It's
nice to win more games than you lose during a week, let
me tell you what. It's also nice to go 4-1 in your top
5 games of the week, your only loss coming in your 5th
ranked game of those 5. Of course, like always, I'm looking
for the double perfecto in Week 14. I have a few more
gimmies, and some tough calls that will require a little
help from my friends. This is how I'll butter the rolls
with 3 more weeks left before the playoffs.
Gimmie-Games
Falcons
over the Bucs
Seahawks over the Cardinals
Saints over the Cowboys
Ravens over the Chiefs
Patriots over the Dolphins
Thursday:
Cleveland
(+9) at Pittsburgh: Name the last time the Steelers
dominated in back to back games? Can you say not one
time this year? Not one time this year. Yeah, I said
it. The last time these two went at it, 2 weeks ago
in Cleveland, the Browns dominated throughout only to
fall at the end and lose by 4. At most, that's what
happens this time. I'm looking for a Brown upset.
Sunday:
Atlanta
(-2) at Tampa Bay: The Falcons should continue to
roll, though this one will be a little closer than the
Redskin game. Tampa Bay (though not this year) usually
stymies Mr. Vick, but don't expect Mike to fade away.
After a few down weeks in a row, Mike got back on track
in Week 13, and since he's a streaky cat, I'm looking
for another nice game in Tampa Bay.
Baltimore
(+3) at Kansas City: The Chiefs failed me big time
last week, but that doesn't mean they don't have a chance.
I just think the safest bet in this one happens to be
the Ravens and 3 points. Kansas City, unlike Cincinnati,
doesn't excel under the pressure of not getting into
the playoffs. And I wouldn't like to match up with Baltimore
after a Ravens loss. They just don't strike me as the
losing streak type. Look for an upset on the road here.
Buffalo
at N.Y. Jets (-3.5): The Jets are best at home
(3-3; but only losing to New England, Indianapolis,
and Chicago - all close games) so expect them to play
well in New York against the Buffs. The Bills have played
tough lately, are 3-2 in their last 5, with their two
losses coming by a total of 4 points (Chargers and Colts)
but I have a feeling they're primed for a tough game,
and that should come this week against the Jets.
Indianapolis
at Jacksonville (+2): I have to take the Jaguars
here. I don't think the Colts losing to teams like Tennessee
is a good thing. The Colts will be alright come playoffs,
but they're in a tough spot, and playing against a team
they often struggle with. Plus, Jacksonville is playing
for more here, ala the Bengals last week. I've got to
go with the Jags who have much more to lose at home.
Minnesota
(+3) at Detroit: I'm not one for history, but the
Vikings have won 9 straight times against the Lions,
and haven't lost since 2001 in Detroit. With Minnesota's
run game plugging away, and a new starting quarterback
in the cards (I hope it's Tevaras Jackson) the Vikings
should be able to slang the Lions on the road.
New
England (-3) at Miami: The Patriots should handle
the Dolphins. Tom Brady hasn't looked like the All Pro
that he is of late, but against a Miami secondary, that
in my opinion is overrated, he should be able to return
to his championship form. Plus, Corey Dillon is just
the type of back Miami's small defense doesn't like
to see. If Maroney is healthy, the Pats will win this
one easily.
New
Orleans (+7.5) at Dallas: I just think the Saints
are flat out better than the Cowboys. Dallas is riding
high off of their 4th straight win, a 23-30 nailbiter
against a struggling Giants squad. But they are ready
to take a step backwards, I can feel it. Plus, New Orleans
loves to play ball as the underdog, losing only once
as a dog all season. When will the cappers come to love
the Saints? Dallas is hot right now, so I'd stay away
from betting on them.
N.Y.
Giants at Carolina (-3): If the Panthers were
playing any other team in football this week, I'd stay
away from them. But the Giants are playing just as poorly,
and are in more turmoil that even they are. Unless the
Giants trade Eli for Peyton, I don't see them winning
on the road, anywhere. Carolina has to get it together
sooner or later… don't they?
Oakland
at Cincinnati (-11): The Raiders suck, and although
they have managed to stay in games, and cover here and
there, I expect a huge Bengal drumming in Cinci. Cinci
doing the drumming of course. Oakland just doesn't have
an ends to justify a means. Ah, they are terrible. Will
Brady Quinn help them get back to the promise land?
Not unless a new coaching staff is implemented. The
Raiders need to trade down and build an offensive line.
See what it has done for the Jets?
Philadelphia
(+1.5) at Washington: The Eagles are still better
than the Redskins. I like Jason Campbell, I really do,
and he'll be a fixture in the Skins backfield for years
to come, but I still think Philadelphia has a shot at
the playoffs, even without Donovan, and Brian Westbrook
will lead them to yet another win this week in Washington.
Tennessee
at Houston (even): Vince Young has been for real,
and he is playing in Texas this weekend. But I still
have to go with the Texans. Tennessee has been unreal
lately, but a down week is coming. I don't know why,
but I just feel it on the horizon.
Green
Bay at San Francisco (-4): The Packers hit that
rough patch that I thought they'd be in all year. 4
point dogs to the 49ers might look good, but then again,
nothing looks good the way Brett and the Packers have
been playing the last few games. San Fran needs to get
back on track, so expect them to win a relatively meaningless
game for the Packers.
Seattle
(-3) at Arizona: The Cardinals aren't good, don't
be confused by last weeks win over the Rams. The Hawks
aren't nearly as bad as they looked in that 3 point
win over Denver on Sunday Night. The more Matt Hasselbeck
plays, the more comfortable he'll be, which is good
news for the Hawks and bad new for Arizona.
Denver
at San Diego (-7): With Jay Cutler running things,
the Broncos have a chance in this one. But LT, running
against a Bronco team that struggles defending marquee
players (Peyton - 345yds 3 TD, LJ - 157yds TD, and LT
105yds 4TD) only makes me have to go with the Chargers,
especially in San Diego. And the last time the Broncos
hosted San Diego, Shawn Merriman wasn't even on the
field. Welcome to Shawn's world Jay.
Monday:
Chicago
(-6) at St. Louis: I just don't think the Rams can
play with the Bears. Rex Grossman has to get back on
track sooner or later, he's too much of a gunslinger
to miss too many more chances. Lately, there's not a
better team to play against when you're struggling than
the Rams. Chicago's defense should win this game by
7 points all by themselves.
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