Sunday
Detroit at Dallas
The Detroit Lions have shocked everyone with an impressive 3-0 start. Matthew Stafford has already played as many games as he did all of last season, but so far there’s no sign of slowing. With 977 passing yards, 9 touchdowns, only 2 interceptions, a QB rating of 110.7 and completing just under 67% of each pass, Stafford has been a spectacle to watch early in the season. As good as Stafford has been, much of the success falls in the hands of Megatron Calvin Johnson. So far Johnson has a league leading 6 receiving touchdowns, catching two in each game this season to date. The Lions have been a pass heavy team in their first three games, with Stafford dropping back to pass over twice as much as handing the ball of to Jahvid Best, and this is where the Cowboys have had trouble so far this year.
In their first three games Dallas is sitting at 2-1 with their only loss being on opening night to a tough crowd in New York versus the Jets. In that game Sanchez attempted 44 passes compared to handing it off only 15 times, and tucking the pigskin and running himself once. Sanchez threw for 335 yards and 2 touchdowns opening night in Dallas’ 24-27 loss. Week two Dallas faced a balanced attack against the 49ers, but held Frank Gore to only 47 yards on 20 rushing attempts. Dallas went on to win in overtime 27-24. Last week America’s team faced an impressive Grossman lead offense, and held their running game to under 70 yards on a combined 22 attempts.
The Lions are a passing team, the area in the Cowboy’s defense that looks most suspect early on. If the Boys can shut down the Stafford to Johnson combination throughout the game then they have a much better chance, but I don’t see that happening. Put that alongside the Lions 8 sacks, 5 fumbles, and Tony Romo’s ribs, I think the Lions have the edge in the first game of the day.
Lions win 27-21
Carolina at Chicago
This might be Cam Newton’s team now, his new hometown, but he won’t enjoy true success while his overpaid running back continues to under-perform. With the now Newton led regime, DeAngelo Williams has only accumulated 61 yards on 27 attempts and 0 touchdowns over the first three games. His longest run has been a measly 8 yard pick up. This adds up to a bleeding 1-2 team in Carolina. That doesn’t mean there isn’t promise, and the Panthers are a team that’s already bowing out for another losing season. As horrible as Williams has been, Newton has been equally impressive. The impressive rookie has already thrown for two 400+ yard games this season, only to be stopped by some heavy rain in week 3. Cam’s going to be good. Cam’s going to be really good. But in week four Cam is leading a 1-2 team with a very one dimensional offense into Bears territory.
The Bears sit below the .500 mark with a deceptive 1-2 record. When you look deeper you see that Chicago beat a good looking Atlanta team, and then lost to the last two Super Bowl Champions. Jay Cutler’s already thrown for nearly 900 yards, and he’s found a new best friend in Matt Forte who leads the team in rushing attempts and receptions, as well as yards gained in each category. The Bears offense is holding itself in shape this year, and their defense is due for a breakout game. Led by the familiar names of Briggs, Urlacher and Tillman – the Bears defense are forcing an average of two turnovers each game.
Look for the Bears to do what the Bears do best this week – dominate their opposition with defense. So far Newton has looked impressive, 6 total touchdowns, and a rookie record setting performance, but this week he’s facing one of the most hard nosed defenses in the league, and I believe it’s going to be too much to handle in his young career. Until DeAngelo can start to carry his worth again, the Panthers will continue to be in trouble.
Chicago takes this one 30-13
Pittsburgh at Houston
One of the best defenses historically that the league has in Pittsburgh meeting one of the most currently versatile offenses in Houston.
What’s there to say about Pittsburgh? Big Ben is off to a shaky start, with 4 interceptions and lost fumbles, that completely drown out his lowly 3 touchdown passes. Mendenhall has shown flashes of why he’s known around the league, but is still averaging just 3 yards a carry and only has 1 touchdown to his name so far this year. The brightest light on the Steelers offense is the lightning fast Mike Wallace. At an average of 18 yards per reception, and an 81 yard catch and run you would have missed if you blinked, Wallace continues to look good hauling in two of Roethliberger’s three touchdowns this year. But the Steelers aren’t as good as they are because of their offense; it’s always been their defense pulling them through. This year is waiting for the defense of old to show up. With seven sacks and one fumble heading the stat line early in the year, I’m left wondering when the defense I’ve grown to know is going to come back. They got dissected against the Ravens to start their season, before doing what everyone does and stepping over Seattle, just to barely squeak out a win against a Manningless Colts. What’s happened Pittsburgh? Where’s your edge, where’s your tenacity, where’s your backbone?
An offense that’s 9th in the league in average yards per game, 7th in the league with average points per game, and 5th in the league with average rushing yards per game. Looks like Houston from last year, right? Wrong. Houston has done this without their star running back Arian Foster. Last year Foster was leading the Texans to some incredible things, with his impressive numbers – over 2000 yards from scrimmage, and 18 total touchdowns. This year Foster has started just one game, and only attempted 10 carries. The work load has fallen all the way down to their third stringer, and even Ben Tate has gone on to show that Houston’s offense is no joke. This week Foster is back again, and hopefully can take some more of the work load. What does this mean for the Texans? It means a wide open, dynamic, and terribly dangerous offense. Not only is Foster back to show everyone what he can do, but now Schaub is going to get what he needs; more chances to find Andre Johnson. Johnson has already snagged 21 of Schaub’s 60 completions for over 300 yards and two touchdowns, and that’s when people weren’t afraid of the run game.
This week I’m feeling the Texans with the reimplementation of Foster into the already potent offense. They’re facing a defense that is looking to recover their identity, and there’s definitely the possibility of some trouble, but I don’t see anything but another solid offensive performance by Schaub and Johnson, while Arian Foster trudges it out through the minefield that is the Steelers defense.
Houston tastes victory 31-17
Tennessee at Cleveland
Tennessee is reeling. Chris Johnson is supposed to be one of the most dazzling backs in the National Football League, Chris Johnson is getting paid to carry a weak offense on his back game after game, and hopefully stumble upon some victories along the way. Chris Johnson is not living up to his paycheck. Kenny Britt was. Kenny Britt was the hottest player on the Titans. Britt was giving the Titans signs of hope for the season, and was performing better than he should have needed to for Tennessee to be doing well in the season, but last week was one big step back for the Titans. With Britt’s torn ligaments, and Johnson’s 98 total yards on 46 attempts something needs to change. Luckily for Titan’s fans the Brown’s have stumbled in to their path.
Maybe I shouldn’t write off the Browns so soon, hell I was a Colt McCoy fan back in his college days, I’m still a Colt McCoy fan now, and I’d love to see him do well on Sundays, but this team he has around him isn’t going to help for another year or two. If you’re a believer, good for you, but I just don’t see it. Yes, the Browns are 2-1, but look at who they’ve faced: a dying Bengals franchise beat them, they beat a Colts team that has no offensive leader right now to partner well with their lacking defense, and they barely escaped with a victory against a desperate team of Dolphins. McCoy has thrown for 5 touchdowns compared to 2 interceptions, Hillis continues to pound the line, and the defense has stepped up and recorded 11 sacks, but I just don’t see it happening, I don’t think it’s enough – especially against a team that has the offensive capabilities that the Titan’s possess.
While one team tries to remind themselves of how good they can be, we have another team continuing to try and build week by week. Chris Johnson needs to have a big game this week, especially with Britt out, and it’s the perfect chance for Johnson to remind everyone who he is. I expect big numbers from the Titan’s offense this week.
The Titan’s and Chris Johnson remind us who they are with a 27-10 victory.
Buffalo at Cincinnati
Who are the Buffalo Bills this year? Leading the league with an average of nearly 38 points a game, with a side dish of third in average yards per game, and a small helping of fourth in rushing yards per game, the Bills shocked the nation when they upset the Patriots last week. After blowing out Kansas City in week one, Buffalo has posted back to back three point victories against a powerful Oakland team and a Patriots team that has dominated them for years. The reason? Fitzpatrick has only been sacked once over those three games. Last year Fitzpatrick started 13 games, and within those 13 he was sacked 24 times, if his line can keep up this form throughout the season the quarterback from Harvard is looking to be taken down just over five times this season. Do I think that will continue to be the trend? No. But if Fitzpatrick continues to get the time he has been getting, and Steve Johnson can keep getting open, expect those nine touchdowns to grow – and grow quickly. I almost got through talking about this bills without even mentioning Fred Jackson. Averaging 6.4 yards per attempt over 47 attempts and three touchdowns looks pretty nice. I don’t know which is more complimentary Jackson to Fitzpatrick, or Fitzpatrick to Jackson. Oh, and their defense picked off Tom Brady four times. Jeeze.
The Bengals starting Quarterback is second round draft pick Andy Dalton. Their primary receiver is A.J Green. This is going to be nice, probably even explosive. Not versus the Bills, not in their fourth game together, but down the road. Their offensive stats sit at the bottom of the pile, relying on Cedric Benson to carry them as far as he can. For Cincy to win they need to put the ball on the ground more, especially going against such a hot secondary. Give Benson the ball, and let’s see if he can make any magic happen.
The Bills are on a warpath, and it’s not stopping in Cincinnati. Buffalo is coming together incredibly well on both sides of the ball at just the right time, and I see another big game for Fitzpatrick against a pretty soft Bengals Defense.
Buffalo continues to roll 41-10.
Washington at St. Louis
I think Washington has a lot of puzzle pieces falling into place at a good time. Grossman has been surprisingly consistent, the addition of Tim Hightower has proven to be a smart move, and Santana Moss continues to be one of the most underrated wide receivers in the league. If the offensive line can keep the Rams away from Grossman I think there’s a possibility for some big numbers for Washington’s offense this week.. The Redskin’s defense has done some pretty nice things this year, forcing nine turnovers, and sacking opposing quarterbacks eight times already. The biggest area of concern is that each week they’ve been giving up more and more rushing yards, and this week Steven Jackson is looking to start a strong comeback.
Cadillac Williams has been carrying the load for St. Louis for the majority of the early season, but I think even despite his four yard average per carry, everyone is excited and itching for Steven Jackson to return to his place behind Bradford. The numbers for the Rams offense haven’t been anything spectacular, but without the franchise player what do you expect. With Jackson coming back look for some holes to be exploited both in the rushing game, and passing game. As soon as one of these many potential receivers starts to step up in St. Louis this team is going to look really good. Until then, either Jackson or Cadillac, depending on health, can keep expecting to have the rock in their hands. On the other side of the ball, Chris Long already has three sacks, everyone should be keeping their eyes on this guy, he’s going to continue to impress.
I just don’t see St. Louis fully piecing it together yet. Both teams are coming along, but I think Washington is just one step closer to figuring it all out. With their mostly healthy key players, and an underrated Santana Moss and Tim Hightower, I think Washington’s got the edge.
Washington nudges past St. Louis in a shoot out 38-31
Minnesota at Kansas City
Two words: All Day. This will be Adrian Peterson’s day. Kansas City has been awful. Despite looking a little better last week, they still gave Ryan Matthews everything that he needed to have a big day. The Vikings have been saying it’s time to give Peterson the ball more, and put the game in his hands, that alongside the Chiefs abysmal defense just reeks of a huge day for Adrian Peterson. Does November 4th, 2007 mean anything to anyone?
Kansas City has looked lost. Their season snapped as quickly as Jamaal Charles’ ACL. Dwayne Bowe finally had a nice game, and Dexter McCluster might be the answer to the running back problems, but their game is going to need a major overhaul to be able to work this season. The team is banged up with injuries on both sides of the ball, including Pro Bowl Safety Eric Berry who is also down with a torn ACL, The season quickly fell to shambles, and it’s not going to get any easier.
As long as Donovan McNabb can successfully hand the ball off this should be a good breath of fresh air for both Vikings players and fans alike. And hey Minnesota, once you’re winning at halftime, keep giving Peterson the ball. It works, stop shooting yourself in the foot.
Adrian Peterson carries the Vikings to their first victory of the season 27-16
San Francisco at Philadelphia
Frank Gore is questionable, Braylon Edwards is out, and Michael Crabtree is probably. The niners are in a tough spot, and going up against an aggravated Eagles team. Gore could have a big day, if he’s healthy enough to get on the gridiron and play like his normal self. Steven Jackson and Cadillac Williams, Michael, and the two headed dragon of Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs all have rushed for over 100 yards against the Eagles defense this year. As long as Frank Gore is on the field, I see San Francisco’s offense doing surprisingly well against a lackluster and underperforming Eagles defense this week.
Michael Vick is angry, he’s sick of being hit, and he’s battered and bruised. He’s going to start, and his going to look to be his normal explosive self. The rushing threat of both LeSean McCoy and the always dangerous Vick both averaging over 6 yards a carry, San Francisco’s defense will have their hands full. Maclin’s status for the game is listed as probable which is music to the ears of Philly fans, hoping that DeSean and Jeremy will both be aiding in the offensive power that the Eagles contain.
The 49ers have to hit Vick hard and early, get in his head, and then run the ball down Philly’s throat, and I think that’s exactly what is going to happen. “The Dream Team” thing has gotten to the Eagles, and they haven’t been able to live up to their self-created title yet, I don’t see it happening in week four.
San Francisco wins in a nail biter 30-27
New Orleans at Jacksonville
New Orleans blitzes hard, and blitzes often. Jacksonville’s Rookie Quarterback Gabbert was sacked three times, and fumbled three times last week by the Carolina Panthers. The Saints have a dangerous defense, and I think the amount of times they get to Gabbert is going to be a huge impact on the game. The other big impacts – Jimmy Graham, Mark Ingram, Darren Sproles, Drew Brees – the list goes on and on. The offensive power that New Orleans has is going to be on full display against the Jaguars defense, and it’s going to be overwhelming.
Jacksonville has a rookie quarterback, is second to last in points per game, and dead last for passing yards per game. They do however have Maurice Jones-Drew. MJD had some doubters in the off-season, but I’m glad to say I wasn’t and am still not one of them. Jones-Drew has been held scoreless the last two weeks, and I think he’s going to continue to have some trouble finding the end zone this weekend facing the in-your-face blitz heavy defensive schemes that the Saints bring game after game.
Long story short, the Saints offense is too dynamic, and their defense is going to harass the young quarterback. Expect to see Mark Ingram’s downhill running style lead to some play action passes targeting one of the leagues up-and-coming tight-ends, Jimmy Graham.
Saints win big 38-13
Atlanta at Seattle
Michael Turner is going to open up the passing game for Matt Ryan. With some big gains against a lowly Seahawks team, expect the passes to come pretty freely to Roddy White, rookie Julio Jones, and always consistent Tony Gonzalez. Although Turner only has one touchdown this season so far, he’s averaging over five yards an attempt, and that’s enough to scare even some of the best defenses in the league. Going up against Seattle, I don’t foresee much of a problem.
Seattle has some offensive problems. They brought in Tarvaris Jackson and Sidney Rice hoping to replace Hasselbeck, but so far it hasn’t gone according to plan. The Seahawks are averaging a sad ten points a game, and are in the bottom three in all major offensive categories. On top of that, so far this Jackson has already been taken down behind the line 14 times for a total of 100 yards. That nearly negates the 117 that starting running back Marshawn Lynch has put up on his 38 attempts.
I don’t see this game going well for Seattle, the lack of offense that they have, muddled by a negative turnover ratio and only bringing down opposing quarterbacks a handful of times, I can’t predict anything but the Falcons getting in and out with a very easy victory.
Atlanta takes a breather and gets back to .500 with a big win over Seattle 31-7
New York Giants at Arizona
Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs continue to split carries, as Eli Manning somehow continues to win. With offensive weapons like the one-two running back punch, Hakeem Nicks, Mario Manningham, and new breakout threat Victor Cruz, the Giants continue to be a threatening force game in and game out. The Giants have taken the ball away seven times, and only given it away three. Holding teams to field goals is something that the Giants have done pretty well early in the season, and if they can keep the ball away from the big threats that Arizona brings to the table the Giants could look to going 3-1.
Arizona has arguably the best wide receiver the NFL has to offer in Larry Fitzgerald. Despite both Larry and Early Doucet are averaging over 17 yards a reception, and the addition of Kevin Kolb this past off-season the team has been struggling to get into rhythm. Their offense sits in the middle of the pack, and their defense isn’t good enough to carry them out of tough jams. The sparks that Arizona has on defense stand in their secondary, and could cause some trouble for Eli Manning on Sunday afternoon. They’re going to have to force some take-aways to come away with the win against the Giants.
The New York Giants find ways to win, whether it’s a helmet catch in a Super Bowl, or a breakout star from UMass in a week three game, somehow the Giants usually figure it out. Against the Cardinals it shouldn’t be much different.
New York goes home 3-1 after winning 24-17
Denver at Green Bay
The Broncos haven’t quite figured it out yet. Kyle Orton isn’t great, but isn’t terrible. Willis McGahee is getting the majority of the carries, but is only averaging 2.9 yards and attempt, and they have a turnover ratio of -4. On the bright side they are almost 50% on third down conversions at 19-40, Eric Decker has looked like a good option for Orton with 15 catches for over 200 yards and two touchdowns and a returned punt, and Rookie Von Miller has two sacks and two forced fumbles. Bad news for Denver is this week they are facing reigning Super Bowl Champions, the Green Bay Packers.
Green Bay is mean. They haven’t needed a consistently good running back in over a year, they’ll just take what they can get there. And that’s because of the man taking the snaps. Aaron Rodgers is simply incredible. Eight touchdowns and only one interception, a 120.9 quarterback rating, 900 yards, and a 71 completion percentage is absolutely disgusting. When Green Bay won it all last year they did it without Jermichael Finley, but guess who is back this year. Already having three touchdowns and over 200 yards receiving on 15 receptions Finley returned to Green Bay to ensure that they kept one of the best offenses in the league for at least one more season. Greg Jennings and Jordy Nelson also have 200+ reception yards and two touchdowns a piece, but really, that’s just gravy.
If Orton decides to throw this week he needs to keep an eye out for Morgan Burnett and Charles Woodson, with five interceptions between them they make throwing the ball against the Packers almost as dangerous as the Packers throwing the ball at you.
It’s the Packers all the way winning easily 34-9
Miami at San Diego
Miami has been a struggling team early in the season; I actually believe that they are the worst team in the league right now. Chad Henne, despite having a good first game of the season, has really failed to deliver on any promise that was shown. If rookie Daniel Thomas is out, then Reggie Bush might once again get a chance to prove why he was a first round second overall pick, but that’s yet to be seen. Brandon Marshall and Devone Bess are both good threats over any secondary, but it comes down to whether or not Henne can get them the ball. Miami has given up sacks and turnovers, and hasn’t gotten too many of their own in return.
San Diego continues to put up big yardage despite being without one of their biggest threats in Antonio Gates. Ryan Matthew had a big game, and Phillip Rivers actually is keeping a 68 completion percentage despite throwing six picks so far this season. Vincent Jackson will continue to be a favorite target of Rivers’ throughout the season having already reeled in two touchdowns and over 260 yards. The Chargers rely mostly on Rivers throwing arm, but I think we might see Matthew continue to see some more touches as the season progresses.
Miami just doesn’t have what it takes. San Diego’s 4th ranked offensive yards per game with the majority coming through the air are going to be too much for a beat up Miami secondary.
San Diego Wins 24-7
New England at Oakland
Four interceptions. 34 Points against. Two big parts as to why the Patriots lost the game against the Bills last week. Tom Brady threw four picks last week, which was equal to how many he threw all of last season. Talking to the media he didn’t seem too shaken up about it, but if that didn’t light a fire under Brady, then the man truly isn’t human. Wes Welker continues to impress anyone who has the opportunity to watch the Patriots play. Between the 458 reception yards he already has total on the season, or the record tying 99 yard touchdown catch and run he had, Welker is an undersized workhorse. Brady’s other favorite target has been Rob Gronkowski, already bringing down five Brady thrown touchdown passes which puts him in second in the NFL for receiving touchdowns. The Patriots offensive line has only let Brady be taken down for a sack three times this season, and if they can continue to give him the space and time needed, those 11 touchdowns he has so far are going to grow, and quickly. New England’s defense on the other hand has been pretty terrible. Giving up big plays and big yardage game in and game out they need to go into this game ready for one of the best running backs in the league or else they’re going to fall down to 2-2 on the season.
Darren McFadden has been unbelievable. In all of the ways that other running backs and key players on other teams around the league have let down their fans and not lived up to that big paycheck McFadden has been proving that he’s one of the best the game has to offer. Oakland sits atop the rankings averaging 185 rushing yards a game. Darren account for nearly 400 yards on 61 carries to go along with his three touchdowns. Backup running back Michael Bush and quarterback Jason Campbell each have two rushing touchdowns in their stat lines as well. Oakland’s offense isn’t limited to their running prowess, and although it isn’t anything outstanding Campbell has a modest 66 completion percentage, and three touchdowns to only one interception. The Raiders offense is a monster this year, and with the lack of defense that the Patriots have been showing, this could be a great week to prove that they are the real deal.
Despite Oakland’s ground dominance, I don’t see that Patriots losing two in a row. Brady and Bellichick are too good at what they do to allow themselves to be beaten two weeks in a row. They will figure something out, and be more driven after losing so early in the season.
Oakland ends up in the wrong place at the wrong time. New England wins 31-24
New York Jets at Baltimore
If the Jets want to stand a chance they’re going to have to be unbelievable on Sunday night. Sanchez is going to have to do better than completing only 63 percent of his passes, and either Shonn Greene or LT are going to need to have a big game. If Dustin Keller can continue to be a big reliable target for Sanchez then maybe the Jets will stand a shadow of a chance, but going up against this Baltimore team is no easy task.
Despite Joe Flacco’s low completion percentage, sitting at just over 54%, he’s been blessed to be on an incredible team, with outstanding talent. Flacco has thrown seven touchdowns to only two interceptions, and was lucky enough to find new target Torrey Smith last week. Ray Rice has continued to be impressive with three total touchdowns and averaging over five yards a rush. Where the Ravens continue to dominate the game is on defense. Familiar names of Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, and Terrell Suggs continue to show up under forced fumbles, and interceptions year after year, and if they can take advantage of an offense that doesn’t have that much of a running game this year, Baltimore will be enjoying a nice home victory.
Baltimore enjoys the home crowd on prime time television and wins 27-14.
No comments:
Post a Comment