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.
They excel at breaking away from defenders on the field but they showed high skill in running circles around public defenders.
Running backs Ricky Williams and Baltimore's Jamal Lewis had brushes with the NFL disciplinarians this year. Williams ran away, but is having second thoughts now. Lewis received a slap on the wrist when compared to the punishment he could had served.
Lewis attempted to help a friend set up a cocaine deal in 2000. Fortunately that was as far as Lewis went with the proposed deal because he was in talks with a government informant. Lewis was accused in the case but Lewis' lawyers worked out a plea bargain to just four months in prison and two months in a halfway house, time that will be spent during the NFL offseason. Lewis still will testify in the case, but he will be helping the prosecution.
That's not the only penalty Lewis faces. For admitting guilt in the case, Lewis violated the league's substance abuse policy and will serve a two-game suspension and be docked $761,000, the equivalent of two weeks' pay.
It was a difficult time for Lewis to get through. Just knowing the heat is off and his legal problem are almost behind him should be enough of a reward. But head coach Brian Billick felt a gesture to show support was in order. So he made Lewis an honorary team captain for the game against Washington. Way to look the other way, Billick. That's a fine example to set. But then again, linebacker Ray Lewis is a defensive captain after his involvement in a murder case three years ago. Jamal must really feel like a part of this team now.
That's not right. Most civilians would be facing a minimum of 10 years in prison for what Lewis attempted. Even if they worked out a plea bargain, the sentence wouldn't shrink to just a total of six months of incarceration in the offseason. And for Billick to name Jamal a honorary team captain for the game sets a bad example. When Lewis goes to prison to serve his time, Billick should be sent with him.
As for Williams, I had respect for him. I thought that it was genuine when he announced his retirement right before training camp opened. Yes, the timing was awful and it was disrespectful for him to turn his back on his teammates and coaches. But if his heart wasn't into it, then why fake it? If there was something else that interested him more than absorbing weekly beatings, then so be it. Research proves that a football career takes years off one's lifespan as well as reducing the quality of it, leaving many former players hobbled for the remainder of their lives. I thought Williams truly believed he found happiness in traveling and photography. His retirement said you can't buy happiness, no matter the millions.
But it does buy marijuana. Williams admits he smokes cannabis but the problem was the league found out through its drug testing program. It wasn't the first time he failed a drug test and he was facing a four-game suspension. Instead of taking his punishment, Williams got out the game and opted to stay baked over his responsibility to his team.
It would had been all good except Miami, feeling burned (cough, sorry), took action to get back money paid to Williams when he signed his contract with the Dolphins. The arbitrator ruled in favor of the 'Fins and ordered Williams to pay back 8.6 million dollars.
Now even a stoned man knows that's a lot of money. Williams declared bankruptcy to keep that money and is now interested in returning to football. But it is not that easy. Once a player signs the retirement papers, they must stay retired for one season. Williams must also serve the suspension he tried to dodge if he returns to the NFL. And there's the issue of the burned bridges with Miami. Do any of the Dolphins players want Williams as a teammate again? Some would have a problem trusting him. He could play for another team, but finding a partner in a trade for Williams might not be easy.
Whether Williams is allowed to return to playing again this year or next, his reputation will always proceed him. Forming trust with his teammates and coaches won't be easy. He'll have to prove himself all over again, as a player, but more importantly as a person. Until he shows commitment, I'll have my doubts about him.
No doubting a 8-6 week. It's not great, but it's a winning week. I'll take it.
San Diego at Atlanta - W
So far it looks like the Chargers got the better of the Falcons in the 2000 Draft trade that ultimately landed Atlanta quarterback Michael Vick and S.D. drafting running back LaDanian Tomlinson. Vick is still climbing the ranks while Tomlinson is already one of the best in the league. But Vick currently has a better team around him. That will be the difference in a Falcons win.
Miami at Buffalo - W
As the Dolphins failed to defend the 18-game winning streak of their 1972 and 1973 teams, owner Wayne Huizenga reportedly was golfing in Scotland instead of watching his team. While he was a no-show, Huizenga showed his support for his team by playing with Dolphins club covers. It's too cold in Buffalo so Huizenga won't be around to see his fish go down to the Bills.
Washington at Chicago - L
Most attention is focused on 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue which is good for the Redskins because if the team continues falling short, then it won't be too long before fans start clamoring for new direction. No donkeys or elephants to watch out for, but the Bears will get the Redskins.
Cincinnati at Cleveland - L
Cincy wide out Chad Johnson might had threw fuel on a divisional fire by sending the Browns secondary Pepto Bismo. It's not the Cleveland players' stomachs that are upset after this stunt. The sick thing is, the Browns don't have a remedy for the Bengals.
Green Bay at Detroit - L
At the beginning of the season, G.B. quarterback Brett Favre declared this season was a Super Bowl or bust season for his team. Standing at 1-3 with a horrible defense, it's easy to see that the Packers are headed to Bustville. To get there, Green Bay must pass through Detroit. The Lions will keep the Pack on course as they slash Green Bay.
Kansas City at Jacksonville - L
History isn't in K.C.'s favor. Very few teams have started slow to reach the playoffs, let alone the Super Bowl. But they showed life against Baltimore, one of the better defenses in the league. If their offensive line can bully Jacksonville's front seven, the Chiefs will edge the Jaguars.
Seattle at New England - W
Two things to keep in mind. N.E. hasn't beaten a Seattle team since 1988. More recently, Seattle won two road games all of last year and have already matched that total this year. Though things are in the Seahawks' favor, how they gave away their first home loss since the 2002 season doesn't bode well as they face the defending champs. The Seahawks let this win slip through their fingers into the Patriots' hands.
San Francisco at New York Jets - W
Quarterback Tim Rattay has something to be proud of. He now stands tall, holding the San Fran record for completions in a game with 38. The question now is how long will he remain upright while under New York's pressure. The Jets knock Rattay down a few times because the 49ers don't stand much of a chance in Gotham.
Carolina at Philadelphia - W
'Lina is falling apart. Already without wide out Steve Smith, running back DeShawn Foster and defensive tackle Kris Jenkins will join Smith on the sidelines. RB Stephen Davis might return to active duty but he won't be enough as the Eagles wail away on the Panthers.
Houston at Tennessee - L
Who knew thought the Texans had the kind of firepower they've shown in the past two games? They've surprised many offensively, but they are short a good defense. The Titans exploited a weak D last week and will do so again.
Pittsburgh at Dallas - W
QB Ben Roethlisberger is the first rookie to win his first three starts since 1970 and thus far guided Pittsburgh on a winning path. Wonder how long before Dallas head coach Bill Parcells tries the switch, hoping for similar results? If Parcells is thinking about it, the change won't come quick enough to prevent the Steelers from flattening the Cowboys.
Denver at Oakland - W
Could Reuben Droughns be the next 1,000-yard back for the Broncos? Thanks to his 193-yard coming out party, he only needs to average just under 75 yards a game to reach the benchmark. He should get plenty of carries to get to the magical total as the Broncos stomp the Raiders.
Minnesota at New Orleans - L
This game should play out like Pong: Scoring back and forth. Culpepper-to-Moss is almost unstoppable but this game will be won on the ground and the Brooks-handoff-to-Deuce proves to be too much for the Vikings to handle as the Saints pull off the Upset of the Week.
Tampa Bay at St. Louis - Monday Night - W
I think T.B. head coach Jon Gruden is a collector. He likes the offspring of productive former pros: Chris Simms, son of Phil and Brian Griese, son of Bob. If Gruden is still a head coach in three to four years, he'll draft Tennessee's Eric Ainge, nephew of former NBA guard Danny Ainge. The names only go so far and Marc Bulger, with no appealing bloodlines, drive the Rams through the Buccaneers.
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