Left field

The Lineman’s NFL picks

Big shout out to all those who came through with Christmas gift picks last week, especially the G-Man, Fine Tooner and the Bark with big wins.

But here we are in the final week of the season and the Lineman is going it alone.

At this time of year the Lineman leans towards teams that are still playing for something but then again as the Philadelphia Eagles demonstrated going down to the Vikings on Tuesday, there are no sure things this wacky NFL season.

Record: 49-47. Last week: 3-3. Pick of the Week: 8-8.

PICK OF THE WEEK:

Pittsburgh Steelers (11-4) at Cleveland Browns (5-10) (Line Steelers minus-5.5): The Steelers are playing for a first round bye, the AFC North crown and the second seed, which would guarantee them a second round home playoff date.

Week Seven NFL Picks

The Lineman had been in a bit of slump the last three weeks. After a very solid start to the season he has picked just six winners the last three weeks.We were hit hard by upsets last week (give me a break Raiders and Bills both picking up wins). But we are still ..500 on the season and Pick of the Week is back at .500.

Record: 18-18. Last week 2-4. Pick of the Week: 3-3

PICK OF THE WEEK:

New Orleans Saints (5-0) at Miami Dolphins (2-3) (Line Saints minus 6 1/2): OK, am I missing something? The Saints have won every game by more than 14 points, last week they torched the unbeaten New York Giants 48-27 and quarterback Drew Brees has put on an air-tossing 13 touchdowns including four against the New Yorkers, who came into the Big Easy with the NFL’s top ranked defence.

Week Six NFL picks

After a Week Four meltdown the Lineman is back heading in the right direction going 3-3 in Week Five. We are still stinging after missing Pick of the Week by 1/2 point but we can back to .500 this week with the Panthers.

Record: 16-14. Last week 3-3

Pick of the Week: 2-3

PICK OF THE WEEK

Carolina Panthers (1-3) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-5)

(Line Panthers minus 3 1/2)

OK, this certainly will not be the Game of the Week if you are looking for entertainment value but the Panthers are ready to post back-to-back wins and jump back into the playoff chase in the uber-tough NFC South. After opening the season 0-3 the Panthers hit Easy Street with games against, Redskins, Bucs and next week the woeful Buffalo Bills with a chance to get back to .500.

The Lineman picks a Bengals blitz

That’s better, 5-1 and Pick of the Week as well; the Lineman is on a roll. But Week Four looks scarier than Ray Lewis coming at you on a blitz.

Record: 12-6. Last week: 5-1. Pick of the Week: 2-1

PICK OF THE WEEK

Cincinnati Bengals (2-1) at Cleveland Browns (0-3)  (Line Browns plus-5 1/2)

Now that the Detroit Lions finally have a win, the Browns have taken the crown as the NFL’s worst team. Winless Rams and Chiefs are contenders but the Browns are making a strong bid for the number one pick in next year’s draft. Bengals meanwhile are one fluky tipped pass away from starting the season a perfect 3-0.

The Lineman basks in glory, fears the worst

Well, the Lineman got the season off to a perfect start (click the link). Steelers get the win, Titans cover, score one for the Lineman.

We will bask in the glory while it lasts because the Lineman understands this is just the first play in a long season. Let’s hope we are still on the right side of the scoreboard come Tuesday.