These are the picks for the 2005 season. Bold represents the team selected to win. Games in red represent the Upset of the Week. At the bottom, The weekly and overall records for the season appear at the bottom. These picks are based purely on winners and losers with no consideration from the spread. The spread is only used to determine upsets for the Upset of the Week.
It was just another week in the NFL. The exception was the trade deadline was Tuesday, four P.M. Usually it passes like a footnote: There's something special about it, but no one bothers to find out. This time, though, a few GMs read the fine print and made moves that might shed some light on long term plans for the teams that moved quarterbacks.
Starting by the bays, San Francisco shipped Tim Rattay to Tampa Bay. For the Buccaneers, this move is insurance following the season-ending injury to Brian Griese. As of right now, Chris Simms will start for the Bucs, but there were rumors that Simms was falling out of favor with head coach Jon Gruden. By trading for Rattay, it puts pressure on Simms to produce and continue the Buccaneers' winning ways. If Simms and the offense isn't producing, don't be surprised if Gruden gives Simms a quick hook in favor of Rattay. Rattay proved he could play with solid performances in two of the Niners' first four games of the season with the 49ers. With a better supporting cast, Rattay could be even better.
As for the team that gave Rattay away, it removes all obstacles for first pick overall Alex Smith to remain the starter for the rest of the season. Make no mistake, Smith is going to stumble, which he did in his first two starts. But Smith was going to play eventually and take his lumps. Why delay Smith's hard knocks education? Trading Rattay also eases the pressure on Smith, knowing his main competition is gone. Smith doesn't have to look over his shoulder, wondering if or when he might get benched. The job is his and his alone, with plenty of time on Smith's side.
While opportunity opens for some, for others, doors may be closing. Miami quickly gave up on the idea that A.J. Feeley could be the team's quarterback of the future once the new regime arrived. Feeley will likely be buried on the depth chart in his new home in San Diego. In return, the Dolphins get a player worthy of playing in Sunshine State, home of various citrus fruit. Cleo Lemon still must prove he has the juice to stay in the league. Either the 'Fins believe Lemon has potential, or they are buying time until the 2006 draft when they select the franchise passer. Gus Ferrotte is currently playing well, but he's on the tail end of his career.
For all intents and purposes, Feely's hopes to become a starter are over. Drew Brees is more than holding down the starting role for the Chargers. Right behind Brees is Phillip Rivers, last year's fourth pick overall. And way behind both is Feely. But there is a chance that Feely could move up to second on the depth chart if S.D. fulfills Rivers' desire for an opportunity to start and trade Rivers to a team that will allow him to compete for first string. Feely will have to settle for second fiddle or less, probably permanently.
Too bad last week's 12-2 record isn't permanent. Maybe I can copy it this week.
Pittsburgh at Cincinnati - L
Last season these two teams had a late-season shootout before the Steelers prevailed at the end. As Pittsburgh proved last Sunday, they are a much lesser team without Roethlisberger. Fortunately Big Ben will be back, but even with him, Roethlisberger and the Steelers won't be able to out-score the Bengals.
Cleveland at Detroit - L
A good offense is an opportunistic defense for Detroit. The Lions scored 14 points off of two interception returns versus two field goals worth six points generated when QB Joey Harrington and the offense was on the field. If only Detroit could count on those points consistently from the D. The Browns won't be as giving as they hold on for the win.
Indianapolis at Houston - W
Times are tough for the Texans. They are the 32nd rated team in the BCS standings. Houston will sink lower in the ratings thanks to the beating the Colts will administer.
Kansas City at Miami - L
As if the people of Florida haven't suffered enough in the past two years. But just when hurricane season was thought to be over, here comes Hurricane Wilma. Due to the impending storm, this game was moved to Friday. In a show of support, I'll side with the Dolphins for the Upset of the Week and hope the Miami area and all of Florida aren't hit hard by Wilma.
Green Bay at Minnesota - L
After meeting with commissioner Paul Tagliabue, Vikings owner Zygi Wilf agreed to spend more money and run the organization more like an NFL franchise. For starters, Wilf hired a director of security. His next hire will be a dozen chaperones to watch the players when they go out on the town. But the guardians can't hold the Vikes' hands and lead them past Green Bay. In a rare dome win, the Packers teach Minnesota a lesson.
San Diego at Philadelphia - L
In a surprise pronouncement, Philly quarterback Donovan McNabb publicly said he believes the team should pay RB Brian Westbrook. Westbrook wants marquee money, but isn't in the same class as the man in the opposite backfield. LaDanian Tomlinson is the best in the league and he will prove it once again as he leads the Chargers past the Eagles.
New Orleans at St. Louis - W
Being snake-bit is one thing. Constantly shooting oneself in the foot is another. The Saints got caught holding on a missed field goal and gave Atlanta the second chance they needed to win. Playing a team without their starting quarterback would be an ideal situation, but the Saints will find a way to hand over a win to the Rams.
San Francisco at Washington - W
Will LB Lavar Arrington be back in the lineup for the Redskins? He's been benched for the last two weeks for not playing within the system. Don't be surprised if Arrington is kept on a short leash if he plays. Literally. He'll be guided by collar by his teammates before every play to make sure he lines up and does what he should. Arrington will be in place as the Redskins put the 49ers in their place.
Dallas at Seattle - L
Dallas kicker Jose Cortez was close to being engulfed by guard Larry Allen for missing a field goal earlier in the season. After connecting on a game-winner, Cortez bought a little leeway so he won't be Allen's dental floss anytime soon. This game shouldn't come down to a last-minute kick as the Cowboys chew up and spit out the Seahawks.
Tennessee at Arizona - L
Who will get the nod? 'Zona head coach Dennis Green must decide whether to stick with Josh McCown or go back to Kurt Warner at QB. An easy test to check if Warner is ready is ask him if he sees more than seven targets running patterns on three wide out sets. Clearly this is a game for the Titans to lose.
Baltimore at Chicago - L
First a couple of players get tossed from a game. Last week, the Ravens injure a umpire. If only they got this intense and hit this hard when playing the opponent. The Ravens will be up for the Bears, and put down Chi-town.
Denver at New York Giants - L
Coulda, shoulda, woulda. The Giants are repeating that mantra after three turnovers deep in opposing territory last week. It's the equivalent of taking points off the board. They need a lot of points this week, but New York won't be able keep up with the Broncos.
Buffalo at Oakland - L
In one play Raiders wide out Randy Moss strained a groin, bruised his ribs, tweaked his shoulder, got an eyelash in his eye, chipped an nail, lost his breath, pulled out a few strands of hair, jostled his organs, jammed his thumb, and scrapped his elbow. But it will be the Oakland offense crippled by Moss being on the sideline. The Raiders get bounced by the Bills.
New York Jets at Atlanta - Monday Night - W
It was the first 100-yard game of the season for Jets runner Curtis Martin. It might be a while, if ever, Martin exceeds the century mark with center Kevin Mawae done for the season with a torn triceps. The bottom line is the Jets won't be able to keep up with the Falcons.
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Super Bowl XL