2012-13 Picks - NFL - Week 17

Game of the Week - Sunday, December 30

DAL @ WAS | Cowboys - It’s only fitting that a game of this magnitude should be the last of the regular season. The final pieces of the NFC playoff puzzle won’t be in place until it ends. So what’s on the line? More than your everyday “W”, that’s for sure. The winner of this bitter rivalry earns a playoff berth and a division title in the starkly competitive NFC East. Then there are the individual accolades (to a lesser degree of importance, of course). For Jason Garret, a win likely means another season of tenure as Cowboys head coach. For RG3, it adds another layer onto his case for Rookie of the Year in the race against Russell Wilson and Andrew Luck. For Tony Romo, it’s another chance to get the proverbial monkey off of his back as it pertains to winning big games—although the games to proceed will only get bigger for everyone involved. Jerry Jones must be pleased...

Sunday, December 30

CHI @ DET | Bears – The Bears need this one. They Bears haven’t had Cutler healthy in a game they needed him in for quite some time.

MIA @ NE | Patriots – This is the kind of game the Patriots have historically over-played their stars in.

TB @ ATL | Falcons – Nobody is quite sure what happened to the Falcons today.

NYJ @ BUF | Bills – This is just the kind of situation that the Bills can win in; dysfunctional team without leadership.

BAL @ CIN | Bengals – The Bengals are in the playoffs!!! And they’re poised to play spoiler.

JAC @ TEN | Titans – ATTN Jacksonville: Tebow is on the way. I REPEAT. Tim Tebow is on the way.

HOU @ IND | Colts – If Reggie Wayne gets his way, the Colts get the “W”.

CAR @ NO | Saints – With the news of Sean Peyton returning the sidelines, this team should be fired up to springboard into next year with a “W”.

PHI @ NYG | Giants – Mike Vick should be play like this is an audition for next year – but the Giants are a prideful bunch and although their playoff hopes are slim, I imagine they’d give them life support until the very end.

CLE @ PIT | Steelers – The Browns have already won more than their fair share of games this year. (Sorry Browns fans).

KC @ DEN | Broncos – The only team that makes this team any scarier than last year’s team is Peyton Manning – oh wait…

GB @ MIN | Packers – Indirectly, a Packers win helps the Bears which is the last thing they want – but the Vikings are a rival, too and I’m sure they’d prefer AP didn’t go breaking records on their franchise.

OAK @ SD | Chargers – I misspoke last week. The Raiders didn’t play Pryor last week. They played Matt Leinart…

ARI @ SF | 49ers – The 49ers are slowly deteriorating…at the worst possible time.

STL @ SEA | Seahawks – The Seahawks have caught fire…at the best possible time.

Thanks for reading guys.

2012-13 Picks - NFL - Week 16

Photo Credit: (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)

Sunday, December 23 - Game of the Week
SF @ SEA | Seahawks
The Seahawks are perfect at home this season. Whether or not that should be the case (Packers) or if they were just extremely fortunate (Patriots), is neither here nor there. The fact is, they're a good football team. The Seahawks always play like they have something to prove, like they have a chip on their shoulder; something that's a common thread with many Superbowl champion teams in recent memory. The 49ers on the other hand showed that they can withstand the hardest hit from the NFL's best in their win versus the Pats. But something still feels off kilter about the Kaepernick move to me. Even the slightest bit of distrust with player personnel can have a ripple effect. Harbaugh is all-in on CK for the remainder of the season. Personally, I don't know if he's the guy for the job. But who am I to make that call. Harbaugh knows what he's doing, right?

Saturday, December 22
ATL @ DET | Falcons - Seems like a no-brainer, but the Falcons do seem to spontaneously lose games like this.

Sunday, December 23
OAK @ CAR | Panthers - I hear Terrelle Pryor might see significant minutes today. Eek.
NO @ DAL | Cowboys - With the bounty weight off their shoulders, the Saints looked very alive last week ini their 41-0 rout of the Bucs -- but Romo and co. have more to play for than their black and gold counterparts.
TEN @ GB | Packers - The Pack look to strengthen their playoff positioning in this warm up game against the Titans.
MIN @ HOU | Texans - If anyone should slow down AP and his jog through the NFL's run D's, J.J. Watt and the Texans should be able to give it a go--but that's probably what ever other team has likely thought this year.
NE @ JAC | Patriots - Looking to re-calibrate after last weeks thriller / near historical comeback versus the 49ers.
IND @ KC | Colts - Luck and co. look to be playoff bound. #ChuckStrong
BUF @ MIA | Dolphins - Bills have become the Bills of old again...
SD @ NYJ | Chargers - Lets not talk about the Jets this week.
WAS @ PHI | Redskins - RG3 returns to the field in what may be the last few weeks of Andy Reid as Eagles head coach.
CIN @ PIT | Bengals - This late in the season, I never fathomed picking the Bengals over the Steelers, but they seemed to have nearly turned a corner.
STL @ TB | Buccaneers - After last weeks thrashing, the Bucs "D" will be thrilled not to see Drew Brees on the other side of the ball.
CLE @ DEN | Broncos - They're going to be 12-3 after this week. Seriously? 12-3.
CHI @ ARI | Bears - The Bears have been reeling -- injuries, offensive woes, etc -- the Cards should provide a breather and keep their playoff hopes alive.
NYG @ BAL | Ravens - This could be the week that the defending champs get eliminated from playoff contention.


Thanks for reading guys.

2012-13 Picks - NFL - Week 15

Sunday, December 16 - Game of the Week
GB @ CHI | Bears - This is in all likelihood, the most storied and exciting rivalry in football. This is also the biggest game of the year for the Monsters of the Midway. They're broken, battered and their backs are against the wall. The Packers are slowly getting healthy and their offense has been treacherous as of late. No surprise they've won 4 of their last 5 games. There's a stat that's been flying around, though; it says that Jay Cutler is one of the league's best in the 4th quarter. This is the kind of game that defines a season. With division titles on the line and playoff positioning in play, I think Cutler plays like it's the 4th quarter and the Bears pull out a close win.

Thursday, December 13
CIN @ PHI | Bengals - To put it nicely, the Eagles have under performed  They'll do so at home versus the surging Bengals this week, too.

Sunday, December 16
NYG @ ATL | Giants - Just the kind of game the Giants usually win and the Falcons lose (tough team in an important match up).
DEN @ BAL | Ravens - I get the feeling Flacco shows some guts this week and pulls out a close win at home versus a Broncos team who has yet to beat anybody of significance.
WAS @ CLE | Browns - The Browns have won 3 games in a row. (shocking!) The Redskins are likely going to be without RG3 Sunday--tough turn of events in their playoff run.
IND @ HOU | Colts - The Colts are on fire and the Texans are coming off of an embarrassing loss to the Pats on MNF. Momentum prevails.
JAC @ MIA | Dolphins - I've waited for this game for longer than it takes the state of Florida to count its votes ... NOT...Dolphins win.
TB @ NO | Buccaneers - I'd like to say the Saints get a home win here, but they likely won't.
MIN @ STL | Vikings - Adrian Peterson continues creating fantasy havoc worldwide.
DET @ ARI | Lions - The Cardinals are pretty pathetic this year. Sorry, Larry Fitz.
SEA @ BUF | Seahawks - If they're in the playoffs, you're not going to want to see them...
CAR @ SD | Chargers - Chargers squeeze out a tough one at home.
PIT @ DAL | Cowboys - HUGE game for Romo and the boys. Cowboys by a FG.
KC @ OAK | Raiders - Raiders show signs of talent every now and then.
SF @ NE | Patriots - I think Belichick exposes the rookie Caepernick and exploits his weaknesses. Although, his strength is the Pats biggest achilles heel.

Monday, December 17
NYJ @ TEN | Titans - SUBJECTIVE PICK: I'd kind of just like the Jets to lose because of how they treated Tebow -- and even Sanchez.

Thanks for reading guys.

2012-13 Picks - NFL - Week 14

Photo Courtesy: ESPN.com

Monday, December 10 - Game of the Week
HOU @ NE | Patriots - In a potential preview of the AFC Championship, we have Matt Schaub and the Texans against The Golden Boy and the Patriots. Schaub is probably one of the more underrated QB's in the league considering the Texans have one 80% of their last 22 games when he's healthy. Brady is arguably overrated considering he hasn't won a Superbowl since 2004; although he's played in two Superbowls and won an MVP since then. But this game is about two teams that are playing extremely well and in contention (again) for the NFL's highest honor. Monday in Foxboro, we get a glimpse of how bad they want it.

Thursday, December 6
DEN @ OAK | Broncos - Easy pickings for the semi-elite Denver Broncos. I say semi, because they still feel really vulnerable.

Sunday, December 9
STL @ BUF | Rams - Yucky game of the week.
ATL @ CAR | Falcons - Dirty birds dance on the Panthers.
DAL @ CIN | Cowboys - A while back, the Sunday NFL COuntdown crew talked about how big of a game this was for the
KC @ CLE | Browns - Three in a row? ...for the Browns? I'm lost.
TEN @ IND | Colts - Andrew Luck is a franchise QB.
NYJ @ JAC | Jets - Sanchize gets benched after the 1st half. Jets pull out the win.
CHI @ MIN | Bears - Can't say I'm not expecting this game to be close, but I think the Bears pull out the "W"...Barely.
SD @ PIT | Steelers - If Big Ben is playing, the Steelers are winning.
PHI @ TB | Buccaneers - Consistently picking the Bucs makes me queasy...but they're better than they've been.
BAL @ WAS | Redskins - No Suggs. No Ray Ray. RG3 on a roll. The stars are aligning for this team.
MIA @ SF | 49ers - 49ers win...but not easily.
NO @ NYG | Giants - Giants do just enough to keep the Redskins/Cowboys off their coat tails.
ARI @ SEA | Seahawks - I can't say I'm a believer in Russell Wilson, but he has been impressive -- and you can't take away the "W"'s he's picked up this year.
DET @ GB | Packers - Lions keep coming close, but to no avail.


Thanks for reading guys.

2012-13 Picks - NFL - Week 13

Sorry Victor Cruz. No salsa for you.

Monday, December 3 - Game of the Week

NYG @ WAS | Redskins - I guess my last weeks prediction came a week early -- I said that the NFC east race should remain close, because that feels right this season. With the Cowboys getting a (close) win over the Eagles on Sunday night, just when you think the Giants pull away, RG3 knocks off the defending champs in the nationals capital. Sorry Victor Cruz. No salsa for you.

Thursday, November 29

NO @ ATL | Saints - I guess if they don't get it done this week, we can forget about the Saints making any real noise down the stretch.

Sunday, December 2

JAC @ BUF | Bills - The Jags are 1-9. They need a savior. **Looks longingly for Tim Tebow**

SEA @ CHI | Bears - Seahawks "D" is admirable, but Cutler is a difference maker. Short-handed on the offensive side, Bears still get it done.

IND @ DET | Lions - The Lions showed me a little something last week against the Texans. At home, they should build on that.

MIN @ GB | Packers - Adrian Peterson is comeback player of the year for sure, but the Packers are a better team. Not anticipating two poor weeks in a row from ARod, either.

CAR @ KC | Chiefs - Just call it a Sophomore slump, Cam.

NE @ MIA | Patriots - Well, you know.

ARI @ NYJ | Jets - Can we just be honest? The Jets are better off with another guy at QB.

SF @ STL | 49ers - They should win this week, but this Caepernick thing is going to come back to bite them.

HOU @ TEN | Texans - Texans are legit. Proving that week in and week out now.

TB @ DEN | Buccaneers - It's getting tough to pick against Peyton, but this is a week where the unexpected feels more likely.

PIT @ BAL | Ravens - Pittsburgh is in trouble. They need Polamalu on the field -- and Big Ben.

CLE @ OAK | Browns - Picking the Browns 2 weeks in a row. What?

CIN @ SD | Bengals - The Chargers are yucky. I won't even start Ryan Matthews on my fantasy team.

PHI @ DAL | Cowboys - Well, the Eagles are pretty pitiful. 

Thanks for reading guys.

2012-13 Picks - NFL - Week 12

"My heart says Giants. My head says Packers."

Sunday, November 25 - Game of the Week
GB @ NYG | Packers - My heart says Giants. My head says Packers. Historically, in big games this like this, going with Eli Manning is the obvious choice. He's knocked off Tom Brady in two Superbowls; he has an uncanny ability to make miracles happen late in games; he consistently comes up big when it matters most. But this week, for no other reason than keeping the NFC East race as close and interesting as possible, I think the Giants come up short. Yeah... It's better this way.

Thursday, November 22
HOU @ DET | Lions - The Texans are good. Better than the Falcons, but they are vulnerable. I feel like the Lions might capitalize on that this week.
WAS @ DAL | Cowboys - The Cowboys have a chance to truly get on a roll this week versus RG3...but he's out for blood.
NE @ NYJ | Patriots - #FreeTebow

Sunday, November 25
MIN @ CHI | Bears - Cutty or no Cutty, Chicago gets it done and gets back on track.
OAK @ CIN | Bengals - Dalton has played really well this year. 2:1 TD:INT ratio and over 2500 yards passing.
PIT @ CLE | Browns - Call me crazy, but I'm going with the Browns at home.
BUF @ IND | Colts - After their reality check against the Pats last week, Indy can get back on track.
TEN @ JAC | Titans - I'm inclined to pick Tennessee, mainly because the worse Jacsonville does this year, the more likely Tebow will be their starting QB. Wrong, I know.
DEN @ KC | Broncos - I feel like the Broncos are turning into one of the top teams in the AFC...guess that's the Peyton Manning effect.
SEA @ MIA | Seahawks - Their defense is still scary...much less so on the road, though.
ATL @ TB | Buccaneers - Another week to show how vulnerable to Falcons are.
BAL @ SD | Ravens - I really wanted to pick the Chargers at home...well, not really.
STL @ ARI | Cardinals - Amendola is a great fantasy pick up, but he doesn't change the outcome of games.
SF @ NO | Saints - Still going strong with Brees and the boys.

Monday, November 26
CAR @ PHI | Eagles - At the beginning of the year, this game would be circled on the calendar. Today, not so much.


Thanks for reading guys.

2012-13 Picks - NFL - Week 11

Photo Credit: Associated Press

Sunday, November 18 - Game of the Week
IND @ NE | Patriots - Picking the game of the week was more difficult than usual, with so many starting QB's out. Cutler for the Bears; Roethlisberger for the Steelers; Alex Smith for the 49ers. Those games won't be quite the same without the leaders at the helm.

However, both Luck and Brady are healthy for their respective teams. With Luck and the Colts on a roll and the Patriots looking in typical mid-season shape, the renewal of  this old rival starts a new chapter. Manning v. Brady is over (at least with Manning in a Colts uni). Now young Andrew Luck has the privilege of doing battle with Brady and co.

I don't think luck will be on his side. Pun intended.

Thursday, November 15
MIA @ BUF | Dolphins - Miami always surprises me, and this feels like a game they should lose.

Sunday, November 18
ARI @ ATL | Falcons - All is right with the world now that the Falcons have a loss on their record. I think they'll be re-calibrated to reality now.
TB @ CAR | Buccaneers - I haven't felt comfortable picking Cam to win a game in a while. Not going to start now against what seems to be a Bucs team that's building momentum.
CLE @ DAL | Cowboys - Back on track.
GB @ DET | Packers - I feel like the Packers should be losing sometime soon -- but not this Sunday.
JAC @ HOU | Texans - Last week was a struggle against the Bears. This week they should coast.
CIN @ KC | Bengals - Cincy take the AJ Green show on the road to KC.
NYJ @ STL | Rams - I felt a Rams win coming on last week v. the 49ers. They came out with a tie. With Tebow, things would be different.
PHI @ WAS | Redskins - Uber-Rookie versus a Redkins team that needs a "W" -- bad -- RG3 and the 'Skins roll.
NO @ OAK | Saints - Brees and the boys getting back on track slowly but surely. I feel like I've personally predicted they'd be like 9-1 with all this seasons's picks.
SD @ DEN | Broncos - Peyton just makes them a better team.
BAL @ PIT | Ravens - I can't see the Steelers taking down the Ravens without Big Ben.

Monday, November 19
CHI @ SF | 49ers - First time picking against the Bears this year. I just think the 49ers are more equipped to be without their starting QB -- especially when Chicago is on the road and the offense is out of rhythm.

Thanks for reading guys.

2012-13 Picks - NFL - Week 10

(Scott Strazzante/Tribune Photo)

Sunday, November 11 - Game of the Week
HOU @ CHI | Bears - You know how there's a point in the season where you go from being "a good team" to "a legitimate Superbowl contender"? This is that game; for both the Texans and the Bears. Both teams have similar recent history, too. The Texans were on the road to the big show right up until the last game of the season where they lost Matt Schaub for the playoffs. The same goes for the Bears. Injuries to Forte and Cutler shattered their chances before they really got rolling. Both teams are healthy and ready to clash their 7-1 records for a big test right at mid-season. Weather conditions, and the right blend of energy and offense should get the Bears their 8th win of the season.

Thursday, November 8
IND @ JAC | Colts - The team shaving its collective head in support of Coach Pagano indicates the sort of chemistry and passion that can carry throughout the entire season.

Sunday, November 11
SD @ TB | Buccaneers - This just feels weird, but apparently Doug Martin is a stud. I found myself having to look him up last week.
TEN @ MIA | Dolphins - Hartline is expecting to play and Tannehill has been playing unexpectedly well.
BUF @ NE | Patriots - Fresh off a bye week against the franchise whipping boys? Pats roll.
OAK @ BAL | Ravens - Totally different team without Ray, but Oakland is banged up and generally playing pretty poorly this year.
DEN @ CAR | Broncos - Crazy what impact one man can make. We saw it with Tebow and his presence  Now we see it with Peyton and his poise, pre-snap skills and experience. Two steps in the right direction for Denver.
NYG @ CIN | Giants - Giants have been a bit shaky these past few weeks, but getting a quick lead should allow them to put pressure on the QB.
DET @ MIN | Vikings - A.P., Ponder and company have looked good this season -- most importantly, better than the Lions. Where's Megatron?
ATL @ NO | Saints - Picking the Saints is probably why my overall season picking record is generally not up to par -- but I'm still not a believer in the Falcons and I have trouble picking against Brees.
NYJ @ SEA | Seahawks - Tebow Time, please?
DAL @ PHI | Cowboys - I feel better picking the Cowboys against the lowly Eagles. Two 3-5 teams with coaches and playoff aspirations on the chopping block. Should be fun.
STL @ SF | Rams - Call me crazy, but I'm picking the Rams...Just got a feelin'.

Monday, November 12
KC @ PIT | Steelers - Is Matt Cassell still even the QB? Steelers...

Thanks for reading guys.

2012-13 Picks - NFL - Week 9

"NOT SOLD. COWBOYS ROLL."

Sunday, November 4 - Game of the Week
DAL @ ATL | Cowboys - Here we go again. The Cowboys are playing in this weeks "Game of the Week". And of course, I can't get off the Romo-coaster just yet. Week in and week out, they're on the brink of something special. Last weeks failed connection between Romo and Bryant sums up their season pretty well. But handing the first loss of the season to the dirty birds would be a good way to cling on to their playoff hopes. On the other hand, we have Matty-Ice and the Falcons tearing through the elite of the -- wait -- who have the really beaten again? Chiefs; (1-7), Chargers; (4-4), Panthers; (1-6), Redskins; (3-5), Raiders; (3-4), Eagles; (3-4), and the Broncos (4-3). The only team with a winning record is the Broncos, whom they beat by only 6 in week 2 before Peyton was half-way settled in Denver. My summation: NOT SOLD. COWBOYS ROLL.

Thursday, November 1
KC @ SD | Chargers - Rivers and company have to get a win at home one of these days, right?

Sunday, November 4
DEN @ CIN | Broncos - I've been hesitant to pick the Broncos week in and week out. But much like Tebow, Manning has the ability to change a culture -- and throw the ball with elite level accuracy.
BAL @ CLE | Ravens - Weeden puts up big yardage week after week, but seems they struggle in the Red Zone, which leads to their struggles in the win column.
ARI @ GB | Packers - Because it's the Packers versus the Cards. Although the Cards "D" does have it's "moments".
BUF @ HOU | Texans - H-Town is still on a roll. Still waiting on a big game from A. Johnson (#80), though.
MIA @ IND | Colts - Just feeling Lucky.
DET @ JAC | Lions - I've got to say the loss of MJD will make it tough to pick the Jags anytime soon.
CHI @ TEN | Bears - Chris Johnson is still on my fantasy football blacklist. Which in real life translates to a Bears "W".
CAR @ WAS | Redskins - We might be prematurely anointing RG3 -- but I'll take the 'Skins at home against a struggling Panthers team any week.
TB @ OAK | Buccaneers - Road win for Martin, Freeman and Jackson. Quite the under-the-radar offensive trio.
MIN @ SEA | Seahawks - Only because of the twelfth man...
PIT @ NYG | Steelers - I pick against the G-Men, alot. But I've got a feeling Big Ben still wants to be better than Eli and the Giants know how to lose unexpectedly -- and win that way, too.

Monday, November 5
PHI @ NO | Eagles - This is one of the more spectacular toss-ups I've seen in a while. Both supremely underachieving squads with head coaches nearing the chopping block. My lucky (but unreliable) coin says, Philly.


Thanks for reading guys.

2012-13 Picks - NFL - Week 8

Sunday, October 28 - Game of the Week
NYG @ DAL | Cowboys
History alone is enough for this to be the game of the week. But with the Cowboys at a competitive 3-3 and the Giants now on a 3-game win streak after being at an even 2-2, this game has potential to shift the momentum. In a starkly competitive division, not unlike it's AFC counterpart, this game has some weight behind it...Which is why I'm picking Tony Romo -- again -- to get it done on a semi-grandiose stage. They've been on the cusp of stealing a few games, and I feel they'll cross the bridge on this one. *crosses fingers*

Thursday, October 25
TB @ MIN | Vikings - Serious threat to NFC North or the Arizona Cardinals from from 2 weeks ago? Leaning more towards the former, but with not as strong an adjective.

Sunday, October 28
CAR @ CHI | Bears - The last thing a struggling second year QB wants to see is a Chicago Bears front line, Urlacher & Briggs and dare I say it, a pretty scary Bears secondary.
SD @ CLE | Chargers - Only picking the Chargers because I always forget who's starting at QB for the Browns...that's a bad sign.
SEA @ DET | Seahawks - Both the Seahawks and Lions are coming off of atrocious weeks offensively -- Pete Carroll has a way of turning things around quickly after poor weeks... (To my knowledge, that statement has NO factual evidence behind it)
JAC @ GB | Packers - Packers win. But where's JerMichael Finley.
MIA @ NYJ | Jets - With a win here, seems our chances of seeing Tim Tebow starting at QB for the Jets are minimal for the rest of the season. =(
ATL @ PHI | Eagles - If there was a time for the Falcons to get a loss. Today seems fitting.
WAS @ PIT | Steelers - Pittsburgh is a little banged-up...But they're still the Steelers, right?
NE @ STL | Patriots - I'm anticipating 400+ yards of offense today from the Pats.
IND @ TEN | Titans - Hasselback changes the dynamic of this team. Adds veteran leadership to a team desperate for an identity.
OAK @ KC | Chiefs - Home team "W", here...
NO @ DEN | Saints - The fact that this was a tough call for me means that Peyton Manning is really back. The Saints are clearly a better team on paper. The lack of Sean Payton clearly hurts them, but they're undoubtedly better...but that is Peyton Manning on the other side of the ball. Should be a good one.

Monday, October 29
SF @ ARI | 49ers - This is exactly the kind of game that the 49ers with the old Alex Smith would lose back in the day -- I think they've evolved...Only a little bit, though.

Thanks for reading guys.

2012-13 Picks - NFL - Week 7

Sunday, October 21 - Game of the Week
WAS @ NYG | Redskins - "RG3 has the highest completion percetage in the league". What? "And he's run for about 6 TD's already." No way! He's facing Eli and the Giants, who at 4-2 are coming off a shocking blowout against the 49ers. RG3 will have to use those legs to get away from JPP and the Giants D-Line, but I'm taking the 'Skins on the road this week.

Thursday, October 18
SEA @ SF | 49ers - Well, the Seahawks by my count should be 2-5. Wins against the Pats and Packers were well...flukes.

Sunday, October 21
TEN @ BUF | Titans - Because the Bills are good at losing games they should win.
DAL @ CAR | Cowboys - The Cowboys were as close as it comes to a big comeback win last week -- not to the fault of Mr. Romo (who I will admit though, is becoming tougher and tougher to defend)
BAL @ HOU | Ravens - If Suggs is on the field (and I think he will be), I think he gives the Ravens the emotional boost to get past losing Ray Lewis & LaDarius Webb for the season. Not to mention, I'll take Flacco over Schaub.
CLE @ IND | Colts - I like what I've seen out of Andrew Luck. A sprinkle of consistency and the Colts will have themselves a true franchise QB.
ARI @ MIN | Vikings - Cards are back to normal and Ponder has the second highest completion pct. among all Qb's.
GB @ STL | Packers - 6 TD's on a Sunday night and A. Rodgers has his cocky swagger back.
NO @ TB | Saints - The return of Vilma and a re-energized Saints team should be able to get a big win on the road to get them back on track.
NYJ @ NE | Patriots - It will be a bit closer than anticipated, but a win for the Pats nonetheless.
JAC @ OAK | Raiders - I don't think I've picked either of these teams to win a game all season.
PIT @ CIN | Steelers - A little banged up here and there, the Steelers should be able to pull this one out on the road.

Monday, October 22
DET @ CHI | Bears - Because "Cutty Does It" on Monday nights, too.


Thanks for reading guys.

2012-13 Picks - NFL - Week 6

Sunday, October 14 - Game of the Week
NYG @ SF | San Francisco - Of course a rematch of last years NFC Championship game is going to be the game of the week. Kyle Williams gets a chance to face his demons and hopefully has a big game. Last year, with the Giants and their playoff momentum, I picked them to move onto the Superbowl. This year, not so much. Niners roll.


Thursday, October 11
PIT @ TEN | Steelers - Steelers should squeeze out a BLOWOUT in the least anticipated Thursday Night Football match up of the year so far.

Sunday, October 14
OAK @ ATL | Falcons - The Falcons keep getting wins, but something about this team doesn't feel complete. Maybe they need to get a close win against a tough team before I'm sold on the title contention hopes.
DAL @ BAL | Cowboys - Call me crazy, but maybe, just maybe, Romo is a back against the wall kinda QB.
CIN @ CLE | Bengals - The Browns are the best at losing...
STL @ MIA | Dolphins - The Rams have a lot of missing receivers...on the road, that doesn't do you much good.
IND @ NYJ | Colts - Overzealously (new word) picking the Colts mainly because I'm hoping the Tebow pressure mounts a bit more so this season can be salvaged.
DET @ PHI | Eagles - The Lions have been invisible this year...Suh included.
KC @ TB | Buccaneers - Vincent Jackson should have a big day today for Freeman.
BUF @ ARI | Cardinals - Meh.
NE @ SEA | Patriots - The Seahawks "D" is intimidating, but I think Brady does well against the 12th man this Sunday.
MIN @ WAS | Vikings - Christian Ponder in. RG3 questionable. I'm taking the Viks.
GB @ HOU | Texans - Texans "D" got a bit weaker last week losing Cushing for the seasons, but JJ Watt is coming for you, Aaron Rodgers. Beware.

Monday, October 15
DEN @ SD | Chargers - The Broncos are coming around slowly as Manning's consistency improves, but on the road in SD, I don't think they'll turn the corner.

Thanks for reading guys.

2012-13 Picks - NFL - Week 5

Sunday, October 7 - Game of the Week

DEN @ NE | Patriots - Manning v. Brady. Just about the only real reason this qualifies as the game of the week. When Manning is playing, you've always got a chance. And with Brady, well, you already know. Stevan Ridley has made quite an impact on the Pats offense this year. On the other side of the ball, McGahee has been pretty stellar, too. I think this game will unexpectedly come down to the wire--with Brady and company coming away with the "W".

Thursday, October 4

ARI @ STL | Rams - Simply because it doesn't make sense that the Cards are 4-0.

Sunday, October 7

PHI @ PIT | Steelers - The Steelers are notorious for banging up QB's and I think James Harrison returns this week...hmmm

GB @ IND | Packers - Packers still look shaky but I think they'll get a close win in Indy.

CLE @ NYG | Giants - I think the Giants "D" will get after Weeden and define the tone of this game.

ATL @ WAS | Redskins - The Falcons are good, but I'm just not sold on them being the best in the league right now.

MIA @ CIN | Bengals - Haven't really paid attention to if the Dolphins are any good at all this year, but AJ Green is amazing.

BAL @ KC | Ravens - I just watched this Ray Lewis speech today and it might be tough to pick against them again all year long.

SEA @ CAR | Seahawks - I think last weeks loss may have hurt the confidence of Newton and the Panthers as a whole. And the Seahawks "D" is no joke.

CHI @ JAC | Bears - Because Cutty does it...

BUF @ SF | 49ers - After seeing the Pats shred this Bills team that started with a lead, it's safe to say they've regressed.

TEN @ MIN | Vikings - Christian Ponder has arrived. He's legit.

SD @ NO | Saints - Because they can't possibly be this terrible. I think the home crowd will really be behind them today.

Monday, October 8

HOU @ NYJ | Texans - 2-3 is really close to 1-4. I'm predicting a Tim Tebow sighting by week 7. I mean, the Numbers Never Lie, and this year looks eerily similar to the last.

Thanks for reading guys.

2012-13 Picks - NFL - Week 4

Monday, October 1 - Game of the Week
CHI @ DAL | Bears - This weeks featured match up is between two teams; two teams with variably untrusted QB's, potentially vaunted defenses and consistently inconsistent offenses. They're stacked with talent on the offensive side of the ball (save the Bears O-Line) and QB's who are teetering on "elite" status week-after-week. The defenses are no laughing matter, either. But I think the Bears establish themselves again this week with a big win in big D.

Thursday, September 27
CLE @ BAL | Ravens - The Browns need like, Lebron James or something to have a shot at winning this week.

Sunday, September 30
CAR @ ATL | Falcons - Matty Ice has been ice cold
NE @ BUF | Patriots - The Pats won't start 1-3. I don't think Belichick ever has in his entire stint with the Patriots.
MIN @ DET | Vikings - Ever since last year, I've been on the Ponder-train. I've always thought he would be a stud. But even when my instincts told me to, I never pick him in the big games. But I'm all the way on board, and with AP healthy, I'm sold.
SD @ KC | Chargers - The Chaaaaargers!
SEA @ STL | Seahawks - That defense scared me against Green Bay last week.
SF @ NYJ | 49ers - Put Timothy Richard Tebow in the game.
TEN @ HOU | Texans - Texans best team in the league? No. But they're good enough to beat the Titans.
OAK @ DEN | Broncos - I feel so nervous picking Peyton week after week -- but it's Peyton Manning, right?
MIA @ ARI | Dolphins - The Cards can't start the season 4-0, right?
CIN @ JAC | Bengals - AJ Green looks elite this year catching passes from Dalton.
NO @ GB | Packers - The impact of Sean Payton can no longer be ignored.
WSH @ TB | Buccaneers - The Bucs should be able to take care of RG3 at home.
NYG @ PHI | Giants - Vick...is not a pocket passer. Andy Reid, you know this.

Thanks for reading guys.

2012-13 Picks - NFL - Week 3

Game of the Week - Sunday, September 23
NE @ BAL | New England - The Ravens are coming off a pretty crushing loss to Vick and the Eaglees last week. Anyone watching that game would agree. The Patriots are coming off quite the poop show themselves, losing to Arizona. Losing Hernandez and the supposed rumblings in the locker room about Welker's reduced role in the offense put New England in a precarious position going into Baltimore. I'm not as worried as most, (although I do think the Welker situation is an issue), but I think the Patriots will pull through. Based on last weeks performances though, if it comes to a late field goal situation, I might be inclined to side with the Ravens.

Thursday, September 20
NYG @ CAR | Panthers - I thought the Panthers might pull this one out, but now it's starting to look like Cam may be in the dreaded sophomore slump.

Sunday, September 23
TB @ DAL | Cowboys - I think we're going up on the Romo coaster this week--but you never know.
JAC @ IND | Colts - Luck > Gabbert.
BUF @ CLE | Bills - Yucky game of the week. Browns lose.
NYJ @ MIA | Dolphins - Reggie Bush gave me a scare last week (as I was facing him in fantasy football). And I'm waiting for the Tebow era to begin in NY.
KC @ NO | Saints - The saints are clearly a different team without Sean Payton. But no way the Saints go 0-3...right?
CIN @ WAS | Redskins - RG3 seems to be the real deal.
STL @ CHI | Bears - Forget about all that "locker room is in turmoil" talk. CUtty and company will be victorious -- and winning changes everything.
SF @ MIN | 49ers - I'm so tempted to go with the Vikings this week, but my logical brain won't let me do it.
DET @ TEN | Broncos - A slight detour in the return of Mr. Manning. Should be back on track this week on the road.
ATL @ SD | Chargers - Atlanta looked strong last week, but for once the Chargers are starting strong. Look for them to keep it up.
PHI @ ARI | Eagles - I'd really like to better understand how the Eagles are 2-0.
PIT @ OAK | Steelers - Raiders are still terrible. Very disappointed in the results of the Carson Palmer experiment.
HOU @ DEN | Broncos - This is kind of a tough call, but I'm going with Peyton and co. at home.

Monday, September 24
GB @ SEA | Green Bay - I don't think the Packers are "back" or anything, but I think they can handle the Seahawks -- although the Seahawks (dare I say it) are looking pretty good under Pete Carroll.

Thanks for reading guys.

2012-13 Picks - NFL - Week 2

Game of the Week - Sunday, September 16
BAL @ PHI | Ravens - After having a look at the Ravens new look no-huddle offense last week, I'm convinced they may be seriously competing for a Superbowl this year. Not to mention I'm not so sure Mike Vick survives this whole season -- let alone this game.

Thursday, September 13
CHI @ GB | Bears - Cutty and Marshall seem like they picked up right where they left off in Denver. That along with the vaunted Bears "D" should get the Bears off to a 2-0 start

Sunday, September 16
TB @ NYG | Giants - New season for the Giants to start slow and pick up the pace late--but they should be able to handle Tampa Bay.
OAK @ MIA | Raiders - McFadden should be able to run all over the Dolphins. And well, Tannehill is still a rookie.
HOU @ JAC | Texans - Texans are still ballin'...and the Jags are still the Jags.
CLE @ CIN | Bengals - Dalton and the Bengals impressed me a lot in a loss last week versus Baltimore. They look strong.
KC @ BUF | Chiefs - Fitzpatrick and the Bills were severely disappointing last week. For that reason alone, I'm taking KC.
NO @ CAR | Saints - Breesus won't start this season 0-2.
ARI @ NE | Patriots - Pats are an early favorite for the Superbowl...again.
MIN @ IND | Indianapolis - I liked what I saw out of Luck against the Bears, even with 3 INT's. He looked poised and he still has Reggie Wayne as a security blanket.
WAS @ STL | Redskins - RG3! He's fun to watch. Looking forward to a Skins v. Eagles matchup in Week 11.
DAL @ SEA | Cowboys - Romo is still the man...
NYJ @ PIT | Steelers - I feel like we'll be seeing a lot of Tebow in this game...and the Steelers would like to see that.
TEN @ SD | Chargers - Starting to seem like giving Chris Johnson that contract was a bad idea.
DET @ SF | 49ers - The 49ers are serious with Harbaugh at the helm. Not sure we'll see a repeat performance like last week from Megatron and Stafford though. Should be a good game.

Monday, September 17
DEN @ ATL | Broncos - Peyton Manning is back--and he's only going to get more polished as the season progresses.


Thanks for reading guys.

2012-13 Picks - NFL - Week 1

Game of the Week - Sunday, September 9

SF @ GB | Green Bay

This match up is going to be all about the QB's. The two defenses are stellar. The special teams are good. Rodgers v. Smith. Smith has weapons, but will he know how to use them? I just watched an ESPN E:60 segment featuring Rodgers so I'm going to have to go with the Packers. Smith was the #1 pick in the draft class, while Rodgers was #24 -- Tom Brady tells us that doesn't really matter at all.

Tuesday, September 4

Dallas at NY Giants | Dallas - Romo is the man. You better believe that.

Sunday, September 9

IND @ CHI | Chicago - Cutty has weapons. Forte has a contract. Urlacher is still here. Bear down.

PHI @ CLE | Philly - Not sold on these Eagles. They're still just another team to me.

NE @ TEN | New England - Brady and Pats are back with even more weapons. 

ATL @ KC | Atlanta - The Falcons are still a threat. 

JAC @ MIN | Minnesota - Tannehill v. Gabbert? 

WAS @ NO | New Orleans - Breeeeeesus!

BUF @ NYJ | NY Jets - Win here. Win there. Tebow coming soon.

STL @ DET | Detroit - Megatron is back -- and what ever happened to Sam Bradford?

MIA @ HOU | Houston - Headline: "Texans defense smells rookie QB"

SEA @ ARI | Seattle - Pete Caroll is the biggest name in this game. Well, there's that Fitzgerald guy, too.

CAR @ TB | Carolina - Excited to see about Cam's sophomore campaign.

PIT @ DEN | Denver - Manning is back. And the Steelers are just getting old.

Monday, September 10

CIN @ BAL | Baltimore - Ray Ray!

SD @ OAK | San Diego - Not sure where the Chargers stand this year, but Philip Rivers is still a top 8 QB.

Thanks for reading guys.