By Zack Cimini

notjustagame23@gmail.com

It was only a matter of time before a string of games caught us late. We took some bad losses with Cleveland giving up a touchdown instead of a field goal. Buffalo squeezing out only a two point victory and the flipside of a couple of blowouts. Staying above .500 on a weekly basis was almost done but last week’s 6-8 record put a halt to that. Were poised for a ten win week to bounce back.

Overall Record: 76-65-4

Last Week’s Record: 6-8

Miami -1- Miami is poised to start their first home win streak of the season. Even with Tyler Thigpen starting, Miami’s style of play doesn’t change. They’re a game managing team each week. As long as Thigpen gets protection and doesn’t turn the ball over, they will come out of this short week with another win.

Oakland +7.5- Pittsburgh seems to be having issues sticking to the run game since Roethlisberger has came back. In fact, they’ve been fortunate to win games against Miami and Cincinnati as of late. Oakland is playing some great football right now that just hasn’t been seen on a national level. Will take the points and this might be one of the better money line plays of the week.

New York Jets -7- We think Schaub will be out there, if not this line may get up to the double digit range. Either way we are anticipating a blowout. The Texans have struggled versus solid defenses all season. Rex Ryan’s been waiting for this type of matchup where his defense can win the game outright.

Baltimore -10- The Ravens have been awful in double digit favorite games, losing against the spread versus Buffalo and Cleveland. With Clausen in the game, you figure that the Panthers probably won’t score more than ten points. This could be one of the uglier games of the season as the Panthers have nothing to play for. With key injuries to star players that lessens the effort emphasis.

Washington +7- The Redskins have to overlook last week’s Monday Night nightmare. They’re still a .500 team and have a shot just like numerous teams at getting into the playoff picture. A loss here will crush those chances. Tennessee has been one of the more erratic teams this year. One week you think they can be an AFC favorite contender and the next they look like a bubble team. We like this to be one of the closer games of the week decided by a kicker with no time left.

Dallas -6.5- Now they’ll start rolling off some wins to cause a stir on whether Garrett should be named permanent head coach.

Green Bay -3- As much as we don’t want to root against Brett Favre, his year and career is done Blame it on Childress or whomever, but the Vikings lone wins have come by dramatic fashion against the Cowboys, Cardinals, and Lions. Green Bay’s played fabulous all season and is coming off a bye week.

Cincinnati -5.5- Carson Palmer and Ryan Fitzpatrick might combine for six or seven interceptions this game, but Palmer will neutralize his turnovers a tad bit better.

Jacksonville -1- As we said last week, over the last six to seven weeks, David Garrard is playing at a top ten quarterback level. He has had these type of spurts throughout his career, and then fades into slumps like an NBA shooting guard. We think he’ll keep his magic rolling another week.

Arizona +8- Kansas City’s record all season has been better than their talent on the field. With their defense finally exposed it’s only going to show the glaring weaknesses of Matt Cassel. A big slide to end the year is forthcoming.

Seattle +12- Until New Orleans shows us a game where they play four quarters of football than will keep taking the points.

Atlanta -3- The way Matt Ryan and Roddy White are connecting the lines makers must be wanting to give this game to sports bettors. They exposed the vaunted Ravens defense by scoring in forty seconds. There may be strikes and drives quicker than that in this game.

Tampa Bay +3- The miracle talks of Mike Singletary and the 49ers winning the division at 7-9, or whatever other imaginary scenario will come to a screeching halt this week.

New England -3.5- For the first time in the matchups between the two, Peyton Manning may be overwhelmed. The Colts are to banged up to compete with one of the elite teams in the NFL. Maybe by playoff time this can be a good matchup. Manning’s even struggled in his last few wins due to lack of weapons.

Philadelphia -3- Let the Mike Vick all world MVP season continue.

Denver +10- The dink and dump offense gets stopped by no one. It’s frustrated opposing defenses so much that Brandon Lloyd and Jabar Gaffney are now catching deep balls for touchdowns.

By Zack Cimini

notjustagame23@gmail.com

It’s a short NFL week as Thursday’s game makes us have to get our picks and lineups in a day early. Get use to it as the NFL has slated this for the next eight weeks. We’ve got your Thursday winner and another winning week ahead.

Overall Record: 70-57-4

Last Week’s Record: 7-5-1

Baltimore +1- Roddy White is expected to play not near full strength. He has been the catalyst to this offense. There other receivers our average at best and will force Matt Ryan into a few mistakes.

Cincinnati +7.5- Lots of points given to the Bengals here. The Colts have been fortunate to grab as many wins as they have, but in most games they play to the level of their competition. Cincinnati is going to play spoiler in a lot of games the rest of the season.

Jacksonville +1.5- One of the hottest quarterbacks in the league not being discussed is David Garrard. Buried on fantasy quarterback rankings he has outdone projections immensely. Houston’s bottom ranked defense is going to be in for a long day.

Tennessee +1.5- Miami is trying to rev up some mistake free football by inserting Chad Pennington. That’s a bad move to make when trying to move forward in years 2011 and 2012. Tennessee is going to embarrass Miami on their home turf.

Minnesota- -1- A season without Brett Favre not having mayhem surrounded by him and his team is just not possible. Minnesota’s ready to start rolling and get back in playoff position.

Buffalo -3- Win one…we think so.

Cleveland +3- The meltdown in the last four minutes that gave the Jets a win against Detroit, will not happen against the Browns. They’re playing fantastic football led by their defense. They’ve bought into Eric Mangini’s system and are going to be a team to reckon with next year.

Tampa Bay -6.5- Talk about a team that’s shut it down. Carolina appears ready to cut lose their long time coach, John Fox, after giving him no leverage the past few seasons. We all have witnessed Jimmy Clausen’s performances, this is a no brainer.

Kansas City -1- The last time Denver faced a double threat rushing attack, they were torched all game. The barrage of long runs might only happen in spurts this game but it’ll be enough for an ugly final score.

St. Louis +6- This will be a game that comes down to the last drive. The under is looking lovely in this one.

Arizona -3- Arizona is once again the favorite to take this division. This is a pivotal game but Derek Anderson should give the offense enough balance to pull off a few big pass plays. Arizona is also one of the better teams at home. Surprised this line isn’t more in the 4.5-5 range.

Dallas +13.5- Just when Wade Phillips gets axed watch the Cowboys step up and play to their talent level.

New England +4.5- Are the Patriots set for two straight losses to pull back to 6-3? It’s probable but they’ll cover this spread.

Washington +3- His whole career McNabb’s answered critics. The rest of this season he is showcasing himself for a handful of potent ional suitors, as he’ll be bolting from this toxic situation.

By Zack Cimini

notjustagame23@gmail.com

Talk about a week with Sunday Vegas action going up and down. Games looked well intact and then evaporated in the fourth quarter. Still we went 7-7 and have kept our winning ways moving forward. The worst week we’ve had was 6-7-1. All this season we’ve primarily favored underdogs on our slate more than favorites. This week though were bending that trend just a tad. We like the favorites in seven of the twelve games. Take a look at who we have penned.

Overall Record: 63-52-3

Last Week’s Record: 7-7

Buffalo +3- They’ve been so close to capturing that first victory. They’re due and the way Jay Cutler’s playing it won’t have to come down to overtime.

San Diego -2.5- Houston’s hitting their typical downward slide. Andre Johnson’s ankle isn’t 100 percent, and San Diego’s revved up to get back in the playoff picture.

New Orleans -6.5- No matter what the Panthers tried last Sunday against the Rams, nothing could be mustered offensively. The Panthers typically give the Saints a tough matchup, but not this time.

Arizona +9.5- This line is way out of control. Steve Breaston and Early Doucet will free up Larry Fitzgerald and get open against the Vikings horrible pass defense. Minnesota’s struggled to get just two wins versus Dallas and Detroit. They’ll get their third but not in a rout.

Atlanta -8.5- Vegas isn’t fooled by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Their 5-2 but could easily be well below .500. They’ve been fortunate in fourth quarters, but will be exposed early by the Falcons.

Detroit -+4- Last year when Mark Sanchez struggled he never bounced back well. We anticipate that being the case again. People want to hype him up as a second year veteran. Not so fast.

Miami +5- The last time these two played the Dolphins were bounced out of the playoffs at home. Dolphins players still remember that and will be out to seek a little redemption. They’re hanging around in every game. This is the test if they’re real or not.

New England -4.5- A shockingly mid level line here. Vegas has learned after giving the Browns a galore of points versus the Saints and Ravens. This is the time it should of hovered at 7 or 8.

NY Giants -6.5- Time to get off Seattle’s band wagon. Matt Hasselbeck is going to free fall the rest of the year and may not even play this weekend. It’ll be Charlie Whitehurst time within three to four weeks.

Oakland -2- The Raiders are turning into one of the most opportunistic teams in the league. They’re making plays in all phases of the game. Now that they’re winning the team is starting to believe.

Philadelphia -3- Probably the toughest game to call this week. Vick gets the start but which Vick will we see? He toyed with us all in minimal starts earlier this year. We think the Eagles as a whole believe in Vick and respond better overall with him on the field.

Green Bay -8.5- When a team gives up it’s evident. The Cowboys have, and need a new regime to uplift the saddest year from a franchise in a long time.

Cincinnati +4.5- This is the AFC North rivalry that stays competitive no matter what. Cedric Benson has went the entire year dragging his feet. Watch him break off a 100 yard game and provide balance to Palmer’s 300 yard game.

By Zack Cimini

notjustagame23@gmail.com

We are now officially past the half way point this year. Kiss your fantasy football playoff hopes good bye if you’re not at least a game out from .500. Owners looking to keep stock piling depth for injury purposes or needing a spark; we have your waiver wire pickups for the week.

Quarterbacks

David Garrard- Quietly over the last month, Garrard has emerged as a solid fantasy option. After struggling mightily his first month, Garrard has a total of eleven touchdowns his last four games. The offense seems to be running a bit smoother but will have to see how he performs not playing a bottom rated defense. Give him credit for bouncing back as many thought he was on his way to the bench for good.

Chad Henne- More and more Henne is looking comfortable running the Dolphins offense. The problem isn’t the Dolphins moving the football, it’s scoring within the red zone. Dan Carpenter has made fantasy owners very happy by booting eighteen field goals already this season. We think over the second half of the season Henne will figure out how to get the ball to Brandon Marshall inside the red zone.

Derek Anderson- The Max Hall era seems to have come to a quick halt. Hall never looked like a viable starting quarterback, but Whisenhunt tried to sell him the best he could. Two quick pick six’s to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers found Hall sitting on the bench. Anderson has had accuracy issues but should remain the Cardinals starter the rest of this season. Fitzgerald’s healthy now, and Steve Breaston returned this past week in a big way.

Troy Smith- It appears that San Francisco will let their next few games ride on Troy Smith’s shoulders. After having a hard time moving the ball during the first half, Smith got things going and saved Mike Singletary. The throws he made for big plays could have easily been intercepted. What makes Smith entertaining is what he can do with his feet. He’ll extend the plays and should benefit greatly by having one of the better backs in the league.

Mike Vick- He should be announced starter again as he is apparently back to full health. The Eagles have a solid chance at making a run for a wild card birth. We think the Vick that everyone will see won’t be as potent as the one we saw earlier this year. He’ll provide enough statistically to warrant being a rated quarterback in the ten to fourteen range.

Running Backs

LaRod Stephens-Howling- Patience is growing thin with running backs Tim Hightower and Beanie Wells. Both have struggled with fumbling woes. Hightower drew just one carry Sunday, while Howling was a tremendous spark for the Cardinals. He broke a thirty yard touchdown and has been dynamite on special teams. He is the type of guy that needs more time on the field with his game breaking abilities.

Mike Tolbert- San Diego actually implemented a balanced attack against the Titans. There questionable play calling all season shifted to a rush attack against the Titans. Tolbert carried the ball eleven times, Sproles four, and Matthews fifteen. Look for the Chargers to keep to this offensive game plan for the rest of the season.

LeGarrette Blount- We’ve profiled him for the past month, hopefully you listened. He’s still available in a wide array of leagues. That won’t last much longer after his breakout game against the Cardinals. The game plan Sunday featured Blount as the main back, with Cadillac Williams/Earnest Graham as third down backs. Scramble to the waiver wire.

Wide Receivers

Steve Breaston- Not often a player returns and provides a tremendous spark like Breaston did Sunday. He stepped in as if he had been playing all season. For the first time this year, Fitzgerald was able to get open because of an opposite legitimate threat.

Nate Washington- With Kenny Britt out for an extended time, the ideal replacement to emerge will be Washington. He actually has four touchdowns this season and should see obvious more targets now.

Robert Meachem- When Drew Brees officially gets out of his two month rut, the Saints will once again have officially three fantasy wide receivers that you can start. Most owners have Lance Moore and Marques Colston. Meachem can be picked up and provide a spark as your third receiver or flex option. Brees doesn’t seem to have a favorite target but Meachem has been getting solid looks the past few weeks.

Brandon LaFell- Carolina’s running game with Jonathan Stewart/DeAngelo Williams figured to be one of the top rushing attacks in the league. They haven’t had it going. With Matt Moore in the lineup the past few weeks, the passing attack has been somewhat formidable.

By Zack Cimini

notjustagame23@gmail.com

Last week we were red hot with our spread selections. Winning ten out of fourteen games. We stated we loved the road underdogs, and it turned out to be the pattern last week. We even provided a bonus selection with the over on Philadelphia/Tennessee during our pod cast. It should be another good week. Take a gander at who we have penned for this weekend.

Overall Record: 56-45-3

Last Week’s Record: 10-4

Denver- +1.5- As bad as the Broncos lost at home last week, before that game they were playing decent football. They had just not been able to pull wins out. San Francisco aims to give Troy Smith a chance. We think the Broncos will squeak this one out and get some solid run support from Knowshown Moreno.

Dallas -6.5- The Cowboys defense will finally set the tone in a game. Kitna will hand the football off to Felix Jones and build upon that. Everyone will be asking where was this team at the beginning of the season, and why wasn’t Felix more involved.

Detroit -2.5- Washington’s had their fair share of ugly wins. They’ll need more than 14-17 points to squeeze out this one. Detroit’s coming off their bye week and has their main quarterback ready. Torain’s had some fumbling issues and McNabb’s primary target, Chris Cooley, is dinged up.

NY Jets -6- One of our favorite picks this week. Green Bay’s still two weeks away from a bye week but is in dire need of one. They’re nicked up, but also their last three weeks they’ve had two overtime games and a hard fought victory. New York’s fresh and should roll.

Carolina +3- Matt Moore did make a costly mistake in the fourth quarter but regrouped. He held his composure and delivered a drive to tie the game, and then led a game winning field goal. Confidence is all it takes and he should be able to do enough to get his second victory. The Rams offense was extremely stagnant last week, and it looks like Bradford could finally be headed towards rookie woes.

Miami +1.5- Atlanta did a poor job last week on attacking Carson Palmer’s weaknesses. One of his worse is handling pressure. Miami gets after opposing quarterbacks and should force a few turnovers. Where the worries come in for Miami is their secondary, which has done a mediocre job all year. Chad Henne showed last week that he can carry Miami if the running game falters. They’ll have both the pass/run clicking this week.

Buffalo +7.5- Last week the Jacksonville and Kansas City game was a close battle until the second half. Bouman was doing exactly what Ryan Fitzpatrick’s asked and that is manage the game. Fitzpatrick’s done a solid job on making the right throws, and is one of the leading pass rated quarterbacks in the league. The Bills will have their hands full shutting down Kansas City’s triple threat backfield, but will cover the 7.5.

San Diego -3.5- If the Chargers play four full quarters of football than we could have a blowout on our hands. The problem is they never do. This team should finally wake up after not being mentally ready last week.

Tampa Bay+-3- The one victory Max Hall had against the Saints will be his only as a starter. Whisenhunt needs to keep dreaming on this idiotic move. Hall’s decision making is not up to par to NFL speed. If the first options not open he gets confused on his secondary reads.

Oakland -2.5- As long as Jason Campbell doesn’t go back to throwing interceptions at a high rate this should be another victory for the resurgent Raiders. Seattle’s had a fairly easy schedule to start of the year. Catching two of the most inconsistent teams (San Diego and Chicago) and divisional opponents (Cardinals and 49ers).

Minnesota +5- This is a test of this Vikings teams will. Not Brett Favre not Tavaris Jackson. Whoever steps on the field needs to lead this team. They were a play away from being in the Super Bowl a year ago. In order to even think of having a chance to make the playoffs, they have to pull together for this win. We believe they’ll get it done as a team, and use Favre’s warrior effort to carom them forward.

Pittsburgh +1- There’s no reason to talk about the Saints a year ago. That team is not even close to the product currently playing on the field. They’re lucky they have the record they do, as early in the year they pulled off some sloppy wins. Lately though they’ve just played sloppy. The way they’re playing doesn’t get figured out and fixed in one week. Especially when you go against the top team in the NFL.

Houston +5.5- A tough game to call here. Both our coming off bye weeks, and have the taste of week one still in their minds. Both know this game could have huge lasting affects on their seasons. Tennessee has just as much of a chance at winning the division, but even a wild card birth could be at risk from a tie breaker stand point. Houston just has the prime matchups on both sides of the ball to expose the Colts. Were not saying they’ll win, but they’ll hang close.

By Zack Cimini
notjustagame23@gmail.com

The past few weeks of spreads have been tough fares all around. Were still over .500 on the year and think this weeks slates look the best spread wise thus far. Most spreads are pretty tight with nine games being around the three point mark. Don’t fall for the trend that the home team usually covers that margin. Were rolling on six underdogs in those nine matchups.

Overall Record: 46-41-3
Last Week’s Record: 6-7-1

Miami +3- Miami’s 0-2 at home but should break off their slumping home pace. Ben Roethlisberger got away with a slow start last week against the Browns. This week Miami will be relentless with their pass rush, and show Roethlisberger’s rust.

Atlanta -3.5- After playing so well on both sides of the ball this season, Atlanta dipped on both sides of the ball against Philadelphia. Were believing that’s one of few let down games this year for Atlanta. Carson Palmer is a true remedy for opposing defenses.

Kansas City- Even with Garrard it’s going to be hard pressed seeing the Jags defense stepping up to the challenge. Too much Jones/Charles and a few deep balls to Dwayne Bowe. Jacksonville doesn’t have the fire power to mix it up without turning the ball over countless times.

Tennessee -3- Kolb has Philly fans and even Andy Reid wondering if one more great outing by him is going to cause a true dilemma. Without DeSean Jackson and a dinged up LeSean McCoy this one will be a true test for Kolb. He’ll get his yardage but won’t be able to do enough to overcome key mistakes.

Washington +3- This game has ugliness written all over it. It won’t be a game most tune into unless they’re die hard Redskins or Bears fans. Low scoring and mistake ridden. Based on how Jay Cutler’s last two starts have went we will side with the Redskins. Their defense has been sound thus far.

Cleveland +13- Trap game written all over it. New Orleans finally showcased a slight glimpse of last year’s offensive weekly outings. They’re still banged up at running back, and are playing against a respectable Browns defense. Most teams this year faced with double digit spreads have covered, we see that continuing.

Baltimore -13- Scratch what we said above with trends. Buffalo doesn’t know what they’re doing with CJ Spiller, and stands no chance moving the ball enough to score more than ten points. Ray Rice is dominating again and the Ravens will go for the kill after last week’s debacle.

Carolina +3- Matt Moore’s been riding the pine and will get his shot one more time. Moore vs. Smith. San Francisco was in a dog fight last week against an extremely banged up Raiders team. 10-9 in the fourth quarter and they finally put it away. There’s a lot of pressure on this game for the 49ers to regain some sort of hope. Those hopes will be dashed with this loss.

St. Louis +2.5- Rams are the real deal. They have what the Buccaneers don’t as well. An all around balanced offense with a rushing attack.

Seattle -5.5- Reasoning for starting Max Hall will finally be questioned after this road test.

San Diego -3- The house comes down in San Diego if they don’t find a way to stave off first and second quarter mistakes. They’ve been great at home. New England ventures on their farthest road trip of the year. It won’t be easy, but Philip Rivers will showcase over and over again for the umpteenth time why San Diego parted ways with Drew Brees.

Denver -8- Denver could easily be 4-2 instead of 2-4. McDaniels needs to give some carries to his tandem backfield especially with Moreno finally healthy enough. Oakland is banged up everywhere offensively from quarterback, running back to wide receiver.

Minnesota +3- Back at Lambeau field part two. Favre likely won’t have the throwing heroics like he did last season. We see this more of like the AP show. It’s been quite awhile since he has had an all world game. It’ll happen this week in a monster way. 160 plus yards rushing.

New York Giants +3- Predicting Dallas to finally step off on the right foot and get a win is the easy way to anticipate this matchup. We all know these two teams know each other very well. A close game is inevitable. Both Romo and Manning have had their woes against each other in the turnover department. New York’s just had a total team transformation since their loss to Tennessee at home.

Listen in on Week Seven’s Podcast