I don’t really get into responding to comments on this blog, but since my post about why I didn’t want to watch the Grey Cup last week generated so much interest, I thought I would address some today.
– I do not have a “little man complex,†as one commenter suggested. I am actually of average height and weight.
-I have never given the NFL a free pass. I feel that Roger Goodell isn’t very good at his job and should probably be removed from power over the many scandals (the domestic abuse issue being the latest) that have occurred under his supervision.
-I would love to see the study that ranked MLS the 88th-best soccer league in the world. It’s surely in the top 50.
-I have, in fact, played sports (football, soccer, baseball and ice hockey), but none professionally.
-One commenter said the he wishes the CFL had a franchise in the U.S. and “maybe one day they can have a U.S. division. I’m surprised fellow commenters didn’t supply a history lesson.
-The Bills in T.O. Series being cancelled reflected more on how poorly the series was run and priced more than the overall interest in the NFL in Canada.
-To those who bring up the power failure in New Orleans at the Super Bowl, doesn’t anybody realize that it was Beyonce’s way of motivating the 49ers?
-Finally, I’ve been called many terrible things on Twitter (@danbilicki) and in comments, but none is worse than being labelled a Manchester United fan. How dare you! Blackburn Rovers for life.
As for this week’s picks, the lines are from Vegas and the home teams are in CAPs.
CHICAGO +3.5 over Dallas
How weird is it that these two teams played two Thursdays in a row? How badly could that mess up a team’s rhythm? I’m as surprised as anyone that the Cowboys are undefeated on the road this season, but next week in Philly should be a huge test of that record. Of course, everything’s gravy for the Cowboys now that they can’t possibly go 8-8 again.
MIAMI -2.5 over Baltimore
The Jets were able to run the ball on Miami, but that involved a lot of reverses and a lot of volume. The Ravens just lost Haloti Ngata and their pass defence is secretly not good.
Indianapolis -3.5 over CLEVELAND
This should have been Johnny Football’s big hurrah. Instead, it’s a blowout loss for the Browns and another week of Manziel-Hoyer drama.
Houston -5 over JACKSONVILLE
Ryan Fitzpatrick may not throw six more TDs this season. It doesn’t matter though, as J.J. Watt eats mediocre QBs for breakfast and Arian Foster will run wild.
New York Giants (PK) over TENNESSEE
The Titans might be the worst team in the league while the Giants can’t keep on blowing winnable games. A loss here more than seals Tom Coughlin’s fate.
NEW ORLEANS -9.5 over Carolina
The Saints have already beaten the Panthers by a big margin and that was in Carolina. Drew Brees and Co. has to avenge their three-game losing streak at home.
Tampa Bay +9.5 over DETROIT
Big letdown opportunity for the Lions here, as Detroit hasn’t won a game in October for two years.
WASHINGTON +3 over St. Louis
Lots of value here taking a home dog that might not be terrible over a team that’s fresh off a big win against a truly awful squad.
MINNESOTA -6 over New York Jets
The Vikings aren’t as bad as their record and coach Mike Zimmer is really building something there. It’s easy to see the Vikes in the playoff hunt next season.
Buffalo +10 over DENVER
The Bills defence should hold the team in this game. The Broncos have an average record against the spread this season too.
ARIZONA -1 over Kansas City
The Cardinals have one of the league’s best home-field advantages, so how are they only getting a point against a team that’s in an equal slump?
OAKLAND +8 over San Francisco
This game is a blood feud and you can’t trust the 49ers offence right now.
Seattle +1 over PHILADELPHIA
The Seahawks defence has jumped back into its daunting form with some key players coming back. With Mark Sanchez under centre, I don’t like Philly’s chances.
New England -3.5 over SAN DIEGO
While some would worry about the long flight from New England to San Diego, the Pats stayed out west this week. The Chargers are a great December team, but it’s not like the Patriots aren’t too.
GREEN BAY -12.5 over Atlanta
The only risk here is a letdown game for the Pack, but you can’t bet against Aaron Rodgers at home right now. They’ll undoubtedly put up at least 40 points against the uber-soft Falcons.
Last week: 8-8
This season: 102-87-2