Week 14 Picks

Before we get into the picks, where I went only 9-6, just a few words. Congratulations go to the New Orleans Saints and Indianapolis Colts, who both beat their opponents, Washington and Tennessee respectively, to go to identical 12-0 records. This marks the first time in NFL history that two NFL teams in the same year go 12-0.

Also, more recent news, congrats are in order for Alabama Crimson Tide tailback, Mark Ingram, who snatched the school's first ever Heisman Trophy. Edging out Stanford running back Toby Gerhart by 5 first-place votes and 28 points, the vote became the closest in the 75 year Heisman Award history. It is now on Ingram's shoulders to bring home a national championship, when they face Colt Mccoy and the Texas Longhorns.

Now, back to the picks.
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New Orleans (12-0) at Atlanta (6-6), 1 pm.
Pick: New Orleans, 31-21.

After I had my skipped heartbeat or two during this game, the Saints-Redskins game last week that had to be decided in overtime had me thinking how vulnerable each team can be in the NFL, and why it is so hard to get the perfect season. After a missed 23-yard-field goal by Redskins kicker, Shaun Suisham that allowed the Saints to come back in the 4th quarter, and subsequently win it, I was sold on how good of a team the Saints happen to be.
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Denver (8-4) at Indianapolis (12-0), 1 pm.
Pick: Indianapolis, 24-17.

The Colts just seem to put teams in strangle holds week after week. They limited the damage of the Titans last week and are running up against a relatively good team in Denver. Don't be surprised if the Colts lose though.
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Seattle (5-7) at Houston (5-7), 1 pm.
Pick: Houston, 28-23.

The Texans are really struggling nowadays and what looked like a promising team is now barely hanging on to playoff contention in the AFC. If they really play with an urgency, they'll win this one.
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Carolina (5-7) at New England (7-5), 1 pm.
Pick: New England, 35-26.

The Panthers are trying to hand the Patriots a rare 3rd consecutive loss, after the Dolphins came from behind to steal a win last week. However, Tom Brady, Randy Moss, and the rest of the crew really need this game to hold their lead in the AFC East.
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Buffalo (4-8) at Kansas City (3-9), 1 pm.
Pick: Buffalo, 27-20.

It's no question that these two are really bad teams stuck in a hole that they can't get themselves out of. The Bills have the talent, just haven't been able to perform, especially with Trent Edwards being banged up. The Chiefs just have no talent.
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Detroit (2-10) at Baltimore (6-6), 1 pm.
Pick: Baltimore, 31-16.

There haven't really been any games so far where the underdog really has any chance. Detroit doesn't and shouldn't even stand a chance. Plus, the Ravens should be on top of things now that they are in the race for a wild card spot.
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Cincinnati (9-3) at Minnesota (10-2), 1 pm.
Pick: Cincinnati, 19-14.

Adrian Peterson seems to be in a daze after the Cardinals defense held him to 19 yards on 13 carries, and even though they're at home, the Bengals are a really good team and it seems to me as if Chad Ochocinco is putting football first before his antics. This win, however, doesn't come easy.
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NY Jets (6-6) at Tampa Bay (1-11), 1 pm.
Pick: NY Jets, 21-13.

You shouldn't really be obligated to justify yourself when you have a team with 11 losses and only 1 win playing in a game. Thomas Jones will run all over them, putting another loss in the already lowly Bucs.
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Miami (6-6) at Jacksonville (7-5), 1 pm.
Pick: Miami, 30-19.

Beating the New England Patriots last week was definitely a confidence booster for a team who has lost their star running back, but continues to find ways to win. You can expect Joey Porter and Ricky Williams to have their game faces on come game time.
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Green Bay (8-4) at Chicago (5-7), 1 pm.
Pick: Green Bay, 20-6.

After watching one of most boring Monday Night Football games of the year, I realized that Aaron Rodgers is really good; if you give him time. If you rush him into throwing, he usually does poorly, but ever since Brian Urlacher was ruled as being out for the season at the start of it, the Bears just don't seem to be the same that scared their oppositions.
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St. Louis (1-11) at Tennessee (5-7), 4:05 pm.
Pick: Tennessee, 27-14.

I'm really rooting for the Titans. Not only because they can become one of the more memorable teams in recent memory because they started out 0-6 and ever since, they have come to a 5-1 record, but also because it would be good for the franchise and the NFL if the Titans make it to the playoffs. Given the history of a then-immature Vince Young, the quarterback has now led them to new heights.
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Washington (3-9) at Oakland (4-8), 4:05 pm.
Pick: Oakland, 21-19.

The Raiders beat the Steelers last week, absolutely stunning football fans all across the globe. The Redskins are still reeling over the heart-breaking loss to the Saints. It seems to add up, even though the Redskins pass defense is in the top 5.
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San Diego (9-3) at Dallas (8-4), 4:15 pm.
Pick: San Diego, 35-24.

The "December woes" for the Dallas Cowboys will continue. They are not only facing a Chargers team primed for a playoff spot, but they are facing a consistent Philip Rivers, tremendous Antonio Gates, red-hot LaDainian Tomlinson, and a great defense. Enough said.
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Philadelphia (8-4) at NY Giants (7-5), 8:20 pm.
Pick: Philadelphia, 24-21.

Even though I would love to say the Giants, the Eagles are playing really well. Last week, when Michael Vick made his long-awaited return to the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, he torched them, playing like a younger Vick that made headlines every single week. An emotional booster that will carry on to this crucial divisional game.
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MONDAY: Arizona (8-4) at San Francisco (5-7), 8:30 pm.
Pick: Arizona, 42-21.

Who makes these schedules? Yes, this is a divisional game, but the 49ers at home against the Cardinals? Bad choice.
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