Week 16 NFL Against the Spread Picks

We're down to the final two weeks, and we have a tight race at the top with the other two just trying to reclaim .500 before the season ends.

Brien (40-33-2 for .547)

Two weeks left to go in the regular season, and I've regained a share of the lead.

Cleveland (-2.5) over CINCINNATI - The Browns are a huge part of my turnaround in the picks competition. They're also playing their way into the playoffs, and the Bengals gave up on the season several weeks ago. This line is almost too good to be true (uh oh).

Tampa Bay (-6.5) over SAN FRANCISCO - I know the 49ers won last week, but the Bucs are a much better team than the Bengals.

BUFFALO (+3) over NY Giants - The Bills are a scary team if you look past them, and the Giants have a history of not showing up to play their A game.

MINNESOTA (-6.5) over Washington - Tavaris Jackson scares me, but I think the Vikings still aren't getting the respect they deserve.

SAN DIEGO (-8) over Denver - The Broncos have lost 5 of their last 6 on the road. The Chargers are peaking at the right time to make a run in the playoffs.

Jeremy (38-31-6 for .547) and Magic 8 Ball (41-28-6 for .587)

Jeremy's Picks:

Well, well, well... student ties with teacher. I knew that I shouldn't have taught you about diversity, community service, the arts, and the benefits of a liberal education so well in Honors100. Now I'm going to have to school your ass with two solid weeks of picks beginning right now. (and J-Red, I do believe I'm actually half a point up because of my correct Grey Cup pick... we had contractually agreed that counted, right? [J-Red's note: No, because only you and I participated. If you and I were tied, I'd entertain that.])

BUFFALO (+3) over NY Giants - Shockey is out, Eli is playing like the December version of Eli, and we're right on schedule for a 2007 implosion. Me likey.

Cleveland (-2.5) over CINCINNATI - This line should go to about 15 if Pittsburgh loses Thursday night and Cleveland has a chance to control their own destiny for the NFC North.

Tampa Bay (-6.5) over SAN FRANCISCO - I like my boy Shaun Hill, but Jeff Garcia is back in the saddle, and I think Tampa survives their jet lag and their D beats up on the Niners pretty bad. That said, San Fran did get 10 days rest for this game.

Green Bay (-8.5) over CHICAGO - Green Bay just has way, way too many weapons, and is back in the hunt for home field.

Philadelphia (+3) over NEW ORLEANS - Philly hasn't rolled over yet, and their secondary is going to give Brees some trouble.

Magic 8 Ball Picks:

We all knew it wouldn't last, especially because if I finished over .600, Russell had promised to actually do a mathematical equation in a blog post explaining how it could be.

NY Giants (-3) over BUFFALO - "Don't count on it.' [Bills beating spread]

Cleveland (-2.5) over CINCINNATI - "My answer is no." [Bengals won't beat spread]

SAN FRANCISCO (+6.5) over Tampa Bay - "Yes." [49ers beat spread]

Green Bay (-8.5) over CHICAGO - "My answer is no." [Chicago won't beat spread]

Philadelphia (+3) over NEW ORLEANS - "Don't count on it." [Saints beating spread]

J-Red (35-37-3 for .487)

If this were real life, I'd totally take New England -22.5 and Miami on the moneyline to win. I just have a weird feeling about Miami riding the Baltimore win a little, even if they have no QB and can't run the ball. Of course, that would curse the Dolphins to a heartbreaking 24-21 loss.

CINCINNATI (+2.5) over Cleveland - This line reeks of WTF and this is a strange rivalry, though usually it doesn't have playoff implications.

Tampa Bay (-6.5) over SAN FRANCISCO - I hope Shaun Hill can dissect the TB defense, but it's tough on inexperienced QBs. Just ask Chris Redman.

ARIZONA (-10) over Atlanta - Atlanta is in total disarray, and Warner should be able to extract some points.

Dallas (-11) over CAROLINA - It actually matters now for Dallas to win. They are in real danger of losing their grip on the top spot.

BUFFALO (+3) over NY Giants - I just smell a late season Giants collapse.

Russell (32-41-2 for .440)

I should get something for finishing last, like the #1 draft pick.

Pittsburgh (-8.5) over ST LOUIS - The Rams have absolutely nothing to play for, while the Steelers would like to be playing at home in two weeks.

Dallas (-11) over CAROLINA - Jessica won't be at this game, and Dallas will do everything they can to avoid Lambeau in January.

Cleveland (-2.5) over CINCINNATI - The Browns are actually the better team this year.

DETROIT (-5) over Kansas City - This one's all about location.

BUFFALO (+3) over NY Giants - If the Giants don't win, they could miss the playoffs. I don't think they're good enough to beat Buffalo in the winter weather. Then they'll have something to play for against the evil empire.

RECAP

Brien - BUF, CLE, MIN, SD, TB
Jeremy - BUF, CLE, GB, PHI, TB
J-Red - ARI, BUF, CIN, DAL, TB
Russell - BUF, CLE, DAL, DET, PIT
Magic 8 - CLE, GB, NYG, PHI, SF

STANDINGS

Magic 8 (41-28-6 for .587)
Jeremy (38-31-6 for .547 -- 3 GB)
Brien (40-33-2 for .547 -- 3 GB)
J-Red (35-37-3 for .487 -- 7.5 GB, 4.5 GB Humans)
Russell (32-41-2 for .440 -- 11 GB, 8 GB Humans)

All of us: 186-170-19 for .521
Humans: 145-142-13 for .505