Week 11 NFL Predictions

Tampa Bay at Atlanta
Line: Buccaneers by 3
Byron Leftwich starting...seems ok, except he hasn't gotten regular snaps in over a year and he's counting on finding his rhythm against one of the toughest defenses in the league. In other words, not bloodly likely. Buccaneers 17, Falcons 10

Arizona at Cincinnati
Line: Bengals by 3
I don't care what anybody says, going from futile to mediocre is progress, so these teams have a lot to be proud of. Oh and despite their bad record, not a single Bengal has committed a felony this year, that's a good thing right? Bengals 24, Cardinals 13

Kansas City at Indianapolis
Line: Colts by 14.5
My mama done told me don't never pick against Peyton Manning after he threw six interceptions the week before. Besides, with LJ, the Chiefs offense is mediocre. Without him, it's just plain miserable. Brodie will be on his back more than Jenna Jameson. Colts 34, Chiefs 10

San Diego at Jacksonville
Line: Jaguars by 3
I just wanted to point out how hilarious Norv looked witnessing his team's near-meltdown against the Colts. He just looked like he wanted to jump into an abyss. That's probably how Charger fans will feel after he mismanages another game this week. Jaguars 21, Chargers 17

Oakland at Minnesota
Line: Vikings by 4.5
No AD would spell doom for most teams, but when your backup's Chester Taylor and the team you're playing made Ron Dayne look like a Pro Bowler, suddenly things start to look optimistic for you. Vikings 20, Raiders 10

Cleveland at Baltimore
Line: Browns by 3
Brian Billick still hasn't found a QB in ten years. Anyone know how he still has a job and how much he's paying Cunningham under the table for making him look good in Minnesota? Browns 24, Ravens 16

Carolina at Green Bay
Line: Packers by 9.5
Vinny was a seasoned veteran by the time Favre was a rookie and Favre was considered aging and "past his prime" coming into the season. So what does that make Vinny? Packers 31, Panthers 10

New Orleans at Houston
Line: Texans by 1.5
Houston, don't fail me this week. I'm still holding out that faint hope that you'll somehow find a way to make the playoffs. Meanwhile, New Orleans, I got nothing to say, the last five weeks you've made me look bad, first, by me doubting you and then by letting me down when I finally believed in you. You're blacklisted for the season for that! Texans 21, Saints 19

Miami at Philadelphia
Line: Eagles by 9.5
Miami has the Dolphins, they have to get one win, 'cause if they don't they'll go down as the NFL's worst football team. They can't throw through the air or run on the ground they're never in control, and when you hear people laughing it's 'cause some idiot blurted out "Dolphins' Super Bowl." 'Cause we're the Miami Dolphins, Miami Dolphins, Miami Dolphins in last place. We're the Miami Dolphins, Miami Dolphins, Miami Dolphins in last place. Eagles 16, Dolphins 13

New York Giants at Detroit
Line: Giants by 2.5
Feel the growl! It's those Lions on the prowl. They may have been running backwards against Arizona, but they'll figure out how to get it back in first against the Giants. If they just run a little, it'll open up Kitna to gun down his full arsenal against a suspect Giants' secondary. Lions 27, Giants 24

Pittsburgh at New York Jets
Line: Steelers by 9.5
Nothing except motorcycles can stop Big Ben right now. OK, there's my lame motorcycle joke for the year. Kellen Winslow Jr, you're next! Steelers 31, Jets 17

Washington at Dallas
Line: Cowboys by 11
Grandpa Gibbs oughta take a cue out of Parcells' book and walk out with his dignity before he coaches this team any further into the ground. Dallas is clicking on all cylinders and not even a silly little rivalry can stand in their way. Cowboys 31, Redskins 21

St. Louis at San Francisco
Line: Rams by 3
In most circumstances, I'd have a real problem with picking a one-win team on the road, but that's exactly how bad the Niners looked on Monday Night. In all honesty, last year's Raiders looked better at times on offense last year. Wow, if only we could match those two teams up. Has any NFL game ever ended in a 0-0 tie with OT, b/c that one may have that kind of futile offense-potential. Rams 21, 49ers 7

Chicago at Seattle
Line: Seahawks by 4.5
Rex Grossman alert! Rex Grossman alert! Warning, interceptions may be more frequent than they appear! Warning, fumbled snaps may be more common than they appear! Seahawks 17, Bears 7

Buffalo at New England
Line: Patriots by 16
Buffalo will be playing with a lot of emotion at home, but will it be enough to stop the imminent undefeated season the Pats are headed for? Not without Marshawn Lynch. Patriots 31, Bills 17

Tennessee at Denver
Line: Broncos by 2
No matter how bad the media dogs him out, Vince is a prime time player and has been since college, so of course he's saving his best stuff for Monday Night football. Denver's defense finally showed up last week, but it was against a struggling offense that was missing it's only real source of production. Titans 21, Broncos 14

Week 10 vs Spread 7-7
Week 10 Straight up 6-8
Season vs Spread 65-73-8
Season Straight up 90-54

Week 2 NBA Rankings

1. Boston Celtics (6-0) (2) They've dominated in five of their six victories with KG leading the team in four different categories
2. San Antonio Spurs (7-1) (3) Parker got a 3-point shot now! It's like every year, he just adds something new.
3. Phoenix Suns (6-2) (5) Hopefully Amare's knee doesn't become too much of an issue.
4. Detroit Pistons (5-2) (1) See how much better they are when Sheed's performing and not screaming at refs?
5. Dallas Mavericks (5-2) (4) Winning in Golden St. may help fight some of those playoff demons.
6. Utah Jazz (6-2) (8) Lets face it, Williams-Boozer is the new Stockton-Malone tandem, and in some ways better.
7. Houston Rockets (6-2) (5) Someone besides McGrady and Yao has to pick up the scoring.
8. New Orleans Hornets (6-2) (7) Now that he's fully healthy, Paul is taking his game to an even higher level.
9. Orlando Magic (6-2) (12) Boston, Phoenix and San Antonio better move over, Orlando's got a killer trio too!
10. Denver Nuggets (5-3) (17) Imagine how much better they'd be if they didn't have some $25 million tied into Nene and Kenyon's medical bills.
11. Los Angeles Clippers (4-2) (9) Maggette and Kaman have stepped up huge with Brand still rehabbing.
12. Toronto Raptors (4-3) (14) Delfino's just another example of a youngster that never got a chance in Detroit.
13. Cleveland Cavaliers (4-4) (11) LeBron's trying, but how much longer can he carry this weak supporting cast.
14. New Jersey Nets (4-3) (15) There goes Carter again with his injury crap.
15. Los Angeles Lakers (3-3) (10) They need Odom, he's the key to Kobe staying happy and not burning down Staples' Center to get traded.
16. Portland Trail Blazers (4-3) (29) They're young, but their confidence is growing with each win against a contender in this homestand.
17. Charlotte Bobcats (4-3) (20) Good thing they play defense, because this team's backcourt misses more than a James Bond sniper.
18. Indiana Pacers (3-4) (13) Blowing a 25-point lead against Denver=bad news. That's the kind of loss that could haunt this team.
19. Milwaukee Bucks (2-4) (18) Yi's actually turning out to be pretty good. He appears to the only Bucks' big man with a pulse.
20. New York Knicks (2-4) (16) Marbury's gone AWOL again. Oh well, so much for the Knicks being a playoff team.
21. Atlanta Hawks (2-4) (19) It goes without saying, this is a scary team had they not screwed up and taken Marvin Williams over Chris Paul.
22. Chicago Bulls (1-5) (23) This team couldn't score in an empty gym.
23. Memphis Grizzlies (2-4) (27) The young nucleus is in place, now it just comes down to winning consistently.
24. Philadelphia 76ers (2-5) (21) Now if they could just find someone who can compliment Igoudala, then they'd start to get somewhere.
25. Miami Heat (1-6) (22) Lets be honest, Riley would probably be the 6th man on this roster.
26. Sacramento Kings (2-5) (26) Hide your children, Artest's coming back!
27. Washington Wizards (1-5) (25) A defesnively challenged ballclub with a ball-hogging PG. Sounds like a recipe for disaster.
28. Golden State Warriors (0-5) (24) They go up a few spots the minute they pop their 2007-08 cherry.
29. Minnesota Timberwolves (0-5) (29) Good to see Telfair at least playing with some confidence.
30. Seattle Supersonics (0-8) (30) Maybe next year, Seattle can draft a center with a pulse to free up Durant.

Week 10 NFL Predictions

Jacksonville at Tennessee

Line: Titans by 5

This Titans team is for real. The Jags may have the great defense on paper, but the Titans’ D is outperforming them and are far more scary. With Jacksonville being a fairly one-dimensional team, guess which dimension the Titans are taking away? That’s right, the running game! Titans 13, Jaguars 10

Denver at Kansas City

Line: Chiefs by 3

The Chiefs could start Mike Garrett or Marcus Allen in the backfield and the Broncos still wouldn’t find a way to stop either. As far as offensively, Denver doesn’t stand a chance without Walker. Chiefs 20, Broncos 10

Buffalo at Miami

Line: Bills by 2.5

I GOT LEE EVANS! I GOT LEE EVANS! Perfect timing too, he gets to go against the Dolphins' secondary. Bills 28, Dolphins 17

Cleveland at Pittsburgh

Line: Steelers by 10

This is a different Browns team from Week 1. They no longer have Charlie Frye and instead have a red-hot Derek Anderson, who could keep the Steelers sweating this one out in Pittsburgh. Steelers 34, Browns 28

St. Louis at New Orleans

Line: Saints by 10.5

The rally from 0-4 is complete and I was a non-believer the whole way. Never more! The Saints are dominators of mediocre competition! Saints 34, Rams 10

Atlanta at Carolina

Line: Panthers by 3.5

Remember how Mike Vick used to kill the Panthers before he picked up a second hobby killing canines? OK, I’ll stop, really, it’s getting old. Panthers 24, Falcons 14

Philadelphia at Washington

Line: Redskins by 3

The Redskins get the most disappointing team in their division, the woeful Philadelphia Eagles, who are well on their way to an 0-6 record in the brutal NFC East. Redskins 19, Eagles 14

Minnesota at Green Bay

Line: Packers by 5.5

Can you believe this? My opponent had Adrian Peterson last week, which of course, was his NFL-record-breaking week, and I still won the matchup? Find out later how I pulled that off. Packers 24, Vikings 17

Cincinnati at Baltimore

Line: Ravens by 3

It was painful watching McNair against the Steelers. Just painful! The man’s got nothing left in the tank. Then again, the Bengals’ D might have trouble stopping a dead man. Ravens 27, Bengals 20

Chicago at Oakland

Line: Bears by 3.5

So, when are the Raiders going to start Russell? I mean, their season’s practically over, might as well, right? Bears 21, Raiders 13

Detroit at Arizona

Line: Lions by 1.5

The Lions could compete for the NFC North crown if their D keeps playing at a high level. Arizona’s probably a year away from surprising people if they can ever get the QB situation straightened out. Lions 20, Cardinals 17

Dallas at New York Giants

Line: Cowboys by 1.5

ROMO TO OWENS BABY! ROMO TO OWENS! The hottest hookup since Columbians giving coke to rich white people in the mid-80’s! Yup! That’s why I’m hot! Oh, and as for the Giants, they’re playing well enough to get over against some scrubby teams, but they have no idea what this Cowboys’ team’s got in store! HOW BOUT THEM COWBOYS! Cowboys 31, Giants 20

Indianapolis at San Diego

Line: Chargers by 3.5

What Indy showed in the New England game, in spite of the loss, is that they have a very physical defense. San Diego has not always played physical this year and if Indy’s D can establish tempo early, Peyton and Addai can do their thing on the other end. Colts 34, Chargers 24

San Francisco at Seattle

Line: Seahawks by 9.5

Seattle’s just good enough to get over on their sorry division, and that’s about it. Remember when this Niners’ team was 2-0 and everyone was penciling them in as their playoff darkhorse? Seems like ages ago. Seahawks 17, 49ers 10

Week 9 vs Spread 6-8

Week 9 Straight up 11-3

Season vs Spread 57-65-8

Season Straight up 84-46

Week 1 NBA Rankings

1. Detroit Pistons (3-0) Getting lit up by LeBron in the playoffs was the best thing to happen to the Pistons. Look at how much better their D has gotten.
2. Boston Celtics (2-0) Already showing signs of dominance and it’s just been two games.
3. San Antonio Spurs (3-1) Ginobili and Parker are already in midseason form while Duncan’s still rounding into preseason form.
4. Dallas Mavericks (3-1) Moving Jet to the bench looks like a brilliant move so far.
5. Phoenix Suns (3-1) Came out surprisingly flat against the Lakers.
6. Houston Rockets (4-1) Win over Spurs a real early season statement for a team that’s trying to establish itself among the elite.
7. New Orleans Hornets (4-0) Not only is Paul healthy, but Peja’s poppin’ the threes again.
8. Utah Jazz (2-2) Brewer is already making Jazz fans forget about Derek Fisher.
9. Los Angeles Clippers (3-0) T-squared’s getting his money’s worth right now, but how long can they hold up without Elton?
10. Los Angeles Lakers (2-2) Challenged Houston, beat Phoenix and Utah, and Odom’s still on the shelf.
11. Cleveland Cavaliers (2-2) At least they have Pavlovic back, but without Sideshow Bob, they don’t have the same kind of energy.
12. Orlando Magic (3-1) Turkoglu’s playing out of his mind and Howard is starting to move into the elite category of PF’s
13. Indiana Pacers (3-0) There’s no way they can keep this up, there’s just no way. I feel good about drafting Granger though.
14. Toronto Raptors (2-2) Got an early-season statement win in New Jersey, but have since fallen back to earth.
15. New Jersey Nets (3-1) While the rest of the trio struggles, Jefferson is playing out of his mind.
16. New York Knicks (2-1) If they can establish the inside game with Curry and Randolph, they’ll be leaps and bounds better than last year.
17. Denver Nuggets (2-2) For a team with such size up front, you would think the Nuggets could play better defense than they’re playing.
18. Milwaukee Bucks (2-2) Redd alert! Redd alert! He’s back in full force and the Bucks look improved.
19. Atlanta Hawks (1-2) Speaking of improved, this is a possible playoff sleeper right here.
20. Charlotte Bobcats (2-1) Already missing Morrison, now they may be without Felton for a while.
21. Philadelphia 76ers (1-2) With Reggie Evans coming over from Denver, they look good defensively.
22. Miami Heat (0-3) They look helpless offensively without Wade.
23. Chicago Bulls (0-4) It’ll take more than a Kobe trade to save this team, but then again, they got off to a bad start last year too.
24. Golden State Warriors (0-4) This team’s hurting without Jackson. They need him back ASAP!
25. Washington Wizards (0-3) Agent 0 is not liking the fact that the zero is in the left-handed column.
26. Sacramento Kings (1-3) They might as well tank the season with no Bibby for months.
27. Memphis Grizzlies (0-2) They at least look more competitive than they did last year.
28. Portland Trail Blazers (0-3) Aldrige is one of the few bright spots in what looks like a dismal season.
29. Minnesota Timberwolves (0-3) Talent-challenged, but still competing very hard despite this.
30. Seattle Supersonics (0-4) The fans in Seattle may only get to enjoy Durant for one or two more seasons unless the taxpayers help fund a new arena.

Week 9 NFL Predictions

Washington at New York Jets

Line: Redskins by 3.5

Might as well throw up a white flag, Jets, your season’s finished. And to think, all they needed to do was start Kellen Clemens about eight weeks earlier and they might have a fighting chance. Redskins 24, Jets 14

Green Bay at Kansas City

Line: Chiefs by 2.5

Herman Edwards is circling the wagons yet again, taking a team with no QB’s, no WR’s, an aging TE and an overworked RB to a 4-3 record and a tie for the division lead as they near the midway point. A little ball-control and some tough D and they should knock off the Pack to maintain their momentum. Chiefs 21, Packers 13

Arizona at Tampa Bay

Line: Buccaneers by 3.5

Does Jon Gruden have that same scowl on his face when he’s getting the mail or walking the dog? ESPN should do a reality show to find out. They should do another reality show on retired coaches and figure out of Dennis Green’s gained about 20 more pounds in an effort to keep up with Mark Mangino. Buccaneers 20, Cardinals 19

Carolina at Tennessee

Line: Titans by 4

No truth to the rumor that Steve Buerlein has been contacted for a QB job. Maybe the Panthers should go after Steve DeBerg next. Just think how dangerously close we were to watching Vinny Testaverde vs Kerry Collins and breathe a huge sigh of relief. Titans 13, Panthers 10

San Francisco at Atlanta

Line: Falcons by 3

A few weeks ago, a Falcons fan was popping off on a Niners’ message board about Alex Smith being a bust. This leads me to wonder what’s worse, drafting a QB who never lives up to his promise because of the team around him, or drafting a QB who takes a bad team to the playoffs a few times but enjoys making hot dogs in the offseason and ultimately screws the team (and himself) over? Falcons 23, 49ers 17

Jacksonville at New Orleans

Line: Saints by 3.5

Not drinkin’ the Saints’ Kool-Aid. Their three game winning streak has come against three teams that are not playing good football. All Jacksonville has to do is run the ball the way they did last week and the Saints’ D is at their mercy. Jaguars 24, Saints 17

San Diego at Minnesota

Line: Chargers by 7

It appears the Chargers have rallied around their embattled coach and are playing with the same explosion that won them 14 games last year. After the Minnesota game, however, the schedule gets difficult starting with a showdown against the Colts. Chargers 38, Vikings 17

Denver at Detroit

Line: Lions by 3

Feel the wrath of the Lion growl . Detroit is on the prowl and they’re about to double their win total by the halfway mark of the season. As woeful as Denver’s run D has been, expect Kevin Jones to have one of those 150+ yards/3 TD games against them. Lions 31, Broncos 21

Cincinnati at Buffalo

Line: Bengals by 1

JP Losman is starting! Any rumors of a Buffalo win have since been quickly put to rest. Bill Simmons maybe getting screwed in his column for picking Buffalo, but being that I can wait till Sunday to make my picks, I have the freedom to adjust! Bengals 17, Bills 13

Seattle at Cleveland

Line: Browns by 1

How on earth does Mike Holmgren keep his job? Are they so delusionally overjoyed by the ‘Hawks Super Bowl appearance that they can’t see this guy is wasting the prime of several talented players’ careers? Anyways, if there were a NOW segment for this column, the rapidly-improving Browns would be the NOW team of the present. Browns 23, Seahawks 20

Houston at Oakland

Line: Raiders by 3.5

Andre’s back! It’s gotta work now Texans! Show them you’re more than just a last place team. At least you can beat the Raiders, right? Texans 21, Raiders 20

Indianapolis at New England

Line: Patriots by 5.5

This is it! The game of the year! All the hype, all the questions all the Super Bowl 41 and a half talk, and now the two best teams in the National Football League take the field. Who has the edge this time? Indianapolis has done nothing to disappoint as their defense has overcome injuries to post an impressive 7-0 record, but since the Pats added Moss, Welker and Stallworth, they’ve taken their biggest weakness and made it their biggest strength. So far, they’ve dominated every team they’ve played hands down, as not one game has been closer than 21 points. Do the Colts have what it takes to make this a ballgame? Sure they do, as I don’t think the Pats’ defense will have much success stopping them. But can the Colts stop the Patriots’ offense? It just may be too tall a task. Patriots 38, Colts 35

Dallas at Philadelphia

Line: Cowboys by 3.5

The Eagles are 0-2 in the division and didn’t look particularly competitive against either the Redskins or Giants. That’s too bad because the Cowboys are easily the toughest divisional opponent. Unless Philly figures out a way to score overnight, it’s going to be a long night. Cowboys 23, Eagles 10

Baltimore at Pittsburgh

Line: Steelers by 9.5

This is a divisional rivalry often determined by which offense looks worse since the defenses always bring their A-games. This year, it looks like Baltimore’s on the short end of the stick, as Roethlisberger’s motorcycle wounds have healed. Still, it’s a divisional rivalry and you never know if the Ravens suddenly show up to play after looking so inconsistent in their first seven games. Steelers 20, Ravens 14

Week 8 vs Spread 4-9

Season vs Spread 51-57-8

Week 8 Straight up 6-7

Season Straight up 73-43

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