Last week's picks went 11-4, but I was a miserable 1-14 against the spread (thanks to Luke, for pointing that out). We'll see how this week goes. If you haven't made your picks yet, be sure to do so before the games start. Without further ado, let's go to this week's games:


Games That Matter:

New York Giants at Arizona Cardinals
[75% of FanIQ picks the Giants, by an average score of 28-23]
One of the leagues best defenses will go up against the best offense, as the Cardinals and Giants battle on Sunday afternoon. The Cardinals are undefeated at home this season, but that streak is very much at risk as the defending champs come into Arizona looking to continue their dominance over the NFC this year. Dating back to last season, the Giants have actually won 14 of their last 15 games away from the Meadowlands, including the playoffs. The Giants and Cardinals are 1-2 in points per game, each team averaging about 29 points per game. This game will come down to defense, however. The Cardinals allow an average of 22.8 points per game, while the Giants give up only 17. While neither team is likely to actually stop the opposing offense, the Giants should be able to contain the Cards a bit more than the Cards will be able to contain the Giants.
My pick: Giants 32, Cardinals 27

Philadelphia Eagles at Baltimore Ravens [21% Ravens, 21-20]
Now that Donovan McNabb and the Eagles know that it's possible to tie a game, perhaps they will play a little differently next time they play an overtime. FanIQ is predicting this to be a close one. Maybe if we're lucky, we'll get another tie, but don't count on it. Both defenses are strong, and this game will be won or lost in the trenches.
My pick: Ravens 17, Eagles 16

Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons [62% Panthers, 24-21]
If the Falcons are going to continue the incredible streak of AFC South teams going from worst to first every year, this is a must-win for them. Already 2 games back in the division, they need to win to avoid falling too far back. The Panthers have benefited from a very easy schedule to cruise to an 8-2 record so far, and the Falcons are the biggest test in a while for a team coming off a VERY close win over the winless Lions. If this game is close at the end, Matt Ryan will step up and come through for the win. Write that down.
My pick: Falcons 24, Panthers 20

New York Jets at Tennessee Titans [65% Titans, 25-22]
I'm a bit perplexed as to why so many people think this is going to be a close game, and I'm even more shocked that 35% of people actually think the Jets will win. The Titans will absolutely punish the Jets' offense, and their running game will have a field day.
My pick: Titans 31, Jets 13

New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins [52% Dolphins, 22-23]
This game is a bit of an anomaly. 52% think the Dolphins will win, but the average predicted score is Patriots 23, Dolphins 22.4. The Dolphins are actually slight favorites, which goes to show you how much the NFL can change in one year. If you told me one year ago that the Dolphins would be favored in this game, I would either think you're crazy, or I'd think that Tom Brady must have gotten injured. Oh wait... that actually happened. I might be showing my homer side in this one, but I refuse to believe that the Dolphins will take both games against this Patriots team.
My pick: Patriots 27, Dolphins 20


Games That Matter Less:

Houston Texans at Cleveland Browns [78% Browns, 24-19]
San Francisco 49ers at Dallas Cowboys [91% Cowboys, 28-16]
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Detroit Lions [93% Bucs, 27-15]
Minnesota Vikings at Jacksonville Jaguars [59% Vikings, 22-20]
Buffalo Bills at Kansas City Chiefs [87% Bills, 23-17]
Chicago Bears at St Louis Rams [91% Bears, 24-16]
Oakland Raiders at Denver Broncos [94% Broncos, 29-15]
Washington Redskins at Seattle Seahawks [90% Redskins, 25-17]
Sunday Night: Indianapolis Colts at San Diego Chargers [78% Colts, 27-22]


Monday Night In The Bayou:

Green Bay Packers at New Orleans Saints [55% Packers, 25-24]
Aaron Rodgers has grown impressively consistent as of late, and has 9 TD and 3 INT's in his last 6 games. Drew Brees, on the other side of the field, has been one of the best in the league this year, and is leading the NFL in passing yards. This looks to be a bit of a shootout, and might end up going to whichever team scores last.
My pick: Saints 37, Packers 34

Feel free to leave your picks here, or heckle mine.