2013-14 NFL Week 8 Picks

Tough week to get these picks out and I missed the first game of the week, although I would have picked the Panthers anyway. 

Carolina @ Tampa Bay - The worst team in the NFL plays the Panthers,...what do you think? How many days left in this Schiano regime again?  Winner - Panthers.

Dallas @ Detroit - This ought to be a good game and I think that Suh gets him some Tony Romo Ribs in this game.  Winner - Lions.

Cleveland @ Kansas City - This will be a good defensive game.  I feel sorry for Jason Campbell that he faces this Chiefs defense in his first game in a while.  Winner - Chiefs.

Miami @ New England - Can we actually feel sorry for the man that has it all, Tom Brady?  He is playing about as good as he has over the past years, but he is throwing the ball to some scrubs.  Yes, Gronk is back for game 2 and there are some other familiar guys coming back for Brady so this ought to provide him with a reason to have a good game.  Winner - Patriots.

Buffalo @ New Orleans - Bills don't have enough offense to keep up with the Saints in the dome.  Winner - Saints.

New York Giants @ Philadelphia - Hmmm,..someone has to win, right?  When was the last tie in the NFL?  I gotta flip a coin on this one.  I do hope that the scoreboard is lit up though.  Winner - Giants. 

San Francisco @ Jacksonville (London) - Is there even a chance the Jags get close in this game?  Winner - 49ers.

New York Jets @ Cincinnati - C'mon Bengals,...c'mon.  Winner - Bengals.

Pittsburgh @ Oakland - Two bad teams.  I know that these fans remember their golden years, but we're far from that.  Winner - Steelers. 

Washington @ Denver - High ankle sprain.  That might end up being the one thing that changes not only this game, but the AFC.  There is talk that Manning will be getting injections on his injured ankles and the Redskins are coming to town.  Give me the upset in this one.  Winner - Redskins. 

Atlanta @ Arizona - Gotta have the Falcons show up in this game.  Maybe the return of Stephen Jackson helps.  Winner - Falcons. 

Green Bay @ Minnesota - Until the Vikings get a starting QB that can stay on the field, this isn't even close.  Winner - Packers. 

Seattle @ St. Louis - I expect the Seahawks to feast on whomever the Rams roll out there for their QB.  Winner - Seahawks. 

Who you wit?!?!?!?!?

The Tally from NFL Week 1 - Week 5 Picks

Well, we always like to keep a count of how we did each week, but time hasn't been permitting me that opportunity.  After going back and looking at everything, maybe it was best that I didn't look at the numbers of W's and L's with my picks.  If you followed them and bet any money, you're probably in the unemployment line by now. 

Week 1: 8-8

Not bad for starting out.  Lots of teams and lots of unknowns on the first weekend of the season.  Trends aren't setting in yet. 

Week 2: 9-7

Hmmmm,...one game better, but it's always nice to jump ahead of the mendoza line.  Let's see if we can make another incremental step forward next week. 

Week 3: 6-10

What in the he77 is going on out there?  I think my kids could have picked better than 6-10 by just picking their favorite colors.  Daddy has definitely got to put them down and start paying attention to what's important (couldn't find the sarcasm font). 

Week 4: 6-9

Well, there was 1 fewer game so at least I bested my Week 3 picks die to just good luck.  Maybe it's time to let this idea of being a handicapper go.

Week 5: 9-5

Whew,....just when you think it's darkest outside, the light peeks through.  9-5 is good, but not helping me catch any ground.  But positive is positive, right? 

So for the first 5 weeks, that puts me at a solid 38-39.  Week 6,...please be a positive week.  I need you to be a positive week. 

I normally test myself against the ESPN.com pundits so my 38-39 mark puts me squarely in last place,...by far.  Send help.

2013-14 NFL Week 4 Picks

Getting ready for Week 4 and trying to get these picks in.  Let's see what happens. 

San Francisco @ St. Louis - This is simple, we need a pulse from these 49ers.  They have to show up and play, forget that, win this game.  They are 0-3 and they are struggling.  They've been hit with injuries, but this is a divisional game and they are going to need this W.  I'm picking the team that I'm pulling for in this one.  Winner - 49ers.

Baltimore @ Buffalo - Ravens have bounced back since that Week 1 debacle in Denver and it's the Bills, right?  Winner - Ravens.

Cincinnati @ Cleveland - The Bengals have played well thus far and their defense is actually leading them.  The Browns won the first game of the Hoyer era in Cleveland, so something has got to give.  Winner - Bengals.

Chicago @ Detroit - I have been thinking about this game since Week 2.  I like Detroit's defensive line and their ability to disrupt offenses.  Yes, Suh is there, but that Fairley guy is pretty dayum good in his own right.  But they have some injuries on the edges of that defense and they haven't really stopped a team yet.  The Bears are spreading the ball out and will need to continue to do that, but I think their defense is going to have to make a few stops.  Paging anyone on the Bears D-line, your team needs at least 3 sacks from you this week.  Going with the homer pick.  Winner - Bears.  

New York Giants @ Kansas City - The only questions I have are for the Giants.  Are you going to show up this week?  I mean, your pride should be on the line after the butt whuppin you took last week against the Panthers. Andy Reid is laughing at you, what are you going to do?  Winner - Giants.

Arizona @ Tampa Bay - I should pick the Cardinals just because the Bucs benched their QB and I really don't see why.  Free Josh Freeman!!!!!  Winner - Cardinals.

Indianapolis @ Jacksonville - Do they have to play this game? I mean really, give the Colts another bye week.  I guess they essentially already have.  Winner - Colts.

Seattle @ Houston - The Seahawks have looked good and now they get a chance to test the moxy of Matt Schaub.  I don't think this ends well for the Texans. Like, I think this goes very wrong for them.  Winner - Seahawks.

Pittsburgh @ Minnesota - Are they really trying to create NFL fans in England?  Might want to start with some better matchups.  Winner - Steelers.

New York Jets @ Tennessee - This ought to actually be a good game.  I wonder if Chris Johnson will ever show up.  Winner - Titans.

Washington @ Oakland - We'll have to see who the starting QB will be, but I guess does it really matter.  The Skins defense has played terribly, but they should be able to stop the Raiders, right?  Winner - 
 Redskins.

Philadelphia @ Denver - So Andy Reid comes into the Linc and beats the Eagles and then the Eagles have 10 days to prepare for Denver.  Something about this screams upset if the Eagles offense decides to work this week.  Smart money says Broncos, but I think I'm going out on the limb, butt nekkid in the cold on this one.  Winner - Eagles.

Dallas @ San Diego - This will be interesting.  The Chargers are playing inspired football and they have a Cowboys team visiting them.  Which QB would you trust the most?  Winner - Cowboys

New England @ Atlanta - Everyone is talking about how crippled the Patriots are and yes, they are missing some key parts to their team, but as long as that dude is back there (Tom Brady), they are ok.  Atlanta is a little beat up, but I still give them the edge in this one because of the talent.  Will Gronk play this weekend?  If he does, I expect him to pick right up where he left off.  Winner - Falcons.

Miami @ New Orleans - I hope the scoreboard works in the Mercedes Benz dome because I imagine that the Saints will test it out often.  I just don't think the Dolphins have the firepower to make this a fight.  Winner - Dolphins.

Who you with?!?!?!

2013-14 NFL Week 3 Picks

Here we go for Week 3.  Better week last week, but still looking for perfection.

Kansas City @ Philadelphia - We knew that the NFL would schedule this game at some point, and they put it on a Thursday night with nothing else to distract you from it.  The Eagles need a performance from their defense if they are going to win this game.  The offense should do well as long as Vick decides to be more of a facilitator and take fewer hits.  He left the game briefly last week and I still think he only plays about 10 games this year.

The Chiefs bring in not only Andy Reid to his once cozy confines, but they bring in their own new look offense.  I have not been an Alex Smith supporter in anyway and I will continue that mindset until I see something better.  Smith has weapons on offense and the Chiefs defense is something that bears watching.  This all adds up to fun in Philly.  Winner - Chiefs.

Green Bay @ Cincinnati - This one is actually going to be a good game.  The Packers are the Packers with Rodgers (Mr. Discount Double Check) and that offense and the question will be if the defense will be ready to stop a potent Bengals offense.  Winner - Packers.

St. Louis @ Dallas - Tony Romo is 100% healed, but can they pull off this game at home?  The Rams are a dangerous team and I'm not sure that the Cowboys on offense will be able to keep up.  Jerry Jones doesn't want to see this team early in the season.  I'm looking for a big game for Tavon Austin.  Winner - Rams.

San Diego @ Tennessee - I not a fan of either of these teams,....so I think I'm flipping a coin.  Winner - Chargers.

Cleveland @ Minnesota - So let me understand this, you trade your best player for the hope of getting a good player next year and you're not guaranteed to get one of the good QBs out of college?  Winner Vikings.

Tampa Bay @ New England - Well, the Bucs didn't want to see the Patriots, even if the Patriots are hobbled with injuries.  I figured with another week of practice the young Patriots receivers have had more time to gel with Tom Brady.  Look for them to play well in this game.  Winner - Patriots.

Arizona @ New Orleans - Will Fitzgerald play? Will the winner of this game score fewer than 32 points? Will Palmer look even more comfortable in this Cardinals offense?  The Saints defense is getting better and we will see if the Cardinals defense can make Drew Brees sweat.  Winner - Saints.

Detroit @ Washington - The Redskins are coming in and hopefully someone will tell them that the start time for this game is 11am (EST) because they have started terribly their last two games.  Their second halfs have been much better.  That offense needs RGIII to run a little more and against this Detroit defense, I'm a little scared for him.  If he gets hit by one of these big boys upfront from Detroit, that could be problematic.  But, that's why these guys are paid big bucks.  Winner - Redskins.

New York Giants @ Carolina - This Giants team has not only let me down, but also their fans.  Note to Eli Manning, I'm gonna need you to ball out today.  Brandon Jacobs, I'm gonna need for you to tip toe over to the bench and stay.  The Panthers need this win for their coach or they might be introduced to their new head coach by the end of the week.  (Dear Lovie, I hope you've gotten a lot of rest over the past few months being out of the NFL.  Please make sure that you're ready to report to Charlotte within the next week or two.  Thanks - Carolina Fans).  Winner - Giants.

Houston @ Baltimore - No Ed Reed, No Ray Rice.  This might be fun game to watch.  The Texans should win this game, but for some reason I think the Ravens are going to show out.  I might be wrong.  Winner - Texans.

Atlanta @ Miami - Well we know the Miami club scene was alive last night with these Falcons in the building, but this game probably won't be as exciting when they get on the field.  Falcons should walk all over this Dolphins team.  Winner - Falcons.

Buffalo @ New York Jets - This should be a great game, well, for the Bills this should.  Two rookie QBs going at each other and whoever plays best should win this game.  EJ, please no crying this weekend.  Winner - Bills.

Indianapolis @ San Francisco - Welcome Trent Richardson to the Colts.  I wonder how much he plays this week.  Probably mostly on rushing downs (may not be ready to pick up the different calls/blitzes for the offense yet).  This is going to end up being a great trade for the Colts.  The 49ers are ready and Harbaugh schemes against his former protege.  I think the 49ers defense will be up for the test.  Winner - 49ers.

Jacksonville @ Seattle - This is a hard pick to make.  Winner - Seahawks.

Chicago @ Pittsburgh - The Bears are going to wet and rainy Pittsburgh for their first road game test.  Some people are saying the Bears shouldn't be 2-0 and they should be 0-2, but I like this Bears team so far.  I think they keep it up against a reeling Steelers team.  Winner - Bears.

Oakland @ Denver - Terrell Pryor, I'm sorry but these are the games you learn from.  Winner - Broncos.

Who you with?!?!?!?!??!

2013-14 NFL Week 1 Picks

The start of the 2013-14 NFL season is upon us.  As usual I will be making my picks for each of the games each week and posting them with some of my personal insight and thoughts.  As always feel free to agree or disagree in the comments section.  I have joked in the past that I was practicing this for my new career as a Vegas betting man, but I’m not so sure, based on my previous experience.  If you by chance do use my picks and make some money, send a check.  Let’s get to some football,……

Baltimore @ Denver – First game of the season and lots of question marks for both teams.  Baltimore comes in as the reigning Super Bowl champs but they have been stripped down from retirements, defections, business decisions and injuries.  Interestingly enough this team is all Joe Flacco’s now. No Ray Lewis (no matter what you think of his speeches) and no Ed Reed now give this team a more ‘offensive’ feel. Flacco has got to be consistently good this year although he’s going to be lacking in talent around him.  Dumervil was a Bronco, but after a contract miscue, he became a Raven. I imagine that he should have a pretty good game against his old mates, but will it be enough.  

The Broncos have been hit with numerous issues over the off-season from management issues to losing players, to both injury and suspension.  The bright spot is that Manning is still under center and has some more weapons on the offensive side of the ball.  They have even joked about running some run option stuff with Manning as the QB (every defensive end in the league salivated when they heard that).  Manning and his offense will have to carry this team for a few weeks and he’s used to that, so it’ll come down to whether the defense can stop the Ravens.  Tony Carter is going to have to step up at CB and help stop Torrey Smith (DRC might take him the entire game).  But I also look for Shaun Phillips to show us whether he needs to hang it up or if he can be a solid fill in until Von Miller returns. Winner – Ravens.

Tampa Bay @ New York Jets – No Sanchez, so the rookie Geno Smith gets the start.  Geno’s ankle should be fully healed and that should allow him to be at his best.  What is his best might be the question.  Every rookie QB needs a running game, but the Jets really don’t have a stud in the backfield.  Don’t really have any receivers because I’m not expecting Holmes to play,…and it just doesn’t sound good for the rookie.  To me his only hope is to keep them in this game for as long as he can and make some plays with his legs.  They aren’t going up against a juggernaut, but this should be tough sledding for the Jets.

Tampa Bay is a few years removed from actually being that team on the upswing.  Josh Freeman seems to have taken several steps backwards in his growth and it hurts my heart because the kid has talent.  He’s also got some pieces on offense that can help him out, so it’s really about getting them the ball and making good decisions.  Josh Freeman, I need for you to step it up this year, in a big way.  Winner – Bucs.

New England @ Buffalo – Now this ought to be good.  The Patriots have retooled on both sides of the ball, but they still have that dude under center that makes it that much easier to keep winning no matter what.  Brady will have a slew of young receivers and will be without both of his start tight ends.  The funny thing is that I’m not sure that even matters that much.  Brady will be Brady and usually that’s enough to get the Patriots a win. 

The Bills were contemplating starting me at QB for week 1, but I’ll be in church early that morning and wouldn’t be able to make it to the field on time.  In my stead, EJ Manuel gets his first start (of many) for the Bills.  EJ has looked good in pre-season and again, will rely on his two running backs Spiller and Jackson to make his first soirée into the NFL a good one.  The Patriots on defense normally scheme well and try and take something away from you, so I expect them to concentrate on the run and make the rookie beat them with his arm.  Should be fun to watch.  Winner – Patriots.  

Cincinatti @ Chicago – This is the year for the Bears.  Seems like half the team are free agents after this year with the #1 priority on Jay Cutler.  Cutler isn’t the best QB, but he’s better than what the Bears have had in years.  He’s also in a good position; let’s call it the Flacco position, of being in the final year of his deal.  The Bears have a decision to make, pay Cutler that approximately $20M per year or blow it up and start all over again.  The Bears are cheap, but I doubt they blow it up and start all over.  Look for a big year from not only Cutler, but Forte too. 

The Bengals come into this game as the favorites and they should be a team to be reckoned with this year.  They have a good defensive line, they are pretty solid everywhere else on their defense and they have an offense that can put up some numbers (Green) or pound you to death (BGE).  Can the Bengals put it together this year, especially with the Steelers hurting?!!?  Good place to start would be in Chicago.  Winner – Bengals.

Miami @ Cleveland – Miami has some new duds and some new dudes, but will it matter at the end of the day? Tannehill at QB makes this team average at best and add to that, they really have no offensive talent, except for Wallace.  I do like the right side of this Dolphins defensive line in Soliai and Wake, but we’ll see who else steps up.  The addition of Ellerbee makes this defense solid.  Can they score enough points to stay in a game? 

The Browns are,…well the Browns.  Weeden made strides last season but to me he’s limited as far as his ceiling is concerned, but he always looks better when he has Richardson running well.  I do wonder who will step up as the Browns 3^rd receiver, well actually their 2^nd receiver too, but that’s another issue.  Browns defense really has no holes and should be one of the better ones in the league this year.  Winner – Browns.  

Atlanta @ New Orleans – The Falcons were thisclose to making it to the Super Bowl and they should be on a mission again this year.  They didn’t lose much and they actually picked up Seven Jackson who still has some tread on his tires.  The bad of that is that Jackson looks like he’s become one with some of that southern cooking and looks to have put on some pounds.  Matt Ryan has a full complement of receiving targets and he’s one of those guys that should have an easy road paved to at least an MVP, lots of weapons. 

Drew Brees and the Saints are back yet again.  We know that as long as they keep Brees upright and protected he can put up some points.  The receiving corp is a little beat up but hopefully some of the young guns (Toon, Tanner and Stills) and the return of Meachem can solve that problem.  *Homer Alert* I am wishing my cousin (Nick Toon) a fruitful and successful year in NO and may he catch at least 50 balls this year from that Drew Brees guy.  Winner – Falcons. 

Tennessee @ Pittsburgh – A few years ago this would have been a good matchup but right now both of these teams are struggling and going in the opposite direction.  The Titans come in with a young Jake Locker under center and a few pieces on offense that he can really count on.  Britt doesn’t start the year off suspended and Chris Johnson may be all the way back and ready for a 2000 yard rushing season, just maybe.  Defense should be solid, but this year the Titans ride or die on Locker.  If he can make teams pay for putting extra in the box to stop Johnson, this team should scare some people. 

The Steelers are looking like they are going downhill.  They are getting older and if pre-season is any foreshadowing of the future, Big Ben won’t be around much this year.  That offensive line has played horribly and all I can see in my mind is Ben taking some big hits.  Even if the line gets it together, the Steelers running game, normally a staple, just isn’t there.  When you pick up Felix Jones late in the pre-season and he could possibly start for you, that pretty much says it all.  Steelers need Heath Miller healthy soon and maybe this can all turn around quickly.  Winner – Steelers.

Minnesota @ Detroit – I will leave all of the city of Detroit slander out of this.  The Lions have retooled and have spry looking Reggie Bush who has said that this team could win it all.  I guess he’s not lying because I could hit the lottery, but what are the odds.  Stafford needs to stay healthy and some WR besides Calvin Johnson needs to have more than 50 receptions this year.  The defense will be a threat as long as they have those two big boys upfront in Fairley and Suh, and I do like the pickup of former Bears DE Idonije.  Let’s just say that I wouldn’t want to be an offense facing this defense in too many 2^nd or 3^rd and long situations. 

The Vikings are, Adrian Peterson.  As good as he is and as well as he has played since being in the league, it’s really not up to him as it relates to this team winning games.  That falls squarely on on Christian Ponder.  If the Vikings can get some quality starts out of the kid, then APs 1950 yard season (see what I did there) won’t go to waste.  We are going to see if Greg Jennings to help Ponder and be that possession receiver he needs.  On the defensive side of the ball the Vikings are solid and Jared Allen is saying he’s pain free, so we’ll see if he can get back in that sack race this year.  Winner – Lions.

Oakland @ Indianapolis – This has been a long time coming, but for some the Terrelle Pryor Era starts in Oakland this Sunday.  Hey, I hoping the kid plays well, but he’s got a long way to go to be a regular NFL starter.  He’s got legs which will keep him alive behind that offensive offensive line (see what I did there?), but he’s going to have to use his arm.  He has a rather young receiving corp, but I think he has some talent to work with.  Unfortunately the Raiders defensive side of the ball doesn’t look that much better.  I like the additions of Roach and Woodson (how old is Woodson again?), but they need some help or some people to really step up.  

The Colts are one of the feel good teams from last year and they seem to be ready to take another step ahead.  I think last year it came down to consistency and I think another year under center will be a better one for Luck.  He’ll have his favorite blanket in Reggie Wayne, but he also has other options in Heyward-Bey and watch out for that T.Y. Hilton kid.  This offense could be explosive this year.  On defense Robert Mathis is still in the trenches and the defense may not wow many, but they are a solid crew.  Winner – Colts.

Seattle @ Carolina – This one sounds like it’ll be a good game.  The Seahawks, led by their 2^nd year QB Russell Wilson will fly cross country to meet the Panthers.  Seattle brings a multi-faceted offense that has enough wrinkles in it to scare just about any defensive coordinator and a defense that can provide just as many problems.  I hope (for fantasy reasons) that Wilson finds Sidney Rice a little more this year.  Rice can be a mismatch in short yardage or near goal line situations because of his height and leaping ability, so let’s try and leverage those skills, please.  (Funny Note: One of my boys made a bet with a group of us that within 3 years the Seahawks will be looking for a new QB because Wilson isn’t the long term answer. Just waiting to collect on this one)

The Panthers are in a good spot with young Cameron at QB.  With that said, he’s got to be more consistent and he’s going to have to lead this team.  Cam probably played as well as he could last year for the first few games, but then something went wrong, and no I don’t believe that the defenses ‘figured’ him out.  The addition of Tedd Ginn may provide Cam with another target that can make some things happen for this team.  On defense the Panthers will have one of the better defensive lines in football.  Yes, one of the better ones.  If the offense can get clicking, this should be a very interesting game.  Winner – Seahawks.

Kansas City @ Jacksonville – The Andy Reid Era starts in KC (that will mean a lot of pass plays on 3^rd and short, I’m just saying).  The good, well Jamal Charles will probably be a fantasy beast and some people actually think that Smith will be good this season, so the Chiefs, along with a good defense should be pretty good this year.  The bad, well, Alex Smith is their QB.  I don’t trust him, never have and never will. (A joke I saw on twitter comes to mind: I trust (insert QB name) about as much as I trust a stripper with paw print tattoos on her bottom. This is sage advice here).  The offense should be fun to watch if Smith can make some things happen.  If he doesn’t there’s always Chase Daniel. 

Jacksonville is….just a city in Florida and someone needed a tax write off.  Of course there is MJD, but I’m not sure which QB is better between Gabbert (Yo Gabba Gabba) and Henne.  The question I have is will this be Justin Blackmon’s breakout year or will we be waiting for this to happen next year?  Can anyone name 4 starters on defense for the Jaguars without googling the info? You can get two easily, but the others,….well,….we’ll see how they play.  Winner – Chiefs.

Arizona @ St. Louis – Teams are doing a good job reclaiming old QBs and bringing them in for their final few years.  So the Cardinals brought in Carson Palmer who I think still has some tread on his tires and now he has a #1 guy to throw to in Fitzgerald.  If this team can protect Palmer and find some semblance of a running game, they could be decent.  On defense the Cardinals are going to be rather solid because of Dansby, Acho, Peterson, and Docket. 

The Rams are a new look team.  They have a stingy defense but now add Tavon Austin to the mix to help Bradford make this passing game more exciting.  If Bradford can stay healthy, watch out for this team.  They could be one of the sleepers in the NFC.  Winner – Cardinals.

Green Bay @ San Francisco – I would love to see this game late in the season with the playoffs on the line.  Instead we get this game 1 and it still should be a good one.  The 49ers come off of a close loss to the Ravens in the Superbowl, but they come back fully loaded and no concern about who will be the starting QB.  Kaepernick will have a target on his back from not only his off-season wardrobe choices, but he’ll also be trying to prove that this whole new breed of QB is here to stay.  He gained a weapon from that Ravens team in Boldin, but they were already loaded.  Did I mention that the 49ers offensive line is still bigger than most, if not all, in the NFL.  Defense is going to be outrageous.

Green Bay is lucky enough to have one of the QB gawds in Rodgers under center, so they’ll probably be ok as long as this crippled offensive line keeps his jersey clean.  I also dare to say that the Packers have a threat in Eddie Lacy, although a rookie, at the RB spot.  They haven’t had a complete back like that in a while.  Scary to think that their entire year could largely depend on his production and ability to pick up blitzes.  Packers defense is best when they play from ahead, so let’s hope that the offense can keep scoring points.  Winner – 49ers.

New York Giants @ Dallas – I always start the year, well at least for the last few, where I point out just how good the Giants front 4 (or 7) really is.  Then they go out and make me look bad by not performing.  Because I’m a glutton for punishment I am going to go out on a limb again this year and tell you that the Giants have one of the top 3 defensive lines in the NFL.  With Cullen Jenkins able to get pressure from the interior, that makes Tuck, Herzlich and Kiwanuka that much tougher to block. On offense they have the steady Eli manning the ship and that’s enough for 9 wins, at least.

The Romo led Cowboys start the year again with so many expectations and actually they have a pretty scary team.  As usual, it’s all on Romo.  He’s a good player for the majority of a game, but then when you need him, he makes those one or two mistakes that make you want to hunt him down and hurt him.  They may not even be ‘his’ mistakes, but they sure do look bad when they do happen.  He’s got Austin, Murray, Witten and Bryant, so he’s got people around him that can pick up the slack and make plays for him.  Limit the bad decisions and he just may be the MVP of the league.  Winner – Giants.

Houston @ San Diego – This is the other Monday Night Game,….ho hum.  The Texans are the team that some are saying are headed to the Super Bowl this year for the AFC. I’m not sold on that just yet.  Their offense is Johnson and Foster and the health of Matt Schaub.  Seemed like last year the Texans just had too many injuries to really to make a move late in the season and for some reason, I just think that they will go through the same thing again.  I am not wishing it on them, but that’s what I see for them. 

The Chargers are somewhat starting over, but it’s nice to ‘start over’ with Mathews and Rivers as options.  The offense has not really been the problem in the past for the Chargers, but Rivers uncanny ability to snatch victory out of the jaws of defeat with some turnovers just leaves this team in tough situations from time to time.  Can they fix this and stay consistent?  I’m just not sure and I’m not betting with Rivers.  Winner – Texans.

Philadelphia @ Washington – This is the game everyone is waiting for.  The new look Eagles against the hopefully healthy Washington team (I’m all for not mentioning that name until they change it).  The Eagles are on the last ride for Vick and not just his contract but his legacy.  If he falters, he’ll get cut by the beginning of next year, but if he shows out, it puts the Eagles in a tougher spot as it relates to backups.  Chip Kelly’s offense will get a tough test but if they can keep Vick clean and he uses that blessed arm he has, this could be a magical ride for the Eagles.

The team from Washington gets a healthy RGIII back and I think they pick up where they started off last year.  Decent running game, which includes RGIII, but a good passing game and some health is what they really need.  The defense is getting older, but Kerrigan and Arakbo will be able to make plays this year if Cofield and Bowen can get pressure up front.  The team from Washington will be more than solid and should look for playoff berth.  Winner – Eagles.

Who ya with?!?!?!?!?

2012-13 NFL Week 14 Picks Part Deaux

Technical difficulties, last post deleted, updating now.

2012-13 NFL Week 14 Picks

Denver

Steelers

Bucs

Rams

Redskins

Chiefs

Bengals

Colts

Bears

Falcons

Jaguars

Giants

49ers

Seahawks

Packers

Who you got?!?!?!

2012-13 NFL Week 13 Picks

Welcome back. Hopefully everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Lets jump in because we got our first game up soon.

New Orleans @ Atlanta - The Saints need this game badly in order to think about playoffs. They are normally successful against the Falcons but these are the new Falcons right? Should be a shoot out. Winner - Falcons.

2012-13 NFL Week 11 Picks

Too much on the plate today. Lets jump right in to it.

Miami @ Buffalo - I want to pick the Dolphins so bad, but for some reason I think the Bills are motivated and they get it done with the bright lights of Thursday night looking down on them. Winner - Bills

Tampa Bay @ Carolina - Winner Bucs.

Arizona @ Atlanta - Winner Falcons.

Green Bay @ Detroit - Winner Packers.

Cleveland @ Dallas - Winner Cowboys.

Cincinnati @ Kansas City - Winner Chiefs

New York Jets @ St. Louis - Winner Rams.

Philadelphia @ Washington - Winner Redskins.

Jacksonville @ Houston - Winner Texans.

New Orleans @ Oakland - Winner Saints.

Indianapolis @ New England - Winner Colts.

San Diego @ Denver - Winner Broncos.

Baltimore @ Pittsburgh - Winner Ravens.

Chicago @ San Fran - Winner Bears.

Who you got!!?!?!

2012-13 NFL Week 10 Picks

Not a lot of time, but gotta get my pick in for tonight.  Let's go,.....

Indianapolis @ Jacksonville - I have no faith in the Jags but they aren't giving up with everything that's happened to them. I expect this to be a moderately watched and close game with the Andrew Lucks squeaking one out.  Winner - Colts. 

New York Giants @ Cincinnati - Giants should win this one with their defense.  The offense needs to step up and figure out a way to get back on track.  Last week was really a let down against the Steelers. Winner - Giants.

Tennessee @ Miami - Can't trust the Titans. Winner - Dolphins.

Detroit @ Minnesota - If the Lions run the ball like they did last week, then this is a quick game before the Vikings fold.  Winner - Lions.

Buffalo @ New England - Patriots all day.  I picked the Bills in Week 4 and they were up 21-7 at one point and then they just let me down.  Winner - Patriots.

Atlanta @ New Orleans - Could be an upset, but the Saints defense is getting better, but they are still bad.  Should test the scoreboard workers' ability to add, but in the end, the better all around team should win.  Winner - Falcons.

San Diego @ Tampa Bay - I'm not sure which team shows up for the Bucs, but I don't trust the Chargers.  Winner - Bucs.

Denver @ Carolina - Get Cam some help.  Winner - Broncos.

Oakland @ Baltimore - Yes, Palmer is playing pretty good this year, but the ghost of Ray Lewis will pull this Ravens team through.  Winner - Ravens.

New York Jets @ Seattle - Can Russell Wilson get some votes for Rookie of the Year?  Winner - Seahawks.

Dallas @ Philadelphia - Both teams need this win.  Both QBs are struggling.  Both defenses are struggling.  Both coaches are fighting for their jobs.  Winner - Cowboys.

St. Louis @ San Francisco - Winner - 49ers.

Houston @ Chicago - I am on the fence on this one.  The weather will dictate how it's played as it'll be windy and somewhat cold here in the Chi.  The Bears have to protect Cutler and the Texans have to find a way to keep that Bears defensive line occupied.  Should be a good game,...and in the end, I think we get a mild upset.  Winner - Bears.

Kansas City @ Pittsburgh - Are the Chiefs still and NFL team?  Winner - Steelers. 

Who you got?!?!?!?

2012-13 NFL Week 9 Picks

Another Thursday Night game.  I thought these didn't start until late in the season, but I guess that money is giving us 1 a week this year.  Let's get these picks in.

Kansas City @ San Diego - Well, Matt Cassel is getting his starting gig back and I think that it will provide some spark for this team.  They are really sucking this year and who knows, maybe this is his last chance to be a starter for this team.  The Chargers are the Chargers and the only thing is someone will win this game.  Flipping coin on this one.  Winner - Chiefs.

Baltimore @ Cleveland - This Browns team knows how to run the ball and this Ravens team can't stop the run very well.  The Ravens come off a bye and are hopefully healthy.  I think that something positive happened during the bye and I'm going against my better judgement on this pick.  Winner - Ravens.

Tampa Bay @ Oakland - This ought to be a good game because the Bucs need this one.  They were last seen destroying the Vikings with ease, so let's see if they can do it two weeks in a row.  Don't sleep on these Raiders as Carson Palmer is turning his game on as of late.  Winner - Bucs.

Denver @ Cincinatti - I'm riding with Manning and this Denver team.  They have a good balance on offense and as long as they don't turn the ball over, their defense will step it up against a good Bengals passing game.  Winner - Broncos.

Arizona @ Green Bay - Nothing the Cardinals did last week makes me think that they can win this game.  This is all on the Packers to prove they do belong.  The Cardinals offense is suspect and probably exactly what the Packers needed to see.  Winner - Packers.

Chicago @ Tennessee - Bears all day.  Winner - Bears.

Miami @ Indianapolis - After an emotional win over the Jets last week the Dolphins come in Indy riding a little high.  Tannehill is being called the best rookie QB in the game (by his own center of course) so this will probably come down to one of the two rookie QBs.  I got my money on Luck.  Winner - Colts.

Carolina @ Washington - Black QB comparions go ahead and start.  RGIII is not Cam and Cam is not RGIII.  They both bring different pieces to the game both on and off the field.  The only thing they share is melanin and the fact that they both are starting QBs for their teams.  Let them be them.  Winner - Redskins.

Detroit @ Jacksonville - So you mean to tell me that the Lions have their best game last week and now they get the worst team in the NFL.  Winner - Lions. 

Buffalo @ Houston - Finally,....Mario Williams has come back to Houston (for all of you Rock fans out there).  Should be a bad return for him because they can't stop that Houston offense.  Winner - Texans.  

Minnesota @ Seattle - Like the progression that the Seahawks are making, especially at the QB spot.  Their record may not be the best but they are a few plays from 2 wins.  The Vikings are coming in pissed from the butt whuppin that they received last week.  Take away AP's 70+ yard run and this team did nothing the majority of the night.  They'll be energized and ready, but I like the home team defense too.  Winner - Seahawks.

Pittsburgh @ New York Giants - Game of the Week.  Giants defensive secondary is weak, Pittsburgh has good receivers, and the question is will Big Ben have time to make some decisions.  Winner - Giants.

Dallas @ Atlanta - I'm telling you now that it would turn the world upside down if the Cowboys go into Atlanta and win this game.  I'm talking about right up there with the Mayans being right.  Winner - Falcons. 

Philadelphia @ New Orleans - If Vick thought he was going to get benched this week, wait and see what he does/doesn't do against the Saints defense.  If the Eagles don't put up 30+, Vick and Andy Reid will be packing their bags.  Winner - Eagles. 

Who you got?!?!?!?!

2012-13 NFL Week 8 Wrap Up

Let's jump right in and see what we've got this week. 

Tampa Bay @ Minnesota - Wow, this was a butt kicking at home for the Vikings.  Although not too far out of the realm of possibility.  Not many expected to see the Vikings this good this early in the year but they've overachieved.  The Bucs ran all over this defense that looked anemic for the most part.  Still didn't expect them to play this bad.  Inquisitive Mind 0-1 for the week.

Carolina @ Chicago - The Bears have got to be the happiest team in the league this week.  They stole this win.  I liked what I saw from Cam in this game and he did what he needed to do, for the most part.  This Panthers team had multiple 10+ play drives against this Bears defense.  I will say this again, the only thing keeping the Bears from the Superbowl is their left tackle situation.  The first half proved that.  Inquisitive Mind 1-1 for the week.  

San Diego @ Cleveland - I'll take it.  A 7-6 game is good anytime you can get one.  Norv, pack your bags my friend, it's been a long time coming.  Inquisitive Mind 2-1 for the week.  

Seattle @ Detroit - Who would've thought the Lions would wake up and win a game?  Stafford had the best game of the season and the Lions don't look that bad all of a sudden.  Inquisitive Mind 2-2 for the week. .

New England @ St. Louis - This was embarrassing.  At least it wasn't done on American soil.  Inquisitive Mind 3-2 for the week.  

Miami @ New York Jets - Rex, pack your bags my friend.  Time for some change in NY and I'm not sure if we're talking Tebow either.  Inquisitive Mind 4-2 for the week.  .

Atlanta @ Philadelphia - I am officially breaking up with the Eagles as of today.  I just can't anymore.  Forget all of this change at QB isht, change the coach.  I know it's going to be tough for Banner to get rid of Reid, but it's past due.  Inquisitive Mind 4-3 for the week.  .

Washington @ Pittsburgh - Jailbird uniforms and all, the Steelers did what they needed to do by beating the Redskins.  Inquisitive Mind 5-3 for the week.  .

Jacksonville @ Green Bay - The Jags actually had a chance, but came up short.  At least they didn't quit.  Inquisitive Mind 6-3 for the week.  .

Indianpolis @ Tennessee - The Titans let me down too.  Chris Johnson, me and you gonna meet in a closet soon and talk about how you are killing my fantasy team.  Inquisitive Mind 6-4 for the week.  

Oakland @ Kansas City - How about everyone just gets a W if you have the chiefs on your schedule for the rest of the year?  That's how they are playing.  Inquisitive Mind 7-4 for the week.  .

New York Giants @ Dallas - Blow up the Cowboys.  Really blow them up, sell the stadium and start over.  Cowboy fans should get their money back for the cruel and unusual punishment that they have to endure watching this team implode.  Inquisitive Mind 8-4 for the week.   

New Orleans @ Denver - And Peyton Manning looked like a real G out there on Sunday night.   Inquisitive Mind 9-4 for the week.   

San Francisco @ Arizona - Alex Smith had a helluva game and I still doubt that he can lead this team to the Super Bowl.  Call me a cynic.  Inquisitive Mind 10-4 for the week.  

Another good week, let's keep this going.  66-52 for the season.  Need a few of these back to back to keep pace. 

2012-13 NFL Week 7 Wrap Up

I know this is late, but let's see what happened.  This was a good week, I think.

Seattle @ San Francisco - Good game, but 49ers came out on top.  This is one they should have lost, but good teams win these games.  Inquisitive Mind 1-0 for the week.   

New Orleans @ Tampa Bay - The Bucs almost pulled this one off,......wow!!!  Good game.  Inquisitive Mind 2-0 for the week.  

Baltimore @ Houston - We know what happened.  Inquisitive Mind 3-0 for the week.  

Tennessee @ Buffalo - The Bills,..arrrgh.  Inquisitive Mind 3-1 for the week.  

Washington @ New York Giants - Inquisitive Mind 4-1 for the week.  

Dallas @ Carolina - The Cowboys almost allowed this game to be taken from them.  Inquisitive Mind 5-1 for the week. 

Cleveland @ Indianapolis - The week I pick the Browns and they do this to me.  Inquisitive Mind 5-2 for the week.  

Green Bay @ St. Louis - Closer than it needed to be.  Inquisitive Mind 6-2 for the week.  

Arizona @ Minnesota - Inquisitive Mind 7-2 for the week.  

New York Jets @ New England - Inquisitive Mind 8-2 for the week.  

Jacksonville @ Oakland - Inquisitive Mind 9-2 for the week.  

Pittsburgh @ Cincinnati - Bengals let me down.  Had a great opportunity here, but blew it.  Inquisitive Mind 9-3 for the week.  .

Detroit @ Chicago - Inquisitive Mind 10-3 for the week.  

Great week and that gets us somewhat back in the swing of things.  56-48 for the year.  We need another week like this. 

2012-13 NFL Week 8 Picks

Good week last wee so we need to keep this trend going. I'm running today so I will get in my Thursday Night picks and then the rest tomorrow. Enjoy.

Tampa Bay @ Minnesota - The Bucs looked good last week but I attribute that to the defense that they played against. Vincent Jackson had a 200+ yard game and will need a game like that to help his team get a win in Minny. The Vikings have made their plan simple all year long: Run the ball, make a few plays in the air and play defense. Tampa should find the road a little tougher in Minny this week and that's why I gotta go with.....Winner - Vikings.

Carolina @ Chicago - This is a tough time for Cam Newton with all of the losing going on in Carolina and then to make things worse he's coming to the Chi to take on the best defense in the NFL.  That doesn't add up to success for me, eventhough the Panthers have given the Bears fits in the past, the Bears are just clicking on all cylinders right now.  Winner - Bears.

San Diego @ Cleveland - This ought to be interesting.  The Browns have played well and they are putting up points in their wins.  They are playing a Charger team that as of late is turning the ball over an inordinate amount.  If the turnovers continue for the Chargers, this one is going to get out of hand quickly.  Browns playing at home,......Winner - Browns.

Seattle @ Detroit - After the game last week, the Lions are just trying to figure out how they gave the game away to the Bears.  If they kick field goals and not turn the ball over, they win that game.  This Lions team was on fire last year on offense and that allowed their defense to pin their ears back and get after teams because they had to pass.  That isn't happening this year and if they don't fix it soon, they will have no chance.  Winner - Seahawks.

New England @ St. Louis - I think that even with a hobbled offense, the Patriots win this game easily.  Winner - Patriots.

Miami @ New York Jets - There has been a lot of talk between these two teams and I'm not sure that's good.  I mean how does the trash talking go? We don't suck as much as you do?  Look for the Dolphins to play well against a limited Jets team.  Winner - Dolphins.

Atlanta @ Philadelphia - The Eagles have done nothing to warrant me picking them, but I'm telling you, I gotta feeling that they are going to wake up from the slumber they are in.  This is going to be a tough game, but even I like Andy Reid after a bye.  Weather is going to play a major factor in this game.  Winner - Eagles.

Washington @ Pittsburgh - Interesting matchup here.  The Steelers may not be the Steelers of old on either side of the ball, but this defense is going to have to matchup against these receivers and get to RGIII if they hope to slow this Redskins team down.  The Steelers will have to run the ball more to keep themselves in this game, they can't get into a shootout.  Winner - Steelers.

Jacksonville @ Green Bay - No chance for the Jaguars.  Winner - Packers.

Indianpolis @ Tennessee - The Titans are going to need Chris Johnson to run against this pourous Indy defense and the Colts gotta find a way to stop the run and make Hasselbeck beat them.  Who you got your money on?  Winner - Titans.

Oakland @ Kansas City - I have to pick one of these teams?  I just don't think the Raiders are that good and the Chiefs are starting Brady Quinn.  Winner - Raiders.

New York Giants @ Dallas - The Giants have proved to me that they should be on top on the NFC East and this game gives them an opportunity to repay that butt whuppin that the Cowboys gave them in Week 1 in their home stadium.  Revenge is best served cold and on the opposing teams' home field.  Winner - Giants. 

New Orleans @ Denver - Well both QBs in this game are the draw.  The question is which defense would you bet could slow down the opposing QB?  Winner - Broncos. 

San Francisco @ Arizona - The Cardinals show up about every other game and so it sounds like they should show up in this one.  The issue is if they show up, I still don't think that they can beat the 49ers on their best day.  Winner - 49ers.

Who you got?!?!?!?!?!?

2012-13 NFL Week 7 Picks

Never give up is the motto this week.  It's hard out here on my picks.  Thursday games seem to determine the rest of the week for me,.....so let's all take a moment and just breathe here and get ready for Week 7.

Seattle @ San Francisco - Ok, the Seahawks are on the road (check), they have a decent rookie QB (check), they have a pretty good defense (check), they have a pretty good running back (check), and they are coming off a big win last week (check).  The 49ers got embarrassed by the Giants last week and are trying to prove to the NFL that last week was merely a pot hole in their season.  Everything is screaming 49ers on this one, right?  (Starts to sweat profusely.....) I'm not feeling the 49ers this week but it might be because of bias.  (I need this pick,.....I'm picking them but under protest,...think the Seahawks make this close or possibly win)  Winner - 49ers. 

New Orleans @ Tampa Bay - The Saints haven't done much this year and yet they have been in most of the games they've played.  That offense works but my 3 year old seems to be a better fit calling the defense plays.  This is the game where the Bucs miss Talib.  Winner - Saints.

Baltimore @ Houston - Ok, the Ravens have lost Ray Lewis and Lardarius Webb and Ngata is hurt.  Yes, Ed Reed is hurt, but he's played that way for years.  I just don't see, barring an outburst from the Ravens offense, how this team can beat the Texans at home.  It's sad to see my Ravens like this even if T-Sizzle is talking about playing.  Is there anyway that we leave Suggs in Baltimore for this game so he can't play?  Need him healthy first.  Winner - Texans.

Tennessee @ Buffalo - Gotta flip a coin on this one.  Yes, I like Merriman back on the Bills defense, but I'm not sure he can make that big of a difference this week.  That Bills offense has got to be consistent and continue to pound the ball with their running backs.  The question for the Titans is whether Chris Johnson shows up.  Winner - Bills.

Washington @ New York Giants - Well, this should be the game of the week.  The surging Redskins taking on division rivals in New York.  Will this be another chapter of the RGIII Coming Out Party, or does this turn into another scary outing for the rookie QB?  I've always liked the Giants defensive front 7 because they can get after the QB and they have the speed to do it.  They did lose to Vick earlier this year and I think that RGIII may be just as dangerous.  Should be a close game but in the end,.....  Winner - Giants.

Dallas @ Carolina - Finally a team that the Cowboys can beat.  The question is will they?  Both teams come into this game with lots to prove and it's funny that both of the people who need to show up are the two QBs.  People have knocked Romo on his inability to win the big one and people are knocking on Cam for immaturity.  Who's your money on?  Winner - Cowboys.

Cleveland @ Indianapolis - Two rookie QBs and two teams that have bright futures.  The Browns have been putting up numbers on the scoreboard lately and the porous Indy defense may assist in continuing that trend.  Andrew Luck is going to have to be on his P's and Q's this weekend as this Browns defense has the ability to play pretty tough.  I can't even believe that I'm about to do what I'm doing.  Winner - Browns.

Green Bay @ St. Louis - Seems like the Packers are back on track and I imagine that they'll put 30+ on the board in this one.  Packers defense has got to stop the run and this one is elementary.  Winner - Packers.

Arizona @ Minnesota - The Vikings lost a tough one last week against the Redskins, but I like the way they play ball.  They are letting that defense dictate and being a bit conservative on offense.  This is a formula that will help them until they run into a better team that can do the same.  Not sold on the Cardinals, although they have the ability to win this one with their defense.  Winner - Vikings.

New York Jets @ New England - Well, this is going to start the swan song for Rex Ryan this weekend.  A few more of these beat downs and he's done.  Will Tim Tebow play is the biggest question in this game.  Winner - Patriots.

Jacksonville @ Oakland - No one travels well coming from the East Coast to the West, right?  I think this game should end in a tie, just to make it interesting.  Winner - Raiders.

Pittsburgh @ Cincinnati - Hmmm,...AFC North game with two teams with a lot on the line since many expect the Ravens to fall out of contention due to injuries.  Neither team has played well although the Steelers have had some injury issue themselves.  I normally ride with the Steelers, but I'm not so sure in this one.  Winner - Bengals.

Detroit @ Chicago - A great game for Monday Night.  Bears are coming off a bye and they should be healthy and ready to go.  Peppers has been hounded by some foot issues, so if he's healed, this defense will feast on the Lions.  Lovie normally has his boys ready, so let's see what happens.  If the Bears find a way to protect Cutler, this is going to be a Superbowl year for the Bears.  Write that down.  Winner - Bears.

Who you got?!?!?!?!?!?

2012-13 NFL Week 6 Picks

Ok,..let me get out the rabbit's feet, the lucky charms or anything else that will help us make sense of Week 6.  Gotta make up some ground and I know that there are teams that I can depend on to make my picks stink. 

First we shall pause for a public service announcement -- Happy Birthday to ME -- Play any birthday song that you deem appropriate, repeat it once more.  Okay, now back to the regularly scheduled program --

Pittsburgh @ Tennessee - Alright, no Polamalu, no Woodley and Big Ben needs 300 yards to pass Bradshaw on the all-time list for the Steelers.  Hmmm, sounds like we'll be throwing the ball tonight.  It would be my luck that Chris Johnson has a breakout performance because I sat him on my fantasy team.  He just might not be enough.  Winner - Steelers.

Kansas City @ Tampa Bay - Someone has to win this game.  The Chiefs Chefs (I said I won't refer to them as Chiefs here anymore this year) may start or play Brady Quinn a significant amount of time in this game.  That's pretty much all I have to say.  Winner - Bucs.

Dallas @ Baltimore - TRAP GAME for the Ravens.  They have played pretty well and they get a Cowboys team that was embarrassed last week on national TV by the Bears.  I expect the 'Boys to play better and I have questions around the Ravens pass rush and their running game.  You guys know 'In Ray I Trust', but for some reason I'm on the fence about this game. C'mon Ravens, make me look good.  Winner - Ravens.

Oakland @ Atlanta - The Falcons get pretty much a gimme on this one, unless Richard Seymour wakes up and has a game from years ago.  He can get to the QB and stop the run from his interior line position and all it takes is one good lick on Matt Ryan and this Falcons team goes from playing for a spot in the NFC playoffs to .500.  Since that won't happen, gimme the.....Winner - Falcons. 

Cincinnati @ Cleveland - The Battle of Cleveland.  First question I have is how can you have two NFL teams this close together?  Shouldn't there just be one team in Ohio?  Anyway, I've been on the Bengals all year.  Defense will win this game.  Winner - Bengals.

St. Louis @ Miami - Nothing like leaving the midwest and heading to Miami for the weekend.  Much nicer is getting paid to take such a trip.  The joy that the Rams should feel about this trip will hopefully prepare them for a sound Dolphins team.  If the Rams defense plays like it played against the Cardinals then they win easily.  Winner - Rams. 

Indianapolis @ New York Jets - Two things to ponder. The Colts are 2-2 and in 2nd place in the AFC South.  They are facing a winnable game against the Jets and then after this the rest of their schedule screams that this team will be in contention for possibly a divisional crown.  Take that Peyton Manning. The Jets are in a dark time right now.  When TO is telling you that you are desperate, that's the pot meet kettle moment that we all have sometimes.  How long before Rex is gone?  He's on watch starting at 1pm on Sunday.  Winner - Colts. 

Detroit @ Philadelphia - It would be hilarious if the Lions got their ship righted with a win at the Linc.  I guess not really if you're an Eagles fan, but as bad as the Lions have played this year (as opposed to last year), this would be the most opportune time to show up.  Mike Vick, if you are reading this, it's simple: Hand the ball off to Shady McCoy, please.  At least 20 times.  Winner - Eagles.

New England @ Seattle - TRAP GAME for the Patriots.  After blowing up Buffalo and beating the Broncos, the Patriots get a limited Seahawks team, but in Seattle.  It may take a 12th man to stop Wes Welker and Tom Brady.  Seattle if you want to win this game, please make sure that you cover the little guy.  Please.  Nothing like another miracle for the USC Trojans Seahawks at home, right?  Winner - Patriots.

Buffalo @ Arizona - Two teams desperate for a win.  I'm sorry, two teams DESPERATE for a win.  Arizona looked turrible last Thursday night and they have had some time to regroup.  Buffalo, well, we know what happened to them.  Winner - Cardinals.

New York Giants @ San Francisco - Clash of the Titans, Round 1.  Alex Smith comes in a little dinged on his hand, Brandon Jacob's comes in a with his feelings a little dinged, and the Giants are coming in hungry.  The question for this game is whether your team is better off with a QB manager (Smith) or a Real QB (E. Manning)?  What do you think?  Winner - Giants.

Minnesota @ Washington - RGIII made it back to practice from a mild concussion, but will he be OK for this game?  I'm not sure I let him play if I'm the Redskins, even though you can't be too overly cautious.  I think this Vikings defense makes some plays and Peterson has one of those 125+ yards rushing games.  Winner - Vikings.

Green Bay @ Houston - The scheduling Gods have not been kind to the Packers.  They come off a tough loss and they go right into Houston where it's not looking good for them.  The Packers defense has got to step it up and they are going to need help from their running game to kick start all of that.  Alex Green the fate of Packer Nation now rests on your legs.  In a surprise,......Winner - Packers.

Denver @ San Diego - Peyton is pissed and this Broncos team should be too.  They had the Patriots on the ropes and then they just let it all go.  They get a Chargers team that may be a little excited with Mathews return (and a decent game last week) and a defense that looked ready to make some noise.  They play at home which is always a tough spot for visiting teams.  This one might be a toss up, but for some reason, I am picking the Manning guy.  Winner - Broncos.

Who you got?!?!?!?!?!?

2012-13 NFL Week 5 Wrap Up

Off of a good 10-5 week and I go back in the dungeon.  This is scary, in a bad way. 

Arizona @ St. Louis - The Cardinals defense didn't show up but the Rams did.  Add to that a sprinkling of Steven Jackson and the Rams end up with the win. Inquisitive Mind Blog 0-1 for the week. 

Long weekend with the kids so we making this the abbreviated version.(Probably should have been drinking as I watched these games.  Something hard, and something that would make me forget all of Sunday). 

Cincinnati - The Bengals just let me down.  You let the Dolphins steal a game from you in the AFC.  This loss will come back to haunt them.  Yes, I was up on the Bengals last week, still like them, but this was disappointing.  Inquisitive Mind 0-2 for the week.

Green Bay - Andrew Luck, welcome to the NFL.  People compare him to Peyton, but let him be him.  He brought his team back and won this game against one of the big boys in the league.  I said that the Seahawks game would haunt the Packers later in the year, but add this one to the list.  Inquisitive Mind 0-3 for the week. 

Baltimore - A freakin 9-6 game?  At least it's a win and the first right one for me this week.  Baltimore I'm gonna need some more 'O'.  Inquisitive Mind 1-3 for the week. 

Washington - RGIII gets knocked out so that should give me a mulligan on this pick, right?  For all of you that are on this Cousins stuff about replacing RGIII, go back to sleep.  Inquisitive Mind 1-4 for the week. 

New York Giants - Thank you Eli for making my pick look good.  Inquisitive Mind 2-4 for the week. 

Philadelphia - Tough loss for the Eagles, but Mike Vick, if you remember it's about Shady and not you to win these games.  Remember your good years in ATL, you had a running back that helped significantly and you stayed healthy.  Wash, Rinse, Repeat.  Inquisitive Mind 2-5 for the week. 

Seattle - Figured the Panthers would lose a tough game.  Leave your young QB alone Panthers fan.  Inquisitive Mind 3-5 for the week.

Chicago - The Bears are back.  I mean they are really back and if this offense can find a way to protect Cutler, they just might head to the Superbowl.  I'm saying that right now!!  Inquisitive Mind 4-5 for the week.

Minnesota - Is it too late to wear my purple gear in honor of the most surprising team in the NFL?  The Vikings are winning on defense and special teams.  How long will it last?  Inquisitive Mind 5-5 for the week. 

Denver - Yes, Peyton Manning, you did all you could and it wasn't you, but you guys sucked late in this game.  The defense finally got some stops, but too many miscues on offense doomed this game.  The sideline pictures of Peyton's forehead pretty much said it all.  BTW, can they find a helmet that fits him a little better?  Inquisitive Mind 5-6 for the week.

San Francisco - Butt whuppin, but we will have to watch this injury to Alex Smith.  Not a fan of his, but him being hurt may impact this team.  Inquisitive Mind 6-6 for the week. 

New Orleans - Finally, the Saints won a game.  I think Andy Reid somehow got the Chargers radio frequency and started making some play calls for them.  Something happened because the Chargers started the game pretty well, but then it all went bad.  Inquisitive Mind 7-6 for the week. 

Houston - Good game against a game Jets team.  The Jets pulled every trick in the book and they still came up short.  To Tebow or Not to Tebow is the question and it really doesn't matter much because I'm not sure he can change the funk this team is in.  Rex Ryan, you may want to keep your bags packed because it's not looking food for you.  Inquisitive Mind 8-6 for the week. 

We have done worse than an 8-6 week, but you must accentuate the positives, eliminate the negatives, and latch on to the affirmative. That brings us to a 39-38 record for the season.  Let's just say we're going to need a few perfect weeks here to catch up.