There is a lot going on this week, from people bailing out
from Hurricane Sandy to Halloween arriving. I love this time of year,
because of the weather and the fact that football is in full swing. My
best wishes to all recovering from the hurricane. I won't waste any
more time so let's get right to the picks.
As always, home team in CAPS.
SAN DIEGO 7 Kansas City
I don't think anybody is going to be watching this game. But I still
have to make a pick. The Chiefs have been a disaster, and the Chargers
haven't been much better. I'll take San Diego at home.
Chargers 27-14
Detroit 3 1/2 JACKSONVILLE
Perhaps last week's come from behind win might give the Lions a lift.
The Jaguars are game, but they are still battling for the number one
pick. I'll take the Lions. May be they are starting to become the team
many thought they would be.
Lions 26-13
Chicago 3 1/2 TENNESSEE
It is hard to go against the Bears right now, as they are one of the
hottest teams in the league. I don't think Tennessee will provide much
of a challenge. They have been disappointing after many thought they
were playoff contenders. I'll take the Bears to keep right on rolling.
Bears 23-16
Miami 2 1/2 INDIANAPOLIS
Look out for the Dolphins, who are right in the playoff chase in the
AFC. So are the Colts, but either team making the playoffs is a long
shot. Still, they will be spoilers. The Dolphins especially will be
total pests the rest of the way. I'll pick them to win here too. I
don't think anybody thought the Dolphins were going to be 5-3.
Dolphins 20-17
SEATTLE 4 1/2 Minnesota
Both teams have cooled off, especially the Vikings. Neither team is
anything special, but like the teams above they will be pests as the
year goes on. I think the Seahawks should be able to take care of
business at home. But this is the NFL. Who knows.
Seahawks 24-19
Baltimore 3 1/2 CLEVELAND
The Ravens were off last week, and they really needed the bye. They are
decimated by injuries. The Browns won last week, but their mini one
game streak will end. The Ravens are hurting but they should be able to
put away the Browns.
Ravens 20-10
OAKLAND 2 Tampa Bay
Perhaps the Bucs have turned the corner a bit, but it is likely too
little too late. The Raiders never had a corner to turn. Still, I
haven't seen either team play two good games in a row. Something has to
give. I'll take the Bucs on the road.
Buccaneers 22-20
Denver 3 1/2 CINCINNATI
The Broncos are starting to look really good, and their division is
terrible. The Bengals are very much in the running for the post season,
and the entire conference is up for grabs. This is a pretty big game,
but right now I think the Broncos are playing better.
Broncos 28-21
ATLANTA 4 Dallas
It is hard to go against the Falcons right now, and it is pretty easy
to go against the Cowboys. There, the pick is made.
Falcons 27-21
HOUSTON 10 Buffalo
Both teams are coming off the bye week, and the Texans are arguably the
best team in the NFL. I don't see the Bills putting up much of a fight
here, especially in Houston.
Texans 31-14
GREEN BAY 10 1/2 Arizona
These are two teams going in total opposite directions. The Cardinals
have absolutely hit the skids, while the Packers have been hot lately.
I don't see the Cardinals slowing them down at all. Their defense must
be getting tired.
Packers 29-14
NEW ORLEANS 3 1/2 Philadelphia
I think the biggest question in this game is how long before Michael
Vick gets benched. I don't think we will be waiting much longer. I'll
take the Saints at home, though neither team is going anywhere.
Saints 26-20
Game of the Week
NEW YORK GIANTS 3 Pittsburgh
Some might argue that the Giants are the best team in the NFL, and I
wouldn't argue. The Steelers aren't the Steelers of old but they can
still win the AFC North. Even though this isn't a conference game it is
still very important. The Giants have been playing very well lately. I
expect the trend to continue.
Giants 21-17
Stinker of the Week
WASHINGTON 3 1/2 Carolina
This is only the Stinker because of the Thursday night matchup. A
pretty good consolation though.
Redskins 24-20
Record For Week Eight: 6-8 ( 9-5 without the spread )
Record Through Week Eight: 42-60-3 ( 55-50 without
the spread )
Game of Week Record: 4-3
Stinker of Week Record: 2-5
Jim Poore has been a long time contributor to
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