Week 9 NFL Picks

Three straight weeks above .500 for your boy but, unlike Tyrique Stevenson, I’m not going to celebrate before it’s all over.

On to Week 9…

Last Week: 9-6

Season: 59-60-3

Texans at Jets (-2)

I’m confused how the Jets, losers of five straight including last week to one of the worst teams in football, is favored over anyone, even at home against a 6-2 Texans team missing its top two receivers. I have little faith Aaron Rodgers and company can turn this thing around, and while Houston doesn’t have the firepower to blow Gang Green out, there’s enough talent on both sides of the ball to give New York its sixth straight L.

Pick: Texans

Commanders at Giants (+4)

Jayden Daniels is making his case to win Offensive Rookie of the Year while Daniel Jones is a making a case for losing his starting job. The Giants nearly upset the Commanders a couple months ago but the days of Big Blue being a frisky underdog appear to be over.

Pick: Commanders

Broncos at Ravens (-8.5)

Despite last week’s loss to Cleveland, Baltimore has established itself as one of the best teams in football. Derrick Henry is a dark horse MVP contender, Mark Andrews is back from the dead and Diontae Johnson joins a sneaky good receiver room. Meanwhile, Denver has won five of their last six but hasn’t beat anyone worth talking about since their upset of Tampa Bay in late September. The Ravens aren’t going to have the rug pulled out from under them two weeks in a row but the Broncos’ defense is good enough to keep them from getting blown out.

Pick: Broncos

Dolphins at Bills (-6.5)

It’s possible Miami’s surprising loss to Arizona last week can be attributed to Tua shaking the rust off but going on the road to face a Buffalo team that originally put the Dolphins QB on the shelf isn’t an ideal matchup for a “get right” game. The revenge factor is in play but the Bills are even better than when these two faced off in Week 2.

Pick: Bills

Raiders at Bengals (-7.5)

Upset special! In three games without Tee Higgins this season, the Bengals are 0-3 and the offense averages just over 17 points. Higgins won’t suit up for this one and neither will RB Zack Moss. The Raiders are down bad but Cincy’s limitations on offense will make it hard for them to pull away.

Pick: Raiders

Cowboys at Falcons (-3)

Reasonable football fans didn’t have high expectations for the Cowboys but this season has somehow been worse than even we expected. Dak Prescott, the league’s highest paid player, is sporting a 10:8 TD-to-INT ratio. Ezekiel Elliott has been so awful that Dallas had to turn to the equally washed up Dalvin Cook to get the run game going. The vaunted Cowboys defense seems to put up more of a fight against reporters than opposing offenses. Head coach Mike McCarthy, already a lame duck coming into the season, is a mortal lock to not be back next year.

When you put all those factors together and put them on the road against the NFC South-leading Falcons, it’s a recipe for disaster.

Pick: Falcons

Saints at Panthers (+7)

This is a golden opportunity for Panthers QB Bryce Young to finally get out of Carolina. With the former number one overall pick on the block, what better way to build up your trade value than at home against a Saints defense giving up nearly 26 points per game? Young doesn’t have the weapons to have himself a career day (though the bar, much like him, isn’t set very high) but there’s enough there to stay within a touchdown in this mid-off with a New Orleans squad that seemingly loses a receiver every couple of weeks.

Pick: Panthers

Chargers at Browns (+1)

For the millions of people who screamed every week for the Browns to start Jameis Winston behind center, the “Famous” one’s 334-yard, three touchdown performance in an upset win over Baltimore last week was vindication. Much like Joe Flacco last year, Winston gives the Browns’ offense a spark that was never there under Deshaun Watson. He’s a cagey veteran who isn’t scared to take chances downfield. He can’t save Cleveland’s season but he can make them competitive and that should be enough against a Chargers’ offense that doesn’t score a lot.

Pick: Browns

Patriots at Titans (-3)

The Titans’ lone win this season a 31-12 beat down of the Tua-less Dolphins on Monday Night Football back in Week 4. Their leading passer was Mason Rudolph, who had 85 yards through the air. Their leading receiver was DeAndre Hopkins, who is now in Kansas City. Their two touchdown scorers that night, RBs Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears, both might not play this week. 

The Patriots aren’t much to get excited about either but rookie QB Drake Maye can at least move the chains a bit.

Pick: Patriots

Jaguars at Eagles (-7.5)

The Eagles are once again in a position to get Doug Pederson fired. Four years after Philly sent him packing, Dougie P is back in the house that Nick Foles built for what has to be his last game as a Jaguars coach. As if facing a tough Eagles team wasn’t hard enough, Jacksonville will be without Christian Kirk and possibly rookie Brian Thomas Jr while both of their running backs are nursing injuries. This could get ugly early.

Pick: Eagles

Bears at Cardinals (-1.5)

Chicago’s brain fart loss to Washington last week was one for the ages and it was a showcase of everything that’s wrong with the Bears: poor offensive line play, overrated QB, terrible playcalling and a lack of common sense on both sides of the ball.

This week may feel like Deja vu: on the road against a mobile, strong-armed QB and facing a toothless defense that lacks a pass rush. Assuming they’re a bit wiser here, the Bears should be able to pull this one off.

Pick: Bears

Lions at Packers (+2.5)

This is the Packers’ biggest game of the season thus far. A win here gives Green Bay control of the NFC North and a shot at top seed in the conference. The last time the Packers played the Lions with a lot at stake, they turned around their season with a win last Thanksgiving. After leaving last week with a groin injury, Jordan Love will tough it out this week. If he can manage to stay healthy and avoid the backbreaking turnovers that have been as notable as his 15 touchdown passes this season, the Pack can pull off the upset.

Pick: Packers

Rams at Seahawks (+1)

The Rams have went from a team destined to be sellers at the deadline to one with postseason aspirations now that the offense is back at full strength. The same can’t be said for the Seahawks, who will be without DK Metcalf once again and tight end Noah Fant. Seattle’s lost four of the last five and they’ll be hard-pressed to win a shootout with their offense so banged up.

Pick: Rams

Colts at Vikings (-5)

I was going to write a rant about Anthony Richardson but I got tired and couldn’t finish. Jokes aside, A-Rich is probably never regaining his starting job this season and it’ll likely be awhile before he regains the trust of the Colts or their fans.

Meanwhile, it’s hard to imagine the once-undefeated Vikings dropping three straight but the Colts are a different (better?) team with Joe Flacco under center.

Pick: Colts

Bucs at Chiefs (-9)

It doesn’t seem to matter who is at wideout for the Chiefs as Patrick Mahomes seems to get by every week. The same can be said for Baker Mayfield, who put up 334 yards and three touchdowns despite being without Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.

The difference is Mahomes still manages to win but Mayfield still being able to put up numbers bodes well for the Bucs’ chances of at least covering here.

Pick: Bucs

Week 9 Picks

 Last week: 8-7

Season: 64-56-3


Eagles (-13.5) over Texans

I tend to lean towards the underdog on double-digit/two-touchdown spreads but it’s hard to imagine a Brandon Cooks-less Texans team mounting enough offense to keep it close against the best team in the NFC.

Lions (+3.5) over Packers

My strategy going forward is to pick against the Packers until they prove they can win another game, even in a clash against the anemic Lions.

Falcons (+2.5) over Chargers

The Falcons have been sneaky good this season and they get Swiss Army knife Cordarelle Patterson back against a Chargers team missing its top receivers. I smell an upset here.

Dolphins (-4.5) over Bears

The Dolphins landed pass-rusher Bradley Chubb at the deadline and face a Bears team allowing the most sacks in the league. This is going to be a long day for Justin Fields.

Bengals (-7) over Panthers

It would be in the Panthers’ best interest to see what they have in P.J. Walker and tank for a higher draft spot in order to select a franchise QB next April. They’ll accomplish both by getting steamrolled by the Bengals.

Patriots (-5.5) over Colts

The Colts might have given up on head coach Frank Reich and, even if they haven’t, they aren’t healthy enough to be much of a factor the rest of the season. The Patriots, meanwhile, have a puncher’s chance at a wild card spot.

Jets (+10.5) over Bills

The Jets can’t trade shots with the Bills but the defense is good enough to slow Buffalo down and cover the spread.

Vikings (-3) over Commanders

If the Packers lose to the Lions with the Cowboys, Titans and Eagles coming up next, it’s not unrealistic to think the Vikings can have the division wrapped up by Thanksgiving as long as they continue to feast on cupcakes.

Jaguars (+2.5) over Raiders

It’s hard to see either of these teams making the playoffs at 2-5 but, even only nine weeks into the season, this feels like an eliminator game for whoever loses this one.

Seahawks (+1.5) over Cardinals

We currently live in a world where Geno Smith is the third-best QB in the NFC. You win, universe.

Bucs (-3) over Rams

The saving grace for Tom Brady is, after this one, the rest of the schedule is soft and he could still sneak into the playoffs for one last title run.

Chiefs (-12.5) over Titans

We really got Patrick Mahomes vs Malik Willis before Mahomes vs Rodgers. A year or two from now, a showdown between these two will be a bigger deal but the rookie doesn’t stand a chance against Mahomes, who hasn’t lost in a November and December since 2019.

(Note: This is all a moot point if Ryan Tannehill plays.)

Ravens (-2) over Saints

Not playing Monday night: Mark Andrews, Gus Edwards, Rashod Bateman, Michael Thomas, Jarvis Landry, Jameis Winston.

Not watching Monday night: Most of America outside of Baltimore and New Orleans.

Week 9 Picks

2011 hasn't been a great year for the Puerto Rican community. Jennifer Lopez got divorced. Ricky Martin failed making a comeback and NYC's prodigal son, Gabe Rodriguez, continues to get pounded like a Kardashian's ass during NBA All-Star Weekend. Dave, however, tacked on another three wins to his lead over Il Chupacobra and matched his best win total for the season with 9(including hitting the last five of last week's games).

Week 9 starts a new month. A new month that just so happens to be the birth month of the dynamic duo. Will it still be Dave-ember? Or will the 11th month of '11 be forever known as Novem-Gabe?

Let's get it!

LAST WEEK

Dave: 9-4

Gabe: 6-7

SEASON

Dave: 60-49-7

Gabe: 43-66-7

Jets (+2.5) at Bills

Dave: Jets - Gang Green may be the worst good team in the NFL. They can't run the ball. They can't really rush the passer and the only consistant threat to score they have is Santonio Holmes, who needs to make half the defense miss to get into the end zone. Still, Rex Ryan's D is tricky enough to at least hinder Fred Jackson and Revis Island is going to blanket Stevie Johnson, taking away Ryan Fitzpatrick's only option. This is probably the toughest pick for me this week, but I'll go Jets by 6.

Gabe: New York - Buffalo could go a long way to turning the AFC East into a two team race by winning today. The Jets really need this win to keep pace with Buffalo and New England. This is the first time this Buffalo team has been in such a big game and I think they are going to be feeling the pressure. The Jets have been here before. I’ll take the Jets to take care of business and win by a touchdown.

Seahawks (+11) at Cowboys

Dave: Cowboys - This is the kind of game where Tony Romo pads his stats and that leads to a week's worth of "Romo's back!" hyperbole on ESPN with Skip Bayless spitting all over himself while he goes homo for Romo. The Seahawks will be trotting out Tarvaris Jackson this week, but they could have Jim Zorn out there and it won't make much of a difference. Dallas is pissed after being taken to the shed last week on national TV, so I think they take it out on the lowly Hawks. Cowboys by 17.

Gabe: Seattle - I know Seattle sucks, but I can’t trust Dallas to beat Charlottesville High School by more than eleven. I think Dallas wins, but by ten or fewer.

Falcons (-6.5) at Colts

Dave: Falcons - Do I really need to explain this one? Really? Here's a fun stat for you: Through 7.5 games, Curtis Painter has 5 passing TD's. Five. Or as many as Big Ben had against Tennessee a couple weeks ago. Seriously. Five touchdowns. In a league where nobody plays pass defense anymore. In a league where Cam Newton looks like the second coming of Roger Staubach. Five touchdowns. S.M.H. Falcons by 20.

Gabe: Atlanta - One of these weeks the Colts are going to fuck around and win a game. Not today. They are going to see a healthy dose of Atlanta’s passing game to start the game. Atlanta will build a lead and then pound the ball on the ground to control the clock. Falcons by 10.

Dolphins (+4) at Chiefs

Dave: Chiefs - I guess with no basketball this month, the NFL decided to give us a few lay-ups of their own. I'm not sure the exact number but I believe Kansas City is something like 4,692-13 at home in the final two months of the season. They are on a four game win streak and could have sole possession of first place by this time next Monday thanks to some lucky scheduling(San Diego has Green Bay this week, then fellow first place Oakland in four days....Kansas City, meanwhile, get Miami today and Denver next week.) Dolphins are trying to outsuck Indy for Andrew Luck so I don't expect much of a fight here. KC by 10.

Gabe: Kansas City - The Chiefs seem to be getting things right. They have gotten a few lucky breaks (Philip Rivers’ mishandling a snap) in cobbling together four wins in a row. The Dolphins have not been finishing games well. The Chiefs defense has been living on sacks a turnover in recent games. I think they’ll have the opportunity to get both against the fish. Miami might have a fighting chance, but I like the Chiefs at home by a touchdown.

Bucs (+7.5) at Saints

Dave: Saints - Two things here: Saints are coming off a upset loss(which I saw coming but still picked N.O. anyway) last week to St. Louis. The last time these two teams met, the Bucs escaped with a win and broke Sean Payton's leg. With how up and down New Orleans has been this year, I say this is the week they let the guns out like Tony Montana in the final scene of Scarface. A little more than a touchdown might be a stretch because Tampa Bay actually is better than people think, but I'm rolling the dice on revenge here. Saints by 9.

Gabe: Tampa Bay - The Saints were stunned last week and really need to get a win today against the Bucs keep a little distance in the division. If LeGarrette Blount is in the line up for the Bucs, the Saints could be in for a long day. The Saints need to handle the ball because they’ve been beating themselves lately with turnovers. I think the Saints win, but by less than a TD.

49ers (-4.5) at Redskins

Dave: 49ers - My Redskins friends kept trying to warn me all season. "Dave, I know we're 3-1, but we suck. Trust me. We're gonna lose this week...and next week...and the week after...". And I kept trying to be the optimist and I kept ignoring them. Now, I'm done trying to play glass half full with these Redskins. The Niners may be the most suspect 6-1 team in history, but they'll waltz to 7-1 here against a Redskins team lining up for Landry Jones in April. Niners by 10.

Gabe: - I said it before, I’ll say it again….John Beck is going to have show me something before I pick the Skins to win again. Niners by 6.

Browns (+10.5) at Texans

Dave: Browns - Am I the only one who sees Chris Ogbonnaya, plucked off Houston's practice squad by Cleveland two weeks ago and now getting his first start, becoming a fantasy breakout star against his former team and further cementing the Madden Curse on Peyton Hillis by putting a stranglehold on the starting RB job? Probably, but the Browns aren't horrible defensively and 10.5 points is a lot to give up even if this is the crappy Browns. My gut says this one's closer than it needs to be. Texans by 9.

Gabe: Houston - Houston has been on a roll. They really want to put their foot on the neck of the rest of the division, and to do that they need to keep winning. Cleveland is not living up to expectations and had a bit of locker room drama this week, with some veterans calling out Peyton Hillis in a players only intervention style meeting. Cleveland is not playing well, Houston has momentum, I say the Texans by 14.

Bengals (+3) at Titans

Dave: Bengals - I didn't see this Bengals team coming. 5-2 with a rookie QB and WR as your two best players on offense? Crazy. Meanwhile, the world lost Andy Rooney yesterday but the fantasy football world lost Chris Johnson a couple months ago and there has yet to be a formal service for his passing. The Bengals play stingy D and with the Titans without Kenny Britt(torn ACL), and Chris Johnson(starting, but possibly dead from a cash coma), there won't be much offense on Tennessee's end. Bengals by 12.

Gabe: Bengals - The Bengals are paper tigers, but Tennessee is dealing with injuries and uninspired play. The Cincy offense is young and dumb enough to think they might be able to play with the big boys. Marvin Lewis is showing everyone why he was once called a defensive genius. I'll take the Bengals for the outright win in a small upset.

Packers (-5.5) at Chargers

Dave: Chargers - When you're up 17 games on your weekly picks opponent, you can afford to punt a game by attempting the reverse jinx so that your favorite team can remain undefeated. As a Packers fan, I want my boys to pull out a victory over what might be their toughest opponent all season. As a football fan, though, I want this Chargers loss to be the final straw for A.J. Smith and Norv Turner. Enough's enough now. This team has had enough talent over the past decade to win numerous Super Bowls and they've blown it. Now, they're on the verge of choking away another AFC West title. Fire these two idiots and bring in Jon Gruden because, as a human being, getting him out of the booth will be beneficial to everyone.

Gabe: Green Bay - San Diego has all of the potential in the world and none of the results. Their coach is soft. Their QB has issues between the ears. They aren’t tough as a team. Green Bay has none of those issues. I think Green Bay is going to roll and win by double digits.

Broncos (+7) at Raiders

Dave: Raiders - Quick question: If Tony Romo and Tim Tebow are drowning in the ocean and ESPN can only save one, who gets to live? (The answer is Tom Brady because Romo will find a way to still choke in a liferaft and Tebow can't drown because he can walk on water.). There aren't enough words to describe how awful this Broncos team is but Timmy Touchdown at least makes them interesting. Not interesting enough for an upset over a Raiders team trying to stay afloat in the AFC West, but interesting enough.

Gabe: Oakland - Denver is awful, especially with Tebow under center. Oakland is going to punch them in the mouth and win big.

Giants (+9.5) at Patriots

Dave: Patriots - New England's coming off a loss, the Giants are without Ahmad Bradshaw and Hakeem Nicks, and you know there's been a non-stop loop of "The Helmet Catch" somewhere to remind the Pats of the last time these two teams met(Gabe's still trying to sleep off the hangover from that night). The Pats' D is bad enough to keep this one close but Eli Manning will find a way to keep that from happening by throwing at least two bonehead picks this week. Pats by 10.

Gabe: New York - The Giants’ end of season schedule is brutal, and it starts today in New England. I think the Giants have a slight chance in this one. They are the team that perfected the formula to beating, and beating up, Tom Brady. The Giants’ pass rush is still the scariest in the NFL. I think their only chance is to let the boys pin their ears back and get after Brady. I also like the Giants’ receivers against the Patriot secondary. That being said, no one is better at scheming and exploiting weaknesses than Head Coach Hoodie and no one is better at carving a defense than Tom Terrific. I think this game is going to be close, and 9.5 is too many points.

Rams (+2.5) at Cardinals

Dave: Rams - Sam Bradford's back for St. Louis and Kevin Kolb's out for Arizona. The Rams got their first win last week against New Orleans. If they can pull out a win here, as Lou Brown would say, that is what we would call a "win streak". The Rams are better than their 1-6 record and I think they prove it here. Also, Bradford(currently with three TD passes after missing the last two weeks) will pass Curtis Painter on the TD pass leader list by night's end. Take it to the bank. Rams by 7.

Gabe: St. Louis- Here we are again. The game I wouldn’t watch even if it were being played in my driveway. I’ll take the Rams because they at least have some fight in them, which is more than you can say for Arizona.

Ravens (+3) at Steelers

Dave: Steelers - The last time these two teams met, the Ravens opened up a can of whoop ass to the tune of five turnovers for Big Ben and a 35-7 rout in B-more. Since then, the Ravens have tried their hardest to prove that game was a fluke, losing to teams like Tennessee and Jacksonville and going down 24-3 at the half to Arizona before narrowly winning last week. The Steelers, meanwhile, aren't as alive as many think but aren't quite dead either. They're on life support. They also want to get revenge on a Ravens team that was unwilling to take the boot off their neck in Week 1. My big money fantasy team has Mike Wallace, Big Ben and Ray Rice going tonight, so I'm hoping for a shootout. More likely, Steelers win by 6 in a clone of yesterday's LSU-'Bama offensive struggle.

Gabe: Pittsburgh - Hopefully this will be another smash mouth, old school, classic football game. These teams are both playing much differently than the first time they met. Pittsburgh has found their stride and I think they win a hard hitting nasty game, by 4.

Bears (+7.5) at Eagles

Dave: Eagles - I really would like a Philly loss here just to end all the glad-handing over a Eagles resurgence that's been going on the last few weeks, but Chicago doesn't have enough on either side of the ball to both keep up with Philly and stop Mike Vick from going nuts. Jason Babin is going to get aquainted with Jay Cutler a few times, but if Chicago's smart, they lean on Matt Forte heavy and keep Vick off the field and put up points by exploiting that terrible Eagles run D. That's if they're smart though. Eagles by 9.

Gabe: Chicago - Fact, Michael Vick has never beaten the Bears as a starter. Fact, the Bears beaten Philly three out of the last four times they’ve played. All that being said, each of the last five match-ups have been decided by five points or less, so why would this one be any different? I don’t think it will be. Either team by a field goal.

Week 9 Picks

Both Gabe and I took quite the beating last week as we both are still trying to make sense out of what has been a schizophrenic season thus far. However, despite the fact we both lost the final four games of last week, I still outpointed Gabe by 1(6-7 to 5-8), which puts me back up 3 for the season(70-46 to 67-49).

Anyway, here's our picks for Week 9:

Chiefs (+6.5) at Jaguars

Dave: Chiefs - I don't think the Jags are good enough to be favored by 6 over anyone. Lest we forget, this team needed overtime to beat the Rams by 3 and they got clobbered by a then-winless Titans team last week. They have no pass rush and no real identity on offense. I like the addition of Chris Chambers for KC and I think they use the momentum from the Larry Johnson suspension to notch their 2nd win.

Gabe: Chiefs - The Jags have the worst pass defense in the league. The Chiefs are starting Jamaal Charles at running back and he has played very well when given the opportunity. Overall though, this game is going to suck. Upset Special? I guess. There ain't a damn thing special about it though. I'll take the Chiefs to win a game that not even David Garrard's mom wants to watch.

Ravens(-3) at Bengals

Dave: Bengals - Good battle of different types of momentum here. Ravens are coming off a big upset win of formerly undefeated Denver. Cincinatti is coming off a bye week. The Bengals beat this Ravens squad in Baltimore not too long ago in a game that featured Cedric Benson being the first runner to eclipse the century mark on the Ravens D since 1742....or something like that. I think this one is won in the closing seconds, and I'll take the points on this one.

Gabe: Ravens - This game is about revenge and antics. The Ravens are mad they got beaten by Cincy at home earlier this year, and then Chad Ochocinco pulled his deodorant stunt. Cincy RB Cedric Benson was the first running back to gain over 100 yards against the Ravens since Jesus was a lieutenant. I doubt the Ravens have forgotten that. I'll take the Ravens to play killer defense and win by more than 3.

Texans(+9) at Colts

Dave: Texans - I think people are going to get suckered into taking Houston here because of the sudden outbreak of bad injuries to the Colts D, because Houston always plays them tough, and because(as we saw with Denver last week), eventually even the good teams get stopped dead in their tracks. The Texans are going for journeyman Ryan Moats over Steve Slaton as their starter here, which means we could see the second coming of Earnest Graham or the Colts will be up 28 by halftime. I think Andre 3000 and Matt Schaub expose this beat up secondary. Texans by 7.

Gabe: Texans - If you read my piece at Sports Talk Buzz (Boom! Cross-promoted!), you'll know I like the Texans in this match-up. Indianapolis is missed three starters in the secondary, and they are starting two rookies at corner. The Texans pass offense is going to light it up. The Texans have completely turned their defense around and are now the no. 1 ranked run D in the league. Here is what will balance all of that out...1. This is the biggest game in Texans history. 2. Peyton Manning, Reggie Wayne, Dallas Clark, and co. are not injured. This game is going to be a high scoring shoot-out. I think the Colts will win, but it will be closer than 9.

Redskins(+9) at Falcons

Dave: Falcons - You want to believe Washington used the bye week to rally together and play hard for coach Jim Zorn the rest of the way. You want to think they'll shake up the world here by pulling off an inspired victory over the solid-yet-beatable Falcons. You'd like to think that, but it's just too far-fetched. The Falcons gave New Orleans all it could handle on Monday night and, even on a short week, I like them to trounce a Redskins team that has can't seem to get out of its own way. Falcons by 14.

Gabe: Redskins - They have had the bye week to rest and hopefully put things together. The Falcons lost a tough game on Monday night and I think the short week will affect them. I don't think the Redskins will win, but I like them to keep it within 7.

Packers(-9.5) at Bucs

Dave: Packers - I mentioned this on Facebook, and I'll say it here: I think this year's Packers will go down in history as the worst 10-6 team in history. Right now, they're 4-3 and, looking at the remaining schedule, they have three games they can potentially lose(next week against Dallas, and two tough December games against Baltimore and Pittsburgh). The remaining 6? Tampa Bay, Detroit, Seattle, San Fran, Chicago and a Week 17 matchup against Arizona, who will probably have nothing to play for by then. They're staring at 10-6 or 9-7, which would be a 3 or 4 win improvement from last year. Meanwhile, Aaron Rodgers is three sacks away from eclipsing his sack total from the entire 2008 season. I think Green Bay plays it safe, runs the ball down Tampa's throat, then pulls A-Rod by halftime. Packers by 20.

Gabe: Packers - They are going to crush the Bucs, unless the creamsicle-orange-throwbacks blind the them. The Bucs suck. They are starting rookie draft-reach Josh Freeman at QB. I think the Packers eat the Bucs alive and win by double digits.

Cardinals(+3) at Bears

Dave: Cardinals - Even in their rout of the Division III Cleveland Browns last week, the Bears didn't look very impressive. At the core, this is still a team that is banged up on D, makes too many mistakes on O, and has far too many coaching brain farts. Meanwhile, Arizona plays the run well(which isn't a big deal since Matt Forte has decided to mail it in this season) and has a opportunistic secondary(which IS a big deal since Jay Cutler hasn't figured out totally what jerseys his team wears). I think we see a heavy helping of Beanie Wells as they try to avoid a repeat of last week's INT fest and I think Cutler tosses four picks, with one going to the house. Cards by 10.

Gabe: Cardinals - I can't figure either of these teams out. What I do know is this: The Cardinals at least have the potential to be exciting and play well. The Bears have Cutler on offense, and Cutler only. I think the Cardinals rise up and win this one.

Dolphins(+10.5) at Patriots

Dave: Patriots - Joey Porter can spout off about his hatred for Tom Brady and the Pats all he wants. At the end of the day, it's still Randy Moss and Wes Welker being covered by two rookie corners and a future Hall of Fame quarterback who is now a little more motivated by Porter's quotes and is playing at home(where he's more likely to get the gift calls Porter has been so vocal about). Plus, I think New England remembers getting shredded by the Wildcat last season and Belichick is ready for them. Pats by 13.

Gabe: Patriots - No coach is better at planning than Bill Belichick. They have had two weeks to get ready for this game. The Patriots have figured out how to defend the Wildcat. Plus, whenever an opposing player opens his yap Tom Brady always seems to take it personally and makes the guy pay. The Pats will win big.

Panthers(+13) at Saints

Dave: Saints - Jake "Pick 6" Delhomme vs. Darren "Take It To The House" Sharper? Advantage: Sharper. Game. Set. Match. Saints. By 14.

Gabe: Saints - The Panthers have no run defense. Drew Brees can throw on anyone. My fantasy team and I hope Drew Brees and Pierre Thomas have big games. Saints by at least 17.

Lions(+10) at Seahawks

Dave: Lions - Detroit showed early in the season that they are a much scrappier team when they have The Big Three(Matt Stafford, Kevin Smith, Calvin Johnson) on the field together. Well, guess who is planning a reunion tour this Sunday? The Seahawks are oddly still in the mix in the NFC West despite being 2-5 and all signs point to them routing Detroit here, but I don't know if this defense can stop the Stafford-to-Megatron connection consistently enough to make this a blowout. Seahawks by 7.

Gabe: Lions - Like Dave said, the Lions big three are all playing this week. Seattle is a better team, but the Lions play hard. I think Seattle wins, but by less than ten.

Titans(+4.5) at 49ers

Dave: 49ers - How are the Niners only 4.5 point favorites at home against a team fresh off getting its first win of the season? The Titans were impressive in beating Jacksonville last week, but this isn't Jacksonville. Mike Singletary is smart enough to stack the box against the run and force Vince Young to beat them, which is risky with Nate Clements out, but I think it's a gamble worth taking. Niners by 6 here, with Michael Crabtree notching his first NFL TD.

Gabe: 49ers - This line is probably this low because of what the Titans did last week. They should be bigger dogs than 4.5. The Vince Young novelty was good for one game. Mike Singletary's defense will confuse Young. San Fran by a touchdown.

Chargers(+4.5) at Giants

Dave: Chargers - I want to believe the Giants are too good to lose four straight, but their secondary can't cover anyone and that's a huge disadvantage when you're playing Phillip Rivers. The first showdown between the two QBs from the big '04 NFL Draft trade is not getting nearly enough buzz, but I think Rivers outplays Eli Manning, who is more banged up than we think and might be playing once again without Mario Manningham. Chargers by 9.

Gabe: Chargers - I really hope the Giants win this game, but, their secondary has been exposed game after game. Philip Rivers can take advantage of this. Eli Manning is falling back into his bad habits. The only thing working against the Chargers is having to play on the East Coast again. Ugh, Chargers by three.

Cowboys(+3) at Eagles

Dave: Eagles - Here's where we see what Dallas is made of. The last time we saw these two teams in Philadelphia, Tony Romo was helping punch the Eagles' playoff ticket, T.O. was crying, and Cowboy fans were getting the noose fitted for Wade Phillips' neck. This time around, there's the never-ending saga that is Roy Williams' mouth and I think his clear envy of Miles Austin not only hurts the team here, but plays a big role in keeping Dallas out of the playoffs for another year. Romo's INT-free streak ends here. Eagles by 10.

Gabe: Eagles - The 'Boys had been quietly putting together a very nice season...then Roy Williams pulled his best "I'm not T.O."-T.O. like speech. Really Roy? You're not T.O.? Big physical receiver, bitching about Tony Romo, who leads the team in drops? Sounds a lot like T.O. to me. The tenuous hold on good chemistry the Cowboys had is now shattered. Oh, and by the way, the Eagles are really good. Andy Reid loves to throw and with rookies DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin playing great right now, I think the Eagles will roll.

Steelers(-3) at Broncos

Dave: Steelers - It's going to be interesting to see how the Broncos bounce back after having the steam knocked out of them by way of a Baltimore stomach punch last week. Now, they get a tough Steelers team coming off a bye and an extra day of rest. I see Kyle Orton getting frustrated by this Steelers D and I like the size-speed combo of Rashard Mendenhall and Willie Parker against this Broncos' front seven. Steelers are normally money on primetime, so I'll take them by two field goals.

Gabe: Steelers - The Broncos are going to have a hangover from last week. Pittsburgh's D is not who you want to face in that state of mind, especially with the Steelers coming off of a bye. The Steelers D will crush them.

Last Week:

Dave: 6-7

Gabe: 5-8

Season:

Dave: 70-46

Gabe: 67-49