Lock: Jets (+1 1/2) over Cleveland
I won three of my four picks last week — including the Jets’ win over Miami — all except for my lock. Though I’m not as desperate as Mark for a win in the lock, here’s renewed faith in Gang Green to reel one in for me, who at 4-3 are better than Kellen Wins — I mean, the Browns.
Upset: Indianapolis (+2 1/2) over Denver
Indianapolis, not the favorite? Bodog’s being a bad dog, because undefeated teams ain’t underdogs. There’s a lot of bad blood between these two, with Indianapolis having knocked out Denver in the Wild Card round in 2004, a week after Denver downed the Colts in a game where Bronco safety John Lynch gave Dallas Clark a concussion. The two did not meet last year, and the Denver defense should be amped the whole game.
Game 1: New Orleans (-2) over Baltimore
Two straight losses for the Ravens, and I’m going to expect them to find their stride after a bye-week in the Superdome, against a Saints team with a better record? Nope. I still think the Ravens are going to the Super Bowl, but this is New Orleans’ game to lose.
Game 2: Green Bay (- 3 1/2) over Arizona
The Packers are just 2-4, but at 1-6, the Cardinals are clearly worse. I gave the Cardinals the benefit of the doubt last week against the freakin’ Raiders, silly me. The Packers have played two good games in a row, and heading home after their vacation in Miami should be enough to propel them by the weaker Cards.