Week 9 Picks

Current Standings:
Joe 59-54
Mike 58-55

Chicago -3 at Buffalo
Mike: BUF. Look, the Bills are worthless. Yes. But the Bears are struggling and this might be their only chance at a win this year. Give the Browns credit that they've improved over the likes of the Bills.
Joe:BUF. Maybe Martz' system would work in the CFL. Guess we'll find out this afternoon when they meet in Toronto. Bill win by at least 10.
Final: CHI by 3. (push) An early blocked extra point resulted in another Buffalo loss. Instead of moving the team, the entire city should relocate to Toronto.

San Diego -2.5 at Houston
Mike: HOU. The Chargers had their window of opportunity but it is fully closed. It'll be too late once Vincent Jackson returns and his heart won't be in it anyway.
Joe: HOU. I don't think SD should be favored on the road against anyone. Now Gates is out too which means lots of sad face from Rivers.
Final: SD by 6. (J0-1, M0-1). We saw the Rivers happy face instead with 4 TDs.

New Orleans -6.5 at Carolina
Mike: NO. The Saints are completely beat up, coming off a horrible loss to Cleveland and need a strong win to regain confidence. The Panthers are just what the witch doctor ordered.
Joe: NO. This will get ugly.
Final: NO by 31. (J1-1, M1-1). Kudos to us, oh wise prognosticators.

Arizona +8 at Minnesota
Mike: MIN. What a terrible game to call. If it's possible for both teams to lose, it would happen here. The Vikings are a tangled mess and going downhill quickly. This might be a confidence booster for Derek Anderson if he can pull out a big win on the road.
Joe: MIN. Again starting at QB for the Cards Derek Anderson.....
Final: MIN by 3. (J1-2, M1-2). I hope people remember Favre for what he did on the field. Today was a great comeback win by the 41 year old grandpa.

Tampa Bay +8.5 at Atlanta
Mike: ATL. I picked the Falcons to win the championship last year and they were strong but it was the Year of the Saint. This year, the Falcons are among the best teams in the NFC. Matt Ryan, if he continues to improve, is a perennial All Pro.
Joe: TB. The Bucs aren't the best team in the NFC but they are young and exciting. Look for Atlanta to win but not cover this way too huge line.
Final: ATL by 6. (J2-2, M1-3). Just like Joe said... Michael Turner with a big day.

NY Jets -4 at Detroit
Mike: NYJ. In the past, the Lions had terrible teams and terrible seasons. This year, it's a much improved team but they still find ways to lose. I wonder what's worse. Next year, with a little karma, the Lions turn into a playoff team.
Joe: DET. My feeling for the Jets are well known.
Final: NYJ by 3. (J3-2, M1-4). With 5 minutes left, the Lions were up 10 with the ball. The Lions continue to grasp defeat from the jaws of victory.

Miami +5 at Baltimore
Mike: BAL. Sure would be nice to see the Dolphins knock off an AFC North team. I'm changing my pick to BAL because asking the 'phins to win on the road in November is different than winning on the road in September.
Joe: BAL. At home off a bye Baltimore will dominate.
Final: BAL by 16. (J4-2, M2-4). The Dolphins fall two games behind the Patriots and Jets in the East.

New England -4 at Cleveland
Mike: NE. The Browns will hold close but the Pats will expand their lead in the second half. Browns are still two years away from truly competing each week. You threatened to take away my Browns rooting priviledges by continually picking against them each week but you'll never take away my Browns Backers card in my wallet. Unless, of course, you physically steal it from my wallet. It's not like I'm cynical towards the Browns or root against them. I'm realistic about the Browns, what they can and can not do. But they've turned the corner and will be a legitimate contender in the division next year. Seriously.
Joe: CLE. I'm not afraid to say Cleveland will cover again. Playing at home and inspired off the bye they will take an early lead but my crystal ball isn't telling me exactly what will happen late. Beware of Cribbs today.
Final: CLE by 20. (J5-2, M2-5). Don't act like you predicted this, Joe. These last two games have been unpredictable. Consecutive 20 point wins over the NFL's strongest teams? This is pleasantly insane and it's tough not to unravel just thinking about the early wins that Cleveland gave away.

NY Giants -7 at Seattle
Mike: NYG. Two words: Charlie Whitehurst. Seattle was playing above their seaheads but this change in quarterback won't help their chances.
Joe: NYG. The Whitehurst era begins today. And is over by halftime...
Final: NYG by 34. (J6-2, M3-5). This game was over quickly.

Kansas City +1 at Oakland
Mike: KC. Oakland has been on fire but the Chiefs running game provides the win.
Joe: OAK. KC isn't ready for primetime yet in the Black Hole.
Final: OAK by 3. (J7-2, M3-6) I'm not convinced either of these teams are that good. The Chargers are still going to win the division.

Indianapolis +3 at Philadelphia
Mike: PHI. It's tough to bet against Peyton but I like the Eagles in this home game.
Joe: IND. I don't go against Manning.
Final: PHI by 2. (J8-2, M3-7) It's wins like this for the NFC that allows Browns' fan to think they are still in the playoff race.

Dallas +7.5 at Green Bay
Mike: GB. It's just looking worse and worse for Texas' other football team.
Joe: GB. Almost feel bad for Dallas. Oh wait, nevermind....not at all.
Final: GB by 1000 and I think they just scored again. (J9-2, M4-7) I blame this game on Tony Romo. He didn't throw any touchdowns, what a loser.

Pittsburgh -4.5 at Cincinnati
Mike: PIT. Root for injuries.
Joe: CIN. I don't think Cincy will win or cover but for the sake of hating Pittsburgh, I'll take the Bungles.
Final: PIT by 6. (J9-3, M5-7). The T.Ocho Show has been cancelled.

New Standings:
Joe: 68-57 (.544)
Mike: 63-62 (.504)