Week eight passed and took with it a first from the pick ‘em wisely column: Someone’s LOCK was defeated. We’d made it just two weeks into picking LOCKs and UPSETs before anyone botched a LOCK, and it actually happened twice in week eight. Nick was as shocked as the rest of the league when Arizona was dominated at home by the Carolina Hello Kitties, while Tony rode the Bronco’s undefeated bang-wagon one week too long as they were blown out in Baltimore. Pat registered the first flawless week in over a month and looks to keep his streak alive in week nine, a rare week for the NFL by 2009 standards; there’s actually six/seven very interesting match ups on the schedule.
Here are our thoughts on four of those games, followed as always by LOCKS and UPSETS…
Ravens @ Bengals
Pat McGuire- Cincinnatis “so-called run” is completely over. They are still a better team currently than they have been in previous years, but they aren’t just quite ready to hang around with Baltimore. It is supposed to be a sunny Sunday afternoon in Cincinnati which is perfect weather for the Ravens to fly beautifully with a win by 4 TD’s.
Nick Gustafson- I think Baltimore falters after a big win over Denver. The Bengals will come out and stretch the field and finish it off with a healthy dose of Cedric Benson.
Dudley French- Cincy beat the Ravens in the first match up in Baltimore, but that was an anomaly. The Ravens have gotten much better on both sides of the ball and there will be no letdown for the birds in this one. Ravens by 17
Tony Bozma- Anytime you pick an AFC North team to win a game (Cleveland excluded), you’ve got a good shot. When they face each other? Flip a coin. Mine landed on Baltimore by 9.
Wes French- WHO DEY? WHO DEY? WHO DEY THINK GON’ BEAT DEM BENGALS?! The Ravens, that’s who. I like Flacco to shine and the defense to produce a score or two of their own to contribute to a double-digit win.
Texans @ Colts
PM- Indy looked bad last week, but found a way to win. I am sure Peyton and the boys ironed out the small mistakes which gives and reason to even elaborate — Indy huge.
NG- Indy Keeps it rolling. I’m not a believer in Houston yet and anyone that is, is going to get burned worse than the Texan’s secondary this week.
DF- Indy just squeeked by San Fran last week and Houston coming off a big win in Buffalo. Manning will be just to much for the Texan defense though, so I’ll take the Colts to win big at home.
TB- Just as the Texans are starting to make at run at things, they have to travel to Indianapolis where they will be put in their place by 14 (at least).
WF- The Texans gave the Colts fits in both meetings last year and while I feel they can match them offensively, I just don’t see them stopping Peyton and Wayne at Lucus Oil field on Sunday. Colts by 14.
Cowboys @ Eagles – Game of the Week
PM- I personally am looking forward to this one. If Dallas wins, they will open eyes and let people know that they are for real and if Philadelphia wins, I can see them playing the Saints in the NFC Championship. It is all about home-field in this match-up, as I am going to have to pick the Eagles in a very close game. The Cowboys have been laying low and winning football games, but Williams made the news this week, which means a weird locker room resulting in a loss.
NG- Personally not a believer in either of these teams. There is no consistency. I’ll Take Philly at home.
DF- Dallas is starting to show some life, but Philly is always tough at home. However, I like Dallas on the Road in a good matchup. Dallas by a field goal.
TB- The Cowboys have won three-in-a-row, but a win against the Eagles makes them legit contenders in the NFC. If Jerry Jones cut Roy Williams, I’d have the Cowboys winning by 10. But Williams’ idiocy is growing and he’ll probably screw up a touchdown play. Cowboys by 3.
WF- I really hope we get a good game out of these two in prime time this week. Dallas has quietly built a solid record and can take control of the NFC East with a win, but Roy Williams won’t allow them to be noticed for anything but drama. Philadelphia destroyed the depleted Giants last week but looked lazy/sluggish against the lowly Redskins the week before and lost in Oakland of all places the game prior to that. I’ll take the ‘boys by six all while hoping we just get an idea of who these teams are.
Steelers @ Broncos
PM- If history holds true, the Steelers will come off there bye-week and look sluggish as hell. They seem to play better when they are beat up and tired, but we will see what happens on Monday night. Denver still hasn’t completely convinced me that they are one of the best teams in the AFC, but I think they will be good enough on Monday to beat the Steelers. Pisses me off to even think this way.
NG- …And with my homer pick of the week, I like Denver to bounce back after the beat down they took at the hands of the Ravens. Going to be a hard fought game so we will see if McDaniels has his team ready to play.
DF- Denver finally got beat by a good dominating Baltimore team and as I predicted the glass slippers have finally been put away. Look for more of the same for Denver from here on out. Pitsburgh, going away.
TB- I don’t like Denver to lose two-in-a-row, especially since they’re at home in this game. However, it will probably take a Brandon Stokley trick/fluke play at the end to pull it off. Denver by 6
WF- I’ll take the rested Steelers over the rattled Broncos. I see the Steelers using a steady rushing attack and hostile defense to win this one by 9.
1. PM 12-4
2. DF 16-8
3. TB 14-10
4. NG 4-3
5. WF 13-11
LOCKS
DF(2/2)/NG(1/2)/WF(2/2) – Atlanta over Washington
PM(2/2) – Indianapolis over Houston
TB(1/2) – Miami over New England
Upsets
DF/PM – Carolina over New Orleans
TB/WF(1) – Detroit over Seattle
NG(2) – Kansas City over Jacksonville
