Clement's Weekly NFL Predictions

Alright, so Pay asked for a few predictions...and I'll abide. I won't talk too much, as you're not here for me. [And if you are, seek help immediately.] Some might say that I have a background (shhh to the FEDS) in sports betting.

Although I'm breaking my second rule -- betting on the NFL. Why that rule? It's friggin' impossible. Parlay college games or go baseball. It's so much easier! In case you were interested, rule #1 is NEVER bet on a team you love or intensely hate. Never. You like to think you can be unbiased...but you can't. YOU CAN'T!

NFL Lineup:

Washington @ NY Giants (-4)
We're looking at spreads and the Giants seem to have a rather friendly 4 points, even being at home. Both sides seem healthy, although you gotta wonder exactly where Plexico is at these days. With the G-Men at 1-2, they can't afford 1-3 with this schedule. Perhaps a week off can lessen the blow of 44 illegal procedure penalties a game, whether home or away. [Yes, that rhymed.] As for the Skins, they looked strong (at times) with an impressive home win against the Jags. The secondary has issues though. Yes, even with Sean "Greatest Player Alive to far too many Skins fans" Taylor. He needs to go for balls before big hits sometimes. I said it. Carlos Rogers is also overrated, if he is even rated. While the -4 is enticing, this series seems to like 7-point games, or so I think. In the end, I'll take the Skins with the points. The G-Men could win, especially with Feely kicking well, and yet it could only be 3. Ride the hot team over the bye-week team and take the Skins to cover the spread.

Dallas @ Philadelphia (-2.5)
The TO bowl. Philly's secondary is BANGED UP to say the least. Yet, it's the play of Julius Jones and Marion Barber III that has me wondering how good these Cowboys are. Be sure to check how Michael Lewis is feeling and of course Brian Westbrook. While Philly is at home, I'm gonna take the Pokes as Glenn, TO, and Witten pose a lot of matchup problems. I also think Terrance Newman has completely left his bust status, solely now with Quentin Jammer, with some rock solid performances lately. Take Dallas, hope TO puts on a show, and look for Eagles fans dressed as and throwing pills and bottles.

Pittsburgh @ San Diego (-3.5)
NEVER sleep on Pittsburgh. Just when you think they're dead ... they show up. The Chargers are solid, but at home, they aren't unbeatable. Lost their last playoff game there (Jets plug!) and lost to the Steelers there last year too. While they have serious injury issues, I worry about the Chargers struggling to incorporate a man as talented as Gates. While the 3.5 is friendly, it isn't 3 or 2.5 which is better (especially if you can push). I'll take the Steelers here as they are too well coached to be 1-3.

Baltimore @ Denver (-4.5)
I love the oddsmakers putting Denver up here, especially after Baltimore rallied back and the Broncos took a bye week to enjoy beating the Pats on the road. Mile High is a tough place to play, especially for an old guy like McNair. Yet the key is the backs. Jamal Lewis is underachieving, 4-0 team or not. On the other hand, I credit Tatum Bell's early season efforts. While this defense, with Reed, Lewis, Scott, and Thomas can give Plummer fits, I love Javon Walker's addition on this squad. Yet, I still love field goal margins. I'll take the road-Ravens to keep it close...and maybe win. Stover or Elam could easily be the major difference here.

NY Jets @ Jacksonville (-7)
The Jets put on quite a show in past weeks, nearly collapsing against the Titans, rallying against the Pats only to fall short, giving up ungodly numbers while beating the Bills on the road, giving the Colts a serious run for their house money, ... and yet are 7-point dogs. While the Jags are at home and clearly better, I don't like the 7 point spread. Their running game will love seeing the Jets, but the safeties can help the isolated corners. I also think Chad Pennington can Mark Brunell (or Scott Brunell, if you wish) the Jags for some key plays. While the Jags could make this a disgusting 20-7 game, I think Vilma has enough talent to keep this under 7, win or lose. Take the Jets, as you don't get too many 7 point spreads in the NFL these days.

Okay, so there you have it. Skins (dogs), Dallas (dogs), Pittsburgh (dogs), Baltimore (dogs), and Jets (dogs).

Wait...what? Call it a hunch. But if you're playing with real money, only pick 3 games. Never parlay 5 in the NFL...it won't happen.

And ignore whatever I say. Except that last statement.

--Clement