Still working out the kinks in my NFL picks

Last week’s record, 9-7; for season, 29-19

Pick of the Week, 1-0; for the season 2-1

I got off to a great start going seven for eight, but jumped on the Cowboys bandwagon and that was the start of my troubles. I did get my Pick of the Week in, so that was good, but I don’t feel like I’m clicking on all cylinders yet.

Two key matchups this week are the Ravens at Pittsburgh and the Eagles at Washington. Here’s hoping for a big week for all of us.

Sunday, Oct. 3

Denver at Tennessee — Denver shows signs of improving but they will be hard pressed to handle the Titans at home. I’ll stick with Tennessee, 23-17.

Detroit at Green Bay — The Packers will be smarting following their loss to the Bears. The Lions are still in the rebuilding mold and remain a work in progress. I like the Packers, 28-16.

New York Jets at Buffalo — I’m not too big on them, but the Jets are rounding into form. The Bills put 30 on the board against the Patriots, so they can score. This is a hunch pick, but the Bills usually post a big win early in the year, and I think this is the week. Buffalo in an upset, 24-23.

Seattle at St. Louis — The Cards hung on to beat the Raiders but they will need a better outing to beat the Seahawks. I think they will get it. I like the Cards, 20-17.

San Francisco at Atlanta — In the preseason the 49ers were a popular pick to win the NFC West but they will have to stop giving up nearly 30 points a game. The Falcons are good and will win this one, 31-20.

Baltimore at Pittsburgh — Just when you think the Steelers are vulnerable with the loss of Big Ben, they open the season with three straight wins. Let’s make that four straight. Steelers win it, 17-13.

Carolina at New Orleans — Plain and simple, the Saints will not lose two in a row at home. This is my pick of the week. New Orleans wins big, 37-19.

Cincinnati at Cleveland — The clock is ticking for Browns coach Eric Mangini. Cleveland has been in every game, and I think this week they hang on and upset the Bengals, 20-17.

Houston at Oakland — The Texans lost the battle of Texas to the Cowboys at home, while the Raiders lost a tough one on the road to the Cards. Houston’s offense will score, but their defense gives up a lot of points. As for Oakland, they usually play tough at home. I’m giving them the nod, 26-20.

Indianapolis at Jacksonville — The Colts are rounding into form, while the Jags are stuck in the mud. I like the Colts in this one, 28-13.

Arizona at San Diego — This is not a good time for the Cards to play the Chargers, who are coming off a tough road loss to the Seahawks. San Diego wins big, 31-19.

Washington at Philadelphia — McNabb vs. Vick is what this game is really about. The Redskins are no pushover, but the Eagles appear to be clicking just fine under Vick. The Eagles get the nod, 23-17.

Chicago at New York Giants — What a difference Mike Martz has made to the Bear offense. The Bears defense is solid, and quarterback Jay Cutler appears to have corralled his many talents. As for the Giants, let me be the first to say it’s time for head coach Tom Coughlin to be replaced by a younger, more positive type of coach. (Can you say Bill Cowher?) Until then, the struggles will continue. With that said, I don’t like the Bears on the road, so I’m sticking with the Giants, 23-20.

Monday, Oct. 4

New England at Miami — The Dolphins got off to a bad start against the Jets and it cost them the game. As for the Pats, they will score, but not enough to hold off Miami at home. I’ll take the Dolphins, 20-17.

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