WEEK 11 NFL predictions and statements:
My top 8: previous ranking in parenthesis
1. Atlanta (1) – They didn’t lose. And St. Louis is pretty good. It is a good test at home this week for them.
2. New England (2) – We’ll see if they roll over Detroit this week, but I’m a believer.
3. Baltimore (3) – They creamed a team they should have, so we didn’t find much out.
4. New Orleans (6) – They are rolling, SHHHH!
5. Green Bay (7) – Quietly rounding into shape. Still too hurt to be a true contender, but a butt whopping is still a butt whopping, and they just laid one down on a tough opponent.
6. Philadelphia (8) – Won versus my number 5 team from last week, even if it was unconvincing.
7. New York Giants (5) – Injuries are now hitting them at the skill positions.
8. Pittsburgh (NR) – I have no faith in this team, but they did win convincingly against a team that was over .500.
Dropped Out: Indianapolis – This team is way too hurt, and Manning cannot do it all. The defense still rushes great, but without leads that advantage goes away. Brady showed how to beat them: middle draws, 1 and 3 step drops, and big tight ends punishing short. Plus, stay on the field.
My bottom 4: previous ranking in parenthesis
29. Cincinnati (NR) – You know, I almost put Buffalo here, but then realized they dropped 45 on Cincy. So, welcome Bengals.
30. Detroit (30) – Without Stafford, this will get bad.
31. Denver (31) – Tim Tebow anyone?
32. Carolina (32) – Tony Pike anyone?
NFL 2010 week 12 picks:
Patriots -6.5 over Detroit, 30-21
-Pats may be a little tired, but I don’t see them losing to both Cleveland and Detroit in a month where they beat Pittsburgh and Indianapolis. Belichick makes sure they focus.
Saints -3.5 over Dallas, 28-17
-Saints are much better team than Dallas, and we are getting to the time of the year where each game matters so there is no let up.
Jets -10 over Cincinnati, 21-10
-Jets run over the Bengals. See logic for Saints-Dallas.
Vikings +2.5 over Redskins, 24-13
-This tells you all you need to know: New interim coach. Vikings win this one because Washington cannot stop Peterson.
Atlanta -2.5 over Green Bay, 30-27
-Atlanta wins at home, and can pound the run. Green Bay storms back to make it close, but falls short.
Giants -7 over Jacksonville, 21-13
-Giants have huge injury issues, but win this game because they are much better. The pass rush will kill the Jags.
Houston -5 over Titans, 31-17
-Rusty Smith, and Houston can actually score.
Bears +3 over Eagles, 27-23
-The Bears expose Vick, and the defense forces mistakes. Forte has a good game finally.
Rams +5 over Broncos, 24-17
-Teaser alert, take Rams +11. We might be seeing Tebow soon.
Chargers +3 over Colts, 31-28
-The Colts are too banged up and Rivers marches toward his MVP with Jackson back.
Cardinals over 49ers, 20-17
-SF is terrible, Cardinals are only somewhat bad. Wow, ESPN, wow.
-Buffalo has another close game, but cannot finish it. Still, Steelers, this is your trap game....
Record last week:
Straight up: 10-3
Against the Spread: 9-4
Record this year:
Straight up: 77-37
Against the Spread: 58-57
Lifetime record:
Straight up: 195-105
Against the Spread: 158-143
Straight up: 195-105
Against the Spread: 158-143
BLISS
