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Wouldn't you love to sit down with Adam Jones, formerly Pacman, and find out why he does what he does? As gifted as he is, with all the opportunities he has, something is roiling within, and it just won't go away. Jones, a Dallas defensive back, was in another altercation this week, this time with a bodyguard who works for the team.
Wonder if he knows what's wrong. Wonder if he cares. Wonder if it's always the other guy's fault. Wonder what the effect will be on the Cowboys.
Last Week: 9-5, Season: 46-28.
My picks (home team in CAPS):
Carolina by 2 over TAMPA BAY
I feel like such a homer. But the Bucs have QB problems. Last season, Jeff Garcia was brilliant. But he missed the preseason, and he reeks of rust. The alternative is Brian Griese, who was injured last week. Griese is fun to watch because when he throws you know somebody will catch it, but you don't know if it will be a receiver, a linebacker, a running back or a defensive back.
Chicago by 2 over ATLANTA
Beware Kyle Orton, coming off the best game of his career.
HOUSTON by 3 over Miami
Former Carolina offensive coordinator Dan Henning now directs Miami's offense, and his old school approach – players wear leather helmets without facemasks – has shocked the NFL two straight weeks. Despite the Texans' implosion last week, they are pretty good at home.
INDIANAPOLIS by 7 over Baltimore
Tony Dungy is 4-0 against the Ravens and one of these weeks Peyton Manning and his offense will turn magic again.
MINNESOTA by 20 over Detroit
Vikings have beaten the Lions 11 of the past 12. Against the Lions, that's not very good.
NEW ORLEANS by 6 over Oakland
This is Game1 of the Tom Cable Era. But Oakland coaches never last 10 years. If they do everything owner Al Davis tells them, if they get the sugar/cream ratio in his coffee correct every time, they occasionally last the season.
NEW YORK JETS by 6 over Cincinnati
All hail Brett Favre. If he throws three or more touchdown passes today, he'll be the first Jets quarterback to do that in 27 years.
WASHINGTON by 40 over St. Louis
I love everything about the Redskins and I always have.
DENVER by 2 over Jacksonville
The Jags lose when they're supposed to win and win when they're supposed to lose. But I'll go with Denver at home, where it has won six straight.
ARIZONA by 2 over Dallas
Kurt Warner has been exceptional at home, the Adam Jones situation could undo the Cowboys and, most importantly, I have yet to pick against the Cardinals.
Philadelphia by 3 over SAN FRAN.
The Eagles are desperate and the 49ers are the 49ers.
SEATTLE by 1 over Green Bay
The teams last played in the '07 playoffs. Now Seattle is 1-3 and the 2-3 Packers have lost three in a row. But Seattle has Keary Colbert, who has four or more catches in two straight games against Green Bay.
SAN DIEGO by 4 over New England
The Chargers are 2-3 and coming off a loss to Miami. But they struggled early last season, too. I go with the Chargers because, if it comes down to coaching, who among us will take Bill Belichick over Norv Turner?
NEW YORK by 4 over Cleveland
Hooray, Cleveland is on Monday Night Football or Sunday Night Football for, what, the fifth straight week. Hooray.
Lock of the Week
I have missed five straight.
Even though you undoubtedly admire my consistency, I no longer will pick a Lock. I will now pick a 10 Star, One Bar, Super Sleeper, Double Downward Dog Dare You, 1-800 Operators are Standing by Lock of the Week. It is, Indianapolis by 4 over Baltimore.
