I begin by admitting that last week didn't live up to the hype.  As Jesse alluded to earlier in the week, the refs made that Giants-Saints game look more lopsided than it really was.  The Vikings let the Ravens come back and make it a little more interesting, but the Ravens continued their new tradition of blowing it, this time with a missed field goal.  And Denver proved me right by handling the Chargers.  The closest games were the two overtime games between the Jags and Rams (ugh) and the Bills and Jets (double ugh).

This week isn't as loaded with marquee games like last week, but there still are a few gems out there, so don't get too disappointed.  The Vikings will get another test this week and for some reason people think that there is going to be a good game in Dallas this week.  WTF!  Plus, the away team is favored in 7 of the 13 games this week.  May this be a good time to pick some underdogs?  Let's find out.


Green Bay Packers (-9.0) vs. Cleveland Browns
Do you remember when Eric Mangini was coaching the Jets and people referred to him as the Man-genius?  No really...it's true.  He needs to stop acting like he's Bill Belichick.  The Packers feasted on the Lions last week...so I see no reason why they can't do the same against another lowly team.  I'd be upset if I were the Packers and only got a 9 point spread.
Confidence Points: 11


San Diego Chargers (-4.5) vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Congrats to the Chiefs for getting their first win last week...although it did come against the Redskins.  San Diego was easily handled by Denver last week and this needs to be a bounce back game for them.  The AFC is looking awfully weak this year, so San Diego is only a few games away from getting back in the playoff picture.  This is a must win and 4.5 points is enough for me to go with the Chargers.
Confidence Points: 8


Indianapolis Colts (-13.0) vs. St. Louis Rams
Well the Rams took Jacksonville to overtime and the Jags only lost to the Colts by 2 so St. Louis has a chance right?  WRONG.  Indy is coming off a Bye and they're playing unbelievable right now.  The Colts play in a dome, so the Rams won't have an advantage there and their best receiver just got injured.  I can see Indianapolis up by 13 in the first quarter.  The 13 point spread doesn't scare me; Colts win big here.
Confidence Points: 13


Minnesota Vikings vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (-4.5)
This might be the best game this week.  As I said earlier, the Vikings almost blew an 18 point lead against the Ravens (well actually they did, but came back).  I'm not sold on this team yet.  I think old man Favre is going to come out and the Steelers are going to make some plays on defense.  Pittsburgh needs a quality win, and I think the Vikings are due for a let down seeing as they've come close twice now.  Plus, I have a side bet on the Steelers to win straight up with Jesse, so I'm picking Pittsburgh.
Confidence Points: 5


New England Patriots (-14.5) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
This is a pretty big spread for an away team.  Last week the Eagles were favored in Oakland by 14 and the Raiders won!  But the Pats won by 59 points last week!!!  I smell something fishy here, and no it's not Tom Brady's pussy.  Will the Bucs cover?  Hmm...it's not a bold prediction, just an italicized one, and that's not enough for me to pick them.  New England wins easily (I think).
Confidence Points: 10


San Fransisco 49ers vs. Houston Texans (-3.0)
Which 49ers team is going to show up this week?  Which Texans team is going to show up this week?  I can't answer either of these questions.  So it's off to the intangibles.  San Fran is coming off a Bye week.  Texans are playing at home.  49ers are starting Michael Crabtree at wide receiver.  I need to pick an underdog.  Therefore I pick the 49ers.
Confidence Points: 1


New York Jets (-6.0) vs. Oakland Raiders
This is a tough one for me.  Oakland played very well against Philly last week, while the Jets continued to stumble to their third straight loss.  Logic would tell me that this trend would continue, but logic doesn't always work in the NFL.  I think the Jets should stop throwing the ball and go back to the run.  Oakland is ranked 29th in the NFL in rushing defense so that doesn't look good for them.  Except I don't think the Jets WILL stop throwing and I don't like the Jets to cover this.  They may get the win, but not by 6, so I'm picking the Raiders.
Confidence Points: 2


Buffalo Bills vs. Carolina Panthers (-7.0)
I would have never thought that the Panthers would be favored by 7 points after the horrible start that they had this season.  Buffalo intercepted SIX passes last week against the Jets and Jake Delhomme is tied with Mark Sanchez with 10 interceptions this season.  Sounds good for the Bills right?  Except that the Bills had to win that game in overtime and only scored 16 points!  The Panthers are playing better and should get this win at home to keep their season going.
Confidence Points: 9


Chicago Bears vs. Cincinnati Bengals (-1.0)
Ah, the one point spread...basically a pick 'em.  Both teams suffered tough losses last week, so the real question is which one is going to be able to bounce back.  Again, with the AFC being weak this season, the Bengals can probably afford to lose this game.  The Bears need this win to stay in the hunt in the NFC.  I think Chicago gets the victory based on necessity.
Confidence Points: 4


Atlanta Falcons vs. Dallas Cowboys (-4.0)
Let's all have a good hearty laugh at the spread makers here.  I know that the Cowboys had a Bye last week, but seriously, this team isn't good.  If you recall, all of their wins have been against teams that were winless when they played.  Last I checked, the Falcons are 4-1 and playing great football.  I don't think Atlanta is looking past this game to next week's match-up with New Orleans, so I really don't get this spread.  I'd pick the Falcons if they were favored by 4, so I'm definitely taking Atlanta with this spread.
Confidence Points: 7


New Orleans Saints (-6.0) vs. Miami Dolphins
New Orleans' offense is on a roll right now.  Regardless of the bad calls last week, they still executed their offense.  The question for me is can the Dolphin defense slow them down?  Miami's wildcat offense just keeps getting better and better every week.  And they're coming off a Bye week, and I can only imagine what crazy plays they're drawn up.  I don't think New Orleans has the defense to stop them, so Miami is going to get its points.  Can they keep up with the Saints?  Again, that depends on Miami's defense...and I say they will.    There is my bold prediction: Miami over New Orleans.
Confidence Points: 3


Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Giants (-7.0)
This spread surprises me.  I would have thought that it would have been Giants favored by 3.  Apparently people have faith in the G-Men.  Arizona's offense is looking like it did last year...when the Giants went to Arizona and beat the Cardinals.  The Cardinals' offense is similar to the Saints', but I think the Giants will be able to get pressure on Kurt Warner, unlike what happened in New Orleans.  This is a big game for both teams as they each look for a quality in conference win.  I may be a little biased, but I like New York to come out strong and get a big win for Big Blue.
Confidence Points: 6


Philadelphia Eagles (-7.0) vs. Washington Redskins
What can be said about this game?  Philly lost to Oakland and now is a favored on the road by a touchdown.  That goes to show you the lack of faith people have in Washington.  The previously winless Chiefs went to Washington and won by 8.  I think the Eagles fix the problems they had last week in Oakland, while the Redskins continue to create ones in Washington.  If the Redskins lose I think Jim Zorn gets fired.  That's bold prediction number 2, and since I like Philadelphia in this game, Zorn should start clearing out his office.
Confidence Points: 12