By Steven Elonich
So, about that Johnny Football thing…better luck this week. Jake and I have come to a deadlock (once again) and our picks this year have been ridiculously tight. Fortunately we have a stellar Thursday Night matchup that might swing this race in the closing weeks. I’d love to stay and chat, but I have a final to go to. Never forget that you can’t spell final without ‘f’ or ‘fail’ or ‘fin’ or ‘alf.’
Thursday
Jacksonville 16, Tennessee 14: This is a classic case of “who wants it less?” Winner falls several slots in the draft. Loser gets rewarded.
Saturday
Philadelphia 33, Washington 17: I think it’s safe to say the Sanchize won’t be leading this franchise, either.
San Francisco 27, San Diego 24: The 49ers manage to put together a strong performance at home despite turmoil and the Chargers’ playoff hopes crash and burn.
Sunday
Minnesota 21, Miami 20: Since shutting out the Chargers, the Dolphins have lost their last four games outside the division.
Baltimore 27, Houston 23: Houston needs to establish the run to get the win – and I don’t see that happening with how the Ravens are playing.
Detroit 30, Chicago 20: There’s just no way you can pick Chicago (Jake will probably pick Chicago now).
Cleveland 24, Carolina 17: You think you’ve seen the last of Johnny Football? This is the 15th time I’ve picked against Carolina. No reason to stop now. I might lose this pick’em due to my stubbornness. In Johnny I trust.
New Orleans 30, Atlanta 24: Have the Saints actually put it together or did they just play the Bears? Their last three games at home have been brutal, but it’s not like Atlanta is a stellar team, either. Julio’s health will be a key for this (somehow) playoff contention game.
Green Bay 35, Tampa Bay 20: Green Bay looked pretty horrid against Buffalo. Fortunately, Tampa Bay, is pretty horrible themselves.
Pittsburgh 27, Kansas City 17: The Chiefs have looked lost since the Eric Berry news broke. Le’Veon Bell, Big Ben and Antonio Brown will carve the defense.
New England 42, N.Y. Jets 7: Geno Smith won’t look like a Pro Bowl quarterback at any point in this game. Tom Brady will.
St. Louis 16, N.Y. Giants 13: Expect interceptions. Expect sacks.
Buffalo 30, Oakland 10: Buffalo’s defense continues its momentum into Oakland where you really don’t need much momentum anyway.
Dallas 28, Indianapolis 24: In what might be the game of the week, Tony Romo once again displays why he shouldn’t have so many doubters with a strong, efficient performance despite two DeMarco fumbles (if he plays).
Seattle 24, Arizona 3: Don’t you just feel horrible for the Cardinals? They were a legitimate contender until their entire team went down.
Monday
Cincinnati 29, Denver 16: Here is where I make or break this contest. Down go the Broncos.
Thursday
Tennessee 13, Jacksonville 9: I feel like this game should be played in London.
Saturday
Philadelphia 31, Washington 17: The Eagles are fighting for their playoff lives and the Redskins have looked horrible as of late. RGIII will probably lead the upset now.
San Diego 24, San Francisco 14: Alfonso Smith will likely be the lead running back for the 49ers. Are you really betting on Colin Kaepernick?
Sunday
Minnesota 20, Miami 17: Charles Johnson is quietly becoming a stud – especially in PPR formats. The Dolphins secondary will be a great test for him and Bridgewater.
Baltimore 19, Houston 10: Case Keenum returns to Houston and thus lowers the value of Hopkins and Foster.
Detroit 28, Chicago 17: Jay Cutler has been benched in Chicago. I would imagine this is a sign Cutler, Trestman and Emery could be gone after the season.
Carolina 23, Cleveland 13: Cam Newton vs. Johnny Football? Consider me intrigued.
New Orleans 31, Atlanta 28: The Saints have regained their mojo – granted against the Bears, but still – now, can they win at the Superdome?
Green Bay 45, Tampa Bay 24: A pissed off Aaron Rodgers means bad news for the Bucs.
Pittsburgh 42, Kansas City 27: Could a horrible Steelers secondary lead to the Chiefs first passing touchdown to a wide receiver? Albert Wilson is a name I like for deeper leagues.
New England 24, N.Y. Jets 10: Rex Ryan’s last stand in New York?
St. Louis 24, N.Y. Giants 17: I think this could get ugly for Eli Manning if the Giants offensive line isn’t up to the task.
Buffalo 26, Oakland 14: I’m not worried about CJ Spiller’s return impacting Fred Jackson against a Raiders defense that was just torched by Knile Davis.
Indianapolis 35, Dallas 31: This all depends on the health of TY Hilton, but if Hilton is out then I really like Donte Moncrief in this matchup.
Seattle 17, Arizona 13: Ryan Lindley’s last start in the NFL? Against the Seahawks. It didn’t end well.
Monday
Denver 24, Cincinnati 20: Peyton Manning in cold weather isn’t a safe bet, but Andy Dalton in primetime is even worse.
The Option Read 