The picks start early this week because the NFL Network's TV Game Thursday night.  Remember, the Tank's picks are different from Vegas because I predict the winner in bold, NOT the team to beat the point spread or under/over which can both change up to kickoff.  Furthermore, Vegas wants the "vig" or to balance out the gambling money are pushed to balance the money between the teams.  

Disclaimer: Though the Tank was thankfully 11-5 last week (touch wood), past performance is NOT an indicator of future performance.  Please don't bet the farm and/or your paycheck on these games as I already manning the Baseball Suicide Hotline and about to start the Knicks Hotline.  Good luck!

"Locks":

Bears beat the visiting Vikings.

The Patriots should pummel the visiting Lions.

Should Win:

The Colts should beat an improving Titans team led by Vince Young.

The Jets go into tough Lambeau Field and beat the Packers in a close game.

Kansas City is coming off a big Thanksgiving win against Jake Plummer and the Broncos. (Darn you Plummer!) Furthermore, Priest Holmes is out for the season. Cleveland is improving this season but the Chiefs should barely carry the day.

San Diego travels from the beach for the blustry Buffalo. The Chargers should win by a touchdown or less.

The Rams beat the visiting Cardinals.

The Saints, America's Team, beats the visiting 49ers.  Go Saints!

The Raiders gets a slight edge because they host the tough Texans.

In a Florida showdown, the Dolphins hit a bump in the road against the visiting Jaguars.

The Steelers show some pride and beat the Bucs who rarely play well in the cold.  Big Ben has more injuries than the Tank.  He needs to get healthy on the bench.  Please start Charlie Batch.

The Seahawks should beat the Broncos though Jake Plummer is not starting.  Let the Jay Cuttler era begin.  I knew I should have picked the Chiefs last week.

The Panthers beat the Eagles.

Games to Avoid Picking (if possible):

Baltimore at Cincinnati.  This is a trap game because Baltimore is coming off a shutout of the Steelers but the Bengals need to win to stay in the playoff hunt and are at home.  The Bengals win a very close game. 

Atlanta at Washington.  Washington is coming off a big win and the Falcons are coming off a big loss which is the opposite of what I predicted last week.  Michael Vick won't realize his true potential until the Falcons design an offense around him.  I don't know how many more years I'll have to wait but they'll probably do it this weekend since I pick the Redskins to win.

Cowboys at Giants. The Giants COLLAPSED last week against the Titans.  They are due to win, MUST WIN, and are at home.  If any of these three factors was absent, I would pick the Cowboys.  If they lose this one, I am may not ever pick the Giants ever again.

Posted by the Tank in NY.