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Kemp Callwood: Kemp's Calls
Gap between haves and have-nots has widened
Friday, October 30th 2009

As much as I like to veer away from what everyone else in the media is talking about, there are some observations that simply can't be ignored. Parity has been the name of the game in the NFL for the last 15 years. This season, though, the state of a large number of the league's teams can best be described as disparity.

Usually at the midpoint of the season, there are only a few truly bad teams. But as we head into Week 8, there are 10 teams with win totals of two or less. How bad is that, you ask? Well, take a look at the Browns, who have a meager record of 1-6. Most any other year they would be almost a lock for the No. 1 overall pick in April's draft. However, if the season ended today they would be drafting fifth, which is where they drafted last April after a 4-12 campaign.

There are still three winless teams in the league, along with another three teams with only one win. The disparity between the top teams in the league and the bottom ones is too big to ignore.

Many of the winless or one-win teams are those with new head coaches and new front office personnel, who - like in Kansas City and Cleveland - are essentially clearing out their roster to make room for the players that they REALLY want next offseason. I think that's the big difference between this season and seasons past in which new head coaches like the Dolphins' Tony Sparano were able to turn their teams around in one year.

Bottom line, a lot of these losing teams are being blown up right now so that they can be built stronger this offseason. However, that plan may blow up in these teams' faces, especially if there is no new labor deal struck between the owners and the players.

The picks

Sunday's Games

St. Louis at Detroit, 1 p.m.

Wow, a game that the Lions can actually win.

Pick: Lions

Miami at N.Y. Jets, 1 p.m.

The Jets and Dolphins have the Nos. 1 and 2 rushing offenses in the league, respectively. Hence, the team that stops the run better will win this game, and that edge goes to the Dolphins.

Pick: Dolphins

Cleveland at Chicago, 1 p.m.

After facing the Bengals' high-powered passing attack last week, facing the Browns' anemic passing game will feel like a bye week for the Bears.

Pick: Bears

Denver at Baltimore, 1 p.m.

Denver's defense has been near impenetrable this season, and even though the Ravens have a great offense I have my doubts that they will be able to break the Broncos.

Pick: Broncos

Seattle at Dallas, 1 p.m.

Miles Austin and the Cowboys passing attack are picking up steam. When that happens, it's tough to go against them when they are at home.

Pick: Cowboys

Houston at Buffalo, 1 p.m.

Buffalo stunned the Panthers last week, but that was against Jake Delhomme at quarterback. Houston's Matt Schaub should have his way in this game.

Pick: Texans

San Francisco at Indianapolis, 1 p.m.

Indy is the most under-publicized undefeated team in the league. After this Sunday, that likely won't change.

Pick: Colts

N.Y. Giants at Philadelphia, 1 p.m.

With Winston Justice starting at tackle for the Eagles, look for Donovan McNabb to have trouble with the Giants pass rush.

Pick: Giants

Jacksonville at Tennessee, 4:05 p.m.

With Vince Young now starting, this may be as good a chance for the Titans to get a win as any, so I'll give them the benefit of the doubt.

Pick: Titans

Oakland at San Diego, 4:05 p.m.

It's highly doubtful that the Raiders offense will be able to keep pace with the Chargers.

Pick: Chargers

Minnesota at Green Bay, 4:15 p.m.

The Packers will play inspired, but if there's a stadium Brett Favre feels comfortable in, it's Lambeau Field.

Pick: Vikings

Carolina at Arizona, 4:15 p.m.

The Cardinals are starting to get on a roll, so expect them to cruise to a win here.

Pick: Cardinals

Monday's Game

Atlanta at New Orleans

This should be a pretty good shootout, but out of the two defenses the Falcons defense is the one I have the least faith in.

Pick: Saints

- Last Week: 8-5: Overall: 65-37

- Kemp Callwood is the Daily News sports editor. His column appears regularly throughout the NFL season.