I apologize for my infrequent posting, but I've been working long hours in preparation for a project deadline so I haven't had much time at home on the computer. In fact, I'm off to work again right now, so here are my NFL picks for this week:

PIT at NYG: Every Eli Manning loss makes me happier and happier, and last week he hit rock bottom. PIT

WAS at SF: Ugh, this must be Lucas' coveted "game I don't care about of the week" award winner. At least with Spurrier, the Redskins were entertaining. And it's not that the Niners don't spend any money, Lucas, it's that after the mid-90's they are in such bad shape salary-cap-wise that they still have Steve Young and company on the cap and can't afford to pay anyone who's currently playing. WAS

CAR at ATL: Everyone is so quick to jump on the Panthers' bandwagon. They've still never beaten Michael Vick, and that's not going to change today. ATL

HOU at CHI: I think watching a Bears game is a form of torture. They have such a boring offense, and they won't even entertain me by putting in Jeff George. HOU

BUF at CIN: The Bengals might find it hard to throw throw throw against the Bills secondary, although they put up a good fight last week. BUF

SD at CLE: While I have been picking against both the Chargers and Steelers with shocking regularity considering their records, this week they get to play cream puffs. SD

MIN at DET: The Vikings look to be in trouble, but then I see "McMahon may get some snaps"...MIN

SEA at NYJ: For anyone who has ever seen the Seahawks play in December, this is a no-brainer. NYJ

DAL at PHI: The Cowboys have the worst secondary in the world, and the Eagles love to air it out, no chance. PHI

DEN at KC: Larry Johnson is the new running back du jour in KC, and Jake Plummer is on a bit of a downslide, but the Chiefs defense will provide a nice break for him. DEN

NO at TB: In the wacky NFC, both of these teams could make the playoffs. Wow. TB

STL at AZ: Normally I love picking against the Rams on the road and outdoors, but the Cardinals are the only team they can regularly beat these days. Plus I want them to make the playoffs so that Martz embarasses himself on national television. STL

JAX at GB: Can the Packers clinch their division this week? They have the 26th ranked defense in the league, but the Jags' offense often forgets they are supposed to try and move forward. GB

TEN at OAK: NFL "tough-guy" Steve McNair has missed almost every game this season and may retire. Doesn't sound too tough to me. TEN

BAL at IND: Ha ha ha, Manning has to go against a good defense. Have fun Peyton, no more Houston or Tennessee. BAL

NE at MIA: And the Patriots secondary circus continues with Tyrone Poole now out for the season. Maybe he will rip management, call the GM arrogant, and tote around a midget entertainer from South America. NE