Guru's Gutsy Guesses Week 10

Guru went a devastating (OUCH!) 4-7 last week (didn't count the NYG game as Hasselbeck declared out after my post was published, and pushed on CHI- BUFF. Now a very mediocre 35-30 record. Ew. That's like a 40-degree day: Not memorable at all. (Wire reference).

Admittedly, I was soundly beaten by Brother Mouzone, who's reportedly doing very well in Bill Simmons Pick'em League. The best of luck to him; he's really got a beat on the NFL and I'm (almost) jealous. I feel like I'm playing a game I don't understand, like trying to figure out where I'm going without a map (or GPS navigation) (or an I-Phone app). Sigh. Here's my last, valiant attempt at guessing games, with Brother Mouzone's (far superior) picks soon to follow in the comments.

Even Brother hinted that this week was one of the harder weeks he's come across.... If he's anticipating a hard time, it'll be like cutting wood with a butter knife for me.

1.) Baltimore +1 at Atlanta: First game and I'm already stumped. Ravens are one of the top 2 or 3 teams in the league, and they play UP to their competition (translation: pick them when they face good opponents, pick against them when they face bad ones ---- I think).

2.) Indianapolis -7 v. Cincinnatti: The Bengals' last gasp came Monday night at home: Time to mail it in, I believe. Colts actually desperate need every win they can get at 6-3.

3.) Jacksonville -1.5 v. Houston: Arian Foster is sick. Unfortunately they're on the road against a rested Jaguars squad who have one of the most reliable kickers (Scobee) for last-game situations and Schaub is not right.

4.) Tennessee -1 at Miami: I don't care about the addition of Randy, the Titans were better before that. Miami's good but just a step below the best teams. Also, can you believe the Dolphins haven't won at home yet?.......This is intriguing matchup too because will be victim to AFC's logjam of good teams.

5.) Chicago +1 v. Minnesota: Muddled amongst the Vikings' comeback win last week was the fact that they didnt' look very good. I don't like them and have no faith in them; but I have even less faith in my hometown Bears. In a battle of teams I don't like, I took the underdog and home team.

6.) Detroit +3 at Buffalo: I guess people think the Lions are really bad at home, but laying 3 to a winless team? The way they gave the Jets a run last Sunday? I think it's got a lot to do w/ whether Shaun Hill plays Sunday...........this bet might get pushed because who knows about the QB?

7.) NYJ -3 at Cleveland. Sigh. Browns, can you REALLY beat 2 top AFC East teams in a row?

8.) Tampa -6.5 v. Carolina: When I think Panthers I think: greasefire.

9.) Kansas City -1 at Denver: To all those who think the Chiefs are a "different team on the road," they put up a heck of a fight against an equally scrappy team in Oakland. I'm not worried about back-to-back overtimes.

10.) St. Louis +6 at SF: Seems like a lot of points for the Rams; can't give the Niners credit enough to win, much less cover.

11.) Arizona -3 v. Seattle: Irony that Seattle dominated this matchup 3 weeks ago but are underdogs now, huh? Derek Anderson showing a sliver of accuracy recently.

12.) Dallas +14 at NY Giants: Am I crazy? Maybe. But maybe the Cowboys get energized with a new coach. Maybe talent actually shows up. Maybe the Giants think they can just walk all over the 'Boys. Maybe the Giants DO walk all over the 'boys but like last time Dallas does work in garbage time. There's a lot of room for "maybes" between 0 and 14 NFL points.

13.) Pittsburgh -4.5 v. New England: As tough as the Patriots have been on the Steelers in the past, this is a different season and a different Pats team that shows more "Patsy" on defense than Patriots, what with gaping holes everywhere and whatnot.

14.) Philadelphia -3 at Washington: the Redskins desperately need this, and they're coming off a bye, and they beat the Eagles last time. But something tells me Philly is the class of the NFC this year.

C'mon, picks, one last gasp of air before I put a fork in myself!

Fantasize on,

Robert Yan