orioles

[i]Apologies for the Giants' pick: they stunk it up in that special way that only the G-men can![/i] This should be a fascinating game, but those of you who read this rubbish occasionally will know that often, I lean on Bill Belichik's ability to out-coach the opposition. This game will depend upon the Pats success stopping the run and forcing the 49ers to pass. Frank Gore excels in the read option offense and stopping him and the scrambling ability of Colin Kaepernick will severely limit the 49ers in a game where they will need to put up points simply because New England are so potent on offense. Belichick will need to show Kaepernick some things he hasn't seen before, as well as making sure his D line shows a little more form against the run than they have recently. As it is,...

I like Andrew Luck a lot and when you consider the absentees for the New England defense (Dont’a Hightower, Brandon Spikes, Patrick Chung and Steve Gregory are out/injured) it may be that this face-off of the present and the future QB superstars may be closer than people think. New England will put up points because they have the talent to score on anyone (note that the Colts may have lost both starting corners) but with the return of Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney for the Colts, I'm going to take the points in what should be a high scoring game. [b]Pick: Indianapolis Colts +9.5 @ 2 [i]Pick: Over 53.5 @ 1.91 Pick: 1st TD Reggie Wayne @ 10 Pick: Anytime TD Brandon Lloyd @ 2.4[/i][/b]

The Patriots are still misfiring a little on offense, but judging by the Rams' pass rush last week Tom Brady will have time to look downfield - that's a dangerous luxury to afford what is still a capable side like New England. Aaron Hernandez is out, so they'll need Brandon Lloyd to find some form, but the Pats have enough weapons (and decent balance on the ground) to put up points. The Rams are no mugs and, were it not for their problems in the redzone, they might be in a very different place in the standings going into this game. Their problems up front continue however, and even with the already poor Pats' secondary banged up, there's no guarantee St Louis will have enough to keep this within a TD. [b] Pick: New England Patriots -7 @ 1.95 [i] Pick: 1st TD Wes Welker @ 9 Pick:...