No underdogs this year. No Wild Cards. No weak division winners. No “undeserving” teams. No sixth seeds; not even a fifth, fourth, third, or lowly second. Nothing but number ones invited to this shindig. The NFL’s two top teams, both of which beat their stiffest competition in their respective conference championship games. High-powered offence vs. punishing defence. Record-setting QB and receivers vs. the top defensive secondary.

Welcome to the greatest Super Bowl matchup of all time.

It doesn’t feel like it, though. At least not to me.

Where’s the controversy. The drama. The HYPE! Did I miss it?

The biggest story in the lead up to the big game was Richard Sherman, after his outburst on live TV immediately following the Seahawks’ victory over their hated rival the 49ers in the NFC Championship game. However, the whole controversy devolved into abject stupidity, at which point sanity somehow prevailed and the story fizzled.

Lemme ‘splain… no, there is too much… Lemme summup:

Richard Sherman is a jerk because he gave a choke sign to an opponent then yelled at a pretty, mentally-challenged girl holding a microphone but we don’t know what the other guy said about him so maybe he was justified and isn’t this criticism really just racism and Sherman isn’t really a bad guy I mean how could he be he went to Stanford and got a degree in communications and everything and you don’t know the real guy and there’s two sides to him and you really just need to get to know “Stanford Richard Sherman” because college-educated equals class and intelligence and hey did you read the column he wrote in Peterland and blah blah blah blahblahblah………………….

Oh, and Marshawn Lynch hates reporters and likes Skittles. That should describe everyone, really.

Boring.

Richard Sherman is a physically-gifted, hard-working athlete. He is a very good football player. He may very well be a drug cheat, but I have no proof of that. Off the field, I don’t care a whit about what he does. On the field, he is a jerk. He is a trash-talker. He likes to show-up opponents. He likes to disrespect opponents. He represents everything that is good and bad about the game itself, and therefore everything I like and dislike about it.

That’s enough about that. It’s time to talk about the game.

NFL Championship Game

Seahawks at Broncos, Snoopy Stadium, New Joisy, USA

These two teams are really evenly-matched. Picking a winner is tough, kind of like guessing which of two Sean Bean characters would win a fight to the death. To me, it’s simple. It’s all about the QBs. No matter what kind of offence you run, no matter your team’s strengths, tendencies, talents, it all begins with the man behind center. He touches the ball on every play. He runs the show. He has to make some plays. Maybe a lot, maybe a whole lot. Russell Wilson is undeniably talented. He has a strong arm. He’s smart. He’s quick. He can make plays with his feet, scrambling, buying time, avoiding pressure, or just running with the ball. He can also make mistakes. He’s young. He most likely still hasn’t fully absorbed the magnitude of this game.

This really is Peyton Manning’s season. He has been getting ready for this game all year. He’s a machine, a cyborg, the Quarterbot 18. He’s the computer who wore cleats. Yes, the Seahawks’ defence is deep, talented, well-coached, hard-hitting, and prepared. How prepared can you be, though, against a player who is playing the game on as high a level as Peyton is now? As good as the Seahawks are, they have to react to Peyton and his offence. Peyton gives so many looks, knows so many wrinkles, has an unparalleled command of the game, sees things so well. When I’ve watched him this season, especially against New England in the AFC Championship, he looked like the only player on the field. And by that, I mean that the other players, on both teams, were merely pieces in a game he was playing by himself. He’s that locked in.

That’s how I see this game. Make no mistake; this Seahawks defence is everything it’s advertised to be, and they will make it extremely challenging for Manning to do the things he wants to do. The going will not be easy for the Broncos offence. Manning’s pieces, and he has some really great pieces (not a pawn in the bunch) will have to execute against a defence that will push them, challenge them, punish them, even hurt them. Peyton will do his thing. This is the ultimate challenge, and he loves it.

The key to the Seahawks’ chances is Russell Wilson. Seattle’s defence will do everything it can to give Wilson the chance to make the plays he needs to make to win. He won’t be up to the challenge. It’s no knock on him.

There’s no shame in not being Peyton Manning, unless you are Peyton Manning.

Oh, and I’m rooting for Champ Bailey in this one. Guy needs a ring.

Seahawks 23, Broncos 30

In case you’ve been living under a rock (or, in the case of my home country, the “True North strong and free,” a snowbank), the NFL’s playoff seeding format is a mess, the wrong teams made the postseason, good teams have to play road games against bad teams, and the playoffs are going to suck, again, just like every year. Pity the poor San Francisco 49ers, winners of 12 games, being forced to test themselves in the sub-zero (yes, even sub-American-zero) temperatures of Lambeau against the 8 win (and one tie) Green Bay Packers. And as if that alone wasn’t enough to convince you of what a travesty this Wild Card round will be, the 11-win New Orleans Saints have to play their opening round game OUTSIDE FOR GOSH SAKES against a Philadelphia Eagles team that only managed to win 10 games this season! We can only hope that the Seattle Seahawks and Carolina Panthers, the deserving top two seeds in the NFC, make it to the conference championship game, or otherwise the regular season will have been rendered a pointless sham.

However, even though all of the attention is focused on the NFC, it’s the AFC where things are really wrong. So, in honour of all the people crying that the regular season should matter more and that changes have to be made when the end result isn’t what we want, I have taken the liberty of re-seeding the AFC so that an emphasis is placed on regular season results and so it’s fair. You’re welcome.

Since it’s Wild Card Weekend, let’s start with those wild cards, the Chiefs and the Chargers. Chiefs, you’re good. Chargers, we all know the only reason you’re in is because you got a bogus non-call (which the league admitted to) to win your week 17 game. Now, I was about to say that the league should retroactively take away that victory, but since the beneficiary team would be the Steelers, and the referee in question was Bill Leavy, I say retribution is a dish best served extremely cold, so suck it, Steelers. Chargers, you’re good too, and Mike Tomlin, use the extra time to learn the subtleties of not wandering on to the field while the players are, you know, playing.

The Denver Broncos earned the top seed based on their 13-3 record. Sorry, not good enough. I mean, it’s not really fair that the Broncos finish ahead of the Patriots, since the Pats beat them in Week 12. So, let’s swap them. Then, of course, there’s the matter of the Bengals. They beat the Pats, and they also beat AFC South champs the Colts, who also beat the Broncos. Regular season results should count, right? Congratulations, Cincy, you’re number one now. That leaves the Pats at two, Colts at three, and Broncs at four.

That’s much better, right?

I’ve read some pretty interesting takes on what’s wrong with the playoff seeding format this week. I’m not going to link to any of them; these guys get enough attention as it is, and I’m not giving them any more free advertising. My take, which I touched on last week: it is what it is. If you listened to the experts, the NFL would have a format completely based on won-lost records, or with the caveat thrown in that division winners automatically get a playoff berth, but then get seeded based on their record. So, the 49ers and Saints playing home games this weekend would be justice, but the 10-6 Cardinals making it over the 8-7-1 Packers would not? See, this is the thing that gets me about the media whining about playoff seeding EVERY YEAR; unless you can come up with a perfect solution, it’s probably better if you leave things as they are.

When I look at the Green Bay Packers, this year’s “problem,” I see a team that:

• Was 5-2 after Week 8
  
• Had Aaron Rodgers suffer a broken clavicle in a Week 9 loss against division-rival Chicago
• Went 2-4-1 over their next seven games without the best QB in the NFL
• Won a winner-take-all finale against the Bears with Rodgers playing for the first time since his injury
  

So, I guess what I’m trying to say is that I’m not too broken up over Green Bay, and Rodgers, being in the playoffs, or even hosting a game. If you look at the Packers, they’re clearly better than their record.

Tinker with the playoff seeding format if you want. You’ll never make everyone happy. More importantly, the media will always find something to complain about. Don’t believe the hype.

Oh, and the playoffs are going to be awesome again. Just like every year.

Saturday

Chiefs at Colts

With LB Justin Houston expected to make his return, the Chiefs’ pass rush should be better than the one that Andrew Luck faced two weeks ago in KC. LB Tamba Hali will not play, however, which should make Houston easier to handle. The Colts defence seems to have returned to its early-season form as the secondary has gotten healthier. Since the Chiefs have no real big-play threat at receiver, this will make it easier for the Colts to focus on stopping Jamaal Charles. That should be the difference in what should be a competitive game. Winner: Colts

Saints at Eagles

It’s easy to say that I should pick the Eagles because the Saints are playing on the road, outside, in the cold. So that’s exactly what I’m saying; I’m picking the Eagles because the Saints are playing on the road, outside, in the cold. As long as Eagles’ QB NickFoleon Dynamite doesn’t experience an “Ohmygod I’m in the playoffs!”-Spaz Attack, Philly should be able to outpoint Drew Brees and company. Winner: Eagles

Sunday

Chargers at Bengals

Congratulations San Diego! Now, meet your destroyer. For me, this game comes down to the fact that, while both teams can score tons on offence, the Chargers’ defence is not very good, and the Bengals’ defence is. As long as Bengals’ QB Andy Dalton doesn’t experience an “Ohmygod I’m in the playoffs!”-Spaz Attack, Cincy should be fine. Winner: Bengals

49ers at Packers

This one’s easy, right? What, haven’t you heard? The 49ers are much better than the Packers. The 49ers own the Packers. The only thing that gives the Packers a chance is the cold. Seriously though, that 49ers defence is awfully good. In the bitter cold, that’s a huge advantage. Still, I’m going to act like the huge Rodgers fanboy that I am and pick the Green Bay. The Packers’ secondary just might be healthy enough to allow their defence to focus on taking care of business up front. Plus, we all know that, if the ‘niners’ defence does have a weakness, it’s in the secondary. Winner: Packers

To begin this week, let’s cast our memories back a few seasons.

A team, bolstered by a 6-0 record against one mediocre and two awful divisional opponents, finished 9-7, easily won their division, qualified for the playoffs over several teams with equal or better records, and secured a home playoff game in the first round. I remember there was some discussion about whether this team “deserved” to be in the playoffs, hosting an 11-5 team to boot. The playoff seeding system needed to be overhauled to keep teams like this out and reward better teams, obviously. It was an absolute travesty. Pity flowed freely for poor teams like the 11-5 New England Patriots who were shut out of the postseason. Of course, this same team beat the 11-5 Atlanta Falcons in the first round, went all the way to the Super Bowl, and came within seconds of becoming champs. Also, they were as exciting as hell.

I mean, does anyone remember the 2009 Arizona Cardinals, featuring Kurt Warner and the nigh unstoppable Larry Fitzgerald? I know I do.

I only bring this up because here we are again, with one week left before the playoffs, and not much has changed. The Cardinals could win this week, finishing at 11-5, and still miss the playoffs. Meanwhile, a 10-6 or 9-7 team will win the NFC East, and a 9-7 or 8-7-1 team will win the NFC North. There’s been a lot of talk this week about the poor Cards, and how unfair the playoff seeding system is. It’s a very common narrative that the media loves to trot out to make it seem like they’re doing their due diligence by criticizing the league that they spend most of their time glorifying. With injuries, scheduling quirks, weather anomalies, and other unforeseen circumstances, won-loss records don’t always give an accurate representation of which are the better teams. Don’t believe me? Three years after the Arizona Cardinals became the first 9-7 team to make the Super Bowl, the 9-7 New York Giants, who qualified for the playoffs on the last day of the season, beat the Pats to become Super Bowl champs. I won’t shed too many tears for the teams that don’t make the postseason this year. It’s the NFL; there are always good teams that get left out. If anything, it’s an indicator of the quality of the teams in the league. As a fan of the game, I’m happy about that.

Jaguars at Colts

You have to love the Jags. They demonstrate the pride and quality of the type of player who is good enough to make it all the way to the NFL. They played this season with determination and a will not finish in last place, as many expected. I’m waiting for the early-season Colts to return, the giant-slayers who, over a 4-week period, beat the 49ers, Seahawks, and Broncos. They looked good against the Chiefs last week, hopefully a sign of things to come. Winner: Colts

Lions at Vikings

This is a “who cares” game. The Vikes go without Adrian Peterson. I love the Lions. They make me look like a friggin’ genius regularly through their ineptitude. I’m of two minds when it comes to Head Coach Jim Schwartz; he should be fired, because he is terrible, but I hope they keep him, because he’s terrible. Tie

Browns at Steelers

Did you know that the 7-8 Steelers still have a shot, albeit slim, at the playoffs? They’ll play hard. Winner: Steelers

Panthers at Falcons

With their huge win over the Saints last week, Carolina has a shot at a division title and a first-round bye. All they have to do is take care of their own business. Winner: Panthers

Washington at Giants

Completely meaningless game. I can’t even guess at any motivation for the players. Note to the Giants’ organization: fire Coughlin at your peril. Tie

Texans at Titans

A Houston loss will secure for them the number one pick in next year’s draft. As they’ve screwed everything else up this season… Winner: Texans

Ravens at Bengals

The Ravens need to win to have a shot at the playoffs. It’s that simple. However, don’t overlook the Bengals’ motivations in this one. Cincy still has a shot at a first-round bye. That aside, I’d be willing to bet that the prospect of ending Baltimore’s season is all the extra motivation that the Bengals need. Winner: Bengals

Jets at Dolphins

I’m sure that the Jets would love nothing more at this point than to play playoff spoilers, but Miami’s pass rush will be enough to snuff that notion. Winner: Dolphins

Buccaneers at Saints

In theory, the Bucs have the chance to knock the Saints out of the playoffs. I expect New Orleans to prevail at home, though. Winner: Saints

Chiefs at Chargers

The Chargers still have an outside shot at the postseason, while the Chiefs’ playoff seeding is set. San Diego is the obvious choice here. Funny thing about the NFL though: even second-stringers don’t just roll over, and pressure doesn’t always make diamonds. Winner: Chiefs

Rams at Seahawks

Opponents’ defence troubles Seattle, but there’s not much trouble here. Winner: Seahawks

49ers at Cardinals

I thought that the Cards would lose in Seattle last week, based on the fact that Carson Palmer would turn the ball over too many times. I was right about the turnovers, but the Cards’ defence rendered that moot. I don’t like Colin Kaepernick against a really good defence, and I doubt that will change anytime soon. Winner: Cardinals

Broncos at Raiders

Winner: Broncos

Packers at Bears

While I’m testing your memory, do you remember the Packers’ most recent Super Bowl campaign? Aaron Rodgers was forced to sit out a couple of games due to his second concussion of the season, and the Packers needed to win their final two games of the season just to qualify as the 6th seed. Their Week 17 opponent that year: Da’ Bears. For this game, Rodgers is making his first appearance since he suffered a broken clavicle in Week 9. Fortunately for Rodgers, the Packers’ run game should be enough to secure a victory here. Winner: Packers

Bills at Patriots

The Pats are properly motivated here, with a first-round bye at stake. Winner: Patriots















Eagles at Cowboys

I’d have picked the Eagles anyway, with or without Romo, because of the absence of Sean Lee. Winner: Eagles

Stay tuned for my playoff preview later this week.

Geez! What a season.

By Week 13, you’d expect things to be a bit clearer, as the wheat separates itself from the chaff. However, in this campaign, which at times has seemed to be more about surviving than winning, we have the following:

• Several teams in the AFC with 5-6 records vying for the final playoff spot, with teams at 4-7 (and one at 5-7) still hanging on.
• Preseason favourite Houston on a 9-game losing streak (with the 8-3 Pats coming to town), and tied for last place in the conference with Jacksonville.
• Brandon “Him Again?” Weeden making his third appearance at the top of the Browns’ QB depth chart, after injuries felled the last two guys who replaced him for sucking.
• The Panthers on a 7-game winning streak, and challenging for a division crown and a top-two seed in the NFC.
• Aaron Rodgers watching from the sidelines while his Packers haven’t won in a month.
• The 49ers fighting for their playoff lives instead of for first place.
• The Lions leading their division.
• The Falcons, losers of 5 straight, with the worst record in the NFC.
  

We’re getting closer to the finish. Something’s got to give. Let’s hope it’s not another player’s body. Healthy players make for better football.  It’d be nice to see some teams in the thick of the playoff races get back some of their nicked-up players, just to make things more interesting.

 

Patriots at Texans

Last week, I explained why the Texans playing at home is bad, and picked the Jags to beat them. Don’t expect the Pats to show them any mercy. Winner: Patriots

Bears at Vikings

The Bears’ run defence is so terrible it would make any RB look like an all-star, so it stands to reason that if they commit the necessary personnel to try and stop Adrian Peterson, it won’t take an all-star QB to shred them. Winner: Vikings

Jaguars at Browns

The Browns’ defence should be good enough for the team to survive the visiting Jags, provided, of course, that they can survive their own starting QB, Brandon Weeden. Winner: Browns

Buccaneers at Panthers

The Panthers must be salivating about their game against the Saints next week, but they’d better not get caught looking ahead when they face a game Tampa squad this week, or next week’s game won’t mean nearly as much. Winner: Panthers

Dolphins at Jets

Though I’m iffy about picking the Dolphins on the road, I see their pass rush as the deciding factor, especially against turnover-prone Jets’ QB Geno Smith. Winner: Dolphins

Titans at Colts

Doesn’t it seem like forever ago that the Colts looked like a Super Bowl favourite after kicking the crap out of teams like the 49ers, Seahawks, and Broncos? They’ve been outscored 108-49 in their past three games, going 1-2 in process. They had better find a way to turn things around again, or they will have a very short playoff run, assuming they make it there. Winner: Colts

Cardinals at Eagles

The Cards have put themselves in the thick of the playoff race by reeling off four straight wins, but I’m not convinced that they can keep that streak going on the road against the Eagles with Nick Foles behind centre. Winner: Eagles

Falcons at (Toronto) Bills

I’ll take a Bills’ team that does a few things right at “home” against a Falcons’ team that can’t do anything right. Winner: Bills

Rams at 49ers

The Rams ran roughshod over the Bears last week, but the ‘niners’ defence is a significant upgrade in opposition. The difference should be a harsh dose of reality. Winner: 49ers

Bengals at Chargers

With their injury-depleted defence and Jekyll and Hyde offence, I have a bad feeling that the Bengals are in for a long day against the mercurial Chargers offence. Winner: Chargers

Broncos at Chiefs

After their game at Mile High two weeks ago, I was eagerly anticipating this quick rematch. However, last week against the Chargers, we discovered that the loss of its two dominant pass rushers, Tamba Hali and Justin Houston, makes the Chiefs defence very ordinary. Houston won’t play this week, and Hali is listed as “Questionable” after practising minimally this week. Ordinary defence won’t cut it against the Broncos. Winner: Broncos

Giants at Washington

Last week, I picked against the Giants and I actually got it right for a change. They should bounce back nicely this week against Washington. Winner: Giants

Monday Night

Saints at Seahawks

This is a huge matchup in terms of playoff ramifications The Saints currently are the number two seed in the NFC at 9-2; the only team ahead of them are these same Seahawks at 10-1. Both teams enjoy a marked home field advantage, making the number one seed of vital importance. So, do I go with the Seahawks at home, or do I envision Drew Brees capitalizing on Seattle’s depleted secondary? I think that the Seahawks will follow the blueprint laid out for them by Bill Belichick and neutralize Saints’ TE Jimmy Graham, perhaps with a heavy dose of CB Richard Sherman. That, plus the Saints playing on the road in a really tough environment should be enough. Winner: Seahawks

Just a quick look at the standings will tell anyone that this is a week when a lot of teams are going to have to turn it up a notch. In the AFC: the once-unassailable Pats find themselves hotly-pursued by their arch-rivals, the Jets; the injury-plagued Bengals face a head-to-head challenge from their top division challenger, Cleveland; the Chiefs travel to Denver in search of a win and respect, and; the Chargers, Ravens, and Dolphins just hope to stay in the playoff hunt. Meanwhile, in the NFC: the Bears and Packers, without their number one QBs, have to find a way to keep pace with the North-controlling Lions; the Saints hope to hold off the surging Panthers in the South; the Cardinals are still holding out hope for a wild card berth, and; the East, amazingly, is still any team’s for the taking.

This is the time of year when teams need to dig deep. Through, adversity, pressure, injuries, even when they think they’ve given it all they can, they have to ask themselves, “Where can we go from here?” They have to find a way to find that little extra push over the cliff. Should make for some exciting football.

Lions at Steelers

The Steelers are tough at home, but their defence is a shadow of its former self, and the Lions can move the ball. On offence, the Steelers lack of an effective running game means that Ben Roethlisberger will be running for his life against Detroit’s daunting front four. Winner: Lions

Browns at Bengals

Bengals’ fans must be wondering if the team is jinxed (Any Bengals’ fans want to chime in here?); few teams have struggled as much with injuries to key players. The pressure is really on Cincy’s offence this week, as the suddenly too-close-for-comfort Browns come to town. Cleveland has proven to be a dangerous foe when QBs not named Brandon Weeden are behind centre. Cagey veteran Jason Campbell will make this a tough test for the Bengals, in what should be a close contest. Winner: Bengals

Raiders at Texans

My favourite new player this season is out, as is Darren McFadden, thus alleviating my fear of picking Houston to do anything but self-destruct. Winner: Texans

Falcons at Buccaneers

I always find these games so tough to pick; two teams going nowhere. Tampa looks like the better choice, from a healthy talent perspective, and they’re playing at home. Winner: Buccaneers

Jets at Bills

The Jets’ tough defence against a Buffalo offence that may have to resort to pulling people out of the stands to play wideout is the deciding factor in this one, even though the thought of taking hot-then-cold rookie QB Geno Smith on the road makes me cringe. Look out Pats; here come the Jets. Winner: Jets

Ravens at Bears

Because of the Bears’ putrid defence, I was leaning toward the Ravens, until I heard that the weather in Chicago is supposed to be nasty, with thunderstorms followed by high winds. I’m going with reliable Josh McCown and Chicago’s superior running attack leading the way. And besides, my buddy Joe insists that the Ravens can’t win on the road. Winner: Bears

Washington at Eagles

Philly’s offence, which looked stagnant only a few short weeks ago, has been humming along again with Nick Foles running things. The Eagles should be able to light up the porous Washington defence like an early Christmas tree, giving Philly fans the treat of a rare home win. Winner: Eagles

Cardinals at Jaguars

Congratulations on winning last weekend, Jaguars. You may now relax and return to losing. I hope you get a really good player in next year’s draft. Winner: Cardinals

Chargers at Dolphins

The Dolphins are done. Poor Ryan Tannehill was one of the worst-protected QBs in the league BEFORE his terrible offensive line was revealed to be the NFL-equivalent of “Mean Girls.” Not only am I picking San Diego, but I’m going on record that I hope Miami loses all of their remaining home games. Their asshole fans deserve that. Winner: Chargers

Vikings at Seahawks

I don’t anticipate Seattle having much difficulty handling the Vikings in the noisy confines of CenturyLink Field. Winner: Seahawks

Packers at Giants

In the less-than-stellar NFC East, the 3-6 Giants are still a viable playoff contender. Green Bay is another of those teams that has seen its high hopes severely hindered by injuries to its best players. The Packers have to try to keep pace with the division-leading Lions. If ever there was a week for the Packers’ defence to come through with a superior effort, this is it. They need to pressure Eli Manning, force some turnovers, and let the running game grind out a victory. Expect a close game. Winner: Packers

49ers at Saints

I find it difficult to put too much stock in either one of these teams. Neither one has beaten any really good opponents. For this game, though, I’ll go with Drew Brees and his high-octane offence, at home. Winner: Saints

Chiefs at Broncos

I get it, really, I do: Peyton Manning and all his receiving weapons scoring TDs at record pace, against a KC team that no one really believes is as good as its 9-0 record, so why not make the Broncos huge favourites? No, wait, I don’t get it. Here’s what I see: Manning is gimpy, with injuries to both ankles; KC’s defence is really, really good, can get solid pressure up the middle and on the edge, and has a deep secondary; KC’s offence is efficient, runs well, eats clock, and takes care of the ball; Denver’s defence is not very good; Jack Del Rio is running the show in Denver in John Fox’s absence, and; November nights in the mile-high city are chilly, which brings us back to Manning. If the Chiefs can get off to a good start and avoid falling behind early, the Broncos are in for a long night. Winner: Chiefs

Monday Night

Patriots at Panthers

Let’s put aside the mystique of Brady, at night, in a nationally-televised game that is now a must-win due to the lurking Jets, and deal with the facts:  this Carolina defence isn’t just good; it may be the best in the NFL right now. That’ll be the difference against a Pats team that can’t count itself as among the league’s best on either side of the ball. Winner: Panthers

"HAPPY FOOTBALL SUNDAY!!!!"

“Yes It Is.”

“YAHOOOOOOOOOO!”

One of the best things about football season is that, even though we are hundreds (or thousands) of Kilometres apart, I know where my football fan friends are, and it’s heartening to know that we’re doing the same things, together/apart.

I watch football because I enjoy it. That’s the same reason I write about it, and I hope that’s the same reason you’re reading this. I’m no expert. Players and agents don’t text me, and I don’t have any coaches, owners, or GMs on speed-dial. My picks are part observation, part psychology, sometimes part wishful thinking.

This week, as with every week, my needs are simple when it comes to the product on the field:

·         That the players and coaches get to decide the games, not the officials

·         That no one gets injured

·         That we are entertained

(Above: Maximus Decimus Meridius snaps when he sees a Jets fan in the press box)


This week, and for the rest of the season, we are missing the likes of Vince Wilfork, Jerod Mayo, Leon Hall, Dennis Pitta, Brian Hoyer, Reggie Wayne, Brian Cushing, Sam Bradford, Brian Bulaga, Henry Melton, Julio Jones, Dustin Keller, Mark Sanchez, Maurkice Pouncy, Larry Foote, Ahmad Bradshaw, Danieal Manning, Ryan Clady, Dwight Freeney, David Baas, Chris Snee. The game is better with these guys healthy, because they raise the level of competition (or, in the case of Sanchez, provide comic relief and make Jets’ fans suffer). Come back healthy next season, guys.

Happy football Sunday? Yes, it is. Yahoo!

49ers “at” Jags FC

Location doesn’t matter. Rain shouldn’t matter. Winner: 49ers

Cowboys at Lions

Lions favoured only because they’re at home. Winner: Cowboys

Dolphins at Patriots

Until the Dolphins fix the O-line, they’ll only beat bad teams. Winner: Patriots







Bills at Saints

(All signs point to) No Jimmy Graham. Bills’ defence is good. Saints favoured by too much in this one. I’d pick the Bills is Spiller was healthier. Winner: Saints

Giants at Eagles

A win against a wretched Vikes team isn’t enough to tempt me yet, Coughlin Mystique. Winner: Eagles

Browns at Chiefs

Imagine trying to play QB against a top NFL defence with the equivalent of a jet engine screaming in your ear. Winner: Chiefs

Jets at Bengals

“The Red Rifle” is smokin’ hot, Gio “Storm” corners like he’s on a rail, and AJ Green, he’s pretty good too. Winner: Bengals

Steelers at Raiders

This pick’s all about Terrelle Pryor, my favourite new player this season. Winner: Raiders

Washington at Broncos

Back to pushovers. Winner: Broncos

Falcons at Cardinals

Roddy White’s a no-go. Steven Jackson is a go-go, at least until he’s gone-gone again-gain. Winner: Cardinals

Packers at Vikings

This is the best the Pack’s running game has looked since Aaron Rodgers became the starter. Winner: Packers

Monday Night

Seahawks at Rams

Since the Panthers played on Thursday, would it be completely out of the question for Steve Smith to do a run-in and hit Janoris Jenkins with a steel chair? By the time the Seahawks are through with them, most of the Rams will probably feel as though they suffered a similar fate. Of course, no one in St. Louis will be watching. Winner: Seahawks

My wife, a big-time Pats fan, showed me this video of Tom Brady “miked” during last week’s game against the Saints. I’m usually loath to link to videos from the NFL website, due to the ads, but I recommend this one. Whether you love or hate the Pats, you should respect what Brady has done and continues to do for that team. He’s been given a tough assignment this season, with so many changes in offensive personnel, and he’s handled the situation like a champ.



Bills at Dolphins

I’m still a bit skeptical about the Dolphins’ offence, due to their seeming inability to run the ball or protect Ryan Tannehill. Miami needs to get after Bills’ QB Thad Lewis hard, make him uncomfortable, force some miscues. Should be a close one. Winner: Dolphins



Patriots at Jets

Give Rex Ryan some credit; he began the season with a team on the low end of the talent scale, with a quarterback situation no coach would envy, and he went back to basics of running the ball on offense and stopping the run on defence. Ryan’s counterpart this Sunday, Bill Belichick, has had different challenges. After the offseason purge of, essentially, all of Tom Brady’s top (consistently healthy) receivers (and that other unpleasantness), he began the season with a team loaded with talent on defence, and with deep running attack to support Brady as he acclimated his new receivers to the Pats’ system. However, New England enters Week 7 with an uncertain future, without its three key players on defence; defensive line anchor and run-stopping vortex Vince Wilfork, defensive captain and tackling machine Jerod Mayo, and shut down CB Aqib Talib. (Don’t get too caught-up in the Gronkowski will-he-or-won’t-he talk; Belichick’s saving Gronk for a playoff run.) This should be a hard-fought, close contest. I think the Pats win, based on their advantages in the passing and kicking game. Winner: Patriots



Cowboys at Eagles

If you’re looking for scoring, this should be the game you want to watch, featuring two teams that move the ball quickly on offence but don’t stop anyone on defence. Philly is at a distinct advantage due to its vast superiority on the ground. Winner: Eagles



Rams at Panthers

The Rams scored an impressive win against a Houston team that failed to execute in any facet. Panthers’ coach Ron Rivera has promised a new, more aggressive approach on offense (it’s like he suddenly woke up and realized that he has a dynamically talented QB, talented RBs, and a veteran, playmaking WR, and that offence should be proactive). Factor in a tough Carolina defence, and you’ve got an easy win. That is, if you trust Rivera. I’ll give him a shot Winner: Panthers



Chargers at Jaguars

The Jags gave a good effort against Denver last week. Back to reality. Winner: Chargers



Buccaneers at Falcons

Tampa may be a disappointment this year, but not nearly to the extent that Atlanta has. The Falcons began the season as contenders for one of the top seeds in the NFC, but now they sit at 1-4, ravaged by injuries, with virtually no hope of even making the playoffs. I guess I’ll pick nothing to lose against no hope. Winner: Buccaneers



Bears at Washington

RGIII is starting to run more and more as the weeks go by, which makes him a very dangerous opponent. Unfortunately, if he continues to be such an inaccurate passer, he’s going to end up just like Michael Vick does every season: injured. Chicago’s offence should have little trouble scoring points against Washington’s defence. Winner: Bears



Bengals at Lions

Cincy should be able to generate enough QB pressure without committing extra personnel, so they can devote more attention to not getting beaten by Megatron. The Bengals definitely have the playmakers to go toe-to-toe with anyone, especially with the emergence of rookie RB Gio “Storm” Bernard. Winner: Bengals



49ers at Titans

So, Jake Locker’s back this week for the Titans. That makes this game very interesting. Before Locker’s injury, his solid play, along with Tennessee’s vastly improved defence, made them force to be reckoned with. San Fran is in for a tough test this week. Colin Kaepernick has been talking this week about how Tennessee passed on drafting him in 2011. Between that, and admitting that he gets motivation by reading bad things that people post on Twitter about him, I think he’s got rocks in his head. That’s a lot of negativity, dude. Join a yoga class or something. Arian Foster can probably hook you up. Winner: Titans



Browns at Packers

The Green Bay offence is dealing with some injuries at WR, but Aaron Rodgers is playing really well right now, and it appears he finally has a running game to shoulder some of the offensive load. Winner: Packers



Ravens at Steelers

Pittsburgh’s defence looked decent as the team picked up its first win of the season against the Jets. The Ravens have a bit more talent, but their offence has been inconsistent. Expect another close, heated contest in another installment of one of the NFL’s most heated rivalries. Winner: Ravens



Texans at Chiefs

Have the Texans hit rock bottom yet in this nightmare season? They looked about as bad as a team can look last week. Case Keenum starts in place of injured Matt Schaub at QB, and he couldn’t have asked for a tougher assignment that the KC defence in mega-loud Arrowhead. The nightmare continues, as dreams of a Super Bowl must seem a lifetime ago for the Texans. Winner: Chiefs



Broncos at Colts

Forget all the hoopla surrounding Peyton’s return and Colts’ owner/town half-wit Jim Irsay’s typically asinine comments about Manning. This is the best team that Denver has played so far this season, and that’s the real story. Sure, Indy lost on Monday night the San Diego. I watched that game. Andrew Luck looked sharp, but the Colts had numerous drives killed by untimely and uncharacteristic drops. Maybe they were guilty of looking past the Chargers. Who can say? If Indy’s defence can get a few stops, Luck and Co. are more than capable of keeping up against a bad Denver defence. Broncos’ OLB/Cheating Asshole Von Miller makes his return from his too-short suspension. I expect him to have about as much of an impact as he did against Baltimore in last year’s playoffs. Winner: Colts



Monday Night

Vikings at Giants

My buddy Vince pointed out to me that this is, apparently, the worst matchup in Monday Night Football history. Both teams are playing so badly that it’s difficult to pick a winner. That Coughlin mystique makes me lean towards the Giants at home. However, they have so many injuries to overcome, Brandon Jacobs being one of the most recent (a big blow to their already depleted running game). Do they just let Eli air it out and go for the shootout win? That’s fine in theory, but they can’t seem to protect Eli and he looks lost this year. The answer here lies with newly-acquired Vikings’ QB Josh Freeman. Freeman is talented, but his game suffered tremendously as a result of the way he was treated by the coaching staff in Tampa. I imagine he must be feeling pretty spectacular being out of that mess. Winner: Vikings

It’s Thanksgiving weekend north of 45 (or, in my case, about 40km south of 45), and I have a great many things for which to be thankful:

 I am thankful that I live in a country where, as we in Nova Scotia demonstrated last week, I can participate in free elections to choose my government. I am also thankful to live in a country where a person can choose not to vote at all (even though I believe that that is wrong).

I am thankful that I have the opportunity to write this column, and I am thankful that people read and enjoy it (and sometimes give me feedback… comments always welcome… follow me on Twitter @GFHowie).

I am thankful that I have some of the best friends in the whole world. Seriously, I would stack my friends up against anyone else’s ( Some of my friends might even enjoy being stacked against others, kind of like human Jenga… who am I kidding… they would LOVE it!)

I am thankful for my two intelligent, talented, beautiful, daughters, who bring me so much joy and aggravation (but mostly joy).

And I am especially thankful for my wife. Words cannot adequately describe everything she means to me.

Now that that’s of of the way, let’s dispense with the sap. There’s football to be played.

Packers at Ravens

Looking ahead, I was feeling pretty good about picking the Packers in this one, but without Clay Matthews, I’m a lot less sure. I’m counting on Aaron Rodgers and his cadre of talented receivers to come up with a superior effort against a Ravens team that has its own division race to worry about, and will be playing hard. Expect this one to still be a game in the 4th. Winner: Packers

Panthers at Vikings

I’m starting to wonder if Carolina would do better if its horrendous coaching staff were kidnapped just before kickoff. They sure have the talent on offence, but it’s being stunted by poor decision-making on the sidelines. If this ends up being a tight contest, as I expect it will, I like Adrian Peterson to carry the team on his back to victory like he did so many times last season. Peterson’s playing with a heavy heart this week, and I for one will be rooting for him. Winner: Vikings

Eagles at Buccaneers

Since I have no faith in Tampa right now, and I know that Philly can move the ball, I know which way I have to go. Winner: Eagles

Raiders at Chiefs

Though I have openly expressed my admiration for Terrelle Pryor in previous columns, he managed to impress me even more in beating the Chargers last week in a very special “NFL After Dark” presentation. Pryor’s maturation process continues this week as he faces a buzzsaw Chiefs defence in noisy KC. Pryor is in for one heck of a ride. Winner: Chiefs

Bengals at Bills

Cincy, fresh from shutting down Tom Brady, face the slightly less experienced Thad Lewis at QB for the Bills this week. Now, in a very winnable road game, is not the time for a Bengals letdown/meltdown. Winner: Bengals

Rams at Texans

Here’s the cold, hard truth: Matt Schaub’s psyche must be so fragile right now that I would not be surprised by anything at this point. Houston’s defence should be able to overwhelm Captain Checkdown (aka Sam Bradford), but, if Schaub starts throwing touchdowns to the Rams’ gambling secondary, is there a point where JJWatt and Co. start questioning just what in the hell they’re killing themselves for? I think Schaub’s threshold for benching in this game is very low. Still, I have to go with the better team, playing at home. I imagine that this is what Texans’ head coach Gary Kubiak must feel like now, giving Schaub another chance. Winner: Texans

Lions at Browns

Any time you watch Detroit play, you get a real appreciation for how important Calvin Johnson is to everything they do on offence. Johnson is in phenomenal shape, plays hard, consistently wins one-on-one battles, and demands opposing defences’ constant attention. In Megatron’s absence from the lineup last week, the Detroit offence managed only 9 points against a Packers team that in previous weeks had given up 34 points to the Bengals, 20 to Washington, and 34 to the 49ers. Not to put too fine a point on it, but Johnson will either be playing hurt, or not at all, against a really good Cleveland defence. Also of note: for all his shortcomings, Browns’ QB Brandon Weeden has been really careful with the ball this season. Winner: Browns

Steelers at Jets

As much as I may dislike admitting it, that Rex Ryan sure is one hell of a coach. The Jets’ defence is playing extremely well, which takes a lot of pressure off the offence and rookie QB Geno Smith. At home, against a struggling Pittsburgh team, that’s a formula for success. Winner: Jets

Jaguars at Broncos

This game features the Jacksonville Jaguars, an NFL team, against the Denver Broncos, another NFL team. Winner: Broncos

Titans at Seahawks

Ryan Fitzpatrick vs. the 12th Man. Oh, and the Seahawks are pretty good, too. Winner: Seahawks

Saints at Patriots

Here we go with the “Patriots don’t lose two in a row” crap again. With the loss of DT Vince Wilfork, the Pats are suddenly soft against the run. Subtract DT Tommy Kelly, and the Pats are potentially heading towards getting blown out at home by Drew Brees and the high-powered Saints offence. Winner: Saints

Cardinals at 49ers

Arizona’s defence is pretty decent, but on the whole, San Fran is just a better team, playing at home. Winner: 49ers

Washington at Cowboys

I know what happened when Dallas played Denver last week; two teams with so-so defences and great QBs with lots of weapons at their disposal went toe-to-toe in a thrilling display of offensive firepower. Denver won, Dallas lost. End of story. Anyone who says otherwise is selling something. Putting aside all the jibber-jabber about heartbreak and letdowns and whatnot, what we have in this game is a Cowboys team that is in first place in its division, playing at home against a Washington team with a really horrendous defence. Anyone who says otherwise is selling something. Winner: Cowboys

Monday Night

Colts at Chargers

Okay, I believe. I believe in the Colts. I believe in their defence. I believe in their coaching staff. I’ve always believed in Andrew Luck. I believe. Winner: Colts

 

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

(Note: After being implored by a reader to post my picks earlier, I actually started writing this on Friday. However, life and family duty intruded, and I had to make a sudden unexpected trip to Cape Breton. I arrived back home at around 1am Sunday, and stayed up all night finishing this sucker. This one’s for you, Paul.)

(Another note: If you're so inclined, you can follow me on Twitter: @GFHowie) 

 Well, I made it all the way to Week 4 without one of those idiots getting to me.

I try. I mean, I really try to focus on the game. Unfortunately, I like to keep up on things, which means I have to make forays into the mainstream media to look for information. And that’s when, invariably, I see something that pisses me off.

One of the fairly recent developments in the NFL that I really like is the fact the mechanisms that the league put in place to limit rookie salaries. I watched for years as high draft picks signed progressively more ridiculous contracts, guaranteed bonuses in the tens of millions of dollars, plus salaries that often eclipsed those of proven NFL veterans, based on college statistics, and without ever having played a down of professional football.

So, you can well imagine how frustrated I was to read this post by Mike Florio on NBC’s PFT. Specifically this paragraph:

It’s believed that the 2011 rookies who have become great players will be lining up at their owners’ doors, demanding the money that was kept from them by a system aimed at keeping windfalls from going to incoming players who never earn it.  From Panthers quarterback Cam Newton to Bengals receiver A.J. Green to Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson to Falcons receiver Julio Jones to Texans defensive lineman J.J. Watt, guys taken at the top of the draft two-plus years ago will want next year what they should have gotten in the first place.

The phrases “…kept from them…” and “…what they should have gotten in the first place,” indicates clearly that Florio would be much more comfortable with a system that awards multi-million dollar guarantees to college superstars like Ryan Leaf, JaMarcus Russell, Vernon Gholston, and Matt Leinart. Or, you know, you could endorse the current system which makes players earn the big contracts. All of the players mentioned on the excerpted paragraph have earned the opportunity to sign a big contract due to superior play at the pro level. If anything, the new rookie salary scale motivated them, rather than hindered them. Florio’s failure to understand this is baffling, but is indicative of a streak of arrogance which has pervaded his site since he sold out to NBC and became a blow-dried TV talking head. Case in point: in the very next paragraph of the same post, he makes this statement:

While there’s no disputing that Broncos linebacker Von Miller and 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith are among the best defensive players in the league, off-field issues could make their teams more reluctant to make a gigantic financial investment in them after only three seasons.

No disputing, eh. Well allow me to retort. Aldon Smith is in rehab, because he’s an idiot millionaire drunk driver, and will not be playing for a while. He may not even play again this season, if Uncle Roger steps up and makes the example out of him that the league sorely needs. Von Miller hasn’t played at all this season. He was suspended for six games; four is the standard for violating the league’s drug policy, plus they tacked on an extra two games because he attempted to cheat the drug testing procedure (Aside: It’s been alleged that Miller conspired with someone from the drug testing company to beat the test; if this is true, Miller should be suspended indefinitely, and should have to apply to the league for reinstatement.). Anyway, my point is this: how can you be “among the best” anything in the NFL if you’re not playing. Smith and Miller are criminals. Besides that, they’re selfish; their actions have hurt their respective teams. Are they talented? Sure. Fat lot of good that’s doing the 49ers and Broncos right now. Sitting on my couch watching the games this week, I guarantee you I will have just as many sacks and tackles as both Smith and Miller put together. Football, Florio; you remember football, don’t you? It’s played on a field.

Colts at Jaguars

Indianapolis is coming off a HUGE road win against San Francisco, and would be prime pickings if they were playing a competent team. Alas, it’s just the Jags. Winner: Colts

Seahawks at Texans

If you had asked me three weeks ago, I’d have said that this would be a titanic struggle, and that the Texans would prevail at home. However, after watching Houston’s offence struggle mightily as the team squeaked out wins against the Colts and the Chargers , then lost to the Ravens, I’m seriously starting to question whether the Texans are the contenders I thought they’d be this season. The Seahawks, on the other hand, have lived up to and beyond expectations thus far. If they can win against a tough opponent on the road, they will become the NFC’s frontrunner for certain. Winner: Seahawks

Ravens at Bills

Buffalo is coming off a horrible performance on the road against the Jets, where they lost in spite of the fact that New York was penalized (this is not a misprint) 20 times for 168 yards! CJ Spiller is banged-up, and isn’t a lock to play this week. EJ Manuel is talented, but erratic. The defence is a mess. Baltimore’s offence showed some signs of life last week against Houston. That’s bad news for the Bills, especially considering how much better the Ravens’ defence has looked on a week-to-week basis. Winner: Ravens

Bengals at Browns

Cincy is coming off a big win against the Packers. Sure, it was a sloppy, turnover-filled affair, but a comeback from 16 points down in a game where you give up 30 consecutive points to a top team is impressive no matter how you do it. Travelling to Cleveland has the whiff of “trap game” all over it. Sudden genius Marvin Lewis should have his Bengals ready. Winner: Bengals

Cardinals at Buccaneers

So, “As Tampa Turns” continues. In this episode, QB Josh Freeman gets benched for rookie Mike Glennon. The Cardinals got thumped by New Orleans last week, but the Bucs sure ain’t the Saints. Winner: Cardinals

Steelers at Vikings (In Jolly Old England)

Pittsburgh showed a bit of life against Chicago last week before turnovers did them in. Ben Roethlisberger got a little careless with the ball, and I bet he’s pretty pissed at himself. The Vikes gave up 31 points to the Brian Hoyer-quarterbacked Browns. Matt Cassel gets the start at QB for Minnesota this week. Also key is the fact that this is not a true home game for the Vikings; they'd probably do better in one of the Scandinavian countries. Winner: Steelers

Giants at Chiefs

Sure, there are lots of fans rooting for terrible teams, but is there anything quite as exquisite as the agony that Giants’ fans must be feeling about now? I mean, they expect their team to be good, and they are just absolutely horrible. Not that the Carolina Panthers aren’t a talented team, but 38-0! Now the turnover-prone Gothamites have to go into one of the loudest barns in the league to face a legitimately good defence and a QB who does not turn the ball over. I’m just sayin’… Winner: Chiefs

Bears at Lions

Chicago handled these guys last year, earning the season sweep. The Bears are better this year, particularly in pass protection, which is bad news for the Lions, who have a strong pass rush, but have not improved appreciably anywhere else on defence. Detroit’s offence upgraded slightly with the acquisition of Reggie Bush, but he’s less than 100%. Also, #2 wideout Nate Burleson is out, putting the focus of Detroit’s offence on, surprise surprise, Megatron. The Bears handled him pretty well last year, too. Winner: Bears

Jets at Titans

I’m starting to believe in the Tennessee renaissance (Tennessance?), especially after they pulled one out against San Diego last week. I still believe in the Jets. Believe that they’re terrible, that is. Winner: Titans

Washington at Raiders

I’d be comfortable picking Oakland if I knew that Terrelle Pryor was healthy. I really like this kid. I watched the Monday nighter against the Broncos; Pryor was under intense pressure all night, but he hung in and kept his cool. Pryor has a lot of talent and a good attitude. I hope, for the sake of Raider fans that he gets developed properly. They can build around this guy. This game sucks. Winner: Washington

Eagles at Broncos

As intrigued as I am about how Philly’s offence matches up against Denver, I still don’t think the Eagles will quite be able to keep up with the Broncos’ offence, which is quickly moving towards juggernaut status. Winner: Broncos

Cowboys at Chargers

Are either of these teams any good? Based on what I’ve seen of them thus far, neither is a contender. I’m basing this pick on the Cowboys’ big win last week against St. Louis. I had the distinct displeasure of watching the Rams’ putrid offence in action this past Thursday, and going from Sam Bradford to Philip Rivers could be a bit of a shock to the Dallas defence. Winner: Chargers

Patriots at Falcons

This looks like a bad matchup for Atlanta right now. New England doesn’t have to crowd the box to stop the run, allowing them to focus on pass defence. Pats CB Aqib Talib is big and physical enough to handle Falcons WR Julio Jones with Safety help over the top, which is easier to provide consistently when Roddy White is less than 100%. This game will be won or lost based on how much progress Tom Brady has made with his new young receivers. The injury-depleted Falcons’ defence should give Brady the time and space he needs. Winner: Patriots

Monday Night

Dolphins at Saints

This is another game where I’m more focused on who isn’t playing than who is. Star Miami DE Cameron Wake will either be playing hurt, or not at all, and getting pressure on Drew Brees is imperative for any defensive unit that wants to stop the Saints’ offence. I might have been tempted to pick the Dolphins here, but not without a healthy Wake. Winner: Saints

It’s no secret: I can’t stand San Francisco 49ers’ Head Coach Jim Harbaugh.

I’ll give the man credit: he turned that team into a winner, after the disastrous tenure of previous head coach Mike Singletary, and was instrumental in saving QB Alex Smith’s career. He’s a really good football coach, when it comes to coaching football. Unfortunately, as a football coach, he’s a terrible human being. He’s a cheater, a liar, and, worst of all, he’s a hypocrite.

This week, star 49ers OLB Aldon Smith was arrested after he crashed his car, blew a 0.15, and was in possession of marijuana. At 7am! Questioned by reporters later in the day, Harbaugh said that he expected that Smith would play on Sunday. Last season, special-teamer Demarcus Dobbs, (not a starter or star) was arrested for a DUI and the 49ers did not allow him to travel with them to their next game. When asked about this double-standard, Harbaugh gave a lame excuse, then clammed up. He even had the nerve to play dumb when asked about the possession charge.

This is classic Harbaugh. Some of his other transgressions:

Earlier this year, Harbaugh, champion of fair play, admonished other teams and players to “Play by the rules.” This, from the same guy who blatantly cheated in a game against the Vikings last season, not once, but twice.

Harbaugh complained incessantly at the beginning of the season about the rule that read-option QBs could be hit, then watched as his defence took shots at Seahawks QB Russell Wilson when Wilson was in that formation.

Harbaugh complains constantly about cheap shots, like the one Packers LB Clay Matthews took at Colin Kaepernick in week one, but says nothing about the fact that his own players have been fined for personal fouls after both of this season’s games.

Harbaugh also like to trash talk. He chided Matthews for being a phony tough guy. Put on some pads, old man. Just don’t let a little noise get to you.

Chargers at Titans

Phillip Rivers has surprised me in the first two games, lighting up the Texans (impressive) and the Eagles (not so much, but still…). I’m still not completely sold on Tennessee’s defensive revival, but they have looked better this season, and it’ll be interesting to see how they handle a revitalized Rivers. San Diego’s offence is just a bit too much here. Winner: Chargers

Cardinals at Saints

Nice to see Arizona actually scoring points again; they’ve been in both of their games thus far, losing then winning in close contests. Playing the Saints in the Big Easy won’t be quite as easy, though. New Orleans’ offence is as steady as ever, and the defence has been decent so far. Winner: Saints

Packers at Bengals

Are Bengals fans starting to worry about Andy Dalton? I know I expected better from him against the Steelers last Monday night. Sure, Cincy won, but Dalton looked tentative at times, and he was often off-target on throws he should be making. I like the way the Bengals defence matches up against Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay offence; Cincy has depth and talent up front to pressure Rodgers and slow down any attempts to run the ball. I just can’t pick against Rodgers. Winner: Packers

Browns at Vikings

There’s been lot of talk about Cleveland trading RB Trent Richardson this week, arguably their best skill player on offence. Oddly enough, that doesn’t change my pick. The Vikings should handle this one easily. Winner: Vikings

Rams at Cowboys

St. Louis has the pass rush to make Tony Romo a very worried boy this week, and we all know what happens when Romo feels the heat, right? Winner: Rams

Texans at Ravens

Texans fans: another extremely stressed-out crew right now. Pegged as possible Super Bowl contenders, Houston has just barely been able to squeak out two wins, as their offence has struggled. Baltimore may not be the team they were last season, but they are proud, angry, and they are at home. I know it’s only week 3, but it’s time the Texans stepped up. Winner: Texans

Giants at Panthers

Who to pick here; my mind reels at the possibilities. Eli’s got the receivers he needs to put up good numbers, and New York’s pass rush is playing itself back into shape after some injuries. Still, their secondary is thin, the running game is in stasis, and they’ve been a turnover machine in the first two weeks. The Panthers have a solid defence, and the offence looks good on paper, but they have the worst coach in the league, Ron Rivera, who seems adept only at finding new and more heartbreaking ways to lose. I’d just settle for a clean, competently played and coached game here. Winner: Panthers

Lions at Washington

Those idiotic Lions lost to Arizona last week, and it looked good on them. This week, they travel to a location near the nation’s capital (where the Detroit franchise has never won, according to every sports journalist in North America, as if it mattered) to face a Washington team that has not looked very good thus far. The Lions will be without RB Reggie Bush this week (funny, but they were without him all last season, and I don’t remember the offence struggling too much), but Washington hasn’t shown much ability to stop anyone. RGIII continues to struggle in his attempt to come back from his career-ending (that’s right, I said it) knee injury. Bad enough that he isn’t as mobile, but his passing accuracy, superb last season, has gone in the shitter. One thing the Lions do well on defence is get after the QB. Will Suh grab the dreads? Nothing would surprise me. Winner: Lions

Buccaneers at Patriots

Tampa Bay is still a team in turmoil. Travelling to Foxborough to play the Pats defence is hardly a remedy for what ails the Bucs’ offence. Tom Brady continues to try to find dependable hands among his receiving corps. He’s looked good between the lines, but he looks like he’s losing patience. He probably feels the Dolphins nipping at his heels. Winner: Patriots

Falcons at Dolphins

I never saw Miami at 2-0, but after seeing their defence in action in week one, I picked them to upset the Colts last week. They certainly are getting Atlanta at an opportune time. Newly acquired RB Steven Jackson is injured, as are key contributors in the WR, LB, and OL corps. The Falcons should be particularly concerned about injuries on the offensive line, as the Dolphins’ pass rush is formidable. Matt Ryan under pressure spells good news for Miami’s opportunistic DBs. Winner: Dolphins

Jaguars at Seahawks

The Jags, one of the two or three worst team in the league, on the road in the noisiest stadium in the league, against a team that just dominated last year’s Super Bowl runner-up (I watched the whole thing, and Harbaugh’s agony was delicious). What more need be said? Winner: Seahawks

Colts at 49ers

I might be tempted to give Andrew Luck a shot in this one if San Fran had decided to bench Aldon Smith, or if the league had stepped in. In reality, the Colts don’t have nearly enough talent on defence to stop the ‘niners, and Luck, who gets hit way more than he should against most teams, is in serious trouble this week. (Aside: Imagine you’re a Colts OL who has (or knows someone who has) experienced an intense personal tragedy a the result of a drunk driver. You have a chance to cut or crack back on Aldon Smith. Are you tempted to go for his knees?) Winner: 49ers

Bills at Jets

I’m picking the Bills because I like their rookie QB EJ Manuel, and the Bills offence, much better than Jets rookie QB Geno Smith and his cohorts. Buffalo just has more talent at the skill positions. The Jets have looked better than they are against a messed-up Tampa team and in a soggy, sloppy, drop-fest against New England. Winner: Bills

Bears at Steelers

These are the types of games Chicago has to win. Sure, the Steelers are at home, but they are a mere shadow of a great team. The Bears’ defence should be able to limit the struggling Steelers more than enough for Jay Cutler and Co. to operate comfortably. Winner: Bears

Monday Night

Raiders at Broncos

Love Raiders QB Terrelle Pryor, and RB Darren McFadden is showing signs of life again. Still, the Broncos are on a roll, and they’ll keep right on rolling for now. Winner: Broncos