Because my overall cumulative record was near .500 before this week’s of games took place, I knew I was in for some trouble. Before even looking at this particular slate of games, I had a bad feeling about this.

Baltimore at Cincinnati (3.5). Incorrect.

I felt the Bengals would be the more desperate of the two teams, but I still went with the Ravens. For what reason I don’t know. Should have went with my first thought.

Arizona at St. Louis (6.5). Correct.

Not only did the Cardinals win, but they won by two touchdowns. Shouldn’t I get a bonus point or something?

Atlanta at Washington (1.5). Incorrect.

Could the Falcons be righting their wayward ship in time for the postseason? Don’t know, don’t care. All I know is they screwed me this week.

(4.5) Dallas at N.Y. Giants. Incorrect.

Well the Cowboys won but they didn’t cover the spread. Sure it was a divisional game, but it doesn’t do me any good.

Detroit at New England (13.5). Incorrect.

I called picking New England a “steal” this week. Not only did they fail to cover, but also they almost outright lost. To Detroit. Ugh.

(7.5) Indianapolis at Tennessee. Incorrect.

Not only did the Colts fail to cover, but also they outright lost. To Tennessee. Ugh. Well, the Titans are playing better as the season has gone on. But still.

Jacksonville at Miami (2.5). Incorrect.

Looks like the Jaguars are righting their wayward ship in time for the postseason.

(5.5) Kansas City at Cleveland. Incorrect.

Oh for Christ’s sake, this is getting ridiculous. Don’t any of these playoff bubble teams that I pick want to continue their season past Week 17?

Minnesota at Chicago (9.5). Incorrect.

Having watched this game, the Vikings did not deserve to get this win. And by “win” I mean not lose by double digits.

(1.5) N.Y. Jets at Green Bay. Correct.

Yay. I got one right.

(5.5) San Diego at Buffalo. Incorrect.

Sure it wasn’t an impressive win, but it’s victories like this that can determine whether a team is playing at home in the conference championship game rather than going on the road.

San Francisco at New Orleans (7.5). Correct.

And here I was actually worried about the point spread to this game.

Tampa Bay at Pittsburgh (7.5). Correct.

I thought the Steelers would probably win, but I was hoping for the Buccaneers to keep it close. I was wrong. I sense a trend.

Houston at Oakland (3.5). Correct.

Oakland? Favored? I need as many gimmies as possible this week.

Seattle at Denver (3.5). Correct.

Didn’t watch this game. Have no idea what took place. Seahawks won. That’s all I care about.

(3.5) Carolina at Philadelphia. Incorrect.

Not only did the Eagles win, but also they have a shot at making the playoffs. I’m not saying this will happen, but I’d love to see what the Philadelphia region would do should Jeff Garcia take the Eagles on a magical playoff run that resulted in a Super Bowl win. All with Donovan McNabb watching from the sideline.

This week’s record: 6-10

Cumulative record: 93-99

Drat. And I was so close to mediocrity.