Week 10: “Famous in Our Own Minds” Pick’em
Halloween’s behind us, and so are our winning ways — at least for now. Week 9 was rough all around, as all three of us went 1-2. Jack was one miracle Bears touchdown away from back-to-back 0-3 weeks, but instead we all shared the pain. The calendar has flipped to November, though, and just like Tony Elliott’s Hoos, we’re hoping to hit our stride down the stretch.
Jay Ballard
11/7/20252 min read
Standings through Week 9:
Jay: 14-13
Jeff: 12-15
Jack: 9-18
The records aren’t pretty, but the board is set, and it’s time to turn things around.
Jay’s Picks
Lions -7.5 at Washington
Jayden Daniels is out for an extended stretch after some classic coaching malpractice — “backwards hat guy” left him in a game they trailed 38–7 late in the fourth quarter, and the result was predictable. Detroit, meanwhile, is ticked off after losing at home to Minnesota. They haven’t forgotten who ended their playoff run last year, and I think they take it out on Washington. Lions by a ton.
Over 46.5: Giants at Bears
Caleb Williams and the Bears put up 47 last week, and Jaxson Dart has that Giants offense moving in the right direction. This feels like a game where both teams can move the ball and the points start piling up. The only caution flag? The wind. If Chicago gets sustained 20+ mph gusts on Sunday, it could slow things down — but if not, I like this total to soar past 46.5.
Panthers -5.5 vs. Saints
Rico Dowdle has been a spark plug for Carolina lately, and the Panthers are coming off a big upset win at Green Bay. The Saints look like a team searching for answers, and laying less than a touchdown here feels like a gift. Carolina rides the momentum and wins comfortably.
Jeff’s Picks
Seahawks -6.5 vs. Cardinals
Seattle’s offense is rolling, and their defense has been one of the league’s most complete units. The Cardinals have been scrappy behind Jacoby Brissett, but this feels like a tough road trip for them. Seattle gets it done at home.
Browns -2.5 at Jets
The Jets are in full sell mode after the trade deadline and look like a team ready to pack it in. The Browns aren’t perfect, but their running game and defense should be enough to control this one. Cleveland finds a way on the road.
Jaguars -1.5 at Texans
With C.J. Stroud sidelined, Houston’s offense loses its edge. Jacksonville doesn’t have to be explosive — just steady. Expect a defensive, grind-it-out game where the Jags do enough to escape with a cover.
Jack’s Picks
Lions -7.5 at Washington
Jack’s joining me on the Lions, which automatically makes me nervous. Detroit’s the better team by a mile and should roll, but the shared pick curse is real.
Colts -6.5 vs. Falcons (in Germany)
A long trip overseas and an early kickoff, but Jack likes Indy to bounce back. The Colts have more talent and should handle business after a tough loss in Pittsburgh.
Over 37.5: Jaguars at Texans
Jack’s calling for points in what looks like a defensive slugfest on paper. Maybe he’s onto something — or maybe he’s just due for a little luck. Either way, he’s rolling with the over.
Closing Thoughts
It’s been a humbling stretch, but November brings opportunity — and like Ryan Odom’s Hoos on the hardwood, we’re trying to build some momentum and find that winning rhythm. The standings are tight (well, for two of us), and there’s still time to make a run.
Whether you’re tailing or fading the Famous in Our Own Minds crew, one thing’s for sure: the confidence hasn’t wavered, and the competition is alive and well. Here’s to a bounce-back week, a few covers, and a little November magic.