10 Best Football Games!

This week is the bridge week between the end of the college football season and the start of bowl season, so that means the vast majoriity of games this week are of the professional variety, and the only college game is the annual Army vs. Navy game in Philadelphia. Now, as far as bowl season is concerned, there aren't all that many intriguing games, and for some odd reason, ESPN doesn't seem to be broadcasting as many games in primetime, which perplexes me. Then, again, there are way too manny bowl games, and a few bowls which pit 6-6 teams against each other, as well as a 6-7 team competing in a bowl game for the second consecutive season, which is absurd to me. Why reward teams for mediocrity? But, there are some very intriguing bowls, but their time will come when I pick them.
Then, the other story coming out of last week was the horrific story of Jovan Belcher killing his girlfriend, Kasandra Perkins, and then committing suicide in front of his GM and coach. The Chiefs then pulled together and won the game on Sunday, after this happened. When things like this happen, it reminds us of the frivolity in sports and football, it serves as an escape from the rigors of everyday life. (It helps when you have a winning team to root for.) But, please, take a moment everyday to think of those around you, and ask how they're doing, and be sincere about it. Plus, for those who are closest, say I love you.
Finally, my record for last week: 1-4 in college, and 3-2 in the pros, another losing record unfortunately overall, let's see if I can improve upon it!

College
Army vs. Navy (in Philadelphia), 3, CBS

The annual game pitting the two biggest service academies returns to its rightful place in Philadelphia, after spending a year in Washington, D.C. Navy will try and continue its decade long winning streak against the Black Knights of Army. Which, they should continue to do so, considering their records, and Navy wants to win the commander in Chief's trophy again.

Pick: Navy 31, Army 21

NFL

Baltimore at Washington, 1, CBS

This beltway battle should be a good one, considering how well Washington has been playing, and coming off their great win versus the Giants on Monday Night Football. The biggest question will be to see if Robert Griffin III and the Washington offense will be stopped against a very solid Baltimore defense. Baltimore is coming off an emotional loss, in which they gave the game away against the Steelers, and derailed their plans to clinch the AFC North. But, they still have a two game lead on both the Bengals and Steelers, and should clinch within the next two weeks. It probably will not be this week though, go with the Skins.

Pick: Washington 24, Baltimore 20

Dallas at Cincinnati, 1, Fox

Both teams are just slightly out of the playoff picture at the moment, Dallas is only one game out of the NFC East lead, and Cincy is the loser of the tiebreak between them and Pittsburgh for the final playoff spot in the AFC. So, this will be a game of desperation. Dallas has to be the most inconsistent team in all of the NFL, losing to teams they shouldn't, and winning against the likes of the Giants. But, go with the Bengals because they are at home, and they play more consistently.

Pick: Cincy 23, Dallas 17

Chicago at Minnesota, 1, Fox

Minnesota has been sliding of late, and are currently in tenth place in the NFC playoff standings. But, Chicago hasn't been playing the best either, losing three of their last four, with their only win coming against these Vikings at home. Chicago really needs this win to improve their playoff standings, and I think that they will bounce back this week against a very much struggling Vikes team.

Pick: Chicago 24, Minnesota 23

San Diego at Pittsburgh, 1, CBS

The only reason this game is even notable is because Pittsburgh brings back Big Ben Roethlisberger from injury, and with Ben, the team plays so much differently than normal. Plus, Pittsburgh's other two quarterbacks are horrible in comparison to Roethlisberger. Then, San Diego is traveling cross country to play this game, and they seemingly have given up on their season now after their loss to the Ravens a few weeks ago at home.

Pick: Pittsburgh 34, San Diego 21

Miami at San Francisco, 4, CBS

Miami desperately needs this game in order to even still have a prayer for the playoffs. Too bad for them, they face the NFC's second best team in the 49ers, who will be looking to take out their frustrations after a loss at St. Louis last week. Plus, if Colin Kapernick can play incredibly well in his first two starts against Chicago and New Orleans, who have pretty stout defenses, he should bounce back against Miami, who doesn't have that great of one.

Pick: San Francisco 37, Miami 21

Arizona at Seattle, 4:25, Fox

Arizona will continue to suck after starting out the season incredibly well. They are heading into a very tough environment in Seattle, and Seattle has been surging of late, including a notable win at Chicago last week.

Pick: Seattle 32, Arizona 21

New Orleans at New York Giants, 4:25, Fox

New York is coming off an emotional loss in Washington on Monday Night, and has been struggling of late, losing three of its past four games. New Orleans, meanwhile, is desperate for a win, considering they need to run the table to even have a remote chance at the playoffs in the NFC. New York really needs a victory too, considering if Washington wins, and they lose, then New York goes into danger of missing the playoffs. So, it's a very critical game for both teams. New York I believe has the strength and resolve to come back and win, and since they are at home, go with the Giants.

Pick: New York 31, New Orleans 26

Detroit at Green Bay, 8:30, NBC

NBC for some reason did not flex out of this game in favor of the beltway battle for Sunday Night Football, as this game is a dud. The reason being, Detroit has under-performed this season after going to the playoffs last year and surprising most teams. Detroit was supposed to come back and be a playoff team, but they've gone back to their ways of losing close games, i.e. last week, when they let a lead slip away against Indianapolis. Green Bay meanwhile, has been playing well and are looking to head back to the playoffs for the third consecutive year.

Pick: Green Bay 45, Detroit 21

Houston at New England, Monday, 8:30, ESPN

This game is a coin flip honestly, as both teams are playing incredibly well, and both teams are clicking in all three aspects of the game. Tom Brady seems to get better as time goes by, and Matt Schaub for Houston is emerging as an elite quarterback, although he plays in Houston. The game should be a great one, and just enjoy what very well could be a preview of a game in the AFC playoffs.

Pick: New England 28, Houston 27