The Doc's Week Thirteen Picks
Almost every time I write
the first paragraph this year, I feel like I'm doing my best Gary Kubiak
impression. You know, a lot of "it's on me", "I have to get this
corrected", "just gotta keep battling"-type statements. Now, I'm just
writing this off as the worst season I've ever had, and I've been
picking games since I was ten years old.
Picks appear
in bold.
Houston (+8.5) at
Philadelphia
When the Texans were driving with three minutes left, down by ten, I
thought for sure I had my first win of the year on the Thursday night
games. Unfortunately, Matt Schaub and his slippery fingers had other
ideas.
Buffalo (+6.5) at
Minnesota
Don't get me wrong, I like the Vikings to win this game, but Buffalo
hasn't lost a game by more a touchdown or more since week five, and
they're definitely getting better.
Cleveland at Miami
(-4.5)
I like the Browns a lot more than most do, but as I said in the
rankings, the Dolphins are just a different team with Chad Henne at the
controls. Their passing game is actually relevant.
Jacksonville at
Tennessee (-3)
The health of Kerry Collins was the deciding factor in this one, and
when I found out he's going to go, it made it pretty easy. Also, don't
diminish the effect of the Titans wanting to redeem themselves for the
worst showing by the franchise in five years against the Texans last
week.
Denver at Kansas City
(-7.5)
Sorry, Broncos' fans, but if you couldn't beat the Rams at home,
there's no way you're going into Kansas City and keeping it close with
the Chiefs.
Washington at New York
Giants (-7)
The Redskins don't have a single weapon that scares the Giants, and
the only factor that could keep this close is Eli Manning.
Chicago (-4.5) at
Detroit
For most of the year, I have been thinking that the Lions would win the
rematch of the week one "what-a-great-catch-by-Calvin-Johnson-what-do-you-mean-it-wasn't-a-catch"
game. But, with Drew Stanton running the offense against the Bears'
defense, I just can't see it happening.
San Francisco at Green
Bay (-9)
Too much Aaron Rodgers. Too much Clay Matthews. Too much everything
in green and gold.
New Orleans (-6.5)
at Cincinnati
I've seen a lot of the Bengals recently (yeah, I know, I'm sorry, too),
and there's very little to be positive about.
Atlanta (-3) at
Tampa Bay
Believe it or not, I'm very, very wary of this game. It just has trap
game written all over it for the Falcons. Even though they have a 7-4
record, I don't think anyone really takes the Bucs seriously, including
Atlanta.
Oakland at San Diego
(-13)
For those of you longtime followers, you know how much I hate giving
up this many points, but after watching the Chargers absolutely
dismantle the Colts last week, this pick is just too hard to go against.
Carolina (+6) at
Seattle
I absolutely hate this game. I don't know what to expect from the
Seahawks each week, and I don't like the idea of the Panthers traveling
to the west coast. Hell, I don't like them traveling down the street.
Dallas at Indianapolis
(-5)
No doubt about it, the Cowboys are playing much better since Jason
Garrett took over, but I have a hard time betting against Peyton Manning
when his back is absolutely against the wall.
St. Louis (-3) at
Arizona
Knowing the way I feel about the Cardinals, is there any reason to
explain this pick?
Pittsburgh at
Baltimore (-3)
I think the Ravens are sick of being an afterthought to the Jets,
Patriots, Chargers, and Steelers. They've also heard a lot this week
about only beating Pittsburgh in week four because Ben Roethlisberger
was out. I wouldn't want to go against an angry Ray Lewis.
New York Jets at New
England (-3.5)
I don't know if I've ever been more bothered by a half point than
the one attached to this one. These teams are so evenly matched.
However, when in doubt I always go with the better quarterback and
coach, if possible, and this one totally works out.
Last Week: 6-9-1
Overall: 75-93-8
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