NFL Week 14 Picks

We're 75% through another NFL season. A season which at one point looked as though it may never have happened. Maybe Colts and Eagles fans wish it hadn't. Other than that, as we enter the season's 4th quarter, there remains plenty of intrigue left. Can not one, not two, but three quarterbacks break Dan Marino's single-season passing yardage record? Can the Packers go 16-0 19-0? Can the Houston Texans win their first ever division title with T.J. Yates at quarterback? Can the Chargers seriously do this crazy December thing again? Can Jake Levin finish over .500 in his picks? Can anyone stop Tim Tebow? Can Brett Favre's name keep getting brought up with every QB injury? I mean you knew the 2011 season would include at least Favre rumors, if not a Favre sighting, right? Old habits die hard.

I'm short on time so these will be "quick picks" with one simple reason for each game.

Last Week: 8-8
Season: 87-96-9
Locks of the Week: 9-4 (embarrassingly, Raiders lost to Dolphins in Week 13)


This Week: 0-1


Home team in CAPS

Colts (+16.5) over RAVENS


Because Dan Orlovsky covers mammoth spreads.

Texans (+2.5) over BENGALS


Because David Carr could come back to Houston, hand the ball off to Arian Foster, and look like a competent quarterback.

PACKERS (-12) over Raiders


Because Carson Palmer has already thrown more interceptions than Joe Flacco. In 257 fewer attempts.

JETS (-10.5) over Chiefs


Because even Mark Sanchez looks elite compared to Tyler Palko.

LIONS (-11) over Vikings


Because the Lions need this one, and they need it badly.

Saints (-3.5) over TITANS


Because Chris Johnson is a smug jerk for deciding to show up just in time for the fantasy playoffs. No I'm not bitter.

DOLPHINS (-3) over Eagles


Because Tony Sparano just could become the Eagles coach next season.

Patriots (-7.5) over REDSKINS


Because Rex Grossman went 19-46 last week....and is still starting because his backup is John Beck.

PANTHERS (+3) over Falcons


Because Cam Newton could be the second best quarterback in the NFC South by next season, and what better way to prove that than beating someone above you in the pecking order?

JAGUARS (+3) over Buccaneeers


Because the combined record of the three NFL teams in Florida this season is 11-25. Has nothing to do with this pick but it's a great way to point it out.

49ers (-3.5) over CARDINALS


Because I like to think Jim Harbaugh won't let the 9ers fall into a trap here with the Steelers looming next week.

BRONCOS (-3) over Bears


Because of you-know-who.

CHARGERS (-7) over Bills


Because the Chargers have so much more talent on their roster than the Bills not even Norv can sabotage this one.

COWBOYS (-4.5) over Giants


Because it's time for Tony Romo to win a big game.

SEAHAWKS (-10) over Rams


Because....man why can't the NFL flex Monday night games too?