Some may say I have a gambling problem. I don't know, just because I start thinking on Monday about the upcoming Sunday games, I wouldn't really say that qualifies me of having a problem. I've lost tons of money over the past few years, mostly because I do ridiculous parlays. But throughout losing all of that money, I have started to conduct more research that allows me to more closely analyze the games each week. Anyway, each Saturday I will go ahead and post my picks and thoughts on each game. I'm not a professional
capper so I don't advise you to follow these but I believe I have some good insight so here we go: Home teams are in bold
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Washington Redskins (-6): Two terrible teams. Redskins have handed both the lions and the panthers their first wins of the season. Could we see it done here again? With Jim Zorns job possibly on the line and the rest of the Redskins desperately needing a win against another winless team, will they step up? On the other hand, the Chiefs almost beat the overrated Cowboys last week in a close matchup. I expect this one to be pretty close as well, possibly with the Chiefs coming out on top
My Pick: Chiefs +6
Houston Texans vs. Cincinnati Bengals (-5): This should be a good matchup. Despite the Bengals 4-1 record, they have not been dominating teams. In fact, the past few weeks vs Pitt and Baltimore, they pulled out a win by scoring late 4th quarter touchdowns, both to Andre Caldwell (fantasy owners). It's so tough to bet on this game because you don't know which Houston Texans you are going to see come play. They had a very tough loss last weekend against the Cardinals because they couldn't get in the end zone from the 1 yard line. You always worry about teams coming off a tough loss, they tend to have more to play for.
My Pick: Cincinnati -5 despite them screwing me over two weeks ago against the Browns. If you are going to take this game I suggest the over which should be 45/46 depending on the site you use. I predict this to be a high scoring game.
Cleveland Browns vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (-14): Browns are horrible. Probably even worse after getting rid of Braylon despite his non productivity. Gotta love the Steelers at home especially if Polamalu is back. 14 points is a lot, but against the Browns, it's the smarter bet.
My Pick: Steelers -14
Baltimore Ravens vs. Minnesota Vikings (-3): This just reminds me of how tough this week is for betters. A pissed off Baltimore Ravens team coming to Minnesota to face an undefeated Vikings team led by the rejuvenated Brett Favre. The Ravens are supposed to have one of, if not the best run d in the NFL, but some how Cedric Benson ran 100+ yards on them? Has to make you wonder what Adrian Peterson will be able to do. Mix that in with the Ravens having one of the leagues worst pass d and you have to like Minnesota coming out 6-0. If the spread was any higher, my opinion may change but for now, I expect this to be a very close game, with the Vikings winning by a fg or more.
My Pick: Vikings -3
St Louis Rams vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (-9.5). Wow, who would've thought that the Jaguars would be blown out 41-0 in Seattle. Not me, I'll tell you that. But now they're facing a little less tough competition in the 0-5 St. Louis Rams. Look for them to go 0-6. I like the Jaguars to rebound this week with Jones Drew, Sims Walker and Gerrard all having big days.
My Pick: Jags -9.5
GAME OF THE WEEK:
New York Giants (5-0) vs. New Orleans Saints (4-0) (-3): Giants have been stomping on any team in their way. Granted, they've been the redskins, cowboys, bucs, chiefs and oakland. Still they look great and have been doing what they're supposed to be doing to these teams; blowing them out. But now they are taking a trip to New Orleans to face the high powered offensive Saints. They've also brought in a new defensive coordinator this year who has definitely been making their D something to talk about. The Saints have had 2 weeks to prepare now for this game and I have no doubt they will be prepared. This is really a game that either team can take.
My Pick: Saints -3 I am basing this solely on the fact that I have not seen a strong enough competitor for the Giants yet. They can and hopefully will win, I just think that Drew Brees is going to be throwing all day and I expect the Saints D to play pretty well against Giants offense.
Carolina Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Bucs (+3.5): Two ugly teams battling it out. I don't think the Panthers are as bad as they've been playing, and the Bucs should help them look pretty good.
My Pick: Panthers - 3.5
Detroit Lions vs. Green Bay Packers (-14): Aaron Rodgers looks to have a good day against a horrible Lions team. Despite the Packers offensive line being abysmal, I think they should pull themselves together and Rodgers should throw about 3-4 TDs, add that to Ryan Grant possibly having 1 or 2 on the ground and I think the Packers should walk away with this.
My Pick: Green Bay -14
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Oakland Raiders (+14.5) I will never ever bet in the Raiders favor. Until they get rid of Jamarcus Russel, they will not win a single game. Their D isn't even terrible but when they're forced to be on the field for 90% of the game, they can get taken advantage of as shown in previous weeks.
My Pick: Eagles -14.5 that .5 may come back to bite you but until the Raiders prove that they can do anything, I'll take that risk
Arizona Cardinals vs. Seattle Seahawks (-3): two high powered offenses face off. The team with the better D will win, and I think that will be the Seahawks.
My Pick: Seahawks -3 and the over 47
Buffalo Bills vs. New York Jets (-9.5): Jets are pissed. Bills are horrible. Look for Jets D to have a bounce back week as they tear apart Trent Edwards.
My Pick: Jets -9.5
Tennessee Titans vs. New England Patriots (-9): Look at the Colts Titans game from last week. Peyton Manning was able to tear apart the Titans secondary and look for this week to be no different. While Tom Brady may not be playing like the 18-1 Tom Brady, they're at home, coming off a tough loss to the Broncos. I also hear that the Titans other starting cornerback opposite Cortland Finnegan is probably out as well.
My Pick: Pats -9
Chicago Bears vs. Atlanta Falcons (-3.5): I expect this to be a good game. Two solid teams all around. With the Falcons destroying the 49ers last week, and the Bears still seem to be trying to get their team chemistry together with the addition of Jay Cutler, I expect the Falcons to pull out a win at home.
My Pick: Falcons -3.5 Look for this to be a high scoring game as well
Denver Broncos vs. San Diego (-3.5): 5-0 Denver Broncos coming to face off against the 2-2 Chargers coming off a bye week. Chargers looked horrible against the Steelers until the 4th quarter. Chargers D hasn't been looking great all season but that offense is dangerous and can go off at any given time. The Broncos have been playing great ball, no doubt about it. Pulling off two impressive wins against the cowboys and the pats. Ok, maybe just one of those was impressive. I'm sitting here trying to think of which team I should pick and I really don't want to do it because I'm scared to be wrong. However, I have to make a choice.
My Pick: Chargers -3.5 I like them coming off a bye week. I expect them to be able to get some of their problems together and pull out a win at home to salvage their season.
* Again, I am not a professional handicapper and I don't recommend anyone actually listen to my picks nor am I responsible for anyone losing a sufficient amount of money for listening to me.