Clement's Weekly Picks and Prognostications...Week 10

Week 10 is typically known for the following:
A) The final bye week of the season.
B) The undefeateds and winless squads are no more.
C) The MVP race is heating up.
D) More teams, even if they aren’t willing to admit it, are already thinking much more about next year than this year.
E) One coach will be fired any minute now.

While those questions would take an entirely different perspective to answer, I’m still wondering what it will take to put together a perfect weekend. While I had the spirit and ending of the Colts/Pats somewhat-Super-showdown predicted correctly, I didn’t have the game correct via the spread. Fortunately, the rest of the week was rather successful.

As the NFL playoff chase legitimately begins and the BCS standings start to really matter, especially for Oregon and LSU supporters right now, we are going to crank it up a notch.

Gotta want that cowbell!

NFL Picks: [14-10-1]
Dallas @ New York Giants [+1.5]











Credit: Yahoo! Sports

Anyone else think the Giants, 0-2 only two months ago, would be playing for first place against the Cowboys? Me neither. Despite the Giants winning 6 in a row, it’s the road favorite you want to take in this NFC East matchup.

Indianapolis @ San Diego [+3]












Credit: Yahoo! Sports

Joseph Addai may not be Adrian Peterson, but the rest of the Colts offense – even with Harrison likely out again – will allow the Colts to storm up and down the field against the Bolts “D”. With more than a chip on their shoulders after last week’s meltdown, look for Indy to exercise their redzone demons against a battered and bruised Chargers defense.

Cleveland @ Pittsburgh [-9 ½]













Credit: Yahoo! Sports

If you thought Cleveland would be 5-3 right now, you’re either very lucky or very…insane. Cleveland has a lot of heart and maybe even more moxie, but I smell a home blowout this weekend in the AFC North.

NCAA Picks: [8-5]
#18 Auburn vs. #10 Georgia [-1]












Credit: Yahoo! Sports

Quietly, Georgia is in first place in the SEC East. Just as quietly, Florida is in the third spot (1/2 game behind, the team who controls its own destiny, Tennessee). While Auburn has had two easier opponents since their heartbreaking loss in the Bayou, the renewed Georgia running game will spark the Dawgs to a home victory over the Tigers.

#12 USC vs. #24 California [+4]













Credit: Yahoo! Sports

Interestingly enough, even more than USC’s slim BCS hopes, is the difference this game may make on Oregon. The Ducks defeated the Trojans at home but lost to the Golden Bears. So how does this game’s outcome affect them? Either way, USC won’t lose 3 games this season before December 1st. No way, no how.

3 Must Starts and Must Sits
START
…Last Week…
Santana Moss: No Skin wideout should’ve touched the ball with Clinton Portis running that well.
Devery Henderson: Drew Brees throws for 400+ yards and all Henderson tabs is 15 lousy yards? Ouch.
Ike Hillard: 7 for 70? It works.

…This Week…
Marc Bulger: Start him this week; especially since “Action” Jackson should be healthier off of the bye.
Brandon Stokley: I have one of those wideout “feelings” again.
Kurt Warner: Detroit’s road blues are going to return to the desert. At least on defense that is.

SIT
…Last Week…
Dwayne Bowe: Zippie.
Calvin Johnson: 44 points for the Lions and less than 50 yards for a banged up CJ.
Brandon Marshall: His 9 catches for 96 yards was the only bright spot for a terrible Denver performance.

…This Week…
Vince Young: 3 TDs and 8 INTs. Sure, all he does is win. But not for his fantasy owners this season.
Fred Taylor: The Titans D and Maurice Jones-Drew both offer up plenty of reasons to sit the soon-to-be-injured-again veteran.
Tom Brady: Even with 33 TDs…he’s on the bye. You may be tempted, but don’t start this season’s clear-cut fantasy MVP. Don’t do it!

Until next time…