NFL Picks: Week 10

My favorite storyline of this season has been the outrageousness that is the Oakland Raiders' franchise. I won’t re-hash the Lane Kiffin hilarity, but let’s take a quick look at the DeAngelo Hall saga:

• In the offseason, the Raiders traded a second and fifth-round picks for DeAngelo Hall, a cornerback, who went to the Pro Bowl last year. They did this against Kiffin’s opinions.
• Hall played eight games for the Raiders this season, getting paid $1M PER GAME. He was dusted several times for long gains, playing opposite the Raiders' star CB Nnamdi Asomugha.
• The Raiders unceremoniously cut him yesterday, basically lighting their two draft picks on fire and releasing a very talented player
• Now, other Raiders players are speaking out, saying things like: “I’ve never been in a situation where you cut one of the best players,” and “I am just a player so I can’t speak on it. I don’t make the decisions.... we’re just supposed to shut up and play.”

Good times! It really makes me relieved to be a 'Niners fan. I can’t believe I just wrote that.

Last week: 9-5
Overall Season Results: 66-62-2

Thursday

DEN (+3) at CLE
If there was a good time to start out as a first-time QB, it’s against the awful Broncos defense. Denver is reeling and just can’t stop the run. Look for Jamal Lewis to get a lot of work on the ground.
Pick: CLE

Sunday

JAX (-6) at DET
I’m having trouble understanding why Jacksonville is playing so badly. They can’t even run the ball anymore against normal NFL teams. Luckily, Detroit is less than a normal NFL team.
Pick: JAX

TEN (-3) at CHI
Whoa, whoa, whoa, let’s get a hold of ourselves here. Isn’t one of these teams 8-0 and didn’t the other team almost lose to the Lions last week? Chicago might play inspired ball and pull this off, but the spread seems bizarre.
Pick: TEN

BUF (+4) at NWE
If the Bills lose this game, they’ll be in a serious hole. It’s bizarre that they’ve been unable to run the ball. And Trent Edwards just isn’t (yet) the kind of QB that can carry a team for 16 games.
Pick: NWE

NO (+1) at ATL
I do like what the Falcons are doing right now, but Brees and company should have a good day. Colston should finally be back at full speed.
Pick: NO

STL (+9) at NYJ
Too many points. The Rams didn’t look great last week, but Favre and company can’t really trusted to stomp on teams every week. I’m thinking O.J. gets a pick or two in this one.
Pick: STL

SEA (+9) at MIA
I still can’t believe the 'Niners lost to this team…
Pick: MIA

GB (+2.5) at MIN
Who would’ve thought that Gus Frerotte would be the biggest gunslinger in a game between the Vikings and the Packers?
Pick: MIN

CAR (-9) at OAK
Clearly, the Raiders’ release of DeAngelo Hall is going to solve all their problems. After all, it’s not like the Falcons left treadmarks all over them last week.
Pick: CAR

KC (+14.5) at SD
The Norv Turner Rule is definitely poised to move to 7-2 on the season this week. The Chiefs are playing much better, and Norv Turner was once the head coach of the Raiders.
Pick: KC

IND (+3) at PIT
For real this time, Peyton and co. are getting it together.
Pick:

NYG (+2.5) at PHI
At what point did Eli Manning become the brother who was more reliable and less likely to throw some outrageous picks? I feel like they roll in this game.
Pick: NYG

BAL (-1) at HOU
Sage Rosenfels is like Matt Schaub...’s Dad. Who needs Willis McGahee when you’ve got Ray Rice and company?
Pick: BAL

Monday

SF (+9.5) at ARI
I’m pretty confident that Shaun Hill can keep this game close—it also sounds like the 'Niners will be pounding the run a bit more, which will be a welcome change.
Pick: SF