Smitter�s Week 11 Picks vs the spread
Last week:�� 9-5�� Overall: 70-74�� 48.6%
FLG�s last week: 3-0�
FLG�s overall: 15-15�� 50%
Well, the Pittsburgh area had its first night in the teens
last night. Supposed to be in the 30�s today, 40�s tomorrow. Hopefully the tarp
has been on Heinz Field all week. Tomorrow is the annual Destroy The Heinz
Field Turf Day, also known as the WPIAL Championships. Four games at Heinz
Field. Luckily, the field will have two weeks to recover before the Ben-gals
come to town on Dec 4th.
Steelers (- 3 �) over Baltimore � Even with
the Stiller Nation emptying their local grocery stores of all available stock
of antacids, and the local state store of their favorite hard liquor, in
anticipation of Tommy�s start Sunday, we can never forget that Kyle Boller is
on the other side of the field. It may be ugly, but the Steelers win.
Carolina (- 3 �) over Chicago � �A preview of the NFC Championship? Perhaps
not. Carolina is on a roll, but so is Chicago. I think Carolina�s defense is
just too tough for the Bears. Now, if the wind is anything like it was last
week, that may be a different story.
Jacksonville (- 4 �) over Tennessee � Jax has
got to be thinking that there is a chance the Colts may lose the next two
games, bringing Jax back in the division race. That may cause them to lose some
focus in a game they should handily win, but I don�t think so.
Indianapolis (- 5 �) over Cincinnati � I have
a sneaky suspicion that the field in Cincy will be a mess, hoping to slow down
the Colts� offense. Cincy is on the national stage again, and for the third
time this year, they can�t rise to the occasion. That, and the fact that Cincy
is 1-4 after their bye week.
New Orleans (+ 10 �) over New England � Even though
the Saints are in a free fall, I think they keep this game close.
St Louis (- 9 �) over Arizona � As bad
as St Louis played last week, this game is at home, and against the Cardinals.
Tampa Bay (+ 6 �) over Atlanta � We may
have seen the arrival of Chris Simms last week. Tampa defense gets all over
Vick, and even at Atlanta, this seems like a lot of points to give in this
game.
Oakland (+ 6 �) over Washington � Two teams
everyone loves to hate because of their owners. Washington�s slide continues
this week.
Detroit (+ 8 �) over Dallas � A win
and Detroit could move within a game of the lead in the NFC North. Dallas will
suffer a letdown after the comeback win over Philly.
Philadelphia (+ 7 �) over NY Giants � Maybe not
having the most-overrated QB in the NFL playing on Sunday will help focus the Eagles.
I think local boy McMahon scores enough to beat the Giants.
Miami (+ 2 �) over Cleveland � Miami lost
a game last week that they could have easily won. The Browns just plain suck.
Go with the Fish.
San Francisco (+ 13 �) over Seattle � Seattle
has established themselves as one of the better teams in the NFC. But, they
still aren�t a good road team, and this seems like a whole lot of points to be
giving.
Buffalo (+ 11 �) over San Diego � Another
game that seems like a lot of points, even with the game in San Diego. Maybe
time on the bench straightened out Losman.
Kansas City (- 7 �) over Houston � Kansas City
has a lot top lay for, Houston doesn�t. This could get ugly.
Green Bay (- 4 �) over Minnesota � Green Bay
showed some life last week. I look for that to continue at home this week
against the hated Vikings.
My First Look Goodies (FLG) for the week are:
Tampa (+ 6 �) over Atlanta
Miami (+ 2 �) over Cleveland
Kansas City (- 7 �) over Houston