Today is Thursday, which means your APC editors all got together to pick this week's NFL games. Sorry I've been a bit absent this week, one of my fellow SB Nation editors picked up a bug from hell on a trip to Asia and wasn't able to eat for five days, so I've had to double my workload over there. Thanks to Tex and Devin for keeping things running smoothly. And now, picks, for which we will surely be mocked.
Game | Kevin | Evan | Devin |
TB vs. MIN | MIN | MIN | TB |
CAR vs. CHI | CHI | CHI | CHI |
SD vs. CLE | SD | SD | CLE |
SEA vs. DET | DET | DET | SEA |
JAX vs. GB | GB | GB | GB |
IND vs. TEN | TEN | TEN | TEN |
NE vs. STL | STL | NE | NE |
MIA vs. NYJ | NYJ | MIA | MIA |
ATL vs. PHI | PHI | PHI | ATL |
WAS vs. PIT | WAS | PIT | WAS |
OAK vs. KC | OAK | OAK | OAK |
NYG vs. DAL | NYG | NYG | DAL |
NO vs. DEN | DEN | DEN | DEN |
SF vs. ARI | SF | SF | SF |
Buccaneers vs. Vikings: At some point the fact that Vikings have absolutely zero offense is going to catch up with them. This should be the week. The Bucs can move the ball and play a close game with even the best teams in the league. Look for them to pull out a surprise in the Humpty Dump and start bringing the Vikings back to reality. -Devin
Panthers vs. Bears: The Panthers were already a bad team. Then they lost Chris Gamble. Something tells me that they're not going to suddenly figure out how to best utilize their stable of running backs after a year and a half of screwing it up. Bears win easily. -Kevin
Chargers vs. Browns: The Chargers are distracted and reeling from that improbable upset at the hands of the Broncos. Meanwhile the Browns will be in a constant state of hunger this year with every player playing for their jobs with the new owner watching. These two things come together for a nice little upset. -Devin
Seahawks vs. Lions: I want to believe in Russell Wilson. I really do. But he looks like a complete nightmare right now. The Lions are better than their record, and they're at home. They're due. I know this is an awful basis for a pick. Shut up. -Kevin
Jaguars vs. Packers: I'm not buying this as a trap game. The Packers know they need to be at 6-3 going into their bye week, and won't take a banged-up Jaguars squad lightly. It should be a good opportunity for the Pack to practice its killer instinct and have the game out of reach before the fourth quarter. -Tex
Colts vs. Titans: There are two bad defenses playing in Nashville on Sunday. I think the edge goes to the team with the most big-play potential, and Chris Johnson showed a little bit of that last week. Add in contributions from their special teams, and that makes Tennessee my pick. -Tex
Patriots vs. Rams: I have no clue why I have faith in a Rams team that we just watched do nothing offensively. I really don't. But I know that New England just struggled with the media's favorite whipping boys at home, so I'm not picking them to win anything. -Kevin
Dolphins vs. Jets: I have no clue how to pick games in this division. The Jets took New England to the brink, but had to pass a lot to do so. Miami's rush defense is very good and won't allow Shonn Greene to have a big day. Reggie Bush should have a big day against New York, though, and will lead Miami to a close win. -Tex
Falcons vs. Eagles: The Eagles are near a point of implosion....and I don't see how that changes when they face a red hot Falcon team. The Eagles can win, but they would need to protect Mike Vick and stop making mistakes. I don't see either happening to be honest with you. -Devin
Redskins vs. Steelers: Robert Griffin is the best quarterback in the history of football. All hail Robert Griffin. -Kevin
Raiders vs. Chiefs: Brady Quinn is the quarterback for the Chiefs. That's all you need to know. -Devin
Giants vs. Cowboys: The road team has won this game a ton in recent years, and I think the Giants are in perfect position to put an early end to the Cowboys' division title hopes. Victor Cruz has been scary lately, and I'm confident Dez Bryant will have another brain fart or two that will cost the Cowboys points. -Tex
Saints vs. Broncos: Last week's comeback win is going to spark Denver's run to a division title. The Saints just aren't good enough this year, and they're going to struggle with a confident Broncos team at Mile High. -Kevin
49ers vs. Cardinals: San Francisco's offense is functional, at worst. Arizona's will be lucky to cross midfield against the 49ers' defense. -Tex