Aftermath of Week Four

I'm relieved to see my BET record bouncing back. Weeks two and three didn't shake my confidence, but they did insert a lot of doubt, I'm sure, for those of you reading this blog. Nonetheless, after going 3-0 on this week's BET picks, my record looks more respectable. And my pocketbook.

Additionally, I was 8-5 vs. the spread this week. I'm kicking myself for not making the Patriots a BET pick. I had them to beat the Broncos last week and got scared off by losing that one (because that game alone subsequently ruined my week and two parlay bets). I shouldn't have been. They always bounce back, they always look tough... just when you write them off. They're not going anywhere. As I predicted in my season picks, the Pats will win their division. Nonetheless, a betting rule ... established here and now... don't let a past burn affect your actions this week.

As for the games, it was a very fun week. How many games came down to the final play or final few minutes? How many come-from-behind victories? The Ravens, Redskins, Rams, Colts, Texans, Bills and Browns all won their games while they were still in doubt to near the final gun. What a Sunday! You can even throw in the Saints-Panthers game, where 29 of the 39 points scored in that game came in the final quarter.

After the trend of blowouts in the first three weeks, it was nice to see. Blowouts stink for everybody, except the winner.

Some random thoughts on the edge of a fun Week Four:

• Baltimore was right. McNair's a big addition. If he stays healthy, they actually can afford to have him play horribly for 57 minutes and then bounce back with one winning drive. That program works when you have a solid defense. They could win 12 like that.
• Of course, they won't be coaching against turtle-man Marty Schottenheimer every week. Think he can single-handedly kill another promising Chargers' season?
• Teams we left for dead who are by no means dead: Redskins, Chiefs, Jets and Panthers.
• Teams we thought were world-beaters that may be overachieving early: Jags, Vikings, Bengals.
• If the Bears continue playing at that high a level, they'll give the '85 Bears a run for their money.
• The Colts can win all they want in the regular season. No one will care if they can't stop the run and end up a loser in the postseason. Have we seen a team in the last ten years where it looms so large that their regular season success doesn't even feel like it counts?
• Finally, R.I.P. to my two frisky season picks. Yes, that's right, I'll admit it: I picked Tennesee and Detroit to be wildcard teams. Detroit is competitive, but they can't pull it out and they will give up on their season very soon. The Titans haven't played anyone but Miami close. The rest of their season rides with the Vince Young experience, which I'm guessing will be a successful run. They'll surprise some people as he gets his feet wet.
• Since I ripped my bad picks, I'll mention a good one. I knew Miami didn't have the guns to make the postseason. That's one bad football team right now.
• Despite that, Houston will be competitive in many games that we expect them to get blown out of.
• Watch out for the Chiefs. I still think they'll contend for the AFC West title. If Trent Green comes back healthy and soon, they're the favorites in my book. And yes, that factors in the Chargers and Broncos... the former with a shaky coach and the latter with a shaky QB.