While my college picks continue to be great fade material, my NFL selections have improved over the past couple of weeks.
After going 3-1 in Week 8, I followed up that performance with another 3-1 Sunday in Week 9. The Saints, Bucs and Chargers all hit, while my lone loss could have been avoided if the Chiefs would have knocked down one errant Jason Campbell pass in the closing seconds against the Raiders.
No complaints though – let’s aim for another winning week.
Jets (6-2) @ Browns (3-5), 1:00PM ET
The Browns are on a nice little tear of late. They beat the Saints in New Orleans three Sundays ago and then following their bye, they completely manhandled the Patriots in Week 9. The Jets, on the other hand, came out of their bye and were shutout by the Packers at home in Week 8 and then needed a miracle finish in Detroit to beat the Lions last Sunday. Smart money is on a hot Cleveland team getting points at home, but the problem is that I’m not that smart. Colt McCoy has held his own against the likes of Pittsburgh, New Orleans and New England, but eventually the first year starter will play like a rookie – it’s only inevitable. And what better time for him to play like a rookie then against Rex Ryan’s complex defense? I look for the Jets to get back on track this weekend while the Browns fall slightly back to earth.
THE PICK: JETS –3
Panthers (1-7) @ Bucs (5-3), 1:00PM ET
I generally don’t pick the total in these predictions, but I can’t help myself here. The Panthers are starting rookie Jimmy Clausen again following the season-ending injury to Matt Moore and there’s a very good chance neither DeAngelo Williams nor Jonathan Stewart will play. That leaves our fantasy guru John Paulsen as the Panthers’ only running back and therefore, I like the chances of a low-scoring game this weekend in Tampa. It’s hard not to like the Bucs in this contest, although division games tend to be close so I’m sticking with my gut. Final score, Bucs 9-3.
THE PICK: UNDER 37
Rams (4-4) @ 49ers (2-6), 4:15PM ET
I know the Niners are playing with a renewed sense of confidence, are coming off a bye and are facing a team that has yet to win on the road yet this season. But six points? The Niners are laying six points this week? Maybe I’m falling into a trap here, but I’m going with the better team getting nearly a touchdown. St. Louis hung with Tampa a couple of weeks ago on the road and quite frankly, could have easily won the game outright. San Francisco puts together some of the worst game plans in the league so chances are this will be a close game throughout. The Rams have battled each and every week and have a shot to claim sole possession in the NFC West with a win and a Seattle loss. I’m going with Sam the Ram.
THE PICK: RAMS +6
Texans (4-4) @ Jaguars (4-4), 1:00PM ET
This is my upset pick that isn’t really an upset because I’m picking the favorite…upset. Huh? I don’t care what their record is – the Texans should win this game. The Jaguars beat a horrendous Dallas team two weeks ago, but looked like utter crapola against Tennessee at home in Week 7. That said, the line doesn’t make much sense here and I’m surprised that Houston isn’t a one or 2-point favorite, even though they’re on the road. That’s why I like Jacksonville – because it makes little sense. Argue with that reasoning – I dare you.
THE PICK: JAGUARS -1
Season Record: 16-15-1
