Week 9 NFL Picks

And, brought to you unofficially by Yahoo! Sports (where you at on this one, Google, c'mon now!), the LB NFL picks for the week. Went a strong 9-4 last week to push back to even at 27-27-1 for the year. And readysetgo!

New Orleans (-7) at Carolina - Contender for a lock of the week, meaning I'll bet ya, even though this could be a trap. I said last week if the Saints won that game, I'd be on board. So yeah, let's call it a lock. Email me if you'd like the Panthers. Not thinking I'm getting much action on that one, even though this line seems a smidge short.

Houston (+2.5) vs. San Diego - I read this week the Chargers are #1 in total offense AND total defense, and that most losses are due to special teams. Which means I should probably take them, but I'm taking the home dog in a game you could not get me to bet with a gun to my head.

Jets (-4) at Lions - Wouldn't touch this, either, but gotta take someone. The Jets are slowly becoming an enigma team with a good record. Which means take them, if you must.

Ravens (-5) vs. Dolphins - Only because they're coming off bye. Dolphins have been really tough on the road, but I think the bye week set Baltimore straight.

Vikings (-8.5) vs. Arizona - The Cardinals stink. This is a near lock, and would be if it didn't mean I would potentially have to root for Benedict Arnold.

Falcons (-8.5) vs. Tampa - I really like Tampa, but Falcons off bye and a curiously high line that I bet Raheem Morris has had up in the Tampa locker room all week. I was convinced when I saw there is a betting service that has this as high as 10 points. All signs say Falcons big. Cue Tampa upset, 23-20.

Pats (-5.5) at Browns - This seems short to me, and the Brownies have been pretty tough at home. Classic look-ahead game for the Pats. Except the Pats don't usually do that, they've been hot, and I think the Pats defensive schemes are a bit much for a young Colt McCoy. I think it's close, though, call it Pats by 7 here in LB land.

Bears (-2.5) at Bills - Game is in Toronto. The world loves the Bills to win this, and quite frankly, I sort of do, too. Which means, spread picks wise, I like the Bears.

Giants (-7) at Seattle - Yeah, Seattle is tough at home, and yeah, they have a good defense. And yeah, they just got rolled over on the ground by the Raiders and have Charlie Whitehurst starting at QB against the Giants pass rush. I'll lay the lumber.

Colts (+2.5) at Eagles - I am taking the bait on this. Hard. Ignoring two LB rules on this, 1. if the line seems fishy (Eagles by .5 on a neutral field???), and 2. if you have to bet on an enigma (e.g., a good record on a team that might not be good), bet on the good teams and against the bad. The Eagles are a "good" enigma. And, to top if off, Andy Reid is 11-0 after a bye week. I think that stops here, and the Eagles need a week to readjust to Vick.

Kansas City (+2) at Oakland - I changed this pick three times back and forth before I made it. In other words, stay away. We're gonna know something about these teams after this game. Finally.

Packers (-8) vs. Dallas - I'm finally off the "Cowboys have to cover some time" bandwagon, meaning they'll probably cover this without a problem, and win outright.

Steelers (-5) at Cincinnatti - LOVE the Steelers here. Lock #2. The Bengals stink. If you email me to bet this, seriously, I might not take it out of sympathy.

Alright, folks, me digs the Saints -7 at Carolina, and the Steelers -5 at Cincy, a couple of pretty big road favorites. Hit me on Facebook or email if you're interested in a just for fun-like wager. Have a great weekend!