Thanks Junior

Thanks for nothing. For the first time since the 2002 Super Bowl, I wagered on a game the Bucs played. I had a 5 team parlay which pays 20:1 and I had The Cardinals +3, the under 53 on the Saints/Panthers, the Panthers +14, Seahawks -10 and of course, the Packers -10. Of all the weeks to finally win a game, it had to be this week. For the third week in a row, I went 8-5 (90-39 overall). I won't repeat that this week, well, because there are finally 15 games this week as the NFL starts playing Thursday night games down the stretch.

Before I make this weeks picks, regular readers know that I call out Madison Avenue advertising campaigns on this blog. I've got to call out Anheuser Busch on this horrible, Tailgate tested, Tailgate approved campaign. First it was the Grooler, (combination grill/cooler) then it was the Foozie (foam finger with a drink holder). Bud then trotted out the Speaker Box, a radio in something which resembles a case of Bud Light. This past week was the tipping point on the sublime with the smock for dogs which holds condiments. I have thought all along that these commercials were fake, but after speaking with the Bud rep at a local watering hole, I was informed these are in fact real items and you can purchase them on the website. The next item coming is a 3-1 condiment gun which looks like a caulk gun you load with your three favorite toppings. Stop the insanity, please. This is the company which brought us the Bud-weise-er frogs, Louie the Lizard and the Clydesdales playing football, but these last two campaigns, the "Dude" ads and this is, quite frankly embarrassing. I admit, I did think about getting the smock for my cat, because it looks as if you could get a few beers in the holes, but I realized Jasmine has no thumbs and would never be able to retrieve me refills for my empties during game day. So please Busch, from a good customer, stop these stupid advertisements. On to this weeks picks,

San Fran vs. Chicago- Both of these teams are in disarray. The 49er's started the season 3-1 and have dropped three straight. Mike Singletary will have the Niners fired up as they face his old team. 49er's win.

Jets vs Jaguars- Jacksonville has a horrible secondary, so Mark Sanchez should have plenty of chances this week. Jets win.

Denver vs. Washington Crackheads- On week 5, I predicted that Denver would be the first team in NFL history to start 5-0 and miss the playoffs. It does appear that the rest of the NFL has figured out a way to beat the Broncos as they are 1-2 in the past three weeks. This week however, as they travel east to play the Crackheads, they win easily. Washington has serious issues and only won twice, against Carolina and Tampa Bay.

Pittsburgh vs. Cincy- My bengal cat, Jasmine, is angry with me on this pick. Sure, the striped ones are playing well and will most likely make the playoffs, but they won't win in Pittsburgh this week. Cedric Benson's remarkable comeback season will take a detour as he faces the NFL's leading run defense.

Tennessee vs Buffalo- Kerry Collins was replaced at quarterback by former 1st round draft choice, Vince Young. Young has not played all that spectacular, but he has produced two wins in the last two weeks. Granted, the wins were over Jacksonville and Oakland, but this weeks opponent is not any better. The Titans win.

Minnesota vs. Detroit- Pencil in win number 8 for Favre and company. Stafford and Megatron appear to be feuding, that isn't good news for the Motor City.

New Orleans vs. St Louis- The only question here is how many touchdowns will Brees end up with on Sunday.

Miami vs. Tampa Bay- Sure, Tampa got one in the win column last week but don't expect the same result this week as Miami will have game film on Josh Freeman. Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams are running the wildcat to perfection and Miami wins easily.

Oakland vs. Kansas City- Does anyone really care about this game other than fantasy football players? And if your fantasy teams are depending on this game, you're in trouble. Kansas City wins.

Arizona vs Seattle- I really felt that once Matt Hasslebeck returned to the lineup, Seattle would challenge for the division title, but this team isn't going to be playing after January 3rd 2010. Arizona wins.

San Diego vs. Philly- I really felt like the Eagles were going to separate themselves in the NFC East but fell flat on Sunday night against the Cowboys. Now, they have to travel west to play the Chargers. San Diego is playing great football as of late, but Norv Turner's team always plays great in the later parts of the season. San Diego wins.

Green Bay vs. Dallas- Dallas was on the road last week in an emotional NFC East game and now, they travel to Green Bay. Green Bay has lost two tough games, their offensive line is horrible but Aaron Rodgers is airing it out and Dallas has a weak secondary. Green Bay can't afford to fall any further behind the Vikings and pull out a close win at home this week.

Indy vs. New England- This will be a great game to watch. However, Indy has played two very close games the past few weeks, failing to cover the spread. This will be the week Indy finally loses a game.

Monday night
Baltimore vs. Cleveland- How does Cleveland rate a Monday Night game? I'm in the stretch runs in my fantasy leagues and I have Ray Rice who will have a monster game against Cleveland. Baltimore wins this game by halftime.