VCO brings the "Battle of the Sexes"
to the Friday Football Forecast

I highly recommend for anyone that’s never been to a Green Bay Packer Game at home to do it at least once in his or her lifetime. I have never experienced the energy of fan enthusiasm like I experienced in Green Bay!

One more thing about Green Bay (and I mean no disrespect to the fabulous Bret Farve) but the Bret Farve Steakhouse can only be described as average. They were out of two different wines that we ordered and the steaks were just okay, and I was surprised by that because the cows we passed looked so happy.

Lastly, I’ll admit that my overall picks were not as successful as the week before, so I’ll be trying a different method this week…that’s why Mystic Picks are for entertainment purposes. However, when I DO finally pick all the winning teams, let’s see how fun that’ll be! 

The Ravens will win over The Browns  

The Packers will beat The Vikings. 

And, …The Texans will beat The Falcons.

Wow I was worried I wouldn't be able to get this week’s picks out as I just now finished reading the Tout's article from the last flyer. Granted there were many naps in between but my god, a week to read one article its unheard of (and I'm a fast reader.) Apparently no one informed this pundit that quality is more important than quantity as it is most everywhere. I know....... I should give him a break because he won you so many "stars," but let me remind you that one week does not a season make and I'm guessing that after attempting to wade through the morass, most of you never got to the selections. What a shame!!

As advertised, none of those phony 2-0 teams I pointed out last week managed to win again (luckily I didn't have to suffer through the flying monkeys) Unfortunately this weeks schedule affords no such easy pickings. I have decided to change tactics and pick some upset specials for you as opposed to the obvious double digit home favorites. As this column was originally intended to pick pure winners as opposed to winners vs. the spread (I guess the Tout just can't help himself,) I am going way out on a limb and proffering up three underdogs who I feel have an excellent chance to win straight up.

Browns /Ravens

Combination of healthier Cleveland defense and revitalized Jamal Lewis running the ball give Brownies a legitimate shot here.

Cards/Steelers          

Give coaching edge (many former Steelers now working for Arizona) to the Cards who will undoubtedly gear their defense to stop Willie Parker and dare Big Ben to beat them with his arm. Hopefully Warner gets the start over Leinart but either way I see the first bump in the road for the Steelers new head coach who has yet to have a sweat. He'll get one in the desert on Sunday.

49'ers/Seahawks            

Hawks have been winning very ugly and could well be less fortunate here. Assuming Frank Gore is healthy (latest reports say he will go), I expect the 49'ers strong offensive line to wear the Seattle defense down and Gore to win the day (Hopefully no one will tamper with the balloting here).

P.S. Don't miss Jeff Starr's article next week (A Little Off the Top) as he discusses the importance of line services and how there has been a changing of the guard in the industry.

The Mouth of Motown

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