Refusing to concede the contest after last week's down effort and a season spent looking up at his opponent, Joe turned in a strong 9-6 sheet in Week 10 (hitting on all four of his favorites, to boot). That, paired with Nathan's season-worst showing (4-11), has once again made this a game.
It'll take another dominant week for Joe to pull even – and now he's got to have one eye on the clock – but last week's result has to be motivating. They'll be on opposite sides of seven of the 13 remaining games this week (and both have already missed on their Thursday night pick). If enough of those varied calls break Joe's way, we could see a lead change in this showdown for the first time this season.
To date:
Nathan: 68-67-9 (21-13-3 locks)
Joe: 63-72-9 (17-18-2 locks)
New York Jets -4 @ Denver (submitted Wednesday)
Nathan: Outside of playing the Patriots, the Jets have looked very good over the past month. While Tebow just wins, I don't see how the offense can do anything against this defense. Pick: New York to cover◄
Joe: The Jets have been playing very well, and the final score against the Patriots was a bit misleading.The problem here is the devastating loss, and the quick turn around on the road.Lucky for them I think Denver is just really bad so you have to roll with the Jets in this one even though I do think it has the potential to be close. Pick: New York to cover
Cincinnati @ Baltimore -7
Nathan: Baltimore’s offense just hasn’t played well enough for me to trust them against a team as good as the Bengals. Pick: Cincinnati and the points
Joe: The Ravens have been up-and-down more than any other team in the league this year. This would seem to be one of the matchups they get up for, which might not be good for the Bengals and their injury situation. Pick: Baltimore to cover
Jacksonville @ Cleveland -1
Nathan: I’m not sure how the Browns will score points, while the Jaguars might. Pick: Jacksonville and the points
Joe: The Browns really need this one, and they're at home so we will see what happens. Pick: Cleveland to cover
Carolina @ Detroit -7
Nathan: While Detroit has been slumping, the Panthers have been too. Pick: Detroit to cover◄
Joe: Detroit needs someone to beat up on, and Carolina is coming to town just in time. Pick: Detroit to cover
Tampa Bay @ Green Bay -16
Nathan: While the Packers should win this, the Buccaneers might be able to keep it somewhat close. 16 points is just way too much when anything could happen. Pick: Tampa Bay and the points
Joe: While I expected a Packer blowout last week I think this one is more of a toss-up, and I don’t think any score would surprise me so I will take the points. Pick: Tampa Bay and the points
Buffalo @ Miami -2.5
Nathan: I like Miami to win, as they have been on the rise and Buffalo on the decline Pick: Miami to cover
Joe: Buffalo has been banged up as much as anyone, and it has shown. I will still take the Bills in what looks to be a pretty good matchup for them. Pick: Buffalo and the points.
Oakland -1 @ Minnesota
Nathan: After what the Raiders did last week, I believe they are a significantly better team than the Vikings. Pick: Oakland to cover ◄
Joe: The Vikings should be able to give the Raiders some trouble by getting to Palmer. I think they look much different this week, and get the win at home. Pick: Minnesota and the point
Dallas -7 @ Washington
Nathan: The Redskins just haven’t looked good after having an alright September, while DeMarco Murray has given the Cowboys the spark they need. Pick: Dallas to cover◄
Joe: Dallas should have won double digits in their first matchup if not for settling for so many FGs. This time I think they get the job done even though it will be much harder with Austin out. Pick: Dallas to cover
Arizona @ San Francisco -11
Nathan: The 49ers are clearly the better team, and I don’t see the Cardinals' offense doing much at all Pick: San Francisco to cover
Joe: What a strange line in this Arizona game after looking good recently. I've had a busy week, and haven’t been able to catch up but it would seem the books are begging for Arizona money. Pick: San Francisco to cover
Seattle @ St. Louis -1
Nathan: I like the Rams to win this mostly because they are playing at home, and I’ll just hope that it’s by more than one. Pick: St. Louis to cover
Joe: Bradford is in his second game back, and Seattle is vulnerable when spread out. I think Bradford can do enough here to make them pay. Pick: St Louis to cover
Tennessee @ Atlanta -7
Nathan: While the game is in Atlanta, these teams are fairly evenly matched and have the same record. Pick: Tennessee and the points
Joe: I have had the Titans off-and-on throughout the season. They really are not a terrible team, and since Atlanta isn’t known to run the score up taking the points seems like the way to go here. Pick: Tennessee and the points
San Diego @ Chicago -4
Nathan: San Diego will get out of their slump at some point, and anytime people start believing in the Bears they lose. That logic isn’t enough for me to pick against the Bears, but I’ll take the points. Pick: San Diego and the points
Joe: San Diego may have had a rough time lately, but I think they matchup fairly well with the Bears. This might be the only game I consider this weekend, and four points going to Rivers with Jackson/Floyd is awfully tempting. Pick: San Diego and the points.
Philadelphia @ New York Giants -5
Nathan: With Michael Vick hurting and the Eagles slumping, I think the Giants can take another step towards controlling the division Pick: New York to cover
Joe: I just have to take the Eagles based on fading the Giants alone as they are just too overrated at this point. I will again give Eli his due as he really has been outstanding this year, but this is too many points for the Eagles. Pick: Philadelphia and the points
Kansas City @ New England -15
Nathan: While I would usually not trust the Patriots' defense enough to win by 15, I trust Tyson Palko even less. Pick: New England to cover
Joe: Why does it seem like there is always a bad team to watch primetime this year? The Patriots are giving up a million in this one so I will just take the points. It is Monday night so we will see if KC shows up. Pick: Kansas City and the points
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