Week 10: Winds of Change

My switch has officially been flipped. The Chargers lulled us all into a false sense of security, barely escaping from bad teams on the way to a 4-1 start. And on October 9th, fresh off a victory over the electric QB tag team of Orton and Tebow, San Diego was all alone at the top of the AFC, already 2-0 in division road games. Now, a month later, the Chargers are 4-5, probably looking at third place in the division after this Sunday's games. The losses have all been by 7 points or less, but they have been lost in true Charger fashion. In week 7, the Chargers led the Jets 21-10 at halftime and choked away the win, failing to score in the second half. In the last 3 losses (against KC, GB, and OAK) the Chargers have been outscored in the first half 58-23. This is nothing new for Bolts fans, but usually the Chargers pull out these games. And these slow starts don't usually last through November.

This season just feels different. The running back situation is not working out. The Mathews/Tolbert combo leaves a lot to be desired. Rivers is throwing way too many interceptions, and it's been 10 weeks now, how long can we continue to call it a fluke? On top of that, our offensive line has been demolished by injuries and as much as you try to patch the leak with a cheap replacement, something is gonna get through and massacre your QB.

It is time, for me at least, to accept that the Chargers simply aren't a good team. We are average at best. Probably in the same league as the rest of the pathetic AFC West. I'm not saying that the Chargers can't win the division (because no one seems to want it), but this is the first time this season that I have felt like it isn't our division to lose. Not anymore.

Anyways, the hours are growing thin here before kick-off, and clearly I've wasted enough of your time whining about the Chargers, so let's quickly run through this week's full 16 game slate with quick commentary:

Steelers @ Bengals (+3)

Blake's Pick: CIN +3

I'm not entirely sure why, but I loooove the Bengals in this game. They are scrappy, they've got a young talent, and a legitimate defense. Gotta give them some love at home. CIN 16, PIT 13

Broncos @ Chiefs (-3)

Blake's Pick: DEN +3

I don't think the Chiefs are better than the Raiders, whom Denver beat last week. Tebow, amid all his shortcomings, has a lot of fight and a lot of fire in those eyes. DEN 27, KC 20

Jaguars @ Colts (+3)

Blake's Pick: IND +3

This is it Curtis Painter. This is your best remaining chance (and possibly ONLY remaining chance) to get a win. The Colts have continually disappointed and failed to coverage huge spreads, but this is desperation time. IND 26, JAC 21

Bills @ Cowboys (-5)

Blake's Pick: BUF +5

What exactly have the Cowboys done to impress me? They have given away games and failed to cover spreads against teams like Seattle. I just don't know which Cowboys team is going to show up, and thus I take the points. DAL 32, BUF 30

Texans @ Buccaneers (+3)

Blake's Pick: TB +3

Buccs need a good showing at home here, and I won't be surprised if the Texans (who ruled out Andre again this week) let them stick around in the fourth quarter. TB 23, HOU 21

Titans @ Panthers (-3)

Blake's Pick: CAR -3

I keep picking the Panthers and I should probably stop because they are 2-6 and don't really deserve to be favored. But I'll give Cam one more week here, I could really use a big game from him. CAR 31, TEN 20

Redskins @ Dolphins (-3.5)

Blake's Pick: MIA -3.5

I will pick against John Beck (who remains winless in his NFL career) until my dying day. I hate the Redskins. They are awful. Dolphins win by default. MIA 21, WAS 3

Saints @ Falcons (Pick)

Blake's Pick: NO to win

Despite the Saints propensity to lose games in which I pick them, I don't think they'll have much trouble with the Falcons. Actually, I think this game could be over be the fourth quarter. NO 37, ATL 20

Lions @ Bears (-2.5)

Blake's Pick: DET +2.5 (Jessica's Pick)

"Detroit as a city is making a comeback. Recently discovering the glory that is the Detroit Lions, I now believe in their winning prowess. Plus, the Bears like to choke. I also predict there will be one injury requiring a precautionary cart off the field, but it will not be serious. DET 27, CHI 14" - Jessica Petrotta

Rams @ Browns (-2.5)

Blake's Pick: STL +2.5

Who cares?

Cardinals @ Eagles (-13.5)

Blake's Pick: ARZ +13.5

Too high.

Ravens @ Seahawks (+6.5)

Blake's Pick: BAL -6.5

Too low.

Giants @ 49ers (-3.5)

Blake's Pick: NYG +3.5

I hate that I love Eli Manning.

Patriots @ Jets (-1.5)

Blake's Pick: NYJ -1.5

Say hello to your first 3-game losing streak ever, Patriots.

Viking @ Packers (-13)

Blake's Pick: Packers -13

16-0.