in NFL Free Picks

I thought the Lions would do a better job yesterday against the Dolphins, but hats off to Joey Harrington for throwing egg in Matt Millen’s face. I don’t know why I dislike Millen so much. Oh wait, yes I do. It’s because I like football and his ineptitude makes a mockery of the sport I enjoy so much. Another horrible year and a big contract extension should be forthcoming, along with an expansion of his executive powers. Man, I couldn’t make up how bad this man is for football in Michigan. The Lions are 23-68 under the guidance of this former talking head. Yes, I am mad.

San Francisco 49ers +5 AT St. Louis Rams -5

The suddenly resurgent Niners find themselves in the shocking position of being able to end this week’s games at the top of the NFC West, due to their win over Seattle last week. Of course, that would take a loss by the Seahawks in Green Bay on Monday night, but stranger things have certainly happened in the NFL. The 49ers have a defense that relies on pressure, something the Rams have not fared well against this season. QB Marc Bulger has seen his productivity plummet after starting the season on a tear and playing a believing-in-themselves Niners squad should not be good for what ails him. San Fran is riding a three-game win streak, with Frank Gore leading the way, and the Rams have the longest losing streak in the NFL, at five straight. The Rams will be looking for a scapegoat after getting gored again at home.

PREDICTION: Niners to cover

CHICAGO BEARS +3.5 AT NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS -3.5

I really liked this line much better when it was at 3 points instead of 3.5. That’s why I bet on it earlier in the week, because I was taking the Patriots and the attached moneyline was indicating that the spread would grow bigger in the Bears’ favor. If you like the Bears, you might want to see if the moneyline attached to this spread begins to indicate even further growth by rising from -110 up to -115 or -120. If the line gets more expensive, the spread might grow larger. If the moneyline gets cheaper, the spread may go back to 3 points. Choose wisely, fellow bettors. I think the Patriots, with much more on the line, will come out firing to show that they are still a team to be reckoned with, and the Bears have little motivation, except to prove they deserve to be where they are in the standings. They do.
PREDICTION: Bears to cover

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS +3 AT ATLANTA FALCONS -3
I hate to bet on the Saints and I hate to bet on the Falcons. It seems whatever side I pick with either of these teams, the opposite ends up happening. Jim Mora’s dad hit the nail right on the head in his criticism’s of Mike Vick this past week. Apparently Vick was ‘shocked’ to hear that his coach’s father had such a low opinion of him. With Matt Schaub sitting on the bench, waiting his turn to shine, and Vick unable to stay on top of his game for any stretch of time, the elder Mora knew what he was saying. Owners don’t like to lose games, especially when, over the past two years, they’ve paid Vick over $35-million and less than $1-million to a back-up that so many think will be a great QB one day, when he gets the chance. Only the Raiders have a worse passing game than the Falcons. This game pits the number one rushing team against the top passing team and I like the passing game to come out on top.
>PREDICTION: Saints to cover

HOUSTON TEXANS 4.5 AT NEW YORK JETS -4.5

You just know that both of these quarterbacks ache continuously to throw the ball downfield. My main hope for this game is that I don’t have to watch it because I think it is going to be a messy affair won by turnovers, not good play. The Jets are fading once again and need a good performance from Pennington, but the Texans aren’t going to let it happen without a fight. After losing a close one in Buffalo last week, the Texans will be trying hard to hang on and win this one. They probably won’t though.
PREDICTION: Texans to cover

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Blake Butterfield is a freelance columnist and regular contributor to the BetUS.com Locker room.