Will have to ignore the Thanksgiving games (though take my word for it I would have been all over Denver), but here are my just-for-fun picks in every game for the weekend.
Houston -3.5 over Indy
The Colts keep winning games by the skin of their teeth. I think their teeth are now bare, Texans get a huge win.
Cleveland +13.5 over Cincinnatti
I hate lines like this. Bengals should rebound strong from Oakland embarrassment, but my cliche manual says two touchdowns is too much for a division Rivalry, even with the Cleveland Downs.
Chicago +10.5 over Minnesota
Cutler is overdue a good game, Favre overdue a bad one. Maybe.
Philadelphia -9.5 over Washington
Tough to bet this even with imaginary money. Have a feeling the Redskins are running on fumes.
Miami -3 over Buffalo
Poor Bills can't stop the run and keep coming up against awesome rushing attacks. Rugged, likeable Dolphins churn out another win to keep outside playoff hopes alive.
Tennessee -2.5 over Arizona
No idea. I like the Titans uniforms.
St Louis +4 over Seattle
Not having to bet every game is a sports gambler's biggest weapon. This could go either way for sure, so I just shrug and rely on my super-secret numbers which say Rams are still under-rated.
Atlanta -12 over Tampa
Falcons over-rated status has faded, as has Tampa's mini-revival. Even with a pitiful defensive front, Atlanta can probably ride Ryan to a comfy win here.
NY Jets -3 over Carolina
Fairly well-matched teams. Good running games, INT-prone QBs. I have the Panthers down as under-rated, but with a murderous run closing out their schedule I have a gut feeling that they might have thrown in the towel. Jets may still be under the illusion that they have something to play for, and give the better effort.
San Francisco -3 over Jacksonville
I find it very hard to back a team travelling from one corner of the continent to the other. I know, it's not like they are making the trip in a fleet of RVs, but still...
Kansas City +13.5 over San Diego
Chargers prone to playing up or down to the level of their opposition. I forsee an ugly win against a Chiefs outfit who have somehow won two straight games.
Baltimore -7.5 over Pittsburgh
My bookie won't actually put this game up at the moment, but this is the current line according to footballlocks.com. Roethlisberger absence is heee-yuge as to a large extent he is the Steelers offense this season. Losing the very capable Charlie Batch at the same time is a killer as Steelers face a team that can shut the run down. Might bet this at almost any line if my bookie develops some dignity and puts one up.
New Orleans -2 over New England
'Statement game' for Saints. The statement will be "We're very good at home".
Houston -3.5 over Indy
The Colts keep winning games by the skin of their teeth. I think their teeth are now bare, Texans get a huge win.
Cleveland +13.5 over Cincinnatti
I hate lines like this. Bengals should rebound strong from Oakland embarrassment, but my cliche manual says two touchdowns is too much for a division Rivalry, even with the Cleveland Downs.
Chicago +10.5 over Minnesota
Cutler is overdue a good game, Favre overdue a bad one. Maybe.
Philadelphia -9.5 over Washington
Tough to bet this even with imaginary money. Have a feeling the Redskins are running on fumes.
Miami -3 over Buffalo
Poor Bills can't stop the run and keep coming up against awesome rushing attacks. Rugged, likeable Dolphins churn out another win to keep outside playoff hopes alive.
Tennessee -2.5 over Arizona
No idea. I like the Titans uniforms.
St Louis +4 over Seattle
Not having to bet every game is a sports gambler's biggest weapon. This could go either way for sure, so I just shrug and rely on my super-secret numbers which say Rams are still under-rated.
Atlanta -12 over Tampa
Falcons over-rated status has faded, as has Tampa's mini-revival. Even with a pitiful defensive front, Atlanta can probably ride Ryan to a comfy win here.
NY Jets -3 over Carolina
Fairly well-matched teams. Good running games, INT-prone QBs. I have the Panthers down as under-rated, but with a murderous run closing out their schedule I have a gut feeling that they might have thrown in the towel. Jets may still be under the illusion that they have something to play for, and give the better effort.
San Francisco -3 over Jacksonville
I find it very hard to back a team travelling from one corner of the continent to the other. I know, it's not like they are making the trip in a fleet of RVs, but still...
Kansas City +13.5 over San Diego
Chargers prone to playing up or down to the level of their opposition. I forsee an ugly win against a Chiefs outfit who have somehow won two straight games.
Baltimore -7.5 over Pittsburgh
My bookie won't actually put this game up at the moment, but this is the current line according to footballlocks.com. Roethlisberger absence is heee-yuge as to a large extent he is the Steelers offense this season. Losing the very capable Charlie Batch at the same time is a killer as Steelers face a team that can shut the run down. Might bet this at almost any line if my bookie develops some dignity and puts one up.
New Orleans -2 over New England
'Statement game' for Saints. The statement will be "We're very good at home".