These are the picks for the 2002 season. The bold represents the team selected to win. Games in red represent the Upset of the Week. At the bottom, The weekly and overall records for the season appear at the bottom. These picks are based purely on winners and losers with no consideration from the spread. The spread is used only to determine upsets for the Upset of the Week.
The goal of any player is to get better as the season goes on. From the offseason, through training camp, and even as the regular season progresses, they lift weights to get stronger, run drills repeatedly to improve technique, watch film to learn more, and so on. That way, by the end of the season and hopefully into the playoffs, they are at their best.
This year, I'm trying to do the same, but from an intellectual perspective. During my reading, I encounter numerous words I do not know what they mean. I used to just keep on going, without reflecting on the definition. But I decided to change. I started writing down the words with the intention of looking up the meaning in the dictionary. Unfortunately, not every word came up in the dictionary, like dilettante, and genontocracy. But most of them did turn up. After finding the word, I wrote down the meaning for reference.
But one doesn't learn unless they apply the new words. So, in this week's picks, I will use one new word in every selection. I'll italicize the new word for emphasis. Hopefully, by using them, I'll remember these words and incorporate them into my daily conversation...and Dennis Miller will finally start making sense to me. Because, like the athletes we watch every week, I won't learn and improve without practice.
Atlanta at Tampa Bay - L
At the rate he's going at, we'll have to create new encomiums to describe Atlanta quarterback Michael Vick because we'll run out of superlatives to describe what he's able to do. Vick-tastic nor Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious won't do. Maybe Frobzinuity...yeah, that could work: "Another frobzinutic play by Vick!" Call it what you want, but Vick leads the Falcons over the Buccaneers.
Buffalo at New England - W
Before the first meeting between these two teams, a few N.E. players went out to dinner with former teammate and current Bills quarterback Drew Bledsoe. New England head coach Bill Belichick won't gainsay his players from hangin' with Drew again, but he will insert a mole in a attempt to draw information out of Bledsoe about Buffalo's gameplan. Belichick still has a few tricks up his sleeve for his former quarterback and confounds Bledsoe again for a Patriots W.
Cincinnati at Carolina - W
If Bengals fans didn't have a anathema of Cincy owner Mike Brown already, he becomes public enemy number one if a recent rumor proves true. Word is Brown ordered the coach to bench certain players to prevent individuals from reaching bonuses tied to percentages of snaps played. Let's hope it is a rumor. Even without defensive end Julius Peppers, the Panthers take out the Bengals.
Cleveland at Jacksonville - W
Both being victims of third-jersey losses last week, Cleveland and Jacksonville leave behind the austere alternate colors and don original uniforms. Based on fashion sense only, I'll side with the Browns for their all white outfit with few accents.
Houston at Pittsburgh - L
Head coach Bill Cowher's decision to switch back to quarterback Tom Maddox over Kordell Stewart for the Steelers might be a sign of a Cowher apostasy from Stewart. Kordell's lack of consistency over the years might be behind Cowher going back to Maddox. Either one would had led the Steelers past the Texans, but the recent decision could foreshadow the offseason.
Indianapolis at Tennessee - L
It's been something to see Indy coalesce under the direction of head coach Tony Dungy. The offense found its stride as the defense galvanized, making Indianapolis a serious playoff contender. The Colts improve their playoff standing by defeating the Titans.
N.Y. Giants at Washington - W
Earlier this week, Redskins head coach Steve Spurrier added kicker Jose Cortez to the roster. His inconsistency fits in well with all the dissonance on offense due to frequent quarterback changes. The Giants survive the Washington threat.
San Francisco at Dallas - W
The Thanksgiving win over rival Washington sated the Cowboys. But harder than playing mid-week is getting over the holiday hangover. Much like the moment right after the feast, Dallas won't be able to get up as the 49ers knock the 'Boys flat.
St. Louis at Kansas City - W
Imagine, if the expected happens, the Rams will go down to their former quarterback of the future. Remember, years ago, former head coach Dick Vermeil signed Trent Green as part of the Rams' turnaround. Now Vermeil is on the opposing sideline with Green. It doesn't get more sardonic than this. St. Louis gets steam-rolled by the Chiefs.
Detroit at Arizona - L
How does one break a hand by answering the phone? That's the story given by 'Zona running back Thomas Jones regarding his injury. Maybe if he used a hands-free feature on the phone or a fescue to dial, his hand would be fine. No need for implements as the Lions devour the Cardinals.
New Orleans at Baltimore - W
Brian Billick, the inexorable head coach of the Ravens, stands by his decision to play quarterback Jeff Blake over Chris Redman because he felt Blake gave Baltimore the best chance of winning and reaching the playoffs. The bigger question is what will Billick decide after his Ravens are unofficially knocked out of playoff contention by the Saints? Like always, Billick has the answer, or at least he believes he does.
Philadelphia at Seattle - L
Everyone thought Philly's loss of quarterback Donovan McNabb would be cataclysmic. Surprisingly, they've won two straight with different QBs each time. It would be silly to believe the Eagles would keep the streak going. It ends in the great Northwest as the Seahawks halt Philadelphia for the Upset of the Week.
Denver at N.Y. Jets - W
Based upon his comments, wild horses won't be able to keep Broncos quarterback Brian Griese from returning to the starting lineup. His fervent desire is just what the Broncos need after losing two straight. But leave it to the Jets to snuff Denver.
Oakland at San Diego - W
Congrats go out to Oakland wide out Tim Brown for his 1,000th reception, becoming only the third receiver to do so. I'm not toadying, especially considering the accomplishments of his teammate, Jerry Rice. The Raiders manage to upend the Chargers.
Minnesota at Green Bay - W
It's amazing the difference between Minnesota at home as opposed to when they're on the road. Inside the Metrodome, the Vikings offense moves up and down the field. Away, the play like chewing gum and walking simultaneously is a task to them. Playing on the cold Lambeau Field, the Packers tamp the Vikings.
Chicago at Miami - Monday Night - W
After a 2-0 start, the Bears fell hard, tying a franchise record by losing the next eight games. They haven't had anything to play for in weeks, but remain recalcitrant to the end. Miami will find this out in person, but the Dolphins repel Chicago.
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