Smitter�s Week 13� Picks:
Last week: 8-8���
Overall: 82-94� 46.6%��
FLG�s last week:� 2-1�� Overall�
15-21� 41.7%
After a one-week break, home underdogs resumed their assault
on their visitors. Home dogs were 4-1 last week, and are 39-20, 66.1%, for the
year. There are six home dogs this week, including at least two, possibly four
(depending on your definition of a warm weather team) cold-weathered teams
playing warm weather foes.
Cincinnati (- 3 �) over Baltimore � Cincy still has
playoff hopes. The weather is supposed to be nasty, which shouldn�t matter too
much playing on the field turf in Cincy. I can�t see Baltimore playing as well
tonight as it did against the Steelers.
Chicago (- 7 �) over Minnesota � Chicago going
towards home-field advantage, which should happen any week now. Minnesota
finally won again last week, but it was against the lowly Cardinals. (And they
didn�t cover.) Bears should win this one easily.
St Louis (- 6 �) over Arizona � The wildcards in
the NFC currently have 6-5 records, and one of those is the Giants, who appear
to be self-imploding. The Rams still got to think they can make the playoffs, and
will romp over the Cardinals this week.
Indianapolis (- 7 �) over Tennessee � Even with the
Titans� impressive 4th quarter last week, I can�t see them hanging
close this weekend, even though they are a home underdog.
Miami (- 1 �) over Jacksonville � In the
showdown for Florida bragging rights, Miami uses the home-field advantage to
win this game.
New Orleans (- 7 �) over San Francisco � New Orleans
bounced back from the loss to the Bengals with an impressive win last week at
Atlanta. San Francisco is one of those teams still in the playoff hunt, but the
Saints are the better team.
Washington (- 2 �) over Atlanta � What can Michael
Vick do for an encore? (And I�m not referring to his 150+ yards rushing last
week.) Atlanta is one of those teams who seem to be imploding right before our
eyes. While Washington has under-performed this year, they should have enough to
beat the Falcons at home.
Cleveland (+ 5 �) over Kansas City � While KC has
seen it�s share of cold games, the first weekend of truly cold weather games,
combined with the Brownies being a home underdog, I�m picking the Browns to
upset the Chiefs this week.
New England (- 13 �) over Detroit � Pats should easily
improve to 2-0 on their new turf.
Buffalo (+ 6 �) over San Diego � Chargers� won�t
be able to handle the winter weather in Buffalo this week. The Bills follow up
last week�s win over the Jags with another win against a playoff-caliber team.
Green Bay (+ 1 �) over NY Jets � Jets are one of
the more-surprising teams this year, while the Packers have been up and down.
Expect them to be up this week.
Dallas (- 3 �) over NY Giants � Giants are
another team that, if they don�t win this week, may go in the tank big time. Eli
has proven he�s no Peyton, Plax is quitting on the team, again, and Michael
Strahan is threatening female reporters. Cowboys are on a roll.
Oakland (- 3 �) over Houston � Oh, what a game
this will be. Oakland squeaks by in a boring affair.
Pittsburgh (- 7 �) over Tampa Bay � Tampa has one,
what, like two games ever when the temp is under 40? Although, in their
history, they never had a QB that grew up and went to college in cold weather. I
still can�t pick Tampa, and their futility continues this week.
Denver (- 3 �) over Seattle � Should be a good
one in Denver. New QB for the Broncos � Alexander looks healthy and Hasselback
is back. Not sure of the weather Sunday night in Denver, but I�m sure it will
be cold, too cold for the Seahawks.
Carolina (- 3 �) over Philadelphia � McNabb is
out, Garcia is questionable, who will QB the Eagles this week? Won�t be enough
to beat Carolina this week. (Going against the cold-weather, home underdog,
playing a warm weather team at night theory.)
FLG�s
Washington over Atlanta
Buffalo over San Diego
Dallas over NY Giants