The NFL is messing up another Sunday journeying over the pond. Not only do we lose an hour of sleep tonight because daylight savings time ends, but we have to get early, or prepare our lineup for a 9:30 AM EST kickoff. Thanks Commissioner Goodell. I didn’t have any pressing plans anyway.
Here’s a thought Commish, if you send teams people actually care about, it may do more to entice the jolly ole folk in England to get excited about a possible NFL move to England. The NFL still insists this is just for fun and games but we know better right? If it were just fun and games they wouldn’t spend so much money, time and effort committing to 3 or 4 games a year. But whatever lies you have to tell yourself I guess.
Detroit Lions vs. Kansas City Chiefs
The Lions and Chiefs travel across the pond for the third NFL game in London this year. Kansas City is a three point favorite. I could care less about this game so I’ll stick with the favorite while I nod off and twiddle my thumbs. Pick Kansas City -3.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Atlanta Falcons
The Buccaneers are one pick-6 from being the Yuccaneers again. Atlanta may actually be too legit to quit this, at any rate if they have problems with Tampa, they have more problems than I have time to discuss here. Pick Atlanta -7
Arizona Cardinals vs. Cleveland Browns
Arizona made short work of the Ravens Monday night in primetime. The Cardinals are playing on a short week and traveling to Cleveland for week 8. The Browns are not in danger of making the playoffs this year, but they can be very good at playing the spoiler role. The Browns are great at covering the spread. Take Arizona to win straight up but Cleveland and the points if you’re feeling chippy. Pick Arizona -5.5
San Francisco 49ers vs. St. Louis Rams
The hapless 49ers take on their division rival this week in St. Louis. There is absolutely no reason to think that Collin Kaepernick and his Niners can pull it together and come up with a win on the road against a division rival. The only way Kaepernick comes up with a win in week 8 is if he finds it at the bottom of his trick or treat bag. Ten points is a lot for an NFL team but the Niners have done absolutely nadda this season. Pick Rams -10
New York Giants vs. New Orleans Saints
Even though the Giants are on the road playing the Saints in the Dome, this is almost like a home game for Eli. Eli and Peyton grew up on the Saints sideline watching their father Archie Manning throw TD passes. Which is why it shouldn’t come as a shock for Eli when I say that there is some kind of magic in the Big Easy and they are almost unbeatable in the dome. The last time New Orleans played a game at home they sent the Falcons home with their first loss of the season. Eli try not to eat the Gumbo, maybe it won’t be as bad as I think. Pick Saints -3
Minnesota Vikings vs. Chicago Bears
Nope, not doing it. Surely you didn’t think just because the Bears were coming off a bye week that I would change the program up and start weighing in on the Bears games did you? I hope not. Still recusing myself. I want no parts of this one. Who knows if Adrian Peterson will decide he wants to eat a platter of shrimp.
San Diego Chargers vs. Baltimore Ravens
The Chargers travel to the East Coast to play the Ravens. The Ravens are favored for the first time this season. Why? Only God and Tattoo from Fantasy Island know. The Chargers have to travel across the country, and Phillip Rivers is probably a little sleep deprived. Rivers’ wife gave birth to their 8th child this week. Even though Rivers’ didn’t do any of the heavy lifting, a crying newborn baby can wreck havoc in your sleep routine. My gut says to pick the Chargers but my mind says go Ravens go. Pick Ravens – 3
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Big Ben may return for week 8. Vegas has this game listed as a pick’em so even the “wise guys” want no part of this one. You are truly on your won with this one. Flip a coin and pray to the gods of football. Or better yet just avoid this AFC North showdown all together.
Houston Texans vs. Tennessee Titans
The Texans and the Titans are both horrible. For some reason the Texans are favored by -5. Mariota is still out, and Arian Foster is out the remainder of the season. Take the dog and the points if you must. This one is going to be ugly from start to finish. Pick Titans +5.5
New York Jets vs. Oakland Raiders
The Jets travel to Oakland to take on the Raiders. The Jets lost to the Patriots last week in Foxboro after putting up a good fight. I have to admit I canceled the Jets season before it even started after their QB got his jaw broken by a teammate. I was wrong. Maybe all the Jets needed was to get rid of Rex Ryan like the old folks say. Somehow some way the Jets have pulled a Pinocchio and become a real live football team right in front of our very eyes. Pick Jets -3
Seattle Seahawks vs. Dallas Cowboys
The defending NFC champs travel to Jerry’s World for a little rumble in Dallas. The Cowboys are still without QB Tony Romo. WR Dez Bryant has practiced this week and told the media Saturday the decision to play is up to him. Cowboy Nation is in desperate need of a win, but I suspect the only win they are going to see tomorrow is if Greg Hardy wins the fight he is sure to start with the Seahawks. Cowboy Nation, lets be honest, there’s no guarantee that Hardy can win that fight if he picks it. It doesn’t look good for Jerry and Dem Boyz tomorrow. Pick Seattle -5
Denver Broncos vs. Green Bay Packers
We couldn’t have 5 unbeaten teams forever. The unbeaten Broncos ride into Lambeau to face the unbeaten Packers. The Broncos have a great defense that has allowed them to slip through the cracks against more inferior teams. Alas the stinging D is not going to be enough cheese country. The Packers are almost indestructable in Green Bay. Aaron Rodgers is almost perfect. This game may come down to defense, and kickers kicking FGs. I’m rooting for Peyton but I think it’s a lost cause. Pick Green Bay -2.5
Indianapolis Colts vs. Carolina Panthers
I don’t know what the heck is wrong with the Colts. The Colts don’t know what the heck is wrong either. Chuck Pagano you need to call Tyrone, Ghostbusters or Ms. Cleo fast and in a hurry because your team and more importantly our job is in serious jeopardy. Pagano is so deep in Jeopardy he should’ve been Alex Trebek for Halloween. Cam Newton and the Panthers have no offensive weapons, I think Andrew Luck is still hurt and it’s a lot worse than they are saying. Super Cam likes to show out on Mondays. Cam is going to cape up and bask in the glow of the undefeated a little longer. Pick Panthers straight up Colts +7.5
Season Record ATS 46 -72