I did some NFL picks back in Week 3, the only time this season that I've done them.  That week I went 10-4, so if I can make even 4-9 this week, I'll be better than .500, better than "expert" Peter King.   So here they are.....

Matchup:  Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Atlanta Falcons

My Pick:  Pittsburgh-17   Atlanta-10

Why:  The Steelers are starting to hit their defending Super Bowl champion stride.  Although the Falcons have one the craziest rushing offenses in all of football, the Steelers tough D will have their way with inconsistent Michael Vick, while plugging the running lanes.  At least 2 picks from Vick to be expected.

Matchup:  New England Patriots vs. Buffalo Bills

My Pick:  New England-21   Buffalo-20

Why:  Although the Pats have lost several key ingredients, they still have Tom Brady.  He still knows the importance of a midseason divisional matchup.  New England's the pick, in a close game.

Matchup:  Carolina Panthers vs. Cincinnati Bengals

My Pick:  Cinncinati-45   Carolina-25

Why:  Two great offenses collide in what should be a great game.  Cincinnati, I believe, is the better rounded team here.  They do not want to lose any ground to the up and coming Steelers or the surprising Ravens.  Also, the game is in their house, and marching in Cincy to take a win is a difficult task at best,

Matchup:  Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Houston Texans

My Pick:  Jacksonville-30   Houston-3

Why:  An easy choice.  Houston is floundering on all cylinders, and their top overall pick continues to flounder with the rest of the team.  I wouldn't be surprised to see them lose out the season.

Matchup:  San Diego Chargers vs. Kansas City Chiefs

My Pick:  Kansas City-19   San Diego-18

Why:  The Chiefs are tough at home.  Plus, although Philip Rivers has performed admirably so far, he will soon crack under the pressure of the playoff drive.  Kansas City still has a dangerous offense.  Trent Green is steady and Larry Johnson can light up any team on any given day.

Matchup:  Green Bay Packers vs. Miami Dolphins

My Pick:  Miami-24   Green Bay-10

Why:  Its about time for Daunte Culpepper and the Fins to get off their schnide, and what better time to do it than at home against against a severely struggling Green Bay squad.  Although Miami's season is all but over, may as well start playing well and look forward to next season.

Matchup:  Detroit Lions vs. New York Jets

My Pick:  New York-17   Detroit-13

Why:  The Lions, outside of Roy Williams, are reeling.  Chad Pennington and the Jets are surprising a lot of people this year with their unexpected success.   Jets to win a close one.

Matchup:  Philadelphia Eagles vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

My Pick:  Philadelphia-52   Tampa Bay-24

Why:  Donovan McNabb has been superb so far, spreading the ball around and just outright producing for his team.  He seems to breathe easier without the T.O. odour in the Philly air.  McNabb will use his success to the advantage of his rushers in this game, as the Bucs expect big pass plays, McNabb will allow his speedy rushing core to hit Tampa's weak line with good success.

Matchup:  Denver Broncos vs. Cleveland Browns

My Pick:  Denver-40   Cleveland-6

Why:  A simple mismatch.  The powerhouse Broncos march into Cleveland and obliterate the Browns.

Matchup:  Washington Redskins vs. Indianapolis Colts

My Pick:  Indianapolis-21   Washington-16

Why:  Had this game been in Washington and not Indy, I may have taken the underdog.  However, it is in Indy and the power of the Colts offense is undeniable.  The members of said offense should run wild over the Redskins suspect D.

Matchup:  Arizona Cardinals vs. Oakland Raiders

My Pick:  Arizona-40   Oakland-14

Why:  I actually thought Arizona for Super Bowl champions, and we all know how that is working out for them.  Yet due to the terrible-ness of Oakland, and the talent of Arizona, the Cardinals are the easy choice in this western showdown.

Matchup:  Minnesota Vikings vs. Seattle Seahawks

My Pick:  Seattle-22   Minnesota-18

Why:  With the possible return of Shaun Alexander for this game, that adds an entire new element.  Confidence.  With the Hawks already riding atop the NFC West, the addition of Alexander adds a whole new element of skill.  Maybe another trip to the Super Bowl is in store?  Only time will tell.

Matchup:  New York Giants vs. Dallas Cowboys

My Pick:  New York-25   Dallas-24

Why:  A huge game on monday night, to determine who sits second in the NFC East.  The estimate is that the biggest stars come out on the biggest stage in the biggest moment.  I'm predicting a 150 yard game for Terrell Owens, as the Giants waltz into Cowboy Stadium and steal a MASSIVE win.

There you have it.

This session of the Ultimate Canadian Blogging Experience is ending.............now.