We haven’t had a lot of fancy talk here at the top of “A Fool and His Money” these last few weeks, but that’s because, just like any NFL franchise, we focus during this part of the season. The games start to matter more, and we’re ready to get down to business.
Let’s not waste any time.
Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers
Fools Take: STEELERS (-10.5) over Bengals
Nick says: Did the Bengals defense really hold the Eagles to 13 points in five quarters? The Steelers will win this game, and I’m guessing Cincinnati can’t even keep it close without Ocho Cinco in the lineup.
San Francisco 49ers and Dallas Cowboys
Fools Take: 49ers (+11) over COWBOYS
Nick says: Everything is hunky-dory now that Tony Romo is back in town, right? I’m not convinced he is the answer to all their problems. I expect a fired up San Francisco team to give the Cowboys all they can handle.
Philadelphia Eagles at Baltimore Ravens
Fools Take: RAVENS (-1.5) over Eagles
Nick says: Neither of these teams looked impressive at all last week, and a 1.5 line means it’s virtually a toss up since the NFL doesn’t allow ties. Isn’t that right, Donovan McNabb? I like Ray Lewis and the Ravens to rebound at home against Andy Reid and company.
New York Jets at Tennessee Titans
Fools Take: TITANS (-5.5) over Jets
Nick says: The Titans just keep getting it done. I think this might be the game in which the cookie crumbles though. The Jets have a solid defense, good running game and a QB who can occasionally catch fire and go into another zone altogether. I would definitely understand if people put some money on the Jets to win this one, but I’m sticking with the Titans until they lose. Like I said before, they just keep getting it done.
Buffalo Bills at Kansas City Chiefs
Fools Take: CHIEFS (+3) over Bills
Nick says: Buffalo has lost four in a row and are, all of a sudden, .500. The Chiefs have been playing teams close lately, but they still only have one win on their record to show for it. I can’t believe I’m saying it, but I like the Chiefs to win this one straight up.
Minnesota Vikings at Jacksonville Jaguars
Fools Take: Vikings (+2.5) over JAGS
Nick says: It appears there are no in-between spreads this week. All the spreads are either a field goal or more than eight points. That doesn’t make this very easy. My gut says to go with the Vikings, and the fact that I’m getting a few points just confirms what I think.
New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins
Fools Take: Patriots (+2) over DOLPHINS $
Nick says: If there is one thing I’ve learned about Belichick, it’s that he is a vindictive S.O.B. I would not be surprised if Matt Walsh wakes up one day with the head of a horse in his bed. Belichick definitely did not enjoy being embarrassed by the Dolphins and will look to return the favor this week down in Miami. If Cassel continues playing with confidence, watch out.
Chicago Bears at St. Louis Rams
Fools Take: Bears (-8.5) over RAMS $
Nick says: Kyle Orton played last week, but he was not the Kyle Orton that we saw pre-injury. I picked up Robbie Gould last week for my fantasy team, and his lousy three points cost me the game. I can’t imagine the Bears not being able to easily beat the Rams though, especially with Steven Jackson out another week.
Houston Texans at Cleveland Browns
Fools Take: Texans (+3) over BROWNS
Nick says: I don’t care how bad Sage Rosenfels or this line is. I refuse to pick the Browns with Blumpkin Quinn leading their team. I know Steve Slaton is already overachieving, but if he could just step it up a little more this week, I would appreciate it. Thanks, Steve.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Detroit Lions
Fools Take: Bucs (-9) over LIONS
Nick says: I guess I need to face the facts eventually that the Bucs are a legit team. I’ll give them a shot this week against lowly Detroit. Don’t make me regret it, Jeff Garcia.
Oakland Raiders at Denver Broncos
Fools Take: BRONCOS (-9.5) over Raiders
Nick says: By now, everybody should know my feelings towards the Raiders. They are capable of covering spreads, just not on the road.
Washington Redskins at Seattle Seahawks
SPLIT DECISION!
Chadam Takes: SEAHAWKS (+3.5) over Redskins
Nick Takes: Redskins (-3.5) over SEAHAWKS
In taking the Redskins, Nick says: This matchup is one game that could get the Redskins back on track or reignite the Seattle Seahawks out of the puddle of misery they’ve been wallowing in lately. Both teams need this game. Unfortunately, I think the Redskins are more talented, and the twelfth man in Seattle is no longer what it used to be.
New York Giants at Arizona Cardinals
Fools Take: Giants (-3.5) over CARDINALS
Nick says: Quick, what is the Giants’ record this year? The answer is 9-1. That answer means the Giants are a pretty good football team. The Cardinals have not beaten a team with a record better than 6-4. The Cardinals may be good at beating the teams they are supposed to beat, but they have yet to beat a true playoff contender. They are going to have to prove it to me before they get a real vote of confidence. At least the game is in Arizona.
Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons
SPLIT DECISION!
Chadam Takes: Panthers (+1) over FALCONS
Nick Takes: FALCONS (-1) over Panthers
Indianapolis Colts at San Diego Chargers
Fools Take: Colts (-3) over CHARGERS
Nick says: What happened to the Chargers this year? If the Chiefs had completed their two-point conversion two weeks ago, this team would be 3-7. Instead, they are in the weakest division in football and still have a chance to make the playoffs. They need this win to keep the dream alive, but the only problem is that Peyton Manning has started to heat up at the right time of the season. If we are lucky, we might get a few new commercials by the time the Super Bowl comes around.
Green Bay Packers at New Orleans Saints
Fools Take: Packers (+2.5) over SAINTS $
Nick says: I thought last week was a statement game by the Packers. They destroyed the Bears. I like this team a lot more now that Ryan Grant is getting it going again.
Last Week:
Nick: 5-11 (Ouch!)
Current Standings after Week 11:
Nick: 81-73-2
Nick’s Locks: 3-2