Finally breaking even with picks

Last week’s record, 7-7; for the season, 47-43

Pick of the Week, 0-1; for the season 3-3

After reaching an all-time low two weeks ago, I took a small step forward this past weekend. My picks have gone from awful to mediocre, and hopefully this week they can reach the lofty status of average.

It’s obvious I just haven’t gotten a good read on a number of teams, but hopefully that will change as the season progresses. I’ve got a hunch that I’m due for a good week, so let’s get on with it.

Sunday, Oct. 24

Cincinnati at Atlanta — This is a tricky one. The Bengals are due for a good win and are coming off a bye week. On the other hand, the Falcons come home in need of a win after getting beat up in Philly. This game is a toss-up as far as I’m concerned, but I’ll go with the Falcons at home, 28-23.

Buffalo at Baltimore — I really wouldn’t want to be the Bills going to Baltimore after the Ravens lost a tough overtime decision to the Pats last week. This is my Pick of the Week. Baltimore wins, 24-16.

San Francisco at Carolina — This is one of those games that has been killing me. The Niners finally got off the slide with a hard-fought win over the Raiders, but can they win on the road? I think so: 49ers, 20-13.

Washington at Chicago — It’s tough to pick the Bears losing two in a row at home, but I think the Redskins are good enough to beat them. I’ll go with Washington, 23-20.

Jacksonville at Kansas City — The Jags remain somewhat of a mystery, but this Kansas City team is tough and doesn’t give up. I’ll take the Chiefs, 20-17.

Pittsburgh at Miami — The Dolphins are coming off a huge win in Green Bay but now they must face the Steelers. Pittsburgh’s defense is playing terrific, and with Big Ben back at the helm, I can’t see them losing.  I’ll take the Steelers, 27-20.

Cleveland at New Orleans — It looks as if the Saints have turned it around and are ready to make a strong run into the playoffs. The Browns are struggling but play tough. I’ll stick with the Saints, 28-13.

St. Louis at Tampa Bay — Yes, the Rams have shown plenty of improvement, but I’m not sure they are ready for a big road win. Tampa Bay will regroup this week and defeat the Rams, 23-19.

Philadelphia at Tennessee — This is a key matchup for both teams. The Eagles are playing well, especially on the road (3-0), while the Titans are just 2-2 at home. Regardless, I think the Titans will play well even with Collins at quarterback. I’ll stick with the Titans in a dogfight, 20-17.

Arizona at Seattle — The Cards give up way too many points, so I’m going with Seattle at home, 27-20.

New England at San Diego — The Chargers always seem to start slow and then pick it up and finish strong. I think they have real personnel issues and that is going to continue to plague them. Patriots win, 28-24.

Oakland at Denver — I think there will be a lot of points scored in this one, so I’m going with the home team: Broncos, 33-26.

Minnesota at Green Bay — The big question is, does Favre do it to the Packers again or does Aaron Rodgers lead the Packers to victory? I like Rodgers and the Packers to win, 28-24.

Monday, Oct. 25

New York Giants at Dallas — I just hate making a pick in this game. I hate the Cowboys but if there was ever a team that was due for a win it is them. As for picking the Giants, they remain a team that is really hard to get a read on. At times they look like world-beaters but that’s not always the case. Here’s hoping this is one of their world-beater performances. I’ll take the Giants, 30-27.