Picks: Picking some sour grapes

By Rocky Hulne

Published Monday, November 10, 2008

First off I’d like to say kudos to the Vikings defensive line as they destroyed the Packers’ front five on Sunday. Aaron Rodgers must have felt like a punching bag in a room with Mike Tyson AND Evander Holyfield as the Vikes consistently got in his face during the Packers 28-27 loss to Minnesota Sunday in the Dome. I’ll also give Adrian Peterson some props. He had a great game and looked better than he has all season. Now it’s time for some sour grapes. Peterson did one thing that should not have been allowed. After scoring a TD to put the Vikings up in the fourth quarter, he immediately popped off his helmet in the end zone to celebrate — which is supposed to be a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct foul. But for whatever reason the referees, and the Packers ignored the act and nothing was said or done. I’m not saying the play decided the game, but I don’t think Mason Crosby would’ve missed a 37-yard field goal. I imagine former Vikings and Browns linebacker Dwayne Rudd probably shed a tear on the blatant missed call as he once lost the Browns a game by drawing a ‘helmet penalty’ in the late seconds of what would’ve been a Cleveland victory. Even on Monday night, San Francisco’s Vernon Davis was flagged for a ‘helmet penalty.’

Anyways, here are the picks

New York Jets at New England

Pick: PATRIOTS

The Pats are starting to let Casell throw deep to Randy Moss and Favre is due for a huge stinker.

Denver at Atlanta

Pick: FALCONS

The surprise team of the year (Atlanta) should control the ground game and Matt Ryan should make just enough throws.

Philadelphia at Cincinnati

Pick: BENGALS

Why not? There is no logic to this pick, but I feel like picking an upset.

Chicago at Green Bay

Pick: BEARS

If the Pack drops this one it could bury their playoff hopes, but that might not be the worst thing for this young squad in the long run.

Houston at Indianapolis

Pick: COLTS

As I so boldly predicted the Colts are rolling again having beaten the Pats and Steelers in two straight weeks. The Texans looked like they have given up last Sunday.

New Orleans at Kansas City

PICK: CHIEFS

I might as well pick two one-win teams this week. The Chiefs new QB, Tyler Thigpen is looking good and the Saints (4-5 overall) may be down emotionally.

Oakland at Miami

Pick: DOLPHINS

Run Ronnie run.

Baltimore at New York Giants

Pick: GIANTS

Besides their one loss to the Browns, the Giants have looked a lot like last year’s Patriots. Wouldn’t it be ironic if New England beats them in the Super Bowl this season?

Minnesota at Tampa Bay

Pick: VIKINGS

I know I shouldn’t pick the Vikes on the road. But Peterson really did look unbelievable against the Pack and I don’t know if Tampa’s offense can keep up. Frerotte could (and probably will) blow it with a three-pick day.

Detroit at Carolina

Pick: PANTHERS

Lions fall to 0-10.

St. Louis at San Francisco

Pick: 49ERS

San Fran showed life against the Cards on Monday night.

Arizona at Seattle

Pick: SEAHAWKS

Another upset. The Hawks are not going to let Mike Holmgren end his coaching career with a giant embarrassment. Plus they’re tough to beat in Seattle.

Tennessee at Jacksonville

Pick: TITANS

Titans could be 10-0 which is remarkable when you consider Kerry Collins is their quarterback.

San Diego at Pittsburgh

Pick: STEELERS

I don’t think Tomlinson will ever be the same player he once was. He looked awful against the Chiefs.

Dallas at Washington

Pick: COWBOYS

Coming off a bye week and already being shot down by the national media, Romo will come back with a vengence against the Skins.

Cleveland at Buffalo

Pick: BILLS

Rare prime time game for the Bills in Buffalo. If they don’t win this one, goodbye playoffs.

Record last week: 10-4 (overall: 91-63)