NFL Week 10

We stumbled once again to a sub-.500 performance in Week 9, coming in at 6-8. As usual, a couple of losses were by a point or so. The ledger for the year now stands at a moribund 51-71-7 against the spread.

Now at the midway point of the season, the Patriots, on a bye this week, are clearly the team to beat. Perhaps only Pittsburgh in a few weeks and maybe the Giants in Week 17 stand between them and a 16-0 mark.

NBC will showcase them at Buffalo next week, and it's possible the Bills, who should be 6-2 if not for a pair of last-second losses, will give them a game. We'll see. Side note on the game at New York in Week 17: That's an NFL Network game and most of the country will not be able to see it. The fecal matter will hit the rotary oscillator if New England comes in at 15-0 and people realize they can't see the game.

The big game this week is the battle for first place in the NFC East, with Dallas visiting the Giants, who need the game more. A loss almost certainly precludes them from winning the division and a win could make them a favorite in the NFC, although their second-half schedule is far more daunting than what they've faced the last six games.

As always, these picks are for recreational purposes and should not be used as the basis for any actual cash wagers, especially if you plan on paying your mortgage.

SUNDAY
TITANS -4 Jaguars: Jags QB David Garrard is iffy and even if he were healthy, I doubt the Jaguars can withstand the pressure from ornery Titans defense. Tennessee isn't flashy, but they just keep winning. Titans 27-17

CHIEFS -3 Broncos: Surprising Chiefs could actually win the AFC West, a ridiculous thought two months ago. Mike Shanahan may want to consider a change of scenery. Chiefs 23-14

Bills -3 DOLPHINS: Miami fans were saddened by the news Fish were allowed to clear customs and re-enter the States after their trip to England. Bills will not be caught looking ahead to New England showdown. Bills 26-7

Browns +9.5 STEELERS: Browns not nearly the same team that was steamrolled by Pittsburgh 34-7 in Week 1. They may not win at Heinz Field, but they'll score plenty and keep this interesting. Steelers 30-27

SAINTS -11.5 Rams: St. Louis fans petitioning the league to have Rams shipped out of the country for the remainder of the year. Saints now rolling and could be dangerous from here on out. Saints 44-3

Falcons +4 PANTHERS: Seems crazy, but the Panthers stink at home and somebody named Matt Moore will likely be at QB today. Falcons 21-20

REDSKINS -3 Eagles: The Donovan McNabb era may be coming to a close in Philly. Skins rather mediocre, but have legitimate playoff hopes. Redskins 21-17

PACKERS -6 Vikings: Packers, one of the most surprising team this year, up against shoo-in rookie of the year Adrian Peterson. Major problem for Vikings, though: Brooks Bollinger likely starting QB today. Packers 34-24

GIANTS +1.5 Cowboys: Key here is pressure the Giants pass rush can get on Tony Romo. Two other keys: Giants a ghastly 4-14 coming off byes (though they have won last two) and will they have another second-half swoon? Kicker Lawrence Tynes has been shaky, but hasn't cost them a game yet. He'd better be ready today. Giants 24-23

Bengals +4 RAVENS: Ray Lewis has a nervous breakdown during the game. Bengals 24-20

Bears -3.5 RAIDERS: Midwest correspondent 3 wood says: "I take Oakland by at least 7 in a yawner." I disagree this time. Raiders got smoked by Houston at home and Bears at some point have to man up and shut someone down. If I'm wrong, then they'll need to pack it in for this season. On a positive note, most of the country will see the Giants-Dallas game. Bears 20-12.

CARDINALS -1 Lions: Lions another surprise at 6-2, but Cardinals finally get a home game and should be able to grind one out. All their games are close, and this is no exception. Detroit's schedule only gets tougher after this. Cardinals 27-24

SUNDAY NIGHT
CHARGERS +3.5 Colts: Enigmatic Chargers desperately need win at home, and Colts face a letdown coming off loss to Patriots. NBC plans to braodcast pre-game show using flashlights and candles, but you won't see it since you follow The Olbermann Rule. Chargers 34-31

MONDAY NIGHT
49ers +10 SEAHAWKS: Niners won at Seattle last year and should keep this snoozer close. Seahawks 20-17