Hackenberg's picks

10/31/2004

As always, Blade pro football writer Dave Hackenberg makes his weekly NFL picks against a point spread:

Detroit (+3) at Dallas - Cowboys seem disinterested while Lions have had astonishing success on the road. Pick: LIONS.

Cincinnati (+3) at Tennessee - Can Bungles transfer Monday night magic to a Sunday against lame Titans? Pick: BENGALS.

Green Bay at Washington (+2) - Pack seems back on track; Redskins have been derailed all season. Pick: PACKERS.

Baltimore (+7 1/2) at Philadelphia - Eagles maybe due to go splat, but Ravens offense just isn't good enough. Pick: EAGLES.

Arizona (+3) at Buffalo - Dennis Green doing it with smoke and mirrors, which is why he's among NFL's top coaches. Pick: CARDINALS.

New York Giants (+7) at Minnesota - Everybody knows Tiki Barber, but Vikes have a RB to be reckoned with, too, in Mewelde Moore. Pick: VIKINGS.

Indianapolis at Kansas City (+1) - It is not often said that Indy's defense could be the difference. Pick: COLTS.

Jacksonville (+1 1/2) at Houston - It's seldom pretty, but Byron Leftwich always seems to find a way at the end. Pick: JAGS.

Atlanta (+6 1/2) at Denver - Both coming off embarrassing losses, but Broncos should bounce back at home. Pick: BRONCOS.

Carolina (+8) at Seattle - Other than no running backs and no receivers, the Panthers have a nice offense. Pick: SEAHAWKS.

New England at Pittsburgh (+3) - Big Ben playing like a younger Tom Brady and could play a role in ending the streak. Pick: STEELERS.

Oakland (+6) at San Diego - Right now, Marty Schottenheimer is the NFL's Coach of the Year. Pick: CHARGERS.

San Francisco (+1 1/2) at Chicago - Good grief, Tim Couch, even the woeful Bears didn't want you. Pick: NINERS.

Miami (+7) at NY Jets - Home team gets back on winning track after close setback against New England. Pick: JETS.

Last week: 8-6. Season: 54-47.