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If you listen to 1560 The Game in Houston, you're probably getting sick of me reiterating how crazy of a year it's been. As a matter of fact, I can't remember being .500 this late in the season....ever! Think about it. Three weeks ago, the Rams were playing so bad, the only question was who they would take with the first pick in the 2009 draft. Since then, they've beaten two playoff teams from last year by a combined score of 53-31.

The Houston Texans' lack of ability to finish games has beaten the Doc in the last three weeks. In the fourth quarter, they've had leads of 17 (Indianapolis), 2 (when they had intercepted a ball deep in Miami territory with 3:18 only to see Eugene Wilson fumble it back to the Dolphins), and 17 (Detroit) in games where the lines were +3, -3, and -9.5.

Of course, that's just ol' proverbial tip of the iceberg. The Chicago Bears fans have had a year's worth of last minute heartbreakers in their first six games. Nobody can figure out what's happening in Dallas - one week they look like a shoe-in for the Super Bowl, a few weeks later it looks as though they might miss the playoffs altogether.

While it's made my job just that much tougher, it certainly looks as though it will provide us with a very exciting November and December.

Picks appear in bold.

Buffalo (-1) at Miami
It looks like Vegas is betting on a letdown from the Bills. I'm beginning to think they're just a whole lot better than most of us have been giving them credit.

Washington (-7.5) at Detroit
I know the Lions have been playing a "more football-like substance" recently, but I think the Redskins roll over them.

Tampa Bay (+2) at Dallas
After last week, I can't imagine Brad Johnson improving enough to beat a very hot Bucs' team.

Oakland at Baltimore (-7)
The Raiders are getting better, but the Ravens' defense, except for the four quarters against the Colts) has been incredible.

Kansas City at New York Jets (-12)
This one is difficult because you just don't know which Jets' team will show up. Will it be the one that thrashed the Cardinals by 21 points in week four or the one that lost to the Raiders last week?

St. Louis (+7.5) at New England
I really like the way Jim Haslett has the Rams' defense playing with a nasty attitude. In addition, I think the loss of Rodney Harrison for the Pats will make Steven Jackson just that much more effective.

San Diego (-3) at New Orleans
A battle of two teams that couldn't be any more inconsistent. I simply flipped a coin on this one.

Arizona at Carolina (-3.5)
I don't think that many football fans realize that the Panthers rank 2nd against the pass this year. That, along with a strong running game will allow them to keep Kurt Warner and company off the field.

Atlanta at Philadelphia (-8)
Eagles' Defensive Coordinator Jim Johnson will frustrate and confuse impressive rookie quarterback Matt Ryan with his intricate blitz packages.

Cincinnati at Houston (-9)
I know, after my comment above, you'd probably think that I would have gone the other way. But, I think Gary Kubiak is about to turn the corner with this team.

Cleveland at Jacksonville (-7)
The Browns have a miserable run defense and I don't think they matchup well against Maurice Jones-Drew and the Jags.

New York Giants (+3) at Pittsburgh
This one was a toss-up because I really like both teams. As a matter of fact, I wouldn't be surprised if this is a Super Bowl preview. However, if anyone can run against the Steelers, it's the diverse group of backs for the Giants.

Seattle at San Francisco (-5.5)
We'll see, but I think Mike Singletary will have a similar effect on the 49ers that Jim Haslett has had with the Rams.

Indianapolis at Tennessee (-3.5)
Once again, the Colts' run defense just isn't the same without Bob Sanders. Even if they had him, I don't think they could stop the Titans.

Last Week: 6-8
Season: 50-50-2