I've complained a lot this year, but I really don't have much to complain about when it comes to last week. For the most part things made sense - at least compared to most weeks of this season. Sure, it was tough to see Denver falling short against the Raiders or Andy Dalton breaking his hand and ending the game against the Steelers early. For the most part, though, it went as it should. Here's hoping that this week is more of the same. Here are the straight up picks for this week:
Tampa Bay at St. Louis: I was disappointed by the way the Bucs played last week, but we can't expect consistency from them just yet. The Rams got a win, but it was only against the Lions, so it hardly counts. The location of this game makes it tougher, but the Bucs are the better team and are worth the risk. Take Tampa Bay.
New York Jets at Dallas: Matt Cassel is playing quarterback. If I need to say any more than that about this game then you obviously like Matt Cassel a lot more than I do. Take the Jets.
Chicago at Minnesota: Both of these teams have hit the skids of late, losing two in a row. The records confirm what the eyes say - Minnesota is the better team. They are at home, too. Can't over think this one. Take the Vikings.
Atlanta at Jacksonville: I let you in on my fool-proof strategy last week - if the Falcons are playing, you pick against them. It worked flawlessly last week - they lost by 38. Take the Jaguars.
Houston at Indianapolis: The Colts are a mess. If they were a car someone would have stolen the wheels. I mean, Charlie Whitehurst is likely starting at QB. That's bleak. The worst part is that his mess of a game could very likely decide a division winner. Ugh. Take the Texans.
Carolina at New York Giants: Carolina hasn't shown a lot of cracks so far, and they are by far the better team here. Take the Panthers.
Tennessee at New England: New England showed some mortality for a couple of weeks, but they were back in stride last week - and Gronk was back and looking ready to go, too. Take the Patriots.
Buffalo at Washington: I never would have believed it possible, but it actually looks like Jay Gruden has found his stride a bit - just not with the franchise quarterback it was supposed to be with. Buffalo is a team lacking several things - discipline at the top of the list. Take the Redskins.
Kansas City at Baltimore: Baltimore is a beaten up and beaten down team just playing out the string. Kansas City is red hot, and knows that they can't let up with the playoffs still far from a certainty. Take the Chiefs.
Cleveland at Seattle: Johnny Football didn't exactly embarrass himself last week. That's something. It's not enough, though. Seattle is in a groove, and they will feast on this Cleveland defense. Take the Seahawks.
Green Bay at Oakland: I feel a gamble coming on. The Raiders are the home dogs in this one, but I don't really trust the Packers or their play calling right now, and Oakland is tough and intriguing - though they are definitely flawed in many ways. Take the Raiders at home.
Denver at Pittsburgh: Brock Osweiler is the right choice to start, but he doesn't overcome the issues of his team - thanks in large part to the offensive line the team just isn't as sharp offensively as they should be. Pittsburgh is rolling on offense. Take the Steelers.
Miami at San Diego: Which mess of a team that has clearly given up is going to do enough to win? If ever there was a game that could tie at zero, this is it. Take the Chargers for the sole reason that they are at home - and as a bonus they have the better QB.
Cincinnati at San Francisco: A.J. McCarron will be trying to become the first Alabama QB since 1987 to win a game in the NFL. That's a crazy stat. He should be able to pull it off - the talent divide here is wide. Take the Bengals.
Arizona at Philadelphia: The Eagles are playing their best football of the year right now, but they are up against one of the best and hottest teams in the league. It won't go well. Take the Cardinals.
Detroit at New Orleans: Awful, awful game. The Lions know that their current coaching staff are a bunch of dead men walking, and that won't help their focus. Take the Saints.
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