Week 11 Pick'em

A week off in Omaha, Nebraska made this a shortened version of the picks.  Here are the 1 o'clock kickoffs, check back for the rest at halftime of the first slate of games.

Raiders @ Steelers (-7)
The Raiders need to run the ball to be effective.  The Steelers play great run defence and need to break out of this slump.

Straight Up: Steelers
Spread: Raiders (+7)

Texans @ Jets (-6.5)
The Texans are their usual up and down selves.  The Jets find ways to win and are in a tight battle with the Pats in the AFC East.  They can't afford a letdown.

Straight Up: Jets
Spread: Texans (+6.5)

Ravens @ Panthers (+13.5)
The Panthers are in trouble with the Ravens coming off an extra few days of rest.  Ravens are another team that can't afford to drop this one.

Straight Up: Ravens
Spread: Ravens (-13.5)


Redskins @ Titans (-7)
The Redskins secondary is struggling and they will be in man to man a lot to load the box against CJ.

Straight Up: Titans
Spread: Titans (-7)

Lions @ Cowboys (-5.5)
Last week the Cowboys looked like they could've been in the Super Bowl this year.  Too bad it's too late.

Straight Up: Cowboys
Spread: Cowboys (-5.5)

Packers @ Vikings (+3)
I don't really know why except to say that, as a lifetime Favre fan, this might be my last chance to pick him to win.

Straight Up: Vikings
Spread: Vikings (+3)

Bills @ Bengals (-4.5)
Bengals are out, so are the Bills.  Buffalo won't be as hungry now that they removed the goose egg.  Too much talent on the Bengals.

Straight Up: Bengals
Spread: Bengals (-4.5)

Browns @ Jags (-2.5)
The Browns are playing better football than the Jags, who just haven't impressed me despite a 5-4 record.

Straight Up: Browns
Spread: Browns (+2.5)

Cardinals @ Chiefs (-7)
The Chiefs need to rebound after last weeks loss.  Derek Anderson doesn't scare anyone.

Straight Up: Chiefs
Spread: Cardinals (+7)

Seahawks @ Saints (-11)
Saints are at home and need to keep pace with the Falcons.  Seahawks cover.

Straight Up: Saints
Spread: Seahawks (+11)

Falcons @ Rams (+3.5)
Falcons right now are the best team in football.  The Rams are a young team with promise but they aren't in the same league as Atlanta yet.

Straight Up: Falcons
Spread: Falcons

Bucs @ Niners (-3.5)
This should be a great one.  The Bucs are getting little respect (evidence by the 3.5 road dogs) but the Niners are a different team with Troy Smith at QB.  I think the Niners can creep back into the playoff race in the terrible NFC West.

Straight Up: Niners
Spread: Niners (-3.5)

Colts @ Patriots (-4.5)
Best game of the year so far.  I'll split the decision

Straight Up: Patriots
Spread: Colts (+4.5)

Giants @ Eagles (-3.5)
Mike Vick was amazing last week.  I expect an encore.  If he doesn't get hurt, I see him as the MVP and the Eagles in the NFC Championship against the Falcons.

Straight Up: Eagles
Spread: Eagles (-3.5)

Broncos @ Chargers (-9)
The Chargers are now favoured to win the AFC West in Vegas.  If this game was in Denver I think it might be different.  The Chargers play very well at home and this divisional game can't be overlooked.  Monday night games are typically closer (minus last weeks Vick experience).  The key will be whether or not the Chargers pass rush can get to Orton, if not, they have a very good chance.

Straight Up: Chargers
Spread: Broncos (+9)