STONE COLD LEAD PIPE DOCKS - WEEK 8

Welcome back FNL...

Vik's Pix:
(Last Week 1-4)
(Overall 12-7-1)

Cowboys -9

The Boys showed me something last week, beating a good a good Falcons team. They showed me they still have life and are going to be in this for the long haul. I also see the Boys being able to run on this Seattle defense. Look for Romo and Austin to continue their bromance this week too. Seattle is also a terrible road team. They have been throughout the years. And on top of that, they lost their two bookends to injury, their RT and LT, Jones and Locklear. Losing Walter Jones is a huge, huge injury for this team. He is the one that protects Hass's blindside, and instead of him they have signed a street free agent in 32 year old Damion McIntosh. With these OLINE injuries, look for the Boys front four to terrorize Hass all day long, especially Ware. Last week the Boys front four awakened getting to Ryan all day vs a very solid Falcons OLine. I'll take the Boys at home in this one, winning by a couple tuddy's...

Colts -12

The Alex Smith comeback last week was pretty sweet. If you have read his stories, it is pretty good to cheer for the kid. I'll definitely be rooting for him to succeed, but I just don't see him getting it done this week. The Colts have a great pass defense, and this is just a horrible matchup for him, with him on the road. This offense doesn't even suit his game, and Lucas Oil will be loud. I see him making a lot of mistakes in this game, which will play right into Manning's hands. And once the Colts get up early, that will neutralize the Niners best weapon in Gore. The Niners let Matt Ryan and Schaub throw all over them the past few weeks, so what is going to happen to them when they face Manning, at home? I know 12 is a lot of points, but I see the Colts winning by at least a couple of touchdowns...

Fins+3

Jets LB Pace said the wildcard wasn't real football after the Fins beat them on MNF. Well guess what player, get ready to see a lot of it again today, and please try to stop it before you ride on it. I don't see how the Jets stop this potent Fins running game without their big man Jenkins. The Jets have dropped to 22nd in stopping the run since losing him, and I see them dropping even further after today. Losing Leon Washington is a huge loss for this Jets squad too. Greene had a good game for the Jets last week, but the Fins are fourth vs the run, so this is not a good matchup for him. Sanchez has been pretty bad after his first three games, and I don't see him carrying this team on his back today, even if the game is at home. Henne has been pretty damn good since taking over the starting job, but look for the Fins to pound the ball on the ground in this game and I see them winning this game outright...

Rams +4

When two bad teams play, I will usually take the points. And with CJ banged up, that eliminates one of the Lions biggest weapons on offense. Look for Bulger and Avery to hook up vs this terrible Lions secondary, the league's worst. And for SJax to finally get his first touchdown vs this struggling Lions run defense. With Stafford coming back from injury, and with CJ banged up, who knows what the Lions offense will do out there. In the end I see the Rams winning straight up, or this game being determined by a last second fg, so I will take the pts.

Giants +2

As I have said before, I'm a big believer in the OLINE, and DLINE. In this game, I feel like the Giants have an advantage in both places. Also if you take away DJackson's return and long TD catch last week, then the Eagles had no offense whatsoever vs the Skins. They are really struggling, and I don't see how they turn it around today vs this STILL GOOD Giants defense. Especially without Westbrook, who is out for the game. I say STILL GOOD , because a lot of people are down on the Giants after their last two games. Look for that to turn around quick, with Osi and company getting to and pressuring Mcnabb all day in this one. Jacobs is going to be a matchup nightmare for this small Eagles front. I look for him to have a huge day and for the Giants to go back to playing some nice, smash mouth football. I will take the pts, but I see the Giats winning straight up in this one.

also going to hedge my bets a little and go large on a 3 team 10 pt teaser with the colts, boys, and cardinals. gluck everyone...


Suman's Pix:
(Last Week 4-1)
(Overall 24-13)

Colts -12

I'll just keep riding this train (pause) until it ends. Peyton Manning vs. Alex Smith. Like Ed Lover would say, come on son. Manning vs. Smith. Come on son. Come on. Really? Come on son. Come on. I'll believe Alex Smith has turned his career around when he wins a few in a row, and continues doing it. 1 half of football isn't good enough. On the other hand, Peyton is playing maybe the best ball of his career. At least as good as his Super Bowl year because he hasn't had his full compliment of receivers all year. With Bob Sanders back too, this might be LOD status for me. Come on son.

Ravens -3

It has to end at some point right? The Broncos aren't going to go undefeated. They've made me look stupid, and just about every prognosticator out there. I don't think I'm a prognosticator, but still. I have Microsoft Word, and I make predictions. Man what am I saying. All I know is that the Ravens had a bye week to correct some things. They've become a pass first team, and I don't think that will continue this week. Ray Rice has been supremely effective. They have 2 or 3 other running backs behind him too. I look for the Ravens to pound the Broncos this week (pause) and for Flacco to play a controlled and efficient game. Kyle Orton will be getting fired at from all directions too, as the Ravens have had a long time to prepare for this game.

Jets -3

The last time these teams played the Dolphins wildcat was effective and they pretty much dominated the Jets for a win. The Jets dominated last week in Oakland, a week after they looked terrible against the Bills. The Sanchise returned with great game, and even a slam dunk on the goal post after a QB sneek. Meanwhile, the Dolphins had their heart ripped out after the Saints scored 36 2nd half points for a win. I think you have to be a special kind of team to return from that kind of humiliation the next week. I don't think the Dolphins are that special. I believe Rex Ryan is a master defensive gameplanner, and will make the necessary changes to shut down the wildcat in this rematch. He will put the game in Henne's hands, and I'll take Sanchez over Henne in that matchup.

Chargers -16.5

The Raiders almost stole one in week 1 against the Chargers, but the Chargers led by Phil Rivers were able to fight back. With Jamarcus Russell really struggling, and the Chargers looking to get their minds right, I look for them to take it out on the Raiders. Just like they dominated the Chiefs and a mediocre offense last week, they'll do it again this week. Russell won't be able to keep up with Rivers, and I think the Chargers will win in a trackmeet.

Jags +3

I don't know what to think of this game. Don't know how Vince Young will respond. Don't know what these 2 teams are thinking right now. But 2 things I do know is that David Garrard is having a decent season against the bad teams he faces, and MJD is a monster. I think he'll go off in this one, and it'll be a close one. So I'll take the points. I think it may turn into a shootout if Vince Young plays well, and I just have a hunch he will. He's too good to have his career just end in anonymity.

Ip's Pix:
(Last Week 3-2)
(Overall 13-15-1)

Giants (Pick Em) - The Giants go into Philly for a division showdown with the Eagles. The Giants are on a bit of a skid while the Eagles have been equally unimpressive the alst two weeks. This will be a closely contested contest but I look for the Giants defensive line to get pressure on McNabb and force some errant throws. The giants should be able to move the ball against a battered eagles defense. Giants by 4

Colts (-13) - Manning is having a his best year IMO. The team is clicking on all cylinders. The only caveat is Reggie Waynes injury status. Even with that though take the Colts in this one….they are juggernaut.

Ravens (-3) - Call this a pick for the more desperate team. As good as the Broncos are, the Ravens need this game to stay afloat in the AFC. Look for a amped up Ray Lewis to rally the suspect defense and keep the Broncos offense quiet. Ravens by 7

Miami (+3) - The J-E-T-S have been bit by the injury bug on defense. That does not bode well against the best rushing attack in the NFL. The fins will put up a lot of points and I don’t think the San-chise has the poise to outscore the Dolphins nasty attack. Dolphins go up north and take one from the JETS.

Jaguars (+3) - A battle of two disappointing teams. Vince Young looks to get the start in this one and though I am excited, I think the Jaguars will come in to Tennessee and take car of business against a somber Titans group. Just goes to show you that last year does not mean anything in the NFL. Jaguars by 4