By Zack Cimini
Two weeks left to pick from a wide selection of NFL games. Not only are games on Thursday, but Saturday games will occur as well. This is the part of the year where teams that are out of the playoff picture can be unpredictable. You have to be cautious when looking at those matchups. On the other hand young teams that are out of the playoffs tend to finish the season strong to build towards next year. We’ve got a couple of those teams that are underdogs as our picks this weekend.
Overall Record: 115-107-4
Last Week’s Record: 7-9
Arizona +7- One thing about Arizona is that they have been a decent team at home. Were not saying that translates to a win, but covering seven will be a possibility. Dallas hasn’t looked as strong as they did during Jason Garrett’s first few games as interim coach. Instead they’ve reverted back to poor defense and special teams miscues.
Detroit +3.5- Detroit is one of those teams that is an exciting young team building forward. If Stafford hadn’t been out with injuries this team could of easily won six or seven games. Miami has all types of issues. Quarterback, Chad Henne has struggled all year and the offense can’t muster points. 3.7 yards per carry combined between Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams isn’t going to cut it.
Philadelphia -14.5- We hate taking the bait of double digit points, but in this game we have too. Joe Webb will step back onto the field, and obviously isn’t ready for this type of situation. The defense just gave up over forty points to a Bears team that has been offensively challenged all year. We’ll bank on a Kevin Kolb appearance in this blowout.
Washington +7- Even with MJD being listed as out we still liked Washington in this game. Jacksonville’s been a team playing above their record for awhile. Sure they’ve managed to pull out some close wins, but they’re not a playoff caliber team. Too many holes defensively, and Garrard is a hot/cold quarterback.
San Francisco +2.5- The division will become interesting once the 49ers get this victory. Switching to Troy Smith this week was a smart move by Singletary. His legs and ability to extend the play will pose problems for the Rams defense. Over the last two to three games, Bradford seems to be entering a rookie slump period. The offense has had too many three and outs, and has lacked any spark via the pass.
Tampa Bay -6- Seattle just can’t slow down teams that have a top twenty rushing attack. Tampa Bay is borderline of that, but is coming of a devastating loss to the Lions. They won’t have two consecutive let downs. Raheem Morris is a well liked coach by the Bucs and his team will play to his standards this weekend.
New England -7.5- Buffalo covered a double digit spread earlier this year at New England. Home or away this Patriots team plays to the same beat. Their defense will respond after last week’s ripping by the Packers. The offense is never a question.
New York Jets +1- This is where the Rex Ryan defensive background will come to the fore front. All year the Bears have got away with the short route throws with no running game. That plays into the hands of the Jets. Jay Cutler is coming off a game where he actually threw some decent balls. If he gets pass happy this game could get ugly into the Jets favor.
Baltimore -3.5- You hate to lose that half point, but Baltimore has too repay this Browns team for what they did earlier in the season. Making a game of it when there shouldn’t have been a challenge. We believe this will be the game Baltimore clamps down defensively, after having a tough month.
Kansas City -5- Matt Cassel doesn’t throw the ball much every game, but when he does it’s usually a quality play. The team was out of sync the first quarter against the Rams, but started rolling off points with three consecutive drives for points. Tennessee’s beat down over the Texans was just a mirage. They’re a team embroiled with needs for change, while the Chiefs are looking at hosting a home playoff game.
Oakland +3- If you watched the Colts last week, once Collie exited with another concussion the offense lost all its rhythm. Manning just doesn’t have the chemistry with Blair White and others out there. Reggie Wayne is blanketed all day due to the fact that Dallas Clark is out. This will be a big upset as the Raiders will be able to run the football and put up points.
Denver +2.5- Yes, Tim Tebow will get his first win. Houston loves to try and dig themselves out of holes. Trailing big in more than a handful of games this year. This loss here could spell the end for Gary Kubiak.
Green Bay -3- The Packers are more than happy to have Rodgers back for this one, as they’ll have to air it out to win. This game won’t be a touchdown explosion affair that many would expect. It’ll have big plays but both defenses will be ready. Take the under in this one, and Green Bay pulling off a close win.
San Diego -7.5- Talk about another team that has decisions to make. Cincinnati has major ones. Quarterback Carson Palmer has had an awful season. At receiver they have an option for Chad Johnson, and likely have already parted ways with TO. It’s one of those games where the team steps onto the field and delivers a poor performance that symbolizes their entire year. Blowout city here.
Atlanta -2.5- This division is now Atlanta’s, and the NFC will have to figure out a way to end Matt Ryan’s phenomenal home streak in the playoffs. This team just wins at home, and they’ll get the season sweep over the Saints on Monday night.
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