Welcome to Week 9 of Hashmarks vs. Brandon Lang, previously known as one of the top football handicappers in the nation. Fortunately, Brandon has continued to deliver for his paying customers.
And since this computer could crash again at any minute, let me quickly yield the floor to Mr. Lang:
"Well Matt, we both got carved up in Vegas last week, each going 1-2 with our picks. We both lost on the Titans (what were we thinking?), and split on the Patriots-Eagles and Bucs-Redskins. You're still ahead of me in our weekly wagering war, 4-1-3, but this is one of the strongest cards I've seen in weeks and I've got your number come Sunday! All good things must come to an end - including your winning ways.
Colts -7 vs. Jaguars
Brandon's take: This sudden love affair with the Jaguars cracks me up. Seriously, I'm supposed to believe Jacksonville is the team to beat in the AFC South and a legitimate threat to the Patriots just because in the last three weeks they beat the Titans (who clearly aren't as good as many experts thought they were after three straight losses), the Chargers (who can't win on the road and are coached by Norv Turner) and the Bills (who the week before facing the Jags, lost 56-10 to the Patriots & at home?)
Sorry, not happening. Want an honest picture of the Jaguars? Look at what they did the last time they played in a dome: 41-24 loss at New Orleans and they were outgained, 538-432, in total yards. And look at what they did when they faced the Colts at home six weeks ago: A 29-7 loss and they got outgained 384-226. Fair warning, Matt: Be careful before you drink the Jaguars Kool-Aid & it's spiked!
Mosley's pick: Jags
Eagles -3 vs. Seahawks
I'm sure most people will go against the Eagles this week for two reasons: 1) They fear Philadelphia will be suffering from a serious hangover after going to New England and coming thisclose to upsetting the greatest NFL team ever assembled, and 2) They fear that Eagles coach Andy Reid is going to bench A.J. Feeley and go back to Donovan McNabb. Not buying it.
For one thing, the Eagles have too many veterans to get bitten by the hangover bug. Secondly, A.J. Feeley is still A.J. Feeley, and it's not like McNabb (13 TDs, 6 INTs, 87.3 QB rating) has been that bad. Also, Seattle is making its second straight long road trip and its defense has given up an average of 24.3 points in its last three roadies. And don't forget: Had Gus Frerotte not fumbled a snap on fourth-and-goal from the 1-yard line with 30 seconds left, the Seahawks would've lost to the 2-8 Rams last week. The Eagles have covered three in a row and will bounce back with a strong effort at home.
Mosley's pick: Eagles
Browns +1 at Cardinals
Brandon's take: So let me get this straight: Last week, the San Francisco 49ers went to Arizona with a nine-game losing skid, hadn't found the end zone in 11 straight quarters and hadn't scored more than 17 points in nine consecutive games, and they put up 37 on the Arizona Cardinals. Now this week, the Cardinals host the Cleveland Browns, who in their last six games have recorded five wins, six pointspread covers and have scored at least 27 points in every contest. Yet somehow Arizona is favored in this contest? Don't know about you, Matt, but Santa's visiting the Lang house a few weeks early this year!
Mosley's pick: Browns
