We’re back with our regularly scheduled programming at the Friday Afternoon Quarterback this week. Week Nine of the NFL season is the halfway point since the league added the bye. After this week every team will have played at least eight NFL games. We’re separating the wheat from the chaff, people.
Last week was a monster NFL picks performance for me. I went 11-0-1 straight up and after a solid winning week before, I’m right back in the mix. What can I do to keep my mojo going? What can I do to keep the sharks out there from taking a bite of the FAQ? I wish it was all fun and games but the price of picking well is high and some can’t pay the way.
Byes: Bears, Bengals, Patriots, Cardinals, Redskins and Texans
Sunday Early Games
Pittsburgh at Baltimore (EVEN)
There’s a significant pro-Steelers consensus among the experts on this one, but the Ravens have a way of taking down Pittsburgh (4-3) even with Ben Roethlisberger on the field. Baltimore (3-4) has underperformed across the board this season, but I think they get a big win here. Ravens 27, Steelers 24
Dallas at Cleveland (+7)
I have yet to pick against Dak Prescott this season and I’m sure as shit not going to do it when the Cowboys (6-1) are playing Cleveland (0-8). Cowboys 38, Browns 24
Jacksonville at Kansas City (-7)
Nick Foles gets the call for the Chiefs (5-2) and will add just one more piece of evidence to the dumpster fire of Jeff Fisher’s tenure with the Rams. Foles made the right call to reunite with Andy Reid. Meanwhile Jacksonville (2-5) continues its trip down the NFL toilet drain. Chiefs 34, Jaguars 20
New York Jets at Miami (-3.5)
Both the Jets (3-5) and the Dolphins (3-4) are on two-game win streaks. Jets wideout Brandon Marshall has been talking trash about Miami cornerback Byron Maxwell all week. Marshall may get the calls, but I think Miami gets the win. Dolphins 27, Jets 24
Philadelphia at New York Giants (-2.5)
The Eagles (4-3) are coming off an NFC-altering win over the Vikings. The Giants (4-3) are coming off a bye and win over the Rams. This game has all kinds of Wild Card significance and I think Eli gets the job done. Giants 31, Eagles 27
Detroit at Minnesota (-6)
Will Pat Shurmer be an improvement over Norv Turner? If the Vikings (5-2) score any real points and protect Sam Bradford, you’ll have to say “yes.” It doesn’t hurt that Jim Caldwell is bring his Detroit (4-4) team into town. Vikings 24, Lions 20
Sunday Late Games
Carolina at Los Angeles (+3)
Jeff Fisher has four games to keep his job with the Rams (3-4). God bless you for what you’re about to do, Carolina (2-5). Panthers 38, Rams 17
New Orleans at San Francisco (+4)
The Saints (3-4) are about to sneak back into the NFC Wild Card race with their schedule over the last two months of the season. This looks like a 9-7 team to me and the 49ers (1-6) certainly aren’t going to put a dent in those plans. Saints 37, 49ers 17
Tennessee at San Diego (-4)
Mike Mularkey has made a significant dent in his historically low head coaching career win total with the Titans (4-4) this year. Mike McCoy of the Chargers (3-5) is in a battle to just not be the first coach fired this season. In spite of all that, I think this will be a fun game to watch. Chargers 34, Titans 30
Indianapolis at Green Bay (-7.5)
At one time a match-up at midseason of Andrew Luck and the Colts (3-5) versus Aaron Rodgers and the Packers (4-3) would not only be the game of the week, but a potential Super Bowl match up preview. This is how bad shitty coaches can screw up the league. Packers 27, Colts 24
Sunday Night
Denver at Oakland (-1)
This is a statement game for the Raiders (6-2) regardless of what happens. If they beat the Broncos (6-2) they announce emphatically that they’re real contenders this season. A loss puts them right back to “pretender” status.
Monday Night
Buffalo at Seattle (-7)
This is a long flight cross-country with baggage fees for whatever sex toy the Bills (4-4) Mafia want to bring to Seattle (4-2). If you really want to make a statement Buffalo, might I suggest you spice up your dildo toss with the Orca (God help you, do not Google that.). Seahawks 27, Bills 13
This Week
Straight up: 1-0
Against the Spread: 0-1
Last Week
Straight up: 11-1-1
Against the spread: 9-4
Season
Straight up: 66-55-2
Against the spread: 57-62
