NFL Picks: Eagles are smoke and mirrors

Published 2:23 pm Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Here are the picks:

N.Y. Jets at Denver

I’m almost tempted to ride the Broncos bandwagon, and they may end up stealing the AFC West title. But they proved last week that they can only win when the ground game is rolling and the Jets aren’t about to yield very many rushing yards.

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JETS 27, BRONCOS 10

Tampa Bay at Green Bay

Watching the Packers offense this year makes me forget about their struggles last season when JerMichael Finley and Ryan Grant were injured and Randall Cobb was playing for Kentucky.

In spite of being shorthanded those Packers till took home the trophy.

If they stay healthy, maybe they can run the table.

PACKERS 34, BUCS 17

Jacksonville at Cleveland

I promise this game will be low scoring and will probably be decided by a late field goal. Who wins will depend on which way the wind is blowing.

JAGUARS 9, BROWNS 6

Carolina at Detroit

I knew the Lions were dirty, but when Matthew Stafford took a cheap shot by tackling a player by his helmet on an interception run-back in a loss to the Bears, it took it to new levels.

But just because the Lions are probably the league’s dirtiest team doesn’t mean they aren’t talented. They’re also angry after an embarrassing loss at Chicago and I pity the Panthers in this one.

LIONS 30, PANTHERS 15

Buffalo at Miami

The Bills are three games ahead in the standings, but they’ve lost two in a row, while the Dolphins have won two straight.

Still, Buffalo has too much talent on offense to completely let the season slip away.

BILLS 24, DOLPHINS 13

Oakland at Minnesota

On paper the Raiders should handle the Vikings. But I think Minnesota’s a different team in the Metrodome and if they can limit the Oakland rushing attack, they could turn this one into a slug-fest.

VIKINGS 19, RAIDERS 16

Dallas at Washington

Here come the Cowboys and there go the Redskins. The NFC East is officially a two team race with Dallas and the Giants.

COWBOYS 27, REDSKINS 10

Cincinnati at Baltimore

The Ravens have had some inexcusable losses this season, but the Bengals are improved. So Baltimore shouldn’t fall asleep on this one.

RAVENS 20, BENGALS 16

Seattle at St. Louis

When in doubt, go with the team that just beat the Ravens and not the team that just lost to the Browns.

SEAHAWKS 28, RAMS 20

Arizona at San Francisco

If the 49ers take simply take care of the games within their sorry division, they’ll most certainly land a bye week in the playoffs and they may even nab the No. 1 seed from Green Bay.

49ERS 26, CARDINALS 13

Tennessee at Atlanta

How are the Titan’s 5-4? Chris Johnson has had one good game and star receiver Kenny Britt was lost for the year early on. They must be doing something right.

Still, the Falcons are coming off a tough overtime loss in their house, where they seldom lose.

FALCONS 27, TITANS 17

San Diego at Chicago

Let’s stop comparing Phillip Rivers to Tom Brady. He’s lucky if he can keep up with Jay Cutler this year.

BEARS 27, CHARGERS 17

Philadelphia at N.Y. Giants

Everyone I’ve heard on the media is saying the Eagles brought in too much talent and didn’t let it blend. That’s one of those most nonsensical things I’ve ever heard.

As I stated before the season started, Philly didn’t bring in that much ‘talent.’ Only one of their free agent ‘prizes’ (Cullen Jenkins) came from a winning team and their offensive line and linebackers continue to be a miss.

They’re also loaded with fragile receivers who break at the point of contact and a quarterback who takes about 10 hard hits per game.

GIANTS 29, EAGLES 24

Kansas City at New England

The Chiefs lost Matt Cassel and must now start Tyler Palko, who was cut in the UFL. Not good.

PATRIOTS 30, CHIEFS 20

Last week: 9-7; overall: 88-56