The Fryguy Invectives: Frey's NFL Picks of the Week: Week 14

Well.....I'd say that I was happy to be back in The States but then I'd be a lying bastard.

However, because I have kids, I'll give the obligatory "I'm happy to be back home" so I that everyone reading can say what a great family guy I am and we can all move on feeling peace in our hearts.

As many of you have undoubtedly noticed, 2 long-expected events occurred:

1) The weekly trap game has resumed kicking my arse.

2) Peyton Manning's injuries become worse and worse with every game the Osweiler-led Broncos win.

It should, by now, be obvious to all what is happening here. Brock Osweiler is drawing upon Manning's life force in an NFL version of Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Grey.

Let's hope it ends better for the good guys than it did in the novel.

Go Broncos!

Now lets pick some games.

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Cincinnati Bengals (-2 ½)

Why this should be a trap game:

I find it incredible that odds makers would have us believe that a healthy 10-2 Cincinnati team, at home, is only favored by a Field Goal. Did they find Andy Dalton hiding in Justin Beiber's bathroom during a heroin bust or something?

Why it isn't a trap:

History and rivalry. Pittsburgh has a history of showing up big in big games while the Bengals usually poop the bed.

It's never a trap when this guy is at the helm in a big game.

With a playoff spot on the line, I expect the Steelers to come out with a controlled desperation that will put early pressure on the Bengals. The only question at hand is whether the better team weathers the storm and pulls out a win.

I think they do.

San Diego Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs (-7½)

Why this should be a trap game:

The weather forecast calls for strong winds. It is hard to throw in string winds. San Diego can't run the ball and now they will have a hard time throwing it also. The Chefs are at home and now the Chargers will suck even more than usual. This spread is waaaaayyyy too small.

No explanation necessary here. We all know my thoughts on Phyllis.

Why it isn't a trap:

The weather forecast calls for strong winds. If Phyllis Rivers has trouble throwing the ball then Rag-arm Smith may as well just bench himself. Instead, I suspect the Chefs will simply hand the ball off and run it up the gut. However, rain is also in the forecast which adds the turn-over element to the mix. With this uncertainty present, a double-digit spread is risky business.

I still like KC here to cover the TD+ spread.

Washington Redskins @ Chicago Bears (-1)

Why this should be a trap game:

Last week's gaffe notwithstanding, Chicago has been playing much better football of late. They are at home, reasonably healthy, and playing an opposing quarterback who is far more Mr. Hyde than Dr. Jekyll when it comes to performing on the road.

Why it isn't a trap:

Chicago and Washington both suck. It's hardly a shock when teams this inconsistent play worse than expected.

Daaaa Bears should win but it wouldn't floor me if they drop an easy one.

Atlanta Falcons @ Carolina Panthers (-6 ½)

Why this should be a trap game:

I haven't seen a team crash and burn this violently after an auspicious start since the Josh McDaniels-led Broncos started 6-0 but lost 8 of their last 10. They can no longer run the ball, Matt Ryan looks like some bastardized version of Brady Quinn, and they are playing on the road against a healthy, confident, UNBEATEN division foe.

Why it isn't a trap:

It's a trap.