On this final weekend of NFL football action, I would like to thank those of you that has helped us to grow into one the most popular NFL sites around. I say this with great excitement and anticipation for the years to come. Our readership has really grown in this first year of our website, and I thank you all for that. Please do bookmark, subscribe, or otherwise visit our content in the offseason as well. We will be posting news and predictions for the coming year, as well as some various other surprises.
We will be posting full game previews, predictions and content throughout the NFL playoffs and every match up will be broken down. Please check back for all of this as we should be on top of the coverage in a big way. Good luck to you all in your office pools and tournaments.
As always, picks against the spread will be at the end of the column and winners are in bold.
That said, lets not waste another moment…. Here are your NFL picks and predictions for the final week of the regular season:
SUN, JAN 3
Indianapolis at Buffalo – The Colts have every reason to simply sit their starters and get healthy for the playoffs. In spite of the drama over the undefeated season and such, the Colts coaching staff did the right thing. The Super Bowl is the important thing, and they are set and ready. For the Colts, even the second string will likely handle the Bills. Sad for the Bills really… they were hoping for big things this season.
Winner – Indianapolis Colts
Jacksonville at Cleveland- The Browns are showing signs that they might be a decent team in the years to come. Problem is, they have been doing that for years in the past as well. Maybe the Browns can pull this one out, but my guess is the Jaguars will be a bit irritated and put up some points. Jags all the way in this one.
Winner – Jacksonville Jaguars
Chicago at Detroit- The Lions are really bad. The Chicago Bears are less bad. Nuff said.
Winner – Chicago Bears
San Francisco at St. Louis- The San Francisco 49ers are a team that will make some noise next year if they fill in a few gaps. The Rams are facing years of problems unless they go crazy and revamp the whole deal. Chances are, this will be ugly.
Winner – San Francisco 49ers
Pittsburgh at Miami- This game will be hotly contested, but the Steelers will likely walk away the winners. They are desperately trying to salvage a playoff spot, and they are known for coming up big when they need it.
Winner – Pittsburgh Steelers
NY Giants at Minnesota- The Giants flopped in a big way this season, and it was not really a surprise to me. This team was overrated when the season began. I expect the Vikings will right the ship and win a big one right before the playoffs begin. Brett has been known to do that.
Winner – Minnesota Vikings
Atlanta at Tampa Bay- Though Tampa won a big game last week, they will struggle against the Falcons. The Falcons are built for speed on the outside with their wide outs and Matt Ryan has shown that he is out of the funk from earlier this season. While the Bucs are much better with Josh Freeman in there, they will still fall to the Falcons.
Winner – Atlanta Falcons
New Orleans at Carolina- The Panthers are no pushovers as two victories against the Giants and Vikings have proven. Still, they are dismissed as the other team “not playing up to their abilities” instead. The truth is, the Panthers are really that good. Some horrible breaks this season stopped the Panthers, along with Jake Delhomme staying under center way too long. Whatever the case, this new Panther squad will whip the Saints as well, and show the NFL that they are going to be a force in 2010.
Winner – Carolina Panthers
New England at Houston- The Patriots are notorious for getting hot late in the season, and this year is no different. They will roll over the Texans, in spite of the Texans fighting for a playoff spot. Maybe next year Texan fans.
Winner – New England Patriots
Green Bay at Arizona- This game is going to be fun, but I think the Cards will win it in a shootout. I do not expect much defense and the Cards to win by about a touchdown. I do think that the Cardinals and the Packers are going to be good in the playoffs by the way, but not sure if they will advance. We will see when the matchups come out.
Winner – Arizona Cardinals
Washington at San Diego- The Chargers are simply a force at the moment. The Skins are not. Easy pick here, even if the Chargers rest some folks.
Winner – San Diego Chargers
Tennessee at Seattle- The Titans are one heck of a story in 2009. From the best to the worst, and now back to among the best. They are a team that simply pushed the envelope too long before winning. They will be back next year in the middle of everything. This game will be a whupping for the Seahawks.
Winner – Tennessee Titans
Baltimore at Oakland- The Ravens must win and the Raiders, though tough, are going down.
Winner – Baltimore Ravens
Philadelphia at Dallas- Got to love those NFC East match ups near the end of the season. Who will win the division? Though the Eagles are the popular pick, and it is easy to understand why, I think the Cowboys are going to steal it at home. This will be a game that will define Tony Romo even further. God help him if he plays a bone head game….
Winner – Dallas Cowboys
Kansas City at Denver- Denver recovers…..but will it be too late?
Winner – Denver Broncos
Cincinnati at NY Jets- The Jets are a team that many are predicting will be the surprise of the playoffs. I think inexperience will get them in the end, but they will survive this game.
Winner – NY Jets
Against the Spread Picks (Winners in Bold)
Date & Time
1/3 1:00 ET At Buffalo -6.5 Indianapolis
1/3 1:00 ET At Carolina -4.5 New Orleans
1/3 1:00 ET At Cleveland -1.5 Jacksonville
1/3 4:15 ET At Dallas -3 Philadelphia
1/3 1:00 ET Chicago -3 At Detroit
1/3 1:00 ET At Houston -8 New England
1/3 1:00 ET Pittsburgh -3 At Miami
1/3 1:00 ET At Minnesota -9 NY Giants
1/3 8:20 ET At NY Jets -10 Cincinnati
1/3 1:00 ET San Francisco -7 At St. Louis
1/3 1:00 ET Atlanta -2.5 At Tampa Bay
1/3 4:15 ET At Arizona -3.5 Green Bay
1/3 4:15 ET At Denver -13 Kansas City
1/3 4:15 ET Baltimore -10.5 At Oakland
1/3 4:15 ET At San Diego -4 Washington
1/3 4:15 ET Tennessee -4 At Seattle
Week Sixteen Straight Up – 12 – 4
Season Record Straight Up – 153 – 87
Week Sixteen Against the Spread – 11 – 5
Season Record Against the Spread – 41 – 39
Thanks for joining us once again for the NFL Week 16 picks and predictions. We are once again going to pick against the spread as well as straight up, and hopefully will have better luck than in week 15. Still the season average straight up is very good. Hopefully we can put you in the winner’s circle this week like previous weeks. Without further ado, let’s dive into week 16 NFL picks and predictions right now! (Picks against the spread are at the end of the column.
San Diego at Tennessee – The Bolts look unstoppable lately, and the Titans are surely going to be a fun match up. What was once considered to be a laugher match up now has some serious appeal.
Winner – San Diego Chargers
SUN, DEC 27
Buffalo at Atlanta - What means nothing in the standings means everything to the Falcons as far as breaking a record. The Falcons have not had back to back winning seasons in like 2000 years. They will fight for this one.
Winner – Atlanta Falcons
Kansas City at Cincinnati - This game should be a blowout but I have a feeling that it will be close. Keep an eye out for those Chiefs next year.
Winner – Cincinnati Bengals
Oakland at Cleveland- The Browns? I am picking the Browns? Who got in my head this week?
Winner – Cleveland Browns
Seattle at Green Bay- The Packers had better win this one, or else they might just get kicked out of Lambeau.
Winner – Green Bay Packers
Baltimore at Pittsburgh- The Steelers have been given one final chance to save the season. They will get it done at home.
Winner – Pittsburgh Steelers
Houston at Miami- The Dolphins are no joke, and they will put it on the Texans this week.
Winner – Miami Dolphins
Jacksonville at New England- New England needs a good showing this week in a big way. The Jaguars are a team that you never know what you will get.
Winner – New England Patriots
Tampa Bay at New Orleans- New Orleans will wrap up the number one seed in a tidy little ball this week.
Winner – New Orleans Saints
Carolina at NY Giants- The Panthers are going to put a hurting on the G-Men and take away that potential playoff spot. This will further the feuding for next year.
Winner – Carolina Panthers
Detroit at San Francisco- San Francisco will pick up the win in a game nobody cares about.
Winner – San Francisco 49ers
St. Louis at Arizona- Arizona Rolls. Like everyone that plays the Rams this year.
Winner – Arizona Cardinals
NY Jets at Indianapolis- The Colts move closer to perfection.
Winner – Indianapolis Colts
Denver at Philadelphia- The Eagles are on a roll and I doubt that anyone will stop them soon. Not until they face the Saints in the playoffs, or McNabb gets hurt.
Winner – Philadelphia Eagles
Dallas at Washington- Dallas is heating up at the wrong time. Maybe they won’t choke this year after all. Nahh… they will… just not yet.
Winner – Dallas Cowboys
MON, DEC 28
Minnesota at Chicago- The Vikings will recover with a huge win in Chicago.
Winner – Minnesota Vikings
Tiebreaker Score – Minnesota Vikings 28 Chicago Bears 21
Winner in Bold for the spread picks below:
| 12/25 7:30 ET | At Tennessee | -3 | San Diego |
| 12/27 1:00 ET | At Green Bay | -14 | Seattle |
| 12/27 1:00 ET | At Cleveland | -3.5 | Oakland |
| 12/27 1:00 ET | At Cincinnati | -14 | Kansas City |
| 12/27 1:00 ET | At Atlanta | -9 | Buffalo |
| 12/27 1:00 ET | At Miami | -3 | Houston |
| 12/27 1:00 ET | At NY Giants | -7 | Carolina |
| 12/27 1:00 ET | At New Orleans | -14 | Tampa Bay |
| 12/27 1:00 ET | At New England | -7.5 | Jacksonville |
| 12/27 1:00 ET | At Pittsburgh | -2.5 | Baltimore |
| 12/27 4:15 ET | At Philadelphia | -7 | Denver |
| 12/27 4:05 ET | At Arizona | -14 | St. Louis |
| 12/27 4:05 ET | At San Francisco | -12 | Detroit |
| 12/27 4:15 ET | At Indianapolis | -5.5 | NY Jets |
| 12/27 8:20 ET | Dallas | -7 | At Washington |
Monday Night Football Point Spread
| 12/28 8:35 ET | Minnesota | -7 | At Chicago |
Week Fifteen Straight Up – 9 – 7
Season Record Straight Up – 141 – 83
Week Fifteen Against the Spread – 6 – 10
Season Record Against the Spread – 30 – 34
This past week has been a tough one here at NFL Picks and Predictions and so time is at a premium. My apologies for the short and quick descriptions as I am pushed for time. Next week I will get back to analyzing the games a bit more. As usual, the spread picks are at the end of the column and are in bold. Here is to hoping your holidays are a great! Without further ado, here are your week fifteen NFL picks:
THU, DEC 17
Indianapolis at Jacksonville – The Jaguars showed their true colors last week. Colts in a romp.
Winner – Indianapolis Colts
SAT, DEC 19
Dallas at New Orleans- The Cowboys are toast. As usual in December….
Winner – New Orleans Saints
SUN, DEC 20 New England at Buffalo- New England barely feels the road bump…
Winner – New England Patriots
Arizona at Detroit- The Cardinals recover from the butt whupping from San Francisco last week…
Winner – Arizona Cardinals
Miami at Tennessee - The Titans get some good old fashioned revenge…
Winner – Tennessee Titans
Cleveland at Kansas City- The Chiefs win, and all ten people see it….
Winner – Kansas City Chiefs
Houston at St. Louis- The Texans win, and the Rams move closer to that golden draft pick.
Winner – Houston Texans
Atlanta at NY Jets- The Jets win a big one for their playoff chances, but only because of injuries in Atlanta.
Winner – NY Jets
San Francisco at Philadelphia- Philadelphia keeps a rolling…
Winner – Philadelphia Eagles
Chicago at Baltimore- Baltimore defense + Jay Cutler at quarterback = Ravens massacre
Winner – Baltimore Ravens
Cincinnati at San Diego- San Diego holds off the Bengals
Winner – San Diego Chargers
Oakland at Denver- Denver wins an important game for their season.
Winner – Denver Broncos
Green Bay at Pittsburgh- Green Bay makes the Steelers hurt even more.
Winner – Green Bay Packers
Tampa Bay at Seattle- Seattle wins one at home.
Winner – Seattle Seahawks
Minnesota at Carolina- The Vikings romp…
Winner – Minnesota Vikings
MON, DEC 21
NY Giants at Washington- The Giants hold off a game Washington squad trying to play spoiler…..
Winner – NY Giants
Tiebreaker Score – NY Giants 23 – Washington 14
12/17 8:20 ET Indianapolis -2.5 At Jacksonville
12/19 8:20 ET At New Orleans -7 Dallas
12/20 4:15 ET At Pittsburgh -1 Green Bay
12/20 1:00 ET At Tennessee -3 Miami
12/20 1:00 ET New England -7 At Buffalo
12/20 1:00 ET Arizona -12 At Detroit
12/20 1:00 ET At Philadelphia -9 San Francisco
12/20 1:00 ET At NY Jets -6 Atlanta
12/20 1:00 ET At Baltimore -10.5 Chicago
12/20 1:00 ET At Kansas City -2 Cleveland
12/20 1:00 ET Houston -10.5 At St. Louis
12/20 4:05 ET At San Diego -6.5 Cincinnati
12/20 4:05 ET At Denver -14 Oakland
12/20 4:15 ET At Seattle -7 Tampa Bay
12/20 8:20 ET Minnesota -9 At Carolina
Monday Night Football Point Spread
12/21 8:35 ET NY Giants -3 At Washington
Week Fourteen Straight Up – 10 – 6
Season Record Straight Up – 132 – 76
Week Fourteen Against the Spread – 10 – 6
Season Record Against the Spread – 24 – 24
Week 14 NFL picks and predictions comes to you this week with playoff implications abound. Every game seems to have some type of bearing on the playoff picture, and this is the time of year when NFL football is the greatest. As usual, we are picking against the spread and also straight up. Spread picks are at the end of the article, with the winners in bold. Please leave comments and tell me what you think! Do not forget to subscribe so you can get this information every single week!
Here are the NFL Picks and Predictions for Week 14:
Pittsburgh at Cleveland – The Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns has always been a rivalry that was worth watching. In a very upside down 2009 NFL football season, The Pittsburgh Steelers are actually struggling as we approach playoffs. This is not something that Steeler fans are accustomed to experiencing. The Cleveland Browns fans, however, are completely used to the horrible season that they are experiencing. I expect Pittsburgh will take out some frustrations on Cleveland during week 14.
Winner – Pittsburgh Steelers
SUN, DEC 13
New Orleans at Atlanta- New Orleans survived a real scare back in week 13 against the Washington Redskins and now they head into a even more formidable game against Atlanta. Tradition would say that the Saints are ripe for a defeat, but this is no traditional NFL football season. The New Orleans Saints will recover in a big way this week against Atlanta, as they motor towards a record breaking undefeated 2009 season.
Winner – New Orleans Saints
Green Bay at Chicago- This is one football game that the Green Bay Packers have got to be dreading. The Chicago Bears always played them tough regardless of how difficult their season has been. Green Bay did look wonderful on Monday night football against the ravens, and I expect that they will handle the Bears and head towards a playoff fight in the NFC. Chicago has got to be shaking their heads and wondering what in the world happened in 2009. Jay Cutler was supposed to be their savior right?
Winner – Green Bay Packers
NY Jets at Tampa Bay- Tampa Bay against the Jets is really a showcase of two of the better young quarterbacks to come out of the draft this year. Mark Sanchez has certainly had his ups and downs with the New York Jets, but he has still managed to hold onto his position and keep the Jets in the neighborhood. Josh Freeman however has come out of nowhere. This young quarterback has got to be giving Tampa Bay fans something to look forward to in the years to come. If he can just learn when to go for the big play, and more importantly when not to, then he will become a better than average NFL quarterback. This game could go either way, but I am going with the Jets.
Winner – New York Jets
Miami at Jacksonville- The Jacksonville Jaguars have somehow managed to find themselves right in the thick of the AFC playoff picture. It is kind of mind-boggling that they are actually in the running, as they have played some of the worst games of the year. Still, they have managed to win when they had to and stay close enough to remain relative. This week is one of those weeks where Jacksonville will either prove they deserve it, or tank big time. My guess is that they will pull it out at home.
Winner – Jacksonville Jaguars
Detroit at Baltimore- Baltimore In a joke of the game.
Winner – Baltimore Ravens
Seattle at Houston- The Seattle Seahawks in the Houston Texans both had playoff aspirations when the season began, and now find themselves with little to no hope. I expect that the Texans will win this game simply because they have superior talent.
Winner – Houston Texans
Denver at Indianapolis- Indianapolis should be getting a whole lot more respect across the league and they are right now. This is an undefeated NFL football team as we head into week 14, yet few experts are actually picking them to win it all. Personally I believe that Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts will go to the Super Bowl this season. Denver however, is a team that I seem to run hot and cold with. Every time I write them off, they win a game that I feel they have no business winning. Could this possibly be another situation like that? Not a chance. The Colts win in a blowout.
Winner – Indianapolis Colts
Buffalo at Kansas City- This is a game that will be enjoyed by… no one. Kansas City simply because they are at home will win this game.
Winner – Kansas City Chiefs
Cincinnati at Minnesota- Finally the Cincinnati Bengals will face a legitimate Super Bowl contender. If the Bengals can find a way to beat Minnesota, and they will cement their place as a Super Bowl contender themselves. Unfortunately, Adrian Peterson may have something to say about that. The Vikings are incredibly tough at home, and Bret Farve knows how to win in December. I expect that the Bengals will make a good showing, but come up just short.
Winner – Minnesota Vikings
Carolina at New England- The Carolina Panthers finally benched Jake Delhomme, and suddenly found themselves in the win column. More importantly, they found themselves on the plus side of the turnover ratio. Carolina has lost games all year long simply on the back of Jake Delhomme throwing interceptions. If Matt Moore can play turnover free football, You just might get a shocker in New England. In my upset pick of the week, I see Carolina stuffing the ball down the Patriots throat by running the football.
Winner – Carolina Panthers
Washington at Oakland- Both of these teams performed well above expectations in week 13 of NFL football action. In what is expected to be one of the most boring games of the 2009 football season, the Washington Redskins will walk away with a win.
Winner – Washington Redskins
St. Louis at Tennessee- The Tennessee Titans did little to show that they were a fluke and a loss against Indianapolis last week. There is little reason to think that the Tennessee Titans will not whip the St. Louis Rams this week.
Winner – Tennessee Titans
San Diego at Dallas - The San Diego Chargers have peaked right towards the end of the NFL football season. Some San Diego fans are concerned that maybe they peaked too early. Dallas choked big Time in an important matchup against the New York Giants last week. This is a game that Dallas must win. Unfortunately, I think San Diego might have different ideas.
Winner – San Diego Chargers
Philadelphia at NY Giants- The New York Giants are doing all that they can to try to put themselves back into contention in the NFC East. The Philadelphia Eagles have other ideas, and find themselves in a perfect position to return to the playoffs again this year. I think that the Philadelphia Eagles will win the war, but the New York Giants will win this Battle.
Winner -New York Giants
MON, DEC 14
Arizona at San Francisco- The Arizona Cardinals took a huge step in there win last week. If they take care of business as they should against San Francisco,They will find themselves in prime position to make another run in the playoffs. Somehow every season and Kurt Warner finds a way to put his team in prime position.
Winner – Arizona Cardinals
Tie breaker Score – Arizona Cardinals 28 San Francisco 49ers 17
Against the Spread Picks (winners in bold)
12/10 8:20 ET Pittsburgh -10 At Cleveland
12/13 1:00 ET At Indianapolis -7 Denver
12/13 1:00 ET At Minnesota -7 Cincinnati
12/13 1:00 ET NY Jets -3.5 At Tampa Bay
12/13 1:00 ET At Kansas City PK Buffalo
12/13 1:00 ET Green Bay -3 At Chicago
12/13 1:00 ET New Orleans -9.5 At Atlanta
12/13 1:00 ET At Baltimore -13 Detroit
12/13 1:00 ET At Jacksonville -3 Miami
12/13 1:00 ET At New England -13.5 Carolina
12/13 1:00 ET At Houston -6 Seattle
12/13 4:05 ET At Tennessee -13 St. Louis
12/13 4:05 ET Washington -1 At Oakland
12/13 4:15 ET At Dallas -3 San Diego
12/13 8:20 ET At NY Giants -1 Philadelphia
Monday Night Football Point Spread
12/14 8:35 ET Arizona -3 At San Francisco
Week Thirteen Straight Up – 9 – 7
Season Record Straight Up – 122 – 70
Week Thirteen Against the Spread – 4 – 12
Season Record Against the Spread – 14 – 18
Peyton Manning
Without further ado, here are your week thirteen NFL picks and predictions, both straight up and against the spread….
NY Jets at Buffalo Since Buffalo opened up that offense they have looked like a different team. The Jets looked terrible in spite of the win over the Panthers. The defense is solid in NY, but I expect that the Bills will score enough to win.
Winner – Buffalo Bills
NY Jets -3 At Buffalo
Philadelphia at Atlanta This game would have been quite the showdown if the Falcons were not hurting so badly. They have a number of key injuries including Matt Ryan and Michael Turner. I expect that will be the opening that Philly needs to win.
Winner – Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia -5.5 At Atlanta
St. Louis at Chicago – The Bears finally are facing an opponent they should handle easily. Then again, if the great Jay Cutler does not get his arm together, they might just cough this one up. I expect they will handle the Rams with ease.
Winner – Chicago Bears
At Chicago -8.5 St. Louis
Detroit at Cincinnati – The Lions and the Bengals. Now this is a match up that should be fun to watch…..NOT! The Bengals will run all over them. Literally.
Winner – Cincinnati Bengals
At Cincinnati -13 Detroit
Oakland at Pittsburgh – The Steelers finally get the chance to avenge an early season loss to the Raiders. They also have their entire season on the line. I expect this one will be a blowout in a big way.
Winner – Pittsburgh Steelers
At Pittsburgh Off Oakland
Tennessee at Indianapolis - This game is getting a lot of press, and it should. The Titans are no pushovers anymore. Not only are they winning, but they really seem to believe in themselves. I still like Peyton Manning to overcome the game Titans, but it will be no cakewalk. The Colts will cover the spread however.
Winner – Indianapolis Colts
At Indianapolis -7 Tennessee
Denver at Kansas City – This game is scary for Bronco fans. We all know how tough the Chiefs can be at home. Still, the Broncos are going to win due to a solid defense. I think they will also cover the spread, but not by very much.
Winner – Denver Broncos
Denver -4.5 At Kansas City
New England at Miami – The Patriots are going to take out some frustrations here.
Winner – New England Patriots
New England -5 At Miami
New Orleans at Washington – After the way Brees took apart the Patriots, I am wondering now if the Saints really might just run the table. They have little more than a speed bump this week, and then we will see the Saints go for some serious records.
Winner – New Orleans Saints
New Orleans -9 At Washington
Tampa Bay at Carolina - From the who cares pile, the Panthers finally change quarterbacks and win one. They will win the game, but not cover the spread.
Winner – Carolina Panthers
At Carolina -6 Tampa Bay
Houston at Jacksonville – Houston has to be feeling down this week, but the Jaguars looked so horrible last week it should not matter. This Texan’s squad is a tough out for anyone, and should handle the Jags this week.
Winner – Houston Texans
At Jacksonville PK Houston
San Diego at Cleveland - The Chargers will kill them. The end.
Winner – San Diego Chargers
San Diego -13 At Cleveland
Dallas at NY Giants – This game is one in which the Giants simply have to win. With key injuries and Dallas on a roll, I just do not see it happening. I see Dallas walked away with this one and the NFC East.
Winner – Dallas Cowboys
Dallas -2 At NY Giants
San Francisco at Seattle - The Niners simply will not go away. They might be priming for a little late season magic, and this game will determine if that is possible. I expect Singletary to have them primed and ready. Look for big day from Crabtree.
Winner – San Francisco 49ers
At Seattle PK San Francisco
Minnesota at Arizona – The Vikings are set for a huge year, and Favre has shut up the detractors. Arizona could give Minnesota trouble, but I think that the Vikings will keep rolling. Expect big things this week from Adrian Peterson.
Winner – Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota Off At Arizona
MON, DEC 7
Baltimore at Green Bay The Packers are set to make a run, and the Ravens are one hell of a roadblock. Still, the Pack will pull it out.
Prediction tiebreaker – Green Bay 28 Baltimore 17
Winner – Green Bay Packers
At Green Bay -3 Baltimore
Week Twelve Straight Up – 11 – 5
Season Record Straight Up – 113 – 63
Week Twelve Against the Spread – 10 – 6
Season Record Against the Spread – 10 – 6
here we are in week 12 of NFL football action and I couldn’t be more stoked. All the NFL teams seem to be hitting their stride, and we here at NFL picks and predictions are as well. Last week we had a season best 12 and four record, and this week we plan to do even better. NFL picks and predictions has been getting a lot of requests for picking against the spread. We realize that many of your NFL office pools are set up with the spread, so this week we will offer that as well. The column will be the same as usual except that the spread pick winner will be placed after the straight up winner. The NFL football team that we think will win the spread will be highlighted in bold. Now on to the week 12 NFL picks and predictions:
Green Bay at Detroit – Detroit has to be feeling pretty good about their big win over the Cleveland Browns. Unfortunately that will not be enough to overcome Aaron Rodgers and that Green Bay offense.
Winner – Green Bay Packers
Green Bay -10.5 At Detroit
Oakland at Dallas – the Raiders are up and then they’re down. The same can be said for the Dallas Cowboys. Dallas will be up a little bit more.
Winner – Dallas Cowboys
At Dallas -13.5 Oakland
NY Giants at Denver – the New York Giants seem to have recovered while the Denver Broncos are crashing big-time. This game will be close but the Giants will win in the end.
Winner – New York Giants
NY Giants -6.5 At Denver
SUN, NOV 29
Tampa Bay at Atlanta – Atlanta is due for a good game and I expect that Tampa is ripe for the picking. While I love Tampa’s new young quarterback, I still think that Atlanta will make some noise before the season is over.
Winner – Atlanta Falcons
At Atlanta -12 Tampa Bay
Miami at Buffalo – Ricky Williams showed that he is more than capable of carrying the Miami offense against a stout Carolina Panthers squad. Buffalo will offer little resistance.
Winner – Miami Dolphins
Miami -3 At Buffalo
Cleveland at Cincinnati – the Bengals and the Browns are always entertaining. This game should be no different, but I expect the Bengals to win with ease.
Winner – Cincinnati Bengals
At Cincinnati -14 Cleveland
Seattle at St. Louis – the Seattle Seahawks need to win desperately just to save a little bit of face. The Rams have now lost Marc Bulger for the season, though I’m still not sure if that is good or bad news. I expect that the Seahawks will win this game going away.
Winner – Seattle Seahawks
Seattle -3 At St. Louis
Carolina at NY Jets – The Carolina Panthers are a team that can play with anyone in the NFL when they have their head on straight. They have been winning every other week, and this is due to be there win week. Expect the Panthers to run the ball all day long.
Winner – Carolina Panthers
At NY Jets -3 Carolina
Washington at Philadelphia – the Philadelphia Eagles should stomp all over the Washington Redskins in Philly. One cannot help but wonder why Michael Vick is not being used more. Perhaps this is the week that we find out.
Winner – Philadelphia Eagles
At Philadelphia -9 Washington
Indianapolis at Houston – in what many have thought to be the biggest game of Houston’s season, the Colts will show that they are still far and away the dominant team.
Winner – Indianapolis Colts
Indianapolis -3.5 At Houston
Kansas City at San Diego – San Diego is on a roll. While Kansas City’s win over Pittsburgh was highly impressive, they have no chance against the Chargers at home.
Winner – San Diego Chargers
At San Diego -13.5 Kansas City
Jacksonville at San Francisco - Jacksonville actually made me very happy by finally winning a game in which I pick them. They made me so happy in fact, that I’m picking them again.
Winner – Jacksonville Jaguars
At San Francisco -3 Jacksonville
Chicago at Minnesota – Chicago has turned the game into a yawner by being unable to win the games they should. Minnesota just might be the best team in the NFL right now.
Winner – Minnesota Vikings
At Minnesota -10.5 Chicago
Arizona at Tennessee -Tennessee has got to be feeling pretty psyched about their resurgent quarterback. This young has risen from the ashes and led the Titans to four straight wins. Make it five.
Winner – Tennessee Titans
At Tennessee -1.5 Arizona
Pittsburgh at Baltimore – Pittsburgh has shown over the years that they will not stay down for long. I expect that they will come into Baltimore ready to play.
Winner – Pittsburgh Steelers
At Baltimore -2.5 Pittsburgh
MON, NOV 30
New England at New Orleans – the New Orleans Saints will finally get the chance to show the entire world that they are for real. What better way to do so than to defeat the mighty New England Patriots?
Winner – New Orleans Saints
At New Orleans -3 New England
Tiebreaker New England 28 New Orleans 32
Week Eleven Record – 12 – 4
Season Record – 102 – 58
Can Brady Bring the Pats Back this week?
THU, NOV 19
Miami at Carolina
I am still adjusting to this whole Thursday night thing; at least this week we have a match up that I care about. The resurgent Carolina Panthers are ready to rumble, and the Dolphins might just be in trouble. With Ronnie Brown out, I expect that the Dolphins will struggle a bit. Not only that…The Panthers defense should have something to say about it. Ron Meeks took some time to get it right, but now that he has that new system in place, the Panthers are stout. This game may be close, but I see the Panthers clearly winning.
Winner – Carolina Panthers
SUN, NOV 22
Washington at Dallas
The Dallas Cowboys are a team that nobody can seem to figure out including me. I was on board as much as anybody after that nice run leading up to week 10. Then the Packers basically slapped them in the mouth, and then laughed about it. If the Cowboys are going to be serious about any real run, they have to find that consistency button more than three weeks at a time. You hear that Tony Romo? They still beat up on Washington.
Winner – Dallas Cowboys
Cleveland at Detroit
I am picking Detroit if for no other reason than because they can score. Cleveland is really bad….
Winner – Detroit Lions
San Francisco at Green Bay
Battle of the Bays should be fun. I see a high scoring affair with the Packers winning simply because it is in Lambeau. I can not see the Niners going into Lambeau and winning against these Packers. Not this year anyway. The Packers had better get it together quick if they have any hopes of getting a playoff spot. Maybe their run starts here.
Winner – Green Bay Packers
Pittsburgh at Kansas City
The Steelers are going to be very angry and the Chiefs are simply in the way. Woe to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Winner – Pittsburgh Steelers
Atlanta at NY Giants
So can the Giants right that ship in time? I think that they will still be on the short end of the stick in the long run, but they begin to get things together this week. They have had a week to think about it. I imagine that they will show up pretty strong this week, and the timing is kind of bad for the Falcons.
Winner – New York Giants
New Orleans at Tampa Bay
The Saints have looked quite vulnerable now for two weeks in a row. The Bucs have suddenly found a quarterback, and have been strong the last two weeks. Upset? Nah… The situation is not right and the Saints are too good to let that happen this week. It is coming, but not this week.
Winner – New Orleans Saints
Buffalo at Jacksonville
In a game where I could honestly care less, the Jaguars should pull out a win. They somehow find a way to lose every time I pick them. Hopefully, that won’t be the case this week.
Winner – Jacksonville Jaguars
Indianapolis at Baltimore
The Colts pulled out the miracle of miracles against the Pats last week (with an assist from Belichick) and should be in a great place mentally this week. I expect they will beat the Ravens handily, and cement that home field advantage in the process.
Winner – Indianapolis Colts
Seattle at Minnesota
Minnesota wins this one in a blowout. Adrian Peterson is finally looking like he is in form, and Favre has developed quite a list of toys in Viking land. This game will not be close.
Winner – Minnesota Vikings
Arizona at St. Louis
This game on the surface looks like a blowout for Arizona, but I came terribly close to picking St. Louis in an upset. (okay so not terribly close…I thought about it) St. Louis does have a running game, and the Cardinals have a hard time with that lately. They will win the game, but the Cardinals might have more trouble with the Rams than one would expect.
Winner – Arizona Cardinals
NY Jets at New England
The Jets face the the Patriots at a very bad time. Goodbye Jets.
Winner – New England Patriots
Cincinnati at Oakland
The Bengals, fresh off the signing of Larry Johnson, head into the Raiders den. They then proceed to stomp on the Raiders as Jamarcus throws for -28 yds in the loss.
Winner – Cincinnati Bengals
San Diego at Denver
The Chargers are doing their annual “peak at the right time until it is in the playoffs” thing and the Broncos are sliding fast. I expect the trend to continue.
Winner – San Diego Chargers
Philadelphia at Chicago
The Eagles are yet another team that has no consistency whatsoever. They are up then down. This week, they are up. (it is in prime time)
Winner – Philadelphia Eagles
MON, NOV 23
Tennessee at Houston
This game showcases two teams that are in similar places. They are talented, underrated and both have more talent then they know how to use. It is a toss up, but I say the Texans finally win a huge game for their franchise. They might just make the playoffs this year. Vince Young finally loses in his return to the big stage.
Winner – Houston Texans
Tiebreaker Score – Houston 27 Tennessee 21
Week 10 Record – 8 -7
Season Record – 90 – 54
Top Notch Weight Loss Find!
Want to Lose Belly Fat? I have found a fantastic resource. You simply must check this out if you are serious about building some fantastic abs, and getting rid of that belly fat once and for all. To start on your way to a slimmer you with rock hard abs, Click Here!
Can Favre Keep The Magic Going?
THURSDAY Night Game!
Chicago at San Francisco – The Chicago Bears laid one heck of a stinker against the Arizona Cardinals and it is hard to imagine how their morale could possibly be up. Quarterback Jay Cutler is doing his best to keep them afloat, but they simply have to get that running game with Matt Forte going. I think they will continue to struggle this week against the San Francisco 49ers, but will still have enough firepower to win.
Winner – Chicago Bears
SUN, NOV 15
New Orleans at St. Louis – the New Orleans Saints faced one heck of a test in their week nine matchup against Carolina, and it gets decidedly easier this week. The Saints may just score 100 points.
Winner – New Orleans Saints
Tampa Bay at Miami – Tampa Bay liked that taste of a win, and do it again against the Dolphins. Josh Freeman is no joke folks. He may end up being the best of the bunch from 2009 rookie quarterbacks.
Winner – Tampa Bay Bucs
Detroit at Minnesota – The Vikings might just run the ball every single down against the Lions. Look for Adrian Peterson to have the biggest game of the season for a running back.
Winner – Minnesota Vikings
Jacksonville at NY Jets – The Jets simply have to win this game if they have any hopes of making the playoffs. They still could get in of course, but they are on a trend that could doom the season.
Winner – NY Jets
Buffalo at Tennessee – The Titans open things up this week for Vince Young and it pays off big time. The Titans are fully capable of beating the Bills, and will do so with ease.
Winner – Tennessee Titans
Cincinnati at Pittsburgh – Back and forth I have went on this one. While the Bengals looked great last week, the Steelers looked even better. I think they will take care of business with a great passing game and a solid defense.
Winner – Pittsburgh Steelers
Denver at Washington – The Broncos desperately needed a team like the Skins to pop up on the schedule. They finally get back in the win column.
Winner – Denver Broncos
Atlanta at Carolina – The Panthers found out against New Orleans that they are as good as anybody. They really want revenge against the Falcons and history says they will get it. Williams runs wild this week once again.
Winner – Carolina Panthers
Kansas City at Oakland – Oakland wins this game simply because they always show up against KC. While I do think this will be a close game, I do not think it will be a pretty win. The Raiders never win pretty.
Winner – Oakland Raiders
Seattle at Arizona – The Cardinals looked fantastic last week against the Bears. Expect more of the same against the lowly Seahawks.
Winner – Arizona Cardinals
Dallas at Green Bay – Green Bay got shocked by the other Bay last week and Dallas won a huge game over the Eagles. I am thinking that the Cowboys are riding just high enough to win in Lambeau.
Winner – Dallas Cowboys
Philadelphia at San Diego – Conventional logic says that the Eagles will win this game. San Diego’s tradition of late season runs says that they will win. I take the trend every time.
Winner – San Diego Chargers
New England at Indianapolis – The game of the week features the two best quarterbacks in the league (arguably) and should be a lot of fun. I think that the Colts will win simply because they are at home, and Peyton Manning is not one to give in to the pressure. The game will be close, but it will be the Colts in the end.
Winner – Indianapolis Colts
MON, NOV 16
Baltimore at Cleveland – I would not want to be the Browns this week. This one will be ugly.
Winner – Baltimore Ravens
Tiebreaker Score – Baltimore 24 Cleveland 7
Week Nine Record – 8 – 5
Season Record – 82 – 47
Image Credited to Wikipedia User Jeffrey Beall
Washington at Atlanta
The Atlanta Falcons have to be feeling pretty bad about themselves after letting the game against the New Orleans Saints get away. While certainly they should have won the game, there is no shame in falling victim to that Saints offense. They are not the first. Fortunately for the Atlanta Falcons, the lowly Washington Redskins are coming to the Georgia Dome. While I’m hesitant that the Falcons may look past the Redskins, I do believe that they simply have too much talent for it to matter. The Falcons will win this one going away.
Winner – Atlanta Falcons
Arizona at Chicago
Having been completely demolished at home against the Carolina Panthers, the Arizona Cardinals have to be wondering what the hell was going on. With the number one run defense in the NFL, the Cardinals proceeded to give up nearly 300 yards on the ground to the Panthers. To be fair, the Panthers running game is as good as it gets in the NFL. Matt Forte has started to show signs that he is finally coming out of his slump, and that could be bad news for the Arizona Cardinals. When Forte is running the football effectively, quarterback Jay Cutler becomes much better than average. I expect that Forte will continue his running success, and knock off the Cardinals in a frigid Chicago Bears stadium.
Winner – Chicago Bears
Baltimore at Cincinnati
This game is one that is very difficult to pick because the Cincinnati Bengals pick and choose when they want to show up. If they play up to their capabilities, the Bengals are as good as anybody. The Ravens seem like they are starting to really gel, and knocked off previously undefeated Denver last week. I do think that the Bengals will have some success throwing the football and pull out the win.
Winner – Cincinnati Bengals
Houston at Indianapolis
This is the Houston Texans’ opportunity to prove that they are for real in the AFC. The problem is, they are facing a very solid and focused Peyton Manning led Colts team that has not been beaten. Even in the games that the Colts were close with other teams, the Colts seemed in total control. It is hard to imagine the Colts losing to the Texans, and it won’t happen Sunday… In time, however, I can see the Texans being that good. Maybe even later this season.
Winner – Indianapolis Colts
Miami at New England
The Dolphins are one of those teams that kind of lurks around, and if you let down your guard, they smack you in the mouth. They did just that in 08, coming from nowhere to win a division that the Patriots had dominated for years. You can be sure the Patriots see them coming this week. No letdowns here, and the Pats will win it emphatically. This game will not be as close as people think as the Pats are coming off a bye week.
Winner – New England Patriots
Green Bay at Tampa Bay
This should be a slaughter as the battle of the Bays is no real battle at all. The Packers are smarting from the Favre saga last week, and they will be looking for someone to take it out on. Enter winless Tampa Bay. Ugh..
Winner – Green Bay Packers
Kansas City at Jacksonville
This game could literally put some people to sleep. I expect that this will be an up week for the Jags, and Jones-Drew will likely break the 200 total yard barrier. Because of superior talent behind the line, the Jags should completely dominate this match up.
Winner – Jacksonville Jaguars
Carolina at New Orleans
Okay everybody. I realize that you all might think I am crazy picking the Panthers here, but there is a darn good reason for it. The Panthers are built to beat teams just like the Saints. They can completely dominate the ground game, as shown by Atlanta running back Michael Turner on Monday night. The Panthers have two running backs that are as good or better than Turner. In addition to this, the Panthers are masters at shortening the game. I am telling you this is the upset game of the year. Mark it down. Just like I said the Panthers would beat the Cardinals and they did, this game will be the upset of week nine.
Winner – Carolina Panthers
Detroit at Seattle
Does anyone care? Seattle in a landslide.
Winner – Seattle Seahawks
Tennessee at San Francisco
The Titans looked pretty darn good with Vince Young under center, but I think the party stops in San Francisco. The Niners are a good football team, and they are going to have some success against that Titan defense. That still sounds very strange does it not? Last year they were simply impossible to score on. This year?
Winner – San Francisco Forty Niners
San Diego at NY Giants
This game is a real stinker to try to pick. Do we get the last three weeks version of the Giants or the team that preceded it? I am thinking that the Giants will come out and play a great game against the Chargers. Besides, the Chargers are due a stinker. The Chargers never can put several games together where they look great, so they are due to stink up the Meadowlands. The Giants start to get well again.
Winner – NY Giants
Dallas at Philadelphia
This is what NFL football is all about. The Eagles and the Cowboys baby! Both NFC East teams are playing outstanding football, and both are going to likely be in the playoffs. This game will be won and lost in the running game, and the Cowboys are stacked there in comparison. The one thing that worries those Cowboys fans is Deshaun Jackson. This little dynamo is the best young receiver in the game, and he is finding more and more ways to get the ball. Still, the Cowboys will make enough plays to win and take over first place in the NFC East.
Winner – Dallas Cowboys
MON, NOV 9
Pittsburgh at Denver
The Steelers always find a way to win these big games. Whatever happens, Ben and Hines and the gang find a way to get it done. Being in Denver, the Broncos really could use a big win against the Steelers. I expect that this game will be close, but that the Steelers will pull it out in the end.
Winner – Pittsburgh Steelers
Tiebreaker Score – Pittsburgh 28 Denver 21
Week Eight Record – 9 – 4
Season Record – 74 – 42
The NFL preseason gets into full swing this week with a full slate of games. For those of us that have been dying for some NFL action, this week is like a football dream come true. The season got off to a great start in the Hall of Fame kickoff classic with the Titans beating the Bills. (just as I picked) Here are the rest of the week one NFL preseason games along with who I predict will come away the winner:
THU, AUG 13
New England at Philadelphia
The Patriots and the Eagles are actually two of the favorites according to most NFL experts in the NFL this season. It will be interesting to see how Tom Brady looks in preseason action, though I am sure he will not play very much. As for the Eagles, they should keep Mcnabb on the bench as well as Westbrook. They are simply too fragile. I expect that the Patriots will win this preseason matchup.
Winner – New England Patriots
Washington at Baltimore
The Redskins are hoping that Portis has at least one more big season, and the Ravens are simply hoping that defense can remain as strong as usual. The Ravens are not nearly as deep as they once were on defense. I still expect they will win this preseason match up.
Winner – Baltimore Ravens
Arizona at Pittsburgh
The Cardinals take the field for the first time since the Super Bowl, and they are fired up about it. Ironically, this Super Bowl rematch is set to be pretty interesting. Both teams have some second and third string players that are looking to make a splash. This game will come down to the running game and defense which puts the win firmly with the Steelers.
Winner – Pittsburgh Steelers
Dallas at Oakland
The Cowboys take the field without Terrell Owens and they have to find a way to replace him. This game will begin to answer the questions that the Cowboys have at wide receiver. While Oakland is not exactly the greatest secondary ever, they are a solid enough group to get a feel for the Cowboys. More importantly, the Cowboys second and third string running backs are better than most team’s starters.
Winner – Dallas Cowboys
FRI, AUG 14
St. Louis at NY Jets
The Rams just found out that they are without Donnie Avery for at least four to six weeks, and this injury is going to hurt. The Rams just do not have the firepower at the position that they have been used to. The Jets are anxious to unveil new rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez. It will be a big splash for NY.
Winner – New York Jets
Minnesota at Indianapolis
The Vikings and the Colts will be a very fun game to watch simply because of the talent on the second and third teams. Both teams are pretty darn deep, and so it should be a good preseason game to watch. This one smells like a Colt win to me, however.
Winner – Indiannapolis Colts
Cincinnati at New Orleans
The Bengals are hoping for a huge return for Carson Palmer, but that likely won’t begin against the Saints in preseason. Still, there are a lot of answers to be had in this game. Can Reggie Bush play a whole game without breaking a leg? Can the Bengals play a whole game with no felonies? I mean penalties? We shall see. Either way, the Saints win this one big in preseason action.
Winner – New Orleans Saints
Denver at San Francisco
The post Cutler era in Denver gets started here and Kyle Orton has to be a bit nervous. Then again, he was a quarterback in Chicago, so he has nothing to be nervous about. All kidding aside, I think he will do quite well in Denver. He especially will do well against these 49ers in preseason action.
Winner – Denver Broncos
SAT, AUG 15
Atlanta at Detroit
The Falcons are amped up for an NFC South battle this season and the Lions are simply hoping to win a few games. While optimism is high in Detroit, the depth of this team is still very shallow. Rome was not built in a day, and neither will Detroit be.
Winner – Atlanta Falcons
Chicago at Buffalo
The Bears are anxious to see what they have with Jay Cutler under center, and the Bills are coming off an opening week loss against the Titans. While the Bears are not quite as strong as the Titans, they should still handle these Bills.
Winner – Chicago Bears
Cleveland at Green Bay
The Browns have a quarterback situation to work out. The Packers need to get a running back in order quick. This game will do little to solve either situation, but it will be a good game. The Browns will surprise an amped up Green Bay squad.
Winner – Cleveland Browns
Tampa Bay at Tennessee
The Bucs, like many other teams, need to find a quarterback. The Titans are pretty set in their lineup, and looked pretty impressive against Buffalo. I expect that the Titans will take advantage of the Bucs early growing pains.
Winner – Tennessee Titans
Houston at Kansas City
The Texans are going to be fun to watch this season. Kansas City is a team that is very much in turmoil. Expect the Texans to spring a little preseason surprise on the Chiefs.
Winner – Houston Texans
Seattle at San Diego
The Chargers and the Seahawks will be a great preseason game. The Seahawks are searching for some semblence of a running game, and the Chargers are just trying to keep LaDanian Tomlinson healthy. Expect LT to skip this one for sure, and it might be the difference.
Winner – Seattle Seahawks
MON, AUG 17
Jacksonville at Miami
The Jaguars and Miami are always a fun game with the whole intra-state rivalry thing. This game will be fun to watch as well. Expect that Miami will have a little more firepower in the backups for this one.
Winner – Miami Dolphins
Carolina at NY Giants
This game will be the ultimate expression of power struggle in the NFC. The Panthers are just too good at running back, and they should be able to handle the Giants in this one.
Winner – Carolina Panthers
Preseason Record Overall – 1 Win 0 Losses
