Afternoon Delight: Pick 'Em (Week 8)

Think they forgot to put a "1" in front of that +2.5?
OK, so last week got a bit rough - you'll have that when New England hangs 40 on a team that loses it's starting running back to a season-ending injury. I think we should be able to get our principle back if a game-deciding injury occurs.

Like what if by some strange chance a fan takes Washington +17 this week, but when I say "takes" I mean puts a few million on the line. And that fan just happens to be a little unstable - because what Redskins fan isn't - and runs on to the field to take out Brady? You think those that took NE would want a refund if the man is successful? Bet your sweet ass.

But I digress. On to this week's picks....

New Orleans (-2.5) over SAN FRANCISCO
Let's just say that I'll be hard-pressed to take San Francisco with anything less than getting a touchdown for the rest of the season. They're awful. Plus, Darrell Jackson is likely out. And they still have Trent Dilfer. Trent Freaking Dilfer. The Saints aren't as bad as their record suggests, and San Fran isn't exactly Soldier's field in terms of a home field advantage. Give me Reggie by at least a field goal. (Edit: While they still "have" Trent Dilfer, he's not starting. Alex Smith is. Still taking N'Awlins. No turning back now.)

Buffalo (+3) over NEW YORK JETS
Take the 49ers, give them green jerseys and move them to east coast and you have the Jets. Buffalo can be thrown on all day, but until the green and white can stop an opposing running back - in this case, Marshawn Lynch - they're not going to win games. I can't believe Trent Edwards can win a game two weeks in a row. Heck, he doesn't even have to do that, just don't lose by more than three.

Indianapolis (-6.5) over CAROLINA
Are you serious? They destroyed fellow expansion team Jacksonville on the road last week and do not even have to give up a touchdown this time out? Carolina could start both David Carr AND Vinny Testeverde and I'd go with Peyton Manning giving points. Plus, that would just be stupid of Carolina. Who startstwo washed up QBs? Wait, what's that Raiders fan?

Green Bay (+3) over DENVER
Obviously, I'm not liking the home teams very much this week*. I'm just a fan of Brett Favre on Monday nights...and this happens to be a Monday night. Green Bay will need to run the ball to be successful, and DeShawn Wynn seems like a guy that can get the job done when needed. Give me the gunslinger and some points and I'm all over it on the road.


*Actually, St. Louis getting points at home is intriguing with Steven Jackson coming back - but I'm a Browns fan, so I can't do it

Morning YouTubeness: No Guarantees Here

While this video is obviously a week old, I just happened to find it and it's pretty much gold. All you need to know is the following:

- Drunk Bills fan
- Beer where his shirt used to be
- Thinks alcohol should be allowed in the workplace
- Future mayor

The one line that emphesizes his dismay for the Bills?

"I think I'm gonna burn down a church, or something."

Nice.

Some language is a bit NSFW. Now excuse me while I register to vote in Buffalo, NY.

Afternoon Delight: Pick 'Em

Yep, Panthers fans, that's David Carr!


Last week was a bit hectic, so I didn't get to follow up on my flawless week three picks. Yep, four-for-four. So, I figured I would try to follow up on this luck and let some money ride on a few other games for week six.

I have to admit, I'm not a huge fan of all of the teaser lines this week. Several games are three and four-point spreads. And a ton of home favorites. Nine of 13 home teams being favored is almost unheard of.

I also have to say that I really like St. Louis getting 10 against Baltimore. The only problem is that with neither offense really able to put up points, BAL's defense is more than capable of finding the end zone. So, with that in mind, I'm gonna have to pass and go on to the four games that I feel are the best bets this week. (Home team in CAPS, as always)

ARIZONA (-4) over Carolina
The Cardinals have beaten Seattle AND Pittsburgh at home. They've lost their starting quarterback in Matt Leinart, but actually get an upgrade with their second-stringer in Kurt Warner. Carolina also lost their starting qaurterback, but have to rely on David Carr and a 60-year old Vinny Testaverde to get them to the promise land. That's all I need to hear.

CLEVELAND (-4.5) over Miami
I hate to play the homer bet here, but come on. The line has actually moved TOWARDS Miami this week, starting at 5.5 on Monday afternoon. While John Beck could actually get his name called this week, Cleo Lemon will do enough damage to the 'Phins alone. I'm not saying that this will be low-scoring by any means, but this seems too good to be true. Or is it?

New York Giants (-3.5) over ATLANTA
I can't just let take all of these home teams - but I'm having issues with Atlanta and a hurt offensive line taking on the pass-rush of the Giants. The secondary will give up their fair share of yardage, but with Brandon Jacobs back and a Monday night crowd, I struggle to think that the Giants can't win this game by at least a touchdown.

Philadelphia (-3) over NEW YORK JETS
Brian Westbrook is back. L.J. Smith is back. Chad Pennington is still there. That's all I need to see to give the Jets three points despite them being at home.

If you're one of those people that can't stand taking a bunch of favorites, and I had to take an underdog this week, give me Tennessee (+3) at Tampa Bay. I'm not a Vince Young fan, but with the running back issues of the Bucs and the vastly improved defense of the Titans, I'll take points on the road.


Good luck.

Fun For Chad, Opponents...Not So Much

If there's one thing I love about the NFL, it's Chad Johnson. Save your "he's not good for the game" arguments because you don't like end zone dances and media-face interviews. He's great. Regardless of how fans feel about him, even the casual fan knows who the guy is. Mohawks, Spanish, or "Don't Fine Me" signs, the guy is pure entertainment.

Well, it didn't take long for Chad to hit up the media after a recent practice. A few drops of science later and we already have a guarantee.

"Week 1, if I touch the end zone you will laugh for a lifetime. I guarantee you," said the Cincinnati Bengals Pro Bowl wide receiver Monday. "Marvin (Lewis) might sit me down for the next game but it will live on for a lifetime."

You heard it here fantasy fans - you may be without your big receiver for week 2. Don't put too much hope into this as we've been let down before from end zone promises. Regardless, millions of fans will be awaiting the opening game for the Bengals - which will be against the stout Baltimore Ravens defense. You can bet that Ray Lewis and company are loving this material five weeks in advance.

Johnson went on to say that he would prefer to go back to the days like 2005 where he was "having fun." It just so happens that 2005 was also a career year in terms of output. I'm sure the Bengals would like some "fun" as well, as long as it is accompanied by 1,400 yards and a division title.