I went 13-3 last week, with my three blemishes coming at the hands of the 49ers, Culpepper and the disappointing Dolphins, and the Steelers, who in retrospect maybe should have started Batch over the ailing Roethlisberger. However, Pittsburgh only ran for 26 yards in the game, so maybe Batch wouldn't have fared any better.

As for my mini-upset of the week, I was correct, thanks to the 4th quarter heroics of the G-Men in Philly. And of course my mortal lock was correct as the Ravens pummeled the Raiders, who might possibly be the worst team in the league. Anyone heard of Andrew Walter?

And so far I'm 22-10 on the season, that's a win pct. of .688. Not too shabby.

Anyway, here are my picks for this week. (Winners in bold)

Redskins @ Texans
Bills @ Jets
Packers @ Lions
Jaguars @ Colts
Bears @ Vikings
Titans @ Dolphins
Bengals @ Steelers
Panthers @ Bucs
Ravens @ Browns
Giants @ Seahawks
Rams @ Cardinals
Eagles @ 49ers
Broncos @ Patriots
Falcons @ Saints

I'm not afraid to say that this is a tough week for pick 'em. There are count 'em, 9 divisional games. I have good potential to go somewhere around 7-7 because there are a lot of close games. That said, my Mortal Lock of the Week is Eagles over 49ers. Philly is going to be upset after giving away a game in which they lead by 17 points in the 4th quarter. Look out Alex Smith.

I've got 3 dogs this week in the Rams, Giants, and Bengals. But my most confident Upset of the Week is Bengals over Steelers. I might have to eat some crow, because a while back in the forums I said that the Bengals have a brutal schedule and probably won't make the playoffs this year. But, they are looking very efficient and confident; I look for Big Ben to struggle again this week against a hungry Bengals team.

NFL Stat of the Week: Sexy Rexy (The often maligned Rex Grossman) leads all QB's with a 128.7 QB rating and the Bears offense is 3rd in the league in points scored, averaging 30 points a game. Who'd a thunk it?

Tigers Update: With 9 games to go, they have all but wrapped a playoff berth. Chicago at 6 games back looks as if they have thrown in the towel. The only question remaining is whether the Tigers will face the Yankees on the road or the A's at home, as Minnesota is only a half game back for the Central division lead.