Thought I would give you another dose of my 'straight-up' picks for this week. No spread involved, so don't be using them to place bets, people!
Cleveland @ Atlanta -
Atlanta - Cleveland is playing better each week, hanging with San Diego last week, but Vick on turf in that QB-less 3 RB set that they run is going to fool the Browns.
Washington @ Philly -
Philly - I don't know if I am a Philly believer yet. Wins over Houston, San Fran, Green Bay and Dallas (not 1 team with a winning record) have not impressed me. But, on the other hand - Washington sucks, and probably cannot put together 2 huge wins together. Plus I usually give the edge to teams coming off a bye.
San Diego @ Cincy -
Sandy Eggo - Both teams are struggling, but SD has LT, and he is a difference maker (and my personal pick for MVP so far).
San Fran @ Detroit -
Detroit - Home team wins. If this were at SF, I would have picked them, it's just that simple.
Baltimore @ Tennessee -
Baltimore - McNair will have a little extra in this game so he can stick it to the Titans. If I were Tennessee, I would consider starting Kerry Collins so Vince Young doesn't get his confidence (and possibly his body) crushed against that D.
Buffalo @ Indy -
Indy - Don't bet on a streak to end... especially against the Bills (unless it's a losing streak). Bills are without McGahee, and that leaves them with close to nothing. They will still manage to rush for over 100 yards against Indy's defense though.
Houston @ Jax -
Jax - Houston is scrappy, but Jacksonville is good.
Kansas City @ Miami -
KC - Miami played their Super Bowl last week and won - no way they are emotionally up for this one.
Green Bay @ Minnesota -
Minnesota - Every year there is a team that I swear is better than they actually are. This year, I think that team for me is Minnesota. Each week I pick them in a game that I think they should win, but they will probably lose - but it doesn't stop me from picking them.
NY Jets @ New England -
New England - The first time, the Jets put a little scare in the Pats. But I can't see Belichik allowing them to lose 2 weeks in a row.
Denver @ Oakland -
Denver - The Broncos had their special issue cups delivered this week, so they should be okay against the girlie Raiders (seriously - kneeing in the balls is not the manliest of maneuvers).
Dallas @ Arizona -
Arizona (upset special) - Fitzgerald is back and will boost the offensive performance. The Arizona defense doesn't need to do much, since T.O. will drop most apparent TD passes.
New Orleans @ Pittsburgh -
New Orleans - Pittsburgh will have 700+ yeards of offense and 10+ turnovers. I really think Pittsburgh could win this, but picking a 2 win team over a 2 loss team is ridiculous.
St. Louis @ Seattle -
St. Louis - Seattle can't be the offense they need to be against the Rams. St. Louis should be able to just run up the score.
Chicago @ NY Giants -
Chicago (Upset 2) - Grossman is bound to play better this week and the Giants have no receivers to throw to.
Monday -
Tampa Bay @ Carolina -
Carolina - Gradowski is the Alka Seltzer of the past month! First he made a splash, and now he is fizzing out.
tz