This is how old friends greet each other at "The Linc."
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noticed by now that I don’t even mention them by name in my column, due to the fact that they inexplicably cling to the outdated notion that having a racial slur as your team name is ok.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