The Hail Mary - Week 10

Before the season began I predicted a 10-6 record and a playoff berth for the Cincinnati Bengals. I liked that they had Carson Palmer back under center, and I thought they had made some really good strides on the defensive side of the ball. However, I never expected them to sweep the Baltimore Ravens, and have a chance at sweeping the Steelers this Sunday. Some people are still iffy about how "real" the Bengals are, but if they win at Pittsburgh Sunday, there should be no doubters left.

Games That I Will Be Watching

Chicago (4-4) at San Francisco (3-5), San Francisco favored by 3

Thursday night football begins with two teams in desperate need of victories. The Bears defense has finally been exposed to the public as the frauds they have been the last two seasons. The 49ers have been struck by the curse of Michael Crabtree, having not won a game since signing him. For the 49ers to win they have to stop turning the ball over. QB Alex Smith threw 3 INTs in the loss to Tennessee and those led to points each time for the Titans. The defense can definitely force Bears QB Jay Cutler into some mistakes. I like the Niners, knowing that a loss essentially ends their season, to get the win.

Prediction: San Francisco 27, Chicago 21

Denver (6-2) at Washington (2-6), Denver favored by 4

Ever since I decided that the Broncos were the best team in football they have gone and lost two straight. Maybe I am a curse because for the first six games I kept picking against Denver and they were doing just fine. The Redskins have been decimated by injuries but one positive will be the ascension of RB Ladell Betts to the starting lineup. When he replaced Clinton Portis in the game against Atlanta, he showed a burst that Portis hasn't shown in a year. I don't think the Broncos offense is high powered so hopefully the Skins defense will not allow the big plays that have been killing them. However, I expect Elvis Dumervil of the Broncos to be constantly harassing Jason Campbell. I think the Skins keep it close but lose their fifth straight.

Prediction: Denver 20, Washington 17

Dallas (6-2) at Green Bay (4-4), Dallas favored by 3

The Cowboys are one of the hottest teams in the league, while the Packers are in disarray. Cowboys QB Tony Romo has played exceptionally during the Cowboys four game winning streak. Packers QB Aaron Rodgers is playing behind the worst offensive line in football, but also is taking some heat for holding on to the ball too long. This will be a tough game to watch because these are my two most hated teams. I could never cheer for the Cowboys though so I guess I will root for the Packers. That reason alone, means they will lose.

Prediction: Dallas 28, Green Bay 20

New England (6-2) at Indianapolis (8-0), Indianapolis favored by 3

I decided to be different and lead off this column with Cincinnati/Pittsburgh, but there is no question this is the game of the week. Every year these two teams seem to meet, and every year they are both contenders. Last years game lost some of its sizzle with Tom Brady being out, but he is back and this game should be great. The big question will be which defense will step up and stop the other teams offense. The Colts offense has been having a bit of an issue scoring points the last two weeks. I think the Colts have been surviving by the skin of their teeth lately, and they are due for a loss.

Prediction: New England 28, Indianapolis 27

Baltimore (4-4) at Cleveland (1-7), Baltimore favored by 10 1/2

First Monday night stinker of the season. I love football so I will watch but what an awful game. The Browns did make quite a statement when they were on Monday Night Football last year, destroying the Giants. Brady Quinn is back as the starter, though that doesn't figure to change much. The Ravens have really struggled since looking like the best team in football after the first three weeks of the season. They will win this one but the Browns won't be routed.

Prediction: Baltimore 21, Cleveland 14

Rest of Week 10

Buffalo (3-5) at Tennessee (2-6), Tennessee favored by 6 1/2

The Bills return to the scene of the Music City Miracle, where their disastrous current 10 year run began. Tennessee has shown some life since inserting Vince Young back as the starting quarterback. Not really sure what took that overrated, fluke fraud Jeff Fisher so long. The Bills get back QB Trent Edwards, but might be without WR Terrell Owens. Honestly, makes no difference either way.

Prediction: Tennessee 24, Buffalo 17

New Orleans (8-0) at St. Louis (1-7), New Orleans favored by 13 1/2

I don't expect the Saints to need to come from behind to win this one.

Prediction: New Orleans 49, St. Louis 17

Tampa Bay (1-7) at Miami (3-5), Miami favored by 10

I pretty much blasted Buccaneers QB Josh Freeman last week in this column so I need to give him his due. He played very well against the Packers, leading the Bucs to their first win of the season. Going on the road is a different animal though. Miami, despite being 3-5, has a very manageable final 8 games and still has plenty to play for.

Prediction: Miami 30, Tampa Bay 21

Detroit (1-7) at Minnesota (7-1), Minnesota favored by 16 1/2

Detroit has seemed to give the Vikings fits their last few meetings. The Vikings always come out on top, but its never easy. Brett Favre also seems to save his best for the really good teams, so I expect Vikings RB Adrian Peterson to be the one to lead this victory.

Prediction: Minnesota 31, Detroit 17

Jacksonville (4-4) at New York Jets (4-4), New York Jets favored by 6 1/2

These two teams are on the outside looking in when it comes to the playoffs in the AFC. The loser will be in big trouble, while the winner will still be in the thick of the race. Jacksonville is a pretty fraudulent 4-4, and while I don't think the Jets are much better, they will win at home.

Prediction: New York Jets 30, Jacksonville 23

Cincinnati (6-2) at Pittsburgh (6-2), Pittsburgh favored by 7

Obviously Vegas doesn't believe in the Bengals, making the Steelers seven point favorites at home. The Steelers have looked very good during their 5 game winning streak, especially the defense, which is a completely different animal with S Troy Polamalu in the lineup. The Bengals won at Pittsburgh in 2005 on their way to winning the AFC North. Will history repeat itself here? I don't think so. The Steelers are clicking both offensively and defensively, and revenge will be on their minds due to the Week 3 loss at Cincinnati.

Prediction: Pittsburgh 30, Cincinnati 24

Atlanta (5-3) at Carolina (3-5), Atlanta favored by 1/2

Falcons QB Matt Ryan has not looked very good his last two games, which has coincided with RB Michael Turner going off. If they can both get on the same page, then the Falcons will be very dangerous. Carolina's only chance to win any games are when they can get their running game going. I think RBs DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart will be factors, but QB Jake Delhomme and his putrid 5 TDs through 8 games will cause another Panthers loss.

Prediction: Atlanta 31, Carolina 21

Kansas City (1-7) at Oakland (2-6), Oakland favored by 1 1/2

I feel sorry for anyone that has to witness this game.

Prediction: Kansas City 10, Oakland 9

Philadelphia (5-3) at San Diego (5-3), San Diego favored by 2 1/2

The Eagles last trip out west ended with a miserable loss to Oakland. They need to play much better this time to have a chance to win and also to try to keep pace with Dallas in the NFC East. Chargers QB Philip Rivers will look for the big play to WR Vincent Jackson, while Eagles QB Donovan McNabb will try to do the same with WR Desean Jackson. This should be a fun game that comes down to the final seconds.

Prediction: San Diego 27, Philadelphia 24

Seattle (3-5) at Arizona (5-3), Arizona favored by 8 1/2

Surprisingly, the Cardinals are a much better road team than home team this year. They are 4-0 on the road, and just 1-3 at home. That means the Seahawks will hang around in this game, but I don't think the Cardinals have another ugly home loss in them right now.

Prediction: Arizona 34, Seattle 27

Last Week Against the Spread: 7-6
Overall Against the Spread: 68-60-1

Last Week Straight Up: 7-6
Overall Straight Up: 81-48