Saturday, November 28, 2009

Week 12 Picks

The Yahoo Users scored best of anybody for last week while the score from my picks was third out of the six. But it was less than 10 points separating the best order from the worst, mostly due to very similar picks. This week should be a different story and I've been putting off making my own predictions because about half the schedule is pretty shaky on the certainty in my books—helped none by the Giants, a pick most everyone had, disappointing us all on Thursday. I'm tempted to go all-out and pick eight upsets since I know the leader always picks the favorites.

While I'm thinking about it, here's how my numbers came out for the week and how four other "sheets" would look this week:


PFW Spread
Brian BurkeYahoo UsersWunderdogMy Numbers
15.5—Bengals (14)
16—Bengals (.95)16—Bengals (98%)16—Cowboys (26-14)16—Bengals (102)
15.5—Cowboys (14)
15—Chargers (.93) 14.5—Chargers (97%)15—Chargers (29-16) 15—Packers (99)
14—Chargers (13 ½)
14—Cowboys (.92) 14.5—Falcons (97%)14—Bengals (25-14) 14—Falcons (85)
13—Falcons (11)
13—Packers (.85) 12.5—Vikings (96%)13—Packers (28-19)13—Cowboys (78)
12—Vikings (10 ½)
12—Vikings (.81) 12.5—Eagles (96%)12—Falcons (28-19) 12—Chargers (75)
11—Eagles (9 ½)
11—Falcons (.80) 10.5—Cowboys (95%)11—Vikings (28-20) 11—Colts (71)
10—Packers (8)
10—Eagles (.78) 10.5—Packers (95%)10—Eagles (24-17)10—Seahawks (68)
9—Giants (6)
9—Colts (.70) 9—Dolphins (86%)9—Colts (25-22) 9—Cardinals (54)
7.5—Dolphins (3 ½)
8—Jets (.69) 8—Colts (85%)8—Dolphins (21-18) 8—Jaguars (46)
7.5—Colts (3 ½)
7—Saints (.66) 7—Giants (76%)7—Seahawks (22-19) 7—Vikings (43)
4.5—Patriots (3)
6—49ers (.57) 6—Seahawks (74%)6—Saints (29-26) 6—Eagles (42)
4.5—Seahawks (3)
5—Steelers (.56) 5—49ers (63%)5—Giants (23-20) 5—Saints (39)
4.5—Jets (3)
4—Broncos (.55) 4—Saints (58%)4—Jets (22-19) 4—Giants (36)
4.5—49ers (3)
2.5—Bills (.54) 3—Cardinals (52%)3—49ers (22-20) 3—Dolphins (30)
1.5—Titans (1)
2.5—Seahawks (.54) 1.5—Jets (51%)2—Cardinals (25-23) 2—Ravens (12)
1.5—Steelers (1)
1—Titans (.53) 1.5—Ravens (51%) 1—Ravens (10-10)
1—Jets (5)
113.5 points (12-4)

131 points (15-1)
117 points (13-3)
121 points (13-3)
112 points (12-4)

OK, on to the decisions:

16 points
Cincinnati Bengals (7-3) over Cleveland Browns (1-9)
-18/-37 : +65/102/-37 : 0/+83

Battle of Ohio would have me a little more nervous if Cincy weren't just coming off of a devastating loss that was the result of them essentially giving a game away in teh final seconds. While Cleveland's offense finally got a fast start last week (against the Lions, mind you), they of course upheld their image as a bad team by also finding a way to lose that game. A win here means the Bengals sweep the entire division, an impressive feat that would be a first for the franchise.

15 points
San Diego Chargers (7-3) over Kansas City Chiefs (3-7)
+43/+7 : +81/75/+6 : -1/+38

Norv Turner finally has the Bolts playing the kind of ball many of their believers had hyped them to do all year. But after the typical slow start, San Diego's finally firing on all gears again and should use Kansas City to take another step closer to another AFC West title.

14 points
Atlanta Falcons (5-5) over Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-9)
+21/+26 : +111/85/+26 : 0/+90

The Falcons should benefit from being back in the Georgia Dome after giving a valiant effort in the Big Apple last week. A significantly less talented Bucs squad should help, but I don't rule out Tampa coming out strong and giving Atlanta an initial scare before the Birds fly away with it.

13 points
Minnesota Vikings (9-1) over Chicago Bears (4-6)
+68/-4 : +61/43/+18 : +22/-7

Breaks my heart a bit to know this is the biggest I've bet against my boys so far this year, but even if Jay Cutler is able to put on a bravura performance and not get completely decimated by Jared Allen all game, I just don't see how the banged-up Bears defense has any hope of slowing down Adrian Peterson or (gulp) MVP candidate Brett Favre.

12 points
Philadelphia Eagles (6-4) over Washington Redskins (3-7)
+20/+4 : +58/42/+16 : +12/+38

I could've sworn that I read somewhere that Jason Campbell is undefeated in Philadelphia, but that's going to be a might tall order this time around when considering the teammates around him are dropping like flies these days. The Skins will be starting their 10th offensive lineman this year and running back Rock Cartwright is making his first start in nearly six years.

11 points
Green Bay Packers (6-4) over Detroit Lions (2-8)
+12/-5 : +94/99/-5 : 0/+82


10 points
Dallas Cowboys (7-3) over Oakland Raiders (3-7)
+51/-1 : +81/78/+3 : +4/+30


9 points
New York Giants (6-4) over Denver Broncos (6-4)
+42/0 : +43/38/-5 : +1/-5


8 points
Miami Dolphins (5-5) over Buffalo Bills (3-7)
+13/+19 : +52/30/+22 : +3/+39

Brian Burke's numbers up there indicate that I've got good reason to think that maybe this could be the week Buffalo gets a win for Perry Fewell at home. Terrell Owens being matched up against a rookie corner doesn't really help either, but the Fins have been winning on the ground in getting back to .500. While the Bills were able to slow down the Jags last week and keep MJD under 100 yards, Miami runs more often for more yards per game.

7 points
Seattle Seahawks (3-7) over St. Louis Rams (1-9)
+20/+52 : +120/68/+52 : 0/+100

It was tempting to finally weigh this possibly being my first time picking St. Louis in the two years I've been doing weekly predictions. And while the Rams have been oh-so-close these past few weeks, Kyle Boller starting at QB this week doesn't have me brimming with confidence about St. Lou's chances. While the Seahawks were somewhat humiliated in their attempts to run the ball against Minnesota last week, they should stand a better chance against a bottom five Rams defense against the rush.

6 points
New York Jets (4-6) over Carolina Panthers (4-6)
-13/+2 : +15/5/+10 : +8/+28

One where I just couldn't be happy either way, so it makes sense to go with the home team that's just as desperate for a win as the visitor. The questions surrounding the condition of Julius Peppers—not to mention the loss of linebacker Landon Johnson, the bad knee of DeAngelo Williams, the inconsistency of Jake Delhomme—doesn't help Carolina's case.

5 points
New England Patriots
(7-3) over New Orleans Saints (10-0)
+48/-3 : +46/39/+85 : +88/-2

It should be massively entertaining, no doubt about that. The Patriots are still living down their squandering of an opportunity to knock off the league's other undefeated team, so I'm guessing that New England recognizes capitalizing on the opportunity to end the perfect season hopes of another team will serve as motivation enough to help them put it all behind them and get ready to reassert themselves as one of the favorites in the playoffs.

4 points
Tennessee Titans (4-6) over Arizona Cardinals (7-3)
-10/+16 : -32/54/+22 : +6/-22

Arizona has to lose at some point on the road, right? And if Kurt Warner can't go, then it's a done deal in my mind. But even supposing Warner does start and helps the Cards torch the Tennessee pass defense, Arizona's rushing defense—which admittedly ranks in the top ten—will have enough problems with Chris Johnson, let alone Vince Young when he's not busy taking advantage of a weak pass defense (ranks in bottom ten).

3 points
Jacksonville Jaguars (6-4) over San Francisco 49ers (4-6)
+17/-10 : +40/46/-6 : +4/+23

Can you believe the Jaguars are in the playoff picture? Yeah, neither can I. The Niners need a win pretty bad and a West Coast trip is always rough for any visiting team, but I'm opting to give Jacksonville the benefit of the doubt this week—albeit for three points. Make me a believer, Jack.

2 points
Pittsburgh Steelers (6-4) over Baltimore Ravens (5-5)
+10/-1 : +12/12/+24 : +25/+2

Initially went with the Ravens, realizing only now that I've bet against the Steelers just once this season—and was wrong about it, too. Seriously, it's essentially a must-have for both teams and while I would like to see Baltimore help muscle the champs out of the playoff picture (I do love underdogs), I have a sneaking suspicion that Big Ben and Pittsburgh finds a way to squeak out a win in a nationally televised game.

1 point
Houston Texans (5-5) over Indianapolis Colts (10-0)
+2/-6 : -1/71/+70 : +76/-3

Here's to living dangerously, folks. I've got both of the undefeated teams remaining getting their first loss this week. The Colts are talking about wrapping up the division this weekend, but Houston's now back at .500 and talking about trying to get into the playoffs as a wild-card. The Texans have suffered a couple of heartbreakers these past two games, but their luck is bound to change and my guess is that it comes at the expense of an Indianapolis team they've historically played close to with far less riding on the outcome.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Week 11 Power Rankings

It's awfully hard to complain after I went 13-3 on my picks last week, but my 102 points was only good for 8th place (out of 11) since two of those three incorrect predictions cost me my two highest-point values. Of course, because everybody's picks were so similar, I did only finish six points behind the three gentlemen who tied for first. And luckily for me, I remain in second for the year overall with 913 points. That's now 34 points behind first place, but 15 points ahead of third.

Special mention needs to be made of Marshawn Lynch, whose negative one fantasy point total meant that I would have, in fact, been better off leaving the injured Michael Turner in my lineup—despite the fact that he didn't play. I'd bemoan my fantasy football fate more if I wasn't currently in second in the NBA fantasy league I'm in and both of my fantasy hockey teams are currently in first. Yeah, so suck it.

For the first time in what seems like too long, I can say my straight-up score for the week was the best of the bunch as the bro-in-law, Mike Golic of ESPN, and Charles Robinson and Michael Silver of Yahoo were the only others to go 13-3. Merrill Hoge, Adam Schefter, and Jason Cole all went 12-4, while Eric Allen, Chris Mortensen, Mark Schlereth, Seth Wickersham, and Pete Prisco of CBS Sports tied for the still-somewhat-respectable mark of 11-5 that constitutes the week's low—although Ron Jaworski presumably would've gone with the Texans on Monday and joined them, but instead finished 11-4.

Now, on the year (numbers in parentheses still indicating where the dude stood in the rankings last week):

1. (1) Merril Hoge, ESPN: 112-48 (.700)
2. (2) Michael Silver, Yahoo: 111-49 (.694)
3. (3) Adam Schefter, ESPN: 109-51 (.681)
3. (5) Charles Robinson, Yahoo: 109-51 (.681)
5. (7) Mike Golic, ESPN: 108-51 (.679)
6. (3) Chris Mortensen, ESPN: 108-52 (.675)
7. (5) Mark Schlereth, ESPN: 107-53 (.669)
8. (9) Ron Jaworski, ESPN: 99-50 (.664)
9. (8) Seth Wickersham, ESPN: 106-54 (.663)
9. (10) LEV, crazy colored glasses: 106-54 (.663)
11. (11) Jason Cole, Yahoo: 104-56 (.650)
11. (13) YOURS TRULY: 104-56 (.650)
13. (11) Eric Allen, ESPN: 103-57 (.644)
14. (14) Pete Prisco, CBS Sports: 99-61 (.619)

We've still got five teams that are in the red for the year, but after a 13-3 week, that means 26 of the teams went up. Here's where they all stand now heading into Week 12:

1. (1) ST. LOUIS RAMS
  • Last week: Lost to Arizona, 21-13 (+8)
  • Actual Record: 1-9
  • My predicted record: 0-10
  • My record at predicting their record: 9-1
  • Points scored for me with wins: 0
  • Points scored for me with losses: +106
  • Points taken from me with wins: -6
  • Points taken from me with losses: 0
  • Plus/Minus: +100
Did you catch (pun intended) Brandon Gibson's impressive stat last weekend? The Rams wide receiver tied Wes Welker for most times targeted in Week 11, each with 17. But Welker had 15 catches. Gibson? Five. If you want to place the blame on Marc Bulger, that's fine. He's out now and Kyle Boller gets to step in to help the Rams crawl across the finish line this year.

2. (3) TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
  • Last week: Lost to New Orleans, 38-7 (+14)
  • Actual Record: 1-9
  • My predicted record: 0-10
  • My record at predicting their record: 9-1
  • Points scored for me with wins: 0
  • Points scored for me with losses: +103
  • Points taken from me with wins: -13
  • Points taken from me with losses: 0
  • Plus/Minus: +90
What, is that unusual to demote your defensive coordinator in the middle of the season?

3. (5) NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
  • Last week: Beat Tampa Bay, 38-7 (+14)
  • Actual Record: 10-0
  • My predicted record: 8-2
  • My record at predicting their record: 8-2
  • Points scored for me with wins: +88
  • Points scored for me with losses: 0
  • Points taken from me with wins: -2
  • Points taken from me with losses: 0
  • Plus/Minus: +86
I had to read this line from a commentary about the upcoming Patriots game twice just to make sure I read it right: "I don't see what the big deal is about this game."

4. (2) CLEVELAND BROWNS
  • Last week: Lost to Detroit, 38-37 (+6)
  • Actual Record: 1-9
  • My predicted record: 0-10
  • My record at predicting their record: 9-1
  • Points scored for me with wins: 0
  • Points scored for me with losses: +90
  • Points taken from me with wins: -7
  • Points taken from me with losses: 0
  • Plus/Minus: +83
Is it possible the Browns really got the better of that Braylon Edwards trade?

5. (3) DETROIT LIONS
  • Last week: Beat Cleveland, 38-37 (+6)
  • Actual Record: 2-8
  • My predicted record: 2-8
  • My record at predicting their record: 8-2
  • Points scored for me with wins: +6
  • Points scored for me with losses: +90
  • Points taken from me with wins: -8
  • Points taken from me with losses: -6
  • Plus/Minus: +82
I'm not surprised so much by Matthew Stafford being named NFC Offensive Player of the Week as I am that his jersey from that game was sent to the Hall of Fame.

6. (6) INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
  • Last week: Beat Baltimore, 17-15 (+4)
  • Actual Record: 10-0
  • My predicted record: 9-1
  • My record at predicting their record: 9-1
  • Points scored for me with wins: +76
  • Points scored for me with losses: 0
  • Points taken from me with wins: -3
  • Points taken from me with losses: 0
  • Plus/Minus: +73
The Colts can be the first team to wrap up a division this weekend.

7. (7) SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
  • Last week: Lost to Minnesota, 35-9 (+13)
  • Actual Record: 3-7
  • My predicted record: 5-5
  • My record at predicting their record: 8-2
  • Points scored for me with wins: +27
  • Points scored for me with losses: +52
  • Points taken from me with wins: 0
  • Points taken from me with losses: -7
  • Plus/Minus: +72
Could the reason behind Seattle's poor rushing game be the quality of the defenses they've run up against so far?

8. (9) MINNESOTA VIKINGS
  • Last week: Beat Seattle, 35-9 (+13)
  • Actual Record: 9-1
  • My predicted record: 7-3
  • My record at predicting their record: 8-2
  • Points scored for me with wins: +68
  • Points scored for me with losses: +4
  • Points taken from me with wins: -8
  • Points taken from me with losses: 0
  • Plus/Minus: +64
Not surprisingly, Tavaris Jackson is enjoying the view from the bench on a winning team as opposed to taking most of the blame when he started.

9. (11) SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
  • Last week: Beat Denver, 32-3 (+5)
  • Actual Record: 7-3
  • My predicted record: 5-5
  • My record at predicting their record: 8-2
  • Points scored for me with wins: +43
  • Points scored for me with losses: +13
  • Points taken from me with wins: -6
  • Points taken from me with losses: 0
  • Plus/Minus: +50
The Chargers signed veteran offensive lineman John Runyan—who then announced he'll retire at season's end and run for Congress in New Jersey.

9. (13) WASHINGTON REDSKINS
  • Last week: Lost to Dallas, 7-6 (+11)
  • Actual Record: 3-7
  • My predicted record: 5-5
  • My record at predicting their record: 7-3
  • Points scored for me with wins: +25
  • Points scored for me with losses: +49
  • Points taken from me with wins: -11
  • Points taken from me with losses: -13
  • Plus/Minus: +50
Do you smell what Rock is cooking? You better—because every other Washington running back is hurt.

9. (13) DALLAS COWBOYS
  • Last week: Beat Washington, 7-6 (+11)
  • Actual Record: 7-3
  • My predicted record: 7-3
  • My record at predicting their record: 8-2
  • Points scored for me with wins: +60
  • Points scored for me with losses: +4
  • Points taken from me with wins: -5
  • Points taken from me with losses: -9
  • Plus/Minus: +50
How the hell does any professional team in Texas get that far into the year without an American flag?

12. (12) ATLANTA FALCONS
  • Last week: Lost to New York Giants, 34-31 (+7)
  • Actual Record: 5-5
  • My predicted record: 5-5
  • My record at predicting their record: 8-2
  • Points scored for me with wins: +26
  • Points scored for me with losses: +29
  • Points taken from me with wins: -3
  • Points taken from me with losses: -5
  • Plus/Minus: +47
Jason Elam wasn't the kicker I would've imagined having problems, but sure enough, here's Atlanta now giving four guys tryouts.

13. (18) NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
  • Last week: Beat New York Jets, 31-14 (+12)
  • Actual Record: 7-3
  • My predicted record: 9-1
  • My record at predicting their record: 6-4
  • Points scored for me with wins: +66
  • Points scored for me with losses: 0
  • Points taken from me with wins: -3
  • Points taken from me with losses: -18
  • Plus/Minus: +45
The last time the Patriots played at the Superdome, it was when they won the Super Bowl.

14. (16) NEW YORK GIANTS
  • Last week: Beat Atlanta, 34-31 (+7)
  • Actual Record: 6-4
  • My predicted record: 10-0
  • My record at predicting their record: 6-4
  • Points scored for me with wins: +62
  • Points scored for me with losses: 0
  • Points taken from me with wins: 0
  • Points taken from me with losses: -20
  • Plus/Minus: +42
Tom Coughlin should have a better Thanksgiving knowing he won't be getting any more threatening letters from crazy people in Philly (I know, I know ... "As opposed to the non-crazy people in Philly, D. Rock?").

14. (19) BUFFALO BILLS
  • Last week: Lost to Jacksonville, 18-15 (+10)
  • Actual Record: 3-7
  • My predicted record: 2-8
  • My record at predicting their record: 7-3
  • Points scored for me with wins: +10
  • Points scored for me with losses: +57
  • Points taken from me with wins: -18
  • Points taken from me with losses: -7
  • Plus/Minus: +42
I would think Mike Shanahan has to be encouraged if he spent seven hours talking about the Bills head coaching job.

16. (8) KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
  • Last week: Beat Pittsburgh, 27-24 (-16)
  • Actual Record: 3-7
  • My predicted record: 2-8
  • My record at predicting their record: 7-3
  • Points scored for me with wins: +1
  • Points scored for me with losses: +59
  • Points taken from me with wins: -21
  • Points taken from me with losses: -2
  • Plus/Minus: +37
Jamaal Charles plans on consuming an entire turkey tomorrow.

17. (13) CAROLINA PANTHERS
  • Last week: Lost to Miami, 24-17 (-3)
  • Actual Record: 4-6
  • My predicted record: 4-6
  • My record at predicting their record: 6-4
  • Points scored for me with wins: +18
  • Points scored for me with losses: +41
  • Points taken from me with wins: -13
  • Points taken from me with losses: -10
  • Plus/Minus: +36
The Panthers have the most difficult remaining schedule of any team still hoping for a playoff spot, but I imagine this will continue to be repeated even after they've been mathematically eliminated.

18. (10) OAKLAND RAIDERS
  • Last week: Beat Cincinnati, 20-17 (-15)
  • Actual Record: 3-7
  • My predicted record: 1-9
  • My record at predicting their record: 8-2
  • Points scored for me with wins: +4
  • Points scored for me with losses: +59
  • Points taken from me with wins: -29
  • Points taken from me with losses: 0
  • Plus/Minus: +34
The Raiders had a huge upset last week, so you know what that means: They'll probably go right back to sucking.

19. (16) MIAMI DOLPHINS
  • Last week: Beat Carolina, 24-17 (-3)
  • Actual Record: 5-5
  • My predicted record: 4-6
  • My record at predicting their record: 7-3
  • Points scored for me with wins: +14
  • Points scored for me with losses: +25
  • Points taken from me with wins: -6
  • Points taken from me with losses: -1
  • Plus/Minus: +32
The Fins cut linebacker Matt Roth, although the timing is rather, um, fishy.

20. (21) BALTIMORE RAVENS
  • Last week: Lost to Indianapolis, 17-15 (+4)
  • Actual Record: 5-5
  • My predicted record: 8-2
  • My record at predicting their record: 5-5
  • Points scored for me with wins: +43
  • Points scored for me with losses: +4
  • Points taken from me with wins: -2
  • Points taken from me with losses: -18
  • Plus/Minus: +27
Boy, does it hurt being a Ravens fan this year.

20. (23) SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
  • Last week: Lost to Green Bay, 30-24 (+9)
  • Actual Record: 4-6
  • My predicted record: 2-8
  • My record at predicting their record: 6-4
  • Points scored for me with wins: +11
  • Points scored for me with losses: +33
  • Points taken from me with wins: -10
  • Points taken from me with losses: -7
  • Plus/Minus: +27
Mike Singletary isn't talking about making any changes and one columnist makes a case for why the Niners shouldn't make any to their coaching staff, even if San Fran misses the playoffs once again.

22. (22) PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
  • Last week: Beat Chicago, 24-20 (+2)
  • Actual Record: 6-4
  • My predicted record: 7-3
  • My record at predicting their record: 7-3
  • Points scored for me with wins: +39
  • Points scored for me with losses: +9
  • Points taken from me with wins: -5
  • Points taken from me with losses: -19
  • Plus/Minus: +24
Remember that Michael Vick guy? Somebody thinks Philly can still do something with him.

23. (24) CHICAGO BEARS
  • Last week: Lost to Philadelphia, 24-20 (+2)
  • Actual Record: 4-6
  • My predicted record: 8-2
  • My record at predicting their record: 4-6
  • Points scored for me with wins: +33
  • Points scored for me with losses: +2
  • Points taken from me with wins: -9
  • Points taken from me with losses: -11
  • Plus/Minus: +15
Bears brass denies inevitable reports about the team making initial inquiries toward some of the big head coaching names out there.

24. (20) PITTSBURGH STEELERS
  • Last week: Lost to Kansas City, 27-24 (-16)
  • Actual Record: 6-4
  • My predicted record: 9-1
  • My record at predicting their record: 5-5
  • Points scored for me with wins: +44
  • Points scored for me with losses: 0
  • Points taken from me with wins: -1
  • Points taken from me with losses: -34
  • Plus/Minus: +9
Hey, even if Mike Tomlin can't get the Steelers into the playoffs this year, he did get a mention on "House."

25. (26) GREEN BAY PACKERS
  • Last week: Beat San Francisco, 30-24 (+9)
  • Actual Record: 6-4
  • My predicted record: 7-3
  • My record at predicting their record: 5-5
  • Points scored for me with wins: +43
  • Points scored for me with losses: +5
  • Points taken from me with wins: -10
  • Points taken from me with losses: -31
  • Plus/Minus: +7
Who said Green Bay holds grudges? The team plans on inducting Mark Chmura into its Hall of Fame. Perhaps calling Brett Favre "selfish" helped people get past the accusation of sexually assaulting his 17-year-old babysitter.

25. (27) JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
  • Last week: Beat Buffalo, 18-15 (+10)
  • Actual Record: 6-4
  • My predicted record: 5-5
  • My record at predicting their record: 5-5
  • Points scored for me with wins: +24
  • Points scored for me with losses: +14
  • Points taken from me with wins: -24
  • Points taken from me with losses: -7
  • Plus/Minus: +7
Jacksonville needs the Jaguars, apparently.

27. (25) TENNESSEE TITANS
  • Last week: Beat Houston, 20-17 (+1)
  • Actual Record: 4-6
  • My predicted record: 5-5
  • My record at predicting their record: 5-5
  • Points scored for me with wins: +11
  • Points scored for me with losses: +24
  • Points taken from me with wins: -8
  • Points taken from me with losses: -21
  • Plus/Minus: +6
No team's ever rebounded quite like the Titans in dropping the first six and then winning the next three, let alone four.

28. (28) HOUSTON TEXANS
  • Last week: Lost to Tennessee, 20-17 (+1)
  • Actual Record: 5-5
  • My predicted record: 5-5
  • My record at predicting their record: 6-4
  • Points scored for me with wins: +17
  • Points scored for me with losses: +14
  • Points taken from me with wins: -20
  • Points taken from me with losses: -15
  • Plus/Minus: -4
I thought I said something about it earlier this season, but nothing's coming up in a search for it, so let me ask it now: Does Twitter ever not lead to trouble?

28. (29) DENVER BRONCOS
  • Last week: Lost to San Diego, 32-3 (+5)
  • Actual Record: 6-4
  • My predicted record: 7-3
  • My record at predicting their record: 5-5
  • Points scored for me with wins: +15
  • Points scored for me with losses: +5
  • Points taken from me with wins: -10
  • Points taken from me with losses: -14
  • Plus/Minus: -4
After dropping four straight and losing control of the AFC West, the Broncos players are meeting without their coaches.

30. (30) NEW YORK JETS
  • Last week: Lost to New England, 31-24 (+12)
  • Actual Record: 4-6
  • My predicted record: 4-6
  • My record at predicting their record: 4-6
  • Points scored for me with wins: +8
  • Points scored for me with losses: +19
  • Points taken from me with wins: -17
  • Points taken from me with losses: -21
  • Plus/Minus: -11
OK, again, does Twitter ever not lead to trouble?

31. (31) ARIZONA CARDINALS
  • Last week: Beat St. Louis, 21-13 (+8)
  • Actual Record: 7-3
  • My predicted record: 5-5
  • My record at predicting their record: 4-6
  • Points scored for me with wins: +21
  • Points scored for me with losses: +2
  • Points taken from me with wins: -24
  • Points taken from me with losses: -15
  • Plus/Minus: -16
I went and picked up Matt Leinart for my fantasy team, only to find out that Kurt Warner plans on playing Sunday—presumably because Jesus wants it that way.

32. (32) CINCINNATI BENGALS
  • Last week: Lost to Oakland, 20-17 (-15)
  • Actual Record: 7-3
  • My predicted record: 4-6
  • My record at predicting their record: 1-9
  • Points scored for me with wins: +10
  • Points scored for me with losses: 0
  • Points taken from me with wins: -37
  • Points taken from me with losses: -28
  • Plus/Minus: -55
Unbelievable. I thought the team could most certainly move swiftly out of their nearly season-long residence in the cellar, but now I fear that it's practically hopeless they turn out a positive number for me by the end of the year.

It's enough to make my head hurt, which I guess I can ask Dr. Ira Casson and Dr. David Viano about—seeing as they just suddenly resigned as co-chairmen of the league’s committee on brain injuries.

My record for individual point values now only has one spot where I'm unblemished after last weekend's blow to the top two spots:


16-point games: 3-1
15-point games: 4-1
14-point games: 6-2
13-point games: 9-2
12-point games: 11-0
11-point games: 8-3
10-point games: 9-2
9-point games: 9-2
8-point games: 8-3
7-point games: 4-7
6-point games: 6-5
5-point games: 6-5
4-point games: 7-4
3-point games: 3-8
2-point games: 7-4
1-point games: 4-7