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.


Sunday 10/15


Buffalo (-1) at Detroit
This line makes me suspicious, but who cares? Pick the Bills to cover.
FINAL: Lions 20 Bills 17 - Fyodor loses! (I should have cared.)


Carolina (+3) at Baltimore
The Panthers have an offense. Pick Carolina and get 3 points free!
FINAL: Panthers 23 Ravens 21 - Fyodor wins!


Cincinnati (-5.5) at Tampa Bay
I don't care how many Bengals are in jail this week, I can't go with the Bucs. Take Cincy.
FINAL: Buccaneers 14 Bengals 13 - Fyodor loses! (The refs who normally screw the Seahawks screwed the Bengals this week. Or maybe their plan is to help the Steelers...)



Houston (+13) at Dallas
The Eagles' evil plan to destroy the Cowboys continues apace. Take the Texans and the points.
FINAL: Cowboys 34 Texans 6 - Fyodor loses! (What was I thinking?)


NY Giants (+3) at Atlanta
Take the Falcons at home. This might be a good game.
FINAL: Giants 27 Falcons 14 - Fyodor loses! (This also bodes well for Pittsburgh...maybe.)



Philadelphia (-3) at New Orleans
Cinderella, again. Pick the Saints.
FINAL: Saints 27 Eagles 24 - Fyodor wins!



Seattle (-3) at St. Louis
The refs screw the Seahawks yet again. Take the homestanding Rams and the points.
FINAL: Seahawks 30 Rams 28 - Fyodor wins! (I think this is the first NFC West game I have ever picked correctly.)


Tennessee (+10.5) at Washington
The Crummy Game of the Week! Will the Redskins' real offense please stand up? Pick Washington.
FINAL: Titans 25 Redskins 22 - Fyodor loses! (The whole Washington team laid down like dogs.)


Kansas City (+6.5) at Pittsburgh
Those Super Bowl memories are quickly fading, boys. I'll take the Chiefs and the points and hope for a narrow Steeler margin of victory.
FINAL: Steelers 45 (!!!) Chiefs 7 - Fyodor loses! (I would like to think we will see these Steelers for the rest of the season, but I am not going to hold my breath.)


Miami (+2) at NY Jets
What's up with this line? Every bone in my body says "Take the Jets, idiot!" And I am...but my spidey senses are tingling.
FINAL: Jets 20 Dolphins 17 - Fyodor wins! (Whew!)


San Diego (-10) at San Francisco
Pick the Chargers and hope Mr. Rivers doesn't forget how to be an NFL QB.
FINAL: Chargers 48 49ers 19 - Fyodor wins!


Oakland (+15) at Denver
The Raiders stink out loud. Go with the Broncos at home.
FINAL: Broncos 13 Raiders 3 - Fyodor loses! (Oh, yeah. I forgot. Jake Plummer.)

Monday 10/16


Chicago (-10.5) at Arizona
The Bears are for real...at least until the playoffs. Pick Chicago.
FINAL: Bears 24 Cardinals 23 - Fyodor loses! (Rex Grossman returns to form and Dennis Green's time is about up.)