We're posting these picks on Friday, but we both actually got our Broncos-Jets picks in before the Thursday Night Football game. As I said in my Broncos-Jets pick below, how can anybody bet against Tim Tebow and the Broncos right now? It really is crazy how this has developed over the last month, but the Broncos are now 5-5 and a half game back of the Oakland Raiders for first place in the AFC West. The NFL has to be hoping and praying with all its might to see the Broncos in the playoffs.
The Bay Area will have a pair of important games. The San Francisco 49ers host the Cardinals looking to further cement their division lead and work towards a first round bye. The Oakland Raiders travel to Minnesota to face the Vikings. The Raiders hold a one game lead over the rest of the AFC West, so every win is absolutely essential for their playoff chances.
David - DENVER BRONCOS (+6) over New York Jets: I'm sorry, but I just can't bet against Tebow at this point. He inspires me to bet on the Broncos!
James - New York Jets (-6) over DENVER BRONCOS: Nope, Tim Tebow cannot keep this up. The spread option is a college scheme and given some time, NFL defenses will figure it out and put an end to the success Tebow is currently enjoying. Normally, I would say it is going to take a few more weeks worth of tape for other teams to figure out how to stop the Broncos, but given the fact that Tebow takes on one of the best defenses and one of the best defensive minds in the NFL this weekend, Im thinking it comes to an end a little bit sooner.
David - Oakland Raiders (+1) over MINNESOTA VIKINGS: The Raiders are the slimmest of underdogs, and I suppose it is due to the absence of Darren McFadden and Jacoby Ford. However, Carson Palmer developed a strong rapport with Denarius Moore and will look to build on that against a debilitated Vikings secondary.
James - Oakland Raiders (+1) over MINNESOTA VIKINGS: I am not sure I understand how a 2-7 team is even with a 5-4 team. Home field advantage aside, this simply does not make sense to me. I think the Raiders are a much better team than the Vikings. The only thing the Raiders need to be worried about is Adrian Peterson having a huge day.
David - CLEVELAND BROWNS (Even) over Jacksonville: I was oh so tempted to take the Jags against a cold Browns team. But I just don't think Jacksonville can go on the road and get what would be a huge road win. Matt Schaub's injury suddenly opens up the AFC South and the Jags are only 3 1/2 back. Crazier things have happened. Just not right now
James - CLEVELAND BROWNS (Even) over Jacksonville Jaguars: Honestly, I've got nothing here. Both of these teams suck and I cannot think of any distinguishing factor that would make me value one team over the other besides home field advantage. Therefore, Browns to win.
David - Carolina Panthers (+8) over DETROIT LIONS: I think the Lions win this game but I also think it'll be a shootout that goes down to the wire. This could be the most entertaining game of the day.
James - DETROIT LIONS (-8) over Carolina Panthers: Cam Newton and Steve Smith are really really good. Unfortunately, no one else on the Panthers is. The Lions have a great home field crowd and are simply a better team than the Panthers. They should cover the spread on this one easily.
David - GREEN BAY PACKERS (-16) over Tampa Bay Buccaneers: No picking against the Packers until they lose or play the 49ers.
James - GREEN BAY PACKERS (-16) over Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Discount double check.
David - Buffalo Bills (+1) over MIAMI DOLPHINS: The Dolphins are suddenly playing solid football and the Bills are struggling. Good teams figure out how to win these kinds of road games. I think Bufffalo can do it, but it won't be easy.
James - Buffalo Bills (+1) over MIAMI DOLPHINS: I know, the Dolphins have a whopping two wins now, but I am still not going to pick them. The Bills have been struggling as of late, but they are still a much better team than the Dolphins. The Bills really should win this game.
David - WASHINGTON REDSKINS (+8.5) over Dallas Cowboys: By all rights, Dallas should blast the Redskins. But this is one of those rivalries where crazy things happen. I don't know if Washington will win this game, but I also don't think it'll be a cakewalk for the Cowboys.
James - Dallas Cowboys (-8.5) over WASHINGTON REDSKINS: Shouldn't this game be next week on Thanksgiving?? Oh well, I guess I can analyze it now. Not much to analyze though, the Cowboys are a good team that chokes on occassion. The Redskins are a bad team that wins on occassion. I am taking the good team and hope they don't choke.
David - Cincinnati Bengals (+8) over BALTIMORE RAVENS: Another one where I see the favorite winning, but not covering. At the same time, I could see Baltimore absolutely blasting the Bengals in Baltimore. It's a tough one to call in that sense, but I'll stick with the Bengals.
James - BALTIMORE RAVENS (-8) over Cincinnati Bengals: Can you believe the Bengals have the same record as the Ravens? Boy how times have changed. That being said, if the Ravens did not keep choking on the road to inferior opponents, they might be undefeated right now. I do not expect the Ravens to have another let down game this week at home against the Bengals. Cincinnati is getting better, but despite their record, they are still not on the same level as the Ravens.
David - ST. LOUIS RAMS (-1) over Seattle Seahawks: The NFC West has been fairly awful behind the 49ers, but all three teams won last week. We won't see that this week. I think the Rams are the second best team in the division, in spite of their record. Steven Jackson will carry them at home.
James - ST. LOUIS RAMS (-1) over Seattle Seahawks: This was a real tough one to call. Tavaris Jackson has actually been playing pretty decently the past few weeks, and the Seahawks offensive line has not looked terrible. But, with that being said, the Rams just have more talent and are playing at home. Rams to win please.
David - SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (-9.5) over Arizona Cardinals: The 49ers have won three straight by double digits. At the same time, this rivalry has had some classics even when one team was much better than the other. I'll stick with the 49ers to cover.
James - SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (-9.5) over Arizona Cardinals: It's happening... I am starting to pick the Niners regardless of who they are playing. I chose them before I even knew their opponent or what the line was! I am in shock. Until either the Niners lose, or they play the Packers, I might just have to go with the Niners every week. This is disconcerting.
David - ATLANTA FALCONS (-7) over Tennesee Titans: The Falcons blew a huge opportunity at home against the Saints last week but I think they rebound this week. A seven point spread is always difficult to work with, but even after the Titans big win over the Panthers, I think the Falcons roll.
James - ATLANTA FALCONS (-7) over Tennesee Titans: Two reasons I chose the Falcons. Better running game and theya re at home. The Titans are much better than I thought they would be this season, but they still have their flaws. I think the Falcons can pull off the win at home, and do so by more than a touchdown.
David - CHICAGO BEARS (-3.5) over San Diego Chargers: The Chargers are struggling big time. I suppose this could be the time they finally turn it around, but not in Chicago.
James - CHICAGO BEARS (-3.5) over San Diego Chargers: The Chargers under Norv Turner have been known for two things: painfully slow starts to a season, and a tendency to choke late when it counts. However, they have been great through the middle of their schedule, which has helped them stay near or at the top of the AFC West for years. This season, the Chargers can't buy a win mid season. They are on a four game losing streak and have to travel to the Chicago to face the hot Bears. No good for SD.
David - NEW YORK GIANTS (-5) over Philadelphia Eagles: More than the spread, I'm curious what the odds are of Michael Vick finishing the game if he starts. Vick is dealing with broken ribs and you know the Giants defense will be going after them. I don't think the Dream Team can rebound in the Meadowlands following their loss to the Cardinals.
James - NEW YORK GIANTS (-5) over Philadelphia Eagles: Mike Vick could be out this week, and even if he does play, playing with broken ribs is bound to hurt his game. Meanwhile, the Giants are determined to bounce back after a road loss to the 49ers. Eli is having a great season and is leading the Giants to a solid record despite all of the injury woes they have suffered. The Giants should be able to win this one fairly easily.
David - NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (-16) over Kansas City Chiefs: This one is not going to be pretty. Tyler Palko could shock the world, but does anybody actually see that happening? I'm amazed this one isn't off the board.
James - NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (-16) over Kansas City Chiefs: I was a little bit skeptical about picking the Patriots at -16. They could definitely win by that many points, and by a whole lot more. But that big of a line is a big risk, because it could easily be a close game, or a game where points in garbage time make it seem closer than it really was. But with Matt Cassel out, I have to believe this will wind up a big blow out.
DAVID FUCILLO
Last Week: 7-9-0
Season: 73-67-3
JAMES ARCELLANA
Last Week: 9-7-0
Season: 69-57-4