Well, I did pretty well last week. Overall, it's a bit of a down year for me, although I wouldn't say I'm ever fantastic at picking these games; and who can be, with the NFL's parity? Oh well, it's fun. Last week, only two games really shocked me. One was the Chargers getting blown out by the Bungles, who had neither TO nor Ochocinco healthy. What happened? Second was the Philly-Minnesota game, an even bigger shock. Looking ahead, most playoff seeds are set at this point, and a number of them are virtual locks (see Falcons, Steelers, etc.). Next week, I'm going to make my playoff predictions through the Super Bowl rather than week by week, and after that I may return to comment on the actual outcomes.
Carolina at Atlanta: Atlanta, 28-20
The final score may be close-ish, but it will be a mirage: the Falcons' starters will crush the Panthers early to lock up the 1st-round bye, then allow the bench to close it while they rest.
Pittsburgh at Cleveland: Pittsburgh, 17-14
I think the Steelers' starters will have to play the whole game here. The Browns hate our guts and are intensely jealous of us, and thus will do their worst to trip us up.
Minnesota at Detroit: Minnesota, 24-20
This could be entertaining. Both teams are far from the playoffs, but both could be testing for next season. The Lions will, naturally, lose this one at the end of the game.
Oakland at Kansas City: Kansas City, 31-17
The Chiefs are definitely in, but could fall to the 4th seed if they lose and the Colts win; plus, they probably want revenge for their loss earlier this season.
Miami at TTSNBN: TTSNBN, x-x
They'll probably sit their starters, but I can still try to jinx them.
Tampa Bay at New Orleans: New Orleans, 24-14
The Saints can still get a first round bye, if Atlanta loses (unlikely). But, I also wouldn't be surprised to see them rest their starters, which would screw this pick.
Buffalo at NY Jets: Buffalo, 17-10
The Jets are locked into their seed, and if they want to do ANYTHING in the postseason, they desperately need to rest and regroup.
Cincinnati at Baltimore: Baltimore, 24-17
The Ravens will try desperately to get the first round bye, despite the unlikelihood. Bungles were unexpectedly good last week, but the Ravens will be prepared.
Jacksonville at Houston: Houston, 28-21
If the Jags couldn't get a must-win against the lowly Redskins with David Garard, how can they get one against the Texans without Garard?
NY Giants at Washington: NY Giants, 28-13
The Giants will need will to get in the playoffs, but first they have to win. And the Redskins could not stop them last time, so I expect the same this week.
Dallas at Philadelphia: Dallas, 20-13
Locked in at the #3 seed, Philly will rest most starters (and definitely Vick), so the Cowboys get a garbage time win.
Arizona at San Francisco: Arizona, 17-16
The loser of this one will have the ignominy of being the NFC's worst team. Ouch. The 49ers I expect will be in some disarray after the firing of their head coach.
Chicago at Green Bay: Green Bay, 28-27
The Bears could still get the #1 seed (but like the Saints, they have to hope the Falcons lose, which is unlikely). But the Packers are playing great right now, and still have to get in.
Tennessee at Indianapolis: 31-21
The old Colts are starting to creep back in, just in time. The Titans are already looking ahead to next year, and shouldn't pose much of a threat.
San Diego at Denver: San Diego, 35-28
Of course, this prediction is dependent on whether the Chargers decide to show up. It doesn't really matter, either way.
St. Louis at Seattle: St. Louis, 24-21
The "game of the week". Winner takes the NFC West and squeaks into the playoffs. Go Rams!
2010 Picks: 143-97
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