Sorry for the lateness of this post, been incredibly busy all throughout the week, as new job and such kinda derails your original plans. But, as I am starting this past the time the Army-Navy game was well in hand. I would have picked Navy to beat Army handily, as Navy has been too strong and are really playing their best football right now. Also, as Bowl season is about to begin next Saturday, I will be doing five bowl games per week, with each week ending on a Wednesday. So, for instance next week, there will be five games I pick, and those will end on the 22nd, then 29th, and so on into the new year. Now, on to the 10 best NFL games this week. It is a fairly slim picking as far as intriguing and playoff implicating games, but I will pick the 10 which have at least some impact.
Atlanta at Carolina
This is one of the many games which fit this week's mold. There is one team which is headed to the playoffs almost certainly, and the other is hoping for a good draft pick. The only reason why this game is even getting picked is because Atlanta has the chance to clinch a playoff spot if they get a few teams to lose, and they win. It is a certainty that they will win, it's just a matter of how much and if they will clinch a playoff spot this week.
Pick: Atlanta 41, Carolina 13
New York Giants at Minnesota
Minnesota has rebounded from an awful 3-7 start to win back-to-back games under new head coach Leslie Frazier, and are out of the playoff race unless something miraculous happens. But, the Vikings would like to finish the season on a winning stride. But, Brett Favre is a game-time decision with a shoulder injury, and Tarvaris Jackson isn't the best passer, but could get the job done. New York however, is still fighting for NFC East supremacy and they need to keep up with the Eagles. So, it will be a close game, but New York pulls it out.
Pick: New York 31, Minnesota 27
Tampa Bay at Washington
If this game were being played under colder conditions, I'd go with the Redskins even though they have lost 4 of their past 5. The reason why I say that, is because Tampa has a long history of losing when the kickoff temperature is under 40. But, this game is going to feature a ton of LeGarrette Blount as it will be pouring in D.C. and Blount will need to carry the load and hold onto the ball for a while. Tampa will run the ball with effectiveness and be dominant, especially since Albert Haynesworth has been suspended for the last four games.
Pick: Tampa Bay 27, Washington 6
Oakland at Jacksonville
Oakland is trying to win out to maintain it's slim playoff hopes. Jacksonville, on the other hand, needs to win to maintain its one game lead over Indianapolis. Jacksonville has been on a roll as of late as well, winning 5 of their last 6. Their only loss came to the Giants in New York. Jacksonville has been winning and will continue to win, as I see them winning the AFC South and taking over control from Indianapolis.
Pick: Jacksonville 29, Oakland 12
St. Louis at New Orleans
This is intriguing, as it has the defending Super Bowl champs, who are in a position to go to the playoffs against the division leading Rams. The Rams may win the weak NFC West, but Sam Bradford will have fits all day with Gregg Williams and the Saints defense sacking him all day. Plus, Drew Brees and the Saints offense have been rolling lately, and at home, they are doing very well.
Pick: New Orleans 31, St. Louis 16
Seattle at San Francisco
San Francisco has changed quarterbacks again, back to Alex Smith, as Troy Smith struggled last week against Green Bay when he only went 10/25 for only 178 yards. San Francisco wants to help keep its slim playoff hopes alive if they win out and hope that both St. Louis and Seattle also finish 8-8 or worse. I don't think that will happen however. Seattle has been doing fairly well under Pete Carroll and could be in line for a division title.
Pick: Seattle 30, San Francisco 21
New England at Chicago
This game is the cream of the crop this week, as it features two great teams. New England features an amazing offense, as they just decimated the Jets last week with it. Then, Chicago features an amazing defense, which only allows 16 points per game. New England and their offense just decimated the amazing Jets defense by putting up 45 points. I don't think they'll put up that many against the Bears, but I think that they'll win the game by a fairly healthy amount.
Pick: New England 38, Chicago 27
Miami at New York Jets
Miami again needs this game to maintain its slim hopes for the playoffs, sitting 9th in the AFC right now with a record of 6-6. New York needs this game to keep pace in the AFC playoff race. I think with their blowout loss against New England, they'll bounce back with a big game against their divisional rival.
Pick: New York 34, Miami 20
Kansas City at San Diego
San Diego may be down by two games in the AFC West, but do not count them out of the AFC West race. Especially when you consider that Matt Cassel is going to be out for Kansas City and Brodie Croyle could be in for two games for the Chiefs. Plus, Croyle is winless as a starter, and San Diego is coming off its first loss in December in a few years.
Pick: San Diego 34, Kansas City 10
Philadelphia at Dallas
Dallas has been on a roll since Jason Garrett took over as head coach, winning 3 of his first four games, losing a close one to New Orleans on Thanksgiving day. Dallas has lost one key cog on offense though, Dez Bryant with a broken ankle for the rest of the season. But, Philadelphia has lost its best cornerback for the past few games with a leg injury, and their starting tackle Winston Justice is out for this game as well. Philadelphia still remembers how they were embarrassed out of the playoffs last season by Dallas, and would love nothing more than to get a win over Dallas in Dallas this week.
Pick: Philly 30, Dallas 28
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