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Payne's Picks

For the second straight week, I came out strong only to see me end the week very average. Let's take a look:

Dayton +7 – win. I suggested putting some on the money line (it was something around +260) and that hit as well.

West Virginia -2 – win. The Mountaineers snapped Georgetown's 11-game winning streak.

Detroit + 10.5 – loss. Lions fans have a lot to gripe about. It should have been 24-7 at half after the refs blew the whistle. Then you have the non-TD on Titus Young the week before in Green Bay as well.

Atlanta Falcons +3 – loss. So they lose miserably, showed no life and now their coaches are being rewarded going onto bigger and better things? This makes a lot of sense.

Houston – 3 – win. This was the lone win in the NFL for me over the weekend.

Pittsburgh – 9.5 – loss. This was kind of a draw since I said I didn't see the point spread making a difference and that the Denver money line was a good bet.

National Championship game – LSU, over – loss, loss. Once again I reminded myself why I don't take college football…until next time. Jared Jefferson played as if he took Alabama and the under.

This week:

College hoops - Houston + 8.5. They've lost two and Memphis has won five straight. Plus, Houston is home.

NFL:

SF + 3.5. This is my favorite pick of the week, although last week it was Detroit. Look for the SF defense to come up with a big game. I'd sprinkle something on the money line for SF as well (+155).

New England – 13.5. I rarely like giving up this many points but the Patriots are one of the few times I'll make an exception on. Here's the thing: the Patriots just need to play one good half of football and they can still win by 20+ points. They're already predicting this will be the most watched playoff game ever; I'd guess they'll be tuning in to watch BenJarvus Green-Ellis.

Baltimore - 7.5. They lost earlier this season by 15 with Matt Schaub and coming off a bye, I'm a little surprised this isn't higher. Am I the only person who thinks Ray Lewis hasn't looked good this season?

Green Bay – 7.5. So many are on the Giants that I'm going to go with the Packers. Yes, the GMen have an outstanding pass rush but there isn't a better quarterback who can roll out and throw on the run than Aaron Rodgers. If you want to play a fun drinking game, drink every time Hakeem Nicks or Jermichael Finley drops a ball.

One last note, I love the trade the Yankees made. Jesus Montero will probably be a great baseball player, don't get me wrong. But to grab an All-Star caliber pitcher who K's a batter per inning and is only 22 is outstanding. I am a little worried about his fly ball tendencies, though. The Kuroda signing isn't great but it's not terrible. The Yankees now have the depth to compete in the AL East, which as always will be an interesting division to watch this season.