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One week is a fluke, two weeks are a trend, three weeks is just dropping my drawers in front of the football gods and telling them kiss it. Once again, I dodged and weaved my way into a decent week of picking NFL games. I went 2-for-2 on my upset picks giving me a 3-for-4 run on the season. Not too bad, eh?
For those of you who are relying on me for your football pools - I plead with you - don't do it.
My week of woe is coming. It's as inevitable as death (unless you regenerate like Doctor Who) and taxes (Wow, I've managed to get Doctor Who references in my football picks two weeks in a row - how geeky am I?)
It's as expected as the Rays rallying from seven run deficit in the bottom of the 8th inning against the best team in the American League while Boston chokes to last placed Baltimore to win a playoff berth (okay, maybe that's not that expected).
It's coming.
So when you lose this week's $10 or whatever dollars you used to enter this week's football pool - don't come crying to me when 6-10 hits us squarely on the nose. I warned you...repeatedly.
If you care to read on, by all means do so.
Last Week: 11-5 68% Season: 35-13 73% Upset Special: 3-1 75% Bucs' Picks: 2-1 66%
Upset Special #1 Cincinnati 30, Buffalo 27 - This will be terribly wrong. I know it is - the Bills are certainly the better football team. But after that emotionally draining victory over the Patriots, having to go on the road and face a Bengals team that can score a little could be the definition of an Ackbar. (For those who don't speak geek, Admiral Ackbar was the lobster looking dude in Return of the Jedi who screamed "It's A Trap!")
Cleveland 20, Tennessee 16 - Two surprising 2-1 teams enter this one with a chance to complete the first quarter in great shape. Both teams are capable of winning this one so I'll go to my old tried and true philosophy of picking the home team.
Houston 28, Pittsburgh 16 - When Warren Sapp speaks, I listen. Warren says the Steelers are past their prime. My eyeballs agree with him. Plus, I think this is the Texans' time.
Upset Special #2: Detroit 23, Dallas 10 - The Cowboys looked more like the Keystone Kops on offense against the underrated Redskins. The Lions are the cats' meow right now. The Detroit Football Lions will be 4-0. My god, did I just write that? All we need now are the Lions and Bills to meet in the Super Bowl and we'll know judgment day has arrived.
Philadelphia 20, San Francisco 10 - The Dream Team's start has been a bit of a nightmare but I believe in Alex Smith and the 49ers on the road about as much as I believe in aliens. Okay, I believe in aliens - but not the Niners...or Leprechauns. Okay, maybe I believe in leprechauns, too - shut up!
Chicago 23, Carolina 13 - Cam and the Kitties come to Chi-town for a beat down.
Washington 20, St. Louis 10 - Gotta feel a little sorry for the Rams. They've had a brutal schedule. Its hard being the NFL's version of Florida Atlantic. I'm feeling what the Skins are doing right now. Don't sleep on these guys.
New Orleans 27, Jacksonville 3 - Blaine Gabbert vs. Drew Bress = to David vs. Goliath, but this time Goliath doesn't take David lightly.
Minnesota 23, Kansas City 20 - The Vikings finally build a first half lead they can hold on to...barely.
NY Giants 20, Arizona 16 - The New York Football Giants are a very quiet 2-1. Arizona is coming off a loss to Seattle - yes Seattle. G-men should get a solid win on the road.
Atlanta 20, Seattle 10 - The Seahags upset Arizona last week for their first win, that won't happen again against an angry and desperate Falcons squad that needs to figure out how to protect their quarterback.
Green Bay 31, Denver 20 - The Broncos inch ever so closer to the Tim Tebow error era while the World Champs keep pace with the Lions.
New England 34, Oakland 23 - The Raiders truly have a look of a playoff contender, while the Patriots are coming off a stunning loss to the upstart Buffalo Bills. While I really dig Oakland's homefield advantage I just can't see Tom Brady allowing his team to lose back-to-back games.
San Diego 37, Miami 3 - The Dolphins have already packed it in on Tony Soprano Sparano. The Super Chargers have a rare fast start this season.
Sunday Night
NY Jets 23, Baltimore 20 - The Jets enter the second game of a rare three game road trip. Baltimore has blown out two opponents and lost to another. Most teams would be intimidated going to Baltimore to face Ray and his Ravens. The Jets aren't most teams.
Monday Night
Indianapolis at Tampa Bay - There's absolutely no truth to the rumor that I'll pick the Buccaneers to win every week. However, this may not be the week I prove it. Find out in our in depth preview of the Bucs' first appearance on Monday Night since 2008.