Ghost of Lombardi's "Bet The House"

It's Friday and time for the newest and most favorite feature on this site, Ghost of Lombardi's "Bet The House". This is where I will give you predictions and insight only attainable by great NFL minds like myself. Picks so good that you'll be forced to grab those pesky home ownership papers and bet the house.

Disclaimer: Ghost of Lombardi is not responsible for any and all loss of possession and/or homelessness as these picks were made after Friday's second most favorite feature, whiskey breakfast.

The Titans come to town to face the questionable NY Giants. Can they stop the pass? Will the run defense hold up? My feeling is yes. The Giants will redeem themselves this week but don't go chanting "Super Bowl! Super Bowl!" Giants over the Titans, 30-17. Look for Kansas City to start 3-0 for the first time since 2003. San Francisco is desperate but will fall short to the Chiefs by at least 10. Dallas vs. Houston. The Cowboys have not started 0-3 since 2001 and haven't been able to find their identity this year so far. If Dallas doesn't re-establish themselves as a run first offense then this one is lost. Houston's offense has been putting up huge numbers and that's why they'll win, but it'll be close. Houston by 3.

After a smattering by the Jets, New England is out for blood. Look for them to topple the Bills in a blowout. Buffalo is going through the old QB swap. Pats by 20. Cleveland at Baltimore. Cleveland is always a mess. It's safe to say,"Never pick orange teams". Questions are arising in Baltimore about QB Joe Flacco's ability to lead. Look for Flacco to come out big and put the critics to rest. Baltimore by 14 in this one. In the Battle for last place in the NFC North, Vikings vs. Lions will put you to sleep. Look for a sloppy ball game with Grandpa Farve tossing many picks. The Lions are on the rise but won't have enough firepower to overcome the greatest story in sports, The Brett Saga. Minnesota is short on receivers but running back Adrian Peterson will take over on the ground. Vikings win in a yawn fest, 24-10.

Atlanta at New Orleans. Saints QB Drew Brees is back in his element, a dome at home. The Falcons were media darlings during the preseason they won't stop the passing attack of Brees & co. Look for Drew to have a huge game in the ballpark of 400 yards passing and 3-4 TDs. Saints over Falcons 35-17. Steelers at Bucs. The Bucs defense has improved and Pittsburgh is short on QBs but somehow the Steelers seem to pull out a win. Can't go against them this week. Steelers over the Bucs, 16-10. The Bengals con T.Ocho visit the Panthers on Sunday in a game that's only watchable if it's the only channel available. I predict 500 yards of offense out of the Bengals in a turnover fest from Carolina. Panthers lose 35-3. Redskins vs. Rams. Washington is much better this year with the addition of former rival QB Donovan McNabb. But I think this is the week where McNabb will show his greatest imperfections. The pass happy Rams will take this one by 6. Philly at Jacksonville. Jacksonville stinks and Eagles QB Michael Vick is running and passing well. There's new life on this team. Philly by 14.

Indy at Denver. Indy has Peyton Manning, enough said. Indy by 21. Oakland at Arizona. Oakland has finally come out of it's acid trip. They'll sit the ineffective wide-eyed Jason Campbell in favor of, in my opinion, a QB on the rise...Gradkowski. He's tough and he can play. Look for him to show the Raiders why he'll be their number one for a while. Arizona is still going through Kurt Warner hangover. Raiders over Cardinals 17-10. San Diego at Seattle. This one is tough to pick. Seattle is either really good or really bad and the Chargers won't be able to rely on a two tight end passing game for long. I'm taking Seattle in this one by 10.

In a Sunday night match up, the Jets go to Miami to face the much improved Dolphins. NY will be without Revis island and I'm not sure what to make of the new "drink and drive" offense. I predict a Jet loss, Miami 24 NY 10.

Monday night will feature the Packers at the Bears. Green Bay has lost their starting running back for the year and question amount about their ground game. QB Rodgers will be forced into throwing frequently. This one could go into overtime. Packers over the Bears in a close one, 27-24.