The Jaguars are coming off a huge win at home against a superior team to even their record. Now they face an inferior team on the road. The only highlights for the Bills this season are putting up 30 against New England in a loss, trading Marshawn Lynch, and releasing Trent Edwards. Not exactly the stuff Jim Kelly is putting in his scrap book. The Jaguars were able to put up points against a Colts defense that is not much better than Buffalo's. I don't see the Bills losing every game this season, and if that's the case, this is a week they could notch their first win. I know it's crazy to pick the Bills, but I think I will this week.
Jacksonville: 20
Buffalo: 21
The Bucs have a winning record but it is in jeopardy after their early bye week. The last game they played they were blown out by Pittsburgh. That in itself is not a terrible loss considering the Steelers have looked like the best team in the league. But I am not about to say that Tampa Bay is anywhere near a good team. The Bengals have been mysterious this year like many other 2-2 teams. They were able to get T.O. the breakout game he needed to stay happy, but they have yet to put up the offensive numbers many expected. Coming off a terrible loss to Cleveland and playing at home, I think they will come away with a good win.
Tampa Bay: 17
Cincinnati: 28
The Falcons are starting to get some attention after beating New Orleans two weeks ago. The problem is they should've lost that game, and they should've lost last week against the 49ers. They have won one game soundly this season against the Cardinals. I said last week the Browns have been in every game this year and they got their first win. Can the Browns keep the momentum and put up back to back wins? Probably not, but I am feeling risky. After watching the numerous upsets last week, I am in a mood to pick some more.
Atlanta: 19
Cleveland: 23
I have taken the Rams three times this year, and twice they have come through. The positive attention their franchise has received is enough to make Marshall Faulk blush. Sam Bradford has re-energized this franchise and there is a palpable excitement surrounding their future. The Lions, on the other hand, are still looking for someone to get them out of their slump. If you polled the experts last year on which franchise had more promise, Detroit would have been picked across the board. Despite missing their #1 quarterback, the Lions have managed to stay competitive in a couple games this year. If I was picking with my head I would take the Lions at home in a close one. In fact, they are a three point favorite. Since I have never really done that, I am taking the Rams to get an incredible third win this season.
St. Louis: 29
Detroit: 20
The Chiefs are currently the only undefeated team in the NFL. Yeah, that's right. How long could that possibly last? I don't care about their fast start and upgraded weapons, I still refuse to believe the Chiefs are a playoff team. The Colts are definitely hurting. They can't run the ball and they can't defend the run. With any other quarterback, the Colts would be helpless. Lucky for them they have one of the best regular season quarterbacks to ever play the game. They are a franchise that is used to winning, and I can't believe after a loss in Jacksonville they would allow themselves to lose at home to the Chiefs. If the Chiefs can pull this one off, I might have to amend my position on them. I don't think I'll have to.
Kansas City: 26
Indianapolis: 34
Green Bay is suddenly under scrutiny after being the popular pick to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl. They have been a one-sided offense after Ryan Grant went down, and neither the offensive or defensive line has been impressive. They beat themselves against Chicago and barely escaped against Detroit at home. The Redskins are coming off a huge win in Philadelphia. Donovan McNabb should be feeling good about himself. Clinton Portis is hurt but that might prove to be a blessing. I see this game being competitive, but I still can't bring myself to pick the Skins in this one.
Green Bay: 24
Washington: 16
Bears fans are holding their breath despite a 3-1 record. After suffering a loss to the Giants where Jay Cutler had seemingly more sacks than completions, the NFL community is wondering if the Bears are a fraud. The Panthers are definitely not a fraud. They are terrible and they are not afraid to show it. I'm not sure if Jimmy Clausen will get the start again, but no matter who takes the field there isn't much hope for the Panthers. Still, they are winless and that makes them dangerous. I think the Bears will get the win thanks to their defense.
Chicago: 17
Carolina: 14
Denver has been resilient this season, but they are far from good. Despite an excellent win last week, I have no confidence the Broncos can continue to beat teams they shouldn't. I have to admit that Kyle Orton has done a better job than I thought he would. The Ravens are trying to find their groove, but they are still winning games. They have two excellent wins against two of the most impressive teams in the league. I can't see the Broncos winning on the road two games in a row even with the Ravens coming off a hard fought win. There are enough veterans in Baltimore to take the Broncos seriously.
Denver: 18
Baltimore: 22
I accurately predicted the Giants would get their first win against undefeated Chicago last week. They looked dominant on defense and played as if their season depended on a win. It did. This week they have to take that same intensity on the road against a better team. After the hot start, the Texans have not looked particularly dominating. A lot of that can be attributed to Andre Johnson being injured. They are still getting lots of production from Arian Foster and their running game, but it feels like they need a big win to establish themselves as the real deal. Although the Giants are still desperate, I think they will fall on the road.
New York: 21
Houston: 31
The Saints are banged up and playing like it. They are still the Super Bowl champs and have started 3-1 this year. That aside, if anyone is going to beat the Saints, now is the time to get them. The Cardinals are fast becoming the punching bag of the NFL. They have been dismantled by the two good teams they have played this year. Despite the injuries, I would still consider the Saints a good team. The Saints should win this one.
New Orleans: 30
Arizona: 19
The Chargers have beaten the Raiders 12 games in a row. That is a misleading stat when you look at some of the close games these two have played, especially in Oakland. San Diego is coming off their biggest win of the year against the Cardinals, a team that won in Oakland a couple of weeks ago. The Raiders are nursing injuries and don't look to be as competitive as some thought they would be. They still look dangerous on paper, but without coaching there isn't much hope.
San Diego: 29
Oakland: 20
The Titans are coming off an ugly loss to the Broncos. Not only did they get beat at home, but Broncos coach Josh McDaniels basically called them out for being a dirty team. Chris Johnson has not been the threat he was last year, and if I'm not mistaken, they still feature Vince Young as the starting quarterback. The Cowboys got their first win just in time for the bye week. I'm not sure what the lay off would do to a team like the Cowboys, but if they share the same passion their fan base does, they understand the urgency of their situation. Both teams need a win badly, but the Cowboys are a better team and playing at home. That doesn't always mean something in Dallas, but I think they will get it done.
Tennessee: 17
Dallas: 31
The Eagles lost both Michael Vick and Lesean McCoy last week in a home loss against the Redskins. Kevin Kolb looks like he is uncomfortable throwing the ball downfield and now he is without his excellent pass catching running back. The Eagles defense looked soft early but was able to tighten up in the second half. The 49ers are one loss away from playing themselves out of the playoffs in the worst division in the NFL. I know I said I wouldn't pick the 49ers again if they lost last week, but I'm not sure the Eagles can overcome their injuries to beat a terribly desperate team.
Philadelphia: 13
San Francisco: 21
A bye week might be just what the doctor ordered for Brett Favre and the Vikings. The running game and defense are where they should be to this point in the season, but the passing game has been non-existent. That is unless you count passes to the other team. So how do you fix passing issues? Trade for Randy Moss. It will be very interesting to see what that does for Favre and the Vikings. Unfortunately, they have to face the Jets in New York who have looked powerful. Ladainian Tomlinson is having a resurgent season, and Mark Sanchez appears to be more comfortable in the offense. The Jets also get Santonio Holmes back from suspension, and we all know what their defense is capable of. It will be tough sledding for Adrian Peterson if Favre and the receivers can't loosen up the defense.
Minnesota: 23
New York: 26
So it looks like NO this week for us?
ReplyDeleteWhat a brutal week!! No logic applies this year at this point. Are there that many competitive teams or that many mediocre teams??? How many .5oo teams will make the playoffs???
ReplyDeleteUnbelievable. Better analysis would have been to flip a coin.
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