These are the picks for the 2004 season. 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 only used to determine upsets for the Upset of the Week.
It's flu season and I got tagged. Being bed ridden cost me time so I don't have anything to say this week, even though there are things to talk about like the resignation of Dave Wanstedt and the accusations by Maurice Clarett against Ohio State. But I do have the picks. I'm following another .500 week so I'm treading water. In reality, I can't swim but that doesn't mean I can't find my stroke in print.
Tampa Bay at Atlanta - W
Falcons quarterback Michael Vick with his last 100-yard rushing game has claimed the top spot for quarterbacks gaining over a century on the ground, surpassing such greats as Randall Cunningham and Fran Tarkenton. Not bad company to be in, but neither won a Super Bowl. Vick has time to separate himself from that distinction sometime down the road. For now, he should be satisfied when his Falcons team flatten the Buccaneers.
Pittsburgh at Cleveland - W
Despite his 149 yards, Pittsburgh running back Jerome Bettis has no chance at replacing Duce Staley atop the depth chart. Besides the fact that Staley has been very good, Bettis' touchdown per two yards efficiency took a severe hit, making him less effective in the eyes of his coaches. Bettis will get chances to score as the Steelers run wild on the Browns.
Houston at Indianapolis - W
Get used to it. Manning-to-Harrison will be immortalized in the record books as the most prolific quarterback to receiver tandem now that they surpassed Jim Kelly to Andre Reed. Carr-to-Johnson could be the next great duo, but they got a long way to catch up. Neither they or the Texans team will be able to catch the Colts.
Detroit at Jacksonville - L
The view from the top was good while it lasted. Without quarterback Byron Leftwich, Jacksonville's chances of reaching the playoffs just got a lot harder. They already average less points per game than points allowed. With Jonathan Garard under center, the points average will go down and the defense won't be able to slow down the Lions.
Kansas City at New Orleans - W
Maybe Larry Johnson is up to training pants. With running back Priest Holmes hobbled for K.C., Johnson, who was told to get out of his diapers by head coach Dick Vermeil, finally got the ball in his hands for 10 carries. He could get more touches but the whole Chiefs team needs to grow up because they don't play as well away from Arrowhead. The Chiefs lay a stinker against the Saints.
Baltimore at New York Jets - W
It's up to you, Quincy Carter, Quincy Carterrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! OK, so it doesn't have the ring of New York, New York, but this is the tune the Jets will be singing with quarterback Chad Pennington out this week. The Jets' offense won't be in tune as Carter isn't as good of a conductor as Pennington. Sounds like a Ravens win to me.
Seattle at St. Louis - W
The Seahawks blew a 18-point lead? in their last meeting against the 'Lou, and that was at home. Blowing a lead won't be their biggest problem, it will be making up a deficit. Seattle won't be able to dig themselves out of this hole as the Rams bury the Seahawks.
Chicago at Tennessee - L
Things appear to be turning around in the City of Big Shoulders now that the Bears are riding the back of running back Anthony Thomas. Yes, the defense has stepped up, but Thomas has averaged over 100 yards in the last two games. But he won't find the going as well in Music City. The Titans trip up the Bears.
Cincinnati at Washington - W
Hard to explain why Cincy wide out Chad Johnson was trippin' on the sideline during a blowout. He threw a Terrell Owens-type of fit when Cincinnati was well ahead. To get to the bottom of the matter, a chaise lounger and psychologist will be added right next to the bench if Johnson needs to calm down. He'll remain chill as the Bengals get over the Redskins in the Upset of the Week.
New York Giants at Arizona - L
Last week's win ended a 17-game rod losing streak for the Cardinals. While that's nice, the ongoing problem for 'Zona is winning anywhere. They'll have their difficulties and fall to the Giants.
Minnesota at Green Bay - W
Ever since head coach Mike Sherman took control of the offense by calling plays, Green Bay's offense has become productive. They won three straight with Sherman calling the shots. It helps when the mouthpiece is Brett Favre, who converts the calls into plays. The translations continue to work as the Packers sound off on the Vikings.
Carolina at San Francisco - W
Yakkety-YAC. Yards After Catch. The top San Fran receivers are averaging three yards or less in a category that used to be a strength for the 49ers. They won't get room to run against the Panthers.
Buffalo at New England - W
N.E. head coach Bill Belichick gave the Buffalo coaching staff some things to think about. Linebackers catching touchdowns while lined up at tight end. Wide receivers playing corner. And kickers throwing touchdown passes. Preparations might cover a spectrum of situations but the Bills will overlook ordinary football. The Patriots play it straight in a win.
Philadelphia at Dallas - Monday Night - W
Terrell Owens won't be allowed into Texas Stadium until he puts the collar on. Like the invisible fence for pets, Owens will get a shock if he gets too close to the star in the middle of the field. Owens this time will be more interested in spending time in the endzone. He'll get his chances as the Eagles trounce the Cowboys.
Home | Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5 | Week 6 | Week 7 | Week 8 | Week 9 | Week 11 | Week 12 |
Week 13 | Week 14 | Week 15 | Week 16 | Week 17 | Wild Card | Divisionals | Conference
Championships