Take it to the Bank Week 10

Last Week: 6-7 (46%)  /  Season: 80-45 (64%)  /  Scott Pick: 3-5 (0-1)

Welcome back to our weekly sabbatical into "Take it to the Bank" land (a board
game is coming out that I swear). This past week was by far my worst week of
picking since I have been doing these columns over the years (under .500). Lets
not leave a sour taste in the mouths of new friends reading this on SNSPost.com.
It is time to put up or shut up and we know I do not do that second part all
that well. This week features a lot easy picks in my opinion, along with the
usual two or three headliners. Here goes nothing; Take it to the Bank.

Raiders @ Chargers. Pick: Chargers. The Chargers seem to do everything they can
to lose (the West Coast Philadelphia Eagles if you will). I just think they are
too good of a team to mess up three straight games (I've felt the same about the
Eagles too, but go figure). I think Carson Palmer still needs time to gel with
his wide-outs and I think after this loss, they will right the ship. I think if
Vincent Jackson plays like he did last week, this team can beat anyone (except
the Packers).

Cardinals @ Eagles. Scott Pick:.

Jaguars @ Colts. Pick: Jaguars. I know, I know...this has trap game written all
over it. Call me crazy but I am not taking the bait. I think the Jaguars defense
can win this one by itself. I know Blaine Gabbert has continued to digress (I
repeatedly said in my draft coverage that he needed year or two get his brain
around the NFL game) but they are coming off a bye and I think their defense
will continue to improve. For the Colts, this is likely their last legit shot at
a win this season. I have been saying it all year, this is not all because of
Peyton Manning's absence, it has a lot to do with their defense being more than
mediocre.

Broncos @ Chiefs. Pick: Chiefs. I still do not know what to make of the Chiefs.
They win four games in a row and then tank to the Dolphins. I just think this
team is playing very hard for Todd Haley (who I continue to admire) but they
need to also play well for four quarters. I think their talent far surpasses the
Broncos but I am a bit hesitant to pick them. Tim Tebow put on a show last week
but he has proven so far that he is good for a mirage or two during games. This
game will be close, especially if the "bad" Chiefs show up.

Steelers @ Bengals. Pick: Bengals. At this point, it is hard to pick against
Cincy. They just seem to get "it." I know this is their first big test (outside
of their loss to the 49ers at home) but I just have a ton of faith in Mike
Zimmer's defense. The Steelers will come out angry after their loss to the
Ravens last week but I just think the Bengals have been so steady that I can't
fathom a bad performance in this game. Pittsburgh will do all they can to prove
that wrong.

Bills @ Cowboys. Pick: Bills. The Cowboys are coming off a win to a mediocre
team and the Bills are coming off a loss to an overrated team. The Cowboys and
Bills will meet in Dallas which I think will sway a lot of pundits toward
"America's team" but I am cool being in the minority on this one. There is
plenty to dislike about the Boys. Their offensive line is awful, their loss to
the Eagles looks even worse after the way the Bears handles Philly's D-line, and
they are without Miles Austin. I look for the Bills to rebound in a big way.

Saints @ Falcons. Pick: Saints. The Falcons looked good last week, as did the
Saints but these NFC South games tend to always be up in the air. This one will
definitely be shoot out and I think the team with the bigger variety of toys
wins. The challenge for the Falcons is to keep Drew Brees off the field. I am
just not sure Mike Turner is up to the task this week versus Johnathan Vilma.
Julio Jones impressed me last week (there is a reason I had him over A.J. Green
in my prospects list).

Rams @ Browns. Pick: Rams. Pat Shurmur's return to St. Louis. Neither team's
offense has looked good since Shurmur left to take over the Browns and that does
not look like it will change anytime soon. I have a feeling though, that Steven
Jackson could have a huge game. I am less than impressed with the Browns' style
of play as of late. Colt McCoy needs to play with more polish for this team to
win games, now that he lacks Peyton Hillis in the run game. Believe me, time of
possession will win this game.

Redskins @ Dolphins. Pick: Dolphins. I must be nuts but I am going with the
suddenly warm hand (one win does not mean your burning up). I believe Matt Moore
is actually the better QB in this game and I think Mike Shanahan is gone after
this season if he loses to the Fins. The match-up I like most for the Fins
though is Reggie Bush against London Fletcher. Bush is just simply too agile and
fast for a linebacker of Fletcher's stature and age. The game will come down to
the final quarter but I think now that Moore has a feel for his tight end,
Anthony Fasano, he can really take advantage of the Skins overmatched safeties.

Titans @ Panthers. Pick: Titans. I loved the Bengals-Titans game last week and I
think this game will be similar with the back and forth. Cam Newton is due for
another huge game but I just think the team with the experience wins out this
time. I also believe this is the game that Chris Johnson makes some noise. The
Panthers linebackers are so banged up they have a guy like Omar Gaither
starting. Look for the Titans to take advantage with healthy does of Johnson and
Javon Ringer.

Texans @ Buccaneers. Pick: Texans. I have completely disowned Josh Freeman and
the Bucs; they seem to not want to win. Freeman has been his own worst enemy
this season and Mike Williams has looked like a shell of himself from his rookie
year. On the other hand, the Texans are looking to clinch their division as soon
as possible and I look for them to go on a run with Andre Johnson coming back in
the very near future. The Bucs being at home should do wonders for the game as I
think it'll be much closer than it would be if the Texans were home.

Ravens @ Seahawks. Pick: Ravens. The Ravens look to take over the division with
what I think is an easy win. The Seahawks just are not a good enough offense to
score on the Ravens. I do think the defense of Seattle's has definitely improved
throughout the season but Ray Rice should easily take over this game. Oh and
that Joe Flacco proved last week that he's pretty special too.

Lions @ Bears. Pick: Bears. This game should be the game of the week. I believe
both will come out swinging but you have to love what the Bears did to the
Eagles on Monday night. The Lions lack of running game could hurt them very
badly in this game as the only thing the Eagles were really able to do is run
with Lesean McCoy. I think Matt Forte continues his record-breaking performance
against the once-extremely feared Lions. I will say that the Lions are the
better team but the Bears are pretty tough to tumble with at Soldier Field.

NY Giants @ 49ers. Pick: 49ers. You have to give it up to Eli Manning, he is
having one of hell of year, but the rest of his team (outside of the defensive
line) looks average at best. Alex Smith, himself, is having a great year and
this battle of former first overall picks should showcase both. I will take the
49ers because they are playing well as a team and the west coast trips have not
faired well for the Giants in the past. 

Patriots @ NY Jets. Pick: Patriots. I know the Patriots are having problems on
defense and have become a one-attraction carnival, but I like them against a
team they are very familiar with. The Ryan clan has been impressive in recent
weeks but have not sold me yet. I just cannot buy Tom Brady and Bill Belichek
losing three games in a row. I know they will blanket Wes Welker in this game
but it will be very hard to stop the Pats' tight ends if you are the Jets. I
think the Jets linebackers subdue one of them, but not both.

Vikings @ Packers. Pick: Packers. I know Christian Ponder looked good in the
last meeting with the Pack, but playing at Lambeau is a whole different ball
game. Aaron Rodgers already has 24 touchdowns this season, and I believe he will
add plenty more on Monday night. If the Packers put up a lot of points early,
Ponder will be forced to make poor choices in the passing game. This one will be
a blow out. Take it to the Bank.
Take it to the Bank Week 10

 

Last Week: 6-7 (46%)  /  Season: 80-45 (64%)  /  Scott Pick: 3-5 (0-1)

 

 

Welcome back to our weekly sabbatical into "Take it to the Bank" land (a board

game is coming out that I swear). This past week was by far my worst week of

picking since I have been doing these columns over the years (under .500). Lets

not leave a sour taste in the mouths of new friends reading this on SNSPost.com.

It is time to put up or shut up and we know I do not do that second part all

that well. This week features a lot easy picks in my opinion, along with the

usual two or three headliners. Here goes nothing; Take it to the Bank.

 

 

 

 

Raiders @ Chargers. Pick: Chargers. The Chargers seem to do everything they can

to lose (the West Coast Philadelphia Eagles if you will). I just think they are

too good of a team to mess up three straight games (I've felt the same about the

Eagles too, but go figure). I think Carson Palmer still needs time to gel with

his wide-outs and I think after this loss, they will right the ship. I think if

Vincent Jackson plays like he did last week, this team can beat anyone (except

the Packers).

 

Cardinals @ Eagles. Scott Pick:.

 

Jaguars @ Colts. Pick: Jaguars. I know, I know...this has trap game written all

over it. Call me crazy but I am not taking the bait. I think the Jaguars defense

can win this one by itself. I know Blaine Gabbert has continued to digress (I

repeatedly said in my draft coverage that he needed year or two get his brain

around the NFL game) but they are coming off a bye and I think their defense

will continue to improve. For the Colts, this is likely their last legit shot at

a win this season. I have been saying it all year, this is not all because of

Peyton Manning's absence, it has a lot to do with their defense being more than

mediocre.

 

 

Broncos @ Chiefs. Pick: Chiefs. I still do not know what to make of the Chiefs.

They win four games in a row and then tank to the Dolphins. I just think this

team is playing very hard for Todd Haley (who I continue to admire) but they

need to also play well for four quarters. I think their talent far surpasses the

Broncos but I am a bit hesitant to pick them. Tim Tebow put on a show last week

but he has proven so far that he is good for a mirage or two during games. This

game will be close, especially if the "bad" Chiefs show up.

 

Steelers @ Bengals. Pick: Bengals. At this point, it is hard to pick against

Cincy. They just seem to get "it." I know this is their first big test (outside

of their loss to the 49ers at home) but I just have a ton of faith in Mike

Zimmer's defense. The Steelers will come out angry after their loss to the

Ravens last week but I just think the Bengals have been so steady that I can't

fathom a bad performance in this game. Pittsburgh will do all they can to prove

that wrong.

 

Bills @ Cowboys. Pick: Bills. The Cowboys are coming off a win to a mediocre

team and the Bills are coming off a loss to an overrated team. The Cowboys and

Bills will meet in Dallas which I think will sway a lot of pundits toward

"America's team" but I am cool being in the minority on this one. There is

plenty to dislike about the Boys. Their offensive line is awful, their loss to

the Eagles looks even worse after the way the Bears handles Philly's D-line, and

they are without Miles Austin. I look for the Bills to rebound in a big way.

 

Saints @ Falcons. Pick: Saints. The Falcons looked good last week, as did the

Saints but these NFC South games tend to always be up in the air. This one will

definitely be shoot out and I think the team with the bigger variety of toys

wins. The challenge for the Falcons is to keep Drew Brees off the field. I am

just not sure Mike Turner is up to the task this week versus Johnathan Vilma.

Julio Jones impressed me last week (there is a reason I had him over A.J. Green

in my prospects list).

 

 

Rams @ Browns. Pick: Rams. Pat Shurmur's return to St. Louis. Neither team's

offense has looked good since Shurmur left to take over the Browns and that does

not look like it will change anytime soon. I have a feeling though, that Steven

Jackson could have a huge game. I am less than impressed with the Browns' style

of play as of late. Colt McCoy needs to play with more polish for this team to

win games, now that he lacks Peyton Hillis in the run game. Believe me, time of

possession will win this game.

 

Redskins @ Dolphins. Pick: Dolphins. I must be nuts but I am going with the

suddenly warm hand (one win does not mean your burning up). I believe Matt Moore

is actually the better QB in this game and I think Mike Shanahan is gone after

this season if he loses to the Fins. The match-up I like most for the Fins

though is Reggie Bush against London Fletcher. Bush is just simply too agile and

fast for a linebacker of Fletcher's stature and age. The game will come down to

the final quarter but I think now that Moore has a feel for his tight end,

Anthony Fasano, he can really take advantage of the Skins overmatched safeties.

 

Titans @ Panthers. Pick: Titans. I loved the Bengals-Titans game last week and I

think this game will be similar with the back and forth. Cam Newton is due for

another huge game but I just think the team with the experience wins out this

time. I also believe this is the game that Chris Johnson makes some noise. The

Panthers linebackers are so banged up they have a guy like Omar Gaither

starting. Look for the Titans to take advantage with healthy does of Johnson and

Javon Ringer.

 

Texans @ Buccaneers. Pick: Texans. I have completely disowned Josh Freeman and

the Bucs; they seem to not want to win. Freeman has been his own worst enemy

this season and Mike Williams has looked like a shell of himself from his rookie

year. On the other hand, the Texans are looking to clinch their division as soon

as possible and I look for them to go on a run with Andre Johnson coming back in

the very near future. The Bucs being at home should do wonders for the game as I

think it'll be much closer than it would be if the Texans were home.

 

Ravens @ Seahawks. Pick: Ravens. The Ravens look to take over the division with

what I think is an easy win. The Seahawks just are not a good enough offense to

score on the Ravens. I do think the defense of Seattle's has definitely improved

throughout the season but Ray Rice should easily take over this game. Oh and

that Joe Flacco proved last week that he's pretty special too.

 

Lions @ Bears. Pick: Bears. This game should be the game of the week. I believe

both will come out swinging but you have to love what the Bears did to the

Eagles on Monday night. The Lions lack of running game could hurt them very

badly in this game as the only thing the Eagles were really able to do is run

with Lesean McCoy. I think Matt Forte continues his record-breaking performance

against the once-extremely feared Lions. I will say that the Lions are the

better team but the Bears are pretty tough to tumble with at Soldier Field.

 

NY Giants @ 49ers. Pick: 49ers. You have to give it up to Eli Manning, he is

having one of hell of year, but the rest of his team (outside of the defensive

line) looks average at best. Alex Smith, himself, is having a great year and

this battle of former first overall picks should showcase both. I will take the

49ers because they are playing well as a team and the west coast trips have not

faired well for the Giants in the past.

 

Patriots @ NY Jets. Pick: Patriots. I know the Patriots are having problems on

defense and have become a one-attraction carnival, but I like them against a

team they are very familiar with. The Ryan clan has been impressive in recent

weeks but have not sold me yet. I just cannot buy Tom Brady and Bill Belichek

losing three games in a row. I know they will blanket Wes Welker in this game

but it will be very hard to stop the Pats' tight ends if you are the Jets. I

think the Jets linebackers subdue one of them, but not both.

 

Vikings @ Packers. Pick: Packers. I know Christian Ponder looked good in the

last meeting with the Pack, but playing at Lambeau is a whole different ball

game. Aaron Rodgers already has 24 touchdowns this season, and I believe he will

add plenty more on Monday night. If the Packers put up a lot of points early,

Ponder will be forced to make poor choices in the passing game. This one will be

a blow out. Take it to the Bank.