Oh mercy me. Having to condense hours of breakdown into minutes took its toll on my picks last week. Until someone starts paying my bills this is the best I can do and hopefully the consensus will return. I do like giving props to the bloggers around the ‘net and you can search my previous week articles for those links. Most will be good or at least lead you in the right direction.
With apologies out of the way I was 9-5 straight up (76-40 overall) and 6-8 against the number (60-54-2) but a pitiful 4-10 on the over/under (61-52-2). Life sucks and then you die. Here are my quick thoughts on this week.

Atlanta (5-2) @ Miami (3-4): ATL -2.5/over 40

Well, Michael Vick is probably pretty pissed off that the college version of Miami (Florida) just knocked his little brother out of a shot at the national title. I’m guessing that is all the inspiration he needs to lead his team to a win: Atlanta 24, Miami 17

Detroit (3-4) @ Minnesota (2-5): MIN -1/over 37.5

There are probably teams in the CFL that could win the NFC North. If USC’s offense was combined with say Alabama’s defense they might too. Brad Johnson, Joey Harrington and who really knows what to expect. I personally prefer a solid veteran at home to steady the ship, pun intended: Minnesota 26, Detroit 23

Oakland (3-4) @ Kansas City (4-3): KC -4/over 51.5

Norv Turner is quick to point out that the difference between these teams is the first meeting, won 23-17 by the Chiefs. Well, after this game it will still be the difference only the gap is going to be two games: Kansas City 31, Oakland 24

Tennessee (2-6) @ Cleveland (2-5): TEN +3/under 39

Neither of these franchises have any historical integrity. The Houston Oilers were awesome and so were the Cleveland Browns. Both are now dead in my mind. I wouldn’t watch this game if you mailed me a ticket on the 50 with first class airfare. I am obligated to choose, I think: Cleveland 20, Tennessee 18

Carolina (5-2) @ Tampa Bay (5-2): TB +1.5/under 37

The three teams locked atop the NFC South are also the teams who have won it the past three seasons. These clubs parlayed that into a Super Bowl trip with the Buccaneers winning a title. Neither will match that this season, but this is a huge game. Florida is a tough place to win a football game: Tampa Bay 17, Carolina 16

Cincinnati (6-2) @ Baltimore (2-5): CIN -3/under 36.5

I’m not completely convinced the Bengals are more talented than the Ravens. However, they play like it and that is all that matters. Marvin Lewis just about has the keys to the city in Cincinnati while Brian Billick can’t get a table at McDonald’s these days. If I seem insane to call this one close so be it, but it should be: Cincinnati 19, Baltimore 13

Houston (1-6) @ Jacksonville (4-3): JAX -11/under 37

The Texans swept away the Jaguars last year. Oh how things have changed. Dominack Davis won’t play and that’s just about the end of things. Leftwich is being hammered by fans of the team but will be plenty good enough to lead them to a win here: Jacksonville 27, Houston 6

San Diego (4-4) @ NY Jets (2-5): SD -6.5/under 41

Revenge is a dish best served in the cold at the Meadowlands, or something like that. The Jets are a mess on offense and defensively they can’t hold the water forever. Eventually the balloon will burst. Guys like Brees, Tomlinson and Gates tend to make that happen sooner rather than later: San Diego 27, NY Jets 13

Chicago (4-3) @ New Orleans (2-6): CHI -2.5/over 34

Another barnburner and the scary thing is that the division leading Bears aren’t even heavy favorites to beat the lowly Saints. Orton might be the answer to a future trivia question as the most productive rookie quarterback this season, but for now he is the one protecting the football. Brooks is the one turning it over: Chicago 20, New Orleans 17

Seattle (5-2) @ Arizona (2-5): SEA -4/under 44

The Cardinals are dangerous at home, but the Seahawks are starting to gain momentum and confidence. Kurt Warner returns to play quarterback for the franchise some thought would win the NFC West. How those people draw a paycheck is a mystery. Unlike other teams with injury issues, the Cardinals just suck: Seattle 26, Arizona 17

NY Giants (5-2) @ San Francisco (2-5): NYG -11/under 42

In the 2004 draft Eli Manning created a firestorm when he cried like a baby to get himself out of San Diego. More than 200 picks later the 49ers took Cody Pickett in the 7th round. I doubt anyone expected them to meet as starters this season with a game on the line. This is not going to be anything like what stunned Tampa Bay fans saw last week. Hear me now, believe me later: NY Giants 28, San Francisco 10

Pittsburgh (5-2) @ Green Bay (1-6): GB +4/over 39

Who the hell is Taco Wallace and when is Brett Favre going to say enough is enough? He has no supporting cast, no defense and no reason other than setting personal records to remain playing football. Well, I suppose the money is nice. Charlie Batch has faced him before and with not much luck but that was with the Lions. Different story here: Pittsburgh 24, Green Bay 23

Philadelphia (4-3) @ Washington (4-3): PHI +3/over 40

I have been suspended from making picks at small.to for conduct detrimental to the website. Therefore I am also unable to comment on the Terrell Owens disaster. Will Reggie Brown actually make an impact worthy of his high draft status? Is Westbrook ready to take over and cement his future contract? My gut tells me yes: Philadelphia 23, Washington 20

Indianapolis (7-0) @ New England (4-3): IND -3/over 48

I’m sick of the hype and it is only getting worse as time goes on. If it wasn’t on national television I probably wouldn’t go out of my way to watch this game. The Colts are going to make some mistakes that the Patriots will capitalize on to stay with them. Then Peyton is going to shred this defense: Indianapolis 31, New England 23