The Bucs are one of the best stories in the NFL and will be in the drivers seat in the NFC South with a win this weekend. They have surprised teams all season, yet still come into this game as an undervalued 8.5 point dog. The Falcons have been an analyst favorite all season but it feel like they are overrated. I guess when you put them in the framework of the NFC they are one of the better teams, but I don't think they're as good as advertised. I would love Tampa here if the Falcons weren't coming off a bye week. I still like the Bucs to cover.
Tampa Bay: 20
Atlanta: 26
The Bears are a team that is easy to dislike. I feel sorry for Chicago fans having to put up with a bum like Jay Cutler at quarterback. His play alone, terrible as it is, isn't what bothers me. It's a combination of his attitude, facial expressions, body language, lack of commitment, and his ability to not care at all about throwing picks. The Bears have an excellent defense which keeps them a tough team to predict. The Bills are an improving team that is better than most people think. Ryan Fitzpatrick has been putting up nice numbers at quarterback and the team has not quit despite their 0-7 start. This week is a good chance for them to notch that first victory. One question: Why are they playing in Toronto? I guess it makes more sense than London.
Chicago: 17
Buffalo: 23
Don't look now, but the best record in the NFL belongs to the Patriots. They have had some good fortune, especially in scheduling, but the Patriots have been a franchise that creates their own luck. The Browns play great defense, but don't offer much offensive firepower. They aren't going to make the playoffs, but they are a team that will compete. Of course, the story of this game will be Bill Belichick vs. Eric Mangini. Mangini, the one time lackey turned assistant coach turned bitter rival will once again try to overthrow the Ego. I like what the Browns have been doing, love the fact they're at home, love that they're coming off a bye week, but not sold on Colt McCoy beating Tom Brady. That doesn't sound right.
New England: 21
Cleveland: 17
This is a very interesting game for the Jets coming off a shutout loss to the Packers. The Jets had won five straight and looked like they might be the strongest team in the league before last week's set back. Mark Sanchez has been a good bounce back quarterback in his young career, and it's hard to argue with the talent of the Jets. The Lions are a team that have been improving on both sides of the ball, and now have Matthew Stafford back under center. They could be 5-2 at this point with a bit of luck (and common sense by the referees), but they have won two of their last three, both at home. This could surprisingly be one of the best games of the weekend.
New York: 22
Detroit: 20
The up and down Saints appear to be on the upswing again. Drew Brees looked comfortable last week against the Steelers which is a great sign for Saints fans. They still lack production in the run game, but they have improved. Carolina is a disaster. The only part of their game that has been productive is pass defense. Unfortunately, Brees put up 275 yards against them earlier this year, and the lineup of quarterbacks they have faced is not impressive. If the Saints found their groove, this one is a no-brainer.
New Orleans: 34
Carolina: 17
Has anyone played a tougher schedule than the Dolphins? They are solid on both sides of the ball, but not spectacular. One major concern for the Dolphins is the drop off in the run game. They are not getting what they expected out of Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams is not getting near as many carries. Here's a weirdo stat: The Dolphins are 4-0 on the road and 0-3 at home. The bye week couldn't have come at a better time for the Ravens after two overtime games where they clearly weren't playing their best football. Normally, this would be an easy call, but you have to wonder about Miami's road record. I have to stay with the Ravens here.
Miami: 19
Baltimore: 27
This is the season for the Chargers. They won last week against a hot Tennessee team at home, but they have yet to win on the road. Last year a trip to New York sparked their second half run after their usual slow start. This game has the same feeling, and it's definitely a game they're capable of winning. The Chargers have won every game that they haven't beaten themselves with poor special teams and ridiculous turnovers. Antonio Gates is doubtful for the game which would be a huge blow to the Chargers already depleted receivers. The Texans need this win as bad as the Chargers after losing to Indy last week. The Texans are great on offense, but rank dead last in the NFL in pass defense. Not good when you're going up against Phillip Rivers who hasn't let injuries to his receiving corps slow him down. As long as the Chargers don't beat themselves, they should get their first road win of the season.
San Diego: 24
Houston: 21
The Cards are terrible. They rank at the bottom of nearly every statistical category on offense and defense. Not much else to say about them. If it weren't for the Cowboys the Vikings would be the biggest disappointment of the season. The Brett Favre, Randy Moss, Brad Childress side show is pitiful. They have gone from Super Bowl contenders to a franchise that will miss the playoffs and have to blow up the team and bring in a new coaching staff. Any coach that can improve the offensive line and learn to use Adrian Peterson correctly would be a welcome addition.
Arizona: 10
Minnesota: 24
The Giants have been firing on all cylinders and have played the most dominating defense in the NFL. They have knocked out five quarterbacks this season. Ridiculous. The Seahawks continue to play above their head at times, especially at home. They will welcome in Charlie Whitehurst at quarterback with Matt Hasselbeck out this Sunday. Pete Carroll made it a priority to acquire Whitehurst as his first move as head coach, we'll see if it works out. This will be a better game than most think. The Giants have struggled in Seattle historically. The Giants are a tough draw for Whitehurst to get his first start though.
New York: 27
Seattle: 20
The Colts might be banged up, but they still have Peyton Manning. Before I jump on the bandwagon, I need to see them get a quality victory. I don't think the Texans are as tough as originally thought, and they have struggled through some of their other wins this season. Andy Reid is 11-0 coming off bye weeks in his career and Michael Vick and Desean Jackson are back on the field for the Eagles. I like the Eagles.
Indianapolis: 21
Philadelphia: 28
The most important game in the AFC West doesn't include the Chargers. The Chiefs have been a pleasant surprise, and the Raiders have put together two games where they were absolutely dominant. I still have a problem believing in the Chiefs, especially with their low scoring offense. The Raiders are sizzling hot and playing at home.
Kansas City: 17
Oakland: 30
So you bring in Roy Williams and Jon Kitna and suddenly you become the Detroit Lions of 2008. The similarities are so close that Williams is even starting his idiot Longhorn chatter claiming the Cowboys will run the table the rest of the season. Remember when he claimed the Lions would make the playoffs before going winless? He might have picked a better week, like Jacksonville at home. Oops, that wouldn't have worked out either. As a punishment for the terrible season Jerry Jones is going to force Wade Phillips to finish the season as head coach. Green Bay is still finding ways to win games. They are not the team they were supposed to be, but they are still not push overs. I think it will be close with the Cowboys on the losing end.
Dallas: 20
Green Bay: 23
The Steelers are coming off of their second loss of the season. They gave up a lot of passing yards to Drew Brees and were unable to come up with much on offense. The Steelers will have to run the ball more effectively if they want to win games in the typical Steelers fashion. Luckily, they are playing a weak run defense in Cincy. It has been awhile since the Bengals have notched a victory. They are 2-5 with one of the victories coming against Carolina. It's a tall order to ask a team like that to get back to their winning ways against Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh: 24
Cincinnati: 18
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