in NFL Free Picks

Going 2-1-1 last week was a start at getting back on the winning road. My 14-15-3 record overall should be back on the plus side after this week’s games are done. Luckily for me, Ox has been having a rough ride the past two weeks and Marc isn’t doing anything to get ahead of me. This week, the cream will continue to rise, if we don’t have a bunch of pushes!

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS +7 AT PHILADELPHIA EAGLES -7

Will or won’t Byron Leftwich play in this game? Yawn. Does it matter? I think not. Both of these teams have had a rough couple weeks and both will be looking to prove their mettle and get back on track. Unfortunately for the Jaguars, injuries at key defensive positions are going to be the difference and the home crowd in Philly will be cheering their Eagles on to a strong showing against this banged up team.

PREDICTION: Eagles to cover

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS -3 AT MINNESOTA VIKINGS +3

Tom Brady is 9-0 in domed stadiums and the Pats have been simply fantastic on the road, playing on turf, so far this millennium. They are 19-1 SU and a staggering 17-3 ATS in their past 20 games fitting these criteria. As much as I like what the Vikings have been doing as of late, these data would prove me a fool if I choose to ignore them. As a side note, the OVER is 8-2-1 in the past eleven of these games, going back to November 2003.

PREDICTION: Patriots to cover

NEW YORK JETS Pick AT CLEVELAND BROWNS Pick

A new offensive scheme seems to be coming together for the Jets, while the Browns will be starting over with Jeff Davidson calling the shots. Word on the street is that former play-caller Maurice Carthon would oft-times call the wrong line formation for plays and this was no small part of why the Browns were failing to get things off the ground on offense. He was apparently loathe to admit his errors and, finally, word got to Crennel, who fired him. The fact it took so long for this to become known to Crennel, or be acted upon, does not bode well for the team in my eyes.

PREDICTION: Jets to win

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS +1.5 AT DENVER BRONCOS -1.5

Mike Shanahan has been building his defense over the past few years with matchups like this game against the Colts in mind. This year: so far, so good as the Broncos have made players like Champ Bailey play like they were meant to. I used to dislike Bailey for always trying to make the highlight reel as opposed to making the play. Now, he has bit into the system and is showing the promise his potential used to hint at. The Colts have their first of two consecutive losses this week.

PREDICTION: Broncos to cover