Diehard NFL fans: Get ready for games on Thursdays and Saturdays

Last week’s record, 12-4; for the season, 113-63. Pick of the Week 1-0; for the season, 10-2.

Last week was another solid week, plus I was right on with the Gilbert/Northwestern win over Housatonic in this year’s Berkshire Bowl, along with my my Pick of the Week. It’s hard to believe that we’re already into the 13th week of the regular season. For the rest of the year there are games on Thursday nights, plus the league adds Saturday games for the last two weeks of the season. You diehards have got to love that.

There are plenty of key games on tap, but the big question is can the Giants show up and hand the first loss of the year to the Packers? You can find out what I think below. Let’s get to it.

Thursday, Dec. 1

Philadelphia at Seattle — It would have been nice if the NFL had scheduled a better game to kick off their Thursday night telecasts. The Seahawks are going nowhere, and the Eagles are on life support. Let’s give the home team the nod. Seattle wins, 23-20.

Sunday, Dec. 4

Oakland at Miami — Oakland is definitely in the playoff hunt while the Dolphins are not. However, Miami is playing tough and I think they can pull off the upset. I’ll take the Dolphins in this one, 20-17.

Atlanta at Houston — This is a big game for two teams that are very much in the playoff hunt. Atlanta is solid on both sides of the ball but they will be playing against one of the top defenses in the league. The Texans will be going with a third-string quarterback but I still like them in this game, 23-17.

Tennessee at Buffalo — Neither team can afford to lose but defense wins games and even on the road I think the Titans’ defense can control the game. I’ll stick with Tennessee, 24-20.

Kansas City at Chicago — The Chiefs continue to play tough but this is a bad time to be heading into Soldier Field. The Bears cannot afford another loss if they hope to remain in the Wild Card hunt. The Bears will squeak one out, 21-19.

New York Jets at Washington — The Jets are facing must-win games from now until the end of the season. They got lucky last week but should be able to handle the Redskins’ anemic offense. The Jets win this one, 19-13.

Cincinnati at Pittsburgh — It’s crunch time for both teams but you have to like the Steelers at home. Pittsburgh and Big Ben win this one, 27-24.

Baltimore at Cleveland — The Ravens have a habit of playing poorly against mediocre teams. With that said, I still think they rally in the second half to win, 30-23.

Carolina at Tampa Bay — I know everybody loves Tim Tebow, but can you imagine Cam Newton playing for the Broncos? The Bucs have been slipping but will play tough; however, in the end I think Newton and the Panthers win, 24-17.

Detroit at New Orleans — This game will not lack for excitement. Quarterbacks Matt Stafford and Drew Brees will put plenty of points on the board, but in the end I think the Saints have enough additional firepower to win the one, 35-27.

Denver at Minnesota — I’m not a believer but I’ll give Tebow credit. He certainly wins game. As for the Vikings, they don’t impress me at all. I’ll give the Broncos the nod in this one, 20-13.

Dallas at Arizona — The Cowboys are like the Ravens. They sometimes fall asleep against weaker opponents. The Cards will be tough at home, but I think Dallas will squeeze this one out, 21-19.

Green Bay at New York Giants — Are you kidding? If the Giants win this game there should be an investigation, so it’s my Pick of the Week. What the Giants ought to do is fire the coach and hire Bill Cowher. Aaron Rodgers and the Packers will prevail in this game, 33-24.

St. Louis at San Francisco — The 49ers are home after a tough road loss to the Ravens and should be more than ready to handle the Rams. 49ers win this one, 24-13.

Indianapolis at New England — There’s not much to say about this game. Patriots win 37-13.

Monday, Dec. 5

San Diego at Jacksonville — The only thing I can say about this game is that I hope one of the UConn teams is scheduled to play. I don’t know why but I’ll take the Chargers, 27-17.

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