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Why, oh why, did I trust the likes of Buffalo, San Diego, and Oakland.

For the first time since October, I had a losing record. Obviously, you can never expect to go for an extended period of time without having a weekend in which the table turns against you. However, even in a year as unpredictable as this one, certain trends had started to appear. Unfortunately, a few of them swung the opposite way in the same week.

Of course, the trends that continued are to always take the Giants and go against the Lions (the latter started only a few weeks ago), and as you can see, you should follow that advice again this weekend.

Picks appear in bold.

Oakland at San Diego (-10)
A week ago, I was convinced that the Raiders were getting better. After the Kansas City game, I realize it's just the same ol', same ol' in Raider Nation. On top of that, the Chargers have won 10 in a row against the black and silver.

Minnesota (-9.5) at Detroit
Adrian Peterson versus a Lions' defense that gives up 176.9 rushing yards per game. Who would you pick?

Houston at Green Bay (-5.5)
This is going to sound odd, but I would feel better about the Texans' chances if Sage Rosenfels were playing. I don't think he's a better quarterback, but the last thing you want to do against this Packers' secondary is play a rusty quarterback in sub-freezing temperatures.

Cleveland at Tennessee (-14)
I know that's a lot of points, but it's hard for me to overcome the thought that Ken Dorsey is now the starting quarterback for the Browns. Because of that, I think the defense will be on the field for a long, long time.

Atlanta (+3) at New Orleans
I really like the way the Falcons are playing right now and they're 3-3 on the road, which is surprisingly good for a young team coming off of a 3-13 season.

Jacksonville at Chicago (-6.5)
As you can tell from the power rankings, I certainly am not impressed with the Bears, but the Jags have opened up a huge can of quit on Jack Del Rio and I'd be surprised to see them win another game this year.

Philadelphia at New York Giants (-6.5)
As I've been saying the last few weeks, I'm taking the Giants against anyone, against any spread. They're just running the ball too well right now.

Cincinnati at Indianapolis (-13.5)
Everyone knows that this is not the same Colts team we're used to seeing. However, it is the same Bengals team, and like their predecessors, they're pathetic.

Miami (+1) at Buffalo
If this game were being played outdoors in Ralph Wilson Stadium, it would be a tough decision. But, on an indoor track in Toronto, it's like taking candy from a baby.

New York Jets (-3.5) at San Francisco
The Jets are 0-2 on the west coast this year, including an embarrassing loss to the Raiders in week seven. I think they've turned the corner and are playing much better, though.

New England (-5) at Seattle
I wouldn't want to face a Bill Belichick-coached team after they had been drilled the week before. I don't think this game will be worth watching in the second half.

Kansas City at Denver (-8.5)
Well, if we get the Broncos from last week, this should be an easy win. Unfortunately, there's just as much of a chance that we'll get the one we saw get crushed earlier this year in Kansas City.

Dallas at Pittsburgh (-3)
Because of its importance, I've thought about this game for much of the week and I see very few scenarios in which the Cowboys can win. I know that sounds odd, but I just don't think the Dallas offense will find a lot of holes in that Pittsburgh defense.

St. Louis at Arizona (-13.5)
I usually don't like taking the favorites in divisional games with double-digit spreads, but this one's different. The Cardinals are back at home with a chance to lock up a playoff spot against a much weaker opponent. I look for them to put the Rams away early....very early.

Washington at Baltimore (-5)
The only times I've seen Joe Flacco get rattled this season is when he's been under serious pressure. He tends to turn the ball over and make bad decisions, specifically relying too much on his arm strength, when he's forced out of the pocket. However, with only 19 sacks this year, the Redskins won't be able to rely on that strategy.

Tampa Bay (+3) at Carolina
Both teams have top-ten defenses that are aggressive and will make it tough on a quarterback who wants to sit back and go through his progressions. For this reason, I like the Bucs. Jeff Garcia is one of the best in the league when he gets outside the pocket.

Last Week: 7-9
Season: 101-88-3