Grey Ghost's Week 7 Picks

The Grey Ghost is back this week after deftly maneuvering some fugitive cows back to the pen. Just consider the Ghost a Renaissance man. Onto the picks...

Master Lock Picks of the Week:
In a bold prediction, I'm going with road favorites to cover this week.

Pittsburgh at Arizona (+4)
I think these teams are further than four points apart. Arizona doesn't seem good enough to exploit the holes in the Pitt D.

Baltimore at Jacksonville (+9)
It should be a long day for Gabbert against the seasoned Baltimore defense. I think the only way Baltimore doesn't cover is if they let up.

Chicago vs. Tampa Bay (+1)
Without Blount, I hope the Bears force Freeman to beat them through the air (which is entirely possible). Here's hoping Mike Martz doesn't try to prove everyone wrong.

Seattle at Cleveland (-3)
This one is a toss up to me, so I'll just grab the points. Seattle coming off a bye should be the difference.

Atlanta at Detroit (-4)
I can see Detroit having a let down this week, especially with the distraction from their head coach. Atlanta really needs a victory to stay in the mix.

Houston at Tennessee (-3)
Houston is better, but still has a lot of question marks with injuries. I'm going to go with the home team.

Denver at Miami (-1)
Here's hoping Miami picks up a win.

San Diego at NY Jets (+3)
I don't like the Chargers and Uncle Norv, but I think the Jets' offense is putrid right now.

Washington at Carolina (-3)
I don't know enough about John Beck to pick him yet. Let's go with Carolina.

Kansas City at Oakland (-6)
Carson Palmer or not, Oakland should take care of business at home.

St. Louis at Dallas (-14)
As loyal readers have learned, I hate these big lines. I picked St. Louis last week, so let's try again this week.

Green Bay at Minnesota (+10)
I can't pick Ponder against the champs.

Indianapolis at New Orleans (-14)
New Orleans at home against Curtis Painter. This would have been a Master Lock pick if the line was just a little lower.

Season Record: 38-33-3

Griswold European Vacation Shouldn't Include the Chicago Bears or Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Big Ben

Parliament

Buckingham Palace

Pippa Middleton

All are valid reasons to go visit jolly old London.

Watching the Chicago Bears and Tampa Bay Buccaneers is not. 

These two teams are playing one of the most critical games of midseason this weekend.  Its likely this game could eliminate one of these teams from real contention for a wild card spot in the playoffs.

So why play in London?

G - R - E -E - D

Despite the overwhelming popularity of the NFL, the league wants more. 

The league wants more British pounds and Euros flowing into the coffer with this dog and pony show.  It wants to sell more and more merchandise overseas. 

The Super Bowl ratings have grown exponentially in London, and the NFL wants more and more tv revenue money.  This is critical to teams like the Bears who haven't even come close to spending up to the ceiling of the salary cap this year.  Just more profit!

And when its done whoring itself out in London, it will care for the two teams who had to go over there about as much as a john cares for a Soho prostitute.

Think about this - Two teams and their staffs have to ship everything to London.  Not only do they have to leave their normal routine, they then have to adjust to the time difference and jet lag. 

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers also have to give up a home game to play in London.  The NFL offsets some of the lost revenue and for Tampa's owner its also offset because he is one of the owners of Manchester United. 

I read today that this is just the beginning, that the league is looking to expand to more games during the regular season in London. 

Can't wait for the next frontier like Australia or Buenos Aries for kickoffs over there.

So grab your tea and crumpets and wait for the Pet Shop Boys to belt out "Are you Ready for some football". 

Should be quite a scrum!

Grey Ghost's Week 6 Picks

Due to a livestock emergency, the Grey Ghost can't elaborate this week beyond quick picks. The Grey Ghost's insightful commentary will return next week.

Panthers at Falcons (-4)
Colts at Bengals (-7)
49ers at Lions (-5)
Rams at Packers (-16)
Bills at Giants (-3)
Jaguars at Steelers (-13)
Eagles at Redskins (+2)
Browns at Raiders (-7)
Texans at Ravens (-8)
Cowboys at Patriots (-7)
Saints at Bucs (+5)
Vikings at Bears (-3)
Dolphins at Jets (-7)

Season Record: 32-28-1