With the bye week here, I wanted to give this a try. It’s an idea I’ve been holding on to for a little while. Rather than pretending to be a talking head at ESPN and give my educated predictions on what I think will happen this weekend, I will take the easier, yet less traveled route of following my emotions and saying what I want to happen. My formula is pretty simple, if I like a team more than the other, I’ll pick them, no matter if they are the better team or not. Other factors include teams that impact the Vikings playoff chances and any team that provides direct fantasy FB impact to me this week. Enjoy.

Arizona Cardinals (4-5) @ Atlanta Falcons (8-1)

Pick: ATL

I would pick Arizona in this game, but in reality, Arizona can still be perceived as a threat to any possibility of the Vikes making a Wild Card push, and with the schedule we have remaining, we will need all the help we can get from other teams beating on any competition. So Atlanta it is.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-4) @ Carolina Panthers (2-7)

Pick: CAR

Same story in this game as the last, the Bucs are right along in the Wild Card hunt. It doesn’t hurt that I am starting Cam this weekend, thanks to Big Ben’s injury. So here’s to hoping Cam lights ‘em up.

Cleveland Browns (2-7) @ Dallas Cowboys (4-5)

Pick: CLE

How great would it be for a team as lowly as the Browns to come to Jerryland and whoop up on them Cowboys. In my opinion, it would very entertaining.

Green Bay Packers (6-3) @ Detroit Lions (4-5)

Pick: DET

A Detroit win does tighten up our division quite a bit, but I believe the Packers are the bigger threat to us, seeing as we swept the Lions. We will need the Pack to lose this one to keep hopes alive. Meanwhile, if Detroit wanted to give up a return TD and to Randall Cobb, my fantasy team would be thankful, as would it be if Mikell LeShoure rushed for +100 and a TD or 2.

Houston Texans (8-1) @ Jacksonville Jaguars (1-8)

Pick: HOU

Simply put, I like Houston and I am picking them to take the whole show this year.

Cincinnati Bengals (4-5) @ Kansas City Chiefs (1-8)

Pick: CIN

This one was tough for me. I don’t have a huge preference over either team, so I had to go with the one I thought would actually win.

New York Jets (3-6) @ St. Louis Rams (3-5-1)

Pick: STL

I do not care much at all for Rex Ryan, and to be honest, I think he is getting what he deserves for running his mouth so much. Continue the losing and the QB debate in New York.

Philadelphia Eagles (3-6) @ Washington Redskins (3-6)

Pick: PHI

Unlike Rex Ryan, I have nothing but respect for Andy Reid. Here is to hoping that he gets things turned around, and Philly finds hope in Nick Foles.

New Orleans Saints (4-5) @ Oakland Raiders (3-6)

Pick: OAK

Same old story. New Orleans’ recent turnaround has them on a slow and steady push for a Wild Card berth; Oakland can put a stop to that notion.

San Diego Chargers (4-5) @ Denver Broncos (6-3)

Pick: DEN

I am a Peyton Manning fan, and I am enjoying his comeback bid (though not as impressive as AP’s.)

Indianapolis Colts (6-3) @ New England Patriots (6-3)

Pick: NE

A little torn here, as I like both teams, but I have to go with the Pats. Andrew Luck has been impressive, but I don’t think he will get it done against Tom and Bill.

Baltimore Ravens (7-2) @ Pittsburgh Steelers (6-3)

Pick: PIT

Remember, this is what I want to happen, not what I actually think will happen, and in the interest of my fantasy team, I would like Mike Wallace to post some huge numbers.

Chicago Bears (7-2) @ San Francisco 49ers (6-2-1)

Pick: SF

I am a Vikings fan, of course I want the Bears to lose.