Week 16

So football...I'll be completely honest, I am seriously concerned about tonights game. After the way Fred Taylor and the Jags tore through the Steelers D last Sunday, a healthy Stephen Jackson down in St Louis is a bit worrisome. The secondary is likely going to mixed up again, with Anthony "Guarantee" Smith likely being benched for Tyrone Carter after being beaten 3 times for 50+ yard TD's in the last 2 games. Cornerback Ike Taylor could also be out with a sore knee, and Bryant McFadden would get the start there if Taylor sits. The rest of the defense is pretty beaten up as well. Travis Kirschke, who replaced starting DE Aaron Smith last week got banged up against the Jags, but will likely play tonight. LB Clark Haggans is probably out with a knee, and will probably be replaced by rookie LaMar Woodley making his first career start. The offensive line, which has been remarkably bad all year, gets even worse as LT Marvel Smith will be out with a bad back and replaced by 3rd year lineman Trai Essex.

I said last week that the Jags game was likely a must-win game for Pittsburgh, and they lost. Well this week and next week are definitely must-win games, as Cleveland will likely win out. If the Steelers can win out, they will probably face Jacksonville again in a first round matchup.

The Pro Bowl roster was announced earlier this week, and I am happy to say that slain Redskins safety Sean Taylor was posthumously selected to his 2nd consecutive Pro Bowl. Taylor was the leading vote getter at safety even before his death, and maintained that lead through the end of voting. 5 Steelers were selected, including Ben and LB James Harrison getting their first ever selection. Alan Faneca was named to his 7th, Fast Willie, his 2nd, and Polamalu his 4th. Only Faneca and Harrison were named to the starting roster.

Now we'll get to the picks. After opening my damn mouth about my hot streak last weekend, the Football Gods punished my boasting with a 6-10 finish that will make it much more difficult for me to end the year above .500. We only managed a 2-3 on the money picks, with the Ravens choking against the Dolphins and the inevitable Giants collapse finally showed itself(I told you I was going to regret picking them over the Redskins). Two weeks left, lets finish it right.

Steelers -7.5 over RAMS: Like I said, this is a must win. If the Steelers can't win a must win game over a 3-11 team in December than they don't even deserve to make the playoffs
PANTHERS +11 over Cowboys: The Cowboys have disappointed everytime they've been double digit favorites on the road this year. Now it's time for the Panthers to disappoint me. Cowboys win by 7 or less.
Browns -2.5 over BENGALS: When the Bengals look back on this year, at least they'll be able to say no one got thrown in jail. I guess you gotta start somewhere
COLTS -7 over Texans: The Texans are playing better again, but the Colts are looking to wrap up that #2 seed.
BILLS +3 over Giants: Bills showed they couldn't play well in the snow last week, but Eli in the snow? That could be downright comical.
JAGUARS -13 over Raiders: Fred Taylor should have another great game this week
SAINTS -3 over Eagles: One of the few games with virtually no playoff implications, but the Saints still have a very small outside chance
FALCONS +10.5 over Cardinals: With the Cardinals sliding, this was just too many points for me
PATRIOTS -21.5 over Dolphins: The Patriots seem to have gotten over their need to win by 35 every week, but this one still won't be close
SEAHAWKS no line over Ravens: No line on this one, but Seahawks win by 17.
Chiefs +5 over LIONS: I was going to go with the Lions here, but I've already picked 11 home favorites this week, Plus, who gives a shit about this game,

Season: 105-110-11

Money Picks*

Packers -8.5 over BEARS: The Packers are the best team against the spread this year, and the Bears just lost a game to the Vikings when they were +4 on turnovers.
Bucs -6 over 49ERS: 49ers are getting fewer points this week thanks their win over Cincy last week. I'm not fooled though, Bucs by 14.
CHARGERS -8.5 over Broncos: It looks like someone finally told Norv Turner that Tomlinson is on his team and that he doesn't have to rely on Philip Rivers to try and win games. That is a very good thing for the Chargers
VIKINGS -6.5 over Redskins: The Bucs and Seahawks are both praying the Vikings collapse and they don't have to play the Purple Jesus in the first round of the playoffs. One of them will be seriously disappointed in just a few weeks.
TITANS -8.5 over Jets: The Titans will run up and down the field all day long in this one

Season 27-31

*Note: 5 out of 5 doctors recommend NOT following this advice. If you value your money at all, you should seriously consider NOT betting on the advice of an anonymous internet blogger.