Written by Chris Hutchison

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Finally, all three prognosticators managed to not suck on the same week.  Yes, everyone was over .500 for the first time, DJC and BT with 8.5-5.5 records and I with a 7.5-6.5.  Splendid.  Marvelous.  OK, fine, mediocre, but when you've been eating manure, even McDonald's tastes good in comparison.

For the season, I still lead with 30.5-31.5, with DJC (28.5-33.5) and BT (26.5-35.5) not so far behind.

BT got his Executive Lock of the Week again, 3-1 now.  If he goes 5-1, I'm putting money on his pick.

All odds are from VegasInsider.com:

NEB at OSU -3.5

Me - I haven't picked these guys right yet this season, so in the interest of continuing the unbeaten record...  Pick: Cornhuskers

DJC - Tough to win under the lights at the Horseshoe (unless you are Juice Williams/Matt Barkley/Vince Young).  Pick: Buckeyes

BT - Pick: Buckeyes

ATL at WAS +3

Me - My first inclination is to say "Falcons, easy".  But they had some trouble with a mobile QB last week (Cam Newton), and at 4-0 and the rest of the Division at 1-3 (or worse), they can afford a letdown.  Pick: Redskins

DJC - Pick: Falcons

BT - Pick: Falcons

PHI at PIT -3

Me - I don't know what to make of either of these teams in this battle between the state's penthouse and its outhouse.  Neither is overly impressive.  But Pittsburgh had an extra week to prepare, so... Pick: Steelers

DJC - Pick: Steelers

BT - Philly sucks.  Pick: Steelers

GB at IND +7

Me - This one has that "win one for the Gipper" type thing going on as Colts' Head Coach Chuck Pagano was diagnosed with leukemia and will be out for a while.  However, raw emotion can only carry you so far, and then talent takes over.  And the talent gap is too wide on this one.  Pick: Packers

DJC - Pick: Packers

BT - Pick: Packers

CLE at NYG -9

Me - This started at -13, so it's interesting that bettors have moved the line so much.  The Browns have beaten the defending Super Bowl champ the last 4 years in a row, so there's no way I can pick against Cleveland in the one type of game they DO win.  Pick: Browns

DJC - Pick: Giants

BT - Pick: Giants

TEN at MIN -5.5

Me - I think Minnesota's Defense is probably good enough to shut down Matt Hasselbeck.  This game will come down to Chris Johnson's ability to run, and I still don't think he's broken out.  Pick: Vikings

DJC - Pick: Vikings

BT - Love AP and the purple. I keep dreaming my wife is AP. Too bad.  Pick: Vikings

MIA at CIN -3.5

Me - The Fins are a lot better than I thought they would be.  They could easily be 3-1 if they hadn't screwed up a precious few plays, and even Ryan Tannehill is starting to show improvement.  Cincy's been getting fat on cupcakes; if they win, it'll be by a FG.  Pick: Dolphins

DJC - This is my Mid-level Manager Lock of the Week.  Pick: Bengals

BT - I love Bush.  Pick: Dolphins

BAL at KC +6

Me - Right now, KC is the worst team in the league.  They're often out of it by Halftime (which lends itself to inflating their offensive numbers).  I never take the worst team in the league over one of the best.  Pick: Ravens

DJC- KC need to come around at some point, right?  Pick: Chiefs

BT- Quote me nevermore.  Pick: Ravens

SEA at CAR -3

Me - I think that Carolina will be able to score enough that Russell Wilson and Co. won't be able to keep up.  Pick: Panthers

DJC - Pick: Seahawks

BT - Executive Lock of the Week.  Pick: Panthers

CHI at JAX +6

Me - Blaine Gabbert doesn't perform well under pressure, and that's what Chicago brings in heaps.  Julius Peppers will literally eat him. Pick: Bears

DJC - Pick: Bears

BT - Pick: Bears

DEN at NE -6.5

Me - Ah, Manning vs. Brady.  Always a good game, no matter which Manning it is.  Denver's running game should be able to keep the pace of the game from falling in the Pats favor.  Not saying they win, just they don't lose by a TD or more. Pick: Broncos

DJC - Not convinced about NE yet.  Pick: Broncos

BT - Only cuz of points.  Pick: Broncos

BUF at SF -10

Me - Everything screams 49ers, but something tells me Buffalo will be able to keep this close enough that SF doesn't cover.  I'll probably regret this, but...  Pick: Bills

DJC - Pick: 49ers

BT - San Fran is still really good. (I called the shutout last week- should get bonus for that).  Pick: 49ers

SD at NO -3.5

Me - Not a very interesting Sunday nighter.  It's time for the Saints to get off the schneid, and they're at home.  Pick: Saints

DJC - Pick: Chargers

BT - Feel the Brees!  Pick: Saints

HOU at NYJ +8

Me - If the Chiefs give up the Worst Team crown, they'll probably be handing it to the Jets.  Houston will want to use the prime time exposure to announce their presence with authority to the rest of the country.  The QB controversy and the home crowd booing would've made it hard enough for the Jets.  Pick: Texans

DJC - I have a Tebowner.  Pick: Texans

BT - Pick: Texans