I haven’t much time this week to say much more than, “It’s been a crazy season thus far.”
Bring on the rest, I say.
Panthers at Dolphins
The Panthers, fresh off a big victory over the Pats on Monday night, are on a roll. I expect them to roll over the Dolphins this week, as they keep the pressure on New Orleans for the NFC South title. Winner: Panthers
Chargers at Chiefs
So much disrespect for the now 9-1 Chiefs. Understandable, after they got blown out by the Broncos last week in Denver, right? What’s that you say; it wasn’t a blowout? Funny, that’s how I remember it too. The Chiefs are fine, and I’ll be eagerly anticipating their rematch with the Broncos at Arrowhead in week 13. In the meantime, they have the Bolts coming to town. As long as KC remains focused on this game, and doesn’t get caught looking ahead to next week, they should be fine. Falling behind quickly to Rivers and Co. is always a real possibility. Winner: Chiefs
Bears at Rams
The Rams should be well-rested after their bye, and are coming off an impressive 38-8 shellacking of the Colts the week previous. The Bears won a squeaker at home in stormy weather last week against the can’t-win-on-the-road Ravens, and still have one of the most porous defences in the league. I envision a lot of Rams offence in this one. Winner: Rams
Vikings at Packers
This is the season for Green Bay. Detroit did them a favour by stupiding away their game against the Steelers last week, but Packers/Lions on Thanksgiving is looming, and there’s still no timetable for Aaron Rodgers’s return. Mike McCarthy had better have Scott Tolzien on a short leash this week, lest he throw away another winnable game. Winner: Packers
Jets at Ravens
Hard to figure this Jets team; they’re hot and cold, and when they’re cold, it’s usually because Geno Smith becomes a turnover machine. This pick is purely about geography; the Jets don’t win on the road, and the Ravens only win at home (right, Joe?). Winner: Ravens
Jaguars at Texans
How low the Texans can sink at this point is really anyone’s guess. I like the Jags’ chances in this one because it’s in Houston. Think about it: As the Texans’ season has sunk further and further into the abyss, their once hopeful fans have come to epitomize ugly behaviour, even sinking as low as to cheer their own players’ injuries. I have to wonder what effect it has on a players’ psyche when thoughts like “Why should I put my body on the line for these assholes?” start to creep in. The Texans should win this one, but one bad play, and the “Here we go again” vibe spreads fast, on the field and in the stands. Winner: Jaguars
Buccaneers at Lions
This one looks like an easy pick, but I’m not so sure. The Bucs have been gradually getting better since the departure of Josh Freeman and the ascension of Mike Glennon to starting QB. The Lions’ defence, once you get past the front four, still has lots of weaknesses to exploit. I’ll also be curious to see what Darrelle Revis can do against Calvin Johnson. I find it hard to trust the Lions anyway, but as divisional frontrunners, with so much at stake, they’re bound to screw up somehow. Winner: Buccaneers
Steelers at Browns
As much as I’d like to count the Steelers out, they have looked a bit better the past couple of weeks. This looks like a close one to me. Winner: Steelers
Colts at Cardinals
There’s hope in the desert, as Cards players and fans are suddenly dreaming about the playoffs. Unfortunately, Carson Palmer is involved. Wake up Arizona. Wake up. Winner: Colts
Titans at Raiders
Every time I say, “Matt McGloin,” I can’t help thinking about George C. Scott’s award winning performance in “Football in the Groin.” That said, I like the Raiders at home, even without Terrelle Pryor in the lineup. Winner: Raiders
Bring on the rest, I say.
Panthers at Dolphins
The Panthers, fresh off a big victory over the Pats on Monday night, are on a roll. I expect them to roll over the Dolphins this week, as they keep the pressure on New Orleans for the NFC South title. Winner: Panthers
Chargers at Chiefs
So much disrespect for the now 9-1 Chiefs. Understandable, after they got blown out by the Broncos last week in Denver, right? What’s that you say; it wasn’t a blowout? Funny, that’s how I remember it too. The Chiefs are fine, and I’ll be eagerly anticipating their rematch with the Broncos at Arrowhead in week 13. In the meantime, they have the Bolts coming to town. As long as KC remains focused on this game, and doesn’t get caught looking ahead to next week, they should be fine. Falling behind quickly to Rivers and Co. is always a real possibility. Winner: Chiefs
Bears at Rams
The Rams should be well-rested after their bye, and are coming off an impressive 38-8 shellacking of the Colts the week previous. The Bears won a squeaker at home in stormy weather last week against the can’t-win-on-the-road Ravens, and still have one of the most porous defences in the league. I envision a lot of Rams offence in this one. Winner: Rams
Vikings at Packers
This is the season for Green Bay. Detroit did them a favour by stupiding away their game against the Steelers last week, but Packers/Lions on Thanksgiving is looming, and there’s still no timetable for Aaron Rodgers’s return. Mike McCarthy had better have Scott Tolzien on a short leash this week, lest he throw away another winnable game. Winner: Packers
Jets at Ravens
Hard to figure this Jets team; they’re hot and cold, and when they’re cold, it’s usually because Geno Smith becomes a turnover machine. This pick is purely about geography; the Jets don’t win on the road, and the Ravens only win at home (right, Joe?). Winner: Ravens
Jaguars at Texans
How low the Texans can sink at this point is really anyone’s guess. I like the Jags’ chances in this one because it’s in Houston. Think about it: As the Texans’ season has sunk further and further into the abyss, their once hopeful fans have come to epitomize ugly behaviour, even sinking as low as to cheer their own players’ injuries. I have to wonder what effect it has on a players’ psyche when thoughts like “Why should I put my body on the line for these assholes?” start to creep in. The Texans should win this one, but one bad play, and the “Here we go again” vibe spreads fast, on the field and in the stands. Winner: Jaguars
Buccaneers at Lions
This one looks like an easy pick, but I’m not so sure. The Bucs have been gradually getting better since the departure of Josh Freeman and the ascension of Mike Glennon to starting QB. The Lions’ defence, once you get past the front four, still has lots of weaknesses to exploit. I’ll also be curious to see what Darrelle Revis can do against Calvin Johnson. I find it hard to trust the Lions anyway, but as divisional frontrunners, with so much at stake, they’re bound to screw up somehow. Winner: Buccaneers
Steelers at Browns
As much as I’d like to count the Steelers out, they have looked a bit better the past couple of weeks. This looks like a close one to me. Winner: Steelers
Colts at Cardinals
There’s hope in the desert, as Cards players and fans are suddenly dreaming about the playoffs. Unfortunately, Carson Palmer is involved. Wake up Arizona. Wake up. Winner: Colts
Titans at Raiders
Every time I say, “Matt McGloin,” I can’t help thinking about George C. Scott’s award winning performance in “Football in the Groin.” That said, I like the Raiders at home, even without Terrelle Pryor in the lineup. Winner: Raiders
Cowboys at Giants
I was thinking about picking the Giants this week just to upset my buddy Chad, who believes my picking against them has some mystical power that causes them to win. Chad will be happy, because I’m picking Dallas. This ends here. Winner: Cowboys
Broncos at Patriots
I was sorely tempted to pick the Pats in this one, but they have too many DBs appearing on this week’s injury report. New England’s best hope is that their running game is solid, and Brady and his receivers are in synch; a methodical approach on offence will keep Peyton Manning off the field and on the cold sidelines. A shootout favours the Broncs. Winner: Broncos
Monday Night
49ers at Washington
Washington’s defence is just what the doctor ordered for struggling Colin Kaepernick. An impressive performance in this one will have everyone on his bandwagon again. Good. It will also set 49ers’ fans up nicely for the inevitable disappointment when he flames out in the playoffs. Winner: 49ers
I was thinking about picking the Giants this week just to upset my buddy Chad, who believes my picking against them has some mystical power that causes them to win. Chad will be happy, because I’m picking Dallas. This ends here. Winner: Cowboys
Broncos at Patriots
I was sorely tempted to pick the Pats in this one, but they have too many DBs appearing on this week’s injury report. New England’s best hope is that their running game is solid, and Brady and his receivers are in synch; a methodical approach on offence will keep Peyton Manning off the field and on the cold sidelines. A shootout favours the Broncs. Winner: Broncos
Monday Night
49ers at Washington
Washington’s defence is just what the doctor ordered for struggling Colin Kaepernick. An impressive performance in this one will have everyone on his bandwagon again. Good. It will also set 49ers’ fans up nicely for the inevitable disappointment when he flames out in the playoffs. Winner: 49ers
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