By Ed Morrone
How about that, last week, if I remember correctly, was my first .500 week since Week 1. I would’ve won nine if the Giants and Chargers didn’t play down to the competition and fail to cover their spreads, and I would’ve had 10 wins if the Bears didn’t completely underachieve against the Dolphins. I really expected Chicago’s first loss to come to Tom Brady in Week 12, but then again, I’ve proved time and time again this year that I know nothing. Here are the five things I learned in Week 9:
1) This is not something I learned. Rather, this is something I’ve known for a long time and want you all to figure out (you especially, McCord)-MICHAEL VICK IS OVERRATED! He’s so overrated that he should have the word stitched to the back of his jersey. I’m never one to gloat, especially when my record is as bad as it is, but I totally called the Vick letdown game in Detroit. The Falcons were playing a terrible team after two straight big-time wins, so of course Vick was going to flame out. As Ron Burgundy says, it’s science.
2) The Saints are going to be in the playoffs a year after winning three games. They stand at 6-2 and are marching with determination toward an NFC crown that is clearly up for grabs. I thought the Saints might be a sleeper with the talent they have on offense, but I didn’t expect this. And how about the season Hofstra guy Marques Colston is having? The guy is clearly Rookie of the Year right now.
3) The Raiders are not only the worst team in the NFL talent wise, but they also have the worst sportsmanship. Did you see that guy knee Jerramy Stevens directly in the groin with the referee standing right there? Stevens is a huge trash talker and probably provoked it, but there’s no room for sports for something like that.
4) The Colts are again the NFL’s final undefeated team. Now that the pressure is again on Peyton Manning, let’s see how long it takes him to crumble. I say next week in Dallas.
5) My Sundays are much more relaxed when the Eagles are off. Onto the games…
GAME OF THE WEEK
Chicago (7-1) +1 at N.Y. Giants (6-2): The Bears are furious after losing the undefeated season on their home field to a terrible team, so they are going to come to play. The G-Men have won five in a row, but losing Strahan for two to four and Toomer for the season really hurts. Love the Bears in this one. Pick: Bears
THE REST
Baltimore (6-2) -7.5 at Tennessee (2-6): I’ll admit, even the Ravens are surprising me. I didn’t expect them to beat Cincy, and the longer I wait for them to slip up, the better they play. Maybe Steve McNair really can be that important to a team. Pick: Ravens
Buffalo (3-5) +12 at Indianapolis (8-0): There’s no way Peyton screws this up, especially when the Bills are without Willis McGahee indefinitely. Pick: Colts
Cleveland (2-6) +9 at Atlanta (5-3): As much as I can’t stand Vick, he won’t have consecutive Michael Vick letdown games, although it wouldn’t totally shock me if he did. Pick: Falcons
Green Bay (3-5) +5.5 at Minnesota (4-4): I don’t know how Minnesota is still .500 with the way they’ve been playing lately. How on earth do you put up three points against San Fran? If Brett Favre doesn’t turn the ball over, the Packers will win this one. Pick: Packers
Houston (2-6) +10.5 at Jacksonville (5-3): From Tennessee to Houston, it doesn’t get much easier for David Garrard in hopes of keeping the starting job. Pick: Jaguars
Kansas City (5-3) -1 at Miami (2-6): Raise your hand if you thought Herm’s boys would still be contending in the AFC West with Damon Huard as the quarterback. Didn’t think so. Pick: Chiefs
N.Y. Jets (4-4) +10.5 at New England (6-2): Ouch! The Jets are running into a furious Tom Brady, who’s coming off one of his worst games ever. Pick: Patriots
San Diego (6-2) -1.5 at Cincinnati (4-4): Cincinnati is proving to be the most enigmatic team in football, you never know what you’re getting with them. Still, this is their season on the line, and I think Carson Palmer will come out energized. Pick: Bengals
San Francisco (3-5) +6 at Detroit (2-6): Yawn. Pick: 49ers
Washington (3-5) +7 at Philadelphia (4-4): This game terrifies me for some reason. Still, something’s got to give for McNabb’s bunch. Pick: Eagles
Denver (6-2) -9 at Oakland (2-6): Denver likes to play down to the competition, but they are peaking at just the right time. Plus, Oakland stinks. Pick: Broncos
New Orleans (6-2) +4 at Pittsburgh (2-6): The Steelers continue to be favored each week even though Ben Roethlisberger can’t stop throwing to guys on the other team? Pick: Saints
Dallas (4-4) -7 at Arizona (1-7): Definitely called Dallas crapping the bed in Washington. Lucky for them, they’re playing Arizona this week. Pick: Cowboys
St. Louis (4-4) +3.5 at Seattle (5-3): Still without Hasselbeck and Wallace, I love the Rams in this game. Pick: Rams
Tampa Bay (2-6) +9 at Carolina (4-4): Will the real Carolina Panthers please stand up? Pick: Panthers