Last Week: 6-8
Season: 99-61

I’m mired in my worst slump in five years. Oh well, nothing to do but keep plugging away.
 

Sunday

Saints at Texans

Houston’s defence seems to have recovered from its early-season funk. That, coupled with facing New Orleans’s awful defence should be enough. Winner: Texans

 
Rams at Bengals

It shouldn’t matter how well the Rams’ defence plays in this one; their QB options being what they are, they shouldn’t be able to touch Cincy at home or anywhere else. Winner: Bengals

 
Vikings at Falcons

Atlanta is bottoming out fast. Minnesota should bounce back from their not-ready-for-top-spot loss to the Packers. Winner: Vikings

 
Giants (Visitors)

After the Thanksgiving feast of watching the Eagles and Cowboys get thumped, Giants’ fans get late helping of dessert, courtesy of Big Blue personally sending a third division opponent to defeat in Week 12. Winner: Giants

 
Buccaneers at Colts

Bucs seem to be coming together nicely. Colts are anyone’s guess at this point. Winner: Buccaneers

 
Bills at Chiefs

Buffalo is getting the Chiefs at a bad time, KC seemingly having finally found the winning formula. Winner: Chiefs

 
Raiders at Titans
I still think the Raiders have some good football left in them. Winner: Raiders

 
Chargers at Jaguars

San Diego is truly awful, while Jacksonville has been playing decently of late. Winner: Jaguars

 
Dolphins at Jets

Can I skip this one? No? OK, I’ll take Miami because of the Jets’ depleted secondary. Winner: Dolphins

 
Cardinals at 49ers

The Cards keep things rolling as they inch closer to a first-round playoff bye. Winner: Cardinals

 
Steelers at Seahawks

Contrary to popular belief, I’ve thought that Seattle has been more lucky than good, going back to the stretch run of last season. Pittsburgh has enough weapons on offence to take this one. Winner: Steelers

 
Patriots at Broncos

This sure isn’t the matchup we envisioned when the schedule came out. No Peyton at QB for the Broncs, and who’s catching Brady’s passes this week? Somehow, the Pats will squeak this one out; Brady finds a way to make things work, and he doesn’t have to worry about DeMarcus Ware this week. Winner: Patriots

 

Monday Night

Ravens at Browns

Remember when Baltimore was a trendy Super Bowl pick this season? Even though I could hardly have imagined the nightmare that their season has become, I do remember that I didn’t even pick them to make the playoffs this year. Winner: Browns

Okay, so it’s American Thanksgiving, so I’d better get some picks posted. Happy Thanksgiving, neighbours.


Eagles at Lions

Last week, I picked Philly, though grudgingly due to the Mark Sanchez factor. I’ll give Sanchez a bit of a break; two of his three picks came in the 4th quarter, when the Eagles were way behind, and he didn’t play a down on the pitiful Eagles’ defence that allowed five TD passes and a 200-yard rusher. (Here’s my quick take on Chip Kelly: after a couple of mediocre seasons, Kelly re-made the team with the players he wanted, getting rid of some pretty good talent along the way, and now the team stinks. They should probably fire him, or at least rescind his control over personnel moves.) The Lions’ defence has come alive since the team’s bye, keying Detroit to two straight wins. This probably won’t be a very exciting game. Winner: Lions


 
Panthers at Cowboys

Tony Romo played decently in his return to action on Sunday, and Dallas picked up a win against the terrible Dolphins. After his first live-game action in almost two months, Romo now has to face the top-notch Carolina defence on three days’ rest. I have a sneaking suspicion that this one could turn into a real mess for Romo. Winner: Panthers


 
Bears at Packers

After three weeks of looking absolutely lost, the Packers’ running game (courtesy of Eddie Lacy) and pass rush returned to form as Green Bay dominated Minnesota on Sunday. The Bears have been playing well of late (they likely would have beaten Denver on Sunday if John Fox could have mastered some very basic math), and won’t roll over against the division-rival Packers, but I’m willing to believe (for now) that Green Bay’s mid-season swoon is over. Winner: Packers

​Last Week: 7-7

Season: 93-53

Hey, 7-7 might not seem like much, but in a week full of road upsets, and compared to some of the experts (Don Banks of SI’s 4-10 comes to mind; I like Banks; when he screws up, he's the first to say so.), I look like a friggin’ genius.

I would be remiss if I didn’t give a shout-out to Drew Stanton. His moment of unadulterated joy on the Arizona sideline as Andre Ellington rumbled for the clinching score against Seattle was entertaining and fun to watch, and it served as a reminder of just how much these games mean to the players. Can’t wait to see you dancing in the playoffs, Drew.

​Sunday

Raiders at Lions

The Lions won their Super Bowl last week, or as close as they get, by offing the Packers at Lambeau in one of the worst-played games I’ve seen this season. I doubt that Detroit will be able to achieve the level of emotional intensity needed to beat this frisky Oakland squad; in other words, the Lions are due for a letdown. Winner: Raiders

 
Colts at Falcons

Atlanta started strong, but then went on a bit of a stinky streak. I’m counting on the bye week rest to give them a bit of a boost against the Hasselbeck Colts. Winner: Falcons

 
Rams at Ravens

The Rams got surprised by the suddenly competent Bears last week. Not surprising was another sub-par performance by Nick Foles, earning him a benching in favour of Case Keenum. I hate this game; I don’t trust either team, but I have to give the edge to the Rams because of what their defence can do. Winner: Rams

 
Buccaneers at Eagles

Here’s another game I hate. The Eagles are probably better, but I cringe at the thought of betting on any team that has Mark Sanchez behind Center. Of course, Sam Bradford wasn’t doing anything special, so there’s that. <SIGH!> Winner: Eagles

 
Broncos at Bears

Don’t look now, but the Bears are playing well. No really, don’t look; if Jay Cutler sees you looking, he’s liable to start spraying passes all over the place. I’m grudgingly taking Chicago against Denver, which starts unknown quantity Brock Osweiler at QB, and will be playing without DeMarcus Ware. Winner: Bears

 
Jets at Texans

Despite their win over Cincinnati last week, I have a hard time trusting the Texans to muster anything approaching consistency. The Jets’ banged-up secondary will help to keep this close, but this should still be a low-scoring contest. Winner: Jets

 
Panthers (Home)

Carolina’s opponent scored 47 points last week, but most of that came against the historically awful New Orleans defence. Going from the Saints’ defence to the Panthers’ defence will be a rude awakening indeed. Winner: Panthers

 
Cowboys at Dolphins

I know it’s expecting a lot to think that Tony Romo can just come back and start winning again. Another thing I’ve learned, though, is not to pick Miami when they’re expected to win. Winner: Cowboys

 
Chiefs at Chargers

Riding a three-game winning streak, capped by last week’s win over suddenly vulnerable Denver, KC finds itself relevant again in the crowded middle-of-the-pack that is the AFC playoff race. The Chiefs should continue their run against a Chargers team that, though rested after their bye, has lost five straight, and hasn’t looked particularly good in a while. Winner: Chiefs

 
Packers at Vikings

How weird is this? The Vikings are riding high, and the Packers can’t beat Detroit at Lambeau even when the Lions try to gift-wrap the thing for them. This is the type of game where one might expect the upstart to waver, but this one comes down to the simple fact that Minnesota is playing really well, and Green Bay is not playing well at all. Winner: Vikings

 
49ers at Seahawks

As much as they’ve struggled this season, Seattle should still be good enough to comfortably beat the visiting 49ers. Winner: Seahawks

 
Bengals at Cardinals

It was inevitable; after one rough outing in prime time, everyone is jumping off the Bengals’ bandwagon. I’m counting on Cincy to ditch the weird play-calling on offence and stick to the basics; in terms of personnel, they’re as good as any offence in the league. This has the makings of a really entertaining game, and I’m really looking forward to it. Winner: Bengals

 
Monday Night

Bills at Patriots

Buffalo will send everything they’ve got at Brady this week, but the Pats will be ready, as they always seem to be. Business as usual. Winner: Patriots

Thursday Night

Titans at Jaguars

As we enter Week 11 of the NFL season, this is one of those games where I might normally be tempted to wonder, “Do I have to? Really?” However, these two teams play in the AFC South, where, at least this season, their respective 2-7 and 3-6 records make this a game with real potential playoff ramifications. It’s a tricky one, too; neither team looks especially good, nor does either look appreciably better than the other. The Titans are a bit better on defence; the Jags, on offence. I was leaning towards Tennessee in this one, based on their pass rush, and the fact that I like the way rookie QB Marcus Mariota has performed thus far. I like Blake Bortles too, though, as inconsistent as he can be, and I think that Jacksonville’s offence has just enough punch for them to eke out a close one at home, which will, amazingly, keep them hot on the heels of the division-leading Colts. Winner: Jaguars

Last Week: 7-6

Season: 86-46

I’m a fan of Tom Coughlin, though not, strictly speaking, a Giants’ fan. Having said that, it’s hard not to root for Big Blue in the NFC East race. I can’t stand Dallas, particularly their meddling owner Jerry Jones. Jones has been in rare form this season, repeatedly making excuses for the deplorable behaviour of vile human being Greg Hardy. Philadelphia has the worst fans in all of sports, a violent, moronic crew of miscreants completely unworthy of celebrating a winner. And as for the other team in the division, well, you might have noticed by now that I don’t even mention them by name in my column, due to the fact that they inexplicably cling to the outdated notion that having a racial slur as your team name is ok. Based on all that, I have no trouble stating that I wholeheartedly hope that the New York Giants win the NFC East. From where I sit, they’d be doing us all a favour.
 
Sunday

Lions at Packers

It’s been a rough couple of weeks for the Packers, as they’ve logged a lot of miles travelling to road games against a couple of really good defences in Denver and Charlotte, NC. Back home in the friendly confines of Lambeau, and facing the Detroit Lions, should bring an end to this rare losing streak. Winner: Packers
 

Cowboys at Buccaneers

Dallas hasn’t won yet without Tony Romo. They’ll lose again this week on the road against the improving Bucs. Winner: Buccaneers

 
Panthers at Titans

Whatever it is the Panthers are doing, they should be able to keep doing it against Tennessee. Winner: Panthers

 
Bears at Rams

Tough defence and a steady diet of Todd Gurley seems to be the formula for success for the Rams of late. That formula should produce another win this Sunday. Winner: Rams

 
Saints (Visitors)

One potent offence against a mediocre defence, and one bad offence against a terrible defence. Advantage, potent. Winner: Saints

 
Dolphins at Eagles

Miami had its moment in the sun, but that’s over now. Philly’s defence should shut down the Dolphins’ offence sufficiently enough so that Sam Bradford won’t have to do too much, which is good, because Bradford, as should be apparent to anyone by now, will never do much. Winner: Eagles

 
Browns at Steelers

Even with Landry Jones at QB, I’ll still take Pittsburgh at home against Cleveland, especially with the supporting cast Jones has. Now, if Austin Davis could get in the game for the Browns, well… Winner: Steelers

 
Jaguars at Ravens

I’m tempted to take the Jags here to pull off the road upset against the struggling Ravens. Come to think of it, sometimes it’s fun to give in to temptation. Winner: Jaguars
 

Vikings at Raiders

The Vikes are on a nice roll, but I’m going with the exciting, potentially playoff-bound (!) Raiders playing at home. Winner: Raiders

 
Patriots at Giants

I don’t subscribe to things like teams supposedly having other teams’ number. Right now, New England looks like the best team in the league, and when you’re picking, you pick the best. Based on the state of the NFC East, I almost hope I'm wrong. Winner: Patriots

 
Chiefs at Broncos

I actually read somewhere earlier this week that one writer is picking KC because Andy Reid teams are so good after a bye week. I can’t believe that some people get paid for perpetuating such weak-ass theories, especially one that I thought had been put to bed years ago. Not that KC doesn’t have a chance, especially with Aqib Talib sitting this one out for the Broncos, I’d just rather bet on the better team than on some dumb theory. Winner: Broncos

 
Cardinals at Seahawks

Seattle beat the Cards twice last season, but didn’t have to face Carson Palmer. This should be a hard-fought contest, but the Seahawks are lucky their record isn’t worse than it already is. Winner: Cardinals

 
Monday Night

Texans at Bengals

Anyone else sick of the “Can Andy Dalton/The Bengals win the tough ones” talk yet? Sure, it’s Monday Night Football, but it’s also the Texans, and Cincy is playing at home. Easiest pick of the week. Winner: Bengals

Thursday Night

Bills at Jets

This is an interesting game for several reasons; division rivals, playoff aspirations, Rex Ryan’s new team visiting his former. Also, the teams are similar; both feature good defences keyed by strong play up front, and offences led by QBs who are exceeding expectations. I’m basing my choice on these factors:
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• The Bills’ offence is far more effective when Tyrod Taylor plays (He will).
• Ryan Fitzpatrick has a hand injury (For which he faces imminent surgery).
• The Jets have some key injuries in the secondary.

That adds up to just enough to swing the balance for me. Winner: Bills

​Last Week: 9-5

Season: 79-40

I appear to be stuck in some sort of Groundhog Day-type rut; for the past four successive Tuesdays, I’ve woken up to find that, yet again, I’ve gone 9-5. Well, I don’t often make guarantees, but I promise that I will not post another 9-5 this week. I solemnly swear that it will not happen. I’ve never lied to you, and I won’t start now. Take it to the bank; no 9-5 this week.

What’s that you say? There are only 13 games this week? Interesting… hmm hmm hmmm… at least I'm not in any danger of being replaced by Blaine Gabbert.
 

Sunday

Packers at Panthers

Green Bay got bushwhacked last week by a rested Peyton Manning who was coming off a bye week. Their defence will look better against Cam Newton, who, though talented and dangerous, has seemed to me to be careless with the football of late. Aaron Rodgers faces another legitimately tough defence this week, but should be able to outplay Newton enough to secure a close victory. Winner: Packers
 

Patriots (Home)

As well as they’re playing right now, there are maybe a handful of teams in the league that could challenge the Pats at Foxborough. Not this week, not this opponent. Winner: Patriots

 
Titans at Saints

Whatever might be wrong with the Saints’ defence, their offence seems to be working just fine. I doubt that Tennessee can match New Orleans score-for-score. Winner: Saints
 
 
Dolphins at Bills

The Dolphins were terrible, until Cameron wake got healthy and they beat a couple of crappy teams, and then they weren’t, until they got thumped by the Pats and Wake tore his Achilles, so now they are again, I’ll bet. Plus, Buffalo gets Tyrod taylor back at QB this week, and just in time, too. Winner: Bills

 
Rams at Vikings

This is a real head-scratcher. The Vikes are much-improved and are playing at home. I have a sneaking suspicion, however, that Teddy Bridgewater is going to have a really tough time against the Rams’ defensive front, and that Todd Gurley will prove to be just a bit too much for Minnesota’s defence to handle. Winner: Rams
 

Jaguars at Jets

The Jets’ defence had better get its act together after a couple of truly atrocious outings, or they can kiss the playoffs goodbye. Hearing that Ryan Fitzpatrick should be back at QB this Sunday should make Jets’ fans breathe a sigh of relief, as the offence looks absolutely lost without him. If the Jets learned anything in Fitzpatrick’s absence, it should be that Geno Smith is utterly hopeless and should be off the team when the season ends. Winner: Jets

 
Raiders at Steelers

Losing Le’Veon Bell this season won’t be nearly as disastrous for Pittsburgh as it was last season due to the presence of DeAngelo Williams. With all the offensive weapons the Steelers have, and with how well Derek Carr has played for the Raiders, this one could be a high-scoring affair. Winner: Steelers
 

Giants at Buccaneers

Man, I would not want to be a member of the Giants’ defence this week after their historically terrible performance against the Saints this past Sunday. I expect a much tighter performance this week, as jobs could be on the line. Will we see JPP this week? It couldn’t hurt. Winner: Giants
 
 
Falcons at 49ers

Though I’m not impressed with the way the Falcons have played of late, most puzzlingly in offence, the 49ers are a real mess. Also, Blaine Gabbert. Winner: Falcons

 
Broncos at Colts

If Peyton Manning plays half as well as he did last week, the Broncos will still win handily against the Colts because of their defence. Winner: Broncos

 
Eagles at Cowboys
Time to face facts, Cowboys fans; your team can’t win without Tony Romo (The kid in the video below gets it.). Philly’s defence is pretty good, so as long as Sam Bradford doesn’t shit the bed, the Eagles should be fine. Winner: Eagles
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Monday Night

Bears at Chargers

In this meaningless contest, I’ll go with the home team, based on offensive superiority. Winner: Chargers

Thursday Night

Browns at Bengals

I don’t know about you, but I am loving this Bengals team. They’ve played well and beaten up on teams, they’ve had tough games and come back to win, and, in the case of their latest statement win against the Steelers at Heinz Field this past Sunday, they’ve played poorly and done just enough to gut out a tough win. They are the real deal, talented and well-coached on offence, defence, and special teams, and are legitimately one of the top teams in the league. At home against the lowly Browns, there is very little chance that Cincy won’t continue its unbeaten streak for at least another week (and, with the Houston Texans visiting in Week 10…). However, there is a slight cause for Bengals’ fans to be concerned this Thursday night. Sure, there’s the trap game potential, where the favoured team suffers a letdown after a big win and allows itself to lose focus against an inferior opponent. Although that’s a possibility, there’s something else, and it has to do with QB Josh McCown’s injured ribs. If I was a Bengals’ fan, I’d be hoping that McCown starts. Not because I’m afraid of Johnny Manziel; I think McCown gives the Browns a better chance to win than Manziel. You see, there’s danger lurking on the Cleveland sideline, and if McCown is out, then that danger is just that much closer to taking the field.

If I’m a Bengals’ fan, I don’t want any of Austin Davis.

Davis, with the St. Louis Rams, was forced into action last year after Sam Bradford was hurt in the preseason, and replacement Shaun Hill went down in the season opener. Davis proved to be a talented and exciting QB; after winning his first start, he threw 3 TDs in consecutive shootout losses to the Cowboys and Eagles. The highlight of his season came in Week 7, as he threw for 2 TDs with no picks and completed 85 percent of his throws in beating the defending Super Bowl champion Seahawks. He was benched after a rough outing against the Cardinals’ fifth-ranked defence, making way for Hill to come back and lead the Rams to victories against the 29th and 32nd ranked defences of Washington and Oakland, respectively, before losing his final three starts. (Honestly, I don’t know what Jeff Fisher was thinking.)
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Most likely, this is an easy pick. Cincinnati should win. However, the Browns have some talent on offence; a solid offensive line, and talent at the receiver positions, particularly red-hot TE Gary Barnidge. There’s a lot of “ifs” involved, but if McCown is out, and if the game stays close, and if Manziel has to come out, well, that’s when things could get interesting. If you’re a Bengals’ fan, you should hope that McCown plays. If he doesn’t, then you’re one step closer to seeing Austin Davis, and you don’t want any of Austin Davis. Winner: Bengals