Ouch, I go 1-4 this past weekend. Here are my excuses…I mean, reasons. A) I guess I can’t trust Bill Belichick as the New England Patriots lost to the Miami Dolphins, B) I should have known I couldn’t trust Wade Phillips and Tony Romo as the Dallas Cowboys lost to the New York Giants, C) I have to claim Thanksgiving turkey withdrawal for going with a Matt Ryan-less Atlanta Falcons over the Philadelphia Eagles (but was it visions of Xmas Past with Michael Vick?), D) Kurt Warner manned-up and the Arizona Cardinals are making the chase for the NFC crown a three-horse race. Only the Indianapolis Colts rang true and beat the Tennessee Titans. The season record runs to 36-26.

The Battle for Florida Hearts and Minds occurs this weekend. The Jacksonville Jaguars look to hang on to a Wild Card spot while the Miami Dolphins look to grab the spot or take the AFC East if New England keeps slumping. Too bad Miami will have a big letdown after last week’s win over the Pats. Go with Jacksonville.

I keep saying that Donovan McNabb is going to falter one of these weeks. Is there a better set-up than in an away game against the division rival New York Giants? Eli Manning and company need this one to jump into the Wild Card slot and possibly make a run at the NFC East’s top spot if Dallas continues to slump. Take the Giants.

Does anyone think the Denver Broncos (early season dandies) can beat the 12-0 Colts in Indianapolis this Sunday? I didn’t think so. The Colts are the pick.

My two “favorite” coaches meet up this Sunday! Norv Turner vs. Wade Phillips. The San Diego Chargers visit the Dallas Cowboys. It’s the Underachievement Bowl! And, yes, I know that San Diego has won seven straight and since the Norv Factor doesn’t hit until playoff time I feel confident in picking the Chargers.

The “Make A Statement” Game of the Week features the Cincinnati Bengals versus the Minnesota Vikings. The 9 – 3 Bengals can really roar if they pick up this victory. The Vikings need to bounce back after their loss to Arizona this past weekend. The Vikings will have home-field advantage, but they are a beat-up team. This should be the fourth NFC team the Bengals beat this season.