With all of my energy diverted to last Saturday’s humbling of Leonard Fournette and LSU and the running of the Bull Deuce, Derrick Henry, I had little psychic energy left to devote to the NFL, which is my handiest excuse for a 6-7 mark.
This is one of those KC vs. Denver weekends, meaning there is no way to avoid having either team beamed into my television. Grrr.
A quick look at the schedule reveals just one game — the Sunday night showdown between Arizona and Seattle — that might be entertaining enough for “appointment” viewing.
As per the losing mark last week, for Week 10 the prognostications will be focused on predicting the loser of each game.
And so …
Thursday’s Game
BILLS at JETS, 7:25 p.m., NFLN
The Jets should be plenty fired-up against the old coach, but something tell me it won’t be enough. The loser? JETS 26-21.
Sunday’s Games
JAGUARS at RAVENS, 12 p.m., CBS
Baltimore a true disappointment this season, but against Jacksonville and on The Crest? … JAGUARS 23-9.
LIONS at PACKERS, 12 p.m., FOX
Nothing like a return to Lambeau and a visit from Detroit to help right the ship … LIONS 34-17.
DOLPHINS at EAGLES, 12 p.m., CBS
Hard to see Sam Bradford taking Philly very far, but it is equally as hard to discern if Miami even has a plan to begin with … DOLPHINS 30-14.
BROWNS at STEELERS, 12 p.m., CBS
Is it just me, or does every Pittsburgh game shown in Central Iowa originate from Heinz Field? … BROWNS 24-13.
BEARS at RAMS, 12 p.m., FOX
I think Chicago has a better chance to win than most people think, but it is hard to not see the Rams pulling this one out … BEARS 27-20.
COWBOYS at BUCCANEERS, 12 p.m., FOX
Dallas is susceptible to being worn down late in games, but Tampa Bay will not be able to keep it close enough to do so … BUCS 22-13.
PANTHERS at TITANS, 12 p.m., FOX
Welcome to 9-0 … TITANS 28-14.
SAINTS at REDSKINS, 12 p.m., FOX
No matter which way I go, I cannot get New Orleans to play to my pick. Therefore … SAINTS 20-19.
VIKINGS at RAIDERS, 3:05 p.m., FOX
Minnesota is sneaky good, but in the Black Hole, and with Oakland’s legitimate passing attack, the Norse might run aground … VIKINGS 31-21.
CHIEFS at BRONCOS, 3:25 p.m., CBS
I actually know people who are excited for this one. Sigh … KANSAS CITY 31-17.
PATRIOTS at GIANTS, 3:25 p.m., CBS
It would be sweet to see Boston lose here, and I think they might, but just cannot bring myself to risk a pick … NEW YORK 27-20.
CARDINALS at SEAHAWKS, 7:30 p.m., NBC *
Arizona could all but put Seattle away in the race for a division title with a win, and although the Seabags are tougher at home, I see a late rally silencing the so-called “12th man” … SEATTLE 27-24.
Monday’s Game
TEXANS at BENGALS, 7:30 p.m., ESPN
Cincinnati will lose when someone who can pound the ball and keep it away from the Bengal offense comes along. Houston is not that team … TEXANS 31-10.
Byes: Atlanta, Indianapolis, San Diego, San Francisco
Last week: 6-7; Season: 80-52 (.610).
