Well, we’ve made it to Week 11, which is more than could be said about last season. I’m just happy to be alive and picking football games even if I’m not particularly skillful at the task. Last week I was 3-2, and Zach bested me at 4-1. The playoff picture is beginning to take shape in the NCAA, although an upset or two could alter the landscape. It’s far too early to predict how things will ultimately shake out in the NFL, although I think we have a pretty good feel at this point which teams are contenders and which are pretenders. The sun is shining, our Constitution has been saved from certain doom, & the holidays are just around the corner. Smile…everything’s gonna be okay.

My Season:        31-29

Z’s Season:        23-38

 

 

 

 

 

Baylor       `        at      Oklahoma (-15.5)

The Bears are in the midst of a two game skid after looking like a surefire conference champion. The Sooners have overcome two early season losses and now they look like the favorites to win the Big 12 (which has ten teams). Baylor’s demise is no shock to me…I was surprised they started the season so strong. Having said that, I am not sure that Oklahoma is two TDs better, not even at home. They’ll probably win, but I think it’ll be a shootout. Zach concurs.

My Pick:     Baylor

Z’s Pick:     Baylor

 

 

Auburn (-10)      at      Georgia

All the sudden the upcoming Iron Bowl has become relevant and Auburn is in the playoff conversation. When did that happen?? Meanwhile, the Bulldogs are having it a bit rough in Kirby Smart’s inaugural season as head coach. I’m sure he’ll straighten things out in due time, but I don’t think it’ll be this week. Zach foresees a blowout.

My Pick:     Auburn

Z’s Pick:     Auburn

 

 

USC                     at      Washington (-8.5)

The playoff committee finally put the undefeated Huskies in the Top 4, but now the pressure is on for validation. The Trojans won’t be an easy out. They’re riding a five game winning streak and interim coach Clay Helton may actually have a chance to get the permanent job. The outcome of this game will have a huge impact on both teams. Normally I tend to root for the underdog, and when it comes to the playoff I love chaos. However, in this case I just can’t go against Washington. They are legit. Zach isn’t quite as sold on Washington but he believes they’ll win this one pretty easily.

My Pick:     Washington

Z’s Pick:     Washington

 

 

Atlanta                at      Philadelphia (-1)

It looks like the Falcons will easily win the NFC South and cruise into the playoffs. Conversely, the wheels have come off in Philly after an impressive 3-0 start behind the leadership of rookie QB Carson Wentz. The Eagles have lost 4 out of their last 5 games and Wentz no longer looks like a Rookie of the Year candidate. Atlanta is battling the injury bug and that can’t be discounted completely. Philadelphia has the home field, but I’m just not buying what the folks in Vegas are selling. Zach believes WR Julio Jones will have a big game and he likes their defense.

My Pick:     Atlanta

Z’s Pick:     Atlanta

 

 

Seattle                at      New England (-7.5)

This is NBC’s Sunday night game. In a perfect world both teams would lose, but obviously that won’t happen. The Pats have looked virtually invincible since the re-inflation of Cheatin’ Tommy, while the Seahawks have shown some chinks in their armor. I would love nothing more than to see New England implode, but that’s not the smart choice. Zach is going for a mid-season Hail Mary by picking Seattle. I wouldn’t be upset if he’s right.

My Pick:     New England

Z’s Pick:     Seattle