Smitter�s Week 10� Picks:
Last week: 7-7���
Overall: 57-71� 44.5%��
FLG�s last week:�
1-2�� Overall� 11-16�
40.7%
Being the eternal black-and-gold optimist in all sports (I
could tell you the day the Pirates� were mathematically eliminated from
division and wildcard contention), I believe that if the Stillers run the table
and finish 10-6, that they will be division champs. Now, I realize that we have
seen anything yet this year that would leave anyone to believe that we can win
8 consecutive quarters, let alone games, but, that�s the way I�m thinking now.
Last week, home underdogs continued their streak, going 3-1,
for a record of 30-14, 68.2%, for the year. Home favorites haven�t been as
good, 41-43, 48.8%, for the year.
Miami (+ 1 �) over Kansas City � Interesting QB
situation in KC with Trent Green about ready to return, but the Chiefs playing
well with Damon Huard at QB. Chiefs have a very winnable game this week and
play the Raiders next week before what could be a big matchup on Turkey Day
evening against the Broncos. When, or if, will Green return? Not this week, but
the Dolphins may make the decision easier as they pull the upset.
Jacksonville (- 10 �) over Houston � Jax desperately
needs all the wins they can, for it seems to make the playoffs as a wildcard in
the AFC a team is probably going to need 11 wins to be safe. No problem this
week against the Texans.
San Diego (- 1 �) over Cincinnati � The Bengals�
slide continues. Chargers are in the same situation as the Jaguars, and even in
Cincy, the Chargers will prevail.
Atlanta (- 8 �) over Cleveland � The wildcard in
the NFC is different than the AFC � a 10-win team in the NFC should easily be a
wildcard. Falcons can improve to 6-3 with a win over the Brownies. Vick has a
field day in an easy win.
Tennessee (+ 7 �) over Baltimore � If the Steelers�
win out, the Ravens need to lose two other games besides the Steelers� games.
This isn�t going to be one of them, although the Titans will keep this one
close.
Buffalo (+ 11 �) over Indianapolis � Indy should
win this one easily, but I have a feeling the Bills will keep it closer than it
really should be.
Washington (+ 7 �) over Philadelphia � Both teams
desperately need a win to keep close to the Giants. Philly gets the win,
possibly in OT.
Green Bay (+ 5 �) over Minnesota � The Vikings have
looked bad the last two weeks, including only scoring 3 points against the 49�ers.
Even though Brett Favre�s record in domes is atrocious, he wins this one.
New England (- 10 �) over NY Jets � Jets could pull
within a game of the Pats with a win. But, the Pats win and start their cruising
to their division title.
San Francisco (+ 6 �) over Detroit � San Fran is taking
some steps toward being respectable, Detroit is, well, Detroit. This seems like
a lot of points, even playing in Detroit.
Denver (- 9 �) over Oakland � This is a home
underdog that I just can�t pick, even with all those points. Denver wins going
away.
St Louis (+ 3 �) over Seattle � The rain should be
stopping any day now in Seattle. Rams need this one (I said this last week and
they blew chunks against the Chiefs.) But, still no Alexander and Hasselback
means the Rams go into a tie for the divisional lead.
Arizona (+ 7 �) over Dallas � In years past,
Dallas at Arizona was like a home game for the Cowboys. And perhaps even this
year, with the Cardinals on a fast sinking ship. But, Arizona is a home
underdog, and I�m just waiting for the next TO explosion.
Pittsburgh (- 4 �) over New Orleans � As each week
passes, the Saints look like they are for real, and the Steelers don�t.
Santonio is back returning punts, and doesn�t fumble!
NY Giants (- 2 �) over Chicago � This is the first
week of NBC getting to choose which game to put on Sunday night. Not a bad
choice this week. Even with all the injuries for the Giants, they should win
this game.
Carolina (- 9 �) over Tampa Bay � Carolina desperately
needs a win, especially if the Saints lose to the Steelers. Tampa doesn�t put
up much of a fight.
FLG�s
Atlanta over Cleveland
Green Bay over Minnesota
Denver over Oakland