Peyton Manning has my eternal gratitiude, I was all ready to write up a post bemoaning a bad week. I was cursing my upset as a perfect bookend to another bad week of picks. I picked Pittsburgh as a lock to beat the Titans who were looking comical…that pick went south and I figured that the upset pick of Denver over San Diego at Qualcomm Stadium was going south as well. But Manning rebounded from a horrible first half to rally the Broncos to a 35-24 win and got me a .500 week. Its pretty bad when I wax philosophic on a game that prevented a losing week…Oh well. It’s a light week with only 10 non-primetime games on Sunday and most of the games are early. Submitted for your review and perusal are this weeks picks with the odds provided by bodog.net. Im sick and have had to pay for doctors and meds so Im not paying your bookies if you bet the lines and lose.

BYE WEEK – Atlanta (6-0); Denver (3-3); Kansas City (1-5); Miami (3-3); Philadelphia (3-3); San Diego (3-3).

NFL SCHEDULE – WEEK 7

Thursday, October 18

Seahawks (4-2) @ 49ers (4-2)

Candlestick Park, San Francisco 8:20 NFLN

Favorite 49ers by 7½

Last Week Seahawks defeated Patriots 24-23, 49ers lost to Giants 26-3

Fast Fact 49ers have not lost back to back games since 2010

I picked the Niners in this one simply because they are the home team….

Pick-San Francisco

Sunday, October 21

Cardinals (4-2) @ Vikings (4-2)

Mall of America Field @ HHH Metrodome, Minneapolis 1:00 (FOX)

Favorite Vikings by 6

Last Week Cards lost to Bills 19-16 in OT Vikings lost to Redskins 38-26

Fast Fact The Vikings have won six straight against the Cards in Minneapolis

Both teams come off of tough losses, the Vikings fell behind big and after rallying to close it to 5, then letting RGIII drop a gamebreaking touchdown run on them. The Cards got the game saving field goal with Jay Feely nailing a stunning 61 yarder (with room to spare) but the real stunner was Feely slamming the would be winning field goal off the upright from a makeable 38 yards in OT. Im not banking on John Skelton to be the real answer for the inconsistent Cards offense especially facing a good Vikings defense itching to atone for the shredding by the Skins.

Pick-Minnesota

Ravens (5-1) @ Texans (5-1)

Reliant Stadium, Houston 1:00 (CBS)

Favorite Texans by 7

Last Week Ravens defeated Cowboys 31-29; Texans lost to Packers 42-24

Fast Fact Arian Foster did score twice against the Packers but only gained 29 yards on 17 carries

The Ravens took advantage of bad clock management by the Pokes to win a tight one, while the Texans looked very much like primetime neophytes that were in awe of the spotlight as they got hammered by the Pack. I think the loss of Ray Lewis to a triceps tear will hurt much more than they want to admit. The Ravens wont be able to get as many clean pockets and free looks on offense as they did against Dallas. And I’m sure that the Texans will be eager to atone for their primetime mishap.

Pick-Houston

Browns (1-5) @ Colts (2-3)

Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis 1:00 (CBS)

Favorite Colts by 3

Last Week Browns defeated Bengals 34-24; Colts lost to Jets 35-9

Fast Fact The Colts have not won when the QB Andrew Luck completes less than 52 percent of his passes.

The Browns finally put it all together as they bounced the Bengals while the Colts just looked totally lost in Gotham as they got housed by the Jets. Im not real sure on which team is going to show up in this game. The Colts are improving week by week but they have their missteps. The Browns are just about as hopeless as you can get but they can make teams work. Im not anywehere convinced that the Browns can win on the road.

Pick-Indianapolis

Cowboys (2-3) @ Panthers (1-4)

Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte 1:00 (FOX)

Favorite Cowboys by 2

Last Week Cowboys lost to Ravens 31-29, Panthers were on a bye

Fast Fact The Cowboys have never lost in Charlotte in the regular season (they have lost both playoff meetings in Charlotte though)

As mentioned before the Pokes found a new and exciting way to bungle a clock, and still had a chance to win the game but for Dan Bailey badly missing a 51 yarder at the gun. Cam Newton is way overdue for a breakout game and why do I get the feeling the overrated Pokes defense will be the catalyst.

Pick-Carolina (Upset of the Week)

Packers (3-3) @ Rams (3-3)

Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis 1:00 (FOX)

Favorite Packers by 6

Last Week Packers defeated Texans 42-24; Rams lost to Dolphins 17-13

Fast Fact The Rams have only scored Nine TDs all season, the Packers have scored that many TD’s in their last two games.

The Packers looked like they got their swagger back somewhat as they dominated a star-struck Texans squad on Sunday Night. The Rams piled up the offensive numbers but fell flat in South Beach. Are the Packers all the way back? Offensively they have never really have faded, its just their defense that is so dang suspect. Nevertheless they have more than enough to be the Rams who don’t have the offensive horses to keep up.

Pick-Green Bay

Saints (1-4) @ Buccaneers (2-3)

Raymond James Stadium, Tampa 1:00 (FOX)

Favorite Saints by 3

Last Week Saints were on a bye; Buccaneers defeated 38-10

Fast Fact The Saints ranked dead last in the NFL in yards allowed per game

Fresh off a bye after what many said was a season saving win over the Chargers, the Saints begin the arduous task of trying to climb back into the NFC playoff race (They aint catching Atlanta) The Bucs are feeling good after taking the Chiefs back of the woodshed and play tough in front of their home crowd. I get the feeling that Drew Brees is just hitting his stride and will have another shootout like game. I cant bank on Josh Freeman to begin to keep up.

Pick-New Orleans

Titans (2-4) @ Bills (3-3)

Ralph Wilson Stadium; Orchard Park, NY  1:00 (CBS)

Favorite Bills by 3

Last Week Titans defeated Steelers 26-23; Bills defeated Cardinals 19-16

Fast Fact The Bills and Titans are next to last and last in points allowed (32 and 34 ppg respectively

The Titans shocked the football world with a gutty win over the Steelers, while the Bills bounced back from a pair of humiliating losses to edge the Cards in the desert. Has anyone seen Chris Johnson (is he still in this league?) The Bills defense played markedly better against the Cards but their offense is still waiting for more production from Ryan Fitzpatrick though their running game has shown consistency. This is a tough game to call because you are never really sure which offense will come out. Im going with the home team, though it will be a close high scoring game.

Pick-Buffalo

Redskins (3-3) @ NY Giants (4-2)

MetLife Stadium; East Rutherford, NJ 1:00 (FOX)

Favorite Giants by 6

Last Week Redskins defeated Vikings 38-26; Giants defeated 49ers 26-3

Fast Fact The Giants are only 2-5 at home in divisional games since moving into MetLife Stadium.

The Skins rode the arm and legs of RGIII to an impressive win while the G-Men were simply dominant in smashing the Niners. Tough game to call, but the Giants have been playing a lot better as of late and I think that they can come up with a formula to keep RGIII bottled up, the diverse Giants offense will be able to grind better on the Redskins often inconsistent defense who were able to key on Adrian Peterson. This game will be tight and low scoring which is just the way Big Blue likes it

Pick-New York Giants

Jaguars (1-4) @ Raiders (1-4)

O.co Coliseum, Oakland 4:25 CBS

Favorite Raiders by 4

Last Week Jaguars were on a bye; Raiders lost to Falcons 23-20

Fast Fact The Jags have only 3 sacks.

Ok, the Raiders didn’t get housed like I thought they would in Hotlanta but they still came out losers. The Jags are just a hot mess, offense is offensive the defense couldn’t stop anything faster than a turtle and that gets at least 300 yards of offense and doesn’t get sacked. The Raiders are bad but they have more than enough to run on the Jags and pound them defensively.

Pick-Oakland

NY Jets (3-3) @ Patriots (3-3)

Gillette Stadium; Foxboro, MA 4:25 (CBS)

Favorite Patriots by 11

Last Week Jets defeated Colts 35-9; Patriots lost to Seahawks 24-23

Fast Fact The Pats have outscored the Jets 112-40 in winning the last three meetings

The grins and jeers are back for Rex Ryan as his Jets whipped the weak Colts, now bolstered by that meaningless win, he has decided to shoot off his mouth again, guaranteeing a win over the Pats. Im sorry, that’s just not going to happen. The Jets can get their run on against a weak Colts but the Pats are a different story especially at home. I think that the Pats are a flawed team, but they have more than enough to beat the Jets who I don’t think are that good. I don’t care where they have Tebow at…

Pick-New England (Lock of the Week)

Steelers (2-3) @ Bengals (3-3)

Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati 8:20 (NBC)

Favorite No line due questionable status of multiple Steelers

Last Week Steelers lost to Titans 26-23; Bengals lost to Browns 34-24

Fast Fact  Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger is 7-1 in Cincinnati

The Bengals lost a pair of winnable games to fall back to .500 while the Steelers have had a long weekend to stew over a puzzling loss to the Titans. The Bengals want to be an elite team but you have that feeling that they are just waiting to be punked by the bully Steelers. Hey, I want to be wrong here but I think that the Steelers will use this game as a bounce back and despite a rowdy crowd expected in Cincy for their first NBC Sunday night home game, they will not have much to cheer about.

Pick-Pittsburgh

Monday, October 22

Lions (2-3) @ Bears (4-1)

Soldier Field, Chicago 8:30 (ESPN)

Favorite Bears by 6

Last Week Lions defeated Eagles 26-23; Bears were on a bye

Fast Fact Bears have won 7 of the past 8 meetings, the only loss was on a Monday Night

The division leading Bears have had a week to bask in the glow of their last game which was also on a Monday night. The Lions stunned the Eagles in Philly and are desperately trying to correct their poor start. Im still not real sold on Jay Cutler but he’s got more weapons at his disposal, the Lions have the offense but their defense is wildly inconsistent. Like the opener im gonna toss a coin and go with the home team in this one.

Pick-Chicago

Last Week 7-7 (Lock incorrect, Upset Correct)

Overall 50-41

Locks: 3-3

Upsets: 3-3

I want to know who it was that decided that all my Thursday pick would bomb... hopefully it won’t be a portent of things to come. All odds are provided by bodog.net and are for entertainment and comparison purposes only, I don’t pay bookies so it’s on you if you bet these lines and lose the mortgage payment.

NFL WEEK 6

Sunday, October 14

Bengals (3-2) @ Browns (0-5)

Browns Stadium, Cleveland 1:00 (CBS)

Favorite Bengals by 3
Last Week Bengals lost to Dolphins 17-13; Browns lost to Giants 41-27

Fast Fact Browns have lost 11 straight overall

The Bengals just did not have the wherewithal to run the ball last week and they paid for it in their loss. The Browns started fast but faded badly against the G-Men. Which team rebounds? The Bengals are better on both sides of the ball, and given the Browns poor run defense it’s a good bet that the Bengals will have a more balanced offense. This will be a tight game because it’s a rivalry but I think the Bengals resist the temptation to look past this game to their Sunday Night matchup with the Steelers and edge the Browns.

Pick-Cincinnati

Cowboys (2-2) @ Ravens (4-1)

M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore 1:00 (FOX)

Favorite Ravens by 4
Last Week Cowboys were on a bye, Ravens defeated Chiefs 9-6

Fast Fact Ravens have won 11 straight at home, the longest streak in franchise history

The Ravens won a low scoring slugfest in KC while the Pokes had a full week to stew after their embarrassing loss against the Bears on Monday Night Football. I have zero confidence in Tony Romo and despite the wonks and sycophantic rantings of some, I have no reason to believe that they will be the ones to roll into the fearsome venue that M&T is becoming and score a win. I think the Ravens offense will grind on the Pokes inconsistent defense and pull out the win

Pick-Baltimore

Lions (1-3) @ Eagles (3-2)

Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia 1:00 (FOX)

Favorite Eagles by 5
Last Week Lions were on a bye, Eagles lost to Steelers 16-14

Fast Fact The Eagles have won each time RB LeSean McCoy has rushed for more than 80 yards and haven’t won the two times he hasn’t

The Eagles are ones of the biggest enigmas of the season, one of the hardest teams in the NFL to figure out. Michael Vick is a turnover machine and the defense has to bail the erratic play of their offense out more and more. The Lions are just a big an enigma, you are never sure what team is going to show up. Their offense can play big at times but their defense goes on holiday when their defense plays well their offense goes elsewhere. This is a tough game to call. I’m going with the home team, just because I’m still not sold on the Lions being able to win outside the 313.

Pick- Detroit

Colts (2-2) @ NY Jets (2-3)

MetLife Stadium; East Rutherford, NJ 1:00 (CBS)

Favorite Jets by 3
Last Week Colts defeated Packers 28-27, Jets lost to Texans 23-17

Fast Fact The Jets are ranked 31^st in the NFL in rushing defense.

The Colts played heroically in a stunning upset of the Packers while the Jets are trying their damndest not to turn into a soap opera or a laughingstock or some twisted combination. I’m waiting for the cries for Tebow to get louder with every Mark Sanchez screw up, but the problem is that the Jets can play with the best of them at times so you are never very sure which team will show up. The Colts are a young team that will grow fast and win some games but they are also likely to make some mistakes. Asking them to win on the road is still a little too much to ask right now. They will make it interesting but the Jets will hang on for a badly needed win.

Pick-New York Jets

Chiefs (1-4) @ Buccaneers (1-3)

Raymond James Stadium, Tampa 1:00 (CBS)

Favorite Bucs by 4½
Last Week Chiefs lost to Ravens 9-6, Bucs were on a bye

Fast Fact The Bucs have only allowed three 2^nd half field goals in their last two games.

The Chiefs looked abysmal in a low scoring snoozer; they head to the RayJay to face a Bucs team that has been competitive in all their games. With Matt Cassel still a question mark after being knocked out last week, the puny Chiefs offense gets even weaker. I’m not real sold on the Bucs but I think that they will be tough to beat at home.

Pick-Tampa Bay

Raiders (1-3) @ Falcons (5-0)

Georgia Dome, Atlanta 1:00 (CBS)

Favorite Falcons by 9 ½
Last Week Falcons defeated Redskins 24-17; Raiders were on a bye

Fast Fact The Raiders have been outscored 72-19 in their last two road games

The Falcons showed that they could win a tight one, while the Raiders have been licking their wounds on a bye after getting housed by the Broncos last week. The Raiders offense is just about nonexistent and if ever there was a west coast road kill theory waiting to be proven right it’s here. Matty Ice and the Falcons offense is humming on all cylinders and the Raiders defense will not be able to keep up.

Pick-Atlanta

Rams (3-2) @ Dolphins (2-3)

SunLife Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL 1:00 (FOX)

Favorite Dolphins by 4
Last Week Rams defeated Cardinals 17-6; Dolphins defeated Bengals 17-13

Fast Fact The Dolphins have not allowed a 100 yard rusher in the last 19 games

The Rams have been feeling froggy after smacking around the Cards a week ago Thursday while the Dolphins have raised eyebrows with a solid road performance in Cincy last week. The Dolphins running game has been surprisingly solid and rookie Ryan Tannehill hasn’t been a world beater but he has been decent in the first quarter of the season and that has been good enough to keep the critics fairly quiet. I do not trust the Rams on the road just yet…

Pick-St. Louis

Bills (2-3) @ Cardinals (4-1)

University of Phoenix Stadium; Glendale, AZ 4:05 (CBS)

Favorite Cards by 4½
Last Week Bills lost to 49ers 41-3, Cardinals lost to Rams 17-6

Fast Fact Despite being 4-1 the Cards have yet to gain more than 300 yards offense

The Bills got took back of the woodshed by the Niners while the Cards Kevin Kolb is still checking his back for someone coming up on him after he got sacked so much in St. Louis. I just don’t think the Bills are that good, though they are playing a team that has a highly suspect offense and not just their paper thin line. I’m not real sold on them pulling out a road win as UOP stadium is a tough venue for AFC teams.

Pick-Arizona

Patriots (3-2) @ Seahawks (3-2)

Century Link Field, Seattle 4:05 (CBS)

Favorite Patriots by 4
Last Week Patriots defeated Broncos 31-21; Seahawks defeated Panthers 16-12

Fast Fact The Pats lead the NFL in points per game (33.0) and yards per game (439.4)

The Pats stood tall in an interconference showdown with Peyton and the Broncos, while the Seahawks came cross country to down the Panthers. Russell Wilson is still holding on to his job by a thread while the Seahawks defense has played good in the last couple games. I’m thinking that the Pats offense might struggle against the better than advertised Seahawks defense but then again the Seahawks offense will have all sorts of trouble against the good Pats defense. I like the Pats to pull out a tight one.

Pick-New England

Vikings (4-1) @ Redskins (2-3)

FedEx Field; Landover, MD 4:25 FOX

Favorite No line due to uncertain status of QB Griffin
Last Week Vikings defeated Titans 30-7, Redskins lost to Falcons 24-17

Fast Fact Vikes are off to their best start since starting 6-0 in 2009

The Vikes have played well above expectations and are looking like they could be a tough team to deal with. The Redskins are still having growing pains with RGIII still a huge question mark after getting hammered against the Falcons. Adrian Peterson returns to the site of his traumatic knee injury and you have to wonder how much that might factor in his play. I’m still banking on the Vikes defense being able to corral the Redskins still developing offense.

Pick-Minnesota

NY Giants (3-2) @ 49ers (4-1)

Candlestick Park, San Francisco 4:25 FOX

Favorite Niners by 7
Last Week Giants defeated Browns 41-27; 49ers defeated Bills 45-3

Fast Fact Niners against the Bills became the first team in NFL history with 300 yards passing and 300 yards rushing in the same game.

The G-Men spotted the Browns two scores then roared back to a big win, the Niners toyed with the Bills at home. It’s so so hard to bet against Eli and the Giants on the road, they seem to play better on the road and they have a recent track record of beating the Niners in Candlestick. The Niners seem to be jelling nicely under Alex Smith and that nasty defense gets nastier with every play. This will probably be the tightest game of the day. I hate the spread too, but this is the toughest game of the week to call. I’ll flip a coin and go with the Giants and that toughness on the road that you can’t just dream away.

Pick-New York Giants

Packers (2-3) @ Texans (5-0)

Reliant Stadium, Houston 8:20 NBC

Favorite Texans by 3
Last Week Packers lost to Colts 28-27; Texans defeated Jets 23-17

Fast Fact Texans RB Arian Foster has 5000 yards from scrimmage in his 40^th game, the third fastest pace in NFL history.                   

This may very well be the Texans introduction to the football nation at large. After an impressive 5-0 start they Texans get a second prime time date in as many weeks, but in front of the NBC glare and against a better than their record Packers that are coming off a puzzling loss to the Colts. Down a big play defender in Brian Cushing more pressure will be on JJ Watt to make the defense stay on top of its frighteningly tight game. But wait we haven’t even given credit to the solid play of Matt Schaub, Arian Foster and the efficient Texan offense. I think the Packers defense will have more trouble with the Texans offense than the Texans defense will with the Packers offense which Wisconsinites will scream blasphemy but is looking very one dimensional and that dimension is getting more inconsistent. The Texans coming out party will be a rowdy and fun one if you are in the Lone Star State

Pick-Houston

Monday, October 15

Broncos (2-3) @ Chargers (3-2)

Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego 8:30 ESPN

Favorite Chargers by 1
Last Week Chargers lost to Saints 31-24; Broncos lost to Patriots 31-21

Fast Fact Broncos QB Peyton Manning has thrown 15 interceptions in his past five meetings with the Chargers.

The weeks final game pits a pair of divisional foes and top notch QB’s both teams can put up the points but both have suspect defenses that blow hot and cold. I’m wondering which QB will bounce back strong off a road defeat. I think that Manning will be able to pick on the Chargers secondary and get some big gains. I also think that Von Miller will be able to harass Philip Rivers into a couple mistakes.

Pick-Denver (Upset of the Week)

Last Week 10-4

Overall: 44-33 (Lock & Upset Correct)

Locks: 3-2

Upsets: 2-3

The week got of to a nice start...here is the rest of the weeks picks. Odds provided by Bodog.net for entertainment and comparison purposes only. Don't call me if you bet these lines and get took...I'm broke.

Sunday, September 30

Panthers (1-2) @ Falcons (3-0)

Georgia Dome, Atlanta 1:00 (FOX)

Saints (0-3) @ Packers (1-2)

The less that we talk about the debacles that were last weeks picks the better.

Odds provided by bodog.net and are for entertainment and comparison purposes only. Im too broke to pay attention, much less pay off bookies. This weeks Thursday nighter will be the first that many will see on NFL Network, as Time Warner finally added the 8 year old network to its lineup. Most of the time, I would yawn over this game, but considering that I have a three week opening game losing streak on my back, a lollipop game may be the jump start to a good week.

Thursday September 27

Browns (0-3) vs Ravens (2-1)

M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore 8:20 (NFLN)

Favorite Ravens by 13

Last Week Browns lost to Bills 24-14; Ravens defeated Patriots 31-30

Fast Fact Browns have lost their last 11 division games, last 11 road games and eight straight to the Ravens

The Ravens are feeling good after rallying to beat the Pats on Sunday Night, while the Browns are simply searching for answers. The veteran Ravens should have no problem picking on the Browns weak defense and the Browns offense who has the 5^th worst scoring output with 57 points in three games will have the nightmarish task of dealing with Ravens defense, while not as fearsome as in past years is still formidable. Why do I have the bad feeling that this will be a tight game to the end and the Browns will put a decent scare in the Ravens? Does that mean I’ll go way way against the grain and pick the underdogs? Ummmm what do you think?

Pick-Baltimore (Lock of The Week)

The rest of the picks post tomorrow. Until Next Post Fellow Sports Fans!

(I apologize for not posting the Giants/Panthers pick, I did pick incorrectly and that incorrect prognastication is posted here along with the rest of the week's picks.

Well that last week just about sucked as bad as it has in a long time. 7-9 was not the way I wanted to finish my 30s with…I think that since Im turning the book of life to the next page that I should just start fresh. And try to get picks right. But seriously, the one team I was for sure for sure not going to go east and win, did and the one team I was pretty could go east and win.With the loss last night, Im now 0-3 in the inital game of the week. Posted here for your review, consumption and approval are this weeks picks. Odds are provided by bodog.net except where noted and are for entertainment and comparison purposes only.  That means don’t come looking at me if you bet these lines and lose, my old age pension wont cover that.

Thursday September 20 (Mr. Kev’s National Holiday)

Giants (1-1) @ Panthers (1-1)

Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte 8:20 (NFLN)

Favorite Panthers by 3

Last Week Giants beat Bucs 41-34, Panthers beat Saints 35-27

Fast Fact Both these teams will have played 2 games before the Packers will play their next

Both teams come off of shootout wins at home, and the G-Men offense needed every bit of the 510 yards passing that Eli Manning dealt out. The Panthers bounced back to whip the Saints and Cam Newton is looking like there will be no sophomore slump. Its tough for a road team to turn right around and gear back up for a Thursday game and this will be no exception. The G-Men are especially hampered offensively in missing WR’s Hakeem Nicks & Domenik Hixon, RB Ahmad Bradshaw T Dave Diehl all out with a various sundry of injuries. Going on the road and with the defense already given to allowing points this is not the team to face. The dynamic Newton should have more weapons at his disposal to lead his team to a win.

Pick-Carolina

Sunday, September 23

Bills (1-1) @ Browns (0-2)

Browns Stadium, Cleveland 1:00 (CBS)

Favorite Bills by 3

Last Week Browns lost Bengals 34-27, Bills beat Chiefs 35-17

Fast Fact The Bills have lost their last eight games on the road.

The Bills routed the Chiefs last week behind the sparkling play of CJ Spiller, while the Browns took a painful lost to their despised downstate rivals in spite of the rugged running of rookie Trent Richardson. The Bills at least aren’t trying to break in a rookie QB too and with the athletic Bills defense sure to make life tough for Brandon Weeden. Its hard for me to have any real confidence in him. I know, I know the Bills are usually road kill, but I think they have a least more to go on than the Browns do.

Pick-Buffalo

Bengals (1-1) @ Redskins (1-1)

FedEx Field; Landover, MD 1:00 (CBS)

Favorite Redskins by 3

Last Week Bengals defeated Browns 34-27, Redskins lost to Rams 31-28

Fast Fact Redskins have a four game losing streak to AFC teams and have lost the last two meetings with the Bengals.

This is a rather intriguing game, the Bengals seem to have a defensive implosion more often than not and their offense has played wildly inconsistent. RG3 is proving himself to be a wily QB but still seems to make his share of rookie mistakes. While I’m highly tempted to say RG3 makes a big splash in front of a sellout expectant crowd at FedEx Field, something in me isn’t buying into the hype. I like RG3 to be sure, but I keep seeing the Bengals throwing weird looks at him and the Redskins defense has shown no inkling of slowing down any opposing offense. I think the Bengals win a shootout here.

Pick-Cincinnati

Lions (1-1) @ Titans (0-2)

LP Field, Nashville, 1:00 (FOX)

Favorite Lions by 3

Last Week Lions lost to 49ers 27-19, Titans lost to Chargers 38-10

Fast Fact The Titans are an NFL best 19-5 against the NFC in the past 6 six years

I get the feeling that Titans coach Mike Munchak is wandering the streets of Nashville with a milk carton begging the locals to help him find Chris Johnson’s running game. Johnson has had a pair of shockingly subpar games to start the season and facing a rough and ready Lions defense eager to atone for its Sunday Night loss. The Titans defense has suddenly gotten real suspect and facing the bevy of offensive weapons that the Lions have is not a prescription for health.

Pick-Detroit

Jaguars (0-2) @ Colts (1-1)

Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis 1:00 (CBS)

Favorite Colts by 3

Last Week Colts defeated Vikings 23-20, Jaguars lost to Texans 27-7

Fast Fact The Jaguars eked out a franchise worst 117 yards total offense last week.

The Colts jumped to a big lead then let the Vikings back into the game before winning at the gun. The Jags are just a hot mess. This is the rare opp for the Colts to be the bully and I think that Andrew Luck will have a great time picking on the Jags weak secondary. The Colts will have their 2^nd win before the end of the month, three months ahead of when they got their 2^nd win last year.

Pick-Indianapolis

Chiefs (0-2) @ Saints (0-2)

Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans 1:00 (CBS)

Favorite Saints by 9

Last Week Chiefs lost to Bills 35-17, Saints lost to Panthers 35-27

Fast Fact The Saints have start 0-2 18 other times in team history, and have not had a winning season in any of them.

The Chiefs have got to know that they are walking into a storm, the Saints have lost two entertaining shootouts and their offense is showing no real signs of wear. The defenses for both teams are nothing short of atrocious and it’s a good bet that points will not be hard to come by. The question is who’s defense will slow the others down enough to get the win. My bet is on the Saints at home.

Pick-New Orleans

Jets (1-1) @ Dolphins (1-1)

SunLife Stadium; Miami Gardens, FL 1:00 (CBS)

Favorite Jets by 3

Last Week Jets lost to Steelers 27-10, Dolphins defeated Raiders 35-13

Fast Fact Jets QB Mark Sanchez has had five game with under 40% completion percentage, the most by any one QB since 2009.

The Jets took an expected beating in Pittsburgh last week and the predictable talk about when we could expect to see Tim Tebow as the starter ramped back up. The Dolphins pull the unexpected when they housed the Raiders and ran on them at will behind a career day for Reggie Bush. I expect the sledding to be much tougher and Ryan Tannehill will be running for his life for most of the game. There will be few chants for Tebow from the Miami crowd. If they do, Im thinking embattled Jets QB Mark Sanchez might shout “Can we leave him here, with you???”

Pick-New York Jets

49ers (2-0) @ Vikings (1-1)

Mall of America Field @ HHH Metrodome, Minneapolis 1:00 (FOX)

Favorite 49ers by 7½

Last Week 49ers defeated Lions 27-19, Vikings lost to Colts 23-20

Fast Fact Niners WR Randy Moss makes his first appearance as a visitor against the Vikings where he played from 1998-2004 & 2010 and need 81 receiving yards to surpass 15,000 for his career.

The Niners are playing out their string of NFC North teams all at once. Looking solid in a Sunday Nighter, the Niners are using their fearsome defense to neutralize two of the NFL’s best which makes facing Christian Ponder all the more laughable. Ponder had trouble with the Jags and Colts defense who scare no one but their fans, do you really think he will solve the complex Niners scheme? I didn’t think you did. I love me some AP but hes the one man gang fighting against the Niners Bolivian Army of a defense. Alex Smith has to do little but not make mistakes and with the redoubtable running Frank Gore of Frank Gore, the Niners should have nothing to worry about

Pick-San Francisco (Lock of the Week)

Rams (1-1) @ Bears (1-1)

Soldier Field, Chicago 1:00 (FOX)

Favorite Bears by 7½ (line courtesy of Yahoo Sports)

Last Week Rams defeated Redskins 31-28, Bears lost to Packers 23-10

Fast Fact The Bears have won the last three meetings.

The Bears have had to hear all about the Cutler meltdown from last Thursday to almost total saturation, but how fast the wonks turn from celebrating the Bears QB to lambasting him for his outbursts. The Bears face a beatable Rams team that rallied from 15 down to upend the Redskins, a game truth be told they had no business winning. They will find the sledding a lot tougher against a better defense. Sam Bradford will not be able to operate in a clean pocket like he did last week and I think Cutler keeps the wolves at bay for this week.

Pick-Chicago

Buccaneers (1-1) @ Cowboys (1-1)

Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, TX 1:00 (FOX)

Favorite Cowboys by 8

Last Week Buccaneers lost to Giants 41-34, Cowboys lost to Seahawks 27-7

Fast Fact The Cowboys have rushed for 121.3 yards a game in winning the last four meetings.

The Pokes got housed in Seattle, a flat performance that the Pokes saw coming as much as that block Golden Tate gave Sean Lee. The Bucs lost a wild game in Gotham and seem to have trouble with stopping the run. Not a weakness to have against the solid running corps that the Pokes bring. The Bucs may not get a chance to ramrod at the Pokes victory formation, the game shouldn’t be that close.

Pick-Dallas

Falcons (2-0) @ Chargers (2-0)

Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego 4:05 (FOX)

Favorite Chargers by 3

Last Week Falcons defeated Colts 27-21, Chargers defeated Titans 38-10

Fast Fact The Chargers have never beaten the Falcons in San Diego (0-5)

The Chargers had the emotion of playing their hated rivals in their first game then the emotional home opener retiring Junior Seau’s number. You have think that they might come up a little flat against a good Falcons team. The Chargers have the advantage of the Falcons being a weak running team and weakened further by the questionable status of Michael Turner who is dealing with a DUI charge and whose status is uncertain. The Bolts running game has been scattershot as well so both teams will look to their passing games both piloted by QB’s who are completing better than 70% of their passes. All signs to me say that Atlanta wins pretty easy but I keep thinking an upset sound goods right about here.

Pick-San Diego (Upset of the Week)

Eagles (2-0) @ Cardinals (2-0)

University of Phoenix Stadium; Glendale, AZ 4:05 (FOX)

Favorite Eagles by 3

Last Week Eagles defeated Ravens 24-23, Cardinals defeated Patriots 20-18

Fast Fact Eagles are first team in NFL history to win each of their first two games of the season by a single point.

These are two teams that will give you ulcers in a hurry, both are 2-0 but both have been living on the edge. The Eagles turn the ball over at a frightening clip but their defense bails them out. The Cards keep figuring out ways to dodge losses with late game heroics, both times they have had to weather last second opposition drives that fall short. The question is what team is doing it with mirrors and will get exposed. My guess is that despite being on the road the Eagles get the job done. Michael Vick is way overdue for a big game and the Cards defense while playing well had trouble with the mobile Russell Wilson in week 1. It will be a tight one, neither team has the capacity for a blowout.

Pick-Philadelphia

Texans (2-0) @ Broncos (1-1)

Sports Authority Field @ Mile High, Denver 4:25 (CBS)

Favorite Texans by 3

Last Week Texans defeated Jaguars 27-7, Broncos lost to Falcons 27-21

Fast Fact Broncos QB Peyton Manning has thrown 3 INT’s in a game 15 times, but is only a so-so 8-7 in the games following the 3 INT games.

The Broncos play their first day game of the season after two primetime showcases to start the season. Peyton Manning looked rusty against the Falcons and playing inconsistent is not a good thing to do against this roughneck, ballhawking big play defense that the Texans present. Manning has always had success against the Texans going 16-2, but that was with the Colts machine backing him up. The Broncos are still getting used to Manning and besides DeMaryius Thomas that Receiving corps is still a bit shaky. The Texans offensive balance will be needed as the Broncos are solild against the run in the first two games. The Texans are going to have to pass some tests if they are to be taken seriously as a Super Bowl contender. I think that they pass one here.

Pick-Houston

Steelers (1-1) @ Raiders (0-2)

O.co Stadium, Oakland 4:25 (CBS)

Favorite Steelers by 4½

Last Week Steelers defeated Jets 27-10, Raiders lost to Dolphins 35-13

Fast Fact This is a coaching matchup of two youngest head coaches in the NFL as both the Raiders Dennis Allen and the Steelers Mike Tomlin are the same age as your humble scribe, 40.

An old school AFC classic, the Raiders are stumbling out of the gate again while the Steelers bounced back from their opening Sunday Night loss to pound the Jets. Carson Palmer doesn’t play well against the Steelers going 4-8 against them while playing for Cincinnati. Big Ben however hasn’t played well in Oakland getting picked off four times in a loss in their last visit to Oakland in 2006. The Raiders are a mess and I feel like an idiot for calling them a dark horse. The Steelers will as usual get into Carson Palmers head and make it a long afternoon. Those that hearken back to the days when this used to be a premier matchup will have to go on those memories, because this one might get ugly fast.

Pick-Pittsburgh

Patriots (1-1) @ Ravens (1-1)

M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore 8:20 (NBC)

Favorite Ravens by 3

Last Week Patriots lost to Cardinals 20-18, Ravens lost to Eagles 24-23

Fast Fact Last weeks loss was the first home opener loss in the Brady/Belichick era

Both teams took stunning losses last week, the Ravens came up short against the Eagles in Philly and the Pats offense went MIA for most of the afternoon against the Cards and blew a game winning field goal at the gun. These are two teams that play good most of the time and this primetimer will be quite entertaining. It’s hard to get a read on either team following such dismal performances in week 2 and tough to figure which dynamic quarterback will get back on track facing a tough defense. In a coin flip of a game, I’ll take Brady facing a defense that has been weaker than in past years.

Pick-New England

Monday, September 24

Packers (1-1) @ Seahawks (1-1)

CenturyLink Field, Seattle 8:30 (ESPN)

Favorite Packers by 3½

Last Week Packers defeated Bears 23-10, Seahawks beat Cowboys 27-7

Fast Fact The Packers have won six of the past seven meetings (including both playoff meetings)

The week concludes with an interesting matchup, the Seahawks bounced back from a tough loss in Week 1 to whip the Cowboys while the Pack housed the Bears. Aaron Rodgers isn’t on his OMG pace but he has played decent in the first two games. Russell Wilson is a hard player to figure, he is quick as a cat but small as a mouse as QB’s go. Im just not liking him facing a dynamic Packers defense that is so quick to the point of attack, unless the Seahawks jump on the Pack early and get their fearsome home crowd into it, I just see the Pack methodically wearing down the Seahawks for a win.

Pick-Green Bay

Last Week 7-9 (Lock & Upset Incorrect)

Overall 17-15 (Thursday Loss not included)

Locks: 1-1

Upsets 0-2

Until Next Post Fellow Sports Fans!