Week Six Picks

Bengals @ Jets

The Bengals have nothing to play for and have another player suspended player. Jets win.

Raiders @ Saints

The Raiders are coming off their bye week while the Saints are coming off an emotional loss. The Raiders mess will spill on to the field. Saints Win.

Ravens @ Colts

Peyton has a few dings in his armor and it plays directly into the Ravens defense. Ravens win on the road.

Rams @ Washington

The Rams are a mess with less talent than the Raiders. Washington will crush them.

Dolphins @ Texans

This is a tough call. The Texans are coming off a horrible loss and the Dolphins are coming off an upset. This one could go either way but I'll take the Texans to finally win at home.

Bears @ Falcons

This is also a tough call. I'll take the Bears to stop the Falcons running game. Bears win.

Lions @ Vikings

The U-Hauls are already on the road. Vikings win.

Panthers @ Buccaneers

Garcia is back taking the snaps but I like the physical nature of the Panthers. Panthers win.

Packers @ Seahawks

Both teams have seen better days. In the battle of the Green hues Packers win.

Cowboys @ Cardinals

Can the Cardinals beat the Cowboys at their Jiffy Pop Popcorn stadium? The Cardinals are definitely better at home and the Cowboys are coming in with lots of questions in the secondary. The problem is the teams that give the Cowboys are physical teams which the Cardinals are not known for. For this reason I'll take the Cowboys in a barnburner.

Eagles @ 49ers

No Brian Westbrook and a trip across the country. I think the 49ers are underrated. The Eagles need a lot of pass rushing but I'll take the 49ers.

Patriots @ Chargers

The Patriots would be doing the Broncos a huge favor by beating the Chargers on the road and that without Tom Brady. The Chargers are basically playing for their season here at home. The problem I see for the Chargers is that Chris Chambers is out. He's made a huge difference in the passing game since the Dolphins gave him up for a song. Also Merriman's replacement is already out meaning they have third string linebacker. San Diego hasn't been good on defense this year. The big battle will be Cromartie on Moss. I'll take the Patriots in an upset.

Giants @ Browns

If the Browns thought the Cowboys were tough wait until they play the Giants. The Browns were spoiled with Prime Time football games this year. What a waste. Giants stay undefeated.

Jaguars @ Denver Broncos

Winning this game goes a long way to cementing a playoff birth for the Broncos. The Jaguars looked flat against the Steelers defense and they are lucky they are not coming to Denver late in the season. Denver will still be one sided on offense and that side took a few blows in player injuries last week. Luckily Eddie Royal will be playing. I think the Broncos learned a lot from last years game and that physical edge will be not so strong as it was last year. Broncos win in a tight game.

Week Five Picks

Chiefs @ Panthers

The Panthers will be too physical for the Chiefs away from Arrowhead. Another losing streak begins Panthers win.

Chargers @ Dolphins

Amazingly enough the Dolphins have won the last six games against the the Chargers but that ends in this game. Chargers win.

Colts @ Texans

The gap isn't so big between these two teams but after the bye week the Colts should come out on top.

Seahawks @ Giants

Seattle doesn't travel well to the east coast. The Giants stood their ground and suspended Plax. The Giants pass rush should be enough in this game. Giants win.

Falcons @ Packers

If Aaron Rodgers starts I'll take the Packers.

Bears @ Lions

I think I saw the Uhauls at the Lions practice facility. The Lions have already moved on from this season. The Bears will keep their momentum going in their win.

Bills @ Cardinals

I'll take the upset on this one. The Cardinals are favored by 1. Warner may get his yards but the Bills are a more complete team.

Patriots @ 49ers

The Patriots are favored by 3 points. I can see an upset brewing. The Patriots have been gashed in the running game. But Belichick has had an extra week to prepare for this. I'm sure he watched LOTS of videos in the two weeks. I'll take the Patriots in a hard fought game.

Bengals @ Cowboys

If I had known Palmer wasn't playing last week I would have taken the Browns. The Cowboys are going to lose two in a row at home unless Wade wants to get "fired with cause". Cowboys win.

Vikings @ Saints

The underachieving Vikings travel to the Saints who are trying to not underachieve. Peterson should be able to get his yards and control the clock. Brees has been throwing the football great this season and that might be enough to get the win. Saints win.

Titans @ Ravens

Two great defenses in this game but the Titans have more experience. Maybe they'll even throw out Vince Young on a few plays. Titans win.

Redskins @ Eagles

The Redskins must be feeling really good about themselves. Their season might now be complete after beating the Cowboys in Dallas. That said the Eagles get a lot of their weapons back. Eagles win.

Steelers @ Jaguars

The Steelers are already starting to get beat down on offense. The Jags are beat up in the secondary. As long as the Jags keep everything in front of them they should be able to wear down the Steelers. Jags win.

Buccaneers @ Denver Broncos

I've been debating this game all week. One thing is sure: this game will be determined by turnovers. The Bucs having been winning their last few games by getting turnovers but Griese is also throwing many. The Broncos do have the advantage of knowing the key offensive minds for Tampa. Shanahan knows exactly what Griese is capable of and Bill Bates the Broncos QB coach spent three years with Gruden in Tampa. For most of the week I thought the Bucs would force enough turnovers to win but I think now the Broncos at home will rebound and do better securing the ball. Look for the Broncos to pick on Ronde Barber who has been getting beat all year long. I'm happy to say Broncos win.






Well we hurt each other then we do it again

Week Four Picks

Welcome to week four. The week of the byes that don't cost anything. The good news is I don't have to pick a Patriots game because they've been burning me but I do have to pick a Browns game.

Cardinals @ Jets

The Cardinals have never played well traveling to the East Coast. Last week was a perfect example. The Jets need a win and should open up the offense for Favre. Jets win.

Vikings @ Titans

Two similar teams. Both run well, stop the run, and have old journeyman QBs. The Titans are at home and that may be enough from an underachieving Vikings team. Titans win.

49ers @ Saints

This game should be close. The Saints are banged up and the 49ers are getting good production from Frank Gore but Drew Brees should still be able to throw enough yards to get the win.

Falcons @ Panthers

Matt Ryan on the road. Carolina at home where they don't play too well. However the Panthers are healthy enough to be able to win this one.

Browns @ Bengals

The battle of Ohio. What a yucky game. Could be Brady Quinn's first chance to play in the NFL. Look for it if the Browns are down at the half. Palmer is battling shoulder and ankle injuries but should have enough to win this ugly game.

Packers @ Bucs

The battle of the Bays. Tampa's win last week was lightning in a bottle. They had a few opportunistic turnovers but had to throw it 67 times. That's too one sided to beat the Packers. As long as the Packers can handle the heat they should win this one.
Texans @ Jaguars

Bills @ Rams

This Bills are starting to get some recognition and have a great young QB. They should easily beat the Rams on the road who are dealing with some in house fighting.

Chargers @ Raiders

The Raiders should get embarrassed by the Chargers just like they were in week one against the Broncos. Rivers is throwing the ball too well not to.

Redskins @ Cowboys

Another NFC East rivarly game. The Cowboys are mowing over their oppositon and don't need much motivation to beat the Redskins. They just need to keep an eye or maybe several on Moss. Cowboys win.

Eagles @ Bears

The Eagles are coming in with their anual injuries to McNabb and Westbrook. But the Eagles have enough talent and coaching to beat the Bears on the road. The Bears are also dealing with injuries. Eagles win.

Ravens @ Steelers

The Steelers got worked over by the Eagles defense and the Ravens could work them over too. I don't see the Steelers losing two in a row and this one at home. They'll need a better game plan and exicution to win this one.

Texans @ Jags

The Texans haven't been playing well but have a history of beating the Jags. But the Jags running game should win this game.

Denver Broncos @ Chiefs

The Broncos haven't won two years in a row at Arrowhead since the 70's. Most players on both teams were not even born then. This is certainly the best chance of breaking that streak. The Broncos are undefeated and the Chiefs are still looking for a W. Looks like a trap game but the Chiefs haven't won in 12 games and the Broncos will make it 13.







Your skins white but you think your a brother
Some days are better than others.

Smoke and Mirrors

The Denver Broncos are 3-1 heading into this weekend, but they could just as easily be 1-3. After the first game they've been winning using smoke and mirrors. The Broncos have been putting up huge numbers on offense but that is misleading. The vast majority of yards has come in the passing game. The Broncos running game has been sub par and has been hidden by the passing game. While usually teams run to set up the pass the Broncos have been passing to set up the run.

The NFL season is now one quarter over with. By this time teams can see the opposition's weaknesses and use this to exploit them. The Broncos won't be able to pass enough to win games. The Patriots did it last year but they had a much better defense.

The Broncos defense is still a big work in progress and it goes all back to the defensive line. A great defensive tackle in the draft would have been great but the Broncos got Ryan Clady instead. Clady has proven to be very valuable and will set up the offense for years to come. The Broncos did the best they could for the defensive line but it still looks horrible on passing downs. The major problem has been no push in the center of the pocket. The ends haven't played great but the other teams QB is given an extra half second because the front of the pocket is not being pushed in. The Broncos have to find other ways of getting to the quarterback instead of faking the blitz. They need to actually blitz and get to the QB.

The Broncos are playing the two most important games that will define their season. Two games at home against the Bucs and Jags. The Broncos aren't good enough to win the division yet. They have to play for a wild card spot. Right now they are playing against the teams from the AFC South for a Wild Card spot. Beating the Jags is worth 2 games in that regard giving them the tie breaker if they have the same record with the Jags. One thing is for sure the Chargers won't make it easy for the Broncos on the last game of the year in San Diego.




the heart is a bloom shoots up from the stony ground

Hard to Digest

Gourmet Hans Locher cooks up trouble with human milk recipes

The recipes may change the way the Swiss think of their milkmaids

Bojan Pancevski in Switzerland

Switzerland is renowned for its first-class milk products derived from cows grazing in idyllic mountain pastures – but a gourmet chef has caused a stir with his plan to use human milk instead in a variety of dishes.

Hans Locher, the owner of the rustic Storchen restaurant in the village of Iberg near the resort of Winterthur, posted adverts in German newspapers for human milk donors and, initially at least, elicited some positive reactions.

Local authorities, however, were less than enthusiastic about the idea of having their traditional fricassee served with a breast milk sauce. Yesterday Zurich’s food regulatory body and the Association of Swiss Milk Producers threatened lawsuits against Mr Loch and any donors, who were promised the equivalent of about €10 (£8) for a litre of milk. “I don’t understand all the controversy. The mother’s milk is the most natural thing in the world – how can anyone be against it? It is, after all, the first thing we taste and I see no reason why I should not include it in my menu,” Mr Locher, who trained as a cook in several countries, said.

He claims to have been experimenting privately with various recipes since his daughter was born and to have perfected the use of the ingredient in his cooking, preparing meals such as breast milk soup, breast milk lamb curry, or antelope steak with chantarelle sauce with breast milk and cognac. In all cases the human milk is mixed with whipped cream and makes up at least 75 per cent of the sauce.

“The idea first came to me when I noticed that there were many young mothers in our village, some of them single. I thought to myself: why not make use of their potential? I served the meals to my friends without telling them about the new ingredient and the feedback was excellent.”

Officials were taken aback by an apparent loophole in the regulations which did not seem to cover the issues of using breast milk. According to Rolf Etter, of the Zurich food regulator, the lack of guidelines became an argument in itself, as it was ruled that Mr Locher would not be able to store the human milk properly nor guarantee that it was fresh and safe for consumption, since the product was not a registered or regulated food.

Mr Locher is now facing legal action if he proceeds with his plan of introducing the novel recipes. His breast milk donors from the village also risk being sued for providing the potentially dangerous product.

Week Three Picks

Yeah that's right Mike Shanahan is a Riverboat Gambler with balls. How many other coaches would go for two against the Chargers? Obviously in hindsight it was the perfect decision. The were a lot greater that Cutler could convert on a 2 yard play than the Broncos defense stopping the Chargers from hitting a field goal in Overtime. Granted the Broncos should have never been in that position. Ed blew it. Yeah he blew the whistle too soon. Cutler clearly fumbled and the ref made a game changing decision but the Broncos still had to score the touchdown and two point conversion after that. Let's also point out this is the only blown fumble call this year. In week one the Colts clearly fumbled on a kickoff but the refs blew it dead even though the Bears recovered the Colts kept the ball. Then in the infamous Monday Nighter DeShawn Jackson showed off his skills and intelligence by dropping the ball before he went into the end zone but the ref signaled touchdown so possession could not be transferred. But hey Ed we love you in Broncos Country because we hate the cocky trash talker Phillip Rivers.

Now time for the week three picks. There are a couple of close calls and I'll go against history in these picks.

Steelers @ Eagles

History shows after an emotional division game there is a letdown but when the cross state rivals come in for a rare visit I see the Eagles getting up for this one even after a short week. Eagles in a close one.

Cowboys @ Packers

Again history shows a let down from a tough divisional game after a short week. Not to mention the Cowboys are 0-5 at Lambeau Field. I think the Cowboys are on a mission and will take them this week.

Cardinals @ Redskins

History shows the Cardinals are bottom-feeders and they don't do well traveling east. The Redskins came from behind against the Saints but they were missing a lot of starters. Kurt Warner hasn't played this well since the greatest show on turf. I'll take the Cardinals in an upset.

Chiefs @ Falcons

Is this really an NFL game? Falcons actually are favored and I'll take them too.

Raiders @ Bills

Raiders on the road in Buffalo, an underrated team. The Raiders are actually spreading bad press about their head coach. Look for dysfunctional Raiders to get behind and not be able to run. Bills take this one.

Buccaneers @ Bears

With or without Hester I'll take the Bears over the Bucs who are having QB controversies.

Panthers @ Vikings

This is a tough call too. The Vikings must win and are trying out a new journeyman QB. Who knows if AP will play if not there's J. Stewart. Vikings must win but won't. I'll take the Panthers on the road in another close one.

Texans @ Titans

The Texans had two weeks to prepare for this one but do you think they spent the entire two weeks preparing? nope. The Titans have a great defense up the middle. Collins will manage the Titans to a win.

Bengals @ Giants

The Bengals are in a must win on the road but Palmer will spend too much time on the ground to make a difference. Giants take this one as long as Little Manning doesn't repeatedly throw picks. Giants win at home.

Dolphins @ Patriots

The mentor vs. the protege. Parcells team vs. Belichick. Which Bill will win? Pennington has pulled off some upset in New England but the Patriots still believe in themselves and that should be enough. Patriots win.

Rams @ Seahawks

The Seahawks did Denver a HUGE favor by trading for Keary Colbert. Colbert wasn't going to play for Denver and he was making to much money to sit on the bench. Now he'll get more playing time in the Emerald City. Even the Seahawks should beat the Rams and not need a last second FG to do it.

Lions @ 49ers

The Mike Martz Bowl. The Lions have gone back to their pedigree and are underachieving with or without Matt Millen. The Niners should have enough talent to win this one at home.

Browns @ Ravens

This one could go either way. Are the Ravens good enough to win this one at home? The Browns have their backs against the wall and need this one. I'll take the Browns in this one but if they lose this one stick a fork in them because they are done.

Jets @ Chargers

The Chargers are ticked off and in must win mode at home. The Jets will have to take a lot more chances this week if they want to compete but I look for Rivers to rip them apart in game that's over going into the 4th quarter.

Jaguars @ Colts

Another toss up game. The Jags must win to have a playoff chance but they along with the Colts have been hit heavy with injuries and neither team can run the ball due to this. I'll have to go with Peyton Manning at home.

Saints @ Denver Broncos

This game will be on FOX at 2:05 pm with their first team announcers, Joe Buck and Troy Aikman, for all of you viewers out there. This is the first time the Saints have played at Invesco Field. Chances are most of the Saints team has never played at altitude their entire playing career with the exceptions of Brees from his Chargers days and Reggie Bush played one game at BYU. Other than that the rest of the team has never played above 1,000 feet. Not to mention in Brandon Marshall's last 5 games he's caught 55 passes. For those of you who don't know that's an NFL record for a 5 game stretch. Who's going to stop the Broncos receivers for the Saints? The Saints lost their best receiver and will be in a lot of trouble if they have to play catch up. As long as the Broncos defense plays good around the line of scrimmage they should be okay. Just don't let Reggie Bush beat you on screen plays and wheel routes. Look for the Broncos to go 3-0 and Cutler to add to his league leading touchdown passes and passing yards.







Don't worry baby it'll be alright uncertainty could be your guiding light







Oh by the way I beat my wife in picks last week. By a long shot!!!!

Week Two Picks

I am SOOOO disappointed!!!!!!!

We let the Raiders score 14 points in the 4th Quarter! Jay Cutler ONLY threw for 299 yards! Why couldn't he throw at least one more yard to get over 300 yards? Tony Scheffler dropped a sure TD in the endzone. That's four more points Tony!

At least I can take solace in the fact that the Denver Broncos are leading the league in scoring and Jay Cutler has the second highest QB rating.

Oh forget it!!! The Broncos killed the Raiders. Just embarrassed them at home in front of their fans. In fact one guy was literally asleep on his wife's shoulders. The Raiders are abysmal but that shouldn't take anything away from the Broncos blowout.

Now on to the picks.

Titans @ Bengals

Normally I might take the Bengals at home but did any of you see the Bengals defense last week? It was worse than the Raiders. No one wants to tackle on that defense and Palmer was under pressure all day. This shouldn't stop with the Titan's defense up front with Albert Haynesworth. Plus VY won't be throwing picks to the Bengals. Going with the Titans on the road.

Bills @ Jags

Like many of you I thought the Jags had things figured out but I'm doubting it at least for this week. The Bills have been underrated since last year. Trent Edwards looks like a great QB. But the Jags don't have any starters in the interior of the offensive line. This hurt them both running and passing. The Jags only hope is that the Florida weather gets to the Bills because they won't. Bills on the road.

Raiders @ Chiefs

Let's be honest here. The Raiders have way more talent on paper when you look at the names but due to poor management they are a "dumpster fire". The Raiders have high draft picks all over the place but they all underachieve. The Chiefs hate the Raiders almost as much as the Broncos and its hard to win in Arrowhead. Look for LJ to run all over the Raiders and make them wish they'd drafted Dorsey instead of Run DMC who couldn't even finish his first pro game. Chiefs at home.

Colts @ Vikings

At first glance I'd think of taking a talented Vikings at home. However T. Jackson is just not big time. I'd rather take a Peyton Manning with something to prove than an unproven QB. The Colts may also get Jeff Saturday back way before he was supposed to come back. Last game Manning had to call out the play and also the line protection that Saturday normally does. I think Manning with another week of practice gets back in sync. Colts in the dome on the road.

Bears @ Panthers

Most people look at the Panthers winning at San Diego so a home game against Chicago should be a lock. Hold on there! The last few seasons the Panthers have overachieved on the road only to come home and lose in front of their home fans. They still don't have Steve Smith but Delhomme is looking great. The Bears looked great too last week. I want to take the Bears in this one but I've taken too many road teams so I'm taking the Panthers,

Packers @ Lions

The Lions killed me last week when I chose them in the elimination round. How do you let Michael Turner run for 220 yards when the Falcons are starting a rookie QB? The Packers RBs are banged up but I'll still take another road team. Rodgers is 2-0 as a starter.

Giants @ Rams

Looks like the bye week is coming early for the Giants. Giants on the road but not as convincingly as the Eagles.

Saints @ Redskins

This one's a little harder to pick after the Saints lose their best receiver for over a month. But Shockey knows the Redskins well. Did any of you see Brandon Jacobs leave his cleat marks on Landry? Maybe Shockey can copy him. Its a tough pick especially with all the road teams I've picked but the Saints win this week only to lose next week on the road.

Falcons @ Bucs

Ah Chucky will be around to fire up the Bucs against a divisional foe. Derrick Brooks is dinged up but I see the Bucs making the Falcons one sided and containing Michael Turner. As long as Griese doesn't turn into a grease fire look for the Bucs at HOME!!!!

Niners @ Seahawks

Alex Smith you don't even start and you brake your surgically repaired shoulder. Can we call you a bust now? Make sure you thank Urban for setting you up as the number one pick and being financially set for the rest of your life. The Seahawks are hurting in a big way. They have very little weapons but I'll take them at home.

Patriots @ Jets

Let's see here no MVP but instead a QB who hasn't started a game since 1999 (By the way he was only like 3 for 11 in that game for less than a 100 yards) also Belichick had to yank him out of the Dolphins game because he couldn't protect like 50 point lead. What's going to happen when starts against Brett Favre, who is 5-0 against QBs making their first start? I've got to take the Jets at home nearly a year after Spygate hit the fan like you know what.

Dolphins @ Cardinals

This one is not a lock. Pennington was great for the Dolphins last week and they are playing the lovable losers in Arizona. Okay the lovable part wore off decades ago. Heck they couldn't even fill their stadium a few years ago. But the Cardinals actually kept the ball nearly the entire game against the Niners. I'll take old grey beard Warner at home.

Ravens @ Texans

Another Monday Night double header except this one won't be seen outside southern Texas and Maryland. The Texans are an improved team but it'll be a test on offense. They may need to be bailed out by their defense and get some pressure on a rookie QB playing his first road game. I'll take the home team.

Steelers @ Cleveland

Another lovable loser team that had so much riding on this season. Except the Steelers own this team even more so on the road. If only we could see another Bill Cowher pre game talk with all the spit spraying out of his mouth. B. Edwards did come in second place to TO last year in drop balls and it looks like he's going for first place this year. The Dawg pound's going home disappointed again. Steelers win.

Eagles @ Cowboys

Many "experts" have looked at Andy Reid's record against the Cowboys and are taking the Eagles on the road. Let's see how the toothpick DeShawn Jackson does against the biggest defense in the league. Snap!! Was that a toothpick breaking or another body part of McNabb's? The Cowboys are on a mission this year. This one should be high scoring but I'll take Romo in this one. The last time the Eagles come to Texas stadium in the regular season.

Chargers @ Denver Broncos

A week ago it looked like all the Chargers had to do was show up and the W would be theirs. After all they have owned the Broncos the last two years. Trust me I know I was at last year's massacre. But a lot changes in a week. Denver revved it's offense and came away with 41 points and this week they get Brandon Marshall back. Normally I wouldn't say this is enough however the Chargers are hurting like its already December. Rivers' knee is still not 100% after ACL surgery. LT hurt his toe against the Panthers. He hasn't practiced this week either. His toe is being called a turf toe and it won't heal the entire season if he keeps on playing. LT represents the biggest threat against the Broncos and two men responsible for making holes for him could be out this game. Their starting LT and center may miss this game too. That's just on the offensive side for the Chargers. On the defensive side they lost their best sacker for the year in Shawn Merriman. Their leading tackler from last year is still serving a 4 game doping suspension. On top of that the Chargers best cornerback Cromartie is coming off a hurt hip. How's he going to do against a quick Eddie Royal or a fresh Brandon Marshall? You add it all up and it looks like the Broncos could take a two and a half game lead on the Chargers. Go ahead Jay throw that extra yard and go over 300 this game. Broncos in a thriller at home.









Man captures color. Man likes to stare.



Oh by the way my zany, I mean brainy, wife beat me in picks last week. Good job.