49ers @ Rams, Panthers @ Chiefs, Cardinals@ Jets, Buccaneers @ Broncos Picks

San Francisco 49ers @ St. Louis Rams (+7.5)

Just something about this game has me thinking it’s going to be close. Everything is in the 49ers’ favor, they are coming off a nice win, CK10 is rolling as the team’s starting quarterback, and the defensive is still very good. But the Rams are tougher than people give them credit for, and late in the season I think that counts for something. Sam threw it around a little bit last time the 49ers hosted St. Louis, and I expect him to be efficient enough through the air to cover this spread.

Carolina Panthers (-3) @ Kansas City Chiefs

I totally forgot to play Jamaal Charles in my Eliminator Fantasy League this week. Son of a gun! Anyway, I think the Chiefs end up running it pretty well at home against the Panthers, but one too many mistakes through the air makes this a cover for the road favorites.

Arizona Cardinals (+7) @ New York Jets

Can’t believe in the Jets against a good defense, and by all accounts the Cardinals are very good against the run, at the very least. Sure, they have a bad rookie QB, but that’s not much different from what the Jets have. Better defense, equally terrible offense, and Larry Fitzgerald for two huge plays that make the game – sure, I think the Cards win in New York, so the cover is a good bet for me.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Denver Broncos (-7.5)

On thing I’ve never loved about Peyton is that he’s just so smart and careful when he knows that he doesn’t have to take chances to win the game. What I mean is, I can see him being up 7 and not taking free end zone shots because he doesn’t need to. But, I have to take the Broncos because this just seems like a great match-up for Peyton and that offense. Moreno ran well enough last week to keep the Bucs honest, and Tampa has proven that they can’t stop the pass. Peyton for 400 yards and the win? I sure hope so, a big win and an easy cover so I don’t have to watch Peyton slow play a half point loss for me.