How can I possibly show my face here again after last week's picks. I stand by my reasoning, as it has served me well in other weeks, and I will continue to pick games the way I always have. There's no way anybody could have predicted what went down in Week 4. Overall, it will probably be remembered more as a crazy college football weekend that marked the true beginning of the Rich Rodriguez and Houston Nutt eras. But, things were equally as crazy in the NFL. I got it wrong on many counts. Here's my shot at redemption....
Giants over Seahawks: It makes me really uncomfortable to see the Giants currently sitting atop the power rankings. Don't get me wrong, I think they're very good. And, as a Giants fan, I'm happy to see them finally getting the respect that they were denied in the offseason. But, I don't really feel like they've earned it yet. Two of their three wins have been against bottom feeders, the Bengals took them to overtime, and they didn't even play last week. I do have high hopes for this team, and I think the Bengals will give a lot of teams trouble on their way to 0-16. I just think the Giants have a lot more to prove. That being said, they're a lock to beat Seattle at home on Sunday.
Chargers over Dolphins: 2007 aside, the Dolphins split with the Patriots every year. That was a nice win for them in week 3, but we can't read too much into it. They can't throw the ball at all and their running game has been inconsistent. I think the Bolts win this one easily.
Panthers over Chiefs: The Chiefs finally showed some signs of life last week, making me look foolish for picking so definitively against them. I was particularly impressed with the play of Derrick Johnson. But, I'm still not convinced that they're anywhere near even being considered a middle of the road team.
Redskins over Eagles: I love what the Redskins are doing. They've looked great for the past three weeks. This game is really a draw for me. But, with Brian Westbrook's status still uncertain, I have to lean towards Washington.
Colts over Texans: Both of these teams have been extremely disappointing thus far. Fresh off their bye week, I expect the Colts to start turning things around.
Bears over Lions: One thing I took away from Chicago's Sunday night victory is that Kyle Orton isn't as bad as people think. He's not a game changer, but he's an accurate passer and he can move the chains. Watching him made me realize that I may haven't been giving this Bears' offense enough credit.
Packers over Falcons: Despite this lopsided loss, I'm sure Matt Ryan will always remember his first time playing at Lambeau Field.
Titans over Ravens: This should be a great game. I'd love to pick Baltimore, but I can't. The Ravens won't be able to run against the NFL's best defensive front. Joe Flacco has looked good, but I don't think he's ready to shoulder the load in this one.
Broncos over Buccaneers: I've never been the biggest Mike Shanahan fan. In the post-Clinton Portis era, he's always killed me in fantasy by refusing to indicate where he's leaning in terms of running backs. And, he's never really seemed to have any personality. But this press conference, in which he stated that Al Davis must like Lane Kiffin more than him, was awesome. Anybody who publicly mocks Al Davis is ok by me.
Cowboys over Bengals: I'm an Ocho Cinco fan, so I just need to acknowledge something here. People have been criticizing him for his poor play, and blaming his lack of production on his antics. Remember that he tore his labrum right before the season started. That injury, not his antics or namechange or anything else, is really what's affecting his play. This week, Chad told reporters in Dallas that he'd like nothing more than to team up with TO in Dallas. I think this would be great for the NFL and for me, as it would turn the Cowboys into even more of a circus. And, Jerry Jones might just be crazy enough to do it.
Note: Chad also said he would score, and then kiss the star in Dallas to show his respect for the Cowboys organization. He may do this, and the Bengals may give the Cowboys all they can handle (but I doubt it.....Dallas is too strong up front), but they won't win. They won't win next week either, or the week after that. I don't know why I'm so certain they will be 0-16. They just have that feel to them.
Bills over Cardinals: Last week I acknowledged that I thought the Cardinals might lose because they were on the East Coast, but that I was still picking them despite this reasoning. Obviously that was a mistake. So, maybe I should pick them this week since they are back in Arizona. But, I think the Bills are good enough to win on the West Coast. And, I think the loss of Anquan Boldin this week is too significant for the Cards to overcome.
49ers over Patriots: The Niners are at home, and I think Frank Gore will have a big day against this New England defense. Eventually I'll stop picking San Francisco to win every week. It hardly seems like an effective strategy. But, I like them over the Pats here.
Jaguars over Steelers: With the Steelers ground game being reduced to what it is, I can't pick them this week. A team that pass protects as poorly as Pittsburgh has this year needs to be able to run the ball. This could be a long day for Big Ben. But, look for this one to be close as I still love that Pittsburgh defense.
Saints over Vikings: I drafted Drew Brees early in all my fantasy leagues for a reason. He will tear apart the Vikings secondary to the tune of 400 yards (a number that has become somewhat common for him).
College Pick of the Week:
Wisconsin (+2.5) over Ohio State:
I love the 08 Badgers, and I think they will be out for blood after blowing a comfortable lead in Ann Arbor last week. Wisconsin's defense is the best in the nation at forcing turnovers (5 in one half against Michigan), and that means trouble for the young Terrell Pryor. The Badgers are without question the better team. And, this game is in Madison, which makes it a lock.
