Three Games of the Week
Atlanta at Detroit
The Tigers are out of baseball’s postseason, the University of Michigan’s no longer undefeated and the Lions lost their first game since Dec. 5, 2010 last Sunday. Looks like the Detroit sports fans’ nirvana period has come to a finish. Atlanta’s got the goods to deliver the Lions’ second-straight home loss.
The Pick: Falcons 33, Lions 24
Chicago at Tampa Bay
The Bucs and Bears head to London for a cup of tea and some American football on Sunday. The Bucs are without stars Gerald McCoy and LeGarrette Blount, but were down those two in their big win over the Saints on Sunday. At some point, we’ll realize — Josh Freeman doesn’t lose close games.
The Pick: Buccaneers 23, Bears 21
Texans at Titans
Sunday will mark the first time the Texans and Titans will be squaring off with sole possession of first place in the AFC South on the line. Without Andre Johnson and Mario Williams, the Texans aren’t the same squad they were in September. With two weeks to prepare, the Titans will grab the division lead.
The Pick: Titans 31, Texans 23
Fact of the Week: Lions coach Jim Schwartz finished second in his class and was a “Distinguished Economics Graduate” at Georgetown in 1988.
Quote of the Week:
“As far as the draft picks, what we have to give up, I never hesitated because I know exactly what I’m getting. I don’t think you’re ever mortgating the future when you put a big-time franchise quarterback on your team.” —Hue Jackson, Oakland Raiders coach on his team’s trade for Carson Palmer this week.
