Sorry guys, but I’m still stuffed full on turkey, mashed potatoes, dressing, cheese (wow, I ate alot) and still full of myself after that great 3-0 Thanksgiving pickdom.  So, I’m going to try not to tear my rotator cuff patting myself on the back and leave you on your own for picking this weekend’s NFL action.  I hope everyone has a safe holiday weekend and has fun rooting against all the teams that need to lose tomorrow for the Illini to sneak into a BCS bowl game.

Wow…I’m really dissapointed in myself after last week’s 6-8-2 showing. But you know what? I’m totally okay with it because tomorrow is my favorite day of the year–THANKSGIVING!!!! What better day than to eat massive amounts of food, watch football, take a nap and then repeat. There are three games tomorrow for your betting pleasure to spice up a little bit of your family fun. So when Uncle Jim asks who you wanna take in the early game, be glad you read Alex Picks the Pros first.

Green Bay -3.5 (9-1) at Detroit (6-4)

This is always the traditional Turkey Day matchup, too bad John Madden isn’t with Fox anymore to give out his 8 million leg turkey. But even without him, I can continue my Thanksgiving tradition of rooting against the Packers in this game. Although this game is nationally televised at Ford Field and the Lions should be amped up, Favre hasn’t got the memo yet that he’s 38 years old. It kills me to type this again. GREEN BAY

N.Y. Jets +14 (2-8 ) at Dallas (9-1)

Games like these are why they invented the point spread. But don’t worry, the Jets still won’t be able to cover in a loud Texas Stadium where I’m sure Jerry Jones will have another halftime show involving the Salvation Army. Romo gets the ‘boys goin early and the Jets never catch up. DALLAS

Indianapolis-11.5 (8-2) at Atlanta (3-7)

The night game that no one that doesn’t have digital cable or a dish isn’t going to see…yay? I’ll have it here in East Peoria, but not in HD (crying in the background), dang Insight. But that’s enough of my life, let’s get back to the NFL action. I think this one’s gonna be closer than most people think. The Colts are not the same Indy team that was dominant early in the season. The Colts are still missing Marvin Harrison. That’s the difference in this one. ATLANTA

So there you have, take this picks to the family gathering to sucker your relatives into paying your tuition for the next couple of semsters, but everyone please have a wonderful Thanksgiving, eat a ton of turkey and the fixins, and stay safe.

I hope my 8-5-1 record helped you out last week…much better than the previous 7-7. Let’s see if I can keep this up. Here’s this week’s skinny:

Arizona +3 (4-5) at Cincinnati (3-6)

These teams coming into this game after getting big victories. Who woulda thought it? This guy didn’t. But this is a game of two offenses that can be potent when awakened. Even with Cincinnati’s weak D, they should still be able to take Arizona’s o-line to school. CINCINNATI

Carolina +9.5 (4-5) at Green Bay (8-1)

You don’t know how tough it’s been for me to pick the Packers to be victorious the past two weeks, and with the way that they’re playing, it’s going to be hard to go the other way this week. And although Carolina is undefeated on the road, they are are 1-9 against the spread in their last 10 games on grass. GREEN BAY

Cleveland -3 (5-4) at Baltimore (4-5)

Cleveland has been playing like a team possessed, even with their letdown in the second half against the Steelers last week. And even though they’re a young team with a defense that is lacking, the Ravens offense simply has trouble scoring. I think I’m sipping Romeo’s kool-aid. CLEVELAND

Kansas City +14.5 (4-5) at Indianapolis (7-2)

The Colts are coming off two straight losses, and there’s nothing better for them coming into this week than getting the reeling Chiefs this week. Peyton Manning and Joseph should have a field day against the Kansas City defense. Even with the big point spread, take the favorite. INDIANAPOLIS

Miami +10 (0-9) at Philadelphia (4-5)

Well my “semi-upset special” of the Iggles in Fed Ex Field seemed to turn out good for me, so I’m going to pick the Dolphins on the road right? Wrong. The Dolphins don’t get their stoner running back Ricky Williams back until Monday, and even with him I don’t think they could pull this out with ten points on their side. PHILADELPHIA

New Orleans +1 (4-5) at Houston (4-5)

This one’s a looks to be a toughie. It was tough for me to not tear my rotator cuff patting myself on the back for picking St. Louis last week. And I just don’t know where to go with this one. I hate these games. NEW ORLEANS

Oakland +5 (2-7) at Minnesota (3-6)

This is another tough one. Two sub-par teams, one that can’t win a game and the fans are calling for their number one pick to play, and another whose stud number one pick is out with an injury. Without Adrian Peterson, the Vikes really won’t be able to move the ball. Take the points. OAKLAND

San Diego +3 (5-4) at Jacksonville (6-3)

After The Chargers’ big victory over Indianapolis last weekend, it’s hard to tell if they’re going to ride the momentum from that win or have a letdown against a good Jaguar team in Jacksonville. If they were still playing Marty-ball, I’d vote for momentum. But they’re playing Norv-ball. JACKSONVILLE

Tampa Bay -3 (5-4) at Atlanta (3-6)

It’s surprising to see myself typing that the Bucs are the leaders in NFC South. And even though my buddy Joey wants them to tank for the draft, Gruden, Garcia, and the boys are thinking along those same lines. TAMPA BAY

N.Y. Giants -3 (6-3) at Detroit (6-3)

The second half of the season is upon us and with that has come the talk of whether both of these teams can sustain their first-half success or they’re going to have a letdown that has become to commonplace. I think Tom Coughlin’s team will have the letdown considering he’s supposed to be about discipline while his players commit some of the dumbest penalties in the League. DETROIT

Pittsburgh-9.5 (7-2) at N.Y. Jets (1

Big Ben is firing rockets all over the place no matter what turf the black and gold is playing on, including that comeback against the Browns last week. No way Mangini’s boys stops the Steelers. PITTSBURGH

Washington +10.5 (5-4) at Dallas (8-1)

This one looks to be either a thriller or a blowout and I’m kind of torn. I think this savvy veteran Redskin secondary keep Romo honest enought to cover. WASHINGTON

St. Louis -3 (1 at San Francisco (2-7)

Here’s another close. I tell ya, these afternoon games are going to be the death of me. The Rams picked up their first victory last week on the heels of Stephen Jackson’s return. He sparks their second one out West. ST. LOUIS

Chicago +6 (4-5) at Seattle (5-4)

Both teams need this one (well I guess you could say that about every game). But the Bears are sexy again with Rex Grossman at the helm. I don’t know what to expect from him. I don’t even think Rex knows what to expect from himself. But I think Grossman back at the helm will help give this offensive line somebody to rally around. CHICAGO

New England -16.5 (9-0) at Buffalo (5-4)

This New England team hasn’t been stopped all year, and this Buffalo team doesn’t look to have the tools to do that. It’s amazing how they can put up with the pressure and attention put on them to produce every week. I don’t think things will change, even with the big spread. NEW ENGLAND

Tennessee +2.5 (6-3) at Denver (4-5)

This Denver defense can’t stop the run, and the Titans sure can. It looks to me like Jeff Fisher’s team won’t shudder under the national spotlight, and will come out with it in a close one. Take the points. TENNESSEE

So, there ya go. That’s how I see it. I’ll see you next week.

Well, I hope you didn’t get your legs broken from my atrocious 7-7 record last week, but last week was a toughie. Let’s see if we can improve.

Odds, as always, courtesy of covers.com.

Buffalo -3 (4-4) at Miami (0

The Bills are starting to come into their own as a team on both sides of the ball and are looking to gain some momentum. Meanwhile, Miami can’t seem to get anything going, and losing three of their best players won’t help. Take the easy pick. BUFFALO

Cleveland +10 (5-3) at Pittsburgh (6-2)

This is a tough one to pick. Cleveland has looked good lately and looks as if they’re starting to come together, and Pittsburgh is just rolling. I’m really having trouble trying to pick a side here. Although Cleveland has one of the most explosive offenses in the league, they still give up more points than they allow. I’m going to stick by that stat. PITTSBURGH

Denver+3 (3-5) at Kansas City (4-4)

The Chiefs will see a change of pace this week with Priest Holmes doing the running, and his change in style from Larry Johnson against the porous Denver defense should open up the passing game. Combine that with the unsure status of Jay Cutler in a tough stadium and I find my pick. KANSAS CITY

Jacksonville +4 (5-3) at Tennessee (6-2)

Both of these teams are successful when their rushing attack controls the clock. Well, with the best run defense in the league, the Titans look to disrupt the Jags’ offense, especially if David Garrad doesn’t play. TENNESEE

Minnesota +6 (3-5) at Green Bay (7-1)

As much as I love to see Green Bay lose, I still don’t see it happening. Brett FavRE is playing with a new resurgence and can’t seem to do anything wrong. They are the more balanced team, and will come away with a home victory. GREEN BAY

Philadelphia +3 (3-5) at Washington (5-3)

This has to be the toughest game to pick this week. Two very evenly matched teams that are very famialar with each other. However, the Eagles hold the edge in the passing game and are 5-1 in their last 6 games in Fed-Ex Field. Take the points. PHILADELPHIA

St. Louis +11.5 (0 at New Orleans (4-4)

The Rams come off a bye week reeling, and they hope Stephen Jackson can help jumpstart their offense against the hot Saints. Jackson won’t help them win the game, but he will when they’re getting this many points. ST. LOUIS

Atlanta +4 (2-6) at Carolina (4-4)

Even with their sub-par record, the Falcons are 5-3 against the spread and look to avenge their loss to the Panthers when Deangelo Hall’s meltdown gave Carolina a victory. The Falcons get to David Carr enough times to keep it close. ATLANTA

Cincinnati +3.5 (2-6) at Baltimore (4-4)

Cincinnati has been one of the biggest dissapointments this NFL season, with the defense something remenisicent of Illinois under Ron Turner. But the Ravens have struggled against the spread this season with a 1-7 record. Carson Palmer makes just enough plays in the passing game to keep this one in reach. CINCINNATI

Chicago -3.5 (3-5) at Oakland (2-6)

After one of the biggest dissapointments in the Bengals, my Bears are the biggest letdown of this NFL campaign. Let’s hope that their bye week, or as I like to call it, their sitting in timeout for a week, has helped them think about what they need to do to redeem themselvs and mess up their chance at a high draft pick, like they always do. CHICAGO

Dallas -1.5 (7-1) at N.Y. Giants (6-2)

This looks to be the game of the week, perhaps the game of the year in the NFC. Even with this game in the Meadowlands, I don’t see the Giants being able to stop this Cowboy offense that is firing on all cylinders. DALLAS

Detroit +1 (6-2) at Arizona (3-5)

Even with this game being in Glendale, the Lions should walk all over this Cardinal team that has struggled mightily ever since Leinart went down. I’m sure Rod Marinelli has been playing the “no respect card all week. Look for Kevin Jones to have a big day. DETROIT

Indianapolis -3.5 (7-1) at San Diego (4-4)

Even if you don’t want to pick a winner in this one, the one sure thing you can bank on is taking the over. But we pick winners here. Philip Rivers will continue to struggle against the Colts, and Peyton Manning will finally have Marvin Harrison back, and we all know what that means. INDIANAPOLIS

San Francisco +10 (2-6) at Seattle (4-4)

The niners were the sexy pick to take the West at the beginning of the season, no more sir! The Seahawks need a momentum boost. How about a nationally televised game under the lights at home. I think that will suffice. SEATTLE

So that’s what I think. You can take it to the bank. Enjoy what looks to be a good slate of games this weekend.

With my beloved Bears on a bye week, I had to do something to make this Sunday’s NFL action interesting. So I figured this week would be as good as any to begin my new weekly segment on the DI sports Blog—“Alex Picks the Pros.” Your home for semi-competent NFL picks. Let’s get started.

Odds courtesy of covers.com

Carolina +4 (4-3) at Tennessee (5-2)

The obvious x-factor in this game is Panther receiver Steve Smith, but who’s going to throw him the ball? That has been seemed to be the question all year. Although the Tennessee secondary has forced many turnovers this season, their safeties are still somewhat suspect at times and I expect Smith to have a big day, no matter who throws it. Vince Young is still coming back from injury and the Panthers are undefeated on the road. They may not stay that way, but I’ll still take the points. CAROLINA

Cincinnati -1 (2-5) at Buffalo (3-4)

This game includes two teams heading in opposite directions. Cincy has lost eight of their last ten and the Bills are on the upswing with consecutive wins. The outcome in this one will be dependent on J.P. Losman’s ability to make all the throws. There will be many opportunities against this weak Bengal defense, especially with Marshawn Lynch running wild. If this one was in Cincinnati, I might go the other way. But it’s not. BUFFALO

Denver +3 (3-4) at Detroit (5-2)

This one’s a toughie. Detroit is coming off of a major high after last week’s victory over the Bears and the Broncos are coming in after a Monday night heartbreaker to the Packers. As we saw last week, the Lion secondary can force turnovers, so Jay Cutler will need to be careful and I like him out of the pocket. But,Look for Detroit running back Kevin Jones to run all over the worst run defense in the League. As long as Mike Martz doesn’t get too pass happy, the Lions stay undefeated at home. DETROIT

Green Bay +2.5 (6-1) at Kansas City (4-3)

This game will be a tale of the running games. Green Bay employs a zone game blocking scheme that is set up by their west-coast style passing game. Kansas City employs a power game with their big offensive line and Larry Johnson. As long as Green Bay establishes the run early and doesn’t get one dimensional, they should take this one with the points. GREEN BAY

Jacksonville +3.5 (5-2) at New Orleans (3-4)

The Saints came in this year as a favorite and stumbled out of the gate. But they have bounced back and are on a three-game winning streak. The Jags are hurting with QB David Garrad out and DT Marcus Stroud being suspended earlier this week. Stroud’s absence will open up the interior run game for the Saints and WR Marques Colston’s size will be a problem for the Jacksonville secondary, not to mention that the Jags will struggle putting points on the board. Gotta stay with the hot team. NEW ORLEANS.

San Diego -7 (4-3) at Minnesota (2-5)

Even with a touchdown, picking Minnesota is a huge stretch. They’re going to struggle putting up points, and Antonio Gates’ combination of size and speed is too much for E.J. Henderson or any other Viking backer. SAN DIEGO

San Francisco +3 (2-5) at Atlanta (1-6)

With both teams limping into this one, it’s a tough pick. Frank Gore should look to rebound from his recent sub-par play against the number 23 rated rush defense. A heavy dose of Gore should help Alex Smith relax and get into a groove if he gets the ball to Vernon Davis and lets him make plays in traffic. Take the points. SAN FRANCISCO

Washington -3.5 (4-3) at N.Y. Jets (1-7)

Jets coach Eric Mangini is hoping that a change at quarterback will help jumpstart his offense and hopefully his team. Mangini couldn’t have picked a worse week to throw in second-year player Kellen Clemens. The Washington secondary is a veteran group that is good at disguising coverages and confusing veteran quarterbacks, much less those making their first start. The Redskins take this one easily. WASHINGTON

Arizona +3.5 (3-4) at Tampa Bay (4-4)

This is the point for both of these teams where the front office has to decide to keep playing week by week or start to look towards April and the NFL Draft. Since it’s the players who decide the game, tanking shouldn’t be a concern this early. Look for Bucs D Coordinator Monte Kiffin to get pressure on the Cards offense and Kurt Warner early. Warner struggles moving in the pocket and that will spell turnovers. Tampa WR Joey Galloway should have another steady day against a young Arizona secondary. TAMPA BAY

Seattle +1.5 (4-3) at Cleveland (4-3)

I never thought I’d see the day where Seattle is an underdog against the Browns. I guess that’s how Romeo Crennel is saving his job. Well it stops here. The Seahawks will establish their run game against a porous Cleveland run defense and the Seattle pass rush will need to be in Browns QB Derek Anderson’s face all game to disrupt the Cleveland offense’s timing. They should be able to do that against Cleveland’s young offensive line. SEATTLE

Houston +3 (3-5) at Oakland (2-5)

This is a game nobody will be watching. That doesn’t stop me from trying my best at picking it. Even with their troubles at quarterback, the Texans will see a heavy dose of Oakland RB Lamont Jordan and a drive-blocking offensive line. Houston, with their own offensive shuffling, should also be able to run the ball effectively, but their passing game will be even more ineffective than the Raiders without David Carr and still no Andre Johnson. OAKLAND

New England -6 (8-0) at Indianapolis (7-0)

This is it. The mother load. Everyone is anticipating this one. Chris Berman calls it Super Bowl 41 ½. Well, don’t expect this one to be that close. Tom Brady picked apart this Colts secondary when he had a joke for an NFL receiving corps. Look for him to do even more damage with his ability to spread the field to the best receiving corps in the NFL. Peyton Manning and the Colts will put up points, but not as many as the Pats. NEW ENGLAND in a game not as close as the experts think.

Dallas -3 (6-1) at Philadelphia (3-4)

Terrell Owens returns to Philadelphia, on national television. Look for something extra, not only on the celebration front, but also on the numbers front. Dallas offensive coordinator Jason Garrett will look to put Owens in motion to create mismatches all over the field, especially in the red zone. Look for hard-running Marion Barber to pound this undersized front and the Dallas Big Boys to control the line of scrimmage and also for Dallas’s defense to clamp down in the red zone against this Eagle offense that can’t seem to get into the end zone from there. DALLAS

Baltimore +9 (4-3) at Pittsburgh (5-2)

These are two very similar teams with attacking defenses and ball-control offenses with big, strong-armed quarterbacks. The winner of this game will depend on who can establish the run early. The Raven’s o-line has missed Jonathan Ogden ever since he’s been out, and that still will be the case against the feisty Steeler defense. Steve McNair will be on the ground all day, and Pittsburgh will ride Willie Parker to a big win. PITTSBURGH

Well, that’s it for this week. It looks like we have some exciting games in store for this week, and thank goodness I don’t have to watch my Bears get pounded by another sub-par foe. See ya next week.