Smitter�s Week 11� Picks:
Last week: 9-7���
Overall: 66-78� 45.8%��
FLG�s last week:�
1-2�� Overall� 12-18�
40%
The Steelers opponents, the two weeks following playing the
Steelers are 6-8, but that is a bit misleading, since two games were against
each other (two weeks after the SD game, and a week after the KC game they
played each other, and Oakland�s second game after playing the Steelers was
against Denver, who just played us.). Taking that out, Steelers opponents in
the following two games are 4-6, 40%, against the spread. That bodes ill will
for Denver and New Orleans this week. Home team underdogs were 3-2 last week,
lowering the season percentage to 67.3%, 33-16.
Pittsburgh (- 3 �) over Cleveland � One down, seven
to go? The beat reporter for the Cleveland paper who covers the Browns says
that Charlie Frye isn�t going to develop into anything else than what he is now
� which isn�t too good. The Steelers have given up lots of yards through the
air this year, but not this week. Steelers trounce the Brownies easily.
Kansas City (- 7 �) over Oakland � Trent Green
returns, and rust or no rust, will score enough for the Chiefs to down the
Raiders.
Dallas (+ 1 �) over Indianapolis � Didn�t pick
the underdog Browns, got to go with this home underdog. Tony Romo leads the NFC
in passing efficiency, take that for what it is worth, and the Colts are due
for a bad game against a decent team. Dallas in the upset.
Cincinnati (+ 3 �) over New Orleans � See above.
Even though the Bengals are in their self-destruct mode, the Saints suffer from
the post-Steelers playing let down.
Philadelphia (- 13 �) over Tennessee � The Eagles look
to win their second in a row and stake their claim to an NFC wildcard spot.
(Four teams currently tied at 5-4 for the two wild cards).
Atlanta (+ 4 �) over Baltimore � Atlanta is
another one of the 5-4 NFC teams, and after the loss to the Brownies last week,
look to rebound against the Ravens. This is one of the two losses we need
Baltimore to have.
St Louis (+ 7 �) over Carolina � While St Louis
has not been playing well, neither has Carolina, even though they did beat
Tampa last week.
Buffalo (+ 2 �) over Houston � Did I read this
right? Houston actually favored in a game, even if it is a home game? I guess
that is what happens when you sweep Jacksonville. Buffalo may suffer a letdown
after playing Indy tough, but they should win this game.
New England (- 6 �) over Green Bay � The Pats� need a
win in the worst way after letting the Jets back in the divisional race. Hello
Green Bay.
Washington (+ 3 �) over Tampa Bay � Pity the folks
who have to watch this. QB change doesn�t really work for the Redskins�, but it
will work well enough for the Skins to beat the Bucs.
NY Jets (+ 7 �) over Chicago � Now that the Jets
have gotten back in the race, can�t afford a letdown over the Bears. Lots of
points for a home underdog, so going with the Jets to keep this game close.
Miami (- 3 �) over
Minnesota � Three weeks ago, the Vikings had to be feeling good about their
playoff hopes, then WHAM, New England, San Francisco, and Green Bay left the
Vikings season in perilous danger. Make it four in a row this week.
Arizona (- 2 �) over
Detroit � The loser of this could very well pick number one in the draft.
Arizona holds off Detroit in a yawner of a game.
Seattle (- 6 �) over San Francisco � Alexander is
back, Hasselback due back this week or next, Seattle starts cruising to the
number 2 seed in the NFC.
Denver (- 2 �) over San Diego � Should be epic
battle for control of the AFC West. Denver wins because it is at home.
NY Giants (+ 3 �) over Jacksonville � Jaguars�
hangover from getting beat by Houston continues. Injuries continue mounting for
the Giants, but they have enough to win this game.
FLG�s
Miami over Minnesota
Seattle over San Francisco
NY Giants over Jacksonville