in NFL Free Picks

Last week delivered a hefty dose of pigskin drama, but in the end disintegrated into festering mediocrity for my picks. Finishing the week 2-2 is just not good enough, so I’ve made a genuine commitment to go 4-0 this week in a desperate bid to redeem myself and restore any credibility that clings to my shabby wardrobe. Making accurate picks is a matter of making peace with your inner self. What may be haunting me is the painful memory of a house league football game back in 1983 when I was called upon to attempt the game-winning field goal from 35-yard line. The kick was blocked. We lost. Season over. Is this a forecast of Stephen Gostkowski’s fate in the waning seconds of the fourth quarter? I guess we’ll just have to wait and see…

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS -2 vs. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS +2

Week 5 marked quarterback Brad Gradkowski’s gritty debut as the starter for the Bucs after Chris Simms went down the week before. Gradkowski put up impressive numbers going 20-31 for 225 yards and a pair of touchdowns against the Saints defense. The difference in the game was a blistering 65-yard punt return for a touchdown by rookie Reggie Bush. Tampa Bay’s young pivot has struggled a little since, last week going 20-48 for 149 in a 17-3 loss to the Giants. The Bucs have failed to score an offensive touchdown the last two weeks. The New Orleans Saints dabbled in defeat last week smothered by the Baltimore Ravens defense. Drew Brees threw for 383 yards, however the Ravens led 35-7 by the end of the third quarter. Deuce McAllister and Reggie Bush combined for only 26 yards rushing. On the other side of the ball, the Saints defense was gashed for 109 yards by Jamal Lewis. The Bucs will look to get Cadillac Williams up and running early so Gradkowski has time to make plays downfield. The Saints will be missing left tackle Jammal Brown who will be replaced by third-stringer Rob Petitti – this spells trouble against defensive end Simeon Rice, but the Saints should prevail.

PREDICTION: Saints to cover

DALLAS COWBOYS -3 vs. WASHINGTON REDSKINS +3

With a record of 2-5, the Washington Redskins playoff hopes are in serious jeopardy heading into Week 9’s NFC East battle with the Dallas Cowboys. This is a must-win game for Joe Gibbs’ team and they need to play with a sense of desperation. The ‘Skins have lost three straight and are out of sync on both sides of the ball. Their potent running attack has fizzled over the last three games while Clinton Portis has rushed for 43 yards against the Colts, 58 yards against the Titans and 76 yards against the Giants. Quarterback Mark Brunell has struggled to perform consistently although last week he threw for 226 yards and a pair of touchdowns. To make matters worse it looks like receiver Santana Moss will be unavailable, hampered by a bad hamstring. Moss has accounted for 52% of the team’s receiving yards and 45% of their receptions by wide receivers. Meanwhile, Bill Parcells is looking like a genius for making the quarterback switch to Tony Romo who led the ‘Boys to a win last week. Romo completed 24 of 36 passes for 270 yards and a touchdown with one interception in his first NFL start. Romo is clicking with T.O. and best of all may be the productivity from tight end Jason Witten who had six catches for 80 yards and his first touchdown grab of the season. The Cowboys have all the momentum has they prepare for a season sweep.

PREDICTION: Cowboys to cover

DENVER BRONCOS +3 vs. PITTSBURGH STEELERS -3

Talk about throwing a game away – Ben Roethlisberger had another putrid game throwing four interceptions and the question begs to be asked – should he have even dressed for this game a week after suffering a serious concussion? Raiders quarterback Andrew Walter was 5-14 for 51 yards and an interception in a winning effort! Big Ben seems to be cursed this season having suffered a series of setbacks that have affected his play dramatically. Unbelievably the 2-5 Super Bowl Champs are now facing a major roadblock in their hopes of even returning to the playoffs. Jake Plummer and the Broncos offense put up 31 points against the Colts but it wasn’t enough against Peyton Manning who delivered another game-winning drive. At this point Pittsburgh is almost playing for pride and they desperately need a win. No one feels worse than Ben Roethlisberger right now. Pittsburgh will run Willie Parker all day to give their quarterback a chance to find receivers downfield. After a monster game where he rushed for 136 yards, rookie Mike Bell will get even more carries in Week 9. The Steelers are on the ropes, down, but not out.

PREDICTION: Steelers to cover

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS +3 vs. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS -3

This Sunday night game should be another exciting, unforgettable and tight game between two heavyweight AFC contenders. Peyton Manning has been nothing less than spectacular this season and last week may have been the apogee while he effortlessly dissected a Denver defense that had only relinquished two touchdowns all season. With 1:47 remaining Manning methodically moved the Colts down the field to set them up for Adam Vinatieri’s 37-yard game-winning field goal. Manning finished a jaw-dropping 32-39 for 345 yards and three touchdowns. Rookie running back Joseph Addai added 94 yards on the ground. Until last November’s 40-12 win by the Colts at Gillette Stadium, New England had won six consecutive games against the Colts dating back to 2001. You can count on Bill Belichick delivering an innovative game plan to limit Manning’s effectiveness. This will certainly involve controlling the clock by running the ball against the league’s worst rush defense that is giving up 167.9 yards a game. This strategy will keep Peyton Manning off the field which is probably the Patriots best defense. Tom Brady is becoming cozier with his new group of receivers and last week threw for four touchdowns to down the Vikings. This game might come down to a last-minute field goal attempt – who has the edge here? – Adam Vinatieri or rookie Stephen Gostkowski?

PREDICTION: Colts to cover