Since
I had another pretty lousy week because of the topsy turvy NFL, I
thought it might be interesting to try something different this week (
no not skip my column for those hoping). Since most of what I have been
doing lately has been wrong, I thought I would pick the opposite of
what I am thinking for this week's games. For anyone that is a fan of
Seinfeld, this is a reference to the episode where George did the
opposite of everything he ever did. It got him a job with the New York
Yankees. As Jerry said to George in that episode, "If everything you
have ever done in your life is wrong, then the opposite must be right".
May be that will work for me. Of course, now the teams that are
expected to win will win, totally messing up my theory. And I am very
superstitious, so if I do have a pretty good week, perhaps I will try
my luck being opposite again next week. But let's not get ahead of
ourselves.
As always, home team in CAPS.
Arizona 1 ST. LOUIS
The
Cardinals survived a scare last week, and the Rams actually are ok. The
Cardinals have remained undefeated but we will see how long it lasts.
Their offense needs some help. Being at home though I will take the
Rams to end the Cardinals streak.
Rams 20-17
Baltimore 8 KANSAS CITY
The
Ravens have had a couple of extra days to get ready for this game, but
they might not need it. The Chiefs really struggled last week, but may
be they will get their act together for this game. Yeah, sure why not.
They will at least cover.
Ravens 23-21
Green Bay 7 INDIANAPOLIS
The
Packers winning last week might get them going, but the Colts have had
an extra week to get ready. They will also be playing with heavy hearts
as their Head Coach Chuck Pagano was diagnosed this week with a mild
form of leukemia. I think that the Colts could be playing with some
emotion, but I think Green Bay might go on a roll. I'll take the
Packers here.
Packers 30-20
Chicago 6 JACKSONVILLE
The
Bears have a short week but lucky for them they are playing
Jacksonville. The Jaguars certainly are not much. It is a good thing
they have Maurice Jones-Drew. I like them this week though. In the
topsy turvy world called the NFL, anything can happen.
Jaguars 24-23
NEW YORK GIANTS 7 1/2 Cleveland
For some reason, and I can't explain it, my gut is telling me that the
Browns are going to upset the Giants this week.
Browns 26-24
Atlanta 3 WASHINGTON
The
Falcons, like Arizona, escaped last week to remain undefeated. The
Redskins are tough to figure out, but they did win last week.
I
think this is the week that the Falcons finally lose.
Redskins 27-21
SAN FRANCISCO 9 1/2 Buffalo
The
49ers looked like world beaters last week, and the Bills totally lost
control of a game they definitely could have won. I know the 49ers are
very good, but I am pretty sure Buffalo was overrated. However, the
49ers could be due for a letdown after last week's great performance.
I'll take the Bills to upset the 49ers.
Bills 30-26
NEW ORLEANS 3 1/2 San Diego
I
am not sure if the Saints are going to win a game this year. OK, they
will win a few, but not this week. The Chargers have lost two
in
a row and will not have a three game losing streak this early in the
season. I'll take San Diego.
Chargers 28-17
MINNESOTA 5 1/2 Tennessee
The
Vikings are off to a surprising 3-1 start. I don't think anybody
expected it, even people living in Minnesota. The Titans were looking
to be possible playoff contenders, and then they played a game. They
will win here though. Another one of those gut feelings.
Titans 20-16
CINCINNATI 3 1/2 Miami
The
Bengals are another team off to a good start, but some thought they
might be. The Dolphins are pretty much what was expected, not that good
but a pain to play. They will be a real pain this week. I think
Cincinnati might overlook Miami and they could get caught napping. I'll
take Miami in a mild upset.
Dolphins 21-20
PITTSBURGH 3 1/2 Philadelphia
The
Eagles are leading the NFC East, but Michael Vick needs to start
playing better. The Steelers had an early bye week, and they should be
fresh. But the Eagles should be able to handle their interstate rivals.
The Steelers are still good but they have taken a step back.
Eagles 29-24
Houston 7 1/2 NEW YORK JETS
The
Texans are flying right now, and they are the best team in the league.
The Jets, on the other hand, are a mess as their injuries keep piling
up. May be this is one of those games that the Texans lose when they
shouldn't, which happened a couple of times last year. In fact, I think
it will be.
Jets 23-20
Stinker of the Week
CAROLINA 3 Seattle
The
Panthers are in need of another win and truthfully they deserve
it. Seattle lost last week, and for some reason they are very
good one week and poor the next. Since they were poor last week I guess
that means they will be very good this week. So I guess I have to take
them.
Seahawks 27-26
Game of the Week
NEW ENGLAND 6 1/2 Denver
The
Patriots ended up rolling last week, and it could be the start of a
winning streak. The Broncos and Peyton Manning looked great last week.
If the offense really starts to click they could be a tough out. I
think the Patriots secondary is still somewhat untested. They will get
tested this week, and they will fail.
Broncos 30-27
Record For Week Four: 10-5 ( 6-9 without the spread
)
Record Through Week Four: 35-25-3 (27-36 without
the spread )
Game of Week Record: 3-1
Stinker of Week Record: 3-1
Jim Poore has been a long time contributor to Patriots Insider with his weekly picks column. Let him know what you think. Email him here:
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