It is hard to come up with a word for my performance last week. I guess
I can just use the word bad. That Will Pretty much cover it. Once again
the NFL shows how great of a league it is by showing the amazing amount
of parity week after week. As it goes, the saying is any team can win
on any given week. Right now, the Atlanta Falcons head into their bye
week as the league's only undefeated team. The Houston Texans lost last
week, but they should still be considered the favorites in the AFC.
Like a team with a losing record that uses injuries as an excuse, I
need to stop using the parity in the NFL as the reason for my
shortcomings. I need to step up my game, and there is no better time
then the present.
As always, home team in CAPS.
SAN FRANCISCO 7 1/2 Seattle
The
49ers got embarrassed at home last week, and the Seahawks pulled out a
nice come from behind victory over the Patriots. I am not sold on
Seattle, and I must say San Francisco has been a little on the
disappointing side. They were expected to run away with the NFC West.
They need to bounce back, and I think Seattle might still be a little
high after last week's win. I'll take the 49ers here.
49ers 27-13
Pittsburgh 2 Cincinnati
Both
teams suffered bad losses last week, but that's because neither team is
all that great. I am not sure either of these teams makes it to the
post season, but the Steelers have the better chance of doing so I
think. I like Pittsburgh to bounce back here. I have never been a
believer in the Bengals, at least not yet.
Steelers 23-20
NEW ENGLAND 10 New York Jets
The
Patriots suffered a bad loss last week, while the Jets got their act
together and had an easy win. The Patriots secondary was badly
exploited last week, but I am not sure the Jets have the capability to
take advantage. Both teams are 3-3. Something has to give. I'll take
the Patriots to win, but I think the Jets can cover the points.
Patriots 24-17
New Orleans 2 TAMPA BAY
The
Saints have finally won, and the Bucs need another win. Both teams have
struggled, but it wasn't expected out of the Saints nearly as much. I
think New Orleans might get on a hot streak. It will be too little too
late however.
Saints 30-20
New York Giants 5 1/2 Washington
The
Giants had a really big road win last week, and it looks like they will
challenge in the NFC the rest of the way. The Redskins will be nothing
more than spoilers, like they usually are. I don't see how Washington
keeps this game that close. I don't see any problems for New York.
Giants 31-13
Dallas 2 1/2 CAROLINA
These
two teams are not off to a good start, especially Carolina. May be some
had their expectations too high, but they have not looked great. They
are coming off of a bye week, and I think they will win this game. It's
hard to tell which Dallas team is going to show up.
Panthers 20-17
Green Bay 5 1/2 St. Louis
The
Packers exploded last week and looked like the team many thought they
were going to be. The Rams have been decent, and they have kept pace in
the suddenly competitive NFC West. I am not sure they can keep up with
Green Bay though, who might start to go on a tear.
Packers 31-16
INDIANAPOLIS 2 1/2 Cleveland
This
game was a Stinker candidate, and for good reason. The Browns new
ownership started cleaning house by letting Mike Holmgren go. He really
wasn't getting the job done. The Browns won't get the job done in this
game either. I'll take the Colts here.
Colts 19-14
Minnesota 6 Arizona
Both
teams have been big surprises, but are starting to falter a bit. The
Cardinals just don't have the offense, and I think the Vikings were
overrated from the beginning. Arizona doesn't have a good offense but
their defense is still very good. It will likely keep them in the game
here. I'll take Arizona to at least cover the points, and possibly win
outright.
Vikings 21-17
Buffalo 3 1/2 Tennessee
It
is kind of hard to tell which Buffalo team will show up every week. I
think we know which Titan team will show up, the one that isn't very
good. With a win the Bills will somehow be tied for first in the AFC
East. This is one of those games where I am pretty confident that
Buffalo will win but of course they will lose. I'll take Buffalo anyway.
Bills 26-20
CHICAGO 7 Detroit
The
Bears have quietly put together a very nice season so far, but I am not
sure if their offense is good enough. I am pretty sure Detroit's
offense is good enough, but I really can't figure out what is going on
with them. May be they will go on a run. I expect a pretty high scoring
game, and I have a feeling the Lions are going to keep it close. I like
them here.
Bears 31-27
Game of the Week
Houston 7 Baltimore
This
game could determine home field throughout the playoffs. The Texans got
waxed last week, but may be that was a good thing. I still think they
are the best team in the AFC. The Ravens are very good, but their
injuries are starting to pile up. I think Houston should be able to
bounce back after last week's loss and get the job done at home.
Texans 26-17
Stinker of the Week
OAKLAND 4 Jacksonville
Seeing the two teams playing pretty much explains why it is the Stinker.
Raiders 23-13
Record For Week Six: 5-9 ( 6-8 without the spread )
Record Through Week Six: 36-52-3 ( 46-45 without the
spread )
Game of Week Record: 3-3
Stinker of Week Record: 2-4
Jim Poore has been a long time contributor to
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