Suddenly we are in week 10 of the NFL season, and I don't
know where the time goes. We still have a long ways to go though, with
some surprise teams still playing well and some earlier favorites
fading fast. Such is the life in the NFL. I actually had a great record
last week, and hopefully I can continue the trend. There are a lot of
big games this weekend, especially a tremendous Game of the Week, so I
won't waste any more typing here.
As always, home team in CAPS.
Indianapolis 3 1/2 JACKSONVILLE
The Colts are one of the surprise teams I mentioned in the opener.
Except for Houston, their division stinks. Still, Andrew Luck is
proving all of his worth as the number one overall pick. The Jaguars
will likely be getting that number one pick next year.
Colts 26-17
Atlanta 2 1/2 NEW ORLEANS
The Falcons are still undefeated, but this game could be very tough.
The Saints have been much better lately, and they could end up in the
playoffs after a disastrous start. I think Atlanta's run will come to
an end. For some reason, I was never sold on them to begin with.
Saints 30-27
Detroit 2 1/2 MINNESOTA
These two teams are going in totally opposite directions. I think many
didn't believe in the Vikings anyway, and now the Lions are starting to
play better. I just don't see the Vikings playing back to their earlier
ways from this season. I like Detroit here.
Lions 27-17
TAMPA BAY 3 San Diego
I have heard some saying that the Chargers could sneak into the
playoffs this year. How, I don't know. I would be shocked. I would also
be surprised if the Bucs got into the post season. They won't, but they
have been better lately. I'll take them here.
Buccaneers 24-20
NEW ENGLAND 10 1/2 Buffalo
The Patriots are coming off of their bye week, and the Bills lately
have been playing like they are on one. There isn't too much analysis
for this game. I don't see any problems for New England. It won't be a
total blowout, but they should win fairly comfortably.
Patriots 34-17
SEATTLE 7 New York Jets
The Seahawks are right in the playoff chase in the NFC, and the Jets
have the most overrated coach in the NFL, according to players. They
are also coming off of a bye week, but the Jets have all kinds of
problems right now. I'll take Seattle at home.
Seahawks 21-13
Denver 3 1/2 CAROLINA
The Broncos should win the AFC West, and Peyton Manning looks like he
hasn't lost much at all. The Panthers have been
disappointing, but they did play better last week. Still, I think the
Broncos should be able to pull this one out.
Broncos 26-21
SAN FRANCISCO 10 1/2 St. Louis
Both teams were off last week, and the 49ers could be priming
themselves for a long playoff run. The Rams are already primed for a
long season. I don't see any issues for the 49ers here.
49ers 33-14
MIAMI 5 1/2 Tennessee
The Dolphins are in the playoff hunt in the AFC, but I think they will
fade. The Titans just are not that good, and the Dolphins aren't great.
But Miami is playing better, and Ryan Tannehill is playing well. Miami
needs a solid quarterback. May be they finally found one.
Dolphins 21-14
BALTIMORE 7 Oakland
The Ravens are still a good team, but their injuries are clearly
showing. They need Joe Flacco more than anything now. The Oakland
Raiders need a lot more than that. They are still mired in mediocrity
after all of these years. The Ravens are struggling a bit but they
should be able to put away the Raiders at home.
Ravens 20-10
New York Giants 4 CINCINNATI
The Giants fell a little short last week, as did the Bengals. I was
never a believer in the Bengals, but I do believe in the Giants. I
don't see them losing two in a row, nor do I expect Eli Manning to have
two terrible games back to back. I'll take the New Yorkers
here.
Giants 27-21
PITTSBURGH 11 1/2 Kansas City
Hats off to the Steelers, who showed up at last week's Giants' game the
day of, because they didn't want to take any hotel rooms away from the
hurricane victims. They deserve a lot of high praise. They also are
quietly playing very well, and could be lining up for the AFC North
Title. The Chiefs stink. I don't know how else to put it. The
Steelers should have a relatively easy day.
Steelers 30-14
Game of the Week
CHICAGO 1 Houston
This is a big game despite the different conferences. Both teams have
only one loss. Some still don't believe in the Bears, while many do
believe in the Texans. I do as well. The defenses are both very good,
but I like Houston's offense better. I'll take the Texans in a very
slight upset.
Texans 23-21
Stinker of the Week
Dallas 1 1/2 PHILADELPHIA
I'm not sure anybody would disagree with this. The Eagles are reeling,
the Cowboys are in near turmoil ( what else is new ), and one team has
to win. I'll take the Eagles. I think they need to win more.
Eagles 27-26
Record For Week Nine: 11-5 ( 11-5 without the spread
)
Record Through Week Nine: 53-65-3 ( 66-55 without
the spread )
Game of Week Record: 4-5
Stinker of Week Record: 3-6
Jim Poore has been a long time contributor to
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