I’ll probably never go into quite the detail that David does on his football picks every week, but here they are for the sake of posterity, anyway.

New England

Someday, there will be a team that will come out and beat the New England Patriots. The Miami Dolphins, with their complete lack of any offense whatsoever, are not that team.

New Orleans

Little known fact about me: I absolutely love John Gruden. He’s cerebral and intense and angry as hell. Nonetheless, this team is so bad that I have very few qualms about picking against them the majority of the time.

Pittsburgh

Every year, I sort of choose a team I wouldn’t normally root for to like. Pittsburgh is that team this year. I’m really going to enjoy watching Big Ben’s progress. I am, however, concerned whether Duce Staley will be able to play, as his run game has been all the difference for them this year. It’s okay either way, though, because Cleveland – contrary to the song – does not rock.

Atlanta

If you haven’t had the opportunity to really watch this team yet, do it. It’s not simply the Michael Vick show as you might expect. They have a mean defense and a stifling run offense. I’m a fan of Mooch and am pleased to see the Lions on the rise this year, but they’re hitting a very tough opponent here. It is important to note, though, that the Falcons play precisely to their opponent’s level, which always makes things interesting.

Dallas

I like Dallas’ defense, and it just feels like a day they’ll be winning at home.

Houston

This Houston team is starting to show something, and Minnesota has zip for running the ball.

Indianapolis

Peyton Manning.

Buffalo

Another fun fact: I never, ever pick against Buffalo.

San Diego

That’s right. I’m picking one of the crappiest teams in the league to win against what so far record-wise has been one of the best. Here’s the thing. The Chargers have absolutely nothing to lose, and they go for it hard each week as a result. The Jaguars, on the other hand, do just enough to get by – except last week, when they actually lost the game. I think that playing in San Diego just gives the Chargers the slight boost they need.

Arizona

Yes, Arizona is awful. I really think San Francisco is worse.

Seattle

This falls under the category of gut instinct more than anything. I frequently get these kinds of games wrong.

Carolina

I remain unimpressed with Denver so far this year. It’s time for Carolina to bounce back.

Baltimore

Honestly, I think this one might be a coin flip. I choose Baltimore on the basis of Washington’s inability to do much right so far this year.

Green Bay

Again, just a feeling. Tennessee – a team I always like – is just so, so injured. Yes, I know Green Bay is as well, but you never count Brett Favre out. He always rises to the occasion, even when tragedy (the loss of his brother this past week) is involved.