Happy Thanksgiving to all our friends and readers!
Enjoy your football weekend.
Here’s this weekend’s picks, all made against the spread.
Standings
Marjorie Lewis 87-67-2 (8-4) (.564)
Art Garcia 80-62-2 (.563)
Carlos Mendez 86-68-2 (10-2) (.558)
John Henry 82-72-2 (9-3) (.532)
Anthony Andro 81-73-2 (6-6) (.526)
Matt Mosley 81-73-2 (5-7) (.526)
Gil LeBreton 79-74-2 (6-6) (.516)
Richie Whitt 79-74-2 (4-8) (.516)
Jimmy Burch 79-75-2 (11-1) (.513)
Jan Hubbard 76-78-2 (5-7) (.474)
MARJORIE LEWIS
Last week: 8-4
Season: 87-67-2 (.564)
West Virginia at TCU -12 1/2 — I wouldn’t be surprised if West Virginia keeps it a little closer. Pick: West Virginia
Tulane at SMU -3 1/2 — SMU lost a chance at the AAC title, but still has pride to play for. Pick: SMU
Texas Tech at Texas -10 — Texas Tech may have one last surprise in it, including a close loss. Pick: Texas Tech
Baylor at Kansas +14 — Baylor is not slowing down. Pick: Baylor
Oklahoma at Oklahoma State +13 1/2 — Oklahoma State keeps it close in Stillwater. Pick: Oklahoma State
Texas A&M at LSU -17 — I expect LSU to cover with points to spare. Pick: LSU
Ohio State at Michigan +8 1/2 — Michigan gives Ohio State a good game. Pick: Michigan
Alabama at Auburn +3 1/2 — Alabama takes out its frustrations. Pick: Alabama
Wisconsin at Minnesota +3 — Minnesota covers, barely. Pick: Minnesota
Bills at Cowboys -6 1/2 — Bills are looking for respect. So are the Cowboys. Pick: Bills
49ers at Ravens -6 — Would make for a fantastic Super Bowl. Pick: Ravens
Raiders at Chiefs -10 — Chiefs have too much fire power. Pick: Chiefs
Vikings at Seahawks -3 — Vikings may not win but should keep it close. Pick: Vikings
ART GARCIA
Season: 80-62-2 (.563)
West Virginia at TCU -12 1/2 — A disappointing season doesn’t end, as the Frogs put together a statement W to go bowling. Pick: TCU
Tulane at SMU -3 1/2 — The Ponies reach double digits with flare. Pick: SMU
Texas Tech at Texas -10 — Red Raiders want nothing more than to spoil some post-Thanksgiving turkey in Austin. Pick: Tech
Baylor at Kansas +14 — Bears get a layup before the title tilt. Pick: Baylor
Oklahoma at Oklahoma State +13 1/2 — Bedlam in Stillwater isn’t a good recipe for OU. Pick: OSU
Texas A&M at LSU -17 — Tigers been waiting for 7OT playback. Ags waiting on signature win. Pick: A&M
Ohio State at Michigan +8 1/2 — Newly-minted No. 1 shows why. Pick: OSU
Alabama at Auburn +3 1/2 — Iron Bowl is strictly for bragging rights, and that’s fine. Pick: Auburn
Wisconsin at Minnesota +3 — Who’d have thought the Paul Bunyan’s Axe winner would play for the Big Ten title? I didn’t. Pick: Minnesota
Bills at Cowboys -6 1/2 — Cowboys have to beat someone good, right? Don’t they? Pick: Cowboys
49ers at Ravens -6 — The next Game of the Year is in B-More. As long as it’s more Lamar, we’re good. Pick: Ravens
Raiders at Chiefs -10 — First place on the line in the AFC East. Pick: Chiefs
Vikings at Seahawks -3 — Huge playoff ramifications on the line in the Great Northwest. Pick: Vikings
CARLOS MENDEZ
Last week: 10-2
Season: 86-68-2 (.558)
West Virginia at TCU -12 1/2 — I haven’t watched a West Virginia game all year, but I get the feeling they’re no pushovers. Pick: West Virginia
Tulane at SMU -3 1/2 — Two teams that can score points. And give up points. Pick: Tulane
Texas Tech at Texas -10 — Jet Duffy finds a way to keep the Raiders close until the fourth quarter. Then look out. Pick: Texas Tech
Baylor at Kansas +14 — Baylor keeps it rolling from Lawrence to Arlington. Pick: Baylor
Oklahoma at Oklahoma State +13 1/2 — Fan of both these teams’ offenses. Pick: Oklahoma State
Texas A&M at LSU -17 — Style and substance. LSU has it in Joe Burrow. Pick: LSU
Ohio State at Michigan +8 1/2 — Bucks are the most complete team in college football. Pick: Ohio State
Alabama at Auburn +3 1/2 — Quarterback or not, too many playmakers on the Bama side. Pick: Alabama
Wisconsin at Minnesota +3 — Gophers showed me against Penn State what they can do at home. Pick: Minnesota
Bills at Cowboys -6 1/2 — This’ll be news to some, but the Bills are a better team. Pick: Bills
49ers at Ravens -6 — If the Super Bowl were played Sunday. Wait, it is being played Sunday. Pick: 49ers
Raiders at Chiefs -10 — What are the Raiders? Bad, good or what? Pick: Raiders
Vikings at Seahawks -3 — Russ is one of my two favorite quarterbacks, and he’s at his best at home against a good team. Pick: Seahawks
JOHN HENRY
Last week: 9-3
Season: 82-72-2 (.532)
West Virginia at TCU -12 1/2 — Motivated Frogs springboard into bowl season. Pick: TCU
Tulane at SMU -3 1/2 — Tulane, losers of four of its last five, limping onto the Hilltop. Pick: SMU
Texas Tech at Texas -10 — I don’t think Texas is 10 points better than anybody under any circumstances. Pick: Texas
Baylor at Kansas +14 — For the Jayhawks, it’s gonna feel like an end time event. Pick: Baylor
Oklahoma at Oklahoma State +13 1/2 — Throw out the point spreads in Bedlam. Pick: Oklahoma State
Texas A&M at LSU -17 — Aggies’ long, arduous beatdown marathon finally comes to an end. Pick: LSU
Ohio State at Michigan +8 1/2 — Jim Harbaugh finally solves Ohio State Rubik’s Cube. Just kidding. Pick: Ohio State
Alabama at Auburn +3 1/2 — Auburn will immediately become leading candidate for Nobel Peace Prize when it does the world this favor. Pick: Auburn
Wisconsin at Minnesota +3 — Minnesota? You betcha. Pick: Minnesota
Bills at Cowboys -6 1/2 — If Cowboys lose, might be very black Friday for Garrett. Still, like the Bills and points. Pick: Bills
49ers at Ravens -6 — Super Bowl preview. Actually, an NFL game I want to watch. Pick: 49ers
Raiders at Chiefs -10 — Once upon a time, these two hated each other. That was a different day in the NFL. Pick: Raiders
Vikings at Seahawks -3 — I like the Seahawks, whatever a seahawk is. Pick: Seahawks
ANTHONY ANDRO
Last week: 6-6
Season: 81-73-2 (.526)
West Virginia at TCU -12 1/2 — Let’s say West Virginia covers again. Pick: West Virginia
Tulane at SMU -3 1/2 — Mustangs tune up for Frisco Bowl in fine fashion. Pick: SMU
Texas Tech at Texas -10 — Tom Herman won’t have to come up with excuses for this game. Pick: Texas
Baylor at Kansas +14 — Bears ease off throttle for bigger game. Pick: Kansas
Oklahoma at Oklahoma State +13 1/2 — A lot of points in a rivalry game. Pick: Oklahoma State
Texas A&M at LSU -17 — The Tigers haven’t forgotten about last year. Pick: LSU
Ohio State at Michigan +8 1/2 — Ohio State going for style points. Pick: Ohio State
Alabama at Auburn +3 1/2 — Alabama needs this for playoff hopes. Pick: Alabama
Wisconsin at Minnesota +3 — Row the boat. Pick: Minnesota
Bills at Cowboys -6 1/2 — Cowboys don’t know how to play well against good teams. Pick: Buffalo
49ers at Ravens -6 — Another statement chance for Lamar Jackson. Pick: Ravens
Raiders at Chiefs -10 — Raiders laying back to back eggs. Pick: Kansas City
Vikings at Seahawks -3 — Tough environment for visitors. Pick: Seahawks
MATT MOSLEY
Last week: 5-7
Season: 81-73-2 (.526)
West Virginia at TCU -12 1/2 — The Frogs have shown a lot of fight. I think they’ll break through versus an improving Mountaineers team. But they can’t cover that line. Pick: West Virginia
Tulane at SMU -3 1/2 — My goodness, the lack of respect for the Mustangs is stunning. Or maybe the Green Wave has truly shown something. Pick: SMU
Texas Tech at Texas -10 — It’s hilarious that folks still try to load up on the Horns. They shouldn’t be favored by double digits over anyone. Pick: Texas Tech
Baylor at Kansas +14 — Bears will finish off this amazing season in style. Jayhawks have been really good on offense at times, but Baylor’s defense creates a ton of pressure and takeaways. Pick: Baylor
Oklahoma at Oklahoma State +13 1/2 — Sooners have been skating by for a few weeks. They need to style-point this one in a big way. Pick: Oklahoma
Texas A&M at LSU -17 — That’s a big number. Jimbo has the Ags competing hard. These Ags love a good 5-loss season. Pick: Texas A&M
Ohio State at Michigan +8 1/2 — Jim Harbaugh will get embarrassed at home. It will be a laugher. Pick: Ohio State
Alabama at Auburn +3 1/2 — Bama is going to force this committee to make a tough call. Pick: Alabama
Wisconsin at Minnesota +3 — I don’t trust either team. But I love the job Fleck has done for the Golden Gophers. Pick: Minnesota
Bills at Cowboys -6 1/2 — No one circles the wagons like Jason Garrett. He will respond to the fiery Jerry with a runaway win. Pick: Cowboys
49ers at Ravens -6 — I’m not going against Lamar Jackson. No way! But the Niners cover. Pick: 49ers
Raiders at Chiefs -10 — What a pitiful effort by the Raiders last Sunday. But this is a rivalry. Pick: Raiders
Vikings at Seahawks -3 — Russell Wilson will light up Zimmer’s Vikings. Pick: Seahawks
GIL LeBRETON
Last week: 6-6
Season: 79-74-2 (.516)
West Virginia at TCU -12 1/2 — Bowl trip on the line for Frogs, and that’s enough. Pick: TCU
Tulane at SMU -3 1/2 — The over/under on this one is 71, and these teams will smash it. Pick: SMU
Texas Tech at Texas -10 — Morning kickoff, students away for holiday, lots of empty seats. Pick: Texas Tech
Baylor at Kansas +14 — Style points shall abound for the Bears in this one. Pick: Baylor
Oklahoma at Oklahoma State +13 1/2 — Close score won’t help the Big 12, I’m afraid. Pick: Oklahoma State
Texas A&M at LSU -17 — No 12th Man (the officials) this time for Aggie. Pick: LSU
Ohio State at Michigan +8 1/2 — It’s foolish to pick against Ohio State in that overrated conference. Pick: Ohio State
Alabama at Auburn +3 1/2 — As much as I would love to see Auburn win 60-0, Alabama is the smarter pick: Alabama
Wisconsin at Minnesota +3 — I’m on the bandwagon. Pick: Minnesota
Bills at Cowboys -6 1/2 — Once again, the Cowboys rally to allow Jason Garrett to escape the jaws of unemployment. Pick: Cowboys
49ers at Ravens -6 — More and more people convinced Baltimore is NFL’s best. Pick: Ravens
Raiders at Chiefs -10 — Depends on which Raiders team shows up. Pick: Chiefs
Vikings at Seahawks -3 — Seattle’s only losses were to Saints and Ravens. Pick: Seahawks
RICHIE WHITT
Last week: 4-8
Season: 79-74-2 (.516)
West Virginia at TCU -12 1/2 — Give Gary Patterson, Frogs are still playing hard. Pick: TCU
Tulane at SMU -3 1/2 — Mustangs still have hopes for a bowl game outside of DFW. Pick: SMU
Texas Tech at Texas -10 — Will Longhorns be motivated by winning for a berth to Camping World bowl? Good grief. Pick: Texas Tech
Baylor at Kansas +14 — Bears still have a path to football’s final four. I think. Pick: Baylor
Oklahoma at Oklahoma State +13 1/2 — Cowboys would love nothing more than to rain on OU’s parade. Pick: Oklahoma State
Texas A&M at LSU -17 — Tigers are better. And, after last year’s 7-overtime debacle, more motivated. Pick: LSU
Ohio State at Michigan +8 1/2 — Wolverines find a way to do something no one else has: Keep it close. Pick: Michigan
Alabama at Auburn +3 1/2 — Bama hasn’t been Bama all year, even before injury to Tua. Pick: Auburn
Wisconsin at Minnesota +3 — Gophers still believe they can win Big Ten, but Wisconsin’s defense might just shut them out. Pick: Wisconsin
Bills at Cowboys -6 1/2 — Cowboys 0-5 when they don’t score 30+ points. Bills have allowed 30+ only once. Pick: Bills
49ers at Ravens -6 — San Francisco is a bit of a mirage. Lamar Jackson has been the real deal since Louisville. Pick: Ravens
Raiders at Chiefs -10 — Oakland loses by 31 to the Jets and then steps up in weight class? No thanks. Pick: Chiefs
Vikings at Seahawks -3 — I don’t trust Kirk Cousins, but Minny’s defense and running game will travel superbly in December. Pick: Vikings
JIMMY BURCH
Last week: 11-1
Season: 79-75-2 (.513)
West Virginia at TCU -12 1/2 — The Frogs secure a bowl berth with style points to spare against the outmanned Mountaineers. Pick: TCU
Tulane at SMU -3 1/2 — The Mustangs’ best football season since the Reagan Administration hits the 10-win mark and Boulevard revelers rejoice. Pick: SMU
Texas Tech at Texas -10 — Texas’ current offensive “attack” would be hard-pressed to post a double-digit win against thin air. Pick: Texas Tech
Baylor at Kansas +14 — The Bears get caught looking ahead to an OU rematch and struggle to squeeze out an actual victory in Lawrence. Pick: Kansas
Oklahoma at Oklahoma State +13 1/2 — The Sooners rarely lose this matchup, but Oklahoma State always makes them sweat. Pick: Oklahoma State
Texas A&M at LSU -17 — The Tigers will not need a single overtime, let alone seven, to make amends for last season’s game in Aggieland. Pick: LSU
Ohio State at Michigan +8 1/2 — As a coach, Jim Harbaugh remains Oh-for-Ohio (State). Pick: Ohio State
Alabama at Auburn +3 1/2 — Expect Alabama to keep itself in the CFP playoff conversation with a double-digit win. Pick: Alabama
Wisconsin at Minnesota +3 — After 11 weeks of head-scratching denial, I’m finally rowing the boat with P.J. Fleck’s guys. And they’re even getting points! Pick: Minnesota
Bills at Cowboys -6 1/2 — Yes, the Cowboys win. No, they don’t make it easy on themselves. Pick: Bills
49ers at Ravens -6 — A Super Bowl preview, IMO. And that’s a LOT of points to give a quality team like San Francisco. Pick: 49ers
Raiders at Chiefs -10 — The Chiefs are not playing well enough on offense or defense these days to cover a double-digit spread. Pick: Raiders
Vikings at Seahawks -3 — The Seahawks turn up the heat on the Niners in the NFC West race. Pick: Seahawks
JAN HUBBARD
Last week: 5-7
Season: 76-78-2 (.494)
West Virginia at TCU -12 1/2 — Like the home team to win, but the spread is too large. Pick: West Virginia
Tulane at SMU -3 1/2 — Mustangs have faltered late but they have a chance for their first 10-win season since 1984. Pick: SMU
Texas Tech at Texas -10 — Longhorns are bowl-eligible — barely. But after three seasons, Longhorn program in no better shape than it was with Charlie Strong. Pick: Texas
Baylor at Kansas +14 — Jayhawks have a chance for first four-win season since 2009. But Bear have Big 12 title game in sight. Pick: Baylor
Oklahoma at Oklahoma State +13 1/2 — Cowboys may be inconsistent and may lose game, but I’ll take 13 1/2 at home anytime. Pick: Oklahoma State
Texas A&M at LSU -17 — Tigers on a mission and A&M is simply unreliable in big games. Pick: LSU
Ohio State at Michigan +8 1/2 — The Buckeyes had their closest game of the season last week against Penn State and still won by 11. Pick: Ohio State
Alabama at Auburn +3 1/2 — Yes, the Crimson Tide lost their all-world quarterback, but they are still likely to get into the college playoffs. The QB is obviously important but Alabama has another dozen or so players headed for the NFL. Pick: Alabama
Wisconsin at Minnesota +3 — Minnesota isn’t Ohio State, but when will the team get credit for a great season? Maybe on Saturday. Pick: Minnesota
Bills at Cowboys -6 1/2 — Cole Beasley scores two TDs in return to Dallas and Jerry gets one step closer to making a change that should have been made years ago. Pick: Buffalo
49ers at Ravens -6 — Baltimore may be the best team in the league right now, but 6 1/2 points to a one-loss team is too inviting to pass up. Pick: 49ers
Raiders at Chiefs -10 — Periodically, Oakland shows signs of life. But then they lose by 31 to the Jets. Pick: KC
Vikings at Seahawks -3 — Only one thing is for sure. Cowboys don’t want to play either of these teams in the playoffs. Pick: Seattle
