NFL Week 14 – Giants vs Vikings

As the roof of the Metrodome collapsed postponing the Giants-Vikings game, this is the break that the Minnesota Vikings were looking for, or at least it gave Brett Favre an extra day to recover from his shoulder injury that was sustained against the Bills.

Right now the odds are set at and football handicapping websites are not foreseeing any major changes in their NFL football picks as the odds have remain the same with the NY Giants being the favorite ranging from -4 to -4.5.

That said, even though we still do not know whether Brett Favre will be playing, we do know that Tavaris Jackson has proven himself as a reliable QB.  While the Giants have a record of 8-4, they have had 7 of their games go over the total which is currently at 43.5.

This football handicapper says, to go with the over.

NFL Football Picks Week 8 – Tennessee Titans vs San Diego Chargers

Tennessee Titans vs San Diego Chargers Expert NFL Picks Week 8 Analysis: Early predictions of a successful season for the San Diego Chargers have proved dubious at best as they have only been able to manage 2 wins in their first 7 games. At the same time, the Tennessee Titans have put together a solid season on their way to compiling a nice 5 and 2 record. So going into this game, who do you think is favored? Why the team with the losing record, of course! Sound mysterious? Time to take a look behind the curtain.

The Chargers were pre-season favorites in the AFC West, but have decidedly underperformed expectations. They have lost some close games and last week suffered a narrow loss at the hands of the New England Patriots, a quality team by most standards. Still, their record and the fact that two of their three losses were against perennial doormats the Oakland Raiders and the St. Louis Rams.

Their 2010 season certainly puzzles those who look at the team’s statistics. The Chargers lead the league in both overall offense and overall defense. How could a team with those statistics be 2 for 7? The Charger faithful can tell you. The team has shot itself in the foot so many times it’s a wonder they have any feet at all. You name it… penalties, turnovers, injuries, mistakes by the special teams… Murphy’s law could have been written with this team in mind. The question is, how long can this streak of bad luck last, and if it does, how long till the team gives up?

Meanwhile, Tennessee has put together a more-than-decent 5 and 2 record, while still not gaining much respect around the league. The current betting line in Las Vegas has them three and a half to four point underdogs and top nfl handicappers are confident about the line..

Tennessee has a few question marks going into this weeks game in San Diego. Vince Young is hurting, recovering from a sprained left knee and ankle. Still, it looks likely that he will be able to start. In the words of Coach Jeff Fisher, “I think there is a good chance Vince will start.” Not for sure, but a good chance, and if he does start, will his mobility be affected?

Then there is the Kenny Britt situation, a distraction caused by his alleged involvement in a bar fight. Should Vince Young be unable to start, or unable to finish, the quarterbacking duties will fall on the veteran Kerry Collins, who is himself only listed as probable, with the middle finger of his throwing hand injured. Receiver Justin Gage still has problems with his hamstring and is only ‘questionable.’

It is the feeling of THIS humble writer that San Diego is overdue, and will cover the spread playing at home. If they don’t, even the Charger faithful will be giving up hope.

Patriots and Ravens Cliff Hanger

If you were looking for a cliff-hanger, a nail-biter and some overtime football, you didn’t need to look any further than the clash between to of the NFL’s best teams, the New England Patriots and the Baltimore Ravens. And like any good cliff-hanger hanger, coming to the rescue was a hero, in this case a last-minute trade acquisition named Deon Branch.

For those unfamiliar with the story, Deon Branch was once a member of the Patriots… a member who happened to be named the Most Valuable Player of Super Bowl XXXIX by tying Jerry Rice and former Cincinnati Bengals tight end Dan Ross for the Super Bowl reception record with 11 receptions.

After a contract dispute, he was traded to the Seattle Seahawks. The Patriots soon brought in Randy Moss and were back on track until Moss decided HE wasn’t being treated well and ended up being traded to the Vikings. Exit Moss, enter Branch, again, just in time to pull the Patriot’s chestnuts out of the fire.

The Ravens carried a 20 to 10 lead into the 4^th quarter, only to see it vanish by the end and the game head into overtime. There had been a lot of questions about the Patriots receiving corps after Moss’ departure. Rob Gronkowski??? Ah, but enter the cavalry, in the form of Deon Branch. Seven receptions, the most important of which came in the late game comeback.

When the smoke cleared, the Ravens’ 3 game winning streak was over, and the Patriots are feeling alright about the exit of Randy Moss. Just how prepared the Ravens were for Branch is an open question. It is doubtful that they expected him to re-connect with Tom Brady as if they had never spent a game apart, let alone several seasons.

So, does this mean the Patriots’ worries are over? Time alone will tell if opposing teams will make adjustments to the new lineup and be able to stop New England. It should be kept in mind that this win was NOT a blowout, and the Ravens gave them all they could handle.

Next week the head to San Diego to face the Chargers, who lost to the lowly Raiders who in turn just lost to the formerly winless 49ers. And THIS week, they lost to the Rams! The NFL handicappers have them early 3 point favorites. If the Patriots are for real, 3 points would seem to be a virtual lock. On the other hand, maybe they know something we don’t? Maybe, and maybe not. We’ll see.

NFL Football Picks Week 6

Alright, kick off for NFL week 6 is just in 40 minutes and my NFL football picks are ready to go. 

Based on my power ranking here are the picks to check out:

New England Patriots -2.5

With the loss of Randy Moss, the Patriots have had to develop a new offensive strategy and they have gone down on my power ranking but even though the Raven’s defense ransk as one of the toughest in the league, the spread is not going to cover because they are still far away from having the perfect defense.

Tampa Bay Buccanners +5

On this one, really rooting against the Saints as last week’s defeat against the Cardinal showed that their offense is on the glitch as they are usually high scorers.

On a different topic, I just got done reading the NFL Week 6 ATS Standings from Tim Manson who is a great NFL expert.  For every handicapper out there, you need to check out what he says about the Saints which just goes to prove my point again about how they will not cover today.

NFL Week 4 Early Picks

Alright people,

Lets put up some free football picks,  I feel good about Pittsburgh.  I thought that they would be barely staying ahead with Ben Roethlisberger gone but they have been a powerhouse.  I’ll take hem at -1.5

I’m taking the Carolina Panthers at 13.5 because The Saints need to get back into the same shape they were in last season.  In general, a team that has won the SuperBowl that many time have a slow start.  The Panthers have been losing every game so far by at least 13 points but Foxhole has been working hard on his defense this week and changing his strategy around.

NFL Week 3 – Monday Night Football Recap

For those who didnt get to watch last night’s NFL Monday Night Football game I feel sorry for you as it was a great game to watch as the Chicago Bears  took on the Green Bay Packers and ended the game with a 20-17 scores for the Bears.

What made this match-up intersting is that it involved 2 of the NFL’s top passers from two teams that have a historical rivalry.  This was obvious in the play-by-play as  with Green Bay committing 17 penalties.

There is now a  large amount of pressure on the Bears as they are noww the only undefeated tean in the NFC.  Let’s see if they can keep it up as they go against the  NY Giants.