Fyodor's Pro Football Picks of the Week.

1) The guys who set the lines are professionals. Their job is to make each game look as attractive as possible to everyone. That way they even out the amount of money bet on each side.
Instant translation: The house wins no matter who wins. That's why people get into the gambling business.

2) I am just a fan. I won't even keep track of these picks week to week if it gets too embarrassing.

3) There is no such thing as "inside information". Especially in the pros.

4) If those idiot touts on tv and in the paper were that good, they wouldn't go public with their genius. They'd sit at Harrah's sports book from open to close and then go out and buy $2,000 an hour hookers who dress like high school girls.

5) Gambling is stupid. You cannot win.

That being said, here are my NFL picks for this week.



FRIDAY 10/21


Kansas City (+1.5) at Miami
Does moving this to Friday because of Hurricane Wilma make a difference? Not to me. Take Miami.
FINAL: Chiefs 30 Dolphins 20 - Fyodor loses!


Sunday 10/23


Detroit (+2.5) at Cleveland
Lions on the grass of Cleveland? I'll take the Browns.
FINAL: Lions 13 Browns 10 - Fyodor loses!


Green Bay (-1.5) at Minnesota
Take the Pack.
FINAL: Vikings 23 Packers 20 - Fyodor loses!


Indianapolis (+15.5) at Houston
Another big number for the Colts. This time I'm going against them. Take Houston.
FINAL: Colts 38 Texans 20 - Fyodor loses! (Sorry, Mr. Manning.)


New Orleans (+3) at St. Louis
No Bulger. Take the Saints.
FINAL: Rams 28 Saints 17 - Fyodor loses! (No Bulger, no cry.)


Pittsburgh (+1) at Cincinnati
Steelers need this one and they know it. Pick Pittsburgh.
FINAL: Steelers 27 Bengals 13 - Fyodor wins! (Who cares about gambling?)


San Diego (+3.5) at Philadelphia
Eagles are hurting. Pick the Chargers.
FINAL: Eagles 20 Chargers 17 - Fyodor wins! (Hooray hook!)



San Francisco (+13) at Washington
Redskins should not have a number that big. I know the 49ers stink out loud, but please, 13? Take the 49ers.
FINAL: Redskins 52 (!) 49ers 17 - Fyodor loses! (Fyodor bows before the genius that is Joe Gibbs.)



Dallas (+3.5) at Seattle
Cowboys offense is banged up. Take the Seahawks.
FINAL: Seahawks 13 Cowboys 10 - Fyodor loses! (Vile, spiteful hook!)


Baltimore (+1) at Chicago
Chicago had their win. Pick the Ravens.
FINAL: Bears 10 Ravens 6 - Fyodor loses!


Buffalo (+3) at Oakland
Bills run all over Oakland. Take Bufffalo.
FINAL: Raiders 38 Bills 17 - Fyodor loses! (What was I thinking?)



Denver (+2) at NY Giants
Jake Plummer is due for a bad game. Take the improving Giants.
FINAL: Giants 24 Broncos 23 - Fyodor loses! (Ack!)



Tennessee (+3.5) at Arizona
Crummy Game of the Week. Take the Cardinals.
FINAL: Cardinals 20 Titans 10 - Fyodor wins!


Monday 10/24




NY Jets (+7) at Atlanta
I'll take the Falcons to cover.
FINAL: Falcons 27 Jets 14 - Fyodor wins! [The Falcons can win the Super Bowl if: 1) Vick cuts way down on the mistakes and turnovers. 2) Dunn stays healthy. 3) The defense improves. I am NOT holding my breath.]