Week 9 NFL Picks

Well, that was better, wasn’t it? A 3-1 Sunday is the kind of day I like to see. As for Monday, I have no excuse. The numbers said to take the Vikes, so that’s what I did. I have made some adjustments to account for similar games in the future, so no worries there. Also, because of that upsetting Monday night game, I have once again thrown an extra game into my picks this week. That’s right folks, another 5 pick week. Mark ‘em down, and let’s get going.

Game One: The fist game on the list takes us to Detroit, where the Lions (1-6) welcome the Atlanta Falcons (5-2) to town. Upon first look, it would appear that this is just another walk in the park game for the Falcons. However, lets keep in mind that the Falcons are coming off two big wins the last two weeks, over the reigning Super Bowl Champion Steelers and the mighty Bengals of Cincinnati. This team is flying high right now, with Mr. Vick playing like a top rated passer. The problem is that they are flying so high, they don’t see the Lions as a real threat. That will change during tomorrow’s game. I look for Vick to have one of his “off” days and the Lions (+5.5) to cover at home.

Game Two: For game number two, we head to our nation’s capital. The Redskins (2-5) play host to the Cowboys (4-3) this weekend. The Cowboys, rolling after a big road win in Carolina last week, are feeling pretty good about their new quarterback. The Redskins, fresh off their bye week, are looking to rebound after a frustrating first half of the season. Circumstances coming out of their bye week were similar last year , and Joe Gibbs rallied them to a 5 -0 mark with 5 straight 100 yard rushing games by Clinton Portis. I think the Skins (+3) turn it around this weekend and take the Cowboys down a notch.

Game Three: This game finds the Houston Texans (2-5) headed to New Jersey to face the Giants (5-2) in the Meadowlands. The Texans lost to the Titans last week, despite out-gaining Tennessee by 230 yards. What happened? Well, 5 turnovers happened, and David Carr sat on the bench for a while because of it. This week, Carr is back and out to prove he should be a starter in this league. The Giants are winning games, but they just don’t seem to be a team that is going to blow people out. Also, the only time these two teams have faced each other since 2001, the Texans beat the Giants 16-14 in the Meadowlands. I will take the Texans (+13) on Sunday…and you would be wise to do the same.

Game Four: The undefeated Chicago Bears (7-0) have had a pretty easy schedule so far this season. The defense is as good as ever, and the offense seems to have found its way behind quarterback Rex Grossman. This weekend, they get the Miami Dolphins (1-6) at home in Soldier Field. Miami was a popular pick to be a surprise team this year, possibly even unseating the Patriots as AFC East Champs. Injuries and poor play from the QB have changed the outlook for Miami’s season. Put these two teams together, and it just looks like a big win for Chicago, right? WRONG! I’m taking the Dolphins (+13.5) this weekend. Nick Saban, fresh of a bye, will have something in store for the Bears, and I can’t wait to see what it is.

Bonus Game: Last, but certainly not least, the Cleveland Browns (2-5) travel to San Diego this weekend to take on the Chargers (5-2). Philip Rivers is having a great year as a first time starter, and he deserves a lot of the credit for keeping that team playing well after losing Drew Brees. Of course, it never hurts to have a guy in the backfield like LT2, either. The Browns aren’t exactly having their finest season, but they have a man at the helm by the name of Romeo Crennel. He isn’t a household name like Bill Parcells or Joe Gibbs, but there is one thing he has always done well. He can scheme for an offense like no other. If you don’t believe me, just asking Peyton Manning how much fun it was playing against his Patriot defenses. I think the Browns, with Romeo’s scheme and coming off a big win last week at home, will keep this game low scoring. You have to love a big underdog in a low scoring game. Honestly, if the Browns can manage 10 points on Sunday, I think they cover this line. So let’s take the Browns (+12.5) and root for Romeo and his defense to send Rivers back to the sea. And no, even though I have picked them 3 straight weeks, I am not a Browns fan...but I will be this weekend!