The Fairweather Channel's Pick Wednesday

Now for a new feature of the blog, the pick section, because everyone seems convinced they can do it better than your average fair-weather fan...

NFL Week 14
Thu 12/10
Pittsburgh at Cleveland, Vegas says: Pittsburgh -9.0/38

The Steelers have a lot of work to do after losing 4 straight, the most recent outing a stunning loss at the hands of Bruce “Almighty” Gradkowski and the Raiders at Ketchup Field. I expect Mike Tomlin can motivate his troops and raise more hell this week against the lowly Browns on a Thursday Night. Keep in mind the Browns stuck around with a blazin’ Charger squad last Sunday.

The Fairweather Pick: Pittsburgh to win outright, but Browns could cover the spread. Be a safe man, take the under 38 points.

Sun 12/13
Denver @ Indianapolis, Vegas says: Indy -8.5/44

Perhaps this is the morning matchup to enjoy your Sunday Morning Brunch or keep track of on your Blackberry while at church, because it will be worth it. The Broncos have turned a corner after crushing the Giants on Thanksgiving and dealt with those pesky Chiefs last Sunday. While Peyton Manning and the Colts have somewhat been waltzing through opponents this season winning games close and late.

The Fairweather Pick: Indianapolis, don’t be fooled by their inner-Hoodini and escaping games late. The Colts are at home in their comfort zone and the Broncos are still the worst 6-0 team in the history of 6-0 teams. For you Over/Under Folk, go ahead go over, tons of offense.

Cincinnati @ Minnesota, Vegas says: Min -7.0/42 ½

Brett Favre and the gang struggled against the Defending NFC Champs Cardinals and their own timeless wonder, Kurt Warner. But no need to be discouraged Vikings fans, expect the best from your team as they return home where they are undefeated. The Bengals will have lots on their minds leading the AFC North being pursued by the Ravens and Steelers. Let’s just call it the AFC Struggle Division.

The Fairweather Pick: Minnesota by more than a touchdown, stay under, don’t want Brett Favre to overdo it now.

New York Jets @ Tampa Bay, Vegas Says: NYJ -5.5/37

The Jets have life again in the playoff hunt, what with the Patriots dynasty crumbling like an old cookie. Kellen Clemens supposed to start as Mark Sanchez still has a knee injury. The Bucs meanwhile have yet to put it together to win a game except that one game with the “creamsicles” and Green Bay. They should bring them out again, maybe they’ll win…

The Fairweather Pick: New York Jets, take the under

Buffalo @ Kansas City, Vegas Says: KC -1.5/41

If this is the game on your local TV, don’t worry I feel your pain. But anyway, the Bills are coming off a Toronto letdown, Maple Leaf sized. The Chiefs struggling with AFC, struggling with themselves, but hey at least they got that Matt Cassel Patriot guy.

The Fairweather Pick: Buffalo, Under 41 (Seriously)

Green Bay @ Chicago, Vegas Says GB -3/45

Big NFC North Division rivalry. Although perhaps this rivalry is not so heated anymore as the Bears take the nose dive on the season with Jay Cutler. Expect a defense struggle. Green Bay looking for Wild Card magic.

The Fairweather Pick: Green Bay, Under

New Orleans @ Atlanta, Vegas Says NO -10/50

Here’s the basics on this game, 1) It’s in a dome, 2) As of Wednesday, no sign of Michael Turner or Matt Ryan in practice, 3) The Saints probably will not lose the rest of the way. Also Chris Redman has showed some promise, but clearly Redman needs Method Man to be relevant to this Fairweather blogger.

The Fairweather Pick: New Orleans, Under

Detroit @ Baltimore, Vegas Says Bal -13.5/43 ½

Baltimore needs this game, Baltimore wants this game.

The Fairweather Pick: Baltimore, Under

Miami @ Jacksonville, Vegas Says Jac -2.5/46

This one is interesting, as the Jaguars are starting improve behind Maurice Jones-Drew and might sellout this game in time to avoid the blackout. The Dolphins coming off an exciting win against the Patriots at Close Shave Stadium. Chad Henne really has stepped it in the absence of Chad Pennington.

The Fairweather Pick: Miami, Over

Carolina @ New England, Vegas Says NE-13.5/43 ½

Jake Delhomme has been shaky and does anyone expect the Patriots to lose at home again? Tom Brady and crew barely have a grasp of the AFC East after losing to Miami late and the Jets surging as of late. Let’s see how the Pats respond in what should be a close affair. The closer the game, the more I like the Panthers to avenge their Super Bowl XXXVIII loss.

The Fairweather Pick: Carolina covers the spread/wins outright, Over

Seattle @ Houston, Vegas Says Hou -6/44 ½

Matt Hasslebeck and the Seahawks just dragged the 49ers down their level last week with a win making them both long shots for any postseason activity. Houston also a long shot to do something postseason wise and they may have shut down Steve Slaton for the year, not like they’ve needed in most games this year anyway.

The Fairweather Pick: Houston, Under

St. Louis @ Tennessee, Vegas Says Ten -11.5/40 ½

Have you gotten on the Vince Young bandwagon yet? He has shined since taking over for the aging Kerry Collins. Still though, at 5-7 they will need a lot of help if they want to extend their season. As for St. Louis, BAAAAAAD RAMS, but hey go Daniel Fells, fellow UC Davis alum. You do your thing Danny Fells.

The Fairweather Pick: Tennessee, Over

Washington @ Oakland, Vegas Says: Wash -3/35 ½

This game may get blacked out as many Bay Area Fairweathers not sold on a Raider team that has beaten, Chiefs, Eagles, Bengals, and more recently, the Steelers. Bruce Gradkowski will try to work his magic and the vertical passing game against a hurt Redskin team. Jason Campbell will try to also put up big numbers against the Raiders secondary as he did in almost beating the Saints.

The Fairweather Pick: Oakland, Over (Really?)

San Diego @ Dallas, Vegas Says: Dal -3/47

A quasi-national game that is available in every city that isn’t hosting a game at the time. Philip Rivers and the Chargers primed to take back the AFC West, again, against Tony Romo and the Cowboys still scratching their heads at that loss to the Giants. Many of the Cowboys’ “fans” will wonder if they can avoid the December Disappointment. I, for one, hope the Chargers can continue their NFC Beastin’ ways.

The Fairweather Pick: San Diego, Over

Philadelphia @ New York Giants, Vegas Says: NYG -1.5/48

I’ve always felt the NFC East has been Philadelphia’s to own since Donavan McNabb and Brian Westbrook. Those were the Fairweather fan’s Eagles of old. Today’s Fairweather Eagles feature LeSean McCoy and Michael Vick to run multiple options. Eli Manning has been the beneficiary of a solid O-Line and a defense that can turn it on command. The real question is, which Giants team shows up?

The Fairweather Pick: Philadelphia, Under

12/14 MONDAY NIGHT
Arizona @ San Francisco, Vegas Says: Ari by -1 /44 ½

Is there anything left to play for? Arizona came out strong against Minnesota as Kurt Warner has gotten back to similar form that brought the Cards to the Super Bowl. The Niners slipping like amateurs on ice without skates. Still though, the Niners are longshots again for any playoff activity, on the national stage, might as well play for pride and Coach “Samurai” Singletary.

The Fairweather pick: Arizona, Under