Week 12 NFL Picks

I had a two-day wrestling tournament this weekend, so this week's picks will be amended. I went 7-7 last week to bring my overall record to 61-41.

Browns (4-6) over Steelers (4-6) (Pittsburgh at Cleveland, 1:00, CBS)

I STILL BELIEVE!!!! As long as the Browns don't turn it over, I think they can win.

Lions (6-4) over Buccaneers (2-8) (Tampa Bay at Detroit, 1:00, FOX)

I think last week's second half was a fluke for the Lions. The Bucs have played much better, and could make this one close, but Megatron and the Lions should get past Tampa.

Packers (5-5) over Vikings (2-8) (Minnesota at Green Bay, 1:00, FOX)

I think Scott Tolzien is just as good, if not better, than whoever the Vikings trot out at quarterback (this week: Christian Ponder). Green Bay should be fine at Lambeau.

Chiefs (9-1) over Chargers (4-6) (San Diego at Kansas City, 1:00, FOX)

I think the Chiefs will bounce back this week. They will be tested, but the Chargers are on a three-game losing streak, and the game is at Arrowhead.

Rams (4-6) over Bears (6-4) (Chicago at St. Louis, 1:00, FOX)

Josh McCown and the Bears are good, but they're coming off a marathon game, but I like Zac Stacy, I like The Rams defense, and I like the Rams with the upset this week. 

Panthers (7-3) over Dolphins (5-5) (Carolina at Miami, 1:00, FOX)

The Panthers are for real. Cam Newton has started being a team player and has turned into an elite quarterback, and the Panthers defense is great. The Dolphins bounced back last week after the Incognito controversy, but I think the Panthers will keep rolling.

Jets (5-5) over Ravens (4-6) (New York at Baltimore, 1:00, CBS)

This is the Jets' first ten games: W L W L W L W L W L. A win this week would continue the pattern.

Texans (2-8) over Jaguars (1-9) (Jacksonville at Houston, 1:00, CBS)

I was tempted to pick Jacksonville, but I have Case Keenum and Ben Tate on my fantasy team. 

Raiders (4-6) over Titans (4-6) (Tennessee at Oakland, 4:05, CBS)

MATT MCGLOIN!!!! I think the Raiders will ride their new quarterback's success last week to another win this week. 

Cardinals (6-4) over Colts (7-3) (Indianapolis at Arizona, 4:05, CBS)

I'll probably get this pick wrong, but the Cards are riding high, and remember that two weeks ago, Arizona's division rivals trounced Indy.

Cowboys (5-5) over Giants (4-6) (Dallas at New York, 4:25, FOX)

This will be a battle to the end, one between the rising Giants and middling Cowboys, and I think Tony Romo and the 'Boys will win it.

Broncos (9-1) over Patriots (7-3) (Denver at New England, 8:30, NBC)

Brady vs. Manning. This will be a shootout. Peyton has performed much better than Brady this year, and he has many more weapons. I'm going with Manning over Brady.

49ers (6-4) over Redskins (3-7) (San Francisco at Washington, 8:30, ESPN) 

San Francisco's on a two-game losing streak, but Washington has struggle mightily this year, their defense can't stop anyone, and RGIII's leadership has been questioned.

Week 11 NFL Picks

Last week was rough. Not only did I not get the weekly analysis done again, I went 5-8 to bring my overall record to 54-34. Let's hope for a much better week. I'm going to blame last week on the fact that it was the Browns' bye week. Now for this week's picks:

Browns (4-5) over Bengals (6-4) (Cleveland at Cincinnati, 1:00, CBS)

Believeland! This is the first time in a long time where the Battle of Ohio has division title and playoff implications. The Browns are coming off a bye week just one and a half games behind the Bengals for first place in the AFC North. The Bengals are struggling, coming off an overtime loss to Baltimore a week after an overtime loss to Miami. The Bengals have come back from early deficits in both games only to lose. Andy Dalton has been a little inconsistent, while Browns quarterback Jason Campbell ha been solid, playing the best football of his career. A big key matchup that everyone will be watching will be between A.J. Green and Joe Haden, a battle won by Haden last time. I think Haden wins the matchup again, and Cleveland wins the game again in a close one.

Bills (3-7) over Jets (5-4) (New York at Buffalo, 1:00, CBS)

I know what you're probably thinking; "Are you crazy, Grant!? The Jets are much better than the Bills!" Or maybe you're not thinking that at all. Either way, the Jets have impressed and are in playoff contention after beating New England and New Orleans before a bye week last week. The Bills, meanwhile, have been sputtering, losing three straight games despite getting quarterback E.J. Manuel back last week, who looked shaky in his return. I just feel like going with the Bills here, and I think Manuel will fare much better in his second week back. Bills in a nail-biter.

Bears (5-4) over Ravens (4-5) (Baltimore at Chicago, 1:00, CBS)

The Bears have had to deal with key injuries. The Ravens have had to deal with unproductivity. Yet both are still in playoff contention. Jay Cutler got injured again last week in a close loss to the Lions, but backup Josh McCown has played well, and I think Chicago will be fine. The Ravens pulled off a big win against Cincinnati last week, but almost lost it, and continued to get nothing out of Ray Rice. In my opinion, the Bears have looked much better than the Ravens, and really could've won that game last week. I think the Bears cruise past the Ravens.

Eagles (5-5) over Redskins (3-6) (Washington at Philadelphia, 1:00, FOX)

I knew the Eagles would get back on track, and they definitely have. They've won two in a row behind the likes of Nick Foles, who's thrown 16 touchdowns and zero interceptions in four starts this season, and LeSean McCoy, the NFL's leading rusher, along with Foles' favorite targets, Riley Cooper and DeSean Jackson. Washington let the Vikings beat them last week, dropping to 3-6, yet still in the NFC East race. Their defense can't stop anyone, although their offense, led by Alfred Morris and an improving Robert Griffin III, has been decent. I don't care about Philly's troubles at home (10-game home losing streak), they can tear up Washington's awful defense (31st ppg, 27th ypg) anywhere, and I think they will.

Lions (6-3) over Steelers (3-6) (Detroit at Pittsburgh, 1:00, FOX)

The Lions are a very good team this year, are coming off a big win against the Bears, and are in first place. The Steelers are a very bad team (in my opinion), but coming off a win over the Bills and still in the AFC North race. Calvin Johnson continues to obliterate opposing defenses, leading the NFL in receiving yards per game and tied for second in touchdown catches. They also have the versatile Reggie Bush and a formidable defensive front. Although rookie Le'Veon Bell and the Pittsburgh run game has been better, I don't think they'll get much going against Detroit, and I think Calvin Johnson will be Calvin Johnson, and the Lions offense will tear apart the Steelers.

Falcons (2-7) over Buccaneers (1-8) (Atlanta at Tampa Bay, 1:00, FOX)

Ugh. These are two very bad teams, and it was hard to pick which one could win. The Falcons haven't won a game since four weeks ago, when they beat the team they play this week. The Bucs dropped to 1-8 after a win against the Miami Dolphins on Monday Night Football in the battle for the worst record in football with the Jaguars after Jacksonville took a misstep by beating Tennessee Sunday. This will be an ugly game, and I suggest you to avoid watching it. Atlanta has more talent, so I'm going with them.

Cardinals (4-4) over Jaguars (1-8) (Arizona at Jacksonville, 1:00, FOX)

Let's just use this space to commemorate the Jacksonville Jaguars' first win of the season (and coach Gus Bradley's first career win) last week against the Titans in a high-scoring 29-27 game. Enjoy that moment, Jacksonville. You probably won't get another one. The Cardinals, with a very good defense and explosive running back Andre Ellington (who is somehow still getting less carries than ineffective starter Rashard Mendenhall), are on a two-game win streak and in the playoff hunt. The Cards should rout the Jaguars, but the Jags may make it somewhat close.

Texans (2-7) over Raiders (3-6) (Oakland at Houston, 1:00, CBS)

This is another "ugh" game. The Raiders offense has been anemic, and it might be almost nonexistent with Matt McGloin starting in place of the injured Terrelle Pryor this week. They lost to the Giants last week and have not won a road game this season. My boy Case Keenum and the Texans couldn't get past the Cardinals last week, dropping their seventh straight game. They also cut offseason signee Ed Reed and placed Arian Foster on IR. But Case continues to show signs of potential, Ben Tate is a more-than-serviceable backup, and coach Gary Kubiak returns this week. The Texans should dispatch the Raiders.

Chargers (4-5) over Dolphins (4-5) (San Diego at Miami, 4:05, CBS)

In the wake of a bullying scandal, the Dolphins lost to the then-winless Bucs last Monday, and it seems they are headed downhill fast. The Chargers dropped one against Denver last week, but they still have Phillip Rivers at the helm and an explosive offense. This could be a relatively high-scoring game (as many Chargers games are), and I think the Chargers can surge past the scuffling Dolphins.

Saints (7-2) over 49ers (6-3) (San Francisco at New Orleans, 4:25, FOX)

This will be an exciting game between two NFC powerhouses. The Niners held te Panthers to 10 points last week but still lost, while the Saints lit up Dallas last Sunday night. The 49ers have a great defense, but the Saints have a great offense. This will come down to Drew Brees and the Saints offense against Aldon Smith and the Niners defense, as well as how well Colin Kaepernick and the 49ers offense fare against the Saints' underrated defense. I think the Saints' prolific offense will come out on top in a game that might not be close.

Packers (5-4) over Giants (3-6) (Green Bay at New York, 4:25, FOX)

The Giants have won three in a row against backup quarterbacks and injured starters, but Scott Tolzien played decent in a loss to the Eagles last week and now has a week of preperation under his belt. Eli and the Giants look much better, but their wins aren't overly impressive and they still have shortcomings. However, I do think Andre Brown will perform well again this week (at least I hope so; I'm starting him on my fantasy team this week), but turnovers are still a problem, and I just think Scott Tolzien, Eddie Lacy, and the Pack will get past the Giants in what may be close.

Seahawks (9-1) over Vikings (2-7) (Minnesota at Seattle, 4:25, FOX)

After a couple of close wins against bad teams, te Seahawks reiterated their dominance with a trouncing of the Falcons. Although the Vikings are coming off a win, it was against the Redskins' lowly defense, and Adrian Peterson is their only weapon (besides rookie return man Cordarralle Patterson). Seattle is much better on defense and offense, Percy Harvin is returning against his old team, and it's in Seattle. This has all te makings of a Seahawks' drubbing.

Chiefs (9-0) over Broncos (8-1) (Kansas City over Denver, 8:30, NBC)

This is the marquee matchup of the week. Denver's league-best offense against Kansas City's league-best defense. I think Peyton Manning will play like Peyton Manning, and they will score some touchdowns, but Peyton's banged up, and the Chiefs' vaunted D will be coming at him hard. I've heard from many places that the Chiefs are the most underrated 9-0 team ever. It's true, and I think they will silence the critics Sunday night. I like Andy Ried, Jamaal Charles is a dangerous back, and Alex Smith avoids mistakes. I think KC wins what could be a shootout.

Panthers (6-3) over Patriots (7-2) (New England at Carolina, 8:30 Mon. ESPN)

This, like the Saints-49ers game and Broncos-Chiefs game, pits one of the league's best defenses in Carolina, who allowed just nine points to the Niners, against one of the league's best offenses in New England, who scored 55 points against Pittsburgh two weeks ago. I think the defense wins this one. It looked like Tom Brady got back to being typical Tom Brady against the Steelers, but that was a bad Steelers team, and it's one game. I believe in Cam Newton, Luke Kueckly, and the Panthers, and I think they win a defensive game.

Week 10 NFL Picks

Sorry for not doing a "Week 9 Analysis" last week. Sometimes I'm a busy person. Other than that, I had a pretty good week last week. I went 8-4, moving my overall record to 49-26. I correctly predicted the Chiefs winning with their defense and my Browns winning, and almost correctly predicted a Texans upset of the Colts. Let's hope this week is even better.

Seahawks (8-1) over Falcons (2-6) (Seattle at Atlanta, 1:00, FOX)

The Seahawks got a scare last week against the Bucs before escaping in overtime, while the Falcons continued their dismal season by getting crushed by the Panthers. Matt Ryan has struggled, the running game has been almost non-existent, and they've endured injuries to their top two wide receivers. The good news is it looks like Roddy White will play Sunday after missing three games with a knee injury. But the Seahawks are still much better, with a stout defense, Russell Wilson, and Marshawn Lynch, who is second in the NFL in rushing. They should keep rolling against Atlanta on Sunday.

Lions (5-3) over Bears (5-3) (Detroit at Chicago, 1:00, FOX)

Both of these offensive teams are coming off big wins. Detroit won a thriller against Dallas two weeks ago before having a bye week, and Chicago, behind backup quarterback Josh McCown, beat the Packers on Monday night. Josh McCown has been solid in relief of Jay Cutler, but it looks like Cutler will come back and start this week after missing time with a groin injury. Matthew Stafford and the Calvin Johnsons are well rested coming off a bye week and ready to keep moving towards a division title. I think they'll take another step closer this week in what could be a tight one with the Bears.

Eagles (4-5) over Packers (5-3) (Philadelphia at Green Bay, 1:00, FOX)

The Packers lost not just the game last week, but also star quarterback Aaron Rodgers to a fractured collarbone. Rodgers is only expected to miss three or four weeks, but for the time being Seneca Wallace will lead Green Bay. He struggled last week, but now he has a week of practice under his belt, plus a healthier James Jones to throw to. The Eagles, on the other hand, have little worry about their quarterback, Nick Foles, who last week tied an NFL record with seven touchdown passes vs. the Raiders. He got the Eagles high-flying offense back on track after a couple low-scoring losses. I'm not picking the Eagles completely because Seneca Wallace is starting at quarterback for the Packers. I think he'll do fine, as I could probably do decent with the weapons the Packers have. I'm picking the Eagles because, as I've said before, I believe in the Eagles blur offense, and I also believe Nick Foles, although he probably won't do what he did last week ever again, is a good quarterback.

Titans (4-4) over The Train Wreck That is the Jacksonville Jaguars (0-8) (Jacksonville at Tennessee, 1:00, CBS)

Poor Jaguars. Even when they don't play, they lose. The Jags had a bye week last week, but they still lost their best receiver (and arguably their best player), Justin Blackmon, for the year due to a second failed drug test. What little sprinkle of offense they did have is now gone, as they look like they'll win the "Tank For Teddy" sweepstakes (although the Buccaneers are still winless). The Titans, coming off a win over the Rams where Chris Johnson ran for 150 yards, should run all over the Jaguars.

Colts (6-2) over Rams (3-6) (St. Louis at Indianapolis, 1:00, FOX)

I'm going to stop picking against the Colts. They are an elite team, and Andrew Luck always finds a way to win. Luck spoiled my upset pick last week with a second half comeback, so I'm not going to let him spoil anything else. Luck will be just fine without Reggie Wayne, at least as long as T.Y. Hilton keeps producing. I love Rams rookie running back Zac Stacy (out of Vanderbilt), who has run for 261 total yards the last two games, but both of those games were losses, and it's hard to win when you have Kellen Clemens starting at quarterback. The Colts shouldn't need a comeback this week, although the Rams might come out hyped up like the Texans last week and keep it close for a while.

Raiders (3-5) over Giants (2-6) (Oakland at New York, 1:00, CBS)

The Giants are on a two-game winning streak and coming off a bye week. It looks like they're headed in the right direction after starting the season 0-6. The Raiders, meanwhile, look like their headed in the wrong direction after getting lit up by Nick Foles and the Eagles last week. Both their starting quarterback (Terrelle Pryor) and starting running back (Darren McFadden) were injured in that game, but Pryor will play This week and backup running back Rashad Jennings ran for 176 yards after replacing McFadden last week. I'm not at all sure about this pick, but I'm going to go with Pryor and the Raiders over Eli and the Giants.

Bills (3-6) over Steelers (2-6) (Buffalo at Pittsburgh, 1:00, CBS)

The Steelers are awful this year. I've been saying that all season. Their quarterback is aging and breaking down, their rush defense is ranked 31st in the NFL, and they gave up 55 points to New England last week. The Bills lost to the unbeaten Chiefs last week due to costly turnovers and an inexperienced quarterback. Kansas City scored all of their points on defense and special teams. The good news is that rookie quarterback E.J. Manuel, who injured his knee against Cleveland in week five, will return and start Sunday. That doesn't bode well for the faltering Steelers, as I think Manuel gets the victory in his return.

Bengals (6-3) over Ravens (3-5) (Cincinnati at Baltimore, 1:00, CBS)

The defending champions have struggled, with Joe Flacco and Ray Rice being much less productive than a year ago. They're coming off a loss to Cleveland and hoping to salvage their season. The Bengals are in first place in the division, but they are coming off a painful loss and are very banged up. However, they still have weapons such as A.J. Green and Gio Bernard (even though he's a little banged up). I want to pick the Ravens in this one, and I want the Ravens to win it, because the Browns are chasing Cincinnati in the AFC North race. But Cincinnati is a better team and I think they should win this game.

49ers (6-2) over Panthers (5-3) (Carolina at San Francisco, 4:05, FOX)

The Panthers are arguably the hottest team in the NFL right now, winning four in a row after a shaky start. Cam Newton has lived up to the nickname "Superman", throwing for seven touchdowns and just two interceptions during the streak. Although both teams have athletic quarterbacks and good offenses, I think this will be a defensive game between two of the best defenses in the NFL. I believe the Panthers are a very good, much improved team, but I think the Niners D comes out on top.

Texans (2-6) over Cardinals (4-4) (Houston at Arizona, 4:25, CBS)

I'm still on the Case Keenum bandwagon. He tore it up for a half last week before faltering in a loss to the Colts, but I have a feeling that might have has something to do with the fact that head coach Gary Kubiak had a mini-stroke at halftime. Kubiak will not coach this week, though he might be back next week. Defensive coordinator Wade Phillips will be the interim head coach. Some bad news for the Texans: running back Arian Foster will be out for the season, but I think Ben Tate will do well. The Cardinals are coming off a win where rookie running back Andre Ellington ran for 154 yards. But starter Rashard Mendenhall, whose been ineffective, will be back this week, taking carries away from the explosive Ellington. I think Keenum and the Texans will storm past the Cards.

Broncos (7-1) over Chargers (4-4) (Denver at San Diego, 4:25, CBS)

The Broncos, like the Texans, will be without their head coach, but for a longer period of time. John Fox had heart surgery last week, and offensive coordinator Jack Del Rio will take over on an interim basis. Denver is coming off a bye week, while San Diego is coming off an overtime loss to Washington that saw them almost win it with a touchdown in the final minute of the fourth quarter, then after the touchdown was overturned, fail to get in the end zone. Phillip Rivers, aside from that, has been exceptional, and this will be a battle of elite quarteebacks with lethal weapons, like rookie wide receiver Keenan Allen and running back Danny Woodhead for the Chargers, and wide receivers Demaryius Thomas, Eric Decker, and Wes Welker, tight end Julius Thomas, and running back Knowshon Moreno for the Broncos. Even without John Fox, I think Peyton Manning an the Broncos have the weapons to beat the Chargers in what could be a shootout.

Saints (6-2) over Cowboys (5-4) (Dallas at New Orleans, 8:30, NBC)

This will be an explosive Sunday night matchup. It pits two of the best quarterbacks in the NFL against each other. Dallas is coming off a last-minute win against Minnesota, while New Orleans is coming off a last-minute loss against the Jets. The Saints have lost two of their last three after starting 5-0, while the Cowboys have won three of the last four. This will be a shootout, and I think Romo and Brees (who are both on my fantasy team) will both put up gaudy passing numbers, but I think the Saints come out with the win in the Superdome.

Dolphins (4-4) over Buccaneers (0-8) (Miami at Tampa Bay, 8:30, ESPN)

This may feel like the makings of the Buccaneers' first win of the season. They're coming off a game where they almost upset the Seahawks before losing in overtime, plus the Dolphins are dealing with the saga of Richie Incognito and Jonathan Martin, and will probably be without both offensive lineman Sunday. But remember that the Dolphins beat the Bengals last Thursday, and Tampa is still winless. I think the Fins shrug off the controversy and beat the Bucs in a battle of struggling Florida teams.

Week 9 NFL Picks

My high school football season ended Friday night, but there's still plenty of the NFL season left. Last week I went a pristine 9-2, getting only the Eagles-Giants and Falcons-Cardinals wrong. Although, to be honest, there were some easy choices. The good week last week brings my overall record to 41-26. Pickin' time:

Chiefs (8-0) over Bills (3-5) (Kansas City at Buffalo, 1:00, CBS)

The Chiefs keep on rolling, holding on against Cleveland last week to go to 8-0. As I've said before, they've done it with great defense, a star running back, and solid quarterback play. Buffalo, meanwhile, has lost three of their last four, and may be without quarterback Thad Lewis due to sore ribs. That means either undrafted rookie Jeff Tuel, who started week one, or new addition Matt Flynn, the former Raiders backup, will have to go up against the league's beat defense. I say the Chiefs defense carries them to 9-0.

Cowboys (4-4) over Vikings (1-6) (Minnesota at Dallas, 1:00, FOX)

The Cowboys suffered a heart-breaking loss in the closing seconds at Detroit last week, and their porous defense surrendered 329 receiving yards to King Calvin Johnson (yes, he is a king). If the Cowboys could just close out games and win nail-biters, I believe they woud be among the NFL's elites. The Vikings, on te other hand, are no where near elite. They have not won a game in the United States this year, and they have had subpar quarterback play. This week, Christian Ponder will start. The Vikes have some electrifying weapons in A.P. and kick returner Cordarrelle Patterson, but it all starts at quarterback. This one probably won't be very close, as Tony Romo and the Cowboys shouldn't need any late game heroics to beat Minnesota.

Titans (3-4) over Rams (3-5) (Tennessee at St. Louis, 1:00, CBS)

This should be a close game. Neither team has a very productive offense. The Rams showed outstanding defensive effort but couldn't get the go ahead score in a loss to the Seahawks. The Titans are coming off a bye week, which should really help quarterback Jake Locker, who looked a little rusty in a loss to the 49ers two weeks ago. I think Locker looks a lot better and beats the Rams.

Saints (6-1) over Jets (4-4) (New Orleans at New York, 1:00, FOX)

The Jets lost an ugly one to the Bengals last week, getting lit up 49-9 by Andy Dalton and Cincy. It probably won't get any better this week against Drew Brees and the Saints, who's offense is arguably better than the Bengals'. The Jets hope Geno Smith and the offense get back on track, as that's the only way they have a chance in my opinion. I see another bad loss for the Jets.

Chargers (4-3) over Redskins (2-5) (San Diego at Washington, 1:00, CBS)

Chargers quarterback Phillip Rivers has looked like an elite QB in leading the Chargers to a 4-3 record, and they could be a playoff sleeper. The Redskins, meanwhile, have struggled, although RGIII is slowly working his way back to top form, and Alfred Morris has been more productive. I'm impressed by the Chargers, and after a week of rest, I think the Chargers will be energized and streak past the Redskins.

Panthers (4-3) over Falcons (2-5) (Atlanta at Carolina, 1:00, FOX)

The Falcons have not impressed at all, while the Panthers are another sleeper team. The Falcons have endured injuries to their top receivers (Julio Jones and Roddy White), Matt Ryan has struggled (he threw four interceptions last week), and their running game, with Steven Jackson, has been almost nonexistent (Jackson had six yards on eleven carries last week). The Panthers, led by Cam Newton and a stout defense, have won three consecutive games, and Newton has the best completion percentage and passer rating of any quarterback in the league during that span. I sense a fourth consecutive win for the rising Panthers.

Eagles (3-5) over Raiders (3-4) (Philadelphia at Oakland, 4:05, FOX)

I still believe in the Eagles. I still believe in Chip Kelly. I still believe in the blur offense. Maybe that's because I have LeSean McCoy and DeSean Jackson on my fantasy team, but they were one of the best offenses in the NFL the first six weeks of the season. They've just hit a little road bump. Plus, they have instability at quarterback. Nick Foles will start this week. He played really well a few weeks ago and then played really bad last week. Oakland is riding a two-game win streak, and I could see Terrelle Pryor and the men in black coming out of this game with a win, but I'm going with the Eagles getting back on track.

Seahawks (7-1) over Buccaneers (0-7) (Tampa Bay at Seattle, 4:05, FOX)

Tampa Bay has been awful this year. In fact, Florida NFL teams in general have been bad this year. The Bucs, Dolphins, and Jaguars are a combined 4-19, with all four wins coming from the Dolphins. Seattle, conversely, has been among the elites, with Russell Wilson playing great at quarterback, Marshawn Lynch running over people at running back, and the defense stopping people cold. Plus, they're at home and have the 12th

Man. I predict a blowout by Seattle, and as a bonus prediction, I predict that Tampa coach Greg Schiano will be fired in the next, say, three weeks.

Browns (3-5) over Ravens (3-4) (Baltimore at Cleveland, 4:25, CBS)

I believe!!! While the Browns did lose a third straight game last week, Jason Campbell looked pretty good vs. the vicious Chiefs defense. The Ravens are not the Chiefs, and Cleveland only lost to Kansas City by six. I think the Browns can do this. Jason Campbell is a huge upgrade over Brandon Weeden, and the Browns still have weapons Josh Gordon and Jordon Cameron, as well as a solid defense. I think the Browns can win this in a real close one.

Patriots (6-2) over Steelers (2-5) (Pittsburgh at New England, 4:25, CBS)

The Patriots haven't looked good recently, especially Tom Brady, who has uncharacteristically struggled, but they still lead the AFC East by two games. The Steelers have looked much worse than the Patriots, losing to the Raiders last week. The Steelers are really, really, bad (but at least they're not as bad as the Buccaneers), and I just can't see them winning anytime soon. New England still has a smart coach, an experienced quarterback, and a decent defense. I think the Pats cruise by Pittsburgh In this one.

Texans (2-5) over Colts (5-2) (Indianapolis at Houston, 8:30, NBC)

Whoa!! UPSET!!!!! Now, some people know how much I like Case Keenum. Some might even call it an obsession (it's not an obsession). Keenum is a solid quarterback with good weapons and a great running back. I think that, as well as a good defense, can be enough to beat Indy. Plus, consider this: 1. Indy's two losses are against Miami and San Diego. They tend to play amazing against the NFL's best teams and not great against mediocre teams. 2. Reggie Wayne's gone. He's not coming back. Andrew Luck has never not had Reggie Wayne. I'm not saying I absolutely think the Texans will roll the Colts. I just like this as an upset pick.

Packers (5-2) over Bears (4-3) (Chicago at Green Bay, 8:30, ESPN)

I almost thought about going with the upset here. But then I remembered that there is a steep difference between Josh McCown and Aaron Rodgers. McCown has played decently, but he's still only Josh McCown. Aaron Rodgers has played like Aaron Rodgers, even without receivers James Jones and Randall Cobb, and he might get one of them (Jones) back this week. The Bears might pull off a shocker, but I'm going with Green Bay in a breeze.