The Sports Inquirer

By E. Marcel Pourtout, Editor

Music to listen to: Gooey by The Glass Animals

Here are the picks (home team in CAPS):

Indianapolis (-3) HOUSTON: The Texans have a strong defense led by probable player of the year, J.J. Watt, a rejuvenated Arian Foster and the backing of a home crowd that’s going to be excited to host a Thursday night game on national TV.

I’m still taking the Colts to emerge with a road victory because of Andrew Luck. This will be the game he introduces himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the league.

Denver (-8) NY JETS: The Geno Smith vs. Michael Vick debate for who should start at quarterback for the Jets is pointless. Its like debating which is worse for your car, an engine that doesn’t work or four flat tires. You’re going nowhere with either one.

CLEVELAND (-2) Pittsburgh: I still think that Johnny Manziel will get his moment to shine for the Browns but I’m backing Brian Hoyer to be the starting QB for Cleveland. The Ohio native has been producing well and gives the Browns the best chance to win. A win over Pittsburgh would make Cleveland a viable playoff contender.

Jacksonville (+5.5) TENNESSEE: Its time for the Titans to cut ties with Jake Locker. He can’t stay on the field which is bad. Struggling to consistently completing passes is a bigger problem when Locker finally plays. Blake Bortles earns his first career win this Sunday in Nashville.

ATLANTA (-3) Chicago: I’m banking on the combination of the Falcons’ solid play at home combined with Jay Cutler on the road for an Atlanta win.

Green Bay (-3.5) MIAMI: Doesn’t this game just reek of a late Aaron Rodgers drive in the fourth quarter for a go-ahead touchdown and a close cover by Green Bay?

MINNESOTA (+1.5) Detroit: I like Teddy Bridgewater.

CINCINNATI (-7) Carolina: Bengals at home over a limited Panthers’ offense.

BUFFALO (+3) New England: I’m riding the Kyle Orton train to an upset win at home over New England.

TAMPA (+3) Baltimore: Either team can win this so I’ll take the home team as an underdog.

San Diego (-7) OAKLAND: Philip Rivers is my MVP so far this season and gets to face the hapless Raiders? Lock of the week.

SEATTLE (-8) Dallas: Still sticking with my pick of Russell Wilson of being MVP by the end of the year and he’ll show his worth this Sunday in the game of the week. Dallas has looked good this year by focusing on running the ball. That translate well on the road. However, Tony Romo seems ready for a multiple-interception game on the road that that will be the Cowboys’ undoing.

ARIZONA (-3.5) Washington: Robert Griffin III can’t return soon enough.

PHILADELPHIA (2.5) New York Giants: No one has been able to consistently find a way to control the Eagles’ offense through an entire game and the Giants aren’t going to do it on Sunday night.

San Francisco (-3.5) ST. LOUIS: The Niners will still be a playoff team.

Last week: 9-6-0

Season: 36-40-0