Ever see a word somewhere, think its an awfully odd and arrogant word, but one you’ve never seen before, then within hours, days or a week, you see it again? Today’s word is askance. In 30 and a half years, I’ve never seen that word before. I may never see it again, but if I do, I’ll be ready.

One thing I’m NOT ready for is another drubbing in the weekly NFL Cyber-Death Match Pick ‘Em. I’ve got the final numbers somewhere, but I believe I’m 6 or 8 wins back of Pete, who may or may not be having a trained chicken make his picks for him.

We’ve made it to Week 6, and if you like ’em ugly, Week 6 is the week for you!

Washington at CHICAGO – Bad home teams beat bad road teams. Though there’s no reason the Redskins should be this bad. And not to say Joe Gibbs’ coaching methods are outdated, but once they figure out this new-fangled forward pass thingy, they should be just fine.

Miami at BUFFALO – (see above) One of these weeks, Miami will win a game, and the 1977 Buccaneers will drink champagne in celebration.

San Diego at ATLANTA – The Chargers have bitten me each of the past two weeks, so its tough to go against them, but I’d be afraid of a pissy Michael Vick, and he should be just that after the egg they laid last week.

Houston at TENNESSEE – Houston is NOT Green Bay. Lucky for them. But the old Oilers beat the new Oilers by 10.

Carolina at PHILADELPHIA – Some article I was reading online this afternoon that Terrell Owens should be MVP because he’s got the Eagles off to such a great start. The Eagles ALWAYS get off to a great start. Then once the calendar changes, they turtle. They’re like the Browns of the late 80’s, just not nearly as fashionable. (On a side note, if the Panthers were the Ravens, I’d look for a big week out of Rae Carruth this Sunday.)

San Francisco at NY JETS – The people of San Fran haven’t seen this much sucking since… ah, too easy.

Seattle at NEW ENGLAND – Seattle’s a good team when they show up for 60 minutes. Last week they didn’t, this week it won’t matter. Besides, with the foul yellow liquid running down the legs of the Red Sox, SOMEONE has to win to keep the chowds off the window ledge.

Kansas City at JACKSONVILLE – KC might win this if Priest Holmes remembers why he’s a near unanimous #1 fantasy draft pick. And if Trent Green forgets that he’s Trent Green.

Green Bay at DETROIT – There’s no reason to think Detroit should win this game. At all. Then again, this isn’t two years ago, and Green Bay just embarrassed themselves on Monday night. No cheese for you!

Cincinnati at CLEVELAND – Thank God for those Redskins-Bears and Dolphins-Bills matchups. They make this one look like the Super Bowl. Or at least a playoff game. Okay, a meaningful December game at least.

Denver at OAKLAND – True the Raiders went home from Indy with their spikey shoulder pads wedged in their cracks, but in this rivalry, you throw the records out the window. Of course, Denver has more wins to throw out said window, but I still think the Silver and Black get it done.

PITTSBURGH at Dallas – Please let this Pittsburgh roll stop. Please!

MINNESOTA at New Orleans – Its a dome away from dome game for the Vikings. Aaron Brooks will throw 3 TD’s for the Saints, but he’ll also throw 3 picks and make me wonder why I put him on my fantasy roster year in and year out.

Tampa Bay at ST. LOUIS – One of these weeks, Tampa Bay is going to win a game and the 1977 Buccaneers are going to pop open the champagne to celebrate.

That’s it! I’m off on a personal pilgrimage to Mecca (aka Toledo, OH), which includes my first Bowling Green game of the year. Unfortunately, expected rain in the area will keep the Falcons under 80 points on the day, but I still expect them to win a high scoring affair. 55-24, officially.