Week Six Picks
I’m coming in way late this week. And I’m not sure how much I have to say (and most of it’s probably wrong), but here you go.
Carolina (+9) at Philadelphia
Something in my gut says there’s an upset brewing here. But something in my head says that thing in my gut is a fried pork dumpling that’s angry at the world. And since I don’t take advice from pork dumplings (or, really, any angry food product) I’m going with the heavy favorites to win straight up at home, though I bet Carolina does find a way to keep it within six.
Cincinnati (+3) at Cleveland
And the least awful team in Ohio is … Cleveland, by a margin of seven points (this week).
Green Bay (+2) at Detroit
How can … ? Wait, where am I? This is … This is … Oh, man, Detroit giving two to Green Bay? Really? And what’s weird is, the Lions are gonna cover.
Houston (+6.5) at Tennessee
Have the Titans really turned it around? Does that big game against Green Bay Monday night mean they’re still a powerhouse? For the answers, see Green Bay at Detroit just above. Take Tennessee straight up, but expect Houston to cover.
Kansas City (-2.5) at Jacksonville
That old Jaguars D, she ain’t what she was cracked up to be. Neither is the Chief’s O. I’m probably wrong, but I’m thinking the home dogs find a way to get it done.
Miami (+5.5) at Buffalo
Miami should think about just forfeiting some of these games rather than traveling all that way just to lose. Don’t expect much offense either way in this one. Buffalo wins 9-0.
San Diego (+4.5) at Atlanta
Maybe the Chargers aren’t so awful this year after all. Bully for Marty Schottenheimer. Still, Atlanta bounces back after losing to the Lions and puts the Chargers away by at least a touchdown.
Seattle (+4) at New England
The Seahawks are this week’s most popular upset pick. It’s understandable. The Pats have to lose eventually. And the Seahawks have the weapons to get the job done. It could be a long day if the Pats can’t stop Shaun Alexander. But I get the feeling listening to Bill Belichick and his players talk about what a great, tough team Seattle is, that the New England brain trust has figured out a way to get the job done. This thing goes to the wire and the Pats win it by virtue of a long, late, accurate kick by Adam Vinatieri.
San Francisco (+10) at N.Y. Jets
The Jets aren’t as good as their record. But they’re better than the Niners. They’ll win and, while no one should ever take an NFL team to cover by 10, the Jets will probably do it.
Washington (+1) at Chicago
The Redskins absolutely have to win this game. But they won’t. Chicago by three.
Denver (-1.5) at Oakland
Aw, hell. I’m taking Oakland, but it’s just because I’m a fan. (And I’m not putting any money on this.) We all know Denver’s gonna win.
Pittsburgh (+3) at Dallas
Bill Parcells says Ben Roethlisberger is the best young quarterback he’s seen in years. That means he’s planning to go after him bigtime and thinks he can get the kid’s head spinning. He can. But doing it will give Duce Staley the room he needs to post a 150-plus-yard day. And with Vinny Testaverde under pressure and throwing picks, shutting down Roethlisberger won’t be enough. Look for Pittsburgh to pull off the upset.
Minnesota (-3.5) at New Orleans
Somebody’s gonna have a big day on the ground for the Vikings, who apparently are as deep at running back as the Broncos. Randy Moss is gonna catch two TDs. And the Saints are gonna score a good bit, too. Bet the over. And take the Vikings to win it straight up, but the Saints to keep it to within a field goal.
Tampa Bay (+6) at St. Louis
Man, ABC’s gotta be loving this exciting Monday Night Football schedule. It’ll be November 8 — Minnesota at Indy — before there’s anything worth watching on a Monday night. Between now and then: Denver at Cincinnati and Miami at the Jets. Who can even stay awake for these games? Rams by 17.
