Only 13 games, but that’s the challenge

I managed to bring my season totals above the break even point with a decent record of 10-6 for the week. Hopefully I can stay above the .500 mark the rest of the season. My Pick of the Week also came in, so that always helps. 

The bye weeks start this week with six teams getting game day off. Unfortunately, four are top teams — Arizona, Cincinnati, Denver and Seattle — and that takes away from this week’s scheduled games. Speaking of Denver and Seattle, what a game that was. Peyton Manning may be old but he showed everyone how to take a team 80 yards with under a minute to play and no timeouts into the end zone followed by a two-point conversion to send the game into overtime. Wow!

I always strive for double-digit wins each week, but that task becomes harder with only 13 games on tap. That’s alright, I love a challenge. Here’s my take on this week’s action, and good luck with your picks.

Thursday, Sept. 25

NY Giants at Washington

I didn’t see the Giants win over Houston, but I did watch a good portion of the Redskins and Eagles game. I was impressed with the Skins, and I think they will make it two in a row with a 30-27 win over the Giants.

Sunday, Sept. 28

Green Bay at Chicago

It’s a short week of practice for the Bears, but with the Packers struggling on both sides of the ball it seems like the right pick is Chicago. I’ll take the Bears, 30-23.

Buffalo at Houston

I thought both teams would do better last week, but that was not to be. These two are very similar, but I’m a closet Bills fan. Bills win on the road, 20-17.

Tennessee at Indianapolis

This is almost a no-brainer! Andrew Luck at home is tough to beat, and I’ll make this my Pick of the Week. Colts win, 35-17.

Carolina at Baltimore

The Panthers showed very little against the Steelers, while the Ravens went on the road to win a tough conference matchup with the Browns. I like the Ravens at home, 23-17.

Detroit at NY Jets

The Lions are a good pick at home but not necessarily on the road. However, the Jets offense is still a work in progress so I’m going with the Lions in this one, 30-24.

Tampa Bay at Pittsburgh

Sooner or later the Bucs are going to win — I just hope it’s not this week. I’ll take my Steelers at home, 24-13.

Miami at Oakland

Miami was terrible at home, while the Raiders played the Pats tough on the road. That’s good enough for me. I’ll take Oakland at home, 30-23.

Jacksonville at San Diego

This is a no-brainer, but you never know for sure in this league. I like the Chargers, 35-16.

Philadelphia at San Francisco

Definitely the game of the week. The Eagles defense is somewhat suspect but the Niners “D” is banged up. I see a lot of points being scored, and believe it or not, the 49ers come out on top, 35-33. 

Atlanta at Minnesota

Are the Falcons for real? It’s to early to tell, but their offense looks to be back in sync. However, with QB Teddy Bridgewater now at the helm I’m taking the Vikings at home, 24-20.

New Orleans at Dallas

This is another intriguing matchup. The Saints are 0-2 on the road and must face a Dallas team coming off a record comeback on the road against the Cards. However, I haven’t quite given up on the Saints so I’m going with New Orleans in this one, 30-27.

Monday, Sept. 29

New England at Kansas City

Look out Patriot fans, the Chiefs will be tough at home. Tom Brady hasn’t been real sharp yet and this week could change that against a banged up Chief defense. I do, however, like QB Alex Smith at home, so I’m going with the Chiefs, 23-20.