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If you pay attention to the site, you'll notice that I've always put a lot of stock in the NFC vs. AFC power struggle. For quite some time, the better teams have been in the AFC and that was proven in interconference records and Super Bowl results. However, I think a shift is in effect. In the past, there were a few good teams in the NFC and then a bunch of 8-8 and 9-7 teams that filled out the playoffs. In the AFC, it seemed as though you had to be 11-5 to even get into the postseason. However, if you take a look at the records at the halfway point, you'll notice that there are nine teams under .500 in the AFC to only five in the NFC. It's not scientific, but it's something I've noticed through the season. It's almost as though the Giants beating the Patriots in last year's big game gave the whole conference a boost of confidence. Anyway, there are some other factors that support my theory that I'll cover in the blog this week.

Picks appear in bold.

Detroit (+12.5) at Chicago
Believe it or not, the Lions have been playing better recently. They've finally realized that they simply need to involve Calvin Johnson more in the offensive game plan.

Houston (+5) at Minnesota
I think the Texans are going to be one of the surprise teams of the second half - mostly because their schedule lightens up a little bit. Also, the Vikings Haven't really won big all year.

Green Bay at Tennessee (-4.5)
This one's a little more difficult that you would think. With the Titans coming off of an emotional win, and a Monday night game as well, it would be easy to think that there might be a letdown here. But, the overriding factor for me was Green Bay's 25th ranked run defense. They're tailor made for the Titans.

New York Jets at Buffalo (-5.5)
I wasn't impressed with either team last week, but the Jets barely beating the Chiefs at home really didn't sit well. Also, I think the Bills will be motivated to come out and perform better in a divisional game.

Arizona (-3) at St. Louis
If Steven Jackson were healthy, I would be on the Rams. Unfortunately, he'll be a game time decision, which means he won't be as effective.

Baltimore (+1.5) at Cleveland
To this point, Derek Anderson is completing less that 50 percent of his passes. I don't think playing the league's top-ranked defense is going to help.

Tampa Bay (-8) at Kansas City
Tyler Thigpen has played better played well last week, but it was against the Jets' defense, and he's still without Larry Johnson. I'm sure Jon Gruden is aware of the Chiefs' 32nd ranked run defense and will simply use Earnest Graham and Warrick Dunn to beat them down.

Jacksonville (-7.5) at Cincinnati
I just can't think of anything else to say about this Bengals' team. They're beyond terrible and they've given up on their coach.

Miami at Denver (-3.5)
Surprisingly, this was the hardest game of the week for me to pick. There are just so many factors: altitude, weather, the Broncos' porous defense, Jay Cutler's hand, Miami being 4-1 against the spread in the last five weeks and the Broncos being 1-5-1. Something's gotta give, and I think it's the Fish.

Dallas at New York Giants (-7.5)
In no way, shape, or form can I see the Cowboys winning this game. Because of that, I have no confidence that they can keep it inside the number.

Atlanta (-2.5) at Oakland
I realize they have to travel across the country, but in the battle of the young quarterbacks, I like the way Matt Ryan's playing right now. Of course, he has a few more weapons than JaMarcus Russell in Michael Turner and Roddy White.

Philadelphia (-6.5) at Seattle
That's two games in a row involving teams from the Eastern time zone traveling to the west coast, but the Eagles are on a roll right now and I'm not betting against the McNabb and Westbrook combo.

New England (+6) at Indianapolis
Obviously, this one doesn't have quite the meaning or luster that previous years' meeting have had. I just really don't like the way the Colts are playing right now, specifically the lack of rhythm between Peyton Manning and his receivers.

Pittsburgh (+2.5) at Washington
This is a difficult game, but the decision was made a little easier with the news that Willie Parker is coming back and the probability that Santana Moss will not play.

Last Week: 8-6
Season: 58-56-2