Will try to get "Mojo's Best Bets," with "Upset Special" out Friday night this week. "Best Bets" 3-3 so far, "Upset Special 1-1. Looking hard at the Raiders-Patriots matchup....

Police: Stripper bus for Lions game may be illegal
http://news.yahoo.com/police-stripper-bus-lions-game-may-illegal-183913298.html

Mojo's "Best Bets"

1. TENNESSEE (+1) at Cleveland -- Hasselbeck re-emerging and running this offense well. This is the week that the Titans offensive line clicks in its run blocking and Chris Johnson breaks free. Cleveland banged up, though DL is tough and will keep this game close.

2. DETROIT (+1.5) at Dallas -- Cowboys are an average team at best. The Lions are surging into the top tier of the NFL to challenge the Packers for leadership of the ole Black & Blue Division. The Lions will disintegrate a Cowboy team that doesn't really have its act together on either side of the ball.

3. OAKLAND (+4.5) vs. New England -- While the Patriots are 25-3 under Belichick after a loss, their defense is flimsy and the Raiders are a formidable offense, both running & passing. A high-scoring game that might come down to a turnover making the difference for the Raiders, who's defense is better than what the Pats are putting out there. Biggest NE news this week was that QB Tom Brady cut his hair. Big flip. Go with the home team whose confidence is backed up by solid performances.

"The

Upset Special"

INDIANAPOLIS (+10) at Tampa Bay -- The Colts defense can be the difference makers win this game over a young Bucs squad, who will be overconfident going into this game. Peyton Manning's QB 3rd-year understudy Curtis Painter will execute the Colts offense adequately with a smart mix of run with the dynamic Addai & passes to Addai & WRs Pierre Garcon, Austin Collie, Reggie Wayne -- with TE Dallas Clark bouncing back from a bad game last week -- to pull off this Sunday's surprise. Vinateri kicks the game winner.

"Gamblers Corner"

DENVER (+13) at Green Bay -- Really? This is not the week for picking the biggest score in this Underdog contest.

If you don't like the "Upset Special," try SAN FRANCISCO (+10) over the Eagles, but its a west coast team coming across the country into a Philadelphia home stadium on a cold, rainy day.

A better gamble would be PITTSBURGH (+4) to go into Houston and escape with a win with a cobbled-up OL holding off a tough Texans defense while the Steelers get their running game finally going and use screen passes to overcome Houston's pass rush. The Blitzburghers should get to Texans' QB Shaub as S Polamalu broke out last week, and Ike Taylor showed once again he's one of the top 2 shut-down corners in the NFL.

The gamblers among you who like to think you're really smart or talented will probably take MIAMI (+8) over the inconsistent Chargers. You'll probably have tough luck there.

Dang - hard week to pick. The sure things are REALLY low points, and I can't get a handle on the larger point spreads with any comfort. Ugh.

That's a fact, jmh.

An other variable that I forgot to mention is that Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field grass is being played on in the rain today in the Temple-Toledo game. Maybe 49ers' K David Akers hits the game-winner against his old team in a messy game between the disheveled but determined 49ers and the stumbling Eagles.

Akers leaves Eagles past behind
http://articles.philly.com/2011-09-29/sports/30217133_1_eagles-kicker-david-akers-lincoln-financial-field-playoff

Eagletarian blog:
"Here is a look at what we will be watching during Sunday's Eagles-49ers game"
http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/dneagles/130904438.html

Eeeny-meeny-miney-moe...

I like Oakland at home a lot for the upset but just can't see Belichick allowing back to back losses. Then I look at Pittsburgh and what they are capable of before I remember their aging O-line trying to hold off Houston's impressive defense. So then I start dreaming of a 10 point pick if Michael Vick continues to be abused and lets San Francisco capitalize on a few turnovers, but just can't see the 'Niners taking the game in the cold and wet after a long flight. Ok, what's left... Miami for 8? Love to see it but doubt it will happen. Indy over Tampa Bay for 10 on Monday night? Meh - not likely.
May have to resort to Jack's patented Litter Box pick if I can't figure something out soon...

Carolina babies.... Chicago's O line sucks and while I hate to admit it Cam Newton is good.

Ah, er, oops, yeah -- I meant "Monday Night surprise" on the "Upset Special."

Btw, jmh, the Steelers O Line right now is very, very young (and that's their weakness). They did not sign their two starting OTs from last year's AFC Champions team, Flozell Adams and Max Starks, who are both still out of football (though the Vikes reportedly are interested in Starks).

Belichick won't be on the field Sunday to provide any of the kind of help needed by his leaky defense. Follow your intuition on the OAK-NWE game, rather than talking your way out of it -- unless you can figure a better pick once you comb over it all. Good luck to you!!

Mojo - thanks for the correction. Your point is well-taken on the age of the Steelers O-line. But the onging injuries and rotating lineup still make it tough for them to protect Big Ben. I still think Houston wins tomorrow at home.

I may regret my pick but I've committed to it now. I'm going with my gut and hoping for the best. Either way, I'm looking forward to watching the games tomorrow!