Things are looking up in Pittsburgh. It’s probably safe to assume Ben Roethlisberger and Offensive Coordinator Todd Haley have worked out their differences. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
[I’m road tripping with two toddlers and an infant. We’ve already traveled over 2,000 miles. Between visiting with friends and family and trying to keep everyone alive, I’ve failed to post anything this week. My bad. Even these picks will be super brief.]
Season: 88 – 45 – 1
Last Week: 9 – 4 – 0
Thursday Recap
Browns 24 at Bengals 3
Twelve MLB players posted higher batting averages this past season than Andy Dalton’s completion percentage Thursday night. Also, I got this pick wrong. Way wrong.
Early Games (1:00PM ET)
Chiefs at Bills
I like Buffalo’s defense at home. However, the possible loss of Sammy Watkins will certainly limit the Bills offense. Consider me worried. BILLS If I were Charles Barkley; Bills +1.5
Dolphins at Lions
Two of the NFL’s top three defenses and no one is talking about either of them. Ryan Tannehill is rolling right now but Detroit has found a way to squeeze out wins at home. LIONS If I were Charles Barkley; Lions -3
Cowboys at Jaguars
Who knows if Tony Romo will play. If he does, Dallas should cover. If not, I like Jacksonville’s chances of keeping it close. COWBOYS If I were Charles Barkley; Jaguars +7.5
49ers at Saints
Jim Harbaugh is either trying to get fired ASAP or he hates Frank Gore and Carlos Hyde. I realize the offensive line may not be as strong as it was in years past, but Colin Kaepernick has been downright awful. He won’t get any better without a running game. There’s nothing to lose at this point. SAINTS If I were Charles Barkley; 49ers +5.5
Titans at Ravens
The wheels have come off for the Ravens over the past two weeks. They’re banged up but a visit from the inept Titans should heal some ills. RAVENS If I were Charles Barkley; Ravens -10
Steelers at Jets
Rex Ryan has a job for seven more weeks. Maybe Pittsburgh should bring him aboard to fix that Steeler defense. STEELERS If I were Charles Barkley; Steelers -4.5
Falcons at Buccaneers
The Falcons LOVE touting their four-headed backfield. When you activate four running backs it means none of your running backs are very good. BUCCANEERS If I were Charles Barkley; Buccaneers +2.5
Afternoon Games (4:05PM ET)
Broncos at Raiders
The Raiders are a better football team than their 0-8 record would suggest. Not much better, but better. BRONCOS If I were Charles Barkley; Broncos -11
Rams at Cardinals
I think I’m one of three people still on the, “I don’t believe in the Cardinals” train. RAMS If I were Charles Barkley; Rams +7
Giants at Seahawks
Not sure what happened to that Giants team we saw in late September. They’re gone now, though. SEAHAWKS If I were Charles Barkley; Seahawks -9
Sunday Night (8:30PM ET)
Bears at Packers
A win Sunday followed by winnable games against Minnesota and Tampa Bay could catapult the Bears back into the NFC playoff race. On the flip side, a loss Sunday to drop to 3-6 would likely end Chicago’s once promising season. PACKERS If I were Charles Barkley; Bears +7.5
Monday Night (8:30PM ET)
Panthers at Eagles
The Eagles are a top five team when they run the football as they did in Week 9 against Houston. I know Carolina is desperate for a win, but this smells like a blowout … unless of course Mark Sanchez does Mark Sanchez circa 2012 things. EAGLES If I were Charles Barkley; Eagles -7
*****
If I were Charles Barkley…
Season: 73 – 60 – 1
Last Week: 7 – 6 – 0