THE BULLPEN'S
WEEKLY PICK 2006
NFL WEEK 12
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RECAP WEEK 13  ( 5-11 )   OVERALL  94-91-8


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LIONS + 3 over Dolphins - Nothing like being at home for Turkey day, even for the worst team in football. The Dolphins are due for a bad game. The Lions offense will struggle but find a way to win. The Lions win 17-13
RECAP WEEK 1       TOTAL



RECAP WEEK  9-7  Season - 120-100-3
RECAP WEEK 16  4.12   SEASON  115-118-8


Broncos - 3 over RAIDERS - a good old fashion rivalary game. The Broncos running game is the main reason they are in first place and that shouldn't surprise anyone. The Raiders should be better with the addition of Moss but Moss is not having a good year, he had only one catch last week. This will be a shootout. The Broncos win 31-27
PANTHERS  - 9 over Jets - Right now the Panthers are the best team in the NFC. Steve Smith is the MVP and Davis is a TD machine. It doens't hurt that the defense is very good as well. The Jets will be in for a long day. Panthers win 35-14
SEAHAWKS - 7 over Rams - the division is at stake and the Seahawks are at home. Plus they have one of the best RB's in football in Alexander. The Rams have been banged up but most of the injuried players should be ready for this game. Bulger is the only one doubtful. It won't matter because it looks like the Rams are a run first team these days. A good playoff type game. Seahawks win 24-16
FALCONS - 9 over Packers - the Packers season is over, they have no wide receivers left they are on their 4th string RB. Favre may think about retirment after this season. At home the Falcons have everything going for them. This will be blowout city. Falcons win 31-10
Redskins PK over Bucs - this is a close game but for me the difference is QB, Simms is not a NFL QB and as long as he is on the field I will pick against the Bucs. The Skins have played well on the road this year and that should continue this week. This will be a low scoring game. Redskins win 16-10
STEELERS - 8 over Browns - another game that is over before it starts. The Browns have no chance in Pitt. Even with Charlie Batch starting at QB the Steelers have an easy time. Staley is back and should see the ball alot. The defense will have to play a big part in this win. Steelers win 27-0
EAGLES - 2.5 over Cowboys - with all the TO talk can the Eagles focus on one of their biggest rivals. The Cowboys come in ahead of Philly in the standing and won the earlier matchup in a big way. The biggest problem for the Boys is Bledsoe, he makes bad plays in big spots, look for the Eagles to blitz him alot more then the first meeting. The Eagles are going to have to run the ball in order to win this game. Defense will be the key and at home look for the Eagles to play better. Eagles win 24-17
GIANTS - 3.5 over Eagles - Eagles blew golden chance to get back in the division race last week. The Giants didn't look much better against a bad Vikings team. This has the look of a low scoring game, especially if McNabb doesn't play. The running game will be the difference and right now the edge goes to the Giants with Barber. If McNabb doesn't play the Birds have no chance. Giants win 16-10
COWBOYS - 8 over Lions - can you say letdown after a huge come from behind win last week, no, Parcells won't have any of that. The Cowboys have new life with that win and will role right along. Look for Jones to get the bulk of the carries this week for the Boys. The LIons have one bright spot in WR Williams but it won' be enough, Dallas pressures Harrington all day. Cowboys win 31-17
Panthers - 3 over BEARS - the Bears have been a nice story but that offense won't win them games against good teams like the Panthers. Steve Smith was held in check last week so look for him to break out this week. The Panthers have the most complete team in the NFC and it will show against a young Bears team. Panthers win 20-9
REDSKINS - 5.5 over Raiders - I love the skins in this game. they played good enough to win last week and at home this week they will. Portis is starting to get on track and that is good news for the passing game. Moss is the best receiver on the field, but it's not Randy, it's Santana, look for the smaller Moss to come up big. The Raiders on the road coming across country will struggle all day. Skins win 24-13
RAMS - 9.5 over Cards - not the kind of year the Rams had in mind, they are 4-5 but what better way to get to .500 then a visit from the Cards. The Rams are healty again and need to take the frustrations out on somebody. The Cards have one bright spot in WR Fitzgerald but it won't be enough. Rams win 35-20
FALCONS - 6 over Bucs - Ok I was a little wrong about Simms, but what can he do against a good defense on the road, very little. The Falcons got a wake up call last week with the home loss to the Pack. They can not afford another loss like that. Duckett and Dunn will wear out a good Bucs defense. Falcons win 23-13
Dolphins + 2 over BROWNS - The Dolphins have lost some close games this year, this is a winnable game. Their defense is to good to lose to the Browns even in Clevland. The Browns have played OK at times this year. In the end the Dolphins have to much defense to lose this game. Dolphins win 17-6
TITANS + 4 over Jaguars - The Jags struggle on the road against teams they should beat. The Titans need to get the running game going and control clock. Greg Jones will run again for the Jags so Leftwich must play mistake free. I can see the Jags playing sloppy. Jags win 20-17 but don't cover.
RAVENS + 4.5 over Steelers - The biggest reason while I'm picking the Ravens is the Steelers QB issues. The last meeting the Ravens put a scare in the Steelers. The Ravens are bad but this has a FG game written all over it. Steelers win 12-9
PATRIOTS - 9.5 over Saints - Ok this is not the Pats best team ever, but it's been hit with alot of injuries and will still win the division. At home this is a week to spend a message they are still capible of big things. The Saints have no chance to win this game. Pats win 31-14
Seahawks - 11.5 over 49ERS - blowout city, the niners are bad, they have no offense. Alexander could have another 4 Td game. I see no way the Niners can win this game. Nothing else needs to be said. Seahawks win 24-7
CHARGERS - 10 over Bills - Tomlinson and Gates will both have huge games at home. The Bills are a bad road team. Loshman will start at QB. The Charges still have a shot at the playoffs so a win is a must, this is not a week for a let down. Chargers win 27-13
BENGALS + 4.5 over Colts - the last time an undefeated team entered Cincy was the Chiefs and they left lossers. The Benglas need this game to prove they belong in the playoffs, a home loss could end their season. The Colts will run then throw. Weather could be an issue, the Bengals need to get Manning out of the pocket, if they do they will win. Bengals win 27-24
BRONCOS - 13 over Jets - This game has mismatch city written all over it. The Broncos at home will destroy the Jets. The Jets have one offensive threat, Martin and without a passing game the Denver D will put 8 men in the box. The Broncos have gotten good play out of QB Plummer and like always can run the ball. Denver is one of the hardest places to play. Denver wins 34-14
Chiefs -6.5 over Texans - This could be a trap game for the Chiefs, they are definately better then the Texans but in Houston they could get blitzed. I'm still picking the Chiefs, they have more to play for, a spot in the playoffs. Chiefs win 20-12
PACKERS - 4 over Vikings - these are the 2 most disappointing teams in football this year, both were picked to make the playoffs, both did get back on the winning track last week. The Packers are at home and that will be the difference, it will be in the low 30's by game time and the Vikings are a dome team. This could be a shootout, lets hope so. Packers win 28-21
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Bucs + 11 over COWBOYS - Don't get this wrong, I'm only picking the Bucs to cover not win. The Cowboys will come off a little letdown after the big win vs the Colts. The Cowboys will win but not cover. Cowboys win 21-13
CHIEFS + 1 over Broncos - Trent Green got the rust off last week so he will play better, plus they will give the ball to Larry Johnson 40 times. Plummer is struggling again and talk of a QB change is heard all over Denver. A good game with the Chiefs winning on a late FG. Chiefs win 24-21
Bengals - 3 over BROWNS - The Bengals are starting to play like the team of last year especially on offense. Mainly because of Chad Johnson who has stopped running his mouth and start catching some Td passes. The Browns are struggling to finish games. Bengals win 27-21
BILLS +  over  Jaguars - They is no line on this game yet, but the Jags will be favorite. I like the Bills to win outright, it will be cold in Buffalo and the Jags for most of the season have played to their compitition. The Bills aren't good so like for the Jags to take them lightly and lose. Bills win 23-17
RAVENS - 3 over Steelers - The Ravens offense is not a machine but McNair is getting the job done. Rothlisberger is very inconsistint and that will hurt the Steelers this week. Jamal Lewis had his best game last week. Parker willl have to have a big game for the Steelers to have a shot to win. Ravens win a fg game. Ravens win 16-12
FALCONS - 3 over Saints - The Falcons are due for a big win, and it all rides on Vick. He needs to have a big game. The Falcons need to get back to running the ball. The Saints are still the surprise team in the league and need another big game from Brees. The Falcons win 24-20
Panthers - 4  over REDSKINS -   This should be an easy win for the Panthers. The Skins have no running game and their QB making only his second start. The Panthers are starting to play like most thought they would most of the season. They should win easy, should. Panthers win 31-14
49ers + 6 over RAMS - The Niners are on a role and find themselves only one game out of first place. The Rams are struggling with the offense. The Niners have one of the best runners this year in Gore who will carry the way to victory this week. 49ers win 23-17
VIKINGS - 6 over Cardnals - What a way for the Vikings to get out of their funk, a home game vs Arizona. Talyor was a great pickup and will have his way with a bad Cardnal defense. The Cards went 8 weeks between wins, I don't think they can now get two in a row. Vikings win 27-17
JETS - 6 over Texans - Watch out for this game, the Jets have been playing well and a home letdown could happen. The Texans are bad and don't think they can win this game, lets just hope the Jets play the game on the field. The Jets are in the WC picture so a home loss would be very bad. Jets win 23-10
CHARGERS - 13 over Raiders - Ok the Raiders defense isn't playing bad this year, but does anyone think they can stop Tomlinson. No way and the Raiders can't score, the Chargers have scored over 75 points in the last two games. Raiders have no shot. Chargers win 31-16
PATRIOTS - 3 over Bears - Ok this is the Bears third straight road game on the east coast, they swept the NY teams. The Pats defense is good and the Bears struggle with that. Their defense is nasty so look for a low scoring game. The Pats must run the ball and Brady can't turn the ball over. Pats win 16-10
COLTS - 9.5  over Eagels - Very bad news for the Eagles, they lose Mcnabb and now have to go to the Colts and play a team coming off their first loss. The Colts are going to put it to the Eagles. Westbrook now becomes the key to the Eagles offense. Colts win 28-10
SEAHAWKS -  over Packers - There is no line on this yet mainly because of the QB issue in Seattle. Hassellbeck is suppose to start but no announcement has been made. It doesn't matter to me, whoever QB's for Seattle they will win the game, Farve is banged up and they have no backup. Seahawks win 27-10
GIANTS + 3.5 over Cowboys - These teams have taken 180 degree turns over the last 4 weeks. The Cowboys are now playing good ball and the Giants are a mess. But a Giant win and they are back in first place. The Giants win a close game at home. Giants win 23-20
BENGALS - 3 over Ravens - This is the kind of game I like, a great O vs a great D. Who will win, I like the Bengals, the Ravens D doesn't play as well on the road. It should be a great game. Bengals win 20-16
PACKERS + 1.5 over Jets - Who would of thought after 12 weeks the Jets would be road favorites, not many of use. They are playing good but at home the Packers will get the win. They need to get their running game going. A low scoring game. Packers win 17-9
BEARS - 9 over Vikings - The Bears defense will be to much for the Vikes. I can't see the Vikes scoring to much. The Bears defense needs to get untracked and a Vikings so so defense is the answer. The Bears have been on the road the last 3 weeks so look for them to domianate. Bears win 31-10
STEELERS - 8.5 over Bucs - This is an easy one, even no the Bucs have been off since Thanksgiving, there team stinks and they will get killed at Pitt. The Steelers need to bounce back from a shutout put on them by the Ravens. Look for the Steelers to run alot and play great defense. Steelers win 23-10
RAMS - 6.5 over Cardnals - The Rams got a huge win last week and with a weak schedule the rest of the way may find themselves in the playoffs. So they can't afford a letdown this week. The Cards are just bad and no way can I see them winning this game on the road. Rams win 27-17
Colts - 7.5 over TITANS - Only 7.5 you have to jump all over this one. The Colts still haven't clinched homefield so they will come out and play hard. The Titans are coming off a huge win but do any of us think they can beat the Giants and Colts back to back, I don't. Colts win 24-14
DOLPHINS - 2.5 over Jaguars - The Dolphins are playing great football right now and the Jags play bad on the road. If the Dolphins defense can stop the Jags run, they will win easy. It will be a good game with the Dolphins winning on a late FG. Dolphins win 20-17
49ers + 7 over SAINTS - I like the Saints to win just not cover. The Niners have a nice running game with Gore and need to control the clock. Brees might be without his best receiver Colston which will hurt. Also watch for the Saints to look past this game with a game at Dallas next week. Saints win but don't cover 23-17
REDSKINS - 2 over Falcons - The Skins seem to find ways to win at home. The Falcons are reeling with the QB giving the finger to the NO fans last week. Vick had more running yards then passing. Redskins win 20-14
Chiefs - 5 over BROWNS - The Browns aren't good and now they are fighting amoung themselves. The Chiefs need this win to stay in the playoff race. The Browns have nothing to play for. Chiefs use Larry Johnson 40 times. Chiefs win 27-17
PATRIOTS - 13.5 over Lions - I watched the whole Lions game on Thanksgiving and they are bad. The Pats should win this game in their sleep. Brady will have 4 td passes to 4 different receivers. Pats win 35-10
BILLS + 5.5 over Chargers - Last week the Chargers struggled against the Raiders, maybe playing to their opponents level. If that were true, they won't come to play Buffalo this week. The Chargers will win because they have LT but they won't cover. Charges get a late FG and win. Chargers win 23-20
RAIDERS - 3 over Texans - Raider fans will love this they will win a game. I don't have any real facts to back it up both teams are bad. Wake me up when it is over. Raiders win 27-13.
BRONCOS - 3 over Seahawks - Ok the Broncos will go with a rookie QB making his first start. But their defense is good and plays great at home. The Seahawks get Alexander back but Hassellbeck suffered a broken finger and is questionable. It will be a low scoring game. Broncos win 14-10
Panthers - 3 over EAGLES - I just have trouble picking the Eagels without McNabb at QB. The Panthers need a win to stay in the playoff hunt. This is a hard one to pick. Take the Panthers mainly because of no McNabb. Panthers win 23-13
STEELERS - 7 over Browns - The Steelers are 5-7 and hanging on by a thread for a playoff spot, so a win is a must. At home by 7 I like them. The Browns are done and have no real reason to play. Plus they will go with a backup QB. Steelers win 27-10
Giants + 3 over PANTHERS - On paper both teams are a mess, the Giants have lost 4 straight games. The Panthers have struggled all week. Both teams are 6-6 but I think the Giants are playing better football, they are gettting healthy. Giants have to much talent to lose 5 straight. Giants win 27-21
JETS - 3.5 over Bills - The Jets are 7-5 and are right in the hunt of the playoffs. The schedule isn't tough so a win is a must this week. The Jets are playing great football with no stars. The Bills are 5-7 and still have an outside shot so they will come to play. Jets win 20-14
Ravens + 3 over CHIEFS - The Ravens need a win to clinch the division, the Chiefs need one to stay in the playoff picture. The Ravens are a better team and will win this low scoring game. The Chiefs won't be able to throw on the Ravens great secondary. Ravens win 16-10
Falcons - 3 over BUCS - The Bucs are a mess and with the Falcons in the playoff hunt I can't see how they lose. They must run the ball, Vick can't pass and his receivers stink. Plus the Bucs defense is old and will have trouble stopping the run. Falcons win 23-13
LIONS - 2.5 over Vikings - A game with no meaning, both teams have no playoff chance. The Lions have the better offense and with the Vikes going with a backup QB take the Lions. No other reasons. Lions win 28-21
TEXANS -1.5 over Titans - Again another game with no meaning. The Titans have won to huge games at home the last 2weeks beating the Giants and Colts. Now they go on the road look for a letdown. The Texans coming off a win at Oakland. Texans win 31-28
JAGUARS + 1.5 over Colts - As good as the Colts have been the last few years, the one team to play them well is the Jags. The Colts walk through alot of games against bad teams, if they try that this week they will get killed. The Jags defense will win this game. Jags win 23-20
PACKERS - 3 over Vikings - Ok the Vikes are still alive for the WC but a home loss last week tells me they don't deserve it. The Packers and Farve play their last home game and want to go out on a good note. Packers win 20-13
Chiefs - 6.5 over RAIDERS - The Chiefs need this game to stay in WC hunt, the Raiders would like nothing more then to knock them out. The problem for the Raiders is they have no offense. Their defense plays good but won't be able to shut down Larry Johnson. Chiefs win 23-6
BILLS - 4.5 over Titans - Both teams are 7-7 and have outside shot at the WC. The Titans have won 5 straight games so a letdown is likely. The Bills are at home where it will be very cold. The running game will win this one and the Bills are better. Bills win 23-17
FALCONS - 6 over Panthers - The Panthers have lost 5 straight and it looks like they have packed it in for the season. The Falcons need a win at home and should get it. Vick is the key, his receivers looked good last week. Falcons win 27-10
RECAP WEEK  8-8   Season 102-99-8
Colts - 9 over TEXANS - Before last week the Colts lost 3 of 4 games. They can't affored another loss if they want a first round bye. So go into Houston and take care of business is the moto for the Colts. Manning to Harrison should have a field day vs the Texans secondary. Colts win 38-17
STEELERS - 3.5 over Ravens - It may be a little to late but the Steelers are playing great ball right now. They have won 5 of their last 6, that loss a 27-0 beat down by the Ravens. So it's time for payback. The Ravens may be without McNair who hurt his hand last week. Steelers win 20-13
JAGUARS - 2.5 over Patriots - It's been the same all year, the Jags play good against the good teams and bad vs the bad ones. Well the Pats are good so look for the Jags to play good. Brady hasn't had his best year and will struggle against this fast defense. Jags win 21-16
GIANTS - 3 over Saints - Ok this is the last time I pick the Giants, if they loss this game their season is over. It's a home game and even no the Saints are good they should win this game. The Saints need a win to get a first round bye, so they will come to play. Giants win 23-17
49ERS - 4 over Cardnals - At 6-8 the Niners can still win the division, just win their last 2 games and hope the Seahawks lose their last 2. Ok probably not going to happen but the Niners still will come out and beat the Cards. This spread should be higher. Niners win 31-14
Chargers - 4.5 over SEAHAWKS - The Seahawks have lost 2 in a row to Arizona and San Franciso, so I can I pick them this week vs maybe the best team in the league. Ok in the NFL it wouldn't surprise if the Seahawks came out and won big, but I can't pick it. The Chargers win behing LT 31-24
BRONCOS - 3 over Bengals - The Broncos finally got a win for rookie QB Cutler even though it was against the Cards. The Bengals didn't look very good against the Colts whose defense is bad. The Broncos defense is better then the Colts and that will be the difference. Great game Broncos win 38-31
COWBOYS - 7 over Eagles - No way can the Eagles win 3 straight road games vs division opponents, can they. Garcia is playing well in the westcoast offense. The Cowboys have played better on the road this year, but look for them to give their fans a great Christmas gift, a beatdown of the Eagles. Cowboys win 31-13
DOLPHINS - 2.5 over Jets - The Jets need it more but will be tough to beat the Dolphins on the road. The Dolphins defense plays great at home. If the Jets are to win Pennington needs to have a big game. This will be a Christmas day letdown for Jet fans. Dolphins win 23-20
5 of these teams are done and the Bears have clinched homefield throughout the playoffs.

Bears - 4 over Lions
Browns - 3 over Bucs
Rams - 2 over Redskins
This is my 5th year doing this site and this was clearly the worst year I every had. If I don't have a great week 17 I will finish the year under .500. Last week was maybe my worst week. 4-12, maybe it was the Christmas week or just a bad week. This week I am just going to give my winners. No reasons behind the picks. I will pick that back up for the playoffs. Enjoy the last week of the season and I'll try to do better in the postseason.

REDSKINS + 2.5 over Giants
Seahawks + 3.5 over BUCS
Panthers - 3 over SAINTS
JETS - 12.5 over Raiders
COWBOYS - 12.5 over Lioins
Rams - 2.5 over VIKINGS
BENGALS - 6 over Steelers
TEXANS - 4 over Browns
Pats + 3 over TITANS
CHIEFS - 2.5 over Jags
COLTS - 9 over Dolphins
BRONCOS - 10.5 over 49ers
Bills + 9 over RAVENS
Falcons + 7.5 over EAGLES
Cardnals + 13.5 over CHARGERS
BEARS - 2.5 over Packers


Hopefully everybody enjoyed reading my picks even know they weren't the best this year. I love to hear from you guys so any emails good or bad will be received kindly. I have had my share of bad ones this year. Love to hear from all of you and let me know how you did this year.
RECAP WEEK 17  9-7   SEASON 124-125-8

Well another year and not a very good one for me, it was my worst year. I was 1 game under .500, last year I finished 29 games over. Next year i will do better and I hope I can prove it in the playoffs. I got alot of feedback and most of it was good and for that I thank everybody who uses this site and enjoy the playoffs.

Chiefs at COLTS - 6.5
KEYS TO THE GAME
CHIEFS
This one is easy, give the ball to Larry Johnson 45 times and keep the Colts offense off the field. The Colts don't have the high powered offense they used to. The more the Chiefs offense is on the field, the less Manning and Company are.
COLTS
They have to do something this week they have had trouble doing all year, stop the run, or just slow down Larry Johnson. The Colts need to run the ball effective early and that will open the passing game.

Another year, another year Manning is on the hotseat, he hasn't been to a Superbowl and if the Colts can't slow down Larry Johnson they may be an early exit this year. The game is at home and that will be the difference, Manning will take advantage of a weak Chiefs secondary. Colts win 20-10 but it won't be easy.
Cowboys at SEAHAWKS - 3
KEYS TO THE GAME
COWBOYS
Alot has happened to this team in the last five weeks and not much has been good. Romo has cooled off and is hurting his team trying to make the big play. So he needs to ease up a bit. They need to get the running game going with Barber and Jones. They have good receivers but they haven't made many plays lately, so they need to get more involved.
SEAHAWKS
That 4 wide receiver set will kill the Cowboys secondary, plus Alexander healthy should have a big day. The big key is for Hassellbeck not to turn the ball over and they should have an easy time on offense.

In the last 5 weeks the Cowboys defense has given up an average of 30 points a week, including 39 to the worst team in the league last week. They can't stop the pass and Hassellbeck will have a field day. The only reason this spread is only 3 is because the Seahawks have lost 3 of their last 4 games. Seahawks win 34-28
Jets at PATRIOTS - 8.5
KEYS TO THE GAME
JETS
Chad Pennington, whatever kind of game he plays will determine the feat of the Jets. They should keep it simple, run the ball and throw short passes. If they get down big early it could be a long day since Pennington doesn't have the arm to throw it deep.
PATS
The Pats are 6-1 since they lost at home to the Jets, Brady is using all his receivers and that will continue this week. Both backs are healthy, look for Maroney to get alot of the carries, with Dillion used on the goal line.

I see alot of people jumping on the Jets bandwagon because they think Mangini has Belechek's number, think again. Belechek will come out with something Mangini has never seen and the Pats will win this game easy. Its the playoffs and at home and move playoff tested the Pats win 27-13
Giants at EAGLES - 6.5
KEYS TO THE GAME
GIANTS
Tiki, Tiki Tiki all day, last week he carried 30 times for over 200 yards and 3 td's and the Giants finally won a game. Manning will struggle with that blitzing Eagle defense so they need to run the ball all day. Jacobs should get some carries to. The defense needs to stop the screen pass, the Eagles don't have any deep threats.
EAGLES
The Eagles biggest weakness is stopping the run, they will blitz Manning and try and pick him off, the defense needs to give the Eagles good field position with turnovers.

The Eagles are the hottest team in football right now, they won the division winning 3 games in a row on the road in the division. The Giants are a mess even with their win last week. They need to run the ball and not make dumb personal fouls, that has gotten them in trouble lately. Garcia is the toast of the town but the offensive line should get most of the credit. The Eagles win 20-16 but won't cover.
Colts at Ravens - 4

It's the first playoff visit to Baltimore since the Colts left town in the middle of the night over 10 years ago. And what will be waiting for Manning and company  the nasty defense in football. They will get Manning out of the pocket where he is not the same QB. The Colts must get the running game going. The Ravens will man cover both Harrison and Wayne. The Ravens will run the ball down the Colts throat with Lewis. The worst run defense is even worse on the road. Ravens win 19-13
Eagles at Saints - 4

This will be a rematch of a week 6 matchup that the Saints won by a FG. The Eagles are a much different team now. They are finally using Westbrook the right way. He has been one of the best running backs since McNabb went out with an injury. The Saints must stop Westbrook to win this game. Brees is having an MVP year along with rookies Colston and Bush should be able to score. I don't think the Eagles can score with the Saints. Its been a great Eagle run the last 6 weeks but it will come to an end this week in New Orleans where the crowd could be a huge factor. Saints win 27-16

Seahawks at Bears - 7.5


Weather could be the main factor in this game. They are calling for a wintry mix high in the low 30's and windy. What does that mean, whoever can run the ball better will win. On paper the edge goes to Seattle with Alexander but he is not the work horse he was last year coming of the broken bone in his foot. Thomas Jones will have to have a big day because they can't count on Grossman for much these days. The Bears have the best defense in the league it that is why i'm picking the Bears.With the bad weather and the Bears defense I can't see how the Seahawks can put the ball in the endzone. Bears win 20-9
Patriots at Chargers - 5.5


What a game this will be, I have no idea who will win. It is to early for me to pick this game. But i'll give it a try. The Pats have the experience and Brady and the Chargers have homefield and Tomlinson. Alot of people are making a big deal of the coaching matchup. Schottenheimer has a bad postseason record. But he has never had the best player in football on his team. I like the Chargers to win the game by a FG which means they won't cover. Chargers win 23-20 but don't cover.
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CONFERENCE FINALS

Saints at BEARS -3

Alot of people are jumping on the Saints bandwagon. It will be very hard for the Saints. They are going on the road and playing in very cold weather. Most Dome teams have trouble doing that. McCallister will be the key for the Saints. They must run the ball in that weather. For the Bears look for the defense to play alot better this week. Again the Bears must run the ball and not let Grossman lose the game for them. It should be a great game. I like the Bears to win 17-12.
Pats at COLTS - 3

Here is another game where most people like the Pats. The big difference right now is the Colts defense. It is playing nasty. They have given up one TD this postseason. Getting Sanders back is the key. The Pats aren't as strong as in the past and are very lucky to be playing this game. They were outplayed last week. Manning doesn't have to put the ball in the endzone because of Adam Vinateri, behind Brady the second main reason the Pats have won 3 Superbowls. I like the Colts 20-14
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SUPERBOWL
BEARS VS COLTS - 7

After 267 games played this year it comes down to this. The Colts are a 7 point favorite and I love the Bears.

For the Bears to win they must spread out the offense and get Colts safety Sanders in coverage instead of in the box to stop the run. Give the ball to Jones 30 times and control the clock and the Bears will win. The one problem with spreading the offense is Grossman will have to throw the ball and that is the Bears weak point. The Defense is nasty and the front 4 will put pressure on Manning all day. The kicker for the Bears is good and special teams Haster gets the job done.

The Colts are favorite in my mind because of Manning. He hasn't had the best postseason but the Colts are winning because mainly of defense. Sanders is a great run stopper. The Colts must stop the run in order to win. The Colts have the best kicker in postseason history and that is a plus for them, something they didn't have last year.

With all that said I love the Bears getting the 7 points. If the Colts win it will be by a fg. My predicition is Bears 27-Colts 20.

Check out the Bullpen Superbowl Trivia.

Giants - 3 over TITANS - The Giants are all banged up but a win in Tenn. can happen. The Titans haven't won back to back games all year and are coming off a big win at the Eagles. Manning and the receivers will get on the same page and win this game. Giants win 20-7
REDSKINS + 1 over Eagels - OK the Eagles looked good Monday with their win against Carolina. But can Jeff Garcia go on the road to a division rival and duplicate his great performance. I doubt it. The Skins are a mess but will play hard at home vs a division opponent. Redskins win 23-17
BENGALS - 10.5 over Raiders - Blowout city, the Bengals have to much on the line to lose to the Raiders who are coming off a home loss to the Texans. The Bengals are finally playing like most of us thought they would. Bengals win 34-14
Patriots - 3.5 over DOLPHINS - A lot of people like the Dolphins at home, this is a game I see the Pats winning easy. Look for the Pats to run alot and that will open up the pass for Brady. The Dolphins playoff hopes took a hit with their loss last week. Pats win 23-10
49ERS - 5 over Packers - Not a whole lot of things to say about this game. The Niners have been playing goood ball till their beat down at the hands of the Saints. The Packers season has been over all year. Niners win 24-9
Seahawks - 3.5  over CARDNALS - Ok the Seahawks went to Denver and won outright last week and are only 3.5 favorites over one of the worst teams in football. This game is the lock of the week. The Seahawks have a first round bye in their sites so no way will they have a letdown. Seahawks 35-17
CHARGERS - 7 over Broncos - The qb move to Cutler may come back to bite the Broncos in the ass. They lost a home game to a banged up Seattle team. To much LT for the Broncos to handle. At home take the points. Chargers win 27-17
Saints + 6.5 over COWBOYS - I think Dallas will win but i'll take the points. Dallas is coming off a huge win on the road last week, so a small letdown is very possible. The Saints are looking to get a home game in the playoffs so a win at Dallas will help their cause. Cowboys win 24-20
RAMS + 6.5 over  Bears - The Bears are in a bit of a bind, they play great defense and their QB looks like one of the worst in the league. In his last 2 games he has 7ints and 0 td's. The offense stinks. The defense and special teams can't score every week. The Rams have enough offense to keep this game close. The Bears will find a way to win but won't cover. Bears win 17-13
SEAHAWKS - 9.5 over 49ers - I see a blowout here, the Seahawks coming off a bad loss last week need this win in the worst way. The Niners playoff chances are slim and over after this week. Alexander will have a monster week. Seahawks win 31-17
Cowboys - 3 over FALCONS - This is a playoff game for Dallas, if they lose they will lose first place in the division and a home game in the playoffs. Atlanta has to win to stay in the wildcard but it will be tough as both their runnng backs are hurting. Dallas will have to stop Vick from running to have any chance to win. Cowboys win 27-17
GIANTS - 5.5 over Eagles - Another playoff game early, the Giants are getting healthy and should win this game. Garcia has played great but will struggle this week on the road against a good defense. The Giants will be able to run the ball easily on a weak Eagles run D. Giants win 23-10
Browns + 11.5 over RAVENS - The Ravens will win this game but the offense isn't good enough to win by 11. Unless the defense scores and I can't predict that. The Browns are young so they should come out and give a good efffort. Ravens win 20-10
Steelers - 2.5 over PANTHERS - The Panthers are a mess, QB is out and they haven't been able to run the ball all year. The Steelers won't defend their title this year but they will come out and play hard. The Panthers need this win to keep wildcard hopes alive. Steelers win 23-17
PATRIOTS - 11 over Texans - After last week embarrassing loss to the Dolphins look for the Pats to come out and kill Houston. Houston really has no shot. Nothing else to say. Pats win 38-10
SAINTS - 9.5 over Redskins - A huge win on the road sometimes means a letdown the next week, but the Saints are at home vs a bad Redskins team. The Saints shouldn't have any trouble beating up on the Skins. Saints win 31-14
Jags - 3.5 over TITANS - All year long the Jags have played bad against bad teams, the Titans are playing very good ball the past 4 weeks. The Jags will come in and play hard, a win keeps them in the wildcard race. No way do I see a letdown. Jags win 23-13
BEARS - 13.5 over Bucs - It's a high spread but the defense is so good and never slumps I can't see how the Bucs score. The Beas clinched everything but I still think the defense will pitch a shutout. Bears win 20-0
Broncos - 2.5 over CARDNALS - The Broncos have gone downhill since their QB move. The Cards played great last week against the Seahawks. The will try to play spoiler again this week. The Broncos need to run the ball and not have Cutler try and win it for you. The Broncos need this game more then the Cards. Broncos win 23-14
CHARGERS - 8.5 over Chiefs - Battle of the running backs,  but this game is more then that for the Chargers. They have a chance at the overall best record and homefield throughout the playoffs. The Chiefs have lost two straight and their playoff chances are slim. The Charges win 31-21
VIKINGS - 3 over Jets - Believe it or not the Vikes still have an outside shot at making the playoffs, a win is a must and at home I like their chances. The Jets loss last week all but finished their playoff chances. Vikings win 26-19
COLTS - 3 over Bengals - This game has shootout written all over it. The Colts have lost 3 of their last 4 games. At home I can't see them lossing 3 straight. The Bengals are playing good.Both teams are in the playoffs, sit back and relax and enjoy a great game. Colts win 38-34
These three games have no playoff meaning and all of these teams are waiting for next year. So their is no need for me to give my reasons why they win or lose.

Bills - 1 over Dolphins
Lions + 5 over Packers
Rams + 2.5
2007 Picks will be posted Sept. 6th.
Wildcard Weekend - 3-1. My only loss was the Seattle game, they were favorited by 3 and only won by 1.
What a bad week, I was 1-3 with the spreads and I picked the Chargers to the game. Hopefully I do better this week.