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 any 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.



Saturday 12/31



Denver (+11) at San Diego
If I was Shanahan, I'd play Plummer and the other starters all game long to keep them sharp, but you never know...Take the Chargers to cover.
FINAL: Broncos 23 Chargers 7 - Fyodor loses!


NY Giants (- 9.5) at Oakland
The Giants are overrated, but they've got to get right for the playoffs. I'll take NY to cover.
FINAL: Giants 30 Raiders 21 - Fyodor loses!


Sunday 1/1



Arizona (+6.5) at Indianapolis
Colts also must get ready for the postseason. Pick Indy.
FINAL: Colts 17 Cardinals 13 - Fyodor loses!




Baltimore (-3.5) at Cleveland
Ravens will cover to celebrate the continuation of the glorious Billick era.
FINAL: Browns 20 Ravens 16 - Fyodor loses!


Buffalo (-1.5) at NY Jets
The Crummy Game of the Week! I'll take the Jets at home only because the Bills played their best game of the year last week.
FINAL: Jets 30 Bills 26 - Fyodor wins!


Carolina (-4.5) at Atlanta
Panthers need a victory, Falcons don't. Pick Carolina.
FINAL: Panthers 44 Falcons 11 - Fyodor wins!



Chicago (+4.5) at Minnesota
Take the Bears even though I'm not sold on Rex Grossman as an NFL starter.
FINAL: Vikings 34 Bears 10 - Fyodor loses!


Cincinnati (+7.5) at Kansas City
Chiefs will win, but will not cover. Pick Cincy.
FINAL: Chiefs 37 Bengals 3 - Fyodor loses! (37 looks like a good number for the Bungles to give up against the Steelers next Sunday.)


Detroit (+13) at Pittsburgh
It's a playoff game for the surging Steelers. They'll cover big time.
FINAL: Steelers 35 Lions 21 - Fyodor wins! (It's playoff time! Bring on those Bungles!)


Miami (+5.5) at New England
I think this number is way too small. I'll take the Patriots anyway. That's what is known as gallows humor, kiddies.
FINAL: Dolphins 28 Patriots 26 - Fyodor loses! (Who cares? The drop kick is back, baby! Congrats to one of my all-time favorite players, Doug Flutie.)


New Orleans (+13.5) at Tampa Bay
I don't know if Tampa has that much offense. Take N.O. and the points.
FINAL: Bucs 27 Saints 13 - Fyodor loses! (Ack!)



Houston (-1.5) at San Francisco
The First Overall Pick Bowl! (I'm not convinced it should be called the Reggie Bush Bowl.) Pick Houston.
FINAL: 49ers 20 Texans 17 - Fyodor loses!


Tennessee (+3.5) at Jacksonville
Take the Jaguars to cover. And stop saying "Jag-wires"!
FINAL: Jaguars 40 Titans 13 - Fyodor wins! (The Patriots better not take Jacksonville lightly in the first round.)


Seattle (+5) at Green Bay
Nothing to play for against lousy team. Pick Seattle.
FINAL: Packers 23 Seahawks 17 - Fyodor loses! (Brett Favre is underrated. He may be the best QB ever.)


Washington (-7.5) at Philadelphia
Redskins cover easily.
FINAL: Redskins 31 Eagles 20 - Fyodor wins! (Yep.)


St. Louis (+12.5) at Dallas
A big spread, but Dallas is the better team playing at home. But I'll go contrarian here. Pick the Rams.
FINAL: Rams 20 Cowboys 10 - Fyodor wins! (Cowboys quit after being eliminated from the playoff chase. Of course it's not the fault of Genius Parcells.