NFL Picks: Week 5

Last week: 8-6
Season record: 38-24

Wow. A quarter of the NFL season is now in the books. It's been a weird year so far, too....but give it another 4 weeks and we'll see some races start to really materialize. Meanwhile, here are your Week 5 Crystal Ball picks:

Denver at Baltimore--The Broncos gutted out a tough win on the road in Nashville last weekend, but facing the Ravens in Baltimore is altogether different. Ravens 20, Broncos 13

Jacksonville at Buffalo--Sure, the Jags beat Indy a week ago. Sure, the Bills can't seem to beat anyone or even look good in losing games. But that's why the tables will turn this weekend. Bills 23, Jaguars 21

Chicago at Carolina--This is my second out of four picks for 0-4 teams to reach 1-4. I was going to pick the Bears until I saw that Todd Collins would start in place of Jay Cutler. Panthers 20, Bears 18

Tampa Bay at Cincinnati--The Bucs had a bye and some rest, while the Bengals continue to show why they are impostors. Still, they do have some talent and their defense should shut down Tampa pretty good. Bengals 17, Bucs 10

Atlanta at Cleveland--This one should be the Matt Ryan/Roddy White/Tony Gonzalez/Michael Turner show. Sorry, Cleveland. Falcons 30, Browns 17

St. Louis at Detroit--It's really hard to believe that the Rams have given up just 13 points per game, when they gave up an astounding 31 per game a year ago. But Sunday, I just have the feeling that Shaun Hill is just gonna light them up. Lions 38, Rams 24

Kansas City at Indianapolis--Along with the winless teams all winning, it's time for someone to beat the Chiefs. And who better than Peyton Manning? Colts 27, Chiefs 17

NY Giants at Houston--The Giants are about as hard to figure out as any team in the NFL. The Texans just have an explosive offense, and if Matt Schaub can stay upright and hand the ball off to Arian Foster about 25 times, it may just wear down the Giants' D. Texans 33, Giants 24

Green Bay at Washington--If the Packers can ever get some sort of running game going, they could be lethal. But until then, they aren't really able to control the clock. Meanwhile, the Redskins keep scores low and close. Packers 20, Redskins 16

New Orleans at Arizona--The Saints need to get their running game in gear in order to allow Drew Brees to find his receivers down field. But let's face it--this is the suddenly horrendous Arizona Cardinals we're talking about. Saints 23, Cardinals 10

Tennessee at Dallas--This should be a really interesting game. The Titans, like the Redskins, keep games close and low-scoring while hitting hard and making the other team take penalties. That should play right into Jeff Fisher's teams' hands, but Tony Romo and company have had an extra week off and should score enough points to win. Cowboys 27, Titans 17

San Diego at Oakland--When I had Antonio Gates on my fantasy team last year, he didn't do much for me. Which is why he's having an awesome season already. Thanks, Antonio. Chargers 40, Raiders 21

Philadelphia at San Francisco--If Michael Vick were playing, this would be a different ball game. But Kevin Kolb? Against a Mike Singletary team that is winless and extremely angry? Um, no way. 49ers 24, Eagles 20

Minnesota at NY Jets--This is probably the game of the week. The Jets at home on the big stage, Brett Favre returning to the Meadowlands to face his former team, and Randy Moss also returning to the Meadowlands for the second time in the first five games. Jets 22, Vikings 19

MLB playoff predictions

This isn't going to be just a football site, though that's where my expertise is. But I thought it would be fun to pick the MLB playoffs too. It's either this, or pick the NBA preseason games, but ESPN's Heat-a-thon has all that covered, right? Anyway, here we go....

NY Yankees vs. Minnesota--The Yankees enter this series having skidded into the wild card spot, though rumor has it that they just wanted to avoid facing Cliff Lee in the ALDS. And they will send CC Sabathia to the mound twice in the first four games if necessary, because he's their only reliable starter. The Yanks have recently dominated the Twins in postseason play, but this year may be different. I just have this feeling Joe Mauer will carry the Twins on his back, and Jim Thome will hit a couple of big bombs. Twins 3, Yankees 2

Texas vs. Tampa Bay--Yeah, the Rangers have Cliff Lee, but this one is more about the Rays' pitching staff vs. the Rangers' big bats. That would mean David Price, James Shields and Matt Garza against Josh Hamilton, Vlad Guerrero and Nelson Cruz. You know that old adage about how great pitching trumps great hitting? Yep. Rays 3, Rangers 1

Atlanta vs. San Francisco--The Braves snuck in as a wild card in manager Bobby Cox's last season, and they get to face Tim Lincecum tomorrow night to open the series, as well as Matt Cain and Jonathan Sanchez. These teams both have awesome closers in Billy Wagner and Brian Wilson, but with Chipper and Prado out for the Braves, this one could be over before you blink. Giants 3, Braves 0

Cincinnati vs. Philadelphia--Poor Dusty Baker gets his team into the postseason, and has to face Roy Halladay, Roy Oswalt and Cole Hamels back to back to back. But with Joey Votto, a legitimate MVP candidate leading the offense for the Reds, and a Cincinnati team that led the NL in batting (.272) and home runs (188), this could be interesting. Still, tough to go against recent playoff experience. The Phils were World Champs two years ago and have represented the NL two straight years. Cincinnati hasn't been to the playoffs since 1995. Phillies 3, Reds 2

Oh, and regardless of what happens, for the love of G-d, can we not have more than one first-round sweep? In the last five seasons, there have been 11 sweeps in 20 first-round series. That just sucks for true baseball fans! Anyway, play ball!

NFL Picks: Week 4

Last week: 10-6
Season record: 30-18

San Francisco at Atlanta--The Niners have to win at some point, don't they? Well, not with Michael Turner running in the dome. And how about this? SF fired their offensive coordinator last week, but it's their defense that has failed them miserably, giving up an NFL high 87 points (tied with Buffalo). Yikes, Mr. Singletary. Falcons 34, 49ers 17

NY Jets at Buffalo--The rejuvenated Bills are home and play the Jets tough, but come on. Jets 23, Bills 13

Cincinnati at Cleveland--The Browns always play Cincy tough, and Peyton Hillis almost single-handedly beat Baltimore last weekend. But there is just too much talent for the Bengals not to pick them. Bengals 28, Browns 27

Detroit at Green Bay--Mike McCarthy will absolutely not let his team sink to 2-2, but that doesn't mean the feisty Lions will make this easy. Packers 30, Lions 23

Carolina at New Orleans--I might have to cover my eyes for this game. Jimmy Claussen should fear for his life. Saints 33, Panthers 10

Baltimore at Pittsburgh--Charlie Batch hit the lottery last Sunday, but the Ravens are just more talented as a whole and will barely eke this one out. Ravens 16, Steelers 13

Seattle at St. Louis--I love Steve Spagnuolo and he may have his team believing. And the Seahawks are going to be let down after another upset last weekend. Rams 27, Seahawks 24

Denver at Tennessee--Chris Johnson and that Titans' O-line will dominate. Titans 23, Broncos 17

Indianapolis at Jacksonville--MJD will play well as he always does against Indy, but the Jaguars are destined for a last place finish in the AFC South. Can Austin Collie have another insanely big game? Colts 40, Jaguars 17

Houston at Oakland--Everyone wants to pick Oakland in an upset here, but Arian Foster may have 300 rushing yards against this weak rush D of the Raiders. Texans 30, Raiders 20

Washington at Philadelphia--The game of the week. Donovan McNabb returns to Philly while the Eagles and Mike Vick are flying really high. Get your popcorn ready. Eagles 27, Redskins 17

Arizona at San Diego--How the mighty have fallen in Arizona. And, well, the Chargers never seem to rev up until November. But they won't lose to this team at home. Chargers 31, Cardinals 14

Chicago at NY Giants--My heart says G-men, what with the Ring of Honor being unveiled at halftime. But my head says they will find another way to lose. Bears 30, Giants 17

New England at Miami--Very, very tough one to call. I'm going to have to go with the home team, though. Dolphins 21, Patriots 18

NFL Picks: Week 3

Last Week 8-8
Season Record: 20-12

So last week was a ball of suck for me, and I'm not proud of an 8-8 record. It kinda feels like an NFL team that just had a game end in a tie (yeah, Donovan, it's possible). Hopefully this week will be different and we'll get back on track in a big way. Either way, enjoy the games this weekend...it sure is great to have football back, isn't it?

Cleveland at Baltimore--Are the Browns this bad again? They lost to two 2-0 teams, but those teams are the Bucs and Chiefs. Meanwhile, the Ravens were embarrassed by the Bengals last Sunday but they have not allowed a touchdown this season. And they probably won't allow one to the Browns unless Josh Cribbs takes one to the house on a kick return. Ravens 24, Browns 3

Cincinnati at Carolina--Jimmy Claussen takes the helm for the Panthers, but QB isn't the only problem in Carolina. The Bengals proved last week that they will keep up with Baltimore and Pittsburgh in the AFC North. Bengals 20, Panthers 17

Dallas at Houston--Wow, could the Cowboys get to 0-3 and the Texans to 3-0? When someone from the NFL Network picked the Texans to get to the Super Bowl, I laughed. I'm not laughing now. Wade Phillips' butt is getting sore from that hot seat. Texans 30, Cowboys 24

San Francisco at Kansas City--The Niners could also reach 0-3 with KC getting to 3-0. But the Chiefs have to stop Frank Gore for that to happen, and Todd Haley needs to give Jamaal Charles the ball more often. I'm not sure either will happen, but I still like the Chiefs riding momentum at home. Chiefs 23, Niners 20

Detroit at Minnesota--I've written that if the Lions beat the Vikings Sunday, Brett Favre will retire on Monday, for good. I mean, if the Vikings show they might not make the playoffs, he has no reason to keep hanging around. Vikings 28, Lions 20

Buffalo at New England--Last season, the Bills almost pulled off a remarkable upset in New England. This year, the Bills are one of the worst teams in football while the Pats are smarting from that Jets' beat-down, but still very talented. Patriots 38, Bills 10

Atlanta at New Orleans--The Falcons always play the Saints tough, but I have a feeling that won't be the case Sunday. Saints 30, Falcons 20

Tennessee at NY Giants--It pains me to think the Giants could lose AGAIN to the Titans. I went to that game in Nashville four years ago when the Giants were up 21-0 and lost 24-21. Despite the Giants sucking against Indy and Chris Johnson being Chris Johnson, I think my G-men will hold it together this time. Giants 20, Titans 16

Pittsburgh at Tampa Bay--Both teams are 2-0 and Super Bowl bound, right? Um, not really. Well, maybe Pittsburgh with a healthy Polamalu. But the Bucs are going to come back down to earth. Steelers 22, Bucs 16

Philadelphia at Jacksonville--Michael Vick was named the starter, because if Andy Reid didn't make that decision, he'd be hearing about it for years. The Jags are a team in transition and MJD is not healthy. Eagles 27, Jaguars 24

Washington at St. Louis--In 2008, the Rams upset the Redskins 19-17. In 2009, the Redskins barely beat the Rams 9-7, and the Rams wound up 1-15. Mike Shanahan cannot let an upset happen, but it wouldn't be shocking. Redskins 21, Rams 17

Oakland at Arizona--The Raiders looked awful in Week 1 (38-13 loss to Titans) and the Cards looked awful in Week 2 (41-7 drubbing by Falcons). But each team is 1-1 because they each beat the Rams. This one could wind up in a tie, but I'd never predict one of those. Cardinals 23, Raiders 20

Indianapolis at Denver--After a dismal opener in Houston, the Colts took out their frustrations on the Giants, looking Super in the process. That's the real Colts. The Broncos are just not in this class yet. Colts 34, Broncos 27

San Diego at Seattle--Despite the fact that AJ Smith is a moron, the Chargers are still a good team. Pete Carroll will have his Hawks fired up, but come on. Chargers 27, Seahawks 17

NY Jets at Miami--One of the best games of the week. The Dolphins are 2-0 and at home while their division rival Jets almost beat Baltimore and beat the Pats by 2 touchdowns last Sunday. It's just really tough to go against the Jets and that defense, though Miami has a great D as well. Jets 10, Dolphins 6

Green Bay at Chicago--Another marquee matchup. Both teams are 2-0 and tied for the NFC North lead. But the Packers have scored 61 points and given up 27. Sure, the Bears are home but Jay Cutler will get antsy in a Monday night nationally televised game, and throw 3, maybe 4 interceptions. Packers 30, Bears 21

NFL Picks: Week 2

Last week: 12-4
Season record: 12-4

Arizona at Atlanta--This ain't the Rams, Ken Whisenhunt. And the Falcons will be hungry for their first win at home. Michael Turner might have 200 yards. Falcons 31, Cardinals 14

Tampa Bay at Carolina--Whether or not Matt Moore plays (he probably will), this will be a low-scoring affair. But the Panthers aren't as bad as they looked last week against the G-men. Panthers 17, Bucs 10

Baltimore at Cincinnati--The Ravens are still pissed that the Bengals swept the season series a year ago. It's not gonna happen this time. Ravens 20, Bengals 16

Kansas City at Cleveland--The Chiefs has better not take Cleveland too lightly after beating the Chargers last week. Still, their offense should prove too much for the Browns. Chiefs 24, Browns 17

Chicago at Dallas--The battle of the overrated. I repeat...what has Mike Martz done since those days when he had Kurt Warner, Marshall Faulk, Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce? The Bears don't have anyone like that. And Tony Romo should have fun with a mediocre Bears' D. Cowboys 31, Bears 20

Philadelphia at Detroit--This one is hard to pick. The Eagles are good with Michael Vick, not so good with Kevin Kolb. The Lions almost (and technically should have) won at Soldier Field, and they will be home with a much improved team. Lions 22, Eagles 20

Buffalo at Green Bay--The laugher of the week. If you have Aaron Rodgers on your fantasy team, you can sit back and let him carry you. Packers 44, Bills 13

Miami at Minnesota--Brett Favre has had 10 days to rest his ankle, and the Dolphins get another road game. Oh, and the Vikings have #28. Vikings 24, Dolphins 20

Pittsburgh at Tennessee--Remember last year, when the Titans lost the opener to Pittsburgh and went into a six-game tailspin? This year will be different, and it doesn't matter who the defense is, Chris Johnson just broke off another long run. Titans 20, Steelers 17

Seattle at Denver--Two teams that are hard to read this early in the season. Is Matt Hasselbeck '10 for real? And who carries the ball for Denver these days? Me? I'm taking Denver for one reason: Champ Bailey. Broncos 26, Seahawks 17

St. Louis at Oakland--How bad are the Raiders? The worst run defense in the NFL is going to have fits against Steven Jackson, and the Rams will get their first W early in 2010. Rams 28, Raiders 21

New England at NY Jets--What will stun Tom Brady more--that car crash he was in or the Jets' defense? I'm going with the latter. Jets 17, Patriots 16

Jacksonville at San Diego--The Chargers are another team that lost on the road in Week 1 and will take that out on their opponent. Chargers 31, Jaguars 20

Houston at Washington--Are you kidding me? How are we supposed to read this one? I'll tell you how...the Redskins' D is stifling, and they will stifle Matt Schaub and Arian Foster. Redskins 16, Texans 13

NY Giants at Indianapolis--Manning vs. Manning 2. Both QBs have Super Bowl rings and Super Bowl MVP trophies, but Eli is still the little brother, and while both teams have big question marks, the Colts are the home team and are not happy about losing their opener. Colts 30, Giants 24

New Orleans at San Francisco--If the Niners can give up 28 points to the Seahawks, what will Drew Brees do to them? Will Mike Singletary thank Sean Payton for the butt-whipping afterward? Saints 27, Niners 17

NFL Picks: Week 1

Season Record: 1-0 (yeah, that's right!)
Here are the rest of the games.....enjoy the first football Sunday everyone!

Miami at Buffalo--The Bills are setting up to be a pretty bad team, even before the season begins. Lucky for the Dolphins they don't have to travel to Buffalo in December. Dolphins 20, Bills 10

Detroit at Chicago--The Lions still have a long way to go, but in many ways, so do the Bears. Bears 23, Lions 17

Indianapolis at Houston--The schedule gods are not kind to the Texans. They finally have a winning season last year, their first ever since coming into the NFL in 2002. Then they get to start the season like this? Colts 30, Texans 24

Denver at Jacksonville--Remember last year, when the Broncos rode that fluke Brandon Stokely TD catch to a 6-0 start? This year, they won't be 6-0. Jaguars 21, Broncos 14

Cincinnati at New England--Was last year a fluke for the Bengals? We'll find out starting Sunday, as the Patriots in Foxboro will be a big, big test. Patriots 31, Bengals 20

Carolina at NY Giants--The Panthers crushed the Giants 41-9 in the old Meadowlands in December. Sunday, the new Meadowlands will have a different outcome. Giants 24, Panthers 17

Atlanta at Pittsburgh--It doesn't matter if the QB is Dennis Dixon or me, the Steelers are just tough at home. Steelers 27, Falcons 24

Cleveland at Tampa Bay--A battle of two of the worst teams in the NFL, so we'll go with the home team. Bucs 20, Browns 16

Oakland at Tennessee--The Chris Johnson show resumes. Titans 28, Raiders 20

Green Bay at Philadelphia--Can Kevin Kolb throw those TD bombs McNabb used to throw to help his team jump out to leads? That remains to be seen, but against Green Bay he may have to throw bombs to keep up. Packers 26, Eagles 20

Arizona at St. Louis--It's not just losing Kurt Warner, it's losing Antrel Rolle and Karlos Dansby and Anquan Boldin. Upset city. Rams 20, Cardinals 19

San Francisco at Seattle--Everyone has the 49ers as a sexy pick to win this division, but I need to see to believe. Seahawks 17, 49ers 14

Dallas at Washington--The Redskins always seem to have the Cowboys' collective number, but I'd say even more so now that they have Donovan McNabb and Mike Shanahan. Redskins 27, Cowboys 23

Baltimore at NY Jets--The Jets will officially get to let us know if all of their preseason hype is for real. I like Baltimore to reach the Super Bowl, but I think the Jets win this Monday night home opener. Jets 14, Ravens 10

San Diego at Kansas City--The Chargers' receiving situation is a bit of a mess, but they are still a better team than KC. Chargers 24, Chiefs 14

Mikey's Crystal Ball: Thursday Night Edition

It's a clean slate, folks, but here we go!

Minnesota at New Orleans--A rematch of the NFC Championship game, in which Brett Favre threw a pick against the team he grew up rooting for. Remember how crazy loud that dome is for big games? It's gonna be even louder tonight, as the Saints go into this season as defending champs. Meanwhile, the Vikes and Favre set out to atone for that loss in January, but they will fall short again due to Superdome magic, among other things. Saints 30, Vikings 24