Beating The House - Week 5

Beating the House--Week 5

A decent week last time out that could have been even better if not for a few surprises...my hat's off to anyone who would have called Arizona, Cleveland, Buffalo and Kansas City all winning outright...such is life on any given Sunday...my pick of the week in Detroit was sketchy until the Lions decided to play in the fourth quarter but it's only the end result that counts...there are no style points when it comes to gambling/picking winners for fun! Let's get to it...

Carolina (+3) at New Orleans--The Giants finally came through for me last week and now the Saints owe me big...they've had an extra week to instill Reggie as the primary back and for Brees to get his head straight...lack of Delhomme makes this an easy play...pick: Saints.

Jacksonville (-2) at Kansas City--Yes, the Jags did go into Denver and slap them around but I don't see it here...Chiefs played inspired ball last week and have gained some confidence with two in a row...LJ is just warming up and defense is underrated...pick: Chiefs.

Detroit (+3.5) at Washington--Lions are 0-20 all time in RFK...I think it finally ends here against an offense that features an inconsistent QB, perpetually banged-up RB and an ailing WR1...Kitna is unstoppable and thanks God daily for keeping him upright...and for having a solid receiving corps at his disposal...pick: Lions.

Atlanta (+8) at Tennessee--Falcons played better last week but were still lucky to hold off Texans...they won't do as well on the road against a confident Titan team led by playmaker Vince Young and his up-and-coming defense...pick: Titans.

Miami (+5) at Houston--You or I could probably rush for 100 yards against Dolphins but as long as they counter with Ronnie Brown, they'll be in it...having Zach Thomas back will help, too...Miami probably wins its first game here...pick: Dolphins.

Seattle (+6) at Pittsburgh--Huge letdown for Steelers last week to drop them from elite status in the AFC...they'll get back on track here as Fast Willie will find room to run...loss of Hines Ward, Polamalu and Casey Hampton keeps it close, though...pick: Seahawks.

Cleveland (+16.5) at New England--Another huge spread set up for the Pats to knock down...I said I'd go with them until they give me a reason no to...hasn't happened and won't here though I'm always afraid of the backdoor score to screw me in this one...pick: Patriots.

Arizona (-3) at St. Louis--The Cards are a road favorite? I thought Rams would be in desperation mode last week...apparently they were still in "suck" mode...Warner will come in and remind Rams fans of the good old days...pick: Cardinals.

New York Jets (+3.5) at New York Giants--The GMen seemed to have turned a corner two weeks ago and get Jacobs back to add to their attack...Plaxico has now attained Iverson status in not needing to practice at all and still play well...J-E-T-S S-T-I-N-K...pick: Giants.

Tampa Bay (+9.5) at Indianapolis--Colts should still be able to win this game without Harrison, Addai and Sanders...Bucs have impressed so far with Garcia at the helm and he should manage to keep this game within the number...pick: Buccaneers.

San Diego (+1) at Denver--Include the Chargers to the list of the teams that are out to get me and make me look silly...I don't any help in that department, thanks (see above)...LT owns the Broncos, who must be wondering what Travis Henry enjoys more...smoking weed or having unprotected sex...pick: Chargers.

Baltimore (-3) at San Francisco--Dog of a game between two putrid offensive squads...Ravens get to face Trent Dilfer, the man that led them to Super Bowl glory not too long ago...OK, I'm stalling because I don't even care to pick this one...eh, Niners are slightly worse...pick: Ravens.

Chicago (+3) at Green Bay--Bears actually do look better with Griese directing them but Brett Favre clearly cannot be stopped...nice matchup for TV where Pack will want to show the nation that they are 4-0 for a reason...make that 5-0...pick: Packers.

Dallas (-10) at Buffalo--Cowboys are clicking on all cylinders and are the best team in the NFC by a good margin...Pats vs. Boys in a few could be Super Bowl preview...nice win for Bills last week but the simply won't be able to keep up...Romo may get to sit early again...memo to the guy who scheduled this game for MNF--you're fired!...pick of the week: Cowboys.

Last week: 9-5 To Date: 35-23-4