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Patriots good with three weeks to go

This week’s record, 12-4; for season, 127-86

Pick of the Week, 0-0, for the season 10-3

My good fortune continues as once again I reached double digits in wins. Unfortunately, I forgot to give you my Pick of the Week so this week I’ll pick two games.

There were really no huge upsets this past week, but I must admit that I was way off base with the Bears. My apologies to Patriots fans for picking against what may be a Super Bowl-bound team.

As it stands, the Patriots are the only team that has qualified for the playoffs, but that will change from week to week with just three games left in the regular season. There are a couple of very good matchups this week, so let’s get on with it.

Thursday, Dec. 16

San Francisco at San Diego — Both of these teams are in a must-win situation to make the playoffs. I think the Chargers are the safer pick. San Diego wins, 33-17.

Sunday, Dec. 19

Kansas City at St. Louis — Both teams currently reside in first place in their respective divisions, but that can change quickly. I’m going with the home team, the Rams, to win, 23-16.

Arizona at Carolina — There’s not much at stake in this one. A win by the Panthers would hurt their chances in the upcoming draft, so I’m going with Arizona, 20-19.

Philadelphia at New York Giants — The Giants are playing well and the offense has been bolstered by the return of Smith and Nicks. Vick and company are also playing well, but the Giant defense should make the difference. I’ll go with the Giants, 28-24.

Detroit at Tampa Bay — This is by no means a gimme game for the Bucs. The Lions continue to play tough but haven’t won a game on the road all year. I’ll take Tampa Bay, 17-13.

Cleveland at Cincinnati — There’s not much at stake here except bragging rights. The Bengals need a coach while the Browns are slowly becoming a solid team. I’ll stick with Cleveland, 24-21.

Buffalo at Miami — The Bills surprised the Browns last week, but the Dolphins are still in the playoff hunt and that should make a difference. I’ll take Miami, 20-13.

Washington at Dallas — This used to be a glamour game but not so this year. Coach Shanahan seems destined to be the next failure as a coach in Washington, while the Cowboys are showing signs of life with a new coach. I’ll stick with Dallas as my Pick of the Week, 24-17.

Jacksonville at Indianapolis — Big game here for both teams but especially the Colts. A home loss at this point for the Colts would be devastating and quite possibly eliminate them from the playoffs. I just can’t see that happening just yet. I like the Colts, 27-23.

New Orleans at Baltimore — Huge game as each team sits one game out of first place in their respective division. I like the Saints and I don’t like the Ravens so I’m sticking with New Orleans, 24-19.

Houston Texans at Tennessee — There are times when the Houston offense looks unstoppable but I never like a team coming off a Monday night loss and having to play on the road the following week. With that said, the Titans find a way to win, 23-20.

Atlanta at Seattle — There is no reason to think that the Falcons are going to let down at this point in the season. As for the Seahawks, they can be tough at home, but not this week. I’ll make the Falcons my second Pick of the Week, 27-23.

New York Jets at Pittsburgh — The Jets have been staggered in the last two weeks while the Steelers continue to find ways to win. With that said, I’ll stick with Pittsburgh, 20-13.

Denver at Oakland — The Raiders are not out of it yet so that’s enough reason for me to pick them to win, 24-17.

Green Bay at New England — This could have been a much bigger game if Packers quarterback Rodgers didn’t suffer a concussion last week. Even still, the Patriots are rolling. The Pats win, 24-13.

Monday, Dec. 20

Chicago at Minnesota — I really think the Bears have been somewhat exposed but at the same time the Vikings looked horrible with Jackson at quarterback against the Giants. I know the Vikings are planning to honor a number of former players this week, so I’ll give them the nod, 27-23.

Lakeville Journal

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