Sorry for missing the last few weeks. I guess I'll just have to make these picks extra good to compensate. As always, the home team is in all caps and the time (ET) and line are given for reference.
Pittsburgh over CINCINATTI (-2.5), 1:00.
This will be the game where we definitively learn if the Bengals are legit or not. December, at home, divisional opponent, real stakes on the line... This is the game the Bengals usually lose. If they win, I will officially be behind them as a contender. But I'm going to roll with the Steelers, because they're desperate, and they didn't have all their weapons in that early season loss to the Bengals. This feels like a kitchen sink game for the Steelers.
Pittsburgh 35, Cincinatti 31.
Buffalo (PK) over PHILADELPHIA, 1:00.
The Bills aren't bad now that they have Tyrod Taylor back. THey could make a legit run at the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Eagles are coming off a huge win over my Patriots in Foxburo last week. Even though they beat my team, I'm still not convinced about Philly. That was one of the luckiest wins ever. Look out Eagles- here comes the LeSean McCoy revenge game.
Buffalo 28, Philadelphia 21.
CAROLINA (-8) over Atlanta, 1:00.
I'm done picking against Carolina. They're really good, and while I still don't think they're as good as their record indicates, I'm definitely picking them against the Falcons, who started 5-0, then proceeded to lose 6 of their next 7. They just aren't good enough to hold up against the Panthers balanced system.
Carolina 31, Atlanta 24.
San Fransisco over CLEVELAND (-1.5), 1:00.
What a crappy game. I'm picking the 49ers solely because they beat the Bears last week (who are better than everyone thinks) as Blaine Gabbert led two huge scoring drives at the end of the fourth quarter and the winner in overtime. I wouldn't bet on this game, but I have to pick it so...
San Fransisco 21, Cleveland 17.
Washington over CHICAGO (-3.5), 1:00.
This doesn't look very good after what I said about the Bears in the last pick, but there isn't much hope for the Bears to make the playoffs, so they don't really have much to fight for. Washington, meanwhile, is still in the hunt in the putrid NFC East as one of three teams leading the division at 5-7. They do have something to fight for, especially with the thought of the Giants' easy Monday night match-up with the Dolphins. This might be a must-win for the Washington professional football team.
Washington 24, Chicago 21.
Detroit (-3) over ST. LOUIS, 1:00.
Detroit has had 10 days to bounce back from that horrifying loss to the Packers that ended with an Aaaron Rodgers successful Hail Mary as time ran out. I think they'll look more like the Lions from the first half of that game as well as the Thanksgiving shellacking of the Eagles. The Rams ave given up. Their defense isn't the same as it was earlier in the season, and they have no way of throwing the ball because of the QB situation.
Detroit 31, St. Louis 21.
KANSAS CITY (-11) over San Diego, 1:00.
The Chiefs are on an absolute roll right now. They've won their last six games, a span in which they haven't allowed over 22 points. They're also finding ways to move the ball without Jamaal Charles in the backfield. I say the roll will continue against the disappointing Chargers.
Kansas City 35, San Diego 24.
TAMPA BAY (-5) over New Orleans, 1:00.
The Bucs aren't bad. After some unsurprising turnover issues early in the season, Jameis Winston has been awfully good, and the Bucaneers can move the ball with Doug Martin on the ground as well. That Saints defense won't be able to hold up against Tampa Bay's playmakers for an entire game.
Tampa Bay 28, New Orleans 24.
JACKSONVILLE (-2) over Indianapolis, 1:00.
It's all fun and games having a 40-year-old quarterback who seems to be doing well. But now we're at the time of year where you're a little more sore, a little more banged up. I think Matt Hasselbeck is feeling the effects. don't think he can outgun a Jaguars offense that can explode at any time, especially against this Colts defense. If he tries to put the team on his back, he'll probably have a few horrendous turnovers. If he doesn't, his running game isn't good enough to beat even the Jaguars defense anyway. I got the Jags.
Jacksonville 31, Indianapolis 24.
NY JETS (-7.5) over Tennessee, 1:00.
The Jets are still in the running for a playoff spot. They get Darrelle Revis back today, who I'm certain will scare the crap out of Marcus Mariota. The Jets' running game can pound away at the Titans' defense, opening up holes for Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker to make plays outside. The Jets are just a better team.
New York 27, Tennessee 20.
Seattle (-11) over BALTIMORE, 1:00.
Well, Jimmy Clausen played the Seahawks earlier this year as a member of the Bears. He got shut out. Jimmy Clausen is starting for the Ravens. I don't like this for Jimmy Clausen, and I dont like that the Seahawks look like the Seahawks again.
Seattle 35, Baltimore 14.
DENVER (-6) over Oakland, 4:05.
Brock Osweiler (currently) is a lot better than Peyton Manning. Yeah, his stats aren't that impressive, but he avoids the crushing turnovers Manning was prone to, and he can actually keep the defense honest with the occasional long pass. And Denver defense is as strong as ever.
Denver 28, Oakland 20.
GREEN BAY (-6.5) over Dallas, 4:25.
That Hail Mary could only happen for Aaron Rodgers. Unbelievable. Now they have the dismal Cowboys at home, who somehow managed to eke out a win against Washington on Monday, even without Tony Romo. I just don't see the Packers losing this one. The Cowboys can't score.
Green Bay 27, Dallas 17.
New England (-5) over Houston, 8:30.
Okay, it's time for my boys to cut the crap. We got screwed by Goodell and the refs in Denver, and then the special teams uncharacteristically killed us against the Eagles. The Patriots aren't playing well right now, and Brady is down a few weapons. However, Gronk is going to play tonight, and hopefully that will open up the field for Brady. The Pats never lose three in a row. That's what I keep telling myself.
New England 28, Houston 21.
Last Week: 0-3 (Week 12, Thanksgiving)
Season: 55-30.
Pittsburgh over CINCINATTI (-2.5), 1:00.
This will be the game where we definitively learn if the Bengals are legit or not. December, at home, divisional opponent, real stakes on the line... This is the game the Bengals usually lose. If they win, I will officially be behind them as a contender. But I'm going to roll with the Steelers, because they're desperate, and they didn't have all their weapons in that early season loss to the Bengals. This feels like a kitchen sink game for the Steelers.
Pittsburgh 35, Cincinatti 31.
Buffalo (PK) over PHILADELPHIA, 1:00.
The Bills aren't bad now that they have Tyrod Taylor back. THey could make a legit run at the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Eagles are coming off a huge win over my Patriots in Foxburo last week. Even though they beat my team, I'm still not convinced about Philly. That was one of the luckiest wins ever. Look out Eagles- here comes the LeSean McCoy revenge game.
Buffalo 28, Philadelphia 21.
CAROLINA (-8) over Atlanta, 1:00.
I'm done picking against Carolina. They're really good, and while I still don't think they're as good as their record indicates, I'm definitely picking them against the Falcons, who started 5-0, then proceeded to lose 6 of their next 7. They just aren't good enough to hold up against the Panthers balanced system.
Carolina 31, Atlanta 24.
San Fransisco over CLEVELAND (-1.5), 1:00.
What a crappy game. I'm picking the 49ers solely because they beat the Bears last week (who are better than everyone thinks) as Blaine Gabbert led two huge scoring drives at the end of the fourth quarter and the winner in overtime. I wouldn't bet on this game, but I have to pick it so...
San Fransisco 21, Cleveland 17.
Washington over CHICAGO (-3.5), 1:00.
This doesn't look very good after what I said about the Bears in the last pick, but there isn't much hope for the Bears to make the playoffs, so they don't really have much to fight for. Washington, meanwhile, is still in the hunt in the putrid NFC East as one of three teams leading the division at 5-7. They do have something to fight for, especially with the thought of the Giants' easy Monday night match-up with the Dolphins. This might be a must-win for the Washington professional football team.
Washington 24, Chicago 21.
Detroit (-3) over ST. LOUIS, 1:00.
Detroit has had 10 days to bounce back from that horrifying loss to the Packers that ended with an Aaaron Rodgers successful Hail Mary as time ran out. I think they'll look more like the Lions from the first half of that game as well as the Thanksgiving shellacking of the Eagles. The Rams ave given up. Their defense isn't the same as it was earlier in the season, and they have no way of throwing the ball because of the QB situation.
Detroit 31, St. Louis 21.
KANSAS CITY (-11) over San Diego, 1:00.
The Chiefs are on an absolute roll right now. They've won their last six games, a span in which they haven't allowed over 22 points. They're also finding ways to move the ball without Jamaal Charles in the backfield. I say the roll will continue against the disappointing Chargers.
Kansas City 35, San Diego 24.
TAMPA BAY (-5) over New Orleans, 1:00.
The Bucs aren't bad. After some unsurprising turnover issues early in the season, Jameis Winston has been awfully good, and the Bucaneers can move the ball with Doug Martin on the ground as well. That Saints defense won't be able to hold up against Tampa Bay's playmakers for an entire game.
Tampa Bay 28, New Orleans 24.
JACKSONVILLE (-2) over Indianapolis, 1:00.
It's all fun and games having a 40-year-old quarterback who seems to be doing well. But now we're at the time of year where you're a little more sore, a little more banged up. I think Matt Hasselbeck is feeling the effects. don't think he can outgun a Jaguars offense that can explode at any time, especially against this Colts defense. If he tries to put the team on his back, he'll probably have a few horrendous turnovers. If he doesn't, his running game isn't good enough to beat even the Jaguars defense anyway. I got the Jags.
Jacksonville 31, Indianapolis 24.
NY JETS (-7.5) over Tennessee, 1:00.
The Jets are still in the running for a playoff spot. They get Darrelle Revis back today, who I'm certain will scare the crap out of Marcus Mariota. The Jets' running game can pound away at the Titans' defense, opening up holes for Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker to make plays outside. The Jets are just a better team.
New York 27, Tennessee 20.
Seattle (-11) over BALTIMORE, 1:00.
Well, Jimmy Clausen played the Seahawks earlier this year as a member of the Bears. He got shut out. Jimmy Clausen is starting for the Ravens. I don't like this for Jimmy Clausen, and I dont like that the Seahawks look like the Seahawks again.
Seattle 35, Baltimore 14.
DENVER (-6) over Oakland, 4:05.
Brock Osweiler (currently) is a lot better than Peyton Manning. Yeah, his stats aren't that impressive, but he avoids the crushing turnovers Manning was prone to, and he can actually keep the defense honest with the occasional long pass. And Denver defense is as strong as ever.
Denver 28, Oakland 20.
GREEN BAY (-6.5) over Dallas, 4:25.
That Hail Mary could only happen for Aaron Rodgers. Unbelievable. Now they have the dismal Cowboys at home, who somehow managed to eke out a win against Washington on Monday, even without Tony Romo. I just don't see the Packers losing this one. The Cowboys can't score.
Green Bay 27, Dallas 17.
New England (-5) over Houston, 8:30.
Okay, it's time for my boys to cut the crap. We got screwed by Goodell and the refs in Denver, and then the special teams uncharacteristically killed us against the Eagles. The Patriots aren't playing well right now, and Brady is down a few weapons. However, Gronk is going to play tonight, and hopefully that will open up the field for Brady. The Pats never lose three in a row. That's what I keep telling myself.
New England 28, Houston 21.
Last Week: 0-3 (Week 12, Thanksgiving)
Season: 55-30.
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