There seems to be a grand difference in the top and bottom of the NFL this year. That separation between the good and bad teams has several effects, including games that are just this side of unwatchable. Week seven had eleven ten-point-or-more blowouts.
This week, we'll see the good and the bad. Dallas and Philadelphia is a playoff-caliber matchup. Kansas City and Jacksonville is the kind of game they broadcast at full volume outside of histage standoffs in hopes of driving the bad guys into a dispair-related surrender.
Do you actually know anyone who'll be watching the Chiefs-Jags game? How about Lions-Seahawks? Unless you have a betting interest or fantasy football player playing, you probably won't be just tuning in. These are not the games DirectTV sells the Sunday Ticket with.
Here's the picks for this week, as always, they are just for the purposes of discussion. No wagering. No pepper games. No, I can't go for that (no can do).
WEEK NINE:
Washington at Atlanta
Daniel Snyder apologized to Redskins fans this week for his team's play, and the team's defensive coordinator spoke out in Snyder's defense. Remember last year when the Redskins were 6-2, and Jason Campbell was a legitimate dark horse candidate for MVP? Yeah, me either.
Pick: Falcons
Kansas City at Jacksonville
The NFL has announced this game may be simulated for the purposes of fantasy football statistics only.
Pick: Jags
Dallas at Philadelphia
Cowboys receiver Roy Williams complained about his receptions this week, then quickly said he didn't want to be another "T.O." That's what Terrell Owens' career has come to, even while he can't get the ball in Buffalo, his name is still synonymous with disgruntled receivers everywhere. Now that's marketing that'll stick with you.
Pick: Cowboys
Houston at Indianapolis
Texans running back Steve Slayton hangs on to the ball like Nicolas Cage hangs onto his money.
Pick: Colts
Green Bay at Tampa Bay
The Bucs start rookie quarterback Josh Freeman in this one because, well, why not?
Pick: Packers
Carolina at New Orleans
The old cliche is that offense wins games, but defenses win championships. Hey, either one of those is fine with Saints fans right now.
Pick: Saints
Detroit at Seattle
The Seahawks cut Edgerrin James after their loss to Dallas. That's not exactly the grand locker room housecleaning they were talking about. At this point, James was the Roger Murtaugh of the NFL.
Pick: Seahawks
Pittsburgh at Denver
The Troy Polamalu shampoo commercials aren't really making me want to rush right out and buy Head & Shoulders. They're making me want to watch my back when I do locker room interviews.
Pick: Steelers
Also, I'll take the Giants over the Chargers, 49ers over Titans, Patriots over Dolphins, Bengals over Ravens, and Cards over Bears. I'll also take It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia over The League, Real Housewives of Atlanta's Kim over Sheree, and ABC's Modern Family-led Wednesday night comedy lineup over every other Wednesday in the history of television.
For more: Check out Reid's picks from last week, or follow him on Twitter or Facebook.
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