9:45 a.m.

• OK, time for this week’s NFL pickkks:

(4.5) Baltimore @ Cleveland

Hmm, will the former Browns tear shit up or will the Browns give them a game? If I go with last year’s divisional winner getting the ship straight, then they won’t. If I go the other way, this will be the Week 1 Browns that had four different penalties on one play, not the Week 2 team that scored 50+ points. The Ravens secondary is better than Bengals. I’ll go with the former.

(3.5) Chicago @ Detroit

Shit, another similar conundrum. Will having a new quarterback spark the Bears or will the Lions play them tougher than they did with the Eagles last week? I’ll go with the latter in this case.

(2.5) Green Bay @ Minnesota

I have a feeling this one will bit me in the ass. I typically go with the Vikings at home against Favre, but I heard some stat on “Around the Horn” earlier in the week about the Packers quarterback having good games at Minnesota the last few years.

(3.5) Houston @ Atlanta

The Falcons didn’t play that bad last week, did they?

(3.5) N.Y. Jets @ Buffalo

I have no reason for this one.

Oakland @ Miami (4.5)

I don’t even know if the Dolphins have won a game this year. I just chalk it up to another selection for no reason.

St. Louis @ Dallas (13.5)

Even though this has all the makings of a “let down” game, the Cowboys have been blowing out teams they should be beating this year. Why change now?

(2.5) Seattle @ San Francisco

Normally I give the division champ the benefit of the doubt, but here’s hoping this will be the “changing of the guard” over in the NFC West. I’m tired of the Seahawks finishing first over there.

Tampa Bay @ Carolina (3.5)

I thought picking up David Carr was a good move, but I’m wondering if he’ll need a week or three to get into the Panther groove. I’m hoping the Carolina defense can hold the fort until then.

Denver @ Indianapolis (9.5)

I was going to go with Indy, but called an audible at the line of scrimmage. Oh I hope this doesn’t come back to haunt me.

Kansas City @ San Diego (12.5)

I don’t like the spread, but if there ever was a game for the Chargers to get back on the winning track, it’s this one.

(6.5) Pittsburgh @ Arizona

I have no stats for this one. It’s been my experience that the Steelers always have trouble at Arizona.

(2.5) Philadelphia @ N.Y. Giants

I’m still pissed at that Giants win last week. Go Donovan.

(7.5) New England @ Cincinnati

Only 7.5 points against a defense that gave up 50+ to the Browns? Sign me up.