It's Friday today...let's just have some fun.   And what better way than...

FRIDAY FOOTBALL PICKS!
Last week I was 7-5-1; over the last two weeks I am 20-9-1.  Let's keep it going...

COLLEGE PICKS
#11 Michigan at #23 Michigan State.  MY PICK;  MAIZE AND BLUE.  Look for Michigan to outscore State in this one, as finally the Wolverines dramatically end 3 years of frustration, thanks also to a defense just barely improved enough to help get it done.

#20 Baylor at #21 Texas A&M.  MY PICK:  BEARS.  I think most assume Baylor will lose this game vs a tough conference opponent on the road.  But, news flash:  Texas A&M's defense isn't very good, and that's good news for Baylor's QB Robert Griffin III, or RG3, as he's known.  He will help Baylor outscore the Aggies and pull off the upset.



NFL

St. Louis at Green Bay.  LINE:  Packers by 14.5.  MY PICK:  PACKERS.  Impossible to go against the efficient, accurate Aaron Rodgers here against the winless Rams.

Jacksonville at Pittsburgh.  LINE:  Steelers by 12.  MY PICK:  STEELERS.  Again, a lot of points, but it appeared the Steelers got back on the right track last week, and now they get to go against rookie QB Blaine Gabbert (who I'm convinced is not yet ready to shine).

Washington at Philadelphia.  LINE:  Eagles by 1.5.  MY PICK:  EAGLES.  A tough one to pick.  But at some point, you have to think all those Eagles playmakers will step up; I suspect this is the week.

San Francisco at Detroit.  LINE:  Lions by 4.  MY PICK:  LIONS.  Not an easy game; the Lions have had a short week after the Monday night win.  The 49ers are improved.  The Lions have to guard against an emotional letdown.  But I think they have enough veteran leadership and playmakers to do it.

Carolina at Atlanta.  LINE: Falcons by 4.  MY PICK:  FALCONS.  Look for Cam Newtion to get his yards as usual, but also look for Matt Ryan and Michael Turner to have big games for Atlanta, and to put up a lot of points.

Indianapolis at Cincinnati.  LINE:  Bengals by 7.  MY PICK:  COLTS.  Because even though the Colts remain winless, their QB Curtis Painter improves each week, they've been close to breaking through, and I think they'll at least keep this game close.

Buffalo at NY Giants.  LINE:  Giants by 3.  MY PICK:  BILLS.  The Giants' letdown last week--I mean, losing to Seattle...at home...wow!--has to make you wonder about them.  Meanwhile the Bills have been pretty consistently tough this year; their win at home last week against a desperate Philly team says something.  Look for Buffalo's opportunistic defense to force more turnovers.

Houston at Baltimore.  LINE:  Ravens by 8.  MY PICK:  TEXANS.  I just suspect that 8 points here is too much.  Even without Andre Johnson, the Texans have offensive weapons; and their defense is improved.  The Ravens will win this game; but look for a close affair.

Cleveland at Oakland.  LINE:  Raiders by 6.5.  MY PICK:  RAIDERS.  The Raiders' running game will continue to motor, and their improving defense will harass the still-young Colt McCoy.

Dallas at New England.  LINE:  Patriots by 7.5.  MY PICK:  COWBOYS.  I think the Patriots will pull this game out late.  But look for the Cowboys to keep this one close.  Remember, the Patriots' defense has given up lots of yards.  And the Cowboys have the weapons to move the ball and score; plus they are coming off a bye and are healthier.  Look for a close game here.

New Orleans at Tampa Bay.  LINE:  Saints by 4.5.  MY PICK:  SAINTS.  Tampa Bay laid an egg last week.  Now LeGarrette Blount, key to the Bucs' running game, is out.  That spells trouble against a potent Saints offense.

Minnesota at Chicago.  LINE:  Bears by 3.  MY PICK:  BEARS.  They're at home; they still have a good defense; yes, the Vikings finally won a game against a woeful road team in Arizona, but that doesn't put all of the Vikings' issues, especially on offense, to rest.

Miami at NY Jets.  LINE:  Jets by 7.  MY PICK:  JETS.  Hard to see Miami, without Chad Henne, now led by the journeyman (at best) Matt Moore, having much of a shot here.  A chance for the Jets to get well, at least for a week.