I knew it was going to happen, just like I said it would. I
did my picks last week in an "opposite" manner, and of course it came
back to bite me. But not too bad I guess. Where I actually got hammered
was in the straight up category, winning only a dreadful four games.
This was one of those rare weeks where I actually did better against
the spread. This week, I will go back to my old ways where I will pick
the winner based on how I feel. Right now I am feeling so-so. Let's not
watse any time and get right to the picks.
As always, home team in CAPS.
Pittsburgh 5 1/2 TENNESSEE
The Steelers are coming off of a nice win, but they will be without
some defensive starters. It might not matter. The Titans have been bad,
after some projected them as a playoff contender. Not anymore. Even
short some defenders I will take the Steelers here.
Steelers 20-10
MIAMI 3 1/2 St. Louis
The Dolphins are slowly becoming a team that nobody really wants to
play. They won't make it to the postseason, but they will be pests. The
Rams are actually pretty decent, and Jeff Fisher has done a nice job
turning that team around. I think the Rams are better right now, plus
they had a few extra days off. I can't see the Dolphins winning two in
a row. I'll take the Rams.
Rams 24-21
BALTIMORE 3 1/2 Dallas
The Ravens escaped last week, and so did Dallas. The Cowboys, of
course, didn't play anybody which explains their result. They will need
the extra rest. Tony Romo has struggled this year, so I find it
difficult to believe he will do anything against the Ravens. I can't
trust him or the Cowboys at anytime. That includes this week.
Ravens 17-12
PHILADELPHIA 5 1/2 Detroit
I am hearing some cries for Andy Reid to bench Michael Vick, but I
don't know if it will happen. The Eagles are lucky to be 3-2 the way he
has been playing. I have no idea what is going on in Detroit. This team
was expected to compete for the NFC North crown and they have really
struggled. They are coming off of a bye week, but I have a sense that
the Eagles will turn it around this week. Even if it is short lived.
Eagles 27-21
Cincinnati 1 CLEVELAND
Just when everyone starts thinking the Bengals are for real, they lose
to Miami. They will be in the "for real" category again after this
week. The Browns are not a good team, but they are trying and really
have been playing pretty hard. The Bengals should, though, be able to
bounce back. I'll take them here.
Bengals 24-16
NEW YORK JETS 3 Indianapolis
The Jets have a lot of problems right now, on both sides of the ball.
Their injuries don't help, but that just becomes an excuse at some
point. The Colts had a big upset last week, and they actually haven't
been too bad. Andrew Luck looks like the real deal.So real, in fact,
that I think the Colts are going to win again.
Colts 26-21
ATLANTA 9 Oakland
The Falcons are still undefeated, though I have trouble understanding
why Matt Ryan is called "Matty Ice". Beats me. The Raiders were off
last week but they are the same old Raiders. Nothing has changed there.
I don't see too many problems for the Falcons, who should stay
undefeated.
Falcons 30-10
New England 3 1/2 SEATTLE
New England had a nice win last week, and so did the Seahawks. For some
reason, and I really don't know why, but I think this is going to be a
struggle for the Patriots this week. Just one of those feelings I
guess. I like the Patriots to win but somehow I think the Seahawks keep
it pretty close.
Patriots 23-20
ARIZONA 4 1/2 Buffalo
The Cardinals finally lost so may be they can relax a little bit. The
Bills have totally exploded. They got smoked last week, and this week
might not be any better. I don't see a total blow out, because the
Cardinals offense isn't that good. But I do see a fairly comfortable
Arizona win.
Cardinals 24-14
WASHINGTON 2 1/2 Minnesota
I am not sure how the Redskins are favored here, but they are. It must
be the home field. Robert Griffin III suffered a concussion last week,
so that doesn't help. The Vikings have been a total surprise. I don't
know how long it is going to last, but I am fairly certain it will last
at least one more week.
Vikings 26-17
HOUSTON 5 Green Bay
The Texans keep rolling along, but truth be told they really haven't
played anybody that good yet. And they likely lost Brian Cushing for an
extended period of time. This could be Houston's first major test. The
Packers have been disappointing, and they will likely turn it on at
some point. I think Houston is very, very good despite their early
opponents. I think they will be able to hold off the Packers here. This
could be the week that people realize that the Texans are in fact for
real.
Texans 29-23
SAN DIEGO 1 Denver
The Chargers, of course, have fallen apart, and the Broncos are pretty
decent despite losing last week. Peyton Manning is still a very good
quarterback, and Norv Turner for San Diego is still a lousy Head Coach.
I think the Chargers skid will continue. I"ll take the Broncos here.
Broncos 26-24
Game of the Week
SAN FRANCISCO 5 New York Giants
This should be a great game as the 49ers looked fantastic last week, as
did the Giants after they got off to a slow start. This could be an NFC
Championship preview. Right now it is hard to bet against Eli Manning,
so I won't. However, I don't think he will be good enough to win. But
he will be good enough to keep it close.
49ers 31-27
Stinker of the Week
TAMPA BAY 3 1/2 Kansas City
The Buccaneers are coming off of a bye week, and they needed it. The
Chiefs have been dreadful, and shame on some of their fans for booing
Matt Cassell's injury. They should be ashamed of themselves. They
should be ashamed of this team, because they can't seem to do anything
right. I'll take Tampa here.
Buccaneers 20-16
Record For Week Five: 6-8 ( 4-10 without
the spread )
Record Through Week Five: 31-43-3 ( 40-37 without
the spread )
Game of Week Record: 2-3
Stinker of Week Record: 1-4
Jim Poore has been a long time contributor to Patriots Insider with his weekly picks column. Let him know what you think. Email him here:
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