What Mike Shanahan is doing to Donovan McNabb is horrendous. This man poured his heart and soul into this team. He’s given his all, but his all just isn’t enough when you only have two capable receivers. But this man has been a class act. He’s one of the most storied quarterbacks in this league, and Shanahan is benching him for who? Sexy Rexy Grossman?

Sure, Rex is a scrappy player. He puts hours upon hours into his craft; quite the gym rat really. But he’s no Donovan McNabb. He doesn’t have the pedigree. He hasn’t been there. And he certainly hasn’t done that.

Furthermore, who’s calling the shots in DC? McNabb just got a $78 million, although we’re not quite sure how much of it is really guaranteed. But the more and more we watch Shanahan, Donovan, and the ‘Skins, the more it appears they won’t all three be together next year. So is Daniel Snyder really as absentminded as we all think? I believe the answer is yes.

If you didn’t quite get the bit, you may want to watch this. Irregardless, here are my Week 15 NFL picks. Home teams in CAPS.

CHARGERS (-8.5) over Niners
Believe it or not, the Chargers are only one game out of the playoffs. In the words of Drake, “Better late than never, but never late is better.”

BENGALS (-1.5) over Browns
I almost wanted to pick Cleveland here, but I’m afraid Jake Delhomme will out-Palmer Carson Palmer. Or would that be Delhomme out-Delhomming Palmer?

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh Rexy!

COWBOYS (-6.5) over Redskins
Is there anything more embarrassing than being benched twice in one season for Sexy Rexy? Maybe giving your quarterback $78 million after benching him once, then benching him again one month after the signing. And he won’t be a Redskin next year.

Texans (+1.5) over TITANS
The Titans just look awful. Vince Young looked like he was ready to go, but Jeff Fisher announced he was going on IR. Randy Moss is brooding on the bench, and Chris Johnson looks like Rudi Johnson. Texans AND the points? Yes, please.

COLTS (-4.5) over Jaguars
Here is another game where you really want to take the Jaguars, the sleeper team no one can possibly hold a grudge against. But this is the Colts. And this is the Jaguars. Jacksonville can usually keep these games close, but if Peyton Manning really is one of the best five quarterbacks in the league, he’ll will his team to victory today.

Chiefs (+1.5) over RAMS
Who would have ever guessed at the beginning of the year that this game would have any implications other than draft position?

Bills (+5.5) over DOLPHINS
This is a tough game to pick. Both teams are boring. Both teams have uninspiring quarterbacks. However, the Dolphins are the second worst scoring team and the Bills are a virile 23rd in the league.

BUCCANEERS (-6.5) over Lions
How did we not see this coming? Every year we say, “Okay, THIS is the year the last place NFC South team isn’t going to the playoffs!” And every year they end up going to the playoffs. So what does this tell us? The Panthers are going to take Andrew Luck #1 overall, and he will lead them to the playoffs. Speaking of the Panthers….

Cardinals (+2.5) over PANTHERS
I usually hate West teams coming East to essentially play a 10 AM game, but this is a different case. The Panthers really, really, really want the first overall pick (although I don’t know how much John Fox actually cares). Also, remember the last time Arizona came to Charlotte?

RAVENS (-2.5) over Saints
In a potential Super Bowl preview, we’ll see a slight finesse dome team go into frigid Baltimore to play a smashmouth angry Ravens team. This will be close, it will come down to the wire, but I’ll take the team with Ray Lewis at home.

Eagles (+2.5) over GIANTS
The Eagles have won five straight against the Giants. Its hard to win five games in a row against the Bills! Michael Vick no prisoners, and he will run across this tough Giants’ D.

Falcons (-6.5) over SEAHAWKS
As I’ve said many a time, the Seahawks win at home. But at the same time, Matty Ice doesn’t lose games to losing teams. This one won’t be too close.

STEELERS (-6.5) over Jets
Mark Sanchez has a 49% completion percentage against winning teams. That should be enough to tell you how this one will end up. If Sanchez can’t pass, the Jets will need to run. Good news, the Steelers have the best run defense by nearly 400 yards, holding the opposition to 2.9 yards per carry. Better prepare some good excuses, Rex!

Broncos (+6.5) over RAIDERS
This isn’t as much about how much faith I have in Tim Tebow as much as how little faith I have in the Raiders. That being said, I think the Broncos will get up for their interim coach and brand new starting QB. It happened with the Cowboys, it happened with the Vikings, it will happen with the Broncos.

PATRIOTS (-10.5) over Packers
Have you seen Tom Brady recently? 19 TDs and 0 picks since Week 7. He has no big name receivers, yet he makes it work with Wes Welker, Deion Branch, Danny Woodhead, BenJarvus Green-Ellis (4 names are better than 2), Brandon Tate, and 2 rookie tight ends. This man is better in snow than any quarterback is in a dome! Oh, and have you seen Matt Flynn? Ugh! This is your Bojangles’ Lock o’ the Week!

Bears (-3.5) over VIKINGS
I don’t know if you’ve seen Tarvaris Jackson, but he looks pretty dreadful. Like Sexy Rexy or David Carr may be an upgrade. It’s pretty turrible.

Last Week: 8-8

Season: 89-92

Bojangles Lock o’ the Week: 10-3

Snow is falling across the country, malls are getting real busy, and its the season for giving. Carson Palmer is giving footballs to opposing defensive backs, Tom Brady is handing out beat downs to opposing coaches, and Gus Johnson is giving us dozens upon dozens of great play calls. I’m just about ready playoff football, and especially ready to stop talking Bills, Lions, and Browns — at least until the draft creeps around. Without further ado…the Week 14 NFL Picks. Home teams in CAPS.

Colts (-2.5) over TITANS
Peyton has not looked good recently, but he’s no Kerry Collins. Dude steps up in primetime, and this should be no different. The Colts don’t lose must win games like this one.

Browns (+1.5) over BILLS
I don’t think I’ve taken the Browns all year. I’m not jumping on the bandwagon, but I don’t really plan on taking the Bills any time soon.

Packers (-6.5) over LIONS
People seem to be overlooking the Packers because they’ve lost so many key players, but they are a very, very good team. Brandon Jackson is a viable replacement, and Aaron Rodgers is still a fantastic quarterback, even without Jermichael Finley and a the corpse of Donald Driver.

STEELERS (-9.5) over Bengals
I just love picking against the Bengals because the line just cannot be high enough. Carson Palmer is a very, very bad quarterback. Unbelievably bad. And people still don’t notice.

Buccaneers (-2.5) over REDSKINS
Josh Freeman wins games. I feel like Bill Simmons right now.

Falcons (-7.5) over PANTHERS
No Panthers line should be under 10.

When do Raider fans stop being fascinating to watch?

JAGUARS (-4.5) over Raiders
Could there be two more boring teams? At least the Raiders are dysfunctional, and that’s interesting.

Seahawks (+4.5) over NINERS
The Seahawks are going to end up winning the NFC West with a horrible record. So should they be allowed into the playoffs with such a suckish record? Yes.

SAINTS (-8.5) over Rams
Sam Bradford may be the next hot thing, but he’s no Drew Brees. Beyond that the Rams are no Saints. And beyond that, St. Louis is no New Orleans.

Patriots (-3.5) over BEARS
Today is the 10th snow day in the Belichick Patriots Era. Their record in those 9 games, you ask? 9-0. You bet your biscuits this is the Bojangles Lock o’ the Week!

JETS (-6.5) over DOLPHINS
As much as I’d love for the Dolphins to take down the Jets, but it just isn’t happening. Tyler Thigpen may cut it in the CFL or UFL or even the XFL, but not the NFL.

Broncos (-3.5) over CARDINALS
The Cardinals are on their third starting quarterback. Do you know who John Skelton is? Did you know he was actually drafted? Did you know he went to Fordham? Do you know where Fordham is?

CHARGERS (-6.5) over Chiefs
Somehow, the Chargers lost a game in December last week. That won’t be happening again.

Eagles (-3.5) over COWBOYS
The Cowboys don’t have Michael Vick. The Cowboys don’t have Dez Bryant. The Cowboys don’t have Tony Romo. The Cowboys aren’t winning this game.

Giants (-2.5) over VIKINGS
It’s looking more and more like Brett Favre’s streak can’t be stopped. Snow is forcing the game to be moved to Monday Night, so Favre gets another day to get healthy. But with or without Favre, Minny won’t be winning this game.

Ravens (-3.5) over TEXANS
If the Ravens are one of the three best teams in the league, they’ll win this game. I have confidence.

Last Week: 10-6

Season: 81-84

Bojangles Lock o’ the Week: 9-3

Here we are in Week 13. Some people are in the last week of regular season of fantasy football, but the real players have five long weeks to go. Without further ado, my Lucky Week 13 picks, home teams in CAPS.

EAGLES (-8.5) over Texans
There is something just depressing about the Texans. Every year they come in with promise, and every year they end the season at 8-8. Except this year. This year they’re not even getting to .500.

Saints (-6.5) over BENGALS
I don’t get this line. The Saints are really good … and the Bengals are really bad. This game will be over fast. This is your Bojangles Lock o’ the Week!

LIONS (+3.5) over Bears
Maybe I have too much faith in the Lions. Maybe I have an irrational disliking for this Bears team. Maybe I feel bad for Detroit after they had a win in Week 1 ripped from their hands against Detroit. But I’ll take the Lions and the points here.

PACKERS (-9.5) over Niners
As many injuries as the Packers have had, they’re still a really talented team. Troy Smith just will not cut it matched up against Aaron Rodgers, and this game won’t be close on the Frozen Tundra at Lambeau Field.

Doesn't Rusty Smith sound like the name of a mechanic?

Jaguars (+3.5) over TITANS
Kerry Collins or Rusty Smith, I’ll take the Jags. They’re completely uninspiring, but they’ve found a way to place themselves atop the AFC South, and they deserve props for that.

CHIEFS (-8.5) over Broncos
I cannot put any trust in KC Coach Todd Haley, but he has so much great help around him, specifically coordinators Charlie Weis and Romeo Crennel. KC wins at home, and they’re playing at Arrowhead Stadium today.

DOLPHINS (-4.5) over Browns
As long as Tyler Thigpen isn’t playing, I’ll take Miami.

VIKINGS (-6.5) over Bills
Ugh….what a terrible game. At least Leslie Frazier can motivate his team to step up their game against one of the four worst teams in the league.

GIANTS (-7.5) over Redskins
I generally don’t trust Eli, but against the Redskins, this is an easy pick. Even without Hakeem Nicks and Steve Smith, Eli should find a way not to throw four picks and lose the game.

CHARGERS (-12.5) over Raiders
Phillip Rivers does not lose games in December.

Falcons (-3.5) over BUCCANEERS
Is this the game where the NFC South last placed team takes over? You all know the stat, so I don’t need to repeat it. Right now, Tampa is tied with New York and Chicago for the last playoff spot. Unfortunately, today is not the day. They can win the next three games after this one (Washington, Detroit, and Seattle), but not against Matty Ice.

SEAHAWKS (-5.5) over Panthers
The Panthers are bad, and the Seahawks win at home. Simple choice.

Rams (-3.5) over CARDINALS
Do people realize the Cardinals absolutely suck? Like Carolina basketball suck?

COLTS (-5.5) over Cowboys
Peyton in a must-win? Yes, sir.

Steelers (+3.5) over RAVENS
I really trust Big Ben in these games. Of course, we haven’t seen a Baltimore offense like this in decades, but the Steelers still have the best defense in the league.

PATRIOTS (-3.5) over Jets
In a league largely run by quarterbacks and head coaches, I’ll take Brady and the Hoodie over Sanchize and Rex Ryan. The Patriots do not lose these games at home, and this is the time of year when they finally hit full stride.

Last Week: 6-10

Season: 71-78

Bojangles Lock o’ the Week: 9-2

After a week off, my record rocketed up to three games under. Maybe I should take more columns off….. Home teams in CAPS…

Detroit has lost 6 straight on Turkey Day; even the fans know this game is no different from all of the other losses.

Patriots (-6.5) over LIONS
This is TFB we’re talking about! The Lions don’t even win on Thanksgiving! Let’s not get carried away and give too much credit to the Lions here. This is easily the Bojangles’ Gravy n’ Biscuits Lock o’ the Week.

Saints (-3.5) over COWBOYS
I’m about ready to hop off the Cowboys bandwagon. Jason Garrett did a nice job of changing the culture of the locker room, but become the tough cop won’t help you beat the Saints.

JETS (-9.5) over Bengals
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Carson Palmer is a turrible quarterback. T-R-B-L turrrrrrible.

FALCONS (-2.5) over Packers
Matt Ryan does not lose at home. Matty Ice is an astounding 18-1 in the Georgia Dome, and that’s no fluke. The Packers are the best team in a week NFC North, but they’re too banged up right now to take down Roddy White, Michael Turner, and the Atlanta Falcons.

Steelers (-6.5) over BILLS
The Bills are one of the four worst teams in the league. Pittsburgh is one of the four best teams in the league. This game isn’t too hard to pick.

Panthers (+10.5) over BROWNS
The Panthers have had a horrible season. Everything that could go wrong has go wrong, outside of trading for Jake Delhomme. But to lose by 11 to Cleveland? That just cannot and will not happen.

GIANTS (-7.5) over Jaguars
My usual train of though in picking games between AFC and NFC teams with equal records is to go with the AFC team. However, the Jaguars are clearly a 3-7 team not a 6-4 team. Plus, they’re missing both starting tackles. I’m not the biggest Giants fan, but I am a big fan of a great deal.

Vikings (+2.5) over REDSKINS
This one was hard. At first, I wanted to go with Minny. Then I thought of what kinda of a hellish mess they are and switched to Washington. Then I remembered Chilly was fired. I’ll take the points, Leslie Frazier, and the gunslinger.

Titans (+6.5) over TEXANS
Randy Moss may not be racking up the yards or catches, but he still commands double teams. Kerry Collins is a very competent quarterback, even at the ripe age of thirty-seven. He’s a big more accurate on deep passes, but doesn’t have the playmaking ability of Vince Young. Collins or VY, I’ll take Jeff Fisher and the points.

SEAHAWKS (+1.5) over Chiefs
The Seahawks and Chiefs are different teams at home. Who’s at home?

RAIDERS (-3.5) over Dolphins
This game is really tough. Taking the points is enticing, but I trust the Raiders more at home than I do Tyler Thigpen in the Black Hole. As a side note, this has to be the first time in nearly half a decade that I’ve had some semblance of faith in Oakland for any game.

Eagles (-3.5) over BEARS
Michael Vick…Jay Cutler……Michael Vick…Jay Cutler……

RAVENS (-7.5) over Bucs
Josh Freeman wins games, but Joe Flacco wins games against quality teams. Tampa Bay can beat up on the Panthers and Rams of the world, but they need to prove that they can go into Baltimore and win before I completely jump on their bandwagon.

BRONCOS (-3.5) over Rams
I can’t come up with anything complementary to say about Denver, but I can come up with more faults for St. Louis. What an awful game!

Chargers (+3.5) over COLTS
Usually, I say not to go against Peyton in primetime. However, you should never pick against Phillip Rivers late in the season. Rivers is 16-5 in November, 18-1 in December, and 2-0 in January. Yeah.

Niners (-1.5) over CARDINALS
Don’t you feel bad for Larry Fitzgerald? Dude runs downfield, gets open, jumps, then realizes that Max Hall/Derek Anderson threw the ball 10 feet over his head. Let’s just hope that Arizona can draft a real quarterback (Ryan Mallett) next April.

Last Week: 12-4

Season: 65-68

Bojangles Lock o’ the Week: 8-2

He’s electric. He’s exciting. He’s exhilarating to watch. And now he wants to tone down his game?

There’s no one more exciting to watch in the NFL than Michael Vick. Peyton Manning is a machine, Tom Brady is Mr. Clutch, but Vick has the potential to break off a 50-yard pass or 70-yard run on every single play.

As Vick recovered from his recent rib injury, he announced hat he would play more conservatively; that would limit his turnovers and chances for injury. This could be a death sentence to his career, but it also has a chance to be a nice change to his career.

There is no player more explosive, no player who puts more fear into a defensive coordinator than Michael Vick.

When he was in Atlanta, Michael Vick was as close to a running back as any quarterback had ever been. He had a loose cannon of an arm, and scrambled whenever he didn’t see an open receiver. The coaches never did anything to stop him from his cavalier ways.

After a dog-fighting incident and a few years off, Michael Vick appears to be a changed man. Not only has he stopped his dog-fighting ring and surrounded himself by better friends, but he’s also changed his game a bit. After one year of riding the bench, he finally has his legs back. Not only that, but his arm looks stronger and more accurate than ever.

When the Eagles dealt long-time leader Donovan McNabb to the division rival Redskins, Vick was not originally slated to be the starter in Philly. But when Kevin Kolb went down in Week 1 with a concussion, Vick was more than able to step in. MV7 lit up the opposition for 799 yards on 61.4% passing, over six points over his career average.

Then in Week 4, Vick went Vick. When he scrambling in the first half against Washington, he heard a crack. Vick broke two ribs and missed the next three games.

Luckily, Kevin Kolb was not great filling in for Vick, so the job fell back into the hands of The Most Interesting Man in the NFL.

Vick’s return to the Eagles will start tonight against the Colts; seventh in the league in pass defense, but a lowly 28th in run defense. Will Vick tune down his game or stay with his explosive ways? That is yet to be seen, but we do know that Philly has the quickest, most explosive offense in the NFC with Vick at the helm.

With that, here are my Week 9 NFL picks, home teams in CAPS.

Buccaneers (+8.5) over FALCONS
So maybe these Bucs aren’t so bad after all. Also, in its eight years of existence, the last place team in the NFC South has gone on to make the playoffs the next season. In fact, every team has won the division except the 2008 Falcons, who won a wild card. The Bucs finished last in the NFC South last year. Hmmm……

Bears (-2.5) over BILLS
The Bears may be bad, but they’re not the Bills. Jay Cutler isn’t this bad, he just needs competent protection from his O-Line.

Patriots (-4.5) over BROWNS
This would be a revenge game for Eric Mangini vs. The Hoodie and the Pats, but is it really a rivalry when only one team wins? This is free money, everybody!

Jets (-4.5) over LIONS
The Lions could be finally ready to take a step up to a 6-win team. They have great young skill position players (Stafford, Megatron, and Best) and one of the best front fours in the league. However, they aren’t quite ready to step up to beat an above average team.

VIKINGS (-8.5) over Cardinals
The Vikings may be in a gigantic mess, but they have lots of talent. The Cards are in a mess, and they don’t have talent. If Brad Childress wants any hope at keeping his job, he’ll need to crush Max Hall and the Cardinals at home.

PANTHERS (+7.5) over Saints
This may be partially biased. This may be extremely boneheaded. However, Carolina doesn’t lose big in division games, and they’ve won three of the last four against New Orleans, so I’ll take the points at home.

RAVENS (-5.5) over Dolphins
The Dolphins are great on the road, however not against defenses like the Ravens’. Baltimore will force Chad Henne to make the big throw, and I don’t think he can make it, especially if Brandon Marshall is getting double coverage.

Chargers (-1.5) over TEXANS
Always remember this: the Texans lost to the Cowboys. They have all the talent in the world, but they just can’t put it all together. Phillip Rivers is one receiver (Vincent Jackson) away from being able to lift his team to victory, no matter how porous his defense is.

SEAHAWKS (+5.5) over Giants
Are the Giants the best team in the NFC? Maybe, but they’re not going to beat the Seahawks in Seattle. The Seahawks don’t lose games at home, and the Giants are too inconsistent for my taste.

Chiefs (+2.5) over RAIDERS
When is the last time this game mattered? 2002?

Colts (+2.5) over EAGLES
Wait! Peyton and points? I don’t care if Vick and Kolb are playing; I’m taking the Colts.

PACKERS (-7.5) over Cowboys
The Cowboys have flash. The Cowboys have talent. But the Cowboys don’t have precision. They can’t avoid terrible penalties and make do the small things. Green Bay may be banged up, but they’re not blowing this one at home.

Steelers (-4.5) over BENGALS
The Bengals are terrible. The Steelers are still the best team in the NFL. This is not hard. In fact, it’s actually the Bojangles “It’s Bo Time!” Lock o’ the Week!

Last Week: 6-7

Season: 52-65

Bojangles Lock o’ the Week: 6-2

When is the last time a league was this lopsided? The top seven teams could be in the AFC, and it’s not even close. The Steelers, Ravens, Patriots, Jets, Colts, Titans, and Texans have all been great this year, and no NFC team wants to stand out at all. The Cowboys and Vikings have won three games combined, the Giants, Saints, and Falcons are too inconsistent, and no one is worth talking about in the West.

At this point, when an AFC team goes up against an NFC team, its a good bet to go with the AFC. An average team playing in the tougher conference could very well be one of the top teams in the weak NFC. Do you want free money? Take the AFC over the NFC in the Super Bowl; the spread is under three points still!

Here are my Week 8 NFC picks; home teams in CAPS.

Dolphins (+2.5) over BENGALS
Since when have the Bengals been good? The Dolphins have been road warriors, and they’re sneaking under the nation’s radar because they’re not fancy. They pound the ball, play tough defense, and have a conservative pass game. I like the Dolphins straight up, so the points are just gravy at this point. Mmmmmm….gravy….like a Bojangles’ Lock o’ the Week!

COWBOYS (-6.5) over Jaguars
How popular are the Cowboys? More people are going to watch the 1-5 Cowboys with a second string, 38-year old quarterback who hasn’t started since he went 0-16 with the Lions two years ago go up against the most deadbeat team in the NFL over the Rangers, who are in their first World Series.

Redskins (+2.5) over LIONS
You do realize the Lions are 1-5, right? They can keep it close with great teams and beat up on the Rams of the world, but they’re not going to beat the ‘Skins.

Bills (+7.5) over CHIEFS
I’m ready to jump off the Chiefs’ bandwagon. There’s nothing wrong with Matt Cassel, but there’s nothing right with him either. Dwayne Bowe is too inconsistent for my taste, and there aren’t many blue chippers on defense. With Buffalo’s suddenly more-than-competent pass game, I’ll take Buffalo to cover, not necessarily to win.

Panthers (+3.5) over RAMS
Every rookie hits a wall some time, and this is it for Sam Bradford. Sure, the Panthers don’t look like a tough matchup, but they’ve actually been great on defense this season. Seventh overall in defense and fourth in pass defense, the Panthers have greatly benefited from top-notch years from Jon Beason, Charles Godfrey, and James Anderson. Carolina has momentum on their side; so I see them getting a not-so-tough road win to help keep their season barely alive.

JETS (-6.5) over Packers
The Packers could not have imagined a worse start in their worst dreams. First, All Pro Ryan Grant went down with an ankle injury, then Jermichael Finley. Aaron Rodgers leads the NFL in interceptions, and they have a measly 4-3 record. Going to Jersey won’t help restart the year. Is this a reverse jinx? Maybe. Or maybe the Jets are this good. Or not.

Broncos (+0.5) over NINERS
Thank God we won’t have to see this terrible game. Have fun, London!

Titans (-3.5) over CHARGERS
Vince Young is back, and Kenny Britt has exploded into a very good receiver in the last few weeks. The Chargers are still missing Vincent Jackson and Malcom Floyd, and the Titans play a lot better defense, so I’ll take the team with that Chris Johnson guy.

Bucs (+3.5) over CARDINALS
The Bucs may not be a great team, but they sure can beat up on bad teams!

PATRIOTS (-5.5) over Vikings
Randy Moss gets an early return to New England, but Brett Favre won’t be at full strength. If anyone won’t be affected by potential legal trouble, however, it would have to be Favre. But in the end, the team in silver and blue has the Man named Brady and the Hoodie in this matchup.

RAIDERS (-2.5) over Seahawks
The Seahawks absolutely cannot win on the road. The Raiders aren’t great, but they’re coming off their best win since 1999. Darren McFadden runs exponentially better when he’s not frustrated, and the Seahawks will have trouble winning in the Black Hole.

Steelers (+0.5) over SAINTS

Peyton Manning is all-time great in the regular season, but he's surprisingly un-clutch in the playoffs.

At this point, the Steelers are the best team in the NFL. The Saints, on the other hand, have been very disappointing this year, especially after losing to the Browns at home. Not only did they lose to the lowly Cleveland Browns, they also gave up a 68-yard run … to a punter! The Steelers are more physical, and they’re just a better team right now.

COLTS (-5.5) over Texans
Until we reach January, I am never going to bet against Peyton Manning in primetime.

Last Week: 6-8

Season: 46-58

Bojangles’ Lock o’ the Week: 4-2

How much do fines really mean in the NFL? Normally, they’re no more than a slap on the wrist, but things may be getting a bit out of hand. Five-figure fines for tweeting or improper chinstraps is outrageous, but that is another discussion for another time. The question is why fine $75k for normal football plays?

James Harrison has never been known as a dirty player. He is a hard working player who had to give it all just to make the Steelers before becoming one of the most feared pass rushers in the league. Last Sunday, when facing the Cleveland Browns, Harrison laid a huge (but legal) hit on Mohamed Massaquoi, and now he’s $75,000 poorer. This even led him to considering retirement.

Football has always been a violent sport, now more than ever because players are bigger, faster, and stronger. That being said, the NFL should not change the rules or strategies to the game. The rules are tough enough on defenders, limiting hits allowed of quarterbacks, so if they were to disallow any hit with a helmet would be a kiss of death for defenses.

Ultimately, though, we’ll see the same style of football. This won’t be the Canadian Footaball League, and it certainly won’t be soccer. Leagues make threats like these all of the time, just look at the NBA with the new ball and tougher technical fouls rule. I think Roger Goodell wants to send a message that the league is getting tougher, but players can’t go crazy on the field.

There won’t be a big impact ultimately, and people will continue to watch. People don’t love defense, they lose big offense. If you don’t believe me, then did the Ravens/Giants Super Bowl receive so much lower ratings then the Saints/Colts game did? Fans will overreact, but all will end okay. Without further ado, my Week 7 NFL Picks. Home teams in CAPS.

FALCONS (-3.5) over Bengals
In case you didn’t know, the Bengals are bad. Really bad. Carson Palmer is no longer a competent quarterback, and he has to force passes to T.O. to keep him happy. The Falcons could be the best team in a very week NFC; they have a clutch quarterback, a very good running game, two great pass catchers, and a fast, young defense.

Redskins (+2.5) over BEARS
I’m starting to believe in the Redskins more and more throughout the season. They’ve got a great coach, quarterback, and plenty of veteran experience. On the other hand, I’m just not guying the Bears. They have a terrible offensive line and a highly turnover quarterback. This one will be close, so I’ll take the Redskins and the points.

Eagles (+3.5) over TITANS
Could the Eagles really be the best team in the NFC? They’re the fastest team in the NFC, and they’ve won four of their last five games. The Titans could very well be missing Vince Young, and as long as Kerry Collins is in, I’ll take the Eagles.

Picking against the Jags is free money.

CHIEFS (-5.5) over Jaguars
You do realize how horrible the Jags are. MJD is the only semi-quality player on their roster. David Garrard is out. Do you know who is starting now? Todd Bouman. TODD BOUMAN! Do you know what this smells like? It smells like the aroma from…. a Bojangles’ Cajun Filet Lock o’ the Week!

Steelers (-3.5) over DOLPHINS
The Steelers are the best team in the NFL. Plain and simple. Big Ben is back and ready to prove to the world he can come through in more places than the bathroom. What? That’s a little inappropriate? Whatever….. By the way, what do you bet when Ben introduced himself to the college girl he said, “Hey, they call me Big Ben. Wanna meet Lil Ben?”?

SAINTS (-13.5) over Browns
This line can never be high enough.

BUCCANEERS (-2.5) over Rams
As good as we though Sam Bradford would be coming out of Oklahoma, he is even better. He is showing poise, pocket presence, and a great arm. Unfortunately, he has no receiving weapons. On top of that, he’s going on the road to face another great young quarterback, Josh Freeman. They are both going to be Pro Bowlers in a few years, but Bradford is going to be an owner of a 3-4 record fairly soon.

PANTHERS (+3.5) over Niners
As much as the Panthers have sucked this year, they do have a few things going for them this game. For starters, the Panthers are coming off a bye, where the Panthers are 5-1 in the last six seasons. Also, the Niners are taking a cross-country flight before playing at essentially 10 AM. Also, the 49ers have Alex Smith at quarterback. Then again, Carolina has Matt Moore starting. Either way, John Fox has never lost double digit games in his career, so a win at home is in order.

RAVENS (-13.5) over Bills
Just like the Saints/Browns game, this line can never be high enough.

SEAHAWKS (-5.5) over Cardinals
The Seahawks are a strange team, but they are no mystery. They rock at home behind the best home field advantage in the NFL, but are absolutely terrible on the road. They’re at home this week, so this one shouldn’t be close.

Patriots (-2.5) over CHARGERS
Deion Branch is no Randy Moss, but Patrick Crayton and Buster Davis are no Vincent Jackson. They Pats will win this game because of a superior offense, but also because the Chargers cannot stop anyone on special teams. Watch out for a Brandon Tate kick return and a big Pats victory.

BRONCOS (-6.5) over Raiders
I don’t know why, but I continue to believe in the Broncos. They have next to no offensive talent, yet Josh McDaniels makes it work with Kyle Orton, Brandon Lloyd, and Eddie Royal. The Raiders, on the other hand, are starting Kyle Boller. Enough said.

VIKINGS (+2.5) over Packers
How often do you get to take a great team and points? The Packers are not a good team; they are just pissing too many key pieces. Favre won’t lose this big game against his former team, and then maybe we’ll realize that Aaron is a great fantasy quarterback, but an average real-life QB.

COWBOYS (-3.5) over Giants
The Cowboys need to win this game, and they’re not gonna blow this one at home. The Giants aren’t his good, and the ‘Boys aren’t this bad. Tony Romo will step up here while Eli will crumble in the spotlight.

Last Week: 8-8

Season: 40-52

Bojangles’ Lock o’ the Week: 3-2