on a mission to make the playoffs for the first time in it’s franchise history. Ride that mojo one more week, Andre’s coming back soon! Texans 24, Jaguars 21

Minnesota at Chicago

Line: Bears by 5.5

With two bad offenses taking the field, no one’s beating anyone by more than three points. Whatever the O/U is, take the under, even if it’s 10. If you’re a fan of defense, expect to see a lot in this game, with points at an absolute premium. Bears 6, Vikings 3

Miami at Cleveland

Line: Browns by 4.5

Cleo Lemon on the road. I just keep reminding myself of that. But anyone that’s a Ronnie Brown owner, I’d like him in a trade please. I knew I shouldn’t have dealt him two years ago! Wish I could take that back! Browns 20, Dolphins 10

Carolina at Arizona

Line: Cardinals by 4.5

Mr. Brenda Warner has his revenge! We still believe in you Kurt. Suddenly, the Cardinals are becoming favorites for the second week in a row. Has that ever happened in recorded history? Could this team actually be playoff good? They should at least beat the Panthers with all the QB problems they’re having. Cardinals 17, Panthers 10

Oakland at San Diego

Line: Chargers by 9.5

From a pure talent standpoint, it shouldn’t be close, but do not underestimate Norv Turner’s coaching, as it can strike at any time and plague a talented team, making them work harder than they need to against an inferior opponent. Chargers 24, Raiders 17

New England at Dallas

Line: Patriots by 4.5

In the big showdown of the year between two 5-0 teams, New England has dominated the league like few in recent memory with a bone-crushing defense and a playmaking offense. Dallas, meanwhile, might have had its cover pulled with last week’s stinker performance in Buffalo. While they did escape with the win, Dallas’s offensive line looked very beatable and Romo showed he’s a much less effective QB against constant pressure, something the Patriots’ defense will be sure to give him plenty of. Patriots 27, Cowboys 13

New Orleans at Seattle

Line: Seahawks by 6.5

Lets call this the Tums Blowout of the Week, as the miserable Saints can do little right against the Seahawks, extending their long losing streak. Seahawks 27, Saints 7

New York Giants at Atlanta

Line: Giants by 3.5

I’m not 100% sold on the Giants’ defense, but they do show up against bad offensive teams, like this Atlanta squad. Giants 24, Falcons 14

Week 5 vs Spread: 5-9

Season vs Spread: 34-36-6

Week 5 Straight up: 11-3

Season Straight up: 49-27

Week 5 NFL Predictions

Carolina at New Orleans

Line: Saints by 3

The losses stop here for the Saints, as the David Carr-led Panthers can’t get it done on the road and Drew Brees finally breaks free of his season-long slump. Saints 28, Panthers 21

Jacksonville at Kansas City

Line: Jaguars by 2

The Jaguars run hot-and-cold and the Chiefs’ Dwayne Bowe is quickly becoming a front-runner for Rookie of the Year. His ability to stretch the defense will be the difference. Also, keep in mind, the Kansas City defense has yet to let up a second half TD. Chiefs 13, Jaguars 10

Detroit at Washington

Line: Redskins by 3.5

Bad matchup for Detroit. Their secondary is clearly the club’s weak-link and Washington has playmakers in the passing game. The offense will get it back on track with a well-balanced effort against the Lions. Redskins 35, Lions 21

Atlanta at Tennessee

Line: Titans by 8.5

If he continues to play at a high level, Joey Harrington can keep the Falcons close in Tennessee. Ultimately, though, the defense will be helpless trying to stop Vince. Titans 27, Falcons 20

Miami at Houston

Line: Texans by 5.5

It looks like the Texans’ Cinderella story has taken a pit-stop, but not to worry, even without Andre Johnson for the time being, the Texans will get back on the path that leads to the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. Lose to the Dolphins, however, and my theory will be almost in ruins. Texans 31, Dolphins 21

Seattle at Pittsburgh

Line: Steelers by 6

These teams are evenly matched on paper, so it will likely come down to who can run the ball better. I’ll go with Pittsburgh after last week’s lackluster rushing effort against Arizona to get back on track in that regard. Steelers 24, Seahawks 21

Cleveland at New England

Line: Patriots by 16.5

Every week, the lines get more staggering for this team, and you know what? You still take the points, that’s how dominant this Patriots team is. Don’t expect much of a let-down as this well-oiled machine rolls over Cleveland in the tune-up to the Dallas showdown. Easy candidate for Tums Blowout of the Week. Patriots 38, Browns 17

Arizona at St. Louis

Line: Cardinals by 3.5

This Cardinal team has sleeper potential written all over it with their hard-hitting defense and newfound running game. They should have little difficultly dominating the hapless Rams. Cardinals 34, Rams 21

New York Jets at New York Giants

Line: Giants by 3.5

Nothing like a good old-fashioned inner-state rivalry. The beauty of this game is, like the Lakers and Clippers, there’s no real home-field advantage. The Giants are the pick though after their defense has come back on track with a strong second half against the Redskins and a dominating effort against the Eagles. Giants 23, Jets 17

Tampa Bay at Indianapolis

Line: Colts by 9.5

The Colts’ O will suddenly face tougher sledding when the #1 defense in the NFL comes to town. They’ll still get enough points to get by, but Indy will have its hands full with Tampa, especially being thin at LB since Garcia thrives in the short game. Colts 24, Buccaneers 17

San Diego at Denver

Line: Broncos by 1

This Chargers’ team is quickly becoming a complete disaster. Norv Turner is literally coaching them into the ground and Philip Rivers has shown signs of regression after a strong first year. They still should be able to dominate on the ground, however, against a helpless Broncos’ run defense so long as they keep it simple and pound it between the tackles with LT. Chargers 24, Broncos 20

Baltimore at San Francisco

Line: Ravens by 3

As much as people criticize Alex Smith, he was probably the Niners’ best offensive player, as his armstrength and decision-making have improved even though the O-line has been woeful. Baltimore’s been no great shakes this year, but they should have enough to beat the helpless Trent Dilfer-led Niners in San Francisco. Ravens 17, 49ers 10

Chicago at Green Bay

Line: Packers by 3

The Bears should just clone Devin Hester and start him at WR, RB and QB. That would solve two problems with the Bears’ offense. The Packers don’t run the ball, but it won’t make a difference as Brett Favre should torch the Mike Brown-less Bears’ secondary as the Packers stay perfect. Packers 20, Bears 13

Dallas at Buffalo

Line: Cowboys by 10.5

Dallas is 4-0 for the first time since 1995 and they should keep it rolling against the Bills as long as the offense keeps clicking in high gear. Cowboys 35, Bills 17

Week 4 vs spread: 7-7

Season vs spread: 29-27-6

Week 4 Straight up: 5-9

Season Straight up: 38-24