Pink's NFL Picks November 13, 2009

Last week’s record, 9-4; for the season, 84-45

Pick of the week, 1-0; for the season, 6-3

It wasn’t a bad week, considering I was right on with the Yanks in six games, my Pick of the Week came in and by chance I picked the exact score in the Patriots’ win over Miami, 27-17.

The Giants certainly need a week off, but when you consider that they come back to face Atlanta at home, Denver on the road, then Dallas and Philadelphia at home, the chances of making the playoffs may be too much to ask.

This week’s games start on Thursday, which helps out those like me who are still suffering withdrawals from baseball being over. However, the NFL has center stage from now until the Super Bowl and there’s no shortage of good games in the coming weeks. Good luck with your picks.

Thursday, Nov. 12

Chicago at San Francisco — I hate to even pick a team in this game because I am unable to watch it on my television. The NFL network is probably great if you have it, but how can it survive on one game a week? Anyway, the Bears appear to be headed south, while the tough-luck 49ers need a win badly. I’ll stick with the Niners, 23-20.

Sunday, Nov. 15

Detroit at Minnesota — The Lions are still miles away from respectability, while the Vikings are coming off their bye week. It may take the Vikings a quarter to warm up, but after that the rout is on. I’ll make Minnesota my Pick of the Week, 34-13.

Denver at Washington — The Broncos are coming off a loss to the Steelers at home Monday night and now must go on the road to face the Redskins (it could be worse). The Redskins are all messed up and really need a win.I’ll stick with the Redskins, 17-14.

Atlanta at Carolina — Carolina is a team you must prepare for because they always manage to come up with a good effort when you least expect it. The Falcons have a legitimate shot to make the playoffs and therefore they must bring their A game to avoid a letdown. This game could be very close, but I like the Falcons, 27-23.

Cincinnati at Pittsburgh — This is a big game for you AFC North fans. Tied for first place, coming in with a record of 6-2, the Steelers will be looking for revenge for an early season loss in Cincy. Even with a short week, the Steelers will be ready and with the running game going good should be able to prevail in this one. I’ll take the Steelers, 34-27.

Tampa Bay at Miami — The Bucs finally picked up their first win, but I don’t think they’re quite ready for a road win. To Miami’s credit, they come to play and never quit. I’ll take the Dolphins, 23-13.

Buffalo at Tennessee — All of a sudden the Titans are winning games again and Vince Young is the quarterback. It makes you wonder why Jeff Fisher waited until they were 0-6 to make that change. The Bills are coming off a bye week and should put up a good fight, but I’ll stick with the Titans, 24-17.

Jacksonville at N.Y. Jets — It’s put up or shut up time for the Jets if they want to have any chance whatsoever of making the playoffs. The Jags are very unpredictable, but don’t underestimate them. I’ll give the Jets one more chance this week, 23-20.

New Orleans at St. Louis — This is one of those games that scares me. The Rams are awful, while the Saints continue to need late rallies to win games. It probably won’t matter this week. The Saints roll in this one, 37-17.

Kansas City at Oakland — It’s Lenny Dawson vs. Kenny Stabler, what a match-up. Sorry, I must be having a senior moment. What was probably the best rivalry in the old AFL and continued on into the NFL after the merger is now a meaningless game, especially this year. Let’s go with the home team. Raiders win it, 19-17.

Dallas at Green Bay — Defense wins big games in the NFL and the Packers continue to struggle on that side of the ball. Dallas is on a roll and Romo is playing up to the hype. This should be a good high scoring game and in the end the Cowboys come out on top, 31-27.

Seattle at Arizona — Seattle is always questionable on the road, while Arizona is 1-3 at home, go figure. Every time the Cards appear ready to go on a run, they stumble. Not this week. Arizona wins big, 33-23.

Philadelphia at San Diego — This is one of the better games on the card. Both teams have their sights on the playoffs but someone has to lose. The Eagles just don’t seem to get it done, so I’m going with the Chargers, 27-24.

New England at Indianapolis — Here you have Manning vs. Brady. It doesn’t get much better than that. This might very well be the first of two meetings for these teams, the next being the AFC Championship game. I’m a big fan of Peyton Manning, but I’ve got a feeling that the Patriots are going to sneak this one out late. I’ll stick with New England, 20-17.

Monday, Nov. 16

Baltimore at Cleveland — I don’t like the Ravens, but the same goes for Eric Mangini. However, I still have a soft spot for the Browns dating back to my youth and the days of Jim Brown. I’ll go with my heart, Browns win it, 20-19.