The NFL expands its horizons this weekend and plays a game only the New York media cares about in London. Back here across the pond, America has been caught up in gambling fever the last few years so a few contributors on the Complex are going to try their hand at helping you folks out. Remember kids, gambling is illegal. Except in Las Vegas, NV. So for those of you flying/driving across the desert this weekend, here are our picks for this weekend's NFL games. (Lines provided by Sunday Strategy)
Browns (-3) at Rams
The Browns are winless on the road and the Rams are just winless. One of them gets off the snide this week. Steven Jackson comes to the rescue of depressed Fantasy Football geeks everywhere (many of them took him #2 overall, but who's keeping track) Sunday when he returns from a partial groin tear. Unfortunately, Orlando Pace isn't returning with him. Elated Derek Anderson owners have been bragging ever since they picked him up for Chad Pennington. But the Browns are still giving up 30 pts a game and 150 rushing yards per game. And if that's not enough, Rams TE Randy McMichael is guaranteeing victory. Not a bad way for Jackson to make his return. Does all of this add up to the Rams first win of the season? Well, if you believe Randy McMichael.
- AB - Browns
- Eastwood - Browns
- Squarre - Browns
- P-Mizz - Browns
Lions (+5) at Bears
The last time these two teams met, the Lions scored 34 points in the 4th quarter to beat the Bears 37-27. Everyone is still blaming Rex Grossman for the loss. Oh wait--he didn't play. Doesn't matter, its still his fault. Detroit's last road game resulted in a 34-3 loss to the Redskins. God must not have been paying attention that day. Will divine intervention come to Kitna's aid again this weekend? See you in church on Sunday.
- AB - Lions
- Eastwood - Bears
- Squarre - Bears
- P-Mizz - Bears
Colts (-6.5) at Panthers
Peyton takes his Colts on the road to Charlotte where the Panthers have won two in a row and are coming off a bye week. But will they be looking ahead to next week's epic battle of (potential) unbeatens? Peyton looks at the game film of the Panthers secondary, sees images of Tom Brady, gets a little hard and asks "What in tarnation is that funny feeling I'm gettin', Daddy?" The Panthers are giving up 221 yards passing per game and are last in the league in sacks. That's what that sensation is, Peyton.
- AB - Colts
- Eastwood - Colts
- Squarre - Colts
- P-Mizz -Colts
Bills (+3) at Jets
This "battle" in the AFC East initially looks to be a true stinker on Sunday, but it could be one of the best matchups on the board. Buffalo will continue to play the Governor Trent Edwards instead of J.P. Losman, and the Jets will continue to play Chad Pennington over Kellen Clemens at QB. Look for Edwards to continue not to make mistakes, and for Marshawn Lynch to continue his impressive rookie season in this one. The road dog is pretty enticing, if I have to say so.
- AB - Jets
- Eastwood - Bills
- Squarre - Bills
- P-Mizz - Bills
Broncos (-3) at Packers
Who knows about the Broncos? Denver has been one of the most disappointing teams in the league, while Green Bay has beaten teams thought of as the league's best at the beginning of the season (beating NYG, SD, Philly). Will Denver's secondary be able to shut down Brett Favre? Will Green Bay's inability to run the ball give Denver the advantage? I don't see how Denver's only impressive showing of the year last week in beating Baltimore should make them the favorite here. Take the Pack and the points.
- AB - Broncos
- Eastwood - Broncos
- Squarre - Packers
- P-Mizz - Packers
Eagles (-1) at Vikings
The key to this one will be Philly's run defense against the two-headed monster of Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor. The Minnesota defense will be a good challenge for the Eagles, who have struggled in putting up points this season, save for 56 against the Lions. I think the veteran leadership McNabb provides at quarterback will be the edge in this one because the Eagles' D will force Minny to throw it, and I don't think that will allow them to win the game.
- AB - Vikings
- Eastwood - Vikings
- Squarre - Eagles
- P-Mizz - Eagles
Raiders (+7.5) at Titans
The struggling Raiders come to Tennessee where Vince Young will be returning to lead the Titans. The line given is a tricky one, but if you are interested in a teaser, this should be a good play. Tennessee will win outright at home, but the line is a tough one for two young teams. Oakland has struggled in scoring against anyone not named Detroit, Miami, or Cleveland, three of the league's worst. Tennessee's defense is stout, so I'll take the home team to cover.
- AB - Titans
- Eastwood - Titans
- Squarre - Raiders
- P-Mizz - Titans
Redskins (+16) at Patriots
This line is 16. Yes, that's right, SIXTEEN, in the NFL. And you know what, the world is still gonna pick the Pats. The Redskins aren't even that bad, but Tom Brady is that good. Giselle pulling the goalie and telling him he is one closer to Travis Henry's phenomenal, Partner:Child ratio couldn't derail him right now.
- AB - Patriots
- Eastwood - Patriots
- Squarre - Patriots
- P-Mizz - Patriots
So I did my first fantasy draft at work this year. Bad idea. Something comes up, you sign in too late and the computer picks Rudi Johnson for you 7th overall. I should have lit my Andrew Jackson on fire right there. And no, I didn't get the Sport's Guy to ghost-write my jokes.
- AB - Steelers
- Eastwood - Steelers
- Squarre - Steelers
- P-Mizz - Steelers
Giants (-9.5) at Dolphins
I didn't want to pick the Giants in this game, because they have had RB injury problems all year and I still don't have faith in Elijah Manning, but they covered the spread in the last five games, mostly against bad teams (AKA the Falcons). The Dolphins, they are a bad team and they playing without Ronnie Brown, Zach Thomas, Chris Chambers, and Trent Green. Will they score at all in jolly old England?
- AB - Giants
- Eastwood - Giants
- Squarre - Dolphins
- P-Mizz -Giants
No spread in this game. In San Diego, there are things much more important than football at this point. After a fast start Houston has lost 4 of 5. If they end up playing and LT plays big again (last week 24 carries, 198 yds, 4 TDs), the Chargers win.
- AB - Chargers
- Eastwood - Chargers
- Squarre - Chargers
- P- Mizz - Chargers
Jaguars (+3.5) at Buccaneers
Jacksonville is coming off a loss to Indianapolis. Tampa Bay lost to Calvin Johnson's reverse and the Lions. Jeff Garcia and the Bucs have been surprising, but look for the Jags tough D to play well. The Bucs are favored by 3.5, but look for the Jags to win outright.
- AB - Bucs (and the under 32)
- Eastwood - Jags
- Squarre - Jags
- P-Mizz - Jags
Saints (-3) at 49ers
The Saints won last week, but they beat our Atlanta Falcons so I don't know if that really counts. Alex Smith is back for the first time since September 30th and should be an upgrade over Trent Dilfer. The Saints are road favorites, but in San Fran I have to go with the 49ers and the points.
- AB - Saints
- Eastwood - 49ers
- Squarre - 49ers
- P-Mizz - Saints
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