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Craig's NFL picks

By Mark Craig

November 8, 2014 at 1:34AM

CRAIG'S LIST

Week 10 is a bye for the Vikings, Texans, Colts, Patriots, Chargers, the Washington, D.C., football team whose name escapes us and the intended targets of Bengals QB Andy Dalton.

There are bad nights and then there is what happened to Dalton in Thursday night's 24-3 loss to the Browns.

When the game ended, Dalton had one more interception (3) than passer rating percentage points (2.0). And we hear you get 1.9 for not being Tim Tebow.

Dalton fell to 2-9 in nationally televised games, which adds to his 0-3 playoff record, which makes critics of his $115 million contract very, very unhappy.

Here's a look at this weekend's possibilities when it comes to passer ratings, big stages and better uses of $115 million:

Jaguars +71/2 vs. Cowboys at London

Cowboys by 3

We'll spot Tony Romo 60.1 rating points for fracturing his back, flying to London, practicing and not saying, "Blimey, Jer, I'm knackered here. The lolly's good, but me back even hurts when I go to the loo. Do you want me leaving in a buggy?"

Dolphins +21/2 at Lions

Lions by 7

Speaking of big stages, the Lions and Browns are a combined 12-5, bringing pride to zoo animals and Paul Brown's family for the first time since 1957.

Chiefs -2 at Bills

Bills by 3

Kyle Orton has called Dalton's agent and asked, "Hey, did you see that fourth-and-20 against the Vikings?"

Titans +91/2 at Ravens

Ravens by 7

Talk about a must-win situation. If the Ravens lose, they'll be relocated to 1990 Cleveland.

Steelers -5 at Jets

Steelers by 3

Someone will play QB for the Jets and only ESPN will care.

Falcons -21/2 at Buccaneers

Buccaneers by 3

We're not saying this isn't a big stage, but parents will hand out oranges, juice boxes and plastic trophies to players after the game.

Broncos -11 1/2 at Raiders

Broncos by 10

To maintain parity, the NFL is asking Peyton Manning to play left-handed, eat two large pizzas and take no bathroom breaks.

Rams +7 at Cardinals

Rams by 3

The Cardinals look so darn good, we have no choice but to pick them to lose.

Giants +9 at Seahawks

Seahawks by 7

Having won two straight, the Seahawks are on high alert for remorseful pre-game skydivers who look like Percy Harvin.

Bears +7 at Packers

Packers by 3

We're not saying the Packers are taking Jared Allen lightly, but there does seem to be awful lot of imaginary calves that haven't been roped.

Panthers +61/2 at Eagles

Eagles by 3

Mark Sanchez looked so confident last week, we have no choice but to pick him to lose.

UPSET SPECIAL

49ers +5 at Saints

49ers 27, Saints 24

This one doesn't feel right, which is what makes it feel right.

Record

Last week/overall: 7-5/ 76-48-1

Versus spread: 10-4/ 58-55.

Vikings picks: 6-3

Upset special picks: 3-6

about the writer

Mark Craig

Sports reporter

Mark Craig has covered the NFL nearly every year since Brett Favre was a rookie back in 1991. A sports writer since 1987, he is covering his 30th NFL season out of 37 years with the Canton (Ohio) Repository (1987-99) and the Star Tribune (1999-present).