Weekly picking, yeah the season's almost over

As I said in September, this is the first time I've ever bothered to make football picks and keep track of how I am at it. So far, 95-68. I'm encouraged by this. It's not exactly difficult, is it? It's also probably dreadfully boring to read, I imagine. I try, I really do.

As a kid I used to love watching football with the Xmas tree up, I'd hang our Redskins ornament on the tree and inevitably they'd win. Now, clearly, the Redskins Xmas magic is gone (and has been for a looooong time). Still, the tree makes the room feel warmer - so there's that. Anyway, another Thursday night game means I write this thing before that game begins, so here goes:

San Francisco at San Diego: all the teams that play out west are garbage this season. Apparently, no one wants to win either the AFC or NFC West. I mean, who would? It's a hassle, all those playoff games in cold-weather stadiums.....Chargers.

Cleveland at Cincinnati: Gotta go Browns, but the Bengals could pull this one out if Carson Palmer remembers that he won a Heisman Trophy for being a good QB

Washington at Dallas: yawn. Two teams that have lousy records. My feeling is that this will be yet another hard-fought Redskins loss. Dallas has been playing better football of late. The Redskins? Not so much. Cowboys

Houston at Tennessee: two more lousy teams, with 5-8 records (I think). Houston still plays respectable football. I think the Titans are simply collecting checks.

Jacksonville at Indy: this one decides the AFC South, I think. Jags should have a chip on their shoulders as big as Peyton's massive forehead. I'm going with the LA Jaguars

KC at St Louis: does anyone care that these two teams from Missouri lead their respective divisions? No? Oh, right, because they suck. Chiefs should win, if Cassell plays.

Buffalo at Miami: Miami should win at home. Remember when this matchup was aces? Jim Kelly and Dan Marino....ah, memories.

Philadelphia at NY Giants: tough game to call. I think Philly is showing some chinks in the "best team in the NFL" armor lately. The Giants have the defense to punish Mr. Vick. I'm picking Giants.

Detroit at Tampa Bay: Lions are gonna win their second game in a row. They're getting better.

Arizona at Carolina: Oh God, don't make me watch! Cardinals

New Orleans at Baltimore: the Ravens are also showing signs of....slippage. Saints defense should force some mistakes en route to a close win.

Atlanta at Seattle: Falcons, easily

NY Jets at Pittsburgh: Steelers will trip up the deflated Jets. Funny, right?

Denver at Oakland: Raiders are the better team.

Green Bay at New England: if Rogers plays this could be a gem of a game. Patriots.

Chicago at Minnesota: I'll lease out my back yard for the game. I will! Bears.

All for now, enjoy the meatballs....