Sometimes a game is very simple. Other times it isn't. Last week, the Washington Redskins came off a crushing overtime loss to arch-rival Dallas, only to fly across the country and play the Seattle Seahawks. Facing a fourth-quarter deficit, most fans and media figured the Redskins would lose.
But they didn't. They fought back. When Rex Grossman threw the bomb to Anthony Armstrong in the end zone, there were no flags, no wild surprises. A reciever made a good play on a great throw, and just like that, in an instant, the Redskins had the lead in the fourth quarter. The Redskins won.
This week, I think the Redskins will win again. Onto the rest of the picks. Lines courtesy of SB Nation NFL Odds.
(Note: I had the Seahawks winning last night)
New York Jets at Washington Redskins (+3): In their last two games, the Redskins had a field goal sail barely wide to lose to Cowboys and beat the Seahawks in Seattle. Now, a reeling Jets team will come into FedEx Field with a weak offense and suspect quarterback play. And somehow the Redskins are getting points? This may be a Vegas trap, but I'm taking the Redskins all the way. Mark Sanchez will get beat up by Ryan Kerrigan and Brian Orakpo. Fred Davis will have a huge game and rookie Roy Helu proves last week was no fluke. Pick: Redskins.
Tennessee Titans at Buffalo Bills (-1): Last week proved the Bills still have some fight left in them. After a series of decimating injuries, most notably to running back Fred Jackson, the Bills no longer have playoff hopes. That doesn't mean the team won't show up at home and beat the Titans. In fact, I think that is exactly what will happen. Pick: Bills.
Kansas City Chiefs at Chicago Bears (-7): Another battle of backup quarterbacks. I guess it's that time of year. I still insist Caleb Hanie can be good, but Tyler Palko cannot. And if Kyle Orton plays ... well, who the hell knows what will happen if Kyle Orton plays. I'm taking Devin Hester, Matt Forte and Brian Urlacher at home. Da Bears need this win. Pick: Bears.
Atlanta Falcons at Houston Texans (+3): This should be a great game. The Houston defense stops the run, and Falcons running back Michael Turner could be in for a long day. The Texans' quarterback situation obviously causes concern, because the three options include a rookie and two dudes signed off the street, but Arian Foster can make up for that. I like Houston to use this game as a way to prove to the league they can win with defense and the run game, as long as Jake Delhomme does not touch a football. Pick: Texans.
Oakland Raiders at Miami Dolphins (-3): Battle of the Bushes, Reggie versus Michael. Both running backs drive the offense for their teams, and which defense can make stops will win. Two quarterbacks, Carson Palmer and Matt Moore, performing well. I'm going with the hot hand. Pick: Dolphins.
Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers (-7): A few weeks ago, these two teams matched up in Cincy and the result seemed closer than the actual score. The Bengals, with young quarterback Andy Dalton and receiver A.J. Green, will not be intimidated by the Steelers. Pittsburgh might win, but Cincy keeps it close. Pick: Bengals.
Carolina Panthers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-3): Cam Newton and his friends got to enjoy a fun win in Indy last week. Good for them. A young team improving deserves to have some fun. This week in Tampa will be a different result. The Bucs and LeGarrette Blount will run all over the bad Panthers defense. Pick: Bucs.
Denver Broncos at Minnesota Vikings (-1): TEEEEEEEBBBBBBOOOOOWWWWW!!! More importantly, the Broncos have a good defense and are making a run for the AFC West playoff spot. Christian Ponder is about to get served. Pick: Broncos.
Indianapolis Colts at New England Patriots (-20): Wow, this line is crazy. Crazier is the Pats will cover. I love when new rivalries the NFL likes to hype up get squashed, like this one. All the fake Indy fans have returned to their caves, but they will probably be back out next year when Jim Irsay gets super lucky again and takes Andrew Luck. I hate the Colts. Pick: New England.
Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns (+7): I want to take Cleveland and the points, but I'm not sure I can name five Cleveland players. Colt McCoy, Peyton Hillis, Joshua Cribbs, some dude named Massoquoi? Screw it, I can't. Pick: Ravens.
Dallas Cowboys at Arizona Cardinals (+4.5): The way I see it, the Cowboys can keep playing their joke of a schedule, piling up wins en route to the playoffs. But good news awaits. We get to bet against Tony Romo in a playoff game. While the media will continue to jock the over-hyped quarterback, we know the choke is coming. Pick: Cowboys.
Green Bay Packers at New York Giants (+7): These two teams meet heading in opposite directions. The Packers look unbeatable, and to date, they have been. The Giants just got blasted on national TV in New Orleans. Maybe I'm a sucker, but I like Eli Manning and crew when their backs are against the wall. The Giants can score enough to keep up with the Pack. This game will be close. Pick: Giants.
St. Louis Rams at San Francisco 49ers (-14): The Niners saw their future last week in Baltimore. They lost, but my guess is Jim Harbaugh will get a lesson out of it. I would not want to be the Rams or Sam Bradford this week. Pick: Niners.
Detroit Lions at New Orleans Saints (-9): The Lions defense could not stop the Packers offense, but few defenses can. The Lions' offense could not match scores with the Packers offense, but few teams can. New Orleans is one of those teams. Playing in the Superdome will be too much for the young Lions. Pick: Saints.
San Diego Chargers at Jacksonville Jaguars (+3): For whatever reason, people refuse to believe the Chargers stink. I have Phillip Rivers on my fantasy team. I can assure you they stink. Also, Norv Turner is an awful coach. I'm not sure who will be coaching the Jaguars this week after the team fired coach Jack Del Rio, but I bet he is better than Norv. I don't think the players will care about the team being sold, but I do think they rally around a good defense for the Monday night win. Pick: Jaguars.