Smitter�s Week 9 Picks vs the spread
Last week: 6-8 Overall: 58-58 50%
FLG�s last week: 1-3 FLG�s overall: 11-13 45.8%
Here�s a question � Has any team won the Super Bowl, or even gone to the Super Bowl, starting three different QB�s in the same year? I am not for sure, but in the Steelers� first SB, I know Joe Gilliam started a few games, and, of course, Bradshaw, but did Terry Hanratty start any games that year? Any other teams? San Francisco starts their 4th different QB of the year this week. Pretty neat story about Cody Pickett. He had been playing special teams, just wanting to get on the field. He was on the field for the punt in the game Sunday, then had to run to the sidelines and change helmets, and put on his QB helmet before finishing San Fran�s upset of Tampa. Pretty cool.
Steelers (- 4 �) over Green Bay � Last week I was totally shocked at how much Favre has seemed to have lost. But, he still had the Packers in a position to send the game into OT last week. Even with Charlie Batch at the helm, I think the Steelers win this game.
Detroit (- �) over Minnesota � Joey Harrington gets the nod this week for the Lions. Not sure how many �last chances� Joey is going to get, but against a Vikings team in major disarray, Joey leads the Lions to a win this week.
San Diego (- 6 �) over NY Jets � Another game for SD playing a team coming off a bye week, and another trip across the country. I�m not one to buy into this theory that this hurts a team as much as some say. Jets 3-2 last 5 years after their bye week, but I look for the Chargers to win.
Tennessee (+ 3 �) over Cleveland � After last week�s performance by the Brownies, I can�t see them beating any one, no matter how beat up the Titans are.
Oakland (+ 4 �) over Kansas City � Oakland going for their 3rd straight win in one of the biggest rivalry games in the NFL. KC needs a win, they might get it, but I think Oakland keeps it close.
Chicago (- 3 �) over New Orleans � The first-place Bears go into Baton Rouge and play the Saints, a team without a home, and a team that is seemingly burning many bridges in the state of Louisiana. Kyle Orton does just enough for the Bears to continue in first place.
Baltimore (+ 3 �) over Cincinnati � Just a hunch that the Ravens play another inspired game this week against another divisional foe. Bengals didn�t look too good last week, but to their credit, they did beat the Packers.
Carolina (- 1 �) over Tampa Bay � Carolina is hot, and Tampa is seething after the loss to the Niners last week. Carolina�s defense will trouble Chris Simms enough for Delhomme to lead the Panthers to a big win.
Jacksonville (- 13 �) over Houston � Jax is looking at this as a chance to possibly gain a game on the Colts. Texans got their yearly allotment of wins last week.
Miami (+ 2 �) over Atlanta � The Dolphins two-headed RB tandem played well last week, but it was against the Saints. The Falcons are 1-4 the last five years after their bye week, so I�m going with the home dog in this one.
San Francisco (+ 11 �) over NY Giants � Eli may finally get his first road win of his career, but the Niners will keep in close.
Arizona (+ 4 �) over Seattle � Arizona laid a big egg last week in Dallas, which is nothing unusual. Seattle has lost last 5 after a bye week, I look for the Cards to make it 6 losses in a row.
Philadelphia (+ 3 �) over Washington � Both teams have something to prove after last week�s games. Maybe McNabb can complete a few early, instead of another 0-12 start. Eagles more desperate in this game.
New England (+ 3 �) over Indianapolis � Last week we had to listen to the ESPN clowns forget about the game and instead gush about Bruschi. This week we get the number one ass-clown, John Madden, do the same. The Pats make a two-fold statement this week, one, don�t count us out, and, two, the Colts ain�t all that.
My First Look Goodies (FLG) for the week are:
Oakland (+ 4 �) over Kansas City
Chicago (- 3 �) over New Orleans
Philadelphia (+ 3 �) over Washington