Family business kept me from getting this done in time for Thursday's game, but I can still provide everything else. I had a fabulous week of picks after two poor weeks, but Carolina's collapse still surprises me (surprises them, too, I bet!).
Power Rankings [Last week's rank]
1. New England Patriots (9-1) [1]
2. San Francisco 49ers (9-1) [2]
3. Baltimore Ravens (8-2) [3] : If the Ravens keep improving, this team might challenge the Patriots for the AFC crown
4. Minnesota Vikings (8-3) [4]
5. Dallas Cowboys (6-4) [5]
6. Green Bay Packers (8-2) [6]
7. Kansas City Chiefs (7-4) [8]
8. New Orleans Saints (8-2) [10]
9. Buffalo Bills (7-3) [11]
10. Seattle Seahawks (8-2) [9]
11. Los Angeles Rams (6-4) [12]
12. Indianapolis Colts (6-4) [17]
Division Ranks [Last week's rank]
1. NFC West [1] : Two teams in the Top Ten and only one team with a losing record keeps this division on top
2. NFC North [2] : Also has two teams in the Top Ten, but Chicago and Detroit drag them down a bit
3. AFC South [3] : Like NFC West, only one team with a losing record
4. AFC West [4] : could be #3 if the Chargers would play more consistently
5. AFC East [6] : The Jets are winning, but they still have poor stats
6. AFC North [5] : only Baltimore has a positive points differential
7. NFC East [8] : out of the cellar, but barely
8. NFC South [7] : Carolina's collapse is pulling down the division
Sunday early games
Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints: I would have picked the Saints anyway, but the recent skid by Carolina makes the pick even more obvious. SAINTS, 27-23
Denver Broncos at Buffalo Bills: Buffalo continues their impressive season. BILLS, 21-17
Detroit Lions at Washington Redskins: The Lions haven't looked too good recently, but the Redskins have looked much worse. LIONS, 24-20
Miami Dolphins at Cleveland Browns: Now I understand why the Browns were picked to do well this season! They play so many weak teams. BROWNS, 23-20
New York Giants at Chicago Bears: The Bears offense has been struggling badly, but so has the Giants. The Bears definitely have the better defense, and that will give them the advantage in this game. BEARS, 20-13
Oakland Raiders at New York Jets: The Jets have won a couple of games recently, but the Raiders have gotten themselves together. The Jets will make this competitive, but not quite enough. RAIDERS, 24-20
Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals: Cincy is still winless, and I think that will continue, although the chaotic Steelers could lose this game in spite of themselves. STEELERS, 23-17
Seattle Seahawks at Philadelphia Eagles: The Eagles can't quite muster enough strength to win these days, although they will make it competitive. SEAHAWKS, 27-24
Tampa Bay Bucs at Atlanta Falcons: The Falcons stink, but not against divisional opponents. While the Bucs might win this one, I think the Falcons will surprise them. FALCONS, 30-27
Sunday late games
Dallas Cowboys at New England Patriots: The Cowboys offense may be one of the toughest the Pats defense has faced, which will help keep this game close, but the Pats' talent will prove just a bit too much for the Boys. PATRIOTS, 24-20
Jacksonville Jaguars at Tennessee Titans: The Titans continue to be one of the best mediocre teams, who lose close games but win big ones. This will be a rare close win. TITANS, 20-17
Sunday night
Green Bay Packers at San Francisco 49ers: The Pack had an extra week to prepare for this game, and they needed it. The 49ers defense is extremely tough, and will give the Pack fits. I'll pick the home team, but watch out for some of that Aaron Rodgers magic pulling it out in the fourth quarter! 49ERS, 24-23
Monday Night Football
Baltimore Ravens at Los Angeles Rams: The Ravens are the hottest scoring team right now. Watch Lamar Jackson continue to heat up the scoreboard. RAVENS, 34-20
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