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All right, here goes my first shot at NFL picks. I'll be using the point spreads too, none of this wussy winner/loser garbage. Let's do this...

Redskins (-3 ½) @ Jets: The Jets are in a downward spiral. Vilma is out for the season with a bum knee. It is now Clemens time for NY. Without the concussed Coles in the lineup you can expect a decent day out of Cotchery. However, coming off that spanking at the hands of the unbeatable Pats look for Washington to play angry. I'm taking the Redskins in this one. Skins 23, Jets 13

Packers (+2) @ Chiefs: The Packers are one of the surprise teams in the weak, weak, weak NFC. Still 6-1 is nothing to sneeze at. A lot of Pack detractors point to some last second (aka lucky) heroics for placing them in their lofty position. This might be a game where reality smacks them in the face. The Chiefs are playing much better of late and Larry Johnson is starting to heat up. Let's not forget that he went up against some tough Ds during the start of the season. The Pack D is rated well but I think the Chiefs at home will impose their will. I'm taking the Chiefs. Chiefs 20, Pack 17

Cards (+3 ½) @ Bucs: This has the makings of a strange game. Two teams without much of an identity and plenty of injuries to go around. Jeff Garcia does just enough to not lose the game but with a decimated running game that just isn't enough. Arizona on the other hand is another team in disarray. Warner will get the start but he does just enough to lose the game. Maybe the Edge can step up and give the Cards a glimmer of hope but I doubt it. I think the Bucs win the game but they do not cover. Bucs 17, Cards 14

Panthers (+4) @ Titans: I'll start by stating the obvious and that is the Panthers are my favorite team.  That being said the Panthers are in for a world of hurt I believe. I know that the Panthers are 4-0 on the road. I know that they play much better when away from their home field disadvantage but that doesn't matter in this one. They have no QB. David Carr is not the answer I thought he may be when he was signed this past offseason. But let's give some credit to the Titans. They play hard every game. Their defense is pretty fierce. I think they are going to out physical the Panthers on both lines and LenDale White will grind the Panthers underachieving D into the ground. I'm going with the Titans. Titans 23, Panthers 13

49ers (+3) @ Atlanta: Oh boy, what a game to try and pick. Two teams hanging by a thread. A thread that is fraying apart every week. Alex Smith has not become what was expected. Injury aside, he just doesn't look that good. I also want to give a shout out to my fantasy team killer Vernon Davis. Between injuries and chronic underperformance I, of course, had Vern benched for the first good game of his career. Thank you Mr. Davis for that kick in the nether regions. As far as the Falcons are concerned I have one word: Ugh.  1-6 and things are not looking good. The Harrington/Leftwich duo is as much a dud as one would think. I think the 49ers are going to win but it's going to be a push for our Vegas friends. 49ers 17, Atlanta 14

Jaguars (+3 ½) @ Saints: A week or so ago I would have thought this was Jacksonville's game to win hands down. However, with the reemergence of Drew Brees and the further maturation of Reggie Bush, the Aints are starting to rebound quite nicely. Couples that with the loss of menacing d-lineman Marcus Stroud and the need to start the horrific Quinn Brady at QB, I think the Saints are going to keep rolling towards the top of the soft NFC South. I'll go with New Orleans on this one. Saints 24, Jags 13

Denver (+3 ½) @ Detroit: What is it with the Lions this year. Everyone counts them out and they come out and win games you would think were definite losses. QB Jon Kitna came out of the gate predicting 10 wins for the perennial doormat Lions. However, here they are sitting at 5-2 and looking to build on their solid start. As for Denver, oh how the mighty have fallen. A fashionable pick for a deep playoff run the Broncs are underachieving across the board (particularly on D). The Travis Henry child rearing saga has cast a pall over this season along with the off-season death of Darrent Williams. It seems like a black cloud is following this franchise around. I'm taking Detroit. Lions 27, Broncos 17

Bengals (-1) @ Bills: Another interesting game on the schedule this week. Not because it has two splendid teams playing of course. Its just that how can you predict who wins this game? The Bungles have absolutely no D but it's not like the Bills have a powerhouse offense to take advantage. One would think the Bungles offense could be able to exploit and injury depleted Bills defense. However, can we be certain that Rudi Johnson is going to be healthy enough to make an impact? I don't know. Who would have thought that one would hope for Kenny Watson to get the nod over an obviously injured Johnson. Let's not forget the JP Losman once again gets the call to lead the Bills to victory. I have a feeling Marshawn Lynch will have a big day and that is what (couple with Buffalo being at home) has me taking the Bills in a very odd shootout. Buffalo 30, Bengals 27

Chargers (-7) @ Vikings: Well the Chargers appear to be turning things around. LT is starting to assert himself and the addition of Chris Chambers has opened things up a little for their passing game. Also, that mean, physical defense is starting to rear its head. The Vikings, while boasting superstar in the making Adrian Peterson, has some serious QB issues. Tavaris Jackson is not the answer. Heck, Jeff George even offered his services. Such is the state of affairs in Minneapolis. I like that Minny D but I think the Chargers will win and cover. San Diego 24, Minny 13

Seattle (+ 1 ½) @ Cleveland: Yet another tough game to try and predict. Braylon Edwards is definitely starting to come into his own in that Cleveland offense. The shocking development of Derek Anderson into a top flight QB (I know that sounds a little premature) has helped that immensely of course. Coupled with Kellen Winslow's productive year the Browns have a fun offense to watch. Seattle, however, is not a fun team to watch. It seems like eons ago that Shaun Alexander was galloping around and Matt Hasselback was slinging the ball to his multitude of open receivers. Not so anymore. Everything looks bogged down. I think Cleveland is going to assert some home team mayhem and punch the Hawks right in their beaks. Cleveland 23, Seattle 14

Texans (+3) @ Raiders: Shockingly I am predicting an easy win for the Raiders. Granted this is due to the multitude of injuries incurred by the Texans over the course of the season but hey you'll take it when you can get it if you are a member of Raider Nation. With Matt Schaub out and the plodding Sage Rosenfels in expect the Raiders D to get after the Texans and push them straight into the Black Hole. With no Andre Johnson (yet again) and no running game whatsoever, this will not be pretty. Sounds like Justin Fargas is going to get the bulk of the carries for the Raiders and that's a good thing. Anything that keeps the ball out of Culpepper's or McNown's hands is a good thing. I'm taking the Raiders. Raiders 20, Texans 10

Cowboys (-3 ½) @ Eagles: I think the return of Brian Dawkins will make things interesting. Maybe a nice hard shot to TO's large ego will keep the D fired up. Dawkins is clearly an emotional leader and capable of ratcheting up the intensity of this unit. But alas, the Boys have many weapons and Tony Romo really is coming into his own. Donovan McNabb will try to do what he can and will get the ball the Westbrook as much as possible. However it just won't be enough. I think the Cowboys win the game but the Eagles cover the spread. Cowboys 20, Eagles 17

Patriots (-5 ½) @ Colts: This game is finally here. Everyone has been checking off their calendars as the weeks went by and this game approached. Another Game of the Century is upon us. Brady vs. Manning. Undefeated teams. That Pat offense. That Colt offense. Oh what a game it will be. This is going to be a shootout folks, I don't care how good the Ds have played so far. There won't be enough air space for all the footballs that will be flying around in Indy. Nevertheless I think the Pats are going to continue their winning ways in big time fashion as they have all season. Even on the road this Pats team will not be denied. Moss over the top and Welker underneath. What a combo. Whoever would have thought that Marvin Harrison (who is probably out) and Reggie Wayne would be overshadowed in their own house. This should be a great game. Pats 41, Colts 31

Ravens (+9) @ Steelers: I'm gonna say right off the bat that I am going with the Iron City crew this weekend. Primarily because I am a fan of that middle of the road brew. There is nothing wrong with an icy cold aluminum bottle of IC and a plate of food. If you take that into consideration and the fact that the Steelers offense is finally getting back on track after a few week hiatus, it looks like the Steelers should win this home game. I understand the Ravens D is the Ravens D and that will get B'More to trump the spread but that doesn't change the outcome of this one. I'll take P-Burgh in a "the score is closer than the game" victory. Pittsburgh 20, Baltimore 13

Those are my picks folks. Hope you like ‘em. Lemme know what you think if you are so inclined. Later!