2006 NFL Week 9 Picks

Another tough week in week 8 as we went a combined 54%. It was pretty much another crappy week around the web for everyone else as well. The average this week was 8 wins. (Did anyone in their right mind pick the Raiders over the Steelers? You know, the 2005 Super Bowl Champs?) If you want to see how we stack up against all the experts, check out a very nifty expert picks compilation spreadsheet by our buddy Tokar.

The featured games this week are Cincinnati @ Baltimore, Kansas City @ St. Louis, Denver @ Pittsburgh, and Indianapolis @ New England. You can download the podcast directly (running time 40 mins) or subscribe to the feed.

If you use iTunes, just click here and then click subscribe and iTunes will take care of the rest.

The weekly pickem winner was Buff and his picks are below.

Week 9 Picks

**The weekly winner from the Sportscolumn Weekly Pickem Contest will be featured as the fifth prognosticator.

Locks of the Week Sponsored by:

[Editor’s Note: This year, we’re making the Locks of the Week a little more interesting as we have a side bet amongst the four experts. The person with the most money at the end of the year in Locks betting takes home all the money. Disclaimer: The amounts discussed are for illustrative and entertainment purposes only. Gambling may be illegal in your locale.]

Vegas Vinny: I don’t even know what I’m doing with my Locks of the Week anymore. Like the Eagles season it’s all gone downhill fast. This week I’m putting my money on the New Orleans Saints. The Ravens came into town last week and smacked them in the mouth at home and now they will look to get the taste out with a pasting of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Remember, the Bucs have 2 wins on a miracle last second FG and on a very questionable call late in the 4th quarter. Yes, the Bucs played the Saints tough in week 5 but that was a crazy game that featured Reggie Bush’s first NFL TD; this time around it shouldn’t be that close. The Saints have gotten better and more confident while the Bucs are still a terrible team. You want some stats? The Bucs are ranked 32nd in points per game, 30th in total yards, 29th in rushing yards, and 26th in passing yards. Their pass defense is decent but the rushing defense is ranked 30th in the league. Expect a healthy dose of Duece McAllister, fantasy owners. I’ll feeling good/desperate and putting $110 on the Saints (-1.5) to win $100. (Balance = $715)

BostonMac: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are exactly THREE points away from being 0-7. Meanwhile, the Saints are a solid team, who, after being beaten up by the Ravens last week, should bounce back in this division game. The Falcons are playing the woeful Lions this week, so the Saints should be fired up to keep pace in the NFC South. It’s a soft line with the Saints giving 1.5 on the road; I think they win by at least a touchdown. Sean Payton will have my vote for NFL Coach of the Year if he can hit me this one; let’s hope for two locks in a row after the Falcons did it for me last week. I’ll put $55 to win $50 on NEW ORLEANS (-1.5) to win in Tampa Bay. (Balance = $975)

Trevor F: Pittsburgh just lost to the Raiders…………and they’re giving 2.5 points? Against the Denver Broncos no less? This one’s easy. Denver is an elite team and will bounce back from the heartbreaking loss they had against Indianapolis. I’m staying consistent and I’m betting $55 on the Broncos (+2.5) to win $50.
(Balance = $985)

RJ Warner: The New York Little Giants have grown up these past few weeks. Ever since Jeremy Shockey said they were outcoached, they’ve went 4-0 and more importantly (to the gambling set) they’ve easily covered. The Texans are probably the worst road team in the league, and I don’t see how they’ve got a chance in the Jersey Swamps. Yes, the line makes me a little nervous, and yes, this could be an easy game for the Giants to look past becaiuse of their showdown with the Bears at said Swamps next Sunday (Nov. 12). But remember folks, this is the Houston Texans and the Giants, with the way they’re playing, should easily beat Kubiak’s Kids by two touchdowns. I’ve been horrible on my Locks the past few weeks, but those were pick ’em games and they just didn’t go my way, all the while I passed up on tons of easy blowouts. Some will call me desperate, some will call me conifident (no–most will call me desperate) but I’m throwing some serious (fake — remember kids–this is fake money we’re playing with—I hope) cash on this one; I got 220 on the Giants to win 200. Let’s party.
(Balance = $700)