The Lebanon Express Blog

Last week: 10-5 (96-48 overall)

I expected Bill Belichick to get all kinds of criticism following the Patriots loss to the Colts on Sunday night.

And he did, but what I didn’t expect was the amount of people who defended him. That surprised me more than the call he made that cost New England a game they should have won.

If you missed the game or haven’t heard about it, here’s the scenario: New England was ahead 34-28 with 2:08 left and was facing a fourth-and-2 on its own 28-yard line.

Instead of punting the ball, Belichick opted to go for it. Brady’s pass to Kevin Faulk came up short and Indianapolis took over with two minutes left and needing just 29 yards for the game-winning score.

They even had to milk the clock a little bit before scoring. Final score: Colts 35, Patriots 34.

Belichick, PUNT THE BALL!

Instead of just handing the game over to the Colts, why not make them earn it?

Just a terrible decision by an arrogant coach. To make it worse, I picked the Pats to beat the Colts in the upset. And they should have.

I did, however, pick 10 out of the 15 games correctly. I was most proud of my prediction that Washington would beat Denver, Green Bay would beat Dallas, and San Diego would beat Philadelphia (although that one was literally decided by a coin flip).

Thursday

Dolphins at Panthers: Wow, the NFL really stumbled out of the gates with the first two Thursday night games. I think the Panthers are starting to figure it out a little bit. I think they will edge Miami in a close one.

Sunday

Redskins at Cowboys: I can’t take Washington two weeks in a row, especially on the road against Dallas. I’m taking the Cowboys.

Browns at Lions: Seriously? Worst game of the decade? For the second time this season, I’m taking the Lions (FYI, the other time I picked Detriot to win, it snapped its 19-game losing streak).

49ers at Packers: There’s a reason Alex Smith lost his starting quarterback job for San Francisco. He just doesn’t get it done. I think that will factor into this one. Green Bay will win.

Steelers at Chiefs: In earlier posts, I vowed not to take Kansas City for the rest of the season. I broke that promise last week and was rewarded, as the Chiefs beat the lowly Raiders. But it’s the Raiders. I’m taking Pittsburgh in this one and it shouldn’t even be close.

Seahawks at Vikings: The obvious pick here is Minnesota. But I think this might be closer than a lot of people think. The Vikings didn’t play well against Detroit last week even though they won. I’m expecting a close one against Seattle, but the Vikings should prevail.

Falcons at Giants: Both teams are 5-4. Both teams are disappointed by their records. I’m taking New York in this one because of the home-field advantage.

Saints at Buccaneers: New Orleans will remain undefeated against Tampa Bay, which has just one win on the season. ‘Nuff said.

Bills at Jaguars: Buffalo just fired its coach. Sometimes that will inspire a team to play extraordinarily well in its next game, but I don’t think that happens in this one. I’m taking Jacksonville.

Colts at Ravens: Baltimore, at 5-4, is actually favored by a point against the undefeated Colts. That’s unbelievable to me. I’m taking Indianappolis.

Cardinals at Rams: Upset-pick-of-the-year. Give me the Rams!

Chargers at Broncos: Denver opened the season with six straight wins. I’m telling you right here, right now, they finish with an 8-8 record. I’m taking San Diego in this one.

Bengals at Raiders: I think I may have underestimated Cincinnati. The Bengals are 7-2 and its their defense, not the offense, that is most impressive. They should definitely beat Oakland.

Jets at Patriots: New England played poorly in its first game against the Jets earlier in the year. I think they’re a little ticked off about what happened Sunday against Indy, and I think they’ll dominate New York. Pats is the pick.

Eagles at Bears: Jay Cutler is not good. He has potential to be good, but he’s just not right now. I think he’ll throw at least three more interceptions. I’m taking the Eagles.

Monday

Titans at Texans: I’m taking Houston, although I think it will be close.

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