STONE COLD LEAD PIPE DOCKS

Had a pretty solid last weekend, but let's see if we can do it again today. With some big games with playoff implications on tap this weekend, it should be fun. FYI - My buddy Suman is filling in for IP this week. Also, these are the spreads we got our bets in at, and we bought all hooks. gluck!

Suman's Pix:
(Season 2-3)

Lions at Colts (Colts -17)

The Colts, led by who I think is the MVP right now, Peyton Manning, are finally getting all their parts back and healthy, and are rounding into the offensive juggernaut we thought they were just in time for the playoffs. On the other hand, the Lions are trying, I mean literally they have to be trying to play this bad because no team that tries to be good is this bad, are staring an 0-16 season right in the face. To make matters worse I have no idea who the Lions are starting at QB, Culpepper, Stanton, or that other guy. Whats his name. It doesn't matter though, the NFL could allow the Lions to start Sam Bradford tomorrow and they still wouldn't keep pace with the Colts in this one. I look for the Colts to try to get Joe Addai and Dominic Rhodes going as they haven't been that stellar, but will be needed come playoff time. Wow I don't remember a spread being this high, but I would've gone all the way up to 25. Is Jim Sorgi the backup for the Colts still? We might be seeing him today.

Niners at Dolphins (Fins -6)

The Dolphins could conceivably be AFC East champions. Wow. I guess that's a good thing for the Lions, Chiefs, Rams, Browns (ok maybe not the Browns) that they have turned things around this quickly. Wait, wasn't this the exact spread the Bills had when the 49ers came to Orchard Park 2 weeks ago? Damnit. Oh well. The Dolphins have been playing good, and have something to play for. They should be more motivated. Meanwhile, although I like how tough Singletary has the 49ers playing, this is the 2nd time in 3 weeks they have to travel east. The more motivated team, the home team, and the better QB...I'll lay the points.

Redskins at Bungles (Skins -7)

I don't like taking a team that has so many problems, and in all likelihood has nothing to play for...but I don't like that many games this week for gambling purposes. I know its the time of the year when some teams stop trying, and other teams who suck end up playing good (and this has that type of game written all over it)...but I just can't get myself to overlook this game. First off, I think Zorn will take the ball out of Jason Campbell's hands and put it in Clinton Portis' after all that went down in the media this week. I think the rookie coach knows who is bringing home the bacon in this family, and he's going to give Portis 30+ carries. Second, I am sick of Ryan Fitzpatrick. Third, the Redskins have been waiting for a team that they can just tee off on, and I think they do it this week. The Bengals can't run the ball, so the Redskins defense should be able to get some pressure on Fitzpatrick.

Titans at Texans (Texans +3)

This is my upset special of the week. I think the Texans win this game outright. Steve Slaton has been sick this year. If Matt Schaub can be anything like he was last week against the Pack, I honestly think this has Jets/Titans all over it. I think the Texans roll in this one. Schaub, Slaton, and Andre form a nice trio and are all playing well...and that Texans defense led by Mario and DeMeco has been solid lately. Meanwhile, the Titans had to play the lowly Browns last week, so this will be a rude awakening in the step up in competition. Plus, they are playing the Steelers next week so they might be caught looking ahead. Plus Plus, they already wrapped up the division last week, and have homefield throughout also pretty much wrapped up. Plus Plus Plus, I have Slaton in my fantasy semi-final matchup, so I want him to explode.

Browns at Eagles (Eagles -14)

The Browns playing a MNF game this late in the year, and I probably...actually I guarantee, I won't watch one snap of this game. I never thought I'd be saying that. They are pathetic and have packed it in. On the other hand, the Philly defense should be teeing off on Ken Dorsey....who is playing on Monday Night, against a Jim Johnson defense, against a team that has everything to play for. Dear god. Who is the backup to Dorsey...is it Josh Cribbs? We might need to bring like 3 or 4 guys off the street to play QB in this one, its going to get ugly. Better yet, lets put Braylon in the Wildcat and let him run in 30 times. Kill 2 birds with one stone. Literally kill.

Vik's Pix:
(Last week 4-1)
(Season 36-25-3)

Vikings at Cards (Cards -3)

One word for this game - TJACKSON!!! There is no way the Vikings pull this game out with TJax leading the way. I know last week he showed some signs with a comeback victory, but please, that was against the Lions. Apete will do well, but the Cards pass D will contain Berrian, and Tjax will make just enough plays for the other team for us to get this W. As we all know, the Cards are solid at home, and with them still playing for better seeding, I look for them to take this game seriously. If they do, this one should be won by them by over a touchdown. Warner is playing amazing football, and I look for them to once again air it out in this one. Look for Warner, Fitz, Boldin, and Breaston to all have huge games, and for the Cards to roll in this one.

Bucs at Falcons (Birds -3)

NFC South teams are 24-2 at home this year. That is insane. I have loved the Falcons all season long, and I am going to ride with them again this weekend. They have a very physical front on offense and defense, and I think that will be too much for the Bucs in this game. I also look for Turner to have just a hugggge game, and for Ryan to be poised like usual. The Bucs are traveling after a short week, and I think that will come into play too. With Jeff Garcia out, the vet Griese takes over. Griese pulled some magic vs the Bears earlier this year, but I don't think that happens in this one. The Birds will be ready, and with this being a must win for the Birds to keep their season alive, they win big at home!!!

Chargers at Chiefs (Chiefs +7)

I hate the Chargers and I have been fading them all season long. I don't think that their victory of the lowly Raiders changes that for me. They go to the Chiefs land this weekend, and we all know that is hostile territory. The Chargers team has been stagnant and I just feel like they have lost their will to win. On the flip side, the Chiefs have been playing hard and competing all season long, and even though they rarely win, they do keep the games close. I'm going to take the 7 pts with the home team this weekend, and I even think that the Chiefs have a shot at winning this game straight up. TT has been a pleasant surprise at QB, and their spread offense has been successful so far. If their D can step up and make some plays, look out SD!!

Pats at Raiders (Pats - 6)

I know the Pats have burned me the past two weekends, but the third time is the charm right? With Cassell playing this weekend, I look for him to have a big game. One of those I am playing for my dad type games like BFavre had on Monday Night a few years ago vs you guessed it, the Raiders!!! Cassell and that passing attack should have a field day vs this Raiders D who looks like it has packed it in. I also look for Faulk and Morris to have big days recieving out of the backfield. The Raiders look lost out there, and last week they showed me they aren't even playing for pride anymore after getting spanked by the Chargers. For the Pats this is a must win, so I will ride their coattails in this game.

Packers at Jags (Packers -3)

With the Packers slim hopes of making the playoffs still alive, I think they will show some life in this game and come out with the W. The Jags last weekend vs the Bears showed me that they absolutely have packed it in and could care less about their season. Their D is also very suspect, so I look for Ar and co to have a big game in this one. If they can go up early, this one should be a waxing, because we all know when the Jags get down now, they could care less about coming back. I'm going with the Pack.