Week 8: Flipping Coins

R.I.P. Chewbacca

Lately everyone has been talking about Cam Newton and his "moping" ways.  It all seems a bit overblown to me, but it did give me a chance to post this picture of him wearing Chewy's coat.  I think things will still turn out alright for Cam, but this week against the Bears is going to be rough.

I had a pretty solid performance last week, so I'm hoping for another one here to keep pushing those percentages up.  Some good games coming up this Sunday, but I'm hoping the Bolts win easily.  Let's see the picks....

• Carolina Panthers @ Chicago Bears (-7.5 / U 43) 

 This was a tough one, but the Bears defense has just been so nasty lately.  They are currently on pace to match the turnover total of the famed '85 Bears, so I think Cam may be in for some hard times.  Bears may not score much here, but the probably won't need much.  Ill say Bears 24 - Panthers 16
 

• San Diego Chargers (-2.5 / O 43) @ Cleveland Browns

 It's frustrating being a Chargers fan.  But coming off of that terrible Monday Night loss then the bye week, we should be ready to punish Cleveland.  I'm hoping this line isn't even close, time for a Rivers resurgence!!! Chargers 27 - Browns 17
 

• Seattle Seahawks @ Detroit Lions (-1.5 / O 42.5)

 Matthew Stafford and Lions have looked out of rhythm all season, but I think they will have an opportunity to get things together this week at home.  Seattle has a very tough defense, but they won't have their Seattle-noise advantage here on the road.  Stafford finally connects on his first TD to Megatron this season, Lions 24 - Seahawks 20
 

• Jacksonville Jaguars (+15.5 / O 45.5) @ Green Bay Packers

 I don't like this pick at all.  The Jags have been one of the worst teams all year, and now they are without their best player MJD.....and their QB Blaine Gabbert?  Ugh.  Then they have to go on the road and play the Packers in Green Bay?  These should all be great reasons to take the Packers, but it's just such a high point spread.  Give me the points and a dose of some NFL randomness..... Packers 31 - Jaguars 20
 

• Indianapolis Colts (+3.5 / U 47) @ Tennessee Titans

 Titans surprised me a little bit last week with their win against the Bills, but I'm thinking they have a let down here.  Andrew Luck will be very successful throwing the ball against the Titan secondary, and I believe he propels them to the road upset.  Colts 24 - Titans 20

This is the "football" player most people in London will expect to see

 

• New England Patriots (-7 / O 47) @ St. Louis Rams

 So yeah, this is a "home" game for the Rams. I really don't think it's fair that a team has to play a "home" game in London each year.  It seems unfair to take away the home field advantage for a team (especially when they did it to the Chargers, can you think of somewhere further from London than San Diego?).  Despite the Pats being banged up and without Hernandez, I think they takc care of business here and put on a show for the Brits.  Patriots 31 - Rams 20
 

• Miami Dolphins @ New York Jets (-2 / O 38)

 This one was essentially a coin flip for me.  Only taking the Jets because they are at home, it will probably be a close one.  Jets 23 - Dolphins 20
 

• Atlanta Falcons (+3 / O 42) @ Philadelphia Eagles

 Interesting stat: The Eagles under Andy Reid are 13-0 coming off of a bye-week.  That would seem to suggest some solid preparation, but I'm saying there's a first time for everything.  Despite this being a tough road game, I like the Falcons in an "upset", Falcons 31 - Eagles 27
 

• Washington Redskins (+4.5 / O 44) @ Pittsburgh Steelers

 This line just seems a little too generous.  Both teams have looked good at times, but both also have their weaknesses.  I think Big Ben eeks out a close one at home, but give me the Redskins and the points.  Steelers 26 - Redskins 23

Attention all Kansas City residents:  This man may be coming to your town.

 

• Oakland Raiders (+1.5 /O 41.5) @ Kansas City Chiefs

 This is a tough matchup to figure.  We know both teams are terrible, we just don't know which one is terrible-er.  Conventional wisdom would seem to tell me to go with the home team, but they'll be starting Brady Quinn....I think despite turning the ball over a couple times, Carson Palmer manages to make a few plays and get the road upset.  Radiers 24 - Chiefs 20
 

• New York Giants (-1.5 / U 48) @ Dallas Cowboys

 This should be an interesting matchup, but I think the Giants show up in this one.  The Cowboys have a strong history of choking in clutch moments of key games, and that could be the case here.  Give me Cruz and some salsa!  Giants 27 - Cowboys 20
 

• New Orleans Saints (+6.5 / O 54.5) @ Denver Broncos

This has the makings of a very entertaining game.  Drew Brees v. Peyton Manning.  You know they are both going to come out throwing, and I think we should see quite a bit of scoring.  While I'll say Peyton gets another 4th quarter win, I like the Saints keeping it close.  Broncos 31 - Saints 28
 

• San Francisco 49ers @ Arizona Cardinals (+7 / O 38)       

I still think the Cardinals hot start was a fluke.  They're still overrated, but getting a touchdown spotted to you against a defensive team on a Monday Night at home seems like too much.  Gore and company should end up with the win, but I wouldn't be surprised if it was still a pretty close game.  49ers 26 - Cardinals 20



Previous Week - Pick 'em: 10-3 (77%), ATS: 6-5-2 (55%), O/U: 8-5 (62%)                             

2012 Season - Pick 'em: 44-28 (61%), ATS: 33-36-3 (48%), O/U: 42-29-1 (59%)



Pick-6: Take it to Vegas....

Chargers -2.5
Falcons +3
Giants -1.5
Patriots -7
Colts +3.5
Redskins +4.5

Previous Week's Results: 3-2-1 (60%)

2012 Season Results: 12-17-1 (41%)