2006 certainly is shaping up as the year of the rookie. I mean, look at some of the names, numbers, and impact these guys have had in Year One of their NFL lives:
Joseph Addai (IND): 1,023 total yards, 8 TD
Mark Anderson (CHI): 8 sacks
Reggie Bush (NO): 956 all-purpose yards, 2 TD
Marques Colston (NO): 869 receiving yards, 7 TD
Tamba Hali (KC): 5.5 sacks, 5 forced fumbles
Maurice Jones-Drew (JAX): 771 total yards, 8 TD
Matt Leinart (ARI): 1,753 passing yards, 9 TD
Laurence Maroney (NE): 798 total yards, 5 TD
DeMeco Ryans (HOU): 99 tackles
Vince Young (TEN): 1,617 total yards, 12 TD
What’s more amazing is that only Bush, Young, and Leinart were drafted in the top ten in April. The depth of the draft feeds into the NFL’s desired parity, meaning any team can instantly become a contender if they do their homework and draft well. And that Mel Kiper Jr. is flat-out stealing a paycheck from ESPN.
We may look back at the class of 2006 as one of the best ever.
This is the second week of the NFL Network’s Thursday night broadcasts, and I’ve got to say I’ve got a love/hate relationship with the NFL Network. While I love the concept of a network devoted solely to professional football, I hate the fact that I would have to pony up a bunch of cash for DirecTV simply to get the NFL Network. As popular as the NFL is, I’m sure there are a bunch of financially-sound individuals (myself included) that are not going to incur the extra expense to catch a couple of additional games. Hopefully, the NFL and cable providers can reach an agreement that would allow the network to be more readily available. In the meantime, we’ll just pick ‘em today and read about ‘em later.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
The Match-up: Baltimore (+3.0) @ Cincinnati
The Skinny: For the Ravens, the concept is simple – win and clinch the AFC north. Execution of that concept, despite the fact that Cincinnati’s defense is among the worst statistically in the league, will be more difficult. Vegas thinks so, too. That’s why the Bengals are favored. Personally, I don’t see it, and I think the Ravens will continue their physicality on offense and beat the Bengals into submission.
Straight Up: Baltimore
Against the Spread: Baltimore
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Friday, November 24, 2006
Leftovers - The Rest of the Week 12 Picks
One of my favorite things about Thanksgiving? Leftovers. There’s nothing better than an open-faced turkey sandwich, re-heated mashed potatoes, and Mom’s homemade stuffing. There are some leftover football games to opine on as well, so I’ll put the fork down temporarily and take care of the business at hand.
A quick note before I go on – I know that Michigan beat Notre Dame by 26 points in South Bend in September. And it certainly appears as thought nobody is beating Ohio State this year. But if the Irish can go out to The Coliseum tomorrow night and beat USC, it wouldn’t surprise me to see the Irish in the BCS National Championship game. Would that be fair? That’s debatable. What’s not debatable is the old college football adage: When you lose matters. Notre Dame’s loss to the Wolverines occurred many, many moons ago, and a win over USC would be fresh in the voters’ minds. Basically, tomorrow night is the season for Touchdown Charlie and the Irish. Here’s a bonus pick for you this week. Notre Dame 24, USC 20. Bring on the Buckeyes!
A quick note before I go on – I know that Michigan beat Notre Dame by 26 points in South Bend in September. And it certainly appears as thought nobody is beating Ohio State this year. But if the Irish can go out to The Coliseum tomorrow night and beat USC, it wouldn’t surprise me to see the Irish in the BCS National Championship game. Would that be fair? That’s debatable. What’s not debatable is the old college football adage: When you lose matters. Notre Dame’s loss to the Wolverines occurred many, many moons ago, and a win over USC would be fresh in the voters’ minds. Basically, tomorrow night is the season for Touchdown Charlie and the Irish. Here’s a bonus pick for you this week. Notre Dame 24, USC 20. Bring on the Buckeyes!
Sunday, November 26th, 2006
The Match-up: Pittsburgh (+3.0) @ Baltimore
The Skinny: The Ravens come into this game with a 4-0 record and a re-commitment to the ground game since Brian Billick fired Jim Fassel and took over the play-calling duties. Perhaps the Steelers should be taking notes.
Straight Up: Baltimore
Against the Spread: Baltimore
The Match-up: Cincinnati (–3.0) @ Cleveland
The Skinny: Ocho Cinco is white hot, putting up ridiculous numbers (450 yards, 5 TD) in his last two games. LaDanian Tomlinson thinks Ocho is on a roll.
Straight Up: Cleveland
Against the Spread: Cleveland
The Match-up: San Francisco (+5.5) @ St. Louis
The Skinny: The 49ers are 5-5 and in the NFC playoff race, which should tell you all you need to know about the strength of the NFC. The NFL calls it “parity.” I call it the JV.
Straight Up: St. Louis
Against the Spread: St. Louis
The Match-up: Arizona (+6.0) @ Minnesota
The Skinny: It’s old home week in the NFC North. Joey Harrington led Miami to a win over his old Lions mates yesterday, and Denny Green and the Cardinals head to the Homerdome to take on the Vikings. Green may be able to spend a lot of time in the Land of Lakes come January.
Straight Up: Minnesota
Against the Spread: Minnesota
The Match-up: Houston (+6.0) @ New York Jets
The Skinny: I was intrigued to see that the Texans amassed 188 rushing yards against the Bills a week ago, and the Jets have allowed a minimum of 125 yards per game for the last nine. Not intriguing enough to pick the Texans, however, as the game is in the swamps of Jersey and Houston is 1-4 on the road.
Straight Up: New York Jets
Against the Spread: New York Jets
The Match-up: New Orleans (+3.0) @ Atlanta
The Skinny: The loser is all but eliminated from the NFC playoffs.
Straight Up: New Orleans
Against the Spread: New Orleans
The Match-up: Carolina (–4.0) @ Washington
The Skinny: Nice debut for Jason Campbell last week. Not a winning one, but still, Campbell looks like an upgrade over Mark Brunell. With the Falcons or Saints guaranteed to lose, the Panthers could grab a stranglehold on the NFC South.
Straight Up: Carolina
Against the Spread: Carolina
The Match-up: Jacksonville (–3.0) @ Buffalo
The Skinny: I know the Jags are hot (4-1 in their last five), but they’re 1-3 non the road and their defense surrenders almost fifty yards and nine points per game more on the road than at home. Gotta play the odds.
Straight Up: Buffalo
Against the Spread: Buffalo
The Match-up: Oakland (+13.0) @ San Diego
The Skinny: On the first Monday night of the season, the Chargers beat the Raiders 31-0 in Oakland. They meet again in San Diego. And the Chargers look even better than they did that night. And if possible, the Raiders look worse. Hmmm…
Straight Up: San Diego
Against the Spread: San Diego
The Match-up: New York Giants (–3.0) @ Tennessee
The Skinny: Tiki Barber is the latest Giant to express his issues with Tom Coughlin. Why? He’s hands down their best player, and he only touched the ball ten times on Monday night. No wonder they lost. And no wonder Tiki’s pissed.
Straight Up: New York Giants
Against the Spread: New York Giants
The Match-up: Chicago (+3.0) @ New England
The Skinny: The Bears could clinch the NFC North with a win over New England and losses by Minnesota and Green Bay. I only see one of those three things happening, meaning the Bears will have to clinch another day.
Straight Up: New England
Against the Spread: New England
The Match-up: Philadelphia (+9.0) @ Indianapolis
The Skinny: Remember in 2002 when Donovan McNabb broke his leg and everybody thought the Eagles were done? Wrong. Koy Detmer and A.J. Feeley led the Birds to a 5-1 record down the stretch. Now McNabb is down again, and everyone’s doubting Philly. But at 5-5, they’re still alive in the playoff race, and they could hand the reins to none other than…A.J. Feeley! Those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it.
Straight Up: Philadelphia
Against the Spread: Philadelphia
The Match-up: Green Bay (+9.5) @ Seattle
The Skinny: Again, it’s old home week in the NFC North. Green Bay and former Seahawk Ahman Green heads to Seattle where former Packers Mike Holmgren and Matt Hasselbeck are waiting. Remember when Favre on Monday night was a lock?
Straight Up: Seattle
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Going Back for Thirds...The Thanksgiving Day Picks
First, there was the Sports Illustrated cover jinx.
Then came the Madden Curse and the Super Bowl Loser curse.
Could there be such a thing as the NBC Flex Schedule curse?
When NBC signed on to broadcast NFL games, they petitioned to have the ability to choose a desirable game to show to a national audience. This means, no more pre-planned Browns at Cardinals on Sunday night.
But the flex scheduling may have upset the Football Gods. When NBC selected this weekend’s game, it was slated as a match-up between the undefeated Indianapolis Colts, chasing the ’72 Dolphins and NFL immortality, and the Philadelphia Eagles, led by superstar quarterback Donovan McNabb, who is putting up MVP-caliber numbers.
Oops.
Now NBC will televise the once-defeated Colts who suddenly don’t even look like the best team in the AFC let alone NFL history, and an Eagles offense piloted by either Jeff Garcia or A.J. Feeley.
If such a curse exists, I implore NBC to flex their corporate muscle and put the Dallas Cowboys on a Sunday night in the very near future.
As for tomorrow’s games, I have a tradition by which I always pick the Lions and whoever is playing Dallas. No sense in changing now.
Thursday, November 23rd. 2006
The Match-up: Miami (-3.0) @ Detroit
The Skinny: Surprisingly, Joey Harrington’s return to Detroit is receiving very little fanfare. Should be just like his Lions playing career.
Straight Up: Detroit
Against the Spread: Detroit
The Match-up: Tampa Bay (+11.0) @ Dallas
The Skinny: Maybe Tony Homo will get food poisoning and miss the game, relegating him to back-up status.
Straight Up: Tampa Bay
Against the Spread: Tampa Bay
The Match-up: Denver (-1.0) @ Kansas City
The Skinny: I’ll be the first to admit that I was wrong in thinking the Broncos wouldn’t cough up a big lead like they did against San Diego last week. Either the Chargers are really that good, or Denver’s defense might have been exposed. The truth probably lies somewhere in between.
Straight Up: Kansas City
Against the Spread: Kansas City
Then came the Madden Curse and the Super Bowl Loser curse.
Could there be such a thing as the NBC Flex Schedule curse?
When NBC signed on to broadcast NFL games, they petitioned to have the ability to choose a desirable game to show to a national audience. This means, no more pre-planned Browns at Cardinals on Sunday night.
But the flex scheduling may have upset the Football Gods. When NBC selected this weekend’s game, it was slated as a match-up between the undefeated Indianapolis Colts, chasing the ’72 Dolphins and NFL immortality, and the Philadelphia Eagles, led by superstar quarterback Donovan McNabb, who is putting up MVP-caliber numbers.
Oops.
Now NBC will televise the once-defeated Colts who suddenly don’t even look like the best team in the AFC let alone NFL history, and an Eagles offense piloted by either Jeff Garcia or A.J. Feeley.
If such a curse exists, I implore NBC to flex their corporate muscle and put the Dallas Cowboys on a Sunday night in the very near future.
As for tomorrow’s games, I have a tradition by which I always pick the Lions and whoever is playing Dallas. No sense in changing now.
Thursday, November 23rd. 2006
The Match-up: Miami (-3.0) @ Detroit
The Skinny: Surprisingly, Joey Harrington’s return to Detroit is receiving very little fanfare. Should be just like his Lions playing career.
Straight Up: Detroit
Against the Spread: Detroit
The Match-up: Tampa Bay (+11.0) @ Dallas
The Skinny: Maybe Tony Homo will get food poisoning and miss the game, relegating him to back-up status.
Straight Up: Tampa Bay
Against the Spread: Tampa Bay
The Match-up: Denver (-1.0) @ Kansas City
The Skinny: I’ll be the first to admit that I was wrong in thinking the Broncos wouldn’t cough up a big lead like they did against San Diego last week. Either the Chargers are really that good, or Denver’s defense might have been exposed. The truth probably lies somewhere in between.
Straight Up: Kansas City
Against the Spread: Kansas City
Thursday, November 16, 2006
The Week 11 Picks
Apologies for the brevity of this column, however it’s a getaway day for The Kid.
While I’m thinking about it, the annual "Thanksgiving Day Deuce" will be coming to you live from my old stomping grounds, and chances are I'll be all hopped up on Pudge's cheese steaks, Rosenberger's lemon iced tea, and of course Mom's spaghetti and meatballs (easily the best in the world). Not to get ahead of myself, but I like the third game on turkey day, even if it does render the title of The Deuce obsolete. I guess I’ll have to come up with something new.
Sunday, November 19th, 2006
The Match-up: St. Louis (+7.0) @ Carolina
The Skinny: Monday night was a microcosm of the Panthers’ season – brutal first half, strong second half. Carolina is suddenly only a game back in the NFC South, and New Orleans and Atlanta both look vulnerable. The Panthers seem poised to go on a run and become the Super Bowl contender everyone thought they would be.
Straight Up: Carolina
Against the Spread: Carolina
The Match-up: New England (-5.5) @ Green Bay
The Skinny: Brett Favre must be excited that Vinny Testaverde is back in the league. Now Favre doesn’t seem so old.
Straight Up: New England
Against the Spread: New England
The Match-up: Atlanta (+4.0) @ Baltimore
The Skinny: Why do I get the funny feeling that Ron Mexico will re-emerge this week and get back to being that guy who played so well a few weeks ago? They may not win it, but they’ll be in it.
Straight Up: Baltimore
Against the Spread: Atlanta
The Match-up: Oakland (+9.5) @ Kansas City
The Skinny: Props to Herm Edwards for having the wherewithal to bring Trent Green back for a scrimmage. Wait, you mean this game counts? Somebody better tell Randy Moss. Maybe he’ll actually show up.
Straight Up: Kansas City
Against the Spread: Oakland
The Match-up: Buffalo (+2.5) @ Houston
The Skinny: The Bills actually gave the Colts a scare last week, but fell short. Set up for a let-down against Houston? That might explain why the Texans are favored.
Straight Up: Houston
Against the Spread: Houston
The Match-up: Minnesota (+3.5) @ Miami
The Skinny: It’s the first ever Daunte Culpepper Bowl! I know Culpepper doesn’t play for the Vikings anymore, but the way they’ve collapsed it seems like he never left.
Straight Up: Miami
Against the Spread: Miami
The Match-up: Cincinnati (+3.5) @ New Orleans
The Skinny: I think both of these teams have been exposed on defense of late. The Saints blew a halftime lead and gave up 38 to the Steelers in the ‘burgh. Cincinnati, meanwhile, came from 21 ahead to lose to San Diego. Could either of these defenses, I don’t know, defend?
Straight Up: Cincinnati
Against the Spread: Cincinnati
The Match-up: Chicago (-7.0) @ New York Jets
The Skinny: I hope the Bears are enjoying New York City, their home away from home. The Bears will play their second straight game in the Meadowlands, and thanks largely to last week’s beat down of the Giants, the trip would have to be deemed a success.
Straight Up: Chicago
Against the Spread: New York Jets
The Match-up: Tennessee (+13.0) @ Philadelphia
The Skinny: Reports of the demise of the Eagles may have been greatly exaggerated. Shutting down the run in a 27-3 division win over Washington should restore the swagger, and another strong showing against Vince Young and the Titans will serve notice to the rest of the league.
Straight Up: Philadelphia
Against the Spread: Philadelphia
The Match-up: Pittsburgh (-3.5) @ Cleveland
The Skinny: A hearty welcome back to the Pittsburgh Steelers, who rediscovered their identity and ran the ball to a win over New Orleans. Running to set up the pass (as opposed to the alternative) makes Ben Roethlisberger a better quarterback.
Straight Up: Pittsburgh
Against the Spread: Pittsburgh
The Match-up: Washington (+3.0) @ Tampa Bay
The Skinny: Let’s see, young quarterback making his first NFL start on the road against a decent defense without his all-pro running back? Sounds like a recipe for disaster.
Straight Up: Tampa Bay
Against the Spread: Tampa Bay
The Match-up: Detroit (+2.0) @ Arizona
The Skinny: Yes, I’m taking the Lions on the road. That should tell you what I think about the Cardinals.
Straight Up: Detroit
Against the Spread: Detroit
The Match-up: Seattle (-4.5) @ San Francisco
The Skinny: Reports are that Shaun Alexander is back and will start Sunday against the 49ers. Matt Hasselbeck should be back soon, too. Looks like the Seahawks, despite the injuries, may have broken the Super Bowl loser’s curse.
Straight Up: Seattle
Against the Spread: Seattle
The Match-up: Indianapolis (-1.0) @ Dallas
The Skinny: As wide receivers go, there will be two guys on display in The Toilet on Sunday that are polar opposites. Indianapolis’ Marvin Harrison is all class – hard working, soft-spoken, humble, and one of the best receivers the league has ever seen. And then, there’s TOFU – narcissistic, narcoleptic, and generally a piece of crap. That alone should make you pull for the Colts.
Straight Up: Indianapolis
Against the Spread: Indianapolis
The Match-up: San Diego (+2.5) @ Denver
The Skinny: Despite the fact that their offense hung 49 on the Bengals last week, San Diego’s defense scares me. And if they do fall behind in Denver, sledding up the comeback trail will be a lot tougher, if not impossible.
Straight Up: Denver
Against the Spread: Denver
Monday, November 20th, 2006
The Match-up: New York Giants (+3.5) @ Jacksonville
The Skinny: Maybe David Garrard was looking over his shoulder when he threw four picks in last week’s disappointing loss to Houston. And if he wasn’t, maybe he should have been.
Straight Up: New York Giants
Against the Spread: New York Giants
While I’m thinking about it, the annual "Thanksgiving Day Deuce" will be coming to you live from my old stomping grounds, and chances are I'll be all hopped up on Pudge's cheese steaks, Rosenberger's lemon iced tea, and of course Mom's spaghetti and meatballs (easily the best in the world). Not to get ahead of myself, but I like the third game on turkey day, even if it does render the title of The Deuce obsolete. I guess I’ll have to come up with something new.
Sunday, November 19th, 2006
The Match-up: St. Louis (+7.0) @ Carolina
The Skinny: Monday night was a microcosm of the Panthers’ season – brutal first half, strong second half. Carolina is suddenly only a game back in the NFC South, and New Orleans and Atlanta both look vulnerable. The Panthers seem poised to go on a run and become the Super Bowl contender everyone thought they would be.
Straight Up: Carolina
Against the Spread: Carolina
The Match-up: New England (-5.5) @ Green Bay
The Skinny: Brett Favre must be excited that Vinny Testaverde is back in the league. Now Favre doesn’t seem so old.
Straight Up: New England
Against the Spread: New England
The Match-up: Atlanta (+4.0) @ Baltimore
The Skinny: Why do I get the funny feeling that Ron Mexico will re-emerge this week and get back to being that guy who played so well a few weeks ago? They may not win it, but they’ll be in it.
Straight Up: Baltimore
Against the Spread: Atlanta
The Match-up: Oakland (+9.5) @ Kansas City
The Skinny: Props to Herm Edwards for having the wherewithal to bring Trent Green back for a scrimmage. Wait, you mean this game counts? Somebody better tell Randy Moss. Maybe he’ll actually show up.
Straight Up: Kansas City
Against the Spread: Oakland
The Match-up: Buffalo (+2.5) @ Houston
The Skinny: The Bills actually gave the Colts a scare last week, but fell short. Set up for a let-down against Houston? That might explain why the Texans are favored.
Straight Up: Houston
Against the Spread: Houston
The Match-up: Minnesota (+3.5) @ Miami
The Skinny: It’s the first ever Daunte Culpepper Bowl! I know Culpepper doesn’t play for the Vikings anymore, but the way they’ve collapsed it seems like he never left.
Straight Up: Miami
Against the Spread: Miami
The Match-up: Cincinnati (+3.5) @ New Orleans
The Skinny: I think both of these teams have been exposed on defense of late. The Saints blew a halftime lead and gave up 38 to the Steelers in the ‘burgh. Cincinnati, meanwhile, came from 21 ahead to lose to San Diego. Could either of these defenses, I don’t know, defend?
Straight Up: Cincinnati
Against the Spread: Cincinnati
The Match-up: Chicago (-7.0) @ New York Jets
The Skinny: I hope the Bears are enjoying New York City, their home away from home. The Bears will play their second straight game in the Meadowlands, and thanks largely to last week’s beat down of the Giants, the trip would have to be deemed a success.
Straight Up: Chicago
Against the Spread: New York Jets
The Match-up: Tennessee (+13.0) @ Philadelphia
The Skinny: Reports of the demise of the Eagles may have been greatly exaggerated. Shutting down the run in a 27-3 division win over Washington should restore the swagger, and another strong showing against Vince Young and the Titans will serve notice to the rest of the league.
Straight Up: Philadelphia
Against the Spread: Philadelphia
The Match-up: Pittsburgh (-3.5) @ Cleveland
The Skinny: A hearty welcome back to the Pittsburgh Steelers, who rediscovered their identity and ran the ball to a win over New Orleans. Running to set up the pass (as opposed to the alternative) makes Ben Roethlisberger a better quarterback.
Straight Up: Pittsburgh
Against the Spread: Pittsburgh
The Match-up: Washington (+3.0) @ Tampa Bay
The Skinny: Let’s see, young quarterback making his first NFL start on the road against a decent defense without his all-pro running back? Sounds like a recipe for disaster.
Straight Up: Tampa Bay
Against the Spread: Tampa Bay
The Match-up: Detroit (+2.0) @ Arizona
The Skinny: Yes, I’m taking the Lions on the road. That should tell you what I think about the Cardinals.
Straight Up: Detroit
Against the Spread: Detroit
The Match-up: Seattle (-4.5) @ San Francisco
The Skinny: Reports are that Shaun Alexander is back and will start Sunday against the 49ers. Matt Hasselbeck should be back soon, too. Looks like the Seahawks, despite the injuries, may have broken the Super Bowl loser’s curse.
Straight Up: Seattle
Against the Spread: Seattle
The Match-up: Indianapolis (-1.0) @ Dallas
The Skinny: As wide receivers go, there will be two guys on display in The Toilet on Sunday that are polar opposites. Indianapolis’ Marvin Harrison is all class – hard working, soft-spoken, humble, and one of the best receivers the league has ever seen. And then, there’s TOFU – narcissistic, narcoleptic, and generally a piece of crap. That alone should make you pull for the Colts.
Straight Up: Indianapolis
Against the Spread: Indianapolis
The Match-up: San Diego (+2.5) @ Denver
The Skinny: Despite the fact that their offense hung 49 on the Bengals last week, San Diego’s defense scares me. And if they do fall behind in Denver, sledding up the comeback trail will be a lot tougher, if not impossible.
Straight Up: Denver
Against the Spread: Denver
Monday, November 20th, 2006
The Match-up: New York Giants (+3.5) @ Jacksonville
The Skinny: Maybe David Garrard was looking over his shoulder when he threw four picks in last week’s disappointing loss to Houston. And if he wasn’t, maybe he should have been.
Straight Up: New York Giants
Against the Spread: New York Giants
Thursday, November 09, 2006
The Week 10 Picks
Welcome to the stretch drive.
As it stands right now. the Colts are chasing the ’72 Dolphins (again), they’ve already beaten the Broncos and Patriots, supposedly the class of the AFC, and they are getting healthy on defense. Meanwhile, in the NFC, there are ten teams (Chicago, New York, New Orleans, Seattle, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Carolina, Dallas, Minnesota, and St. Louis) with a legitimate shot at the six post-season spots. There are no more bye weeks, literally and figuratively. One off week could mean the difference between playing in January and drafting in the teens come April.
Without further ado, on to the games…
Sunday, November 12th, 2006
The Match-up: Cleveland (Off) @ Atlanta
The Skinny: Before the game was taken off the board due to injuries to Charlie Frye, Willie McGinest, and General Winslow, Atlanta was favored by eight. As a pick, it’s a no brainer, whether or not the aforementioned injured Browns play.
Straight Up: Atlanta
Against the Spread: Atlanta
The Match-up: Washington (+7.0) @ Philadelphia
The Skinny: I can’t emphasize how important this game is to both teams. After opening 4-1 and sitting atop everybody’s list, the Eagles have stumbled and are 4-4. Washington kept their hopes alive by beating Dallas last week. A win on Sunday could set the tone for the rest of the season.
Straight Up: Philadelphia
Against the Spread: Philadelphia
The Match-up: San Diego (-1.0) @ Cincinnati
The Skinny: The Bengals are in disarray right now. Carson Palmer may not be 100% recovered from his knee injury, Rudi Johnson wants more carries, and Ocho Cinco only has two touchdowns on the year. Sitting two games behind Baltimore, another Cincinnati loss could be the final nail in the coffin.
Straight Up: San Diego
Against the Spread: San Diego
The Match-up: San Francisco (+6.0) @ Detroit
The Skinny: If there’s one team that gives me fits, it’s the Santa Clara 49ers. Just when I think I’ve got them figured out (they’ll give the Bears a fight, so take them plus the sixteen and a half), they burn me (no way they beat Minnesota). That being said, proceed with caution on this one.
Straight Up: Detroit
Against the Spread: Detroit
The Match-up: Baltimore (-7.0) @ Tennessee
The Skinny: Steve McNair returns to Tennessee to face Vince Young, who is perhaps the next Steve McNair. Young has been impressive, and the Ravens may be without Ray Lewis and Ed Reed. This one will be closer than it should be.
Straight Up: Baltimore
Against the Spread: Tennessee
The Match-up: Buffalo (+12.0) @ Indianapolis
The Skinny: Classic donut game for the Colts, coming off an emotional win in Foxboro and a trip to The Toilet to take on the Cowgirls next week. But the Bills are without Willis McGahee, and his absence will be too much to overcome.
Straight Up: Indianapolis
Against the Spread: Indianapolis
The Match-up: Houston (+10.5) @ Jacksonville
The Skinny: It would seem as though David Carr got the message sent by Gary Kubiak when he was benched a couple of weeks ago. The Texans had a lead late in the Meadowlands against the Giants, but couldn’t finish. Jacksonville is due for an offensive clunker, but David Garrard is 6-1 as a starter, so he gets the job done more often than not.
Straight Up: Jacksonville
Against the Spread: Houston
The Match-up: Kansas City (-1.0) @ Miami
The Skinny: Miami won their Super Bowl last week by beating Chicago. This week, they’ll have no answer for LJ and whichever quarterback wins the Herm Edwards sweepstakes.
Straight Up: Kansas City
Against the Spread: Kansas City
The Match-up: Green Bay (+5.5) @ Minnesota
The Skinny: Minnesota’s offense has amassed ten points in their last two games. Scoring seven in a loss to New England? Acceptable. Scoring three in a loss in San Francisco? Not so much.
Straight Up: Minnesota
Against the Spread: Minnesota
The Match-up: New York Jets (+10.5) @ New England
The Skinny: At 4-4, the Jets will have a look at the playoffs. They gave the Pats a battle in Week 2, and New England is dinged, especially in the secondary with Rodney Harrison on the shelf for a couple of weeks. The Jets may fall to 4-5, but they’ll go down swinging.
Straight Up: New England
Against the Spread: New York Jets
The Match-up: Denver (-9.0) @ Oakland
The Skinny: The good news for the Raiders is that this game is not being played on a Monday. After all, Oakland has scored as many points on Monday night this year as I have, and Raider quarterbacks have been sacked 18 times in those two contests. So they may get on the scoreboard against Denver, but don’t expect much more than that.
Straight Up: Denver
Against the Spread: Denver
The Match-up: Dallas (-7.0) @ Arizona
The Skinny: Classic TOFU last week – says undiagnosed narcolepsy causes him to fall asleep in team meetings, scores a touchdown, then celebrates by laying down in the end zone and using the football as a pillow. Oh, and he dropped what would have been another touchdown that would have sealed the game and Washington ended up winning. But TOFU isn’t upset. After all, he’s got 25 million reasons to be happy.
Straight Up: Arizona
Against the Spread: Arizona
The Match-up: New Orleans (+4.5) @ Pittsburgh
The Skinny: When the overwhelming suspicions that a team has mailed it in are confirmed by a player on the team saying that the team has mailed it in, that’s not a good sign. Who thought the Steelers, the defending Super Bowl champs, would be playing the role of a spoiler on the second Sunday in November?
Straight Up: Pittsburgh
Against the Spread: New Orleans
The Match-up: St. Louis (+3.5) @ Seattle
The Skinny: How much longer can the Seahawks hold it together without Hasselbeck and Alexander? A win over the Rams could in essence lock up the division, then the ‘Hawks can focus on getting healthy for the playoffs.
Straight Up: Seattle
Against the Spread: Seattle
The Match-up: Chicago (Pick) @ New York Giants
The Skinny: What a dilemma. The key to beating the Bears is to get in Rex Grossman’s kitchen, yet the Giants will be without their top two defensive ends (Michael Strahan and Osi Umienyora). The Bears are not without their own injury concerns, as stud linebacker Brian Urlacher may be out. Tough call, but I think Tiki Barber takes over the game and will be the best player on the field.
Straight Up: New York Giants
Against the Spread: New York Giants
Monday, November 13th, 2006
The Match-up: Tampa Bay (+9.5) @ Carolina
The Skinny: The once-hallowed Tampa Bay defense now has problems stopping the run and the pass. Steve Smith always seems to have a little something extra for the Bucs, and Monday night should be no different.
Straight Up: Carolina
Against the Spread: Carolina
As it stands right now. the Colts are chasing the ’72 Dolphins (again), they’ve already beaten the Broncos and Patriots, supposedly the class of the AFC, and they are getting healthy on defense. Meanwhile, in the NFC, there are ten teams (Chicago, New York, New Orleans, Seattle, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Carolina, Dallas, Minnesota, and St. Louis) with a legitimate shot at the six post-season spots. There are no more bye weeks, literally and figuratively. One off week could mean the difference between playing in January and drafting in the teens come April.
Without further ado, on to the games…
Sunday, November 12th, 2006
The Match-up: Cleveland (Off) @ Atlanta
The Skinny: Before the game was taken off the board due to injuries to Charlie Frye, Willie McGinest, and General Winslow, Atlanta was favored by eight. As a pick, it’s a no brainer, whether or not the aforementioned injured Browns play.
Straight Up: Atlanta
Against the Spread: Atlanta
The Match-up: Washington (+7.0) @ Philadelphia
The Skinny: I can’t emphasize how important this game is to both teams. After opening 4-1 and sitting atop everybody’s list, the Eagles have stumbled and are 4-4. Washington kept their hopes alive by beating Dallas last week. A win on Sunday could set the tone for the rest of the season.
Straight Up: Philadelphia
Against the Spread: Philadelphia
The Match-up: San Diego (-1.0) @ Cincinnati
The Skinny: The Bengals are in disarray right now. Carson Palmer may not be 100% recovered from his knee injury, Rudi Johnson wants more carries, and Ocho Cinco only has two touchdowns on the year. Sitting two games behind Baltimore, another Cincinnati loss could be the final nail in the coffin.
Straight Up: San Diego
Against the Spread: San Diego
The Match-up: San Francisco (+6.0) @ Detroit
The Skinny: If there’s one team that gives me fits, it’s the Santa Clara 49ers. Just when I think I’ve got them figured out (they’ll give the Bears a fight, so take them plus the sixteen and a half), they burn me (no way they beat Minnesota). That being said, proceed with caution on this one.
Straight Up: Detroit
Against the Spread: Detroit
The Match-up: Baltimore (-7.0) @ Tennessee
The Skinny: Steve McNair returns to Tennessee to face Vince Young, who is perhaps the next Steve McNair. Young has been impressive, and the Ravens may be without Ray Lewis and Ed Reed. This one will be closer than it should be.
Straight Up: Baltimore
Against the Spread: Tennessee
The Match-up: Buffalo (+12.0) @ Indianapolis
The Skinny: Classic donut game for the Colts, coming off an emotional win in Foxboro and a trip to The Toilet to take on the Cowgirls next week. But the Bills are without Willis McGahee, and his absence will be too much to overcome.
Straight Up: Indianapolis
Against the Spread: Indianapolis
The Match-up: Houston (+10.5) @ Jacksonville
The Skinny: It would seem as though David Carr got the message sent by Gary Kubiak when he was benched a couple of weeks ago. The Texans had a lead late in the Meadowlands against the Giants, but couldn’t finish. Jacksonville is due for an offensive clunker, but David Garrard is 6-1 as a starter, so he gets the job done more often than not.
Straight Up: Jacksonville
Against the Spread: Houston
The Match-up: Kansas City (-1.0) @ Miami
The Skinny: Miami won their Super Bowl last week by beating Chicago. This week, they’ll have no answer for LJ and whichever quarterback wins the Herm Edwards sweepstakes.
Straight Up: Kansas City
Against the Spread: Kansas City
The Match-up: Green Bay (+5.5) @ Minnesota
The Skinny: Minnesota’s offense has amassed ten points in their last two games. Scoring seven in a loss to New England? Acceptable. Scoring three in a loss in San Francisco? Not so much.
Straight Up: Minnesota
Against the Spread: Minnesota
The Match-up: New York Jets (+10.5) @ New England
The Skinny: At 4-4, the Jets will have a look at the playoffs. They gave the Pats a battle in Week 2, and New England is dinged, especially in the secondary with Rodney Harrison on the shelf for a couple of weeks. The Jets may fall to 4-5, but they’ll go down swinging.
Straight Up: New England
Against the Spread: New York Jets
The Match-up: Denver (-9.0) @ Oakland
The Skinny: The good news for the Raiders is that this game is not being played on a Monday. After all, Oakland has scored as many points on Monday night this year as I have, and Raider quarterbacks have been sacked 18 times in those two contests. So they may get on the scoreboard against Denver, but don’t expect much more than that.
Straight Up: Denver
Against the Spread: Denver
The Match-up: Dallas (-7.0) @ Arizona
The Skinny: Classic TOFU last week – says undiagnosed narcolepsy causes him to fall asleep in team meetings, scores a touchdown, then celebrates by laying down in the end zone and using the football as a pillow. Oh, and he dropped what would have been another touchdown that would have sealed the game and Washington ended up winning. But TOFU isn’t upset. After all, he’s got 25 million reasons to be happy.
Straight Up: Arizona
Against the Spread: Arizona
The Match-up: New Orleans (+4.5) @ Pittsburgh
The Skinny: When the overwhelming suspicions that a team has mailed it in are confirmed by a player on the team saying that the team has mailed it in, that’s not a good sign. Who thought the Steelers, the defending Super Bowl champs, would be playing the role of a spoiler on the second Sunday in November?
Straight Up: Pittsburgh
Against the Spread: New Orleans
The Match-up: St. Louis (+3.5) @ Seattle
The Skinny: How much longer can the Seahawks hold it together without Hasselbeck and Alexander? A win over the Rams could in essence lock up the division, then the ‘Hawks can focus on getting healthy for the playoffs.
Straight Up: Seattle
Against the Spread: Seattle
The Match-up: Chicago (Pick) @ New York Giants
The Skinny: What a dilemma. The key to beating the Bears is to get in Rex Grossman’s kitchen, yet the Giants will be without their top two defensive ends (Michael Strahan and Osi Umienyora). The Bears are not without their own injury concerns, as stud linebacker Brian Urlacher may be out. Tough call, but I think Tiki Barber takes over the game and will be the best player on the field.
Straight Up: New York Giants
Against the Spread: New York Giants
Monday, November 13th, 2006
The Match-up: Tampa Bay (+9.5) @ Carolina
The Skinny: The once-hallowed Tampa Bay defense now has problems stopping the run and the pass. Steve Smith always seems to have a little something extra for the Bucs, and Monday night should be no different.
Straight Up: Carolina
Against the Spread: Carolina
Thursday, November 02, 2006
The Week 9 Picks
It’s Week 9 in the NFL. Eight weeks in, eight weeks after this one, meaning it’s basically halftime. And halftime is a time to review the game plan you came in with, see what’s working and what’s not, and make adjustments to have a strong second half. Sounds like a plan to me. Let’s review the pre-season picks and see how we’re shaping up at the turn.
As division winners go, looks like Baltimore, Indianapolis, Denver, and Chicago were solid (if not easy) predictions. Projected playoff teams New England, Philadelphia, New York Giants, Carolina, and Atlanta are all in contention for the post-season. As a lot of people did, I completely whiffed on the strength of the Miami Dolphins (a huge disappointment) and the weakness of the New Orleans Saints (a pleasant surprise). I wouldn’t throw dirt on San Diego, Jacksonville, or St. Louis just yet. Feel free to stick a fork in Houston, Washington, and Arizona, because they’re done.
I said Eagles and Colts in the Super Bowl, so I’ll stand by that. For now. I may want to revise that pick after the Colts visit New England on Sunday.
My sleeper team, the Cleveland Browns, have yet to come out of hibernation. After firing their offensive coordinator, they re-committed to the run with Reuben Droughns. Just as I start to come around, Corporal "Evil Kellen-evil" Winslow opens his mouth and proclaims himself the best tight end in the league (more on this clown later). The jury is still out on the Browns.
If I could get a mulligan on the individual award winners based on the first eight weeks of the year, here’s how they would look:
MVP: Peyton Manning, Indianapolis – Obviously.
Coach of the Year: Bill Belichick, New England – Maybe this isn’t the year the Patriots come back to the pack. It warrants mentioning that their receivers are Troy Brown, Reche Caldwell, Doug Gabriel, and rookie Chad Jackson.
Offensive Player of the Year: LaDanian Tomlinson, San Diego – He’s putting up sick, sick rushing and receiving numbers and scoring at will. No doubt in my mind he’s the best all-around running back in the league.
Defensive Player of the Year: Julius Peppers, Carolina – His outstanding play, coupled with the steroid suspension of San Diego’s Shawne Merriman make Peppers the odds on favorite here.
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Laurence Maroney, New England – I still like the way my pick (Joseph Addai) and everyone else’s (Reggie Bush) have played, but Maroney’s impact has been awesome.
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Mark Anderson, Chicago – What, you’ve never heard of him? I hadn’t either, until I noticed he’s already recorded 7 ½ sacks this season for the Bears, on pace to break the NFL’s rookie record of 14 ½ set by Jevon Kearse in 1999.
Lastly, a personal assessment. As the picks go, I’d give myself a C+. There was the high of the near perfect 13-1 straight up and 11-1-2 against the spread Week 5, and the mediocre three-week span that has followed (19-21; 19-20-1). Overall, the record shows 70-44 winners and 59-49-6 by the numbers. Yes, it’s halftime, and I plan to make the adjustments and have a strong second half.
And away we go.
Sunday, November 5th, 2006
The Match-up: Houston (+13.0) @ New York Giants
The Skinny: The Giants have had a relatively tough schedule thus far. They were due for a cupcake sooner or later. Enter the Houston Texans. You know you’ve hit rock bottom when you get benched in favor of Sage Rosenfels.
Straight Up: New York Giants
Against the Spread: New York Giants
The Match-up: New Orleans (–1.0) @ Tampa Bay
The Skinny: If not for a Reggie Bush punt return TD, the Bucs might have beaten the Saints in New Orleans a couple of weeks ago. I don’t see Tampa punting it to Bush if they’re protecting a lead this time.
Straight Up: Tampa Bay
Against the Spread: Tampa Bay
The Match-up: Green Bay (+3.0) @ Buffalo
The Skinny: While it may look like Brett Favre is playing good football, it should be noted that his good games of late have come against teams like Miami and Arizona. A tougher test awaits in Buffalo.
Straight Up: Buffalo
Against the Spread: Buffalo
The Match-up: Dallas (–3.0) @ Washington
The Skinny: See what happens when you start a better quarterback? The head coach is happy, the receivers are happy. I’m telling you, no good can come of this. Please, Tuna. Please get Drew Bled-slow back under center.
Straight Up: Washington
Against the Spread: Washington
The Match-up: Miami (+13.5) @ Chicago
The Skinny: I made a mistake last week of taking a clearly inferior team (San Francisco) plus a butt-load of points thinking that the Bears wouldn’t score enough points. But with that defense forcing turnovers and giving the offense a short field, I won’t make that mistake again.
Straight Up: Chicago
Against the Spread: Chicago
The Match-up: Tennessee (+9.5) @ Jacksonville
The Skinny: This looks like a classic struggle game for the Jaguars. After having their mental fortitude questioned after their 27-7 loss in Houston, the Jags manned up and smacked the Eagles in the mouth. I could see them playing down to the competition on Sunday.
Straight Up: Jacksonville
Against the Spread: Tennessee
The Match-up: Atlanta (–5.5) @ Detroit
The Skinny: Who is that guy wearing Ron Mexico’s jersey and playing quarterback in Atlanta? Seven TD passes and no picks in the last two games for R-Mex, and maybe the light finally did go on with this guy.
Straight Up: Atlanta
Against the Spread: Atlanta
The Match-up: Cincinnati (+3.0) @ Baltimore
The Skinny: Chad Johnson (sorry, I mean "Ocho Cinco") makes his living by calling out guys on the other team. But Ray Lewis? Are you crazy? Didn’t he knife a guy one time? Choose your battles wisely, Ocho.
Straight Up: Baltimore
Against the Spread: Baltimore
The Match-up: Kansas City (+2.0) @ St. Louis
The Skinny: It remains to be seen whether or not Herm Edwards will go with Trent Green at quarterback or stick with Damon Huard. Either way, I’m not sure it matters.
Straight Up: St. Louis
Against the Spread: St. Louis
The Match-up: Minnesota (–5.0) @ San Francisco
The Skinny: After being blasted at home on Monday, the Vikings need to come out strong on Sunday and reclaim the momentum they had built prior to the Patriots beat-down.
Straight Up: Minnesota
Against the Spread: Minnesota
The Match-up: Denver (+3.0) @ Pittsburgh
The Skinny: Pittsburgh should only be favored if the odds makers have advanced knowledge that Ben Roethlisberger will be lifted for Charlie Batch. Bill Cowher seems reluctant to make that move, so I’ll take Denver and the points.
Straight Up: Denver
Against the Spread: Denver
The Match-up: Cleveland (+12.5) @ San Diego
The Skinny: Corporal Winslow likened this game to a heavyweight battle between the best tight end in the league (himself) and the guy right behind him (Antonio Gates). Winslow also smacked Tony Gonzalez on the way out the door. For the record, let’s do a career tale of the tape amongst these three:
Gates – 52 GP, 226 Rec, 2,828 Yds, 29 TD
Gonzalez – 150 GP, 681 Rec, 8,251 Yds, 57 TD
Winslow – 9 GP, 45 Rec, 443 Yds, 3 TD
So Gates has more touchdowns this year that Winslow has in his career, and Gonzalez has more receptions that Winslow has yards. If there is a title fight, it’s between Gates and Gonzalez. Winslow is merely a tomato can sparring partner on the undercard.
Straight Up: San Diego
Against the Spread: Cleveland
The Match-up: Indianapolis (+3.0) @ New England
The Skinny: Look at the marquis names involved in this game – Manning, Brady, Belichick. This could be the game of the year. And wouldn’t it be some sort of poetic justice if this game came down to a Colts field goal attempt with the game on the line? I’m going with my gut (and Adam Vinatieri) in this one.
Straight Up: Indianapolis
Against the Spread: Indianapolis
Monday, November 6th, 2006
The Match-up: Oakland (+7.0) @ Seattle
The Skinny: I’m sure the Raiders were very disappointed to see the performance of Seattle back up quarterback Seneca Wallace in Kansas City last week. Wallace put up respectable numbers in a tough environment at Arrowhead. He’ll look even better at home.
Straight Up: Seattle
Against the Spread: Seattle
Bye Week: Arizona, Carolina, New York Jets, Philadelphia
As division winners go, looks like Baltimore, Indianapolis, Denver, and Chicago were solid (if not easy) predictions. Projected playoff teams New England, Philadelphia, New York Giants, Carolina, and Atlanta are all in contention for the post-season. As a lot of people did, I completely whiffed on the strength of the Miami Dolphins (a huge disappointment) and the weakness of the New Orleans Saints (a pleasant surprise). I wouldn’t throw dirt on San Diego, Jacksonville, or St. Louis just yet. Feel free to stick a fork in Houston, Washington, and Arizona, because they’re done.
I said Eagles and Colts in the Super Bowl, so I’ll stand by that. For now. I may want to revise that pick after the Colts visit New England on Sunday.
My sleeper team, the Cleveland Browns, have yet to come out of hibernation. After firing their offensive coordinator, they re-committed to the run with Reuben Droughns. Just as I start to come around, Corporal "Evil Kellen-evil" Winslow opens his mouth and proclaims himself the best tight end in the league (more on this clown later). The jury is still out on the Browns.
If I could get a mulligan on the individual award winners based on the first eight weeks of the year, here’s how they would look:
MVP: Peyton Manning, Indianapolis – Obviously.
Coach of the Year: Bill Belichick, New England – Maybe this isn’t the year the Patriots come back to the pack. It warrants mentioning that their receivers are Troy Brown, Reche Caldwell, Doug Gabriel, and rookie Chad Jackson.
Offensive Player of the Year: LaDanian Tomlinson, San Diego – He’s putting up sick, sick rushing and receiving numbers and scoring at will. No doubt in my mind he’s the best all-around running back in the league.
Defensive Player of the Year: Julius Peppers, Carolina – His outstanding play, coupled with the steroid suspension of San Diego’s Shawne Merriman make Peppers the odds on favorite here.
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Laurence Maroney, New England – I still like the way my pick (Joseph Addai) and everyone else’s (Reggie Bush) have played, but Maroney’s impact has been awesome.
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Mark Anderson, Chicago – What, you’ve never heard of him? I hadn’t either, until I noticed he’s already recorded 7 ½ sacks this season for the Bears, on pace to break the NFL’s rookie record of 14 ½ set by Jevon Kearse in 1999.
Lastly, a personal assessment. As the picks go, I’d give myself a C+. There was the high of the near perfect 13-1 straight up and 11-1-2 against the spread Week 5, and the mediocre three-week span that has followed (19-21; 19-20-1). Overall, the record shows 70-44 winners and 59-49-6 by the numbers. Yes, it’s halftime, and I plan to make the adjustments and have a strong second half.
And away we go.
Sunday, November 5th, 2006
The Match-up: Houston (+13.0) @ New York Giants
The Skinny: The Giants have had a relatively tough schedule thus far. They were due for a cupcake sooner or later. Enter the Houston Texans. You know you’ve hit rock bottom when you get benched in favor of Sage Rosenfels.
Straight Up: New York Giants
Against the Spread: New York Giants
The Match-up: New Orleans (–1.0) @ Tampa Bay
The Skinny: If not for a Reggie Bush punt return TD, the Bucs might have beaten the Saints in New Orleans a couple of weeks ago. I don’t see Tampa punting it to Bush if they’re protecting a lead this time.
Straight Up: Tampa Bay
Against the Spread: Tampa Bay
The Match-up: Green Bay (+3.0) @ Buffalo
The Skinny: While it may look like Brett Favre is playing good football, it should be noted that his good games of late have come against teams like Miami and Arizona. A tougher test awaits in Buffalo.
Straight Up: Buffalo
Against the Spread: Buffalo
The Match-up: Dallas (–3.0) @ Washington
The Skinny: See what happens when you start a better quarterback? The head coach is happy, the receivers are happy. I’m telling you, no good can come of this. Please, Tuna. Please get Drew Bled-slow back under center.
Straight Up: Washington
Against the Spread: Washington
The Match-up: Miami (+13.5) @ Chicago
The Skinny: I made a mistake last week of taking a clearly inferior team (San Francisco) plus a butt-load of points thinking that the Bears wouldn’t score enough points. But with that defense forcing turnovers and giving the offense a short field, I won’t make that mistake again.
Straight Up: Chicago
Against the Spread: Chicago
The Match-up: Tennessee (+9.5) @ Jacksonville
The Skinny: This looks like a classic struggle game for the Jaguars. After having their mental fortitude questioned after their 27-7 loss in Houston, the Jags manned up and smacked the Eagles in the mouth. I could see them playing down to the competition on Sunday.
Straight Up: Jacksonville
Against the Spread: Tennessee
The Match-up: Atlanta (–5.5) @ Detroit
The Skinny: Who is that guy wearing Ron Mexico’s jersey and playing quarterback in Atlanta? Seven TD passes and no picks in the last two games for R-Mex, and maybe the light finally did go on with this guy.
Straight Up: Atlanta
Against the Spread: Atlanta
The Match-up: Cincinnati (+3.0) @ Baltimore
The Skinny: Chad Johnson (sorry, I mean "Ocho Cinco") makes his living by calling out guys on the other team. But Ray Lewis? Are you crazy? Didn’t he knife a guy one time? Choose your battles wisely, Ocho.
Straight Up: Baltimore
Against the Spread: Baltimore
The Match-up: Kansas City (+2.0) @ St. Louis
The Skinny: It remains to be seen whether or not Herm Edwards will go with Trent Green at quarterback or stick with Damon Huard. Either way, I’m not sure it matters.
Straight Up: St. Louis
Against the Spread: St. Louis
The Match-up: Minnesota (–5.0) @ San Francisco
The Skinny: After being blasted at home on Monday, the Vikings need to come out strong on Sunday and reclaim the momentum they had built prior to the Patriots beat-down.
Straight Up: Minnesota
Against the Spread: Minnesota
The Match-up: Denver (+3.0) @ Pittsburgh
The Skinny: Pittsburgh should only be favored if the odds makers have advanced knowledge that Ben Roethlisberger will be lifted for Charlie Batch. Bill Cowher seems reluctant to make that move, so I’ll take Denver and the points.
Straight Up: Denver
Against the Spread: Denver
The Match-up: Cleveland (+12.5) @ San Diego
The Skinny: Corporal Winslow likened this game to a heavyweight battle between the best tight end in the league (himself) and the guy right behind him (Antonio Gates). Winslow also smacked Tony Gonzalez on the way out the door. For the record, let’s do a career tale of the tape amongst these three:
Gates – 52 GP, 226 Rec, 2,828 Yds, 29 TD
Gonzalez – 150 GP, 681 Rec, 8,251 Yds, 57 TD
Winslow – 9 GP, 45 Rec, 443 Yds, 3 TD
So Gates has more touchdowns this year that Winslow has in his career, and Gonzalez has more receptions that Winslow has yards. If there is a title fight, it’s between Gates and Gonzalez. Winslow is merely a tomato can sparring partner on the undercard.
Straight Up: San Diego
Against the Spread: Cleveland
The Match-up: Indianapolis (+3.0) @ New England
The Skinny: Look at the marquis names involved in this game – Manning, Brady, Belichick. This could be the game of the year. And wouldn’t it be some sort of poetic justice if this game came down to a Colts field goal attempt with the game on the line? I’m going with my gut (and Adam Vinatieri) in this one.
Straight Up: Indianapolis
Against the Spread: Indianapolis
Monday, November 6th, 2006
The Match-up: Oakland (+7.0) @ Seattle
The Skinny: I’m sure the Raiders were very disappointed to see the performance of Seattle back up quarterback Seneca Wallace in Kansas City last week. Wallace put up respectable numbers in a tough environment at Arrowhead. He’ll look even better at home.
Straight Up: Seattle
Against the Spread: Seattle
Bye Week: Arizona, Carolina, New York Jets, Philadelphia
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