The really bad news is that three of my top four and four of my top six biggest bests were all wrong. And that really hurt too. I was watching the Noon games all come to thrilling conclusions on the assorted televisions as the local Wild Wings, thinking I was going to begin my Sunday undefeated. A pair of late field goals later (one in Atlanta and one in the nation's capital) cost me 23 points and began my free fall into 19th place out of 24 for the week, ultimately scraping together 51 measly points. That puts me at 444 for the season, and now I've dropped to 8th place out of the 25 people involved.
I've also decided to add how my confidence bets have been faring for the year, and will continue updating those, which you can find at the bottom of this post, right below that teensy, tiny helmet of the Jacksonville Jaguars, a team which I'm assuming will remain there for the remainder of the season.
And with last week's poor showings, there's been a few shake-ups to my "Power Rankings":
1. (1) NEW YORK GIANTS- Last week: Lost to Cleveland, 35-14 (-12)
- Actual Record: 4-1
- My predicted record: 5-0
- Points scored for me with wins: 60
- Points scored for me with losses: 0
- Points taken from me with wins: 0
- Points taken from me with losses: 12
- Plus/Minus: +48
- "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":
Getting San Francisco at home should help the Giants get back on track after Monday night's nationally televised humiliation.
2. (3) SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS- Last week: Lost to Philadelphia, 40-26 (+8)
- Actual Record: 2-4
- My predicted record: 1-5
- Points scored for me with wins: 11
- Points scored for me with losses: 32
- Points taken from me with wins: 3
- Points taken from me with losses: 0
- Plus/Minus: +40
- "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":
They're capable of scoring, but as proved by Philly, there's still a lot of work to be done defensively.
3. (2) ST. LOUIS RAMS- Last week: Beat Washington, 19-17 (-14)
- Actual Record: 1-4
- My predicted record: 0-5
- Points scored for me with wins: 0
- Points scored for me with losses: 51
- Points taken from me with wins: 14
- Points taken from me with losses: 0
- Plus/Minus: +37
- "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":
Yeah, nice victory there, boys. Way to completely ruin my week. You were supposed to go at least half the season before your first victory!
4. (7) DETROIT LIONS- Last week: Lost to Minnesota, 12-10 (+13)
- Actual Record: 0-4
- My predicted record: 2-2
- Points scored for me with wins: 0
- Points scored for me with losses: 46
- Points taken from me with wins: 0
- Points taken from me with losses: 10
- Plus/Minus: +36
- "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":
The way their QB scrambled out of the end zone and gave the Vikes a safety was sort of a representative play for the Detroit season.
A very sad football team to watch.
5. (4) NEW YORK JETS- Last week: Beat Cincinnati, 26-14 (+7)
- Actual Record: 3-2
- My predicted record: 3-2
- Points scored for me with wins: 30
- Points scored for me with losses: 5
- Points taken from me with wins: 0
- Points taken from me with losses: 0
- Plus/Minus: +35
- "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":
They're continuing to do exactly as I ask, so absolutely no complaints from me.
6. (5) PHILADELPHIA EAGLES- Last week: Beat San Francisco, 40-26 (+8)
- Actual Record: 3-3
- My predicted record: 2-4
- Points scored for me with wins: 22
- Points scored for me with losses: 11
- Points taken from me with wins: 1
- Points taken from me with losses: 0
- Plus/Minus: +32
- "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":
You're hard-pressed to find another team that had as good a weekend as the Eagles. They not only got a much-needed win, but all three division rivals took big losses.
7. (11) NEW ORLEANS SAINTS- Last week: Beat Oakland, 34-3 (+10)
- Actual Record: 3-3
- My predicted record: 5-1
- Points scored for me with wins: 33
- Points scored for me with losses: 12
- Points taken from me with wins: 0
- Points taken from me with losses: 17
- Plus/Minus: +28
- "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":
That NFC South is looking pretty tight. The Saints can hang around for any shootout, but they've got a pair of tough opponents (Carolina and San Diego) before they get a bye.
8. (8) HOUSTON TEXANS- Last week: Beat Miami, 29-28 (+4)
- Actual Record: 1-4
- My predicted record: 2-3
- Points scored for me with wins: 0
- Points scored for me with losses: 24
- Points taken from me with wins: 0
- Points taken from me with losses: 2
- Plus/Minus: +26
- "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":
It's rather amazing that they've scored me more points than they've cost me. I still haven't gotten a good read on these guys.
8. (10) INDIANAPOLIS COLTS- Last week: Beat Baltimore, 31-3 (+5)
- Actual Record: 3-2
- My predicted record: 4-1
- Points scored for me with wins: 29
- Points scored for me with losses: 3
- Points taken from me with wins: 0
- Points taken from me with losses: 6
- Plus/Minus: +26
- "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":
That was a pretty impressive little ass-whooping they put on the Ravens on Sunday. They better hope the momentum spills over for Green Bay this week, because they'll get their first shot at the Titans the week after.
10. (5) PITTSBURGH STEELERS- Last week: BYE
- Actual Record: 4-1
- My predicted record: 4-1
- Points scored for me with wins: 28
- Points scored for me with losses: 0
- Points taken from me with wins: 3
- Points taken from me with losses: 1
- Plus/Minus: +24
- "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":
A week off for ... Cincinnati? It almost sounds too easy, which makes me nervous after last week's results. But the Steelers have been pretty solid so far this year.
11. (19) OAKLAND RAIDERS- Last week: Lost to New Orleans, 30-3 (+10)
- Actual Record: 1-4
- My predicted record: 0-5
- Points scored for me with wins: 0
- Points scored for me with losses: 32
- Points taken from me with wins: 13
- Points taken from me with losses: 0
- Plus/Minus: +19
- "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":
They looked pretty helpless against the Saints. That's the Raiders I know and love. Keep those points a comin'!
11. (12) TAMPA BAY BUCANEERS- Last week: Beat Carolina, 27-3 (+3)
- Actual Record: 4-2
- My predicted record: 2-4
- Points scored for me with wins: 7
- Points scored for me with losses: 21
- Points taken from me with wins: 9
- Points taken from me with losses: 0
- Plus/Minus: +19
- "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":
My early favorite in the NFC South.
13. (17) CINCINNATI BENGALS- Last week: Lost to New York Jets, 26-14 (+7)
- Actual Record: 0-6
- My predicted record: 2-4
- Points scored for me with wins: 0
- Points scored for me with losses: 37
- Points taken from me with wins: 0
- Points taken from me with losses: 20
- Plus/Minus: +17
- "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":
With Pittsburgh coming into town, the reaction from the home fans could get pretty nasty.
13. (23) MINNESOTA VIKINGS- Last week: Beat Detroit, 12-10 (+13)
- Actual Record: 3-3
- My predicted record: 1-5
- Points scored for me with wins: 13
- Points scored for me with losses: 20
- Points taken from me with wins: 16
- Points taken from me with losses: 0
- Plus/Minus: +17
- "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":
They had trouble beating Detroit.
That's bad.
15. (13) GREEN BAY PACKERS- Last week: Beat Seattle, 27-17 (+1)
- Actual Record: 3-3
- My predicted record: 5-1
- Points scored for me with wins: 15
- Points scored for me with losses: 9
- Points taken from me with wins: 0
- Points taken from me with losses: 9
- Plus/Minus: +15
- "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":
Marginally consistent with my expectations so far.
16. (16) SEATTLE SEAHAWKS- Last week: Lost to Green Bay, 27-17 (+1)
- Actual Record: 1-4
- My predicted record: 3-2
- Points scored for me with wins: 10
- Points scored for me with losses: 14
- Points taken from me with wins: 0
- Points taken from me with losses: 11
- Plus/Minus: +13
- "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":
God, I'm realizing week after week that these guys are a lot worse off than I originally thought.
17. (8) ARIZONA CARDINALS- Last week: Beat Dallas, 30-24 (-11)
- Actual Record: 4-2
- My predicted record: 2-4
- Points scored for me with wins: 14
- Points scored for me with losses: 13
- Points taken from me with wins: 16
- Points taken from me with losses: 0
- Plus/Minus: +11
- "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":
They've been playing much better than I wanted to give them credit for, and they made it especially costly last week. They're second in the league for points per game.
18. (22) BALTIMORE RAVENS- Last week: Lost to Indianapolis, 31-3 (+5)
- Actual Record: 2-3
- My predicted record: 2-3
- Points scored for me with wins: 13
- Points scored for me with losses: 11
- Points taken from me with wins: 10
- Points taken from me with losses: 4
- Plus/Minus: +10
- "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":
They'd played pretty well in their two previous losses, but their drubbing at the hands of Indy called attention to the fact that their offense needs some serious work.
19. (17) NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS- Last week: Lost to San Diego, 30-10 (-2)
- Actual Record: 3-2
- My predicted record: 5-0
- Points scored for me with wins: 25
- Points scored for me with losses: 0
- Points taken from me with wins: 0
- Points taken from me with losses: 17
- Plus/Minus: +8
- "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":
Calling all NFL teams: There's a squad in Boston that needs your backup quarterback. Make an offer.
20. (21) BUFFALO BILLS- Last week: BYE
- Actual Record: 4-1
- My predicted record: 3-2
- Points scored for me with wins: 26
- Points scored for me with losses: 0
- Points taken from me with wins: 15
- Points taken from me with losses: 5
- Plus/Minus: +6
- "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":
Hope you enjoyed the week off, guys. Now welcome the team that walked all over your division rivals last Sunday night.
21. (26) CAROLINA PANTHERS- Last week: Lost to Tampa Bay, 27-3 (+3)
- Actual Record: 4-2
- My predicted record: 3-3
- Points scored for me with wins: 20
- Points scored for me with losses: 3
- Points taken from me with wins: 11
- Points taken from me with losses: 8
- Plus/Minus: +4
- "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":
They're certainly a solid team and have a real shot at the playoffs, but the loss to the Bucs was a costly chance to establish themselves as the division favorites. Now they're in a four-way tie with no gimmes against New Orleans and then Arizona before going into their bye week.
22. (13) DALLAS COWBOYS- Last week: Lost to Arizona, 30-24 (-11)
- Actual Record: 4-2
- My predicted record: 5-1
- Points scored for me with wins: 31
- Points scored for me with losses: 0
- Points taken from me with wins: 6
- Points taken from me with losses: 22
- Plus/Minus: +3
- "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":
I sat there on Sunday and the Cowboys were the team I second-guessed myself about the most. With Romo now hurt, I don't see myself putting big points on them for a number of weeks.
22. (28) MIAMI DOLPHINS- Last week: Lost to Houston, 29-28 (+4)
- Actual Record: 2-3
- My predicted record: 0-5
- Points scored for me with wins: 0
- Points scored for me with losses:27
- Points taken from me with wins: 24
- Points taken from me with losses: 0
- Plus/Minus: +3
- "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":
They're back to being a team that's positive-earning, but when do I finally pick them to win?
24. (20) DENVER BRONCOS- Last week: Lost to Jacksonville, 24-17 (-6)
- Actual Record: 4-2
- My predicted record: 6-0
- Points scored for me with wins: 21
- Points scored for me with losses: 0
- Points taken from me with wins: 0
- Points taken from me with losses: 19
- Plus/Minus: +2
- "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":
Oh, how far they've fallen. To think, just three weeks ago, I called them my "favorites" in the AFC. No longer, however.
24. (24) KANSAS CITY CHIEFS- Last week: BYE
- Actual Record: 1-4
- My predicted record: 1-4
- Points scored for me with wins: 0
- Points scored for me with losses:28
- Points taken from me with wins: 13
- Points taken from me with losses: 13
- Plus/Minus: +2
- "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":
I'd enjoy a victory over Tennessee as much as the next guy, but that's going to be kind of hard when you're the worst team in the league at stopping the run.
26. (15) CLEVELAND BROWNS- Last week: Beat New York Giants, 35-14 (-12)
- Actual Record: 2-3
- My predicted record: 1-4
- Points scored for me with wins: 0
- Points scored for me with losses: 24
- Points taken from me with wins: 17
- Points taken from me with losses: 6
- Plus/Minus: +1
- "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":
It was nice to see people in Cleveland be able to have something to cheer about on Monday, but having to hear B. Doggy brag about his upset pick all weekend is likely to make me gag.
27. (28) SAN DIEGO CHARGERS- Last week: Beat New England, 30-10 (-2)
- Actual Record: 3-3
- My predicted record: 4-2
- Points scored for me with wins: 11
- Points scored for me with losses: 2
- Points taken from me with wins: 2
- Points taken from me with losses: 14
- Plus/Minus: -3
- "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":
I'm not a fan ... yet.
28. (24) ATLANTA FALCONS- Last week: Beat Chicago, 22-20 (-9)
- Actual Record: 4-2
- My predicted record: 1-5
- Points scored for me with wins: 5
- Points scored for me with losses: 13
- Points taken from me with wins: 25
- Points taken from me with losses: 0
- Plus/Minus: -7
- "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":
Damn you dirty, dirty birds.
29. (26) WASHINGTON REDSKINS- Last week: Lost to St. Louis, 19-17 (-14)
- Actual Record: 4-2
- My predicted record: 3-3
- Points scored for me with wins: 5
- Points scored for me with losses: 16
- Points taken from me with wins: 20
- Points taken from me with losses: 14
- Plus/Minus: -13
- "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":
Congratulations, Skins! You're the very first team to cost me 14 points on a single game! Thanks for nothing!
30. (31) TENNESSEE TITANS- Last week: BYE
- Actual Record: 5-0
- My predicted record: 1-4
- Points scored for me with wins: 4
- Points scored for me with losses: 0
- Points taken from me with wins: 18
- Points taken from me with losses: 0
- Plus/Minus: -14
- "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":
I'm still not buying the hype.
31. (30) CHICAGO BEARS- Last week: Lost to Atlanta, 22-20 (-9)
- Actual Record: 3-3
- My predicted record: 5-1
- Points scored for me with wins: 4
- Points scored for me with losses: 0
- Points taken from me with wins: 1
- Points taken from me with losses: 22
- Plus/Minus: -19
- "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":
They could just as easily be 6-0 right now, but it's actually their defense of all things that has cost them three games this year.
32. (32) JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS- Last week: Beat Denver, 24-17 (-6)
- Actual Record: 3-3
- My predicted record: 4-2
- Points scored for me with wins: 3
- Points scored for me with losses: 0
- Points taken from me with wins: 12
- Points taken from me with losses: 17
- Plus/Minus: -26
- "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":
OK, it's seriously not funny anymore. Can't this team go along with my plan for just one fucking week?16-point games: 2-0
15-point games: 2-1
14-point games: 4-1
13-point games: 4-2
12-point games: 5-1
11-point games: 4-2
10-point games: 5-1
9-point games: 2-4
8-point games: 3-3
7-point games: 2-4
6-point games: 2-4
5-point games: 2-4
4-point games: 5-1
3-point games: 4-2
2-point games: 3-3
1-point games: 4-2
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