It's All About Football:

Back in da day we used to pick football games and keep track of who did the best. The prize was "bragging rights", or something, I don't remember. I just know that I won one year.

Anyway, inspired by Ogie- here are my picks for this week. Not going to worry about scores- it's too much work. :-)

I pick based from the gut, and from a place of affinity with the Detroit Lions (because I live here), the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (because I have visited there- and the spirit surrounding the Bucs is phenomenal), the Carolina Panthers (for Natalie), the Green Bay Packers (for Mom, although I think they are in for a bad year), the Indianapolis Colts (for my youth).

So here we go. Keep in mind that I haven't been following football as close as I used to. The winners in bold.

Sunday, Sep. 18

Baltimore at Tennessee
(I think the Titans are pretty much used up, but Baltimore lost it's QB last week (?) so this might be closer than I think)

Buffalo at Tampa Bay
(Tampa, the surprise team this year. I have the utmost faith in Jon Gruden)

Detroit at Chicago
(I think the Lions might be for real. But I think that every year, and I'm proven wrong. The Bears looked lackluster last week- as they have for years)

Jacksonville at Indianapolis
(Colts!)

Minnesota at Cincinnati
(I truly believe Minnesota sucks worse than you think they do)

New England at Carolina
(Upset pick of the week- but I realize this is pretty far out on the limb. I wouldn't put money on it)

Pittsburgh at Houston
(Pitt could go all the way)

San Francisco at Philadelphia
(Iggles bounces back)

Atlanta at Seattle
(another upset pick. I still can't believe that Atlanta is for real, but maybe they are)

St. Louis at Arizona
(Not sure I believe the hype about the Cards being any good)

Cleveland at Green Bay
(Sorry, Mom- but Green Bay has a tendency to beat Green Bay. I will gladly apologize if the Pack turns it around)

Miami at N.Y. Jets
(Miami might be another surprise this year. I could be very wrong about that)

San Diego at Denver
(Toss up. I just don't know)

Kansas City at Oakland
(Another toss up. This division confuses the hell out of me)

Monday, Sep. 19

N.Y. Giants at New Orleans
(The feel-good Saints party stops here, although I'm rooting for them)

Washington at Dallas
(I hate Dallas, but Washington looked pretty bad last week)