Greg Cote's Week 8 NFL picks

The downside of publishing your picks for all the world to see is there will be weeks like this. Our 9-5 mark overall last week was fine, but that 5-9 against the spread made us want to change our name and wear a disguise. Or steal newspapers off front lawns like Sally Field in "Absence of Malice." Our worst performance of the year ATS. Yes, we had some tough luck. A half-point loss, some blown leads. But, no excuses. We also had three picks we'd like back, like, what was I thinking!? On the brighter side, we nailed Steelers' mini-upset at Titans and had a pair of 'dogs-with-points in covers by Panthers and Jets. Time to shed 5-9 like a snake does dead skin and slither onward and upward! By the way, I believe the preceding is my first career metaphor likening myself to a snake, for those scoring at home. (Note: Thursday night pick was At Panthers (-2 1/2) over Falcons, 27-20.)