Once again a good prior week for predictions, especially the Ravens victory, although not quite as good as the previous two. However, it extends a very good season record as well as a stellar three week streak of 39-13 straight up. This week has a bunch of tough games to call, but we shall persevere. Let's hear your thoughts and comments on these picks.
Here we go:
Buffalo over NY Jets: The Jets beat the Chiefs at home last week, but had to pull it out at the last minute, which didn't make Jets' fans happy. Buffalo was upset in Miami and plays well at home, so I expect them to rebound and make the Jets' fans even more pissed off.
Chicago over Detroit: The Bears offense has actually done real well with Kyle Orton at QB. While their defense is getting burned, they should be good enough to destroy the Lions, who along with the Bengals are the two worst teams in the NFL. I'd like to see a game between them!
Jacksonville over Cincinnati: I almost made this my Upset Pick of the Week, but noted that the Jags have played well on the road and the Bengals, well, they don't play well anywhere. So even after an upset loss at home to Cleveland last week, the Jags will rebound at the Bengals to keep them even with the Lions!
Tennessee over Green Bay: The Pack will have trouble running against the Titans and that will fall right into Tennessee's hands. The Titans running attack will wear down the Packers and their defense will take care of the rest.
St. Louis over Arizona: The Cardinals lead the NFC West, but the Rams have gotten much better over the past month. This is my Upset Pick of the Week, as I expect the Rams passing attack to outgun the Cardinals. Kurt Warner seems to throw a bunch of picks on the road and the Rams spring the upset at home.
Minnesota over Houston: Tough game to call, but the Vikings are coming off a Bye and AP should be rested and raring to go. The Texans have put up a lot of points, but don't overestimate the fact they did it last week against the Bengals. The Vikes defense is much better and they do actually have a slightly better running game than Cincy! (<--joke)
Tampa Bay over Kansas City: The Bucs play their second road game in a row and after a tough loss at Dallas, should be ready for a weaker KC team. The Chiefs will once again be without LJ, which won't make it any easier for them, although QB Tyler Thigpen had a decent game last week.
Denver over Miami: I know the Dolphins have played better this year and the Broncos defense has looked abysmal, but I still can't see this still even being a 3 point game. Denver's offense is so much better than Miami's and should easily be able to outscore them, regardless of how their defense plays.
Oakland over Atlanta: This is actually an upset pick as well, as the Falcons are favored, even though it is in Oakland's crib. I expect the Raiders to rebound after falling to the Ravens last week, just as the Dolphins did to beat the Bills after losing to Baltimore the prior week. If the trend continues, look for Cleveland to rebound next week as well after they lose to the Ravens tomorrow!!!
NY Giants over Dallas: Based on the way the Cowboys have played lately, I wouldn't be surprised if this is a blowout. The Giants have the best offensive and defensive lines in the league and we all know games are won in the trenches. Brad Johnson is literally a sitting duck for the Giants pass rush and Eli should be able to pick apart the 'boys depleted secondary.
Seattle over Philadelphia: Another upset pick, as I liked what the Seahawks did in San Francisco and am not convinced which Eagles team will show up. Seattle played real well in getting revenge for losing to the 49ers at home earlier this season. The Eagles should win this game, but I'm still going with the home team to steal one from McNabb and Westbrook.
New England over Indianapolis: What was once the best games in recent history is now a mere shadow of its former self (good one, eh?). Both teams are hurting but the Patriots seem to be hitting their stride and have played more consistent as of late. I thought the Colts were back after destroying my Ravens, but they laid two eggs against good teams since then. This Pats team is beginning to look more comfortable with the loss of Tom Brady and even Randy Moss is not complaining. Something seems off with Peyton Manning and Marvin Harrison has only looked good against the Ravens.
Pittsburgh over Washington (Monday Night Football): Even though this is a home game on national TV, I can't see the Redskins defending their turf. The Steelers offense should be able to move the ball as the Redskins pass rush has been virtually non-existent. Give Roethlisberger time to throw and he will find a bevy of receiver to choose from. The Steelers pass rush and hard hitting top rated defense should be able to slow down the Redskins' Clinton Portis, even though he is far ahead of anyone else as the NFL's leading rusher. That will force the 'skins into the uncomfortable position of throwing too much, even with Santana Moss as a game breaker.
Last Week: 9-5
Season Record: 77-42