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.
No comments:
Post a Comment