After a very average week 9 in making predictions, especially on the Baltimore Ravens second loss to the Cincinnati Bengals this season, I'll try to get back on track today while the Ravens attempt to do the same on Monday Night Football when they visit the Cleveland Browns. I'll pick & pan that game Monday morning, but here is the rest of the slate for Sunday's games:
Steelers over Bengals: Consider me still a doubter, but as good as Cincinnati has looked this year, if they can beat the Steelers twice in the same season, they will jump to the top of most people's list as one of the best teams in the league. Until then, I'll take the Steelers in Pittsburgh over just about everybody.
Broncos over Redskins: As bad as Denver has looked in the past two losses, Washington is certainly not the same type of team that the Steelrs, much less the Ravens are.
Panthers over Falcons: My "Upset Special Pick of the Week" as I see Carolina's running attack and defense outscoring Atlanta's at home.
Dolphins over Buccaneers: In a Florida battle, Miami is the better team and Tampa should only hope to have two quick scores like they did last week to knock off the Packers.
Vikings over Lions: If you ask me, it's beginning to look a lot like last year for Detroit, and Minnesota is on its way to a post season appearance.
Jets over Jaguars: Jacksonville can't seem to get a pass rush and that will bode well for New York's rookie QB.
Saints over Rams: This one could be over by the end of the first quarter and St. Louis should end up being just another in the line of teams that have fallen to the undefeated New Orleans juggernaut.
Titans over Bills: Tennessee is beginning to look like a decent team under QB Vince Young and Buffalo is getting ready to implode with the simmering TO.
Raiders over Chiefs: Oakland can win a couple of games and Kansas City is one of the few teams they proved they can beat.
Cardinals over Seahawks: This is an important NFC West division game and Arizona seems to want it more than Seattle does and has more at stake riding on the game, namely another division title.
Cowboys over Packers: This should be a pretty decent shootout and the only thing that separates the two teams in my opinion is that Dallas can play defense while Green Bay doesn't seem to.
Chargers over Eagles: Philadelphia proved they have a hard time coming west and winning, as evidenced by their loss at Oakland, while San Diego won a great game at the Giants and just looks stronger.
Patriots over Colts (Sunday night): Earlier in the week, I was leaning the other way, but I think New England will take advantage of the injuries to Indianapolis' secondary and outscore the Colts in a great game that should either separate the Colts from the rest of the AFC or tighten up the pack of the better teams in the conference.
Last week: 7-6
Season record: 89-40