MIKE KAYE

Season: 112-56 (67%)  /  Last Week: 13-2 (86%)  /  Scott’s Pick: 3-7-1 (0-0-1)

How was everyone’s Thanksgiving? We are back yet again in the playground of pick-ology, where I am coming off quite the week. The big news made by the Jaguars will likely gather the headlines, but the real show in the AFC South is the Texans and rookie, T.J. Yates. This season, there have been a ton of duds on Sundays and I expect that trend to continue this week. Either way it is football, so Let’s Take it to the Bank.

Eagles @ Seahawks

Pick: Scott Pick: Seahawks. These are the NFL Network games we’ve become used to over the years.  I’m not saying this matchup of two division winners turned massive disappointments will be a waste of your time, but unless you’re a hardcore football fan, this is one you can skip out on.  With the Eagles officially one of the great failures in NFL history after getting blasted by New England at the Linc, I’m rolling with the ideology that on a short week, they come completely undone and hit rock bottom in Seattle (where the Seahawks have already beaten Baltimore).

Raiders @ Dolphins

Pick: Raiders. The Dolphins got a dose of reality on Thanksgiving and the Raiders seem to be ready to make this year their own. The Carson Palmer trade is starting to look like an even deal with the type of presence Carson has brought. If the Raiders get Darren McFadden back anytime soon, they will be scary.

Falcons @ Texans

Pick: Falcons. The Schaub Bowl without Matt Schaub features Matt Ryan against T.J. Yates. On paper it is a frightening matchup for Houston, but on the field it will be evenly matched. I like the Falcons as the sixth seed in the NFC playoffs so I believe they pull out with the road win albeit barely. Be patient with Yates, he has a phenomenal pocket presence and can get the ball out. He will be a starter within the next two years (whether for Houston or somewhere else).

Panthers @ Buccaneers

Pick: Buccaneers. Carolina almost lost to the Colts. I understand Cam Newton puts up numbers and is a great leader, but I really worry about the constant throws. I have Andy Dalton as my rookie of the year because he has won games and because his are not empty stats. With that said, the Panthers are going to have trouble against the Bucs running game. For the Carolina to win, they need use their running game for once.

Colts @ Patriots

Pick: Patriots. This is a cruel joke by the NFL, but at least it’s not on primetime.

Jets @ Redskins

Pick: Jets. The Jets are mediocre but the Skins are worse.  Rex Grossman will have trouble throwing against the Gang Green’s secondary. If I’m Mark Sanchez, I am worried about Ryan Kerrigan and Brian Orakpo. Just run the ball Rex.

Chiefs @ Bears

Pick: Bears. Give Caleb Hanie a chance. I know he had a tough outing in Oakland, but let’s see how he does at home versus another inexperienced youngster (unless Kyle Orton starts, then all bets are off). If Mike Martz runs the ball with Matt Forte, the Bears are in great shape. If he decides to air it out, they are screwed.

Broncos @ Vikings

Pick: Broncos. Tebow has an illness and it’s called the “First Three Quarters.” After that, he is pretty darn good. The Broncos will win this game, not because they are great, but because the Vikes look awful. They could really use that 3rd overall pick that they are likely to get.

Titans @ Bills

Pick: Titans. These two teams appear as if they are going to miss the playoffs after early pushes. Matt Hasselbeck can put up points against the banged-up Bills defense and if Chris Johnson can have back-to-back good games, it could be a blessing for Tennessee down the stretch. Ryan Fitzpatrick has not been the same since signing that new contract, but I am not of the opinion that the contract is making him play worse. Buffalo’s lack of talent is simply catching up to them. Before no one had tape (more important than you might think) on their guys and now teams have caught on.

Bengals @ Steelers

Pick: Steelers. The Bengals barely sneaked by with a win over the Browns and they need to be careful not to lose their winning ways. Both will make the playoffs, but it’s hard to pick a rookie QB (no matter how great he has been) in Pittsburgh. Call it my rule of firsts (I should definitely trademark that).

Ravens @ Browns

Pick: Ravens. The Browns nearly beat the Bengals last week, but getting spurned in a close game is tough to recover from. The Ravens come to town red-hot after a win over the very legit Niners and their momentum will continue against the weakest team in the North. Colt McCoy just seems off this year.

Cowboys @ Cardinals

Pick: Cowboys. I worry about the Cowboys lack of defensive playmakers (outside of DeMarcus Ware). Rob Ryan’s D gives up just few enough to sneak by with a win, but that is a dangerous way of playing football. This could be a serious trap game for the Boys, but as long as their special teams unit holds Patrick Peterson, they will be okay.

Packers @ NY Giants

Pick: Packers. The Giants are having trouble sustaining momentum. Every time you think they are going to take over, they seem to stall. For a team that branded themselves as a “running team” they are kind of weak sauce in-between the tackles. The Packers are the best thing since sliced beard and are getting their other ring fingers fitted already.

Rams @ 49ers

Pick: 49ers. The Rams are the worst team in the NFC and the 49ers are one of the best. Thanksgiving was a hiccup because the San Fran is legit.

Lions @ Saints

Pick: Saints. This has shoot-out written all over it. The Saints are ready for the postseason to come their way. Drew Brees seems to put up big yardage without much of a problem and the Lions are having problems staying healthy. With Kevin Smith likely out, and the Saints putting up points like nothing, take the former champs.

Chargers @ Jaguars

Pick: Jaguars. Are the Chargers joking with their style of play? I kind of get the vibe that Philip Rivers has given up and Norv Turner has done little to make me think otherwise about him WANTING a change of scenery. The Jags have the league’s worst offense and  if they can force turnovers, interim Head Coach, Mel Tucker could take home a win.

Photo: Getty

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