NFL Supercontest, Week Eight

The NFC North race is starting to take shape, and there's comfort in knowing that some things never change.  Things like the Lions sucking.  After a couple years of climbing the standings, it looks like Detroit will reclaim its rightful spot in the division cellar.  It never felt quite right having to regard the Lions and their fans with anything but pity, and it's good to know that we Packers fans can direct our hate at the Vikings and Bears without distraction.  With a good Seahawks team coming into Detroit this Sunday, the Lions' playoff hopes could be dashed before midseason.  However, the NFL is a week-to-week proposition, and with desperation in the air in many NFL cities, expect inspired performances by heretofore underperforming teams this weekend.  These lines and picks are for entertainment purposes only.

(Home teams in CAPS)

LIONS (-2) over Seahawks

At first glance, this looks like a good team getting points against a bad team.  Also, the Lions are on short rest (Monday night game) and the Seahawks are on long rest (Thursday night game).  The reason for the Lions pick is that Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson are due to have a breakout game, and when they do, it won't matter the quality of the opposing defensive backs (and the Seahawks' DB's are pretty impressive).  Also, I like the way the Lions' defense is starting to come together after a rough start to the season.  This game feels like the Lions' last chance to turn their season around, and I don't think they'll let it slip away.

JETS (-2) over Dolphins

The Jets offense has been extremely inconsistent this season, but I have to say, I really like what I see from New York's young wideouts.  I'm not sure how the Tim Tebow signing will ultimately work out, but if I were the Jets brass, I would give Mark Sanchez every opportunity to develop chemistry with his receivers because it's time to find out whether or not to move forward with Sanchez as the franchise quarterback.  As for this game, the Jets played terribly in their first matchup against the Dolphins and still won.  I don't think Reggie Bush will gash them the same way this time, and Ryan Tannehill will struggle if he has to play from behind.

Redskins (+4.5) over STEELERS

Apart from Big Bad Ben Roethlisberger, I'm just not sure the Steelers can be trusted as consistent week-to-week performers.  The Steelers play at home this weekend, but does anyone else get the feeling that RGIII is an athlete who relishes road environments?  With Troy Polamalu still out, RGIII will run wild against a Steelers defense that has been in slow decline for a couple years now.

Giants (-2.5) over COWBOYS

This is a big spot for the Cowboys, but the Giants defense should be motivated for this game after getting shredded in the second half of the season opener.  This pick feels a bit too "chalky" to be correct, but I'll take the team that is demonstrably more well-rounded at this point. 

Saints (+6) over BRONCOS

I realize that Peyton Manning is virtually invincible in prime time, but six points is too many the way that Drew Brees is operating right now.  These two teams may not be playing deep into January, but this will be one heck of an entertaining game.

Last Week's Record:  3 - 2

Season Record:  22 - 13

Games That I Didn't Pick:

Patriots (-7) vs. RAMS (in London)

TITANS (-3.5) vs. Colts

PACKERS (-15) vs. Jaguars

Chargers (-2.5) vs. BROWNS

EAGLES (-2.5) vs. Falcons

BEARS (-7.5) vs. Panthers

CHIEFS (-1) vs. Raiders

49ers (-6.5) vs. CARDINALS