Football Forecasters

College Football Picks

OKLAHOMA STATE (ML)(+):  Cowyboys are the better team, and they’re getting points.  Sweet money line play, this ought to be a great contest to watch, decided by who has the ball last.

WASHINGTON STATE (+):  WSU is bad, but this is a rivalry game, and while the Huskies are rising - they’re NOT 3 touchdowns better.

BOSTON COLLEGE:  This is as much a play on the disciplined Eagles as it’s a play against the struggling Terrapins.

ALSO LIKES: Texas Tech, BYU, South Florida (+)

NFL PICKS:

HOUSTON (+):  Texans have some things they can do over the top, and this will be their “playoff” game.

ATLANTA A+ rated pick:  Tampa on the road with a rookie QB against a division rival fighting to make the playoffs.  Falcons vulnerable in secondary against good pass attacks, but that will not be an issue vs the Bucs.  This should be a two TD win for the Black Birds.

ALSO LIKES: Minnesota, Carolina (ML)

In week eleven we turned in a our best straight up results of the season, a very respectable 13 – 3; however against the spread, the results were the worst of the season thus far at 6 – 10. The season record is 109 – 51 straight up and 87 – 72 – 1 against the spread. Line results are taken against the line available to me on Tuesday evening when I make my choices.)

I participate in a pick’em league and these choices reflect the picks for my league selections; for my league I can make changes until the first game kicks off and will (rarely) based on last minute injury information. These are for amusement value only; please do not confuse these choices with the picks this site makes for betting purposes. I do not gamble on football you need only look at last week’s results to understand why.

Green Bay at Detroit – The Detroit offense looked good last week but the defense looked terrible, the opponent this week is somewhat stronger. Green Bay has some significant defensive injuries but the offense should not have a difficult time, Packers win 28 – 14.

Oakland at Dallas – The Raiders changed quarterbacks and improved their offense; they still are not very good, just less embarrassing. The Dallas offense will be featured on milk cartons around the country this week, but this opponent can make anyone healthy, Cowboys win 27 – 10.

New York Giants at Denver – Denver is struggling with injuries, while they have played better than expected this season they do not have much depth. New York has issues with their defensive secondary but can control the tempo of the game, Giants win 24 – 20.

Tampa Bay at Atlanta – Tampa Bay has the worse run defense in the NFL and mediocre offensive prospects. Atlanta has injuries to their running game but they have depth and decent run blocking from their offensive line, Falcons win 27 – 17.

Miami at Buffalo – Buffalo has had a variety of injuries; particularly hard hit has been the defense their strongest unit, the offense has been inconsistent. Miami has lost their best offensive weapon but Williams stepped up at running back and the defense is solid, Dolphins win 27 – 21.

Carolina at New York Jets – The Panthers have a strong running game but do not play well from behind. New York has a good run defense and should be able to set the tempo; their offense also depends on the getting the rushing game going, Jets win 24 – 20.

Cleveland at Cincinnati – The Browns find new ways to lose every week and this week is unlikely to be much different. Cincinnati also found a creative way to lose, this week they have a chance to sweep the division and they should have no problem, Bengals win 27 – 14.

Indianapolis at Houston – Houston is at home though on a short week and after a physical game against their nemesis. Indianapolis has won some very ugly games some with defense some with offense, they seem to be able to do what they have to, Colts win 28 – 24.

Washington at Philadelphia – The Redskins lost another running back and another offensive lineman from an already ailing offense. In case you have lost the theme here, Philadelphia is incredibly inconsistent and plays down to their opponent still Eagles win 24 – 21.

Seattle at St Louis – St Louis will be starting Boller at quarterback, a setback to an offense that was showing some improvement. Seattle has injury issues on defense and the offensive line is not particularly good but they can exploit a weaker team, Seahawks win 24 – 17.

Jacksonville at San Francisco – Jacksonville has some real offensive talent but their defense tackles poorly and has a poor pass rush. San Francisco has a quality running back and two receivers, who will be difficult to defend this week, Forty-niners win 24 – 20.

Kansas City at San Diego – The Chief defense gives up points and the offense does not score nearly enough to compensate. The Charger offense can score points in bunches and the defense has stepped up as the season has progressed, Chargers win 31 – 14.

Arizona at Tennessee – Tennessee has the running game working and the defense therefore is less challenged. Arizona has a lot of offense (assuming Warner is starting) and if they jump out to an early lead can dictate tempo, Arizona wins 24 – 21.

Chicago at Minnesota – The Bears offensive line does not block well and Cutler is under a lot of pressure, which contributes to his problems, this week it gets worse. The Vikings play well at home should wear down an undersized defense, Vikings win 28 – 14.

Baltimore at Pittsburgh – The Pittsburgh defense is less effective without Polamalu and the offensive line play has been mediocre. Baltimore needs a win to have a realistic playoff chance and their game matches up reasonably well here, Ravens win 24 – 21.

New England at New Orleans – The Patriots have a very good offense but the defense can get warn down as the game goes on. New Orleans has an offense that does everything well including blocking and can be very physical, Saints win 31 – 24.

College Football Picks:

Arizona (+): Sun Devils have the offense that can go tit-for-tat with the Ducks.  They’ll use the same blue print Stanford did, this is a touchdown game, and we won’t be surprised if they outright win.

Michigan (+): This is the Wolverines BCS bowl game.  They have some match-ups they can exploit, and should be able to put up points. Our forecast is this will be decided by a FG either way.

Tennessee: Don’t see where Vandy’s points are going to come from against this defense.  We have Vandy putting up 7-13 points, and the Volunteers posting between 24 to 35.

Also Likes: Utep (+), Texas Tech (+), Army,  Nebraska, Rutgers

NFL Picks:

New England - A+ Pick:  Patriots are healthier than they were in the first meeting, and starting to gel offensively.  This time it’s the Jets who are banged up, and on the road.  Look for the Pats to lay the wood down.  Jets defense no match for this offense in this situation.  Patriots win by 13, and this has the potential to get very ugly.

Cleveland (+): This will be a FG game either way. Much maligned Browns know this is one they can win, and should give their best effort.  On the other side Detroit should be able to successfully attack this secondary. Look for a tightly contested game, and take the value with the points.

Also Likes: San Francisco (+)

Week ten the straight up result was a mediocre 9 – 6 as we end the bye weeks, back to sixteen games every week. Against the spread, the results were a horrible 6 – 9. The season record is 96 – 48 straight up and 81 – 62 – 1 against the spread. As we continue to fall back to average after a strong initial start to the season. Line results are taken against the line available to me on Tuesday when I make my choices.)

A special note, there were a number of vary significant injuries last week; who will be out is not entirely clear as this is being written but there is likely to be some variance here as we know more and get closer to the weekend.

I participate in a pick’em league and these choices reflect the picks for my league selections; for my league I can make changes until the first game kicks off and will (rarely) based on last minute injury information. These are for amusement value only; please do not confuse these choices with the picks this site makes for betting purposes. I do not gamble on football and if you look at last week’s results, you can understand why.

Miami at Carolina – The Dolphins are without Ronnie Brown for the rest of the season; which really changes the game plan, e.g. no wildcat. Carolina also lost their starting left tackle for the season; the impact on their running game is not good, Panthers win 20 – 14.

Atlanta at New York Giants – Atlanta will likely be without running back Turner in this game who has been their primary offensive weapon of late. New York is coming off their bye week and should be well prepared for the stretch run here, Giants win 28 – 17.

Indianapolis at Baltimore – The Ravens are on a short week with a defense has been vulnerable in the passing game and the offense a bit inconsistent. Indianapolis has been playing just well enough to win, a possibility of a let down here but that really seems unlikely, Colts win 28 – 24.

Buffalo at Jacksonville – Buffalo has the worst rushing defense in the league and an ineffective offense under an interim coach. Jacksonville has been offensively inconsistent; their tackling has been a defensive problem, but this week Jaguars win 24 – 14.

Cleveland at Detroit – Cleveland will be traveling and on a short week and they have the worst offense in the NFL. Detroit is not a good team and has been further hurt by injuries, with Calvin Johnson getting healthy they have a real weapon, Lions win 21 – 14.

Washington at Dallas – The Redskins were offensively effective last week, as they seemed to wear down the defense. Dallas lost offensive lineman Marc Colombo that would hurt the running game if they used one, Cowboys win 24 – 17.

San Francisco at Green Bay – San Francisco can play defense and while the offense is uninspiring, Frank Gore is quite a weapon. Green Bay has been very inconsistent defensively and the offensive line is porous but they can be explosive, Packers win 24 – 21.

Pittsburgh at Kansas City – The Chiefs may have improved their overall offense by dropping their starting running back, chemistry matters. Pittsburgh lost a tough game but the defense they face this week is nothing to worry about, Steelers win 28 – 10.

Seattle at Minnesota – Seattle can generate offense through the passing game but they can give up a lot of points also. Minnesota is on a roll and playing well on both sides of the ball, after a soft effort last week they should be focused this week, Vikings win 28 – 20.

New Orleans at Tampa Bay – The Buccaneers are a different and better offensive team with Freeman at quarterback. New Orleans has some injury issues in their defensive secondary but this week is not when the test comes, Saints win 27 – 17.

Arizona at St Louis – St Louis played a solid game last week behind a strong performance by Steve Jackson and their defense played well. Arizona has played well on the road and has a good run defense, Cardinals win 28 – 14.

Cincinnati at Oakland – The Raiders continue to be a study in futility, they may or may not be changing quarterbacks this week, not that it matters. Cincinnati has been surprisingly good particularly along the lines, Bengals win 24 – 10.

New York Jets at New England Patriots – The Jets defense has some injury issues; the quarterback play has been uneven. The New England offense is playing well and capable of putting up points and has the advantage, Patriots win 28 – 14.

San Diego at Denver – Denver without Orton has limited chances here, even if he does play his mobility and quite possibly his delivery are likely to be affected. San Diego still has defensive issues against the run but the offense seems to be on track, Chargers win 28 – 20.

Philadelphia at Chicago – The Bears offensive line has blocked poorly and Cutler keeps trying to do too much; the defensive talent is limited. Philadelphia has injury issues defensively and can be offensively inconsistent but this week, Eagles win 24 – 17.

Tennessee at Houston – Houston is coming off their bye week and has the ability to put up points in a hurry but they can give up a lot of points as well. The Titans are playing well, while they are somewhat one-dimensional offensively they will win the close games; Titans win 27 – 24.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL PICKS:

BOSTON COLLEGE is our highest rated A+ rated pick this week - Eagles potent ground game should dominate a fading Cavaliers run defense. Virginia offense can’t sustain continuity on offense which would give the defense a rest.  This may not be a big blow-out, but BC should control both sides of the trenches and should win by about 17 points.

UTAH (+) - Way too many points.  Our forecast is this will be a 7 point game, 10 at the most to TCU.  Utah is quick on defense, they’ll come in looking to win, and give TCU a tightly fought contest.

LA. MONROE - The hilltoppers defense has given up way to many points on the road and the Warhawks still have a chance at the sunbelt title.  This one could be a blow-out, but it is a steep number, Warhawks by 32.

STANFORD (+)(ML) - Last weeks win over Oregon was no fluke.  They match up very well to USC, are getting generous points, and we won’t be surprised if they pull off the road upset.

Also Likes: Houston, New Mexico (+), Nebraska, Troy (+)

NFL PICKS:

NEW ORLEANS - Rams defense is porous, especially susceptible secondary.  Saints offense can be explosive, particularly strong offensive line - which can both run block and pass block very well - usually a good O-line excels at one or the other, but this one does both equally well.  N.O. defense is proud, and won’t just give away a backdoor cover.  Saints by 17.

NEW ENGLAND (ML) - This shapes as one of those games that will be won by who has the ball last, and in the NFL that’s a solid ML value when you can get it at +120 (+3 with the points). Forget the fundamental matchups here - that’s a wash - both teams have advantages over the top they can exploit. It comes down to who executes at crunch time.

ALSO LIKES: Miami, New Orleans, and Bengals (+)

Week nine the straight up result was 8 – 5 a slight improvement over recent weeks. Against the spread, the results were also improved and the same mark 8 - 5. The season record is 87 – 42 straight up and 75 – 53 – 1 against the spread. (I take no real credit for the results against the spread so please do not assume that I know anything. Line results are taken against the line available to me on Tuesday when I make my choices.)

I participate in a pick’em league and these choices reflect the picks for my league selections; for my league I can make changes until the first game kicks off and will (rarely) based on last minute injury information. These are for amusement value only; please do not confuse these choices with the picks this site makes for betting purposes. I do not gamble on football and if you look at last week’s results, you can understand why.

Chicago at San Francisco – The Bears are traveling on a short week; they have a mediocre offensive line and under pressure, Cutler tends to make mistakes. San Francisco is also a team that is sometimes its own worse enemy and need to avoid turnovers, Forty-niners win 24 – 20.

Atlanta at Carolina – The Panthers are a team that can be good when they avoid turnovers and can set the tempo with their running game. Atlanta does not always travel well but they are a balanced attack and have big play capability, Falcons win 24 – 20.

Buffalo at Tennessee – Buffalo is coming off of a much needed bye week given their injury report, but the offensive problems are not so easily addressed. Tennessee has found their defense midway through the season, offensively one-dimensional is enough, Titans win 28 – 17.

Cincinnati at Pittsburgh – The Bengals are using the run to set up the pass and their line play on both sides of the ball has been unexpectedly good. Pittsburgh has the number one run defense but will need to avoid turnovers here, Steelers win 24 – 21.

Denver at Washington – Washington continues to see injuries to key offensive players, they have limited offensive depth. Denver has lost two games to two good teams; their defense has been playing well but can be worn down, not likely this week, Broncos win 24 – 14.

Detroit at Minnesota – The Lions are struggling offensively but have some weapons; the defense is simply bad. Minnesota is coming off their bye week and are playing well on both sides of the ball and should have no problems, Vikings win 28 – 14.

Jacksonville at New York Jets – The Jacksonville offense is inconsistent and their defense has little in the way of a pass rush and tackles poorly. The New York Jets can be inconsistent like most teams with a rookie quarterback, no pressure this week, Jets win 28 – 20.

Tampa Bay at Miami – Tampa Bay is no longer winless as their rookie quarterback played a very credible first game last week. Miami is more than the wildcat, but the running game is the heart of their offense and they can defend the run also, Dolphins win 28 – 14.

New Orleans at St Louis – The Rams are coming off of their bye week and should be healthy but that is about the limits of optimism for this week. New Orleans can be held in check somewhat if the opposition can control the time of possession, Saints win 34 – 17.

Kansas City at Oakland – Oakland is coming off a bye week and will be a bit healthier though it is unclear they will be any better. Kansas City has parted ways with their starting running back but may have improved by subtraction in this case, Chiefs win 24 – 21.

Seattle at Arizona – The Seahawk offense has had to adjust for a number of injuries but can put up points; the defense has been inconsistent. Arizona is not playing well at home where they have only one this season; the offense is explosive, Cardinals win 35 – 24.

Dallas at Green Bay – The Green Bay offensive line has been terrible in protection, and the defense has been inconsistent. The Dallas defense has been getting better pass pressure and big plays from their offense, Cowboys win 28 – 21.

Philadelphia at San Diego – The Chargers are playing better defensively and the pass offense has been effective but the running game has been nonexistent. Philadelphia is inconsistent for no obvious reason but the defense will be attacking the quarterback, Eagles win 28 – 24.

New England at Indianapolis – The Patriot defense has been steadily improving but will be tested this week on the road. Indianapolis has not been particularly effective running the ball but otherwise solid, the defense has been doing well despite injuries, Colts win 28 -21.

Baltimore at Cleveland – Cleveland will be changing quarterbacks, again; it is unlikely to matter in the result. Baltimore is not the defensive powerhouse it once was but this week they should look good and the offense has an opportunity to get back on track as well, Ravens win 28 – 14.

Big Al says the best value this week appears to be with some favorites who should lay some wood this weekend.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL PICKS:

PITTSBURGH - Orangemen heavily overmatched here, and don’t belong on the same field, only question is by how much Pitt wants to win by?  They might have the cover by halftime.

NORTHWESTERN (+):  Stats say this will be closer than the line predicts, and should be decided by single digits either way.  Couple that with the motivation factor and it’s a play on the Wildcats.

GEORGIA TECH - Wake is struggling this year, Tech appears to be playing crisper ball down the stretch and controls their own BCS destiny - they should easily win this by a 3 TD margin.

SMU A rated play - Mustangs have potent offense, Rice doesn’t have the tools on offense to play catch-up once it gets out of hand, and there is little concern of a backdoor cover.  Our call is SMU by 28.

Also Likes: Oklahoma State, Houston, From Thursday: Northern Illinois, Temple, East Carolina

NFL:

DETROIT (+):  Hard to imagine, but the computer says this is the best value number on the board.  If you decide to play it wait till the last minute, as this one might get to +10.5 before kick-off.

GREEN BAY - Tampa secondary is hurting, and Bucs don’t have the pass rush to pressure Rodgers. Line is currently at -9.5, so get it while you can, as we expect it will climb prior to kick-off.

Also Likes: New England, Pittsburgh

I just got off the horn with our College football handicapper, Big Al - often Allen has an opinion on one of the early weak games, but today he sees 3 picks with betting value.  I’m posting all three as college “also like” rated picks.  I’m at work, and was able to sneak away, login and update the blog, but can’t update the home page on the site yet.  Personally, I just hit these straight up, as 3.5% of bankroll plays - hoping to go 2 for 3 (I don’t like 3-team parlays at all, as we explained in our money management tips parlays our a losing proposition). We’ll update again about 9:00pm EST Friday night.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL PICKS: TBA

ALSO LIKE RATED PICKS - Thursday:  TEMPLE, Owls should win by 4 TDs. NORTHERN ILLINOIS in a nice sitution here, should win by 20.  EAST CAROLINA (+) is a solid team, they’re on national television, and they should stay within double digits.

Peace, Football Forecasters

It was tough in week eight, our straight up result was 7 – 6 barely average as dogs ruled. Against the spread, the results were much worse going under average again at 5 – 8. The season record is 79 – 37 straight up and 67 – 48 – 1 against the spread. (I take no real credit for the results against the spread so please do not assume that I know anything. Line results are taken against the line available to me on Tuesday when I make my choices.)

I participate in a pick’em league and these choices reflect the picks for my league selections; for my league I can make changes until the first game kicks off and will (rarely) based on last minute injury information. These are for amusement value only; please do not confuse these choices with the picks this site makes for betting purposes. I do not gamble on football and if you look at last week’s results, you can understand why.

Washington at Atlanta – The Redskins offensive line lacks depth and overall the offense lacks playmakers, the defense is not bad but on the field too long. Atlanta will likely struggle to establish their running game but will make enough plays, Falcons win 28 – 14.

Arizona at Chicago – Chicago generally plays well at home but in this game they match up poorly with the receivers and their offensive line has not been playing well. Arizona has played well on the road; their defense should control the line of scrimmage, Cardinals win 28 - 21

Baltimore at Cincinnati – The Bengals have been playing well particularly along the offensive line, the loss of Odom hurts their pass rush. The Ravens offense is getting even better; the defense can make plays but needs to play with more discipline, Ravens win 28 – 24.

Houston at Indianapolis – Houston loss Daniels which will hurt the offensive continuity though they have plenty of weapons remaining. The Colts are playing very well defensively; the offense is liable to score at any time though the running game threat is minimal, Colts win 28 – 21.

Green Bay at Tampa Bay – The Buccaneers will be starting their rookie quarterback without much of a supporting cast. Green Bay has been erratic defensively but are adjusting to the new scheme; the pass protection for Rodgers is a concern, Packers win 28 – 14.

Kansas City at Jacksonville – Kansas City has had a week off to fix what is wrong with them, which will be the theme of their off-season as well. Jacksonville is vulnerable defensively particularly in the secondary but they can handle it this week, Jaguars win 24 – 14.

Miami at New England – The Dolphins had a very fortunate win, difficult to see them getting two kickoff returns for touchdowns again. New England has had a week off and should be well prepared for the wildcat this week, Patriots win 28 – 21.

Carolina at New Orleans – Carolina showed what might have been possible if the offense had not been turning the ball over for the first half of the season. New Orleans is playing well on both sides of the ball, the offense has too many weapons, Saints win 31 – 14.

Detroit at Seattle – The Lions are still trying to find their way back to respectability; the pass defense particularly needs some work and will get practice this week. Seattle has plenty of weapons offensively to take advantage this week, Seahawks win 27 - 14

San Diego at New York Giants – San Diego is still not a very good defensive unit particularly after losing Williams, run defense will be the particular issue this week. New York needs to firm up their safety play or this game could be a shoot out, Giants win 28 – 24.

Tennessee at San Francisco – The Titans broke their winless streak last week with Young at quarterback by gaining over three hundred yards on the ground. The San Francisco run defense is very good and their offense is looking better, forty-niners win 28 – 17.

Dallas at Philadelphia – Dallas has been inconsistent but appears to be more effective on both defense and offense; this week will be a real test. Philadelphia can also be rather difficult to predict but their pass rush is the difference here, Eagles win 28 – 24.

Pittsburgh at Denver – Denver is a good team playing well, their revamped defense has been one of the big surprises of the season but the matchup here is not good. Pittsburgh has an explosive offensive but will need to be careful not to commit turnovers, Steelers win 24 – 20.