The National Football League: I put my heart and soul into this!

If Aaron were writing this, that is what he would say to answer your "how come you don't get this post up until after work on Friday?!!?" question. Since I'm not Aaron, I'll get this week's NFL review up early - albeit with less insights and considerably less predictions. Aaron is currently in route from Orlando, which is why I'm stepping in to save the day. I'm not sure why he was there, nor do I think MP cares too much. Without further ado, this week's picture!

Image via PE.

Now that Royce and Aaron have calmed down, on to this week's matchups! I'm not sure what lines Aaron quotes, but I'll be posting the latest Bodog lines. Additionally, I'm leaving the classification (bold/not-so-bold) of my predictions up to you, our loyal FIWK-ers.

Houston @ Philadelphia (-8): Philly just came off a close loss to the under-respected Bears. Houston is coming off an overpowering win against the Titans. That said, i think this line is too high and am expecting a high-scoring game that comes down to a final score from Philly to win by 4-6 points.

New Orleans (-7) @ Cincinnati: The Saints have played 3 legit games in a row, and are now back amongst the favorites to win the Super Bowl. Cincinnati has lost 8 in a row, and is now in the running for the 1st pick of the 2011 NFL Draft. The Saints win big and easily cover the 7 points.

* Prediction: Terrell Owens goes for 100+ and a TD.

Chicago (-5) @ Detroit: Detroit, along with Buffalo, has been this season's "ATS-winning, SU-losing" workhorse for Vegas bookies - particularly at home. Chicago has been under-respected all season long - particularly on the road. Sounds like an awesome ATS matchup to me. I think Chicago proves that they belong, and cover against a very tough home-opponent.

* Prediction: Jay Cutler does not throw an interception.

San Francisco @ Green Bay (-10): Green Bay suffered a very tough loss at Atlanta last week. San Francisco is playing the early game on short-rest. Green Bay will win easily (sad, but true), and cover.

* Prediction: Aaron Rodgers has more rushing TDs than Troy Smith.

Jacksonville @ Tennessee (-3): Jacksonville has played very well lately (well, minus the 2nd half of last week's game). Since beating a Vick-less Eagles in week 7, Tennessee has lost 4 straight. I think Jacksonville also proves they're legit this week, and wins outright.

* Prediction: MJD out-fantasy-points CJ, but both end up with 20+ FPs.

Denver @ Kansas City (-9): Denver embarrassed KC 3 weeks ago. KC is out for revenge, and gets it. KC covers.

* Prediction: Todd Haley and Josh McDaniels shake hands after the game.

Cleveland @ Miami (-4.5): Jake Delhomme is starting this week - again. Miami has settled. on Chad Henne. Chad Henne > Jake Delhomme; Miami wins and covers.

* Prediction: Jake Delhomme throws at least one interception.

My goodness. This is taking a TON of time. Newfound respect Mr. Aaron - newfound respect.

Buffalo @ Minnesota (-6): Buffalo has to be hurting from last week's loss to the Steelers; they even blamed God. Minnesota is 1-0 under Leslie Frazier. I have a hunch the Bills will come out quickly and enact a bit of revenge for last week. I also have a hunch the Vikings will run wild against the Bills porous run-D. I think the late prevails, and the Vikings cover.

Washington @ NY Giants (-7): Washington is not very good at running the ball, nor stopping the run. The Giants are the exact opposite in both categories. Plus I trust Eli more than McNabb at this point in their careers. The Giants win by more than 2 scores.

* Prediction: Ahmad Bradshaw rushes for more yards than the Redskins combined.

Oakland @ San Diego (-13): This is the 2nd revenge-game from the AFC West. The Chargers are coming off a very impressive win in Indy. The Raiders are coming off a very unimpressive loss home against Miami. I think this game mimics the KC-Den tilt, and the Chargers cover easily.

Carolina @ Seattle (-6): Carolina should be 0-11.Seattle's a very uninspiring 5-6. Are the Seahawks better? Yes. Are they 6 points better? I think not: the Panthers win outright.

Atlanta (-3) @ Tampa Bay: Tampa is horrible against-the-spread at home - this even after being disrespected by the bookmakers most of the year. Atlanta has proven week-after-week that they're for real in 2011. That said, I think this is a bit of a let down game for the Falcons, and the Bucs win outright - barely.

St. Louis (-3.5) @ Arizona: Is the NFC West for real? I think we should hold full division/conference promotion/relegation between the NFL and CFL. It's time people paid for sucking. The Rams cover, and win.

* Prediction: this game has the lowest ratings for any NFL game this year.

Dallas @ Indianapolis (-5.5): Dallas is 2-1 under Jason Garrett - whoopee! The Colts are under pressure after 2 straight losses and are battling questions about Pey-Pey being old. If the Cowboys had any semblance of a rushing attack, I'd pick them to cover. They don't; Indy covers.

Pittsburgh @ Baltimore (-3): This is a toughie. Both teams epitomize tough D, and if it were the defenses playing each other, I'd expect 4 ejections by halftime. I think Flacco surprises everyone a bit and throws for 250 and 2 against a not-as-tough-as-you'd-expect Pittsburgh pass D. Ravens win 17-14.

NY Jets @ New England (-4): This looks like another toughie. I don't think it is. I don't think the Jest are as good as their record indicates. Look at that string of Ws - not too many toughies on that schedule so far. The Pats have also turned it on with a string of impressive wins over the past 3 weeks. The Pats cover relatively easily.

WHEW! Please don't make me do this again A-ron! It was fun, but tiring. Is it time to go home yet?