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Time to take a break from chronicling Tiger Woods sexual escapades for some NFL picks.  Don’t commit any “transgressions” against your family with your picks this week.

You heard me, the Bengals are the lock of the week.

Lock of the Week:

Cincinnati over Detroit:  If you were slow to the party on the Bengals, like I was and still have them available, it’s time to pull the trigger.  Don’t be scared away by the loss at Oakland followed by the sluggish performance against the Browns last week.  Nobody tries very hard against the Browns.  CedBen is back this week.  Expect the Bengals to roll.

Strong Plays:

Pittsburgh over Oakland:  This is pending Big Ben plays of course.  A Dennis Dixon led Steelers could still win but you may have to sweat out a 17-13 nailbiter.  The Raiders offense is slightly better with Gradkowski at the controls than with Jamarcus.  If you forced yourself to watch the Tryptophan Bowl on Thanksgiving you know that difference is negligible.  It’s kind of like saying you prefer Newark over Detroit.

San Diego over Cleveland:  I’m guessing most of you have used the Chargers by now but if you haven’t the going has never been better.  This just in, the Browns are bad.

New Orleans over Washington:  The Saints are not going to go 16-0.  I just don’t believe it.  I’m not saying they aren’t a great team or a Super Bowl contender, I just think they will drop one at some point.  This has the potential to be a big let down game after the thrashing of the Pats.  They probably win but they may make you sweat.

Caution:

Chicago over St. Louis:  This is a completely unwatchable game and reason number 1346 that I’m excited to have the Red Zone Network.  The players on each team don’t even care at this point.  For those of you out there who think any of the following A) The Bears have a good defense B) good running game or C) good quarterback and therefore should have an easy victory on Sunday, I’m here to tell you the following.  The Bears don’t do anything well.  They are one of the worst 8 teams in pro football.  They have surrendered on all fronts.  I know it seems inconceivable that the Rams could win a road game but they could win Sunday.  BEWARE!!!

Denver over Kansas City:  Kansas City has been frisky at home and are developing a running game with Jamaal Charles.  I don’t trust Kyle Orton on the road especially if the Broncos fall behind.

Carolina over Tampa Bay:  This game is not in the caution category due to the fact that Jake Delhomme is “injured” (seems like a crock, polite benching perhaps?).  I’m of the opinion that could only help the Panthers.  They fall in the caution category as homerun hitter DeAngelo Williams will be a game time decision with a sore ankle.  If word comes the Williams will be able to play you can use Carolina safely.

Balls of Steel:

Philly over Atlanta:  This is not an endorsement of Philly, they are a poorly coached mess.  However, if Matty Ice and Michael Turner don’t play it could turn the tide for the Eagles.  Philly is on the road, so even with both Atlanta stars out this falls as a Balls of Steel pick.

Avoid like a 9-iron to your Escalade:

Jacksonville vs. Houston, Dallas vs. NYG, Seattle vs. San Francisco, Arizona vs. Minnesota (strong play if Leinart starts), Green Bay vs. Baltimore, Miami vs. New England, Indy vs. Tennessee