Note from Jacob: Somehow, after a rager of a game of Monopoly — yes, we are five years old — and a weekend of fantasy football talk, we got Chadam to disagree with Nick on some of this week’s picks.
Oakland Raiders at San Diego Chargers
Fools Take: CHARGERS (-9) over Raiders
Nick says: I expect Philip Rivers to have his best game of the season because he is on my fantasy football team and because I will not be needing his services with a bye in the first week of the playoffs in Week 14. (Note from Nick: Jacob and Chadam do not have a first round bye, but they did make the playoffs.)
Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions
SPLIT DECISION!
Chadam Takes: LIONS (+10) over Vikings
Nick Takes: Vikings (-10) over LIONS
In taking the Lions, Chadam says: This matchup is the best chance for the Lions to win a game this season.
In taking the Vikings, Nick says: The Lions have Daunte Culpepper.
Cincinnati Bengals at Indianapolis Colts
Fools Take: Bengals (+13.5) over COLTS
Nick says: The Colts have not beaten an opponent by more than six points all year. I was so shocked by that stat that I had to take the Bengals and points. Somehow, I’m guessing the Colts will break that trend sometime during the next two weeks while they are playing the Bengals and Lions. Just call it a gut feeling.
Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints
Fools Take: Falcons (+3) over SAINTS
Nick says: I know that the NFC South teams are the definition of home field advantage, but I still can’t get over the lack of respect the Falcons are getting. They are 8-4! I love the way they are pounding the ball with Turner and then going over the top to Roddy White. Matt Ryan has my vote for rookie of the year.
Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants
Fools Take: GIANTS (-7) over Eagles $ #
Chadam says: If it was -17, I would still take the Giants.
Nick says: I’m guessing a lot of people will pick the Eagles after they whooped up on the Cardinals and the whole Plaxico Burress situation in the Big Apple, but the Giants haven’t been relying on Burress all year. The G-Men will be even more focused now that he’s gone.
Houston Texans at Green Bay Packers
SPLIT DECISION!
Chadam Takes: Texans (+6) over PACKERS
Nick Takes: PACKERS (-6) over Texans
In taking the Texans, Chadam says: I always take the Texans.
In taking the Packers, Nick says: I was listening to the Bill Simmons’ BS Report and whatever expert he had on the show was convinced that the Packers are much better than their record indicates based on his statistics. This game is my test to see if this guy knows his stuff or if he is full of shit. Beating the Texans shouldn’t be too tough a test for any playoff worthy team.
Cleveland Browns at Tennessee Titans
Fools Take: TITANS (-14) over Browns
Nick says: I think it’s hilarious that the Browns are giving more points than the Lions against a common opponent. This number seemed high to me, but then I remembered that the Browns suck and are playing a third string backup at QB. Good luck against the Titans, Ken Dorsey!
Jacksonville Jaguars at Chicago Bears
SPLIT DECISION!
Chadam Takes: BEARS (-6.5) over Jaguars
Nick Takes: Jaguars (+6.5) over BEARS
In taking the Bears, Chadam says: I think the Jags have given up on this season, and the Bears are still fighting for a playoff spot.
In taking the Jaguars, Nick says: I just feel deflated in regards to the Bears. They looked promising for a while there, but now, they are on the apathetic/”don’t care” list. Eh.
New York Jets at San Francisco 49ers
Fools Take: Jets (-4) over 49ERS $ #
Nick says: I have no clue what to think about the Jets. They got embarrassed at home last week by the Broncos — The Broncos! — the same team that was embarrassed by the Raiders a week before. I think the Jets will rebound nicely this week, but I have no faith in their chances to go deep in the playoffs after last week. None.
New England Patriots at Seattle Seahawks
Fools Take: Patriots (-4.5) over SEAHAWKS #
Nick says: Is Matt Cassel better than Tom Brady? Add that to the list of most ridiculous comparisons ever right up there with Deron Williams versus Chris Paul, Britney’s voice versus Christina’s voice and LeBron versus anybody. The Patriots should win this game by a touchdown or two.
Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos
Fools Take: Chiefs (+9) over BRONCOS
Nick says: I honestly have no clue what to expect from the Broncos. They might be the most up/down team I’ve ever seen. The Chiefs are coming off only their second win of the season, so I’m going to give them the edge.
Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Bills (in Cana-day)
Fools Take: Dolphins (+1) over Bills
Nick says: The Bills couldn’t put up more than three points at home against the 49ers, and now, I’m supposed to expect them to beat the Dolphins in a fake home game in Toronto? I don’t think so. I’m making this a lock just because of the absurdity of the suggestion.
Dallas Cowboys at Pittsburgh Steelers
Fools Take: STEELERS (-3) over Cowboys
Nick says: I respect the Steelers. Their fans are legit and know how to get up for a big game — too bad this isn’t the night game. I’m still not convinced on the Cowboys, but this game should be a legitimate test for them. Beat the Steelers at home, and you are legit in my opinion. Hopefully, no one breaks an ankle in the process — besides Willie Parker, who breaks something every game.
St. Louis Rams at Arizona Cardinals
SPLIT DECISION!
Chadam Takes: CARDINALS (-14) over Rams
Nick Takes: Rams (+14) over CARDINALS
In taking the Cardinals, Chadam says: The Rams are going to be tanking for a good draft pick to get a new quarterback, running back, wide receiver, tight end, kicker, offensive line and defensive line. They are set at punter.
In taking the Rams, Nick says: I just think 14 points is too much for a Cardinals team that is good but not great. I’m guessing Steven Jackson breaks loose in a lost cause just enough to cover the spread.
Washington Redskins at Baltimore Ravens
Fools Take: RAVENS (-5) over Redskins $ #
Nick says: The Zorn Supremacy is gone. They are now searching for The Zorn Identity. What happened to letting Clinton Portis be the work horse and Jason Campbell doing just enough to keep defenses honest? There is going to be a good team left out of the AFC playoffs. It’s too bad the Broncos will take a spot away from a deserving candidate. Hopefully, it won’t be the Ravens.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Carolina Panthers
SPLIT DECISION!
Chadam Takes: Bucs (-3) over PANTHERS
Nick Takes: PANTHERS (+3) over Bucs
In taking the Bucs, Chadam says: I’ve been a fan of the Bucs all year, so I’m not going to jump off the bandwagon now. Besides, the Panthers are a bit too inconsistent for my tastes. I really don’t like that I’m giving points in this game though.
In taking the Panthers, Nick says: I am going to stick with the NFC South home field advantage in this game, and there is no 3.5-point spread, which has been killing me all season. Hopefully, I can get back on track this week. My picks have hit a late season SNAFU in these past few weeks, but I’m looking to reverse that trend with a little luck.
Last Week:
Nick: 7-9
Current Standings after Week 13:
Nick: 97-88-3
Nick’s Lock: 8-5