49ers (5-2) at Cardinals (4-3)
The 49ers are still one of my favorite teams. I think that they could be one of the hottest teams rolling into the end of the season and playoffs, and I think that they help the Cardinals continue their fall from grace. Arizona looked so good early in the year but they've hit a lot of rough matchups these past few weeks and it doesn't get any easier going against a top five team this week.
San Francisco 24 - Arizona 13
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Week 8 - Sunday Night Football
Saints (2-4) at Broncos (3-3)
It's going to be a shootout. Two of todays best quarterbacks and field generals going up against two defenses that have given up some big points so far this season. I may be a Saints fan, and I may be swayed a bit by personal feelings despite trying not to, but I think the Saints are about to turn it around. I think Drew is going to continue his phenomenal season, and I think they shock not just the Broncos but a lot of NFL fans on Sunday night.
Saints 35 - Broncos 31
It's going to be a shootout. Two of todays best quarterbacks and field generals going up against two defenses that have given up some big points so far this season. I may be a Saints fan, and I may be swayed a bit by personal feelings despite trying not to, but I think the Saints are about to turn it around. I think Drew is going to continue his phenomenal season, and I think they shock not just the Broncos but a lot of NFL fans on Sunday night.
Saints 35 - Broncos 31
Week 8 - 4 O'Clock Games
Raiders (2-4) at Chiefs (1-5)
The Raiders have a lot of potential, and Run DMC could break out on any game. Their defense can make plays if their all on the same page, but it seems like the chemistry isn't really there yet. The Chiefs are very similar. Charles could blow up on any play and the offense is going to be relying on him for weeks to come. The Chiefs need him to have a big game if they want to stay close in this one.
Raiders 27 - Chiefs 24
Giants (5-2) at Cowboys (3-3)
The Giants are probably going to be without Bradshaw and the Cowboys are missing DeMarco Murray. It's a battle of who is going to get Eli'd and who is going to get Romo'd in this one. But I think the roles reverse in this one and Eli chokes late while Romo miraculously steps up and makes some big plays down the stretch. I like the Cowboys at home for the season sweep over the G-Men.
Giants 20 - Cowboys 27
The Raiders have a lot of potential, and Run DMC could break out on any game. Their defense can make plays if their all on the same page, but it seems like the chemistry isn't really there yet. The Chiefs are very similar. Charles could blow up on any play and the offense is going to be relying on him for weeks to come. The Chiefs need him to have a big game if they want to stay close in this one.
Raiders 27 - Chiefs 24
Giants (5-2) at Cowboys (3-3)
The Giants are probably going to be without Bradshaw and the Cowboys are missing DeMarco Murray. It's a battle of who is going to get Eli'd and who is going to get Romo'd in this one. But I think the roles reverse in this one and Eli chokes late while Romo miraculously steps up and makes some big plays down the stretch. I like the Cowboys at home for the season sweep over the G-Men.
Giants 20 - Cowboys 27
Week 8 - 1 O'Clock Games
Patriots (4-3) at Rams (3-4) (In London)
In a game in London where no team is truly a home team I think things go pretty much in the better teams favor. The Patriots and Tom Brady still have a lot to prove this season and I think beating a good Rams defense could send a message.
Patriots 27 - Rams 21
Panthers (1-5) at Bears (5-1)
The Panthers and Cam Newton have been having a bad year and it's not about to get any easier. The Bears are possibly the best team in the league and I love Jay Cutler throwing to Brandon Marshall. I think these two teams both continue to go in their directions.
Panthers 17 - 24
Chargers (3-3) at Browns (1-6)
The Chargers are a good team and they do have a lot of potential to be a great team this season, but so far they haven't done too much to prove it. The Browns on the other hand have been even worse. They have Trent Richardson, and Wheeden has been looking better, but I still think they are too inexperienced to make a real dent in the league.
Chargers 20 - Browns 17
Seahawks (4-3) at Lions (2-4)
The Seahawks started the season really well, but I think they're abut to hit a pretty big downward spiral. They have some good players, and their defense has been impressive, but I think it's about to start crumbling. The Lions are the opposite, I think they're about to take off. They hit pretty much rock bottom last week, but they have the players to turn the season around. I think it starts this week at home after a terrible showing on Monday night.
Seahawks 16 - Lions 24
Jaguars (1-5) at Packers (4-3)
The Jaguars are not good. They don't have a potent attack, and they have a soft defense. This week they are also missing their only real player in Maurice Jones-Drew. The Packers have everything that a team does need to win, and I think they bring the house at home and teach a bad team a lesson.
Jaguars 10 - Packers 35
Colts (3-3) at Titans (3-4)
The Colts and Andrew Luck have been about two games better than I expected early this year. They've actually surprised a few teams and came out to play when I didn't expect them to do much at all. The Titans are pretty much right on pace with that same line of thought. With Chris Johnson reemerging as a dangerous player this team could get good again. I like the rookie Luck in this one though, leading his team to a winning record.
Colts 21 - Titans 17
Dolphins (3-3) at Jets (3-4)
I think the Dolphins are one of the biggest surprises early in the season and Reggie Bush might be the surprise player to date. The Jets are just about where I expected them to be, just a mess with no real direction or place to land. Rex Ryan has lost control of the ship and Tim Tebow might have to be thrown overboard soon. With the Dolphins breathing down their neck I think the cracks are just getting bigger in the Jets foundation.
Dolphins 24 - Jets 17
Falcons (6-0) at Eagles (3-3)
The Falcons are the best team in the NFL right now hands down. Matt Ryan and friends can be dangerous on any play, and they are going to put up big numbers. Their defense forces turnovers and holds big plays in check. The Eagles on the other hand have been a pretty big letdown. Vick has been far from good, and the lack of LeSean McCoy has been surprising. Reid might be 13-0 off of bye weeks in his career, but I think that streaks about to come to an end.
Falcons 31 - Eagles 21
Redskins (3-4) at Steelers (3-3)
The Redskins and RG3 have looked good. They've had some bad breaks here and there, and some defensive woes have befuddled them here and there, but they are still a good team. I think they are about to show Pittsburgh how good they can be too. Pittsburgh isn't the same team that they used to be with an ailing defense. Their offense might be better than it has been in years, but their defense is lacking in a lot of key areas.
Washington 21 - Pittsburgh 20
In a game in London where no team is truly a home team I think things go pretty much in the better teams favor. The Patriots and Tom Brady still have a lot to prove this season and I think beating a good Rams defense could send a message.
Patriots 27 - Rams 21
Panthers (1-5) at Bears (5-1)
The Panthers and Cam Newton have been having a bad year and it's not about to get any easier. The Bears are possibly the best team in the league and I love Jay Cutler throwing to Brandon Marshall. I think these two teams both continue to go in their directions.
Panthers 17 - 24
Chargers (3-3) at Browns (1-6)
The Chargers are a good team and they do have a lot of potential to be a great team this season, but so far they haven't done too much to prove it. The Browns on the other hand have been even worse. They have Trent Richardson, and Wheeden has been looking better, but I still think they are too inexperienced to make a real dent in the league.
Chargers 20 - Browns 17
Seahawks (4-3) at Lions (2-4)
The Seahawks started the season really well, but I think they're abut to hit a pretty big downward spiral. They have some good players, and their defense has been impressive, but I think it's about to start crumbling. The Lions are the opposite, I think they're about to take off. They hit pretty much rock bottom last week, but they have the players to turn the season around. I think it starts this week at home after a terrible showing on Monday night.
Seahawks 16 - Lions 24
Jaguars (1-5) at Packers (4-3)
The Jaguars are not good. They don't have a potent attack, and they have a soft defense. This week they are also missing their only real player in Maurice Jones-Drew. The Packers have everything that a team does need to win, and I think they bring the house at home and teach a bad team a lesson.
Jaguars 10 - Packers 35
Colts (3-3) at Titans (3-4)
The Colts and Andrew Luck have been about two games better than I expected early this year. They've actually surprised a few teams and came out to play when I didn't expect them to do much at all. The Titans are pretty much right on pace with that same line of thought. With Chris Johnson reemerging as a dangerous player this team could get good again. I like the rookie Luck in this one though, leading his team to a winning record.
Colts 21 - Titans 17
Dolphins (3-3) at Jets (3-4)
I think the Dolphins are one of the biggest surprises early in the season and Reggie Bush might be the surprise player to date. The Jets are just about where I expected them to be, just a mess with no real direction or place to land. Rex Ryan has lost control of the ship and Tim Tebow might have to be thrown overboard soon. With the Dolphins breathing down their neck I think the cracks are just getting bigger in the Jets foundation.
Dolphins 24 - Jets 17
Falcons (6-0) at Eagles (3-3)
The Falcons are the best team in the NFL right now hands down. Matt Ryan and friends can be dangerous on any play, and they are going to put up big numbers. Their defense forces turnovers and holds big plays in check. The Eagles on the other hand have been a pretty big letdown. Vick has been far from good, and the lack of LeSean McCoy has been surprising. Reid might be 13-0 off of bye weeks in his career, but I think that streaks about to come to an end.
Falcons 31 - Eagles 21
Redskins (3-4) at Steelers (3-3)
The Redskins and RG3 have looked good. They've had some bad breaks here and there, and some defensive woes have befuddled them here and there, but they are still a good team. I think they are about to show Pittsburgh how good they can be too. Pittsburgh isn't the same team that they used to be with an ailing defense. Their offense might be better than it has been in years, but their defense is lacking in a lot of key areas.
Washington 21 - Pittsburgh 20
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Week 8 - Thursday Night Football
Buccaneers (2-4) at Vikings (5-2)
The Buccos are one of the leagues best defenses agains the rush, especially when it comes to up the gut rush stopping. Adrian Peterson is one of the leagues best running threats, especially when it comes to up the gut rushing attempts. This could be a major battle between two of the leagues best threats. Tampa Bays pass defense is pretty abyssmal though. They are second to last in yards against for receivers meaning Percy Harvin and Jerome Simpson could have big days for the Vikings if Ponder can get them the ball safely. Freeman, Doug Martin, and Vincent Jackson all looked great last week, but let's not forget they were playing against a Saints team that is yet to do anything defensively this year. I think Peterson, despite coming off of three days rest, continues to remind us why he is such a dangerous game changer play after play tonight. Tampa is going to have a game plan revolving around him and even if he doesn't touch the ball on every play he is going to be a major distraction.
Buccaneers 17 - Vikings 24
The Buccos are one of the leagues best defenses agains the rush, especially when it comes to up the gut rush stopping. Adrian Peterson is one of the leagues best running threats, especially when it comes to up the gut rushing attempts. This could be a major battle between two of the leagues best threats. Tampa Bays pass defense is pretty abyssmal though. They are second to last in yards against for receivers meaning Percy Harvin and Jerome Simpson could have big days for the Vikings if Ponder can get them the ball safely. Freeman, Doug Martin, and Vincent Jackson all looked great last week, but let's not forget they were playing against a Saints team that is yet to do anything defensively this year. I think Peterson, despite coming off of three days rest, continues to remind us why he is such a dangerous game changer play after play tonight. Tampa is going to have a game plan revolving around him and even if he doesn't touch the ball on every play he is going to be a major distraction.
Buccaneers 17 - Vikings 24
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Week 7 - Monday Night Football
Lions (2-3) at Bears (4-1)
The Lions are the disappointment of the NFC North early on this year, while the Bears are looking very good. Detroit has had a few good comebacks but they were against teams that they had no business being behind. Megatron hasn't been himself (Madden Curse?) and Stafford has just looked okay at best, and coming off of last season where they had 8 touchdowns in 4 games this is a harsh reality for Lions fans. The Bears on the other hand have one loss, and it was to the Packers and Clay Matthews. Cutler is good, Marshall is good, Forte is good. I've been saying it for weeks and I hope someone has taken the little bit of notice. Cutler may have had some stupid encounters with his linemen, and a bad throw here or there, but for the most part he has been good. Marshall will have a big game tonight, and once the passing game opens up a few draw plays to Forte will leave everybody at the water cooler on Tuesday praising "Da Bears."
Lions 20 - Bears 34
The Lions are the disappointment of the NFC North early on this year, while the Bears are looking very good. Detroit has had a few good comebacks but they were against teams that they had no business being behind. Megatron hasn't been himself (Madden Curse?) and Stafford has just looked okay at best, and coming off of last season where they had 8 touchdowns in 4 games this is a harsh reality for Lions fans. The Bears on the other hand have one loss, and it was to the Packers and Clay Matthews. Cutler is good, Marshall is good, Forte is good. I've been saying it for weeks and I hope someone has taken the little bit of notice. Cutler may have had some stupid encounters with his linemen, and a bad throw here or there, but for the most part he has been good. Marshall will have a big game tonight, and once the passing game opens up a few draw plays to Forte will leave everybody at the water cooler on Tuesday praising "Da Bears."
Lions 20 - Bears 34
Week 7 - Sunday Night Football
Steelers (2-3) at Bengals (3-3)
The Steelers are coming off of a very tough loss to the Titans, a game everyone thought that they would win. They didn't look good at many points in the game, except for the deep strike from Big Ben to Mike Wallace. The lack of running backs is going to continue to hurt them on Sunday night as they face a pretty good Bengals defense. The Bengals are coming off of a pretty bad beat Sunday night too after they lost to the Browns last week. Andy Dalton and AJ Green have continued to look great throughout this whole season though and I don't think it slows down in prime time. I'm excited to watch what they can put together in a tough divisional matchup against a good defense. I like the Bengals at home in prime time under the lights.
Steelers 20 - Bengals 27
The Steelers are coming off of a very tough loss to the Titans, a game everyone thought that they would win. They didn't look good at many points in the game, except for the deep strike from Big Ben to Mike Wallace. The lack of running backs is going to continue to hurt them on Sunday night as they face a pretty good Bengals defense. The Bengals are coming off of a pretty bad beat Sunday night too after they lost to the Browns last week. Andy Dalton and AJ Green have continued to look great throughout this whole season though and I don't think it slows down in prime time. I'm excited to watch what they can put together in a tough divisional matchup against a good defense. I like the Bengals at home in prime time under the lights.
Steelers 20 - Bengals 27
Week 7 - 4 O'Clock Games
Jets (3-3) at Patriots (3-3)
Both of these teams are 3-3 for completely different reasons. The Jets have beaten bad teams, although using some good play calls and schemes in the process, while the Patriots have lost to some good teams with some arguably bad calls here and there. These teams don't like eachother, and I still don't like the Jets. I hate them personally, and I think they are very bad being completely honest. Sanchez is the best thing they have going for their offense, with Greene bringing up a close second. The problem with Sanchez is his lack of weapons. The Patriots still have Tom Brady and his group of dangerous weapons, while raising Steven Ridley right. Ridley will get the workload today as the healthiest running back on the depth chart, but Woodhead will probably get a few carries too. I think the versatility of the Patriots offense alongside the lack of versatility of the Jets offense is going to swing this game strongly in favor of the home squad.
Jets 13 - Patriots 31
Jaguars (1-4) at Raiders (1-4)
This game is going to be a running backs paradise. Both MJD and DMC are going to have huge games for their teams and both offenses are going to look stellar because of it. The truth here is that neither defense is anything remarkable. MJD is going to bruise through the lack of linebackers and physical players on the Raiders, while DMC is going to cut, dance, and juke through the lack of anyone notable on the Jaguars. Maybe we'll even see Jennings for the Jags and Goodson or Jones for the Raiders come out to play a little bit today. I don't expect much from either of these teams, but both offenses are probably going to look much better than either of them really are.
Jaguars 30 - Raiders 34
Both of these teams are 3-3 for completely different reasons. The Jets have beaten bad teams, although using some good play calls and schemes in the process, while the Patriots have lost to some good teams with some arguably bad calls here and there. These teams don't like eachother, and I still don't like the Jets. I hate them personally, and I think they are very bad being completely honest. Sanchez is the best thing they have going for their offense, with Greene bringing up a close second. The problem with Sanchez is his lack of weapons. The Patriots still have Tom Brady and his group of dangerous weapons, while raising Steven Ridley right. Ridley will get the workload today as the healthiest running back on the depth chart, but Woodhead will probably get a few carries too. I think the versatility of the Patriots offense alongside the lack of versatility of the Jets offense is going to swing this game strongly in favor of the home squad.
Jets 13 - Patriots 31
Jaguars (1-4) at Raiders (1-4)
This game is going to be a running backs paradise. Both MJD and DMC are going to have huge games for their teams and both offenses are going to look stellar because of it. The truth here is that neither defense is anything remarkable. MJD is going to bruise through the lack of linebackers and physical players on the Raiders, while DMC is going to cut, dance, and juke through the lack of anyone notable on the Jaguars. Maybe we'll even see Jennings for the Jags and Goodson or Jones for the Raiders come out to play a little bit today. I don't expect much from either of these teams, but both offenses are probably going to look much better than either of them really are.
Jaguars 30 - Raiders 34
Week 7 - 1 O'Clock Games
Titans (2-4) at Bills (3-3)
Tennessee is having a rough year with Chris Johnson not performing and having to juggle through their depth at quarter back. If Hasselbeck can start looking moreso the way of Jared Cook Jr, and if Kenny Britt can continue to do what he did last week then this team could get hot, but with Chris Johnson still struggling it could be a long ways off. Buffalo has implemented a two drive series switching between Fred Jackson and CJ Spiller which could make things interesting in their schemes and looks out of the backfield, but they definitely need to start running the ball more either way. Fitzpatrick has good numbers early on this year, but the team could benefit more from a heavier run game. I think Spiller has another break out game here both rushing and receiving and lets Buffalo enjoy a good one at home.
Tennessee 17 - Buffalo 27
Browns (1-5) at Colts (2-3)
Trent Richardson has looked really good so far this year. Put him up against the Colts this week and he is going to look great. The Colts are great on the outside rush, but they lack any real defensive ability through the middle of the field. Remember what Shonn Greene did to the Colts defense last week? Trent is more of a bulldozer than he is, and this is a matchup that he has got to be licking his chops for. Andrew Luck has to be pretty excited for this one too. The Browns defense isn't bad, but they aren't that good either. With the way Luck has been adapting to the NFL play style I think he is going to put up some decent numbers on Sunday, too. In a battle of the rookies though I think Trent has the upperhand with a better overall team right now.
Browns 23 - Colts 17
Packers (3-3) at Rams (3-3)
Aaron Rodgers is back. He never really went anywhere, but his game hasn't been as potent this year as it was last year until he put up six touchdowns last week. Now I know that the Rams defense is good, they've been able to stop a lot early this year, but they also haven't faced a monstrous aerial assault like Rodgers is capable of putting up. Jordy and Jones should grab at least one each, but it's hard to peg Finley right now. He's got the potential but he's lacked so far early on, and if they put Laurinitis on him it could be rough. The Rams need to play Finnigen on Jordy every down and force Rodgers to throw to the guys lower on the depth chart. They can make plays too, but Jordy is the biggest threat. The Rams are a little beat up at wide receiver, and it's hard to rush against the likes of Clay Matthews, I don't see this going any other way.
Packers 31 - Rams 20
Cardinals (4-2) at Vikings (4-2)
The Cardinals and Vikings have both surprised everyone so far this year. But now it's going to be who can maintain this style of play throughout the rest of the season. The Cardinals are back and forth between quarter backs with injuries here and there, while the Vikings have one QB who is playing just as well as he needs to. Arizona's defense may be playing well, but their offense really needs to step up if they want to make the most of this early winning record, Larry Fitzgerald is an elite receiver and they are letting him go to waste. The Vikings are making Percy Harvin look unstoppable, and it's fun to watch. On any play he could get the ball and break it for something huge. Pair that up with Adrian Peterson out of the backfield and you have on of the most dynamic offenses in the league. An explosive offense alongside a dominant defense? Could still be the biggest sleeper pick this season.
Arizona 16 - Minnesotta 24
Saints (1-4) at Buccaneers (2-3)
The Saints get their real interim coach back, and the get Vilma back for at least the weekend. They still have Colston, and oh yeah that Drew Brees guy. With the team coming back together after their bye week I think they might actually do something like they are supposed to this week. Sure the Falcons look like they are running away with the NFC South, but the Buccos are only one game ahead of the Saints and the Panthers are tied for last. The Saints still stand a chance, even if it is a long one, at defending their NFC South title. The Buccaneers have had a pretty stout defense as of late, but like the Rams they haven't faced a truly dominant aerial attack. I don't think they have what it takes to keep up with such an explosive offense.
Saints 30 - Buccaneers 24
Redskins (3-3) at Giants (4-2)
I still believe the Redskins are the best team in the NFC East. I know they are at least the team that I hate the least. RG3 is not only a class act, but he's a great ball player. Alfred Morris might have a tough time against the rush stopping Giants front seven, but if Griffin can open up the playbook and confuse the Giants than Morris has a good shot at having another great game. The Giants are going to need to rely on their front seven as usual. If they can consistently get to Griffin and disrupt the offense they will put their team in a really good position for the stars on offense to shine. Eli and friends could have a field day against a mediocre pass defense, but DeAngelo Hall isn't someone to completely overlook.
Washington 24 - Gaints 20
Cowboys (2-3) at Panthers (1-4)
Tony Romo is going to have some fun during this game. The secondary for Carolina isn't great and with a plethora of weapons in Dez, Miles, and Witten someone is always going to be open. My money's on Miles today, after a mere 31 yards last week I expect him and Murray to have big games for the Cowboys. Cam Newton has to start looking Greg Olsen's way more. They need to get Cam back in a groove, and a safety net tight end is the best way to go. I expect a lot to Olsen, and a lot of dump offs to the running backs over the next few games. If he can get back into the swing of it they could turn the season around, and I think they start by shocking the Cowboys.
Cowboys 24 - Panthers 27
Ravens (5-1) at Texans (5-1)
In the best matchup of the early afternoon we've got two very good teams, which are both missing key players in their defense. It's Ray Rice versus Arian Foster, it's Joe Flacco versus Matt Schaub, the biggest difference on offense is Torrey Smith versus Andre Johnson, but so far this year Smith has looked better. These teams look like they were made from the same mold and it's going to be a bruising affair. Ray Lewis and LaDarious Webb are out for Baltimore but Suggs is activated, while Brian Cushing is out for the Texans with no names really coming back to replace him. It's a very tough game to call, but I've got to go with the home team and Arian Foster.
Ravens 20 - Texans 24
Tennessee is having a rough year with Chris Johnson not performing and having to juggle through their depth at quarter back. If Hasselbeck can start looking moreso the way of Jared Cook Jr, and if Kenny Britt can continue to do what he did last week then this team could get hot, but with Chris Johnson still struggling it could be a long ways off. Buffalo has implemented a two drive series switching between Fred Jackson and CJ Spiller which could make things interesting in their schemes and looks out of the backfield, but they definitely need to start running the ball more either way. Fitzpatrick has good numbers early on this year, but the team could benefit more from a heavier run game. I think Spiller has another break out game here both rushing and receiving and lets Buffalo enjoy a good one at home.
Tennessee 17 - Buffalo 27
Browns (1-5) at Colts (2-3)
Trent Richardson has looked really good so far this year. Put him up against the Colts this week and he is going to look great. The Colts are great on the outside rush, but they lack any real defensive ability through the middle of the field. Remember what Shonn Greene did to the Colts defense last week? Trent is more of a bulldozer than he is, and this is a matchup that he has got to be licking his chops for. Andrew Luck has to be pretty excited for this one too. The Browns defense isn't bad, but they aren't that good either. With the way Luck has been adapting to the NFL play style I think he is going to put up some decent numbers on Sunday, too. In a battle of the rookies though I think Trent has the upperhand with a better overall team right now.
Browns 23 - Colts 17
Packers (3-3) at Rams (3-3)
Aaron Rodgers is back. He never really went anywhere, but his game hasn't been as potent this year as it was last year until he put up six touchdowns last week. Now I know that the Rams defense is good, they've been able to stop a lot early this year, but they also haven't faced a monstrous aerial assault like Rodgers is capable of putting up. Jordy and Jones should grab at least one each, but it's hard to peg Finley right now. He's got the potential but he's lacked so far early on, and if they put Laurinitis on him it could be rough. The Rams need to play Finnigen on Jordy every down and force Rodgers to throw to the guys lower on the depth chart. They can make plays too, but Jordy is the biggest threat. The Rams are a little beat up at wide receiver, and it's hard to rush against the likes of Clay Matthews, I don't see this going any other way.
Packers 31 - Rams 20
Cardinals (4-2) at Vikings (4-2)
The Cardinals and Vikings have both surprised everyone so far this year. But now it's going to be who can maintain this style of play throughout the rest of the season. The Cardinals are back and forth between quarter backs with injuries here and there, while the Vikings have one QB who is playing just as well as he needs to. Arizona's defense may be playing well, but their offense really needs to step up if they want to make the most of this early winning record, Larry Fitzgerald is an elite receiver and they are letting him go to waste. The Vikings are making Percy Harvin look unstoppable, and it's fun to watch. On any play he could get the ball and break it for something huge. Pair that up with Adrian Peterson out of the backfield and you have on of the most dynamic offenses in the league. An explosive offense alongside a dominant defense? Could still be the biggest sleeper pick this season.
Arizona 16 - Minnesotta 24
Saints (1-4) at Buccaneers (2-3)
The Saints get their real interim coach back, and the get Vilma back for at least the weekend. They still have Colston, and oh yeah that Drew Brees guy. With the team coming back together after their bye week I think they might actually do something like they are supposed to this week. Sure the Falcons look like they are running away with the NFC South, but the Buccos are only one game ahead of the Saints and the Panthers are tied for last. The Saints still stand a chance, even if it is a long one, at defending their NFC South title. The Buccaneers have had a pretty stout defense as of late, but like the Rams they haven't faced a truly dominant aerial attack. I don't think they have what it takes to keep up with such an explosive offense.
Saints 30 - Buccaneers 24
Redskins (3-3) at Giants (4-2)
I still believe the Redskins are the best team in the NFC East. I know they are at least the team that I hate the least. RG3 is not only a class act, but he's a great ball player. Alfred Morris might have a tough time against the rush stopping Giants front seven, but if Griffin can open up the playbook and confuse the Giants than Morris has a good shot at having another great game. The Giants are going to need to rely on their front seven as usual. If they can consistently get to Griffin and disrupt the offense they will put their team in a really good position for the stars on offense to shine. Eli and friends could have a field day against a mediocre pass defense, but DeAngelo Hall isn't someone to completely overlook.
Washington 24 - Gaints 20
Cowboys (2-3) at Panthers (1-4)
Tony Romo is going to have some fun during this game. The secondary for Carolina isn't great and with a plethora of weapons in Dez, Miles, and Witten someone is always going to be open. My money's on Miles today, after a mere 31 yards last week I expect him and Murray to have big games for the Cowboys. Cam Newton has to start looking Greg Olsen's way more. They need to get Cam back in a groove, and a safety net tight end is the best way to go. I expect a lot to Olsen, and a lot of dump offs to the running backs over the next few games. If he can get back into the swing of it they could turn the season around, and I think they start by shocking the Cowboys.
Cowboys 24 - Panthers 27
Ravens (5-1) at Texans (5-1)
In the best matchup of the early afternoon we've got two very good teams, which are both missing key players in their defense. It's Ray Rice versus Arian Foster, it's Joe Flacco versus Matt Schaub, the biggest difference on offense is Torrey Smith versus Andre Johnson, but so far this year Smith has looked better. These teams look like they were made from the same mold and it's going to be a bruising affair. Ray Lewis and LaDarious Webb are out for Baltimore but Suggs is activated, while Brian Cushing is out for the Texans with no names really coming back to replace him. It's a very tough game to call, but I've got to go with the home team and Arian Foster.
Ravens 20 - Texans 24
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Week 7 - Thursday Night Football
Seahawks (4-2) at 49ers (4-2)
We've got two of the best defenses going up against each other in what should be a very physical matchup. On one hand we've got Marshawn Lynch with a young offensive core all around him coming off of a very big win against the Patriots. On the other hand we've got Frank Gore with a very deep offense coming off of an incredibly tough loss versus the Giants. It's Gores house right now, and its his team to lead. The Seahawks have one of the best defenses in the game right now, but they haven't seen Gore yet this year.
Seahawks 13 - 49ers 17
We've got two of the best defenses going up against each other in what should be a very physical matchup. On one hand we've got Marshawn Lynch with a young offensive core all around him coming off of a very big win against the Patriots. On the other hand we've got Frank Gore with a very deep offense coming off of an incredibly tough loss versus the Giants. It's Gores house right now, and its his team to lead. The Seahawks have one of the best defenses in the game right now, but they haven't seen Gore yet this year.
Seahawks 13 - 49ers 17
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Week 6 Picks
I ran out of time this week to do a more in depth amount of writing, so I'm just going to be posting how I believe the games are going to finish up. Consider this my bye week. I missed Thursday but honestly I would have been wrong favoring Pittsburgh by a touchdown over Tennessee anyways. Here's the rest of week six.
Atlanta 27 - Oakland 17
Cincinnati 20 - Cleveland 10
St. Louis 17 - Miami 14
Indianapolis 23 - New York Jets 13
Detroit 27 - Philadelphia 20
Kansas City 14 - Tampa Bay 17
Dallas 20 - Baltimore 27
Buffalo 20 - Arizona 17
New England 23 - Seattle 17
New York Giants 17 - San Francisco 20
Minnesota 20 - Washington 17
Green Bay 27 - Houston 30
Denver 27 - San Diego 24
Atlanta 27 - Oakland 17
Cincinnati 20 - Cleveland 10
St. Louis 17 - Miami 14
Indianapolis 23 - New York Jets 13
Detroit 27 - Philadelphia 20
Kansas City 14 - Tampa Bay 17
Dallas 20 - Baltimore 27
Buffalo 20 - Arizona 17
New England 23 - Seattle 17
New York Giants 17 - San Francisco 20
Minnesota 20 - Washington 17
Green Bay 27 - Houston 30
Denver 27 - San Diego 24
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Week 5 - Monday Night Football
Texans (4-0) vs Jets (2-2)
Houston we don't have a problem. We have the opposite of a problem. We have the best team in the NFL. They don't need to rely on a single facet in their offensive attack. They've got two top notch running backs in Foster and Tate, a great QB in Schaub, and one of the best (yet to have a breakout game) receivers in Andre. Their defense is loaded with young talent led by J.J Watt. I can't wait to watch how these guys handle the Jets "attack." Week one I said I can't wait to watch this train wreck, and then the Jets dominated the Dolphins and I ate my words in the short term. Fast forward to week four? Train wreck. This team is imploding, they're losing key players, they are giving up big plays, and they still try and do too much with Tim Tebow. I almost feel bad for Mark Sanchez, and then I remember who he plays for and I stop caring.
Texans 30 - Jets 3
Houston we don't have a problem. We have the opposite of a problem. We have the best team in the NFL. They don't need to rely on a single facet in their offensive attack. They've got two top notch running backs in Foster and Tate, a great QB in Schaub, and one of the best (yet to have a breakout game) receivers in Andre. Their defense is loaded with young talent led by J.J Watt. I can't wait to watch how these guys handle the Jets "attack." Week one I said I can't wait to watch this train wreck, and then the Jets dominated the Dolphins and I ate my words in the short term. Fast forward to week four? Train wreck. This team is imploding, they're losing key players, they are giving up big plays, and they still try and do too much with Tim Tebow. I almost feel bad for Mark Sanchez, and then I remember who he plays for and I stop caring.
Texans 30 - Jets 3
Week 5 - Sunday Night Football
Chargers (3-1) at Saints (0-4)
The Chargers were one of my picks to go off and have a big surprising season this year. I think at one point I may have been as stupid to say 13-3 or 12-4, but early in the year they're making it look possible. With Ryan Matthews healthy now all they need to worry about is ball security. They may not have had the toughest schedule, but they are making it count. Rivers can lead a team, and now if Gates and Matthews can get back on track this offense can be very dangerous. The Saints, ugh my Saints... I'm not even going to say the one good thing that can happen to the Saints on Sunday night, because I don't want to jinx it. The offense continues to look good week after week though. They have been putting up numbers against what some can argue are top notch defenses. The bad news? They can't stop a single drive. They are giving up well over 400 yards a game. If that doesn't change soon we are going to see this team that was so great just a couple of years ago do a complete 180 and end up on the bottom of the pile at the end of the season.
Chargers 34 - Saints 31
The Chargers were one of my picks to go off and have a big surprising season this year. I think at one point I may have been as stupid to say 13-3 or 12-4, but early in the year they're making it look possible. With Ryan Matthews healthy now all they need to worry about is ball security. They may not have had the toughest schedule, but they are making it count. Rivers can lead a team, and now if Gates and Matthews can get back on track this offense can be very dangerous. The Saints, ugh my Saints... I'm not even going to say the one good thing that can happen to the Saints on Sunday night, because I don't want to jinx it. The offense continues to look good week after week though. They have been putting up numbers against what some can argue are top notch defenses. The bad news? They can't stop a single drive. They are giving up well over 400 yards a game. If that doesn't change soon we are going to see this team that was so great just a couple of years ago do a complete 180 and end up on the bottom of the pile at the end of the season.
Chargers 34 - Saints 31
Week 5 - 4 O'Clock Games
Seahawks (2-2) at Panthers (1-3)
I really like the Seahawks if you haven't been paying attention to what I've been saying through the first quarter of the regular season. I love their defense, and if the passing game can get on track with Russell Wilson leading the charge these guys can be dangerous over the next few years. Cam Newton hasn't been as good as everyone was hoping he was going to be coming into his sophomore campaign, but don't count him out yet, there's plenty of football left. He got back on track a little bit last week, and I think it's going to steamroll right on through into week five.
Seattle 13 - Carolina 17
Da Bears (3-1) at Jaguars (1-3)
I've said it too many times already, I give more credit to Jay Cutler than anyone else I'm aware of. Give him an offensive line and he's going to surprise. Brandon Marshall and Matt Forte are both top five caliber players at their respective positions, and the Bears defense is still arguably one of the top three in the league. I've also said this too many times, the Jaguars are Maurice Jones-Drew. Without him they are nothing. The Bears defense might let him run around a little bit, but this one trick pony offensive attack isn't going to be enough.
Bears 27 - Jaguars 7
Titans (1-3) at Vikings (3-1)
The Titans aren't good. Chris Johnson may have had a good game last week, but it's going to take a lot of convincing for me to hop back on that bandwagon. Besides CJ they don't have much going for them right now, Kenny Britt is hurt, their quarterback situation is still up in the air, and their defense hasn't been able to stop too much. The Vikings are a team that I haven't give any credit to, and sorry if I curse you Vikings fans but that's about to change. I am a believer again in the mighty purple machine. The defense has been top notch, the special teams has been just that - special, and an offense attack that features both Adrian Peterson and Percy Harvin is nothing to scoff at. I'm on board. Let's see where this train goes.
Titans 10 - Vikings 23
Broncos (2-2) at Patriots (2-2)
Another Manning versus Brady matchup. These are always exciting with the two best on field generals leading their young offenses into battle. Manning has stud wideouts like Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker, with old reliable Willis McGahee to carry the rock. Tom Brady has his reliable wideouts featuring Welker, Branch and newly added Lloyd, while second year star Steven Ridley handles the ball. It's too very similar quarterbacks leading two very similar offenses. Even the defenses play pretty similar for both teams. The run stopping hard nosed style of both coaches is playing out well, while they give up too many plays through the secondary. I think the Patriots have the edge here knowing how Manning calls a game much better than the Broncos understand Brady. It might be a close one, but I think it'll tilt pretty heavily in the Patriots direction.
Broncos 20 - Patriots 31
Bills (2-2) at 49ers (3-1)
The Bills have done well because they've been able to open up opposing defenses with their heavy rushing attack. This week they have both Fred Jackson and CJ Spiller back and its supposed to look like the Bills might regain their foothold. Right? Wrong. Look at who they are playing against. Is that the 49ers? The team giving up the least amount of yardage and scores to opposing rushers? I do believe it is. If the Bills can't run the ball it is going to be very hard for them to throw the ball. If they can't throw the ball it is going to be very hard for FitzMagic to do his thing. The 49ers rush attack on the other hand blew the Jets out of the water last week and I don't expect it to slow down. Whether its Gore, Hunter, activated Jacobs, or a wildcat Kaepernick this team is good.
Bills 17 - 49ers 28
I really like the Seahawks if you haven't been paying attention to what I've been saying through the first quarter of the regular season. I love their defense, and if the passing game can get on track with Russell Wilson leading the charge these guys can be dangerous over the next few years. Cam Newton hasn't been as good as everyone was hoping he was going to be coming into his sophomore campaign, but don't count him out yet, there's plenty of football left. He got back on track a little bit last week, and I think it's going to steamroll right on through into week five.
Seattle 13 - Carolina 17
Da Bears (3-1) at Jaguars (1-3)
I've said it too many times already, I give more credit to Jay Cutler than anyone else I'm aware of. Give him an offensive line and he's going to surprise. Brandon Marshall and Matt Forte are both top five caliber players at their respective positions, and the Bears defense is still arguably one of the top three in the league. I've also said this too many times, the Jaguars are Maurice Jones-Drew. Without him they are nothing. The Bears defense might let him run around a little bit, but this one trick pony offensive attack isn't going to be enough.
Bears 27 - Jaguars 7
Titans (1-3) at Vikings (3-1)
The Titans aren't good. Chris Johnson may have had a good game last week, but it's going to take a lot of convincing for me to hop back on that bandwagon. Besides CJ they don't have much going for them right now, Kenny Britt is hurt, their quarterback situation is still up in the air, and their defense hasn't been able to stop too much. The Vikings are a team that I haven't give any credit to, and sorry if I curse you Vikings fans but that's about to change. I am a believer again in the mighty purple machine. The defense has been top notch, the special teams has been just that - special, and an offense attack that features both Adrian Peterson and Percy Harvin is nothing to scoff at. I'm on board. Let's see where this train goes.
Titans 10 - Vikings 23
Broncos (2-2) at Patriots (2-2)
Another Manning versus Brady matchup. These are always exciting with the two best on field generals leading their young offenses into battle. Manning has stud wideouts like Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker, with old reliable Willis McGahee to carry the rock. Tom Brady has his reliable wideouts featuring Welker, Branch and newly added Lloyd, while second year star Steven Ridley handles the ball. It's too very similar quarterbacks leading two very similar offenses. Even the defenses play pretty similar for both teams. The run stopping hard nosed style of both coaches is playing out well, while they give up too many plays through the secondary. I think the Patriots have the edge here knowing how Manning calls a game much better than the Broncos understand Brady. It might be a close one, but I think it'll tilt pretty heavily in the Patriots direction.
Broncos 20 - Patriots 31
Bills (2-2) at 49ers (3-1)
The Bills have done well because they've been able to open up opposing defenses with their heavy rushing attack. This week they have both Fred Jackson and CJ Spiller back and its supposed to look like the Bills might regain their foothold. Right? Wrong. Look at who they are playing against. Is that the 49ers? The team giving up the least amount of yardage and scores to opposing rushers? I do believe it is. If the Bills can't run the ball it is going to be very hard for them to throw the ball. If they can't throw the ball it is going to be very hard for FitzMagic to do his thing. The 49ers rush attack on the other hand blew the Jets out of the water last week and I don't expect it to slow down. Whether its Gore, Hunter, activated Jacobs, or a wildcat Kaepernick this team is good.
Bills 17 - 49ers 28
Week 5 - 1 O'Clock Games
Dolphins (1-3) at Bengals (3-1)
Miami has one good thing going for them and he is Reggie Bush. Besides that the team is going to continue to plummet to the depths of the AFC. The offense isn't good, the defense is even worse. The Bengals are pretty much the polar opposite of the Dolphins. Cinci has a great young offense, and a bunch of stud defenders. Andy Dalton and AJ Green will continue to get better game after game. Don't expect the Dolphins pass defense to suppress that.
Miami 10 - Cincinnati 24
Packers (2-2) at Colts (1-2)
Green Bay may have suffered a stupid loss to the Seahawks by a bad call, but their team is still very good. They outlasted the Saints last week and with Rodgers under center they are always a threat to be dangerous on any play. Jennings is probably out for this game, so expect Jordy and the rest of the depth chart to fill that void. Andrew Luck will be great, and the defense can make some plays here and there. In the long run the Colts just aren't good enough right now.
Packers 31 - Colts 13
Ravens (3-1) at Chiefs (1-3)
Baltimore has a young offense that is continuing to improve game in and game out. Torrey Smith is still getting better and better and is going to be an elite receiver in this league at some point. Ray Rice and the rest of the ground attack can do anything at any moment, and the defense is still one of the best that the league has to offer. The Chiefs on the other hand have one win, and it's over a team that's been struggling since the end of last season. They might have Jamaal Charles back and healthy, but overall this team isn't good enough to dance with the elite of the NFL.
Ravens 30 - Chiefs 17
Browns (0-4) at Giants (2-2)
The Browns have Trent Richardson. They don't have a good offense, they don't have a good defense, they have one good every down back in Trent Richardson that can catch, run, and block. Maybe as the team continues to build over the next few years they can gain some ground in the AFC North, but not yet. Not even close. The Giants might have lost two divisional games, but they are still a very good team when they are all healthy. The offense can eat up the clock or hit a home run on any play, while the defense can cause consistent three and outs or snatch a quick turnover. The Giants are good, don't write them off yet just because they are at .500 this early in the season.
Browns 16 - Giants 27
Eagles (3-1) at Steelers (1-2)
I don't know how the Eagles are 3-1. I still think that they are in the bottom half of teams in the NFL, and it's only a matter of time before their season takes a sever turn for the worst. Vick isn't good, and their defense is shaky at best. LeSean can only carry this team so far, and Pittsburgh might be the start of something dreadful for Andy Reid and fans. The tough nosed Steelers defense will be taking the field with all of its weapons for the first time this season. Coming off of the bye Harrison and Palomalu are both healthy and itching to get back into the game. Match that up with Big Ben and his young receivers, as well as Mendenhall finally coming back to the gridiron too, and you've got the makings for the old defense to meet the new offense. The best of both worlds for Pittsburgh fans.
Eagles 16 - Steelers 24
Falcons (4-0) at Redskins (2-2)
Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, Roddy White, Michael Turner, Tony Gonzalez on and on and on. These guys will continue to make play after play no matter who they are going up against. I can say it week in and week out and it's not going to change. The Falcons pass defense is very good too getting a handful of takeaways early in the year. Last week though Cam tore through the front line of the Falcons which is either going to set the tone for RG3 this week, or be a building block for practice. RG3 and Alfred Morris have been dominant on the ground which could spell trouble for this Falcons front seven. The aerial assault might not be there, but Griffin can definitely create with his feet and buy some time for his receivers to open up down field. My head says go with the Falcons, its the logical choice, but my guy says in Washington this could be an upset in the making.
Falcons 24 - Redskins 27
Miami has one good thing going for them and he is Reggie Bush. Besides that the team is going to continue to plummet to the depths of the AFC. The offense isn't good, the defense is even worse. The Bengals are pretty much the polar opposite of the Dolphins. Cinci has a great young offense, and a bunch of stud defenders. Andy Dalton and AJ Green will continue to get better game after game. Don't expect the Dolphins pass defense to suppress that.
Miami 10 - Cincinnati 24
Packers (2-2) at Colts (1-2)
Green Bay may have suffered a stupid loss to the Seahawks by a bad call, but their team is still very good. They outlasted the Saints last week and with Rodgers under center they are always a threat to be dangerous on any play. Jennings is probably out for this game, so expect Jordy and the rest of the depth chart to fill that void. Andrew Luck will be great, and the defense can make some plays here and there. In the long run the Colts just aren't good enough right now.
Packers 31 - Colts 13
Ravens (3-1) at Chiefs (1-3)
Baltimore has a young offense that is continuing to improve game in and game out. Torrey Smith is still getting better and better and is going to be an elite receiver in this league at some point. Ray Rice and the rest of the ground attack can do anything at any moment, and the defense is still one of the best that the league has to offer. The Chiefs on the other hand have one win, and it's over a team that's been struggling since the end of last season. They might have Jamaal Charles back and healthy, but overall this team isn't good enough to dance with the elite of the NFL.
Ravens 30 - Chiefs 17
Browns (0-4) at Giants (2-2)
The Browns have Trent Richardson. They don't have a good offense, they don't have a good defense, they have one good every down back in Trent Richardson that can catch, run, and block. Maybe as the team continues to build over the next few years they can gain some ground in the AFC North, but not yet. Not even close. The Giants might have lost two divisional games, but they are still a very good team when they are all healthy. The offense can eat up the clock or hit a home run on any play, while the defense can cause consistent three and outs or snatch a quick turnover. The Giants are good, don't write them off yet just because they are at .500 this early in the season.
Browns 16 - Giants 27
Eagles (3-1) at Steelers (1-2)
I don't know how the Eagles are 3-1. I still think that they are in the bottom half of teams in the NFL, and it's only a matter of time before their season takes a sever turn for the worst. Vick isn't good, and their defense is shaky at best. LeSean can only carry this team so far, and Pittsburgh might be the start of something dreadful for Andy Reid and fans. The tough nosed Steelers defense will be taking the field with all of its weapons for the first time this season. Coming off of the bye Harrison and Palomalu are both healthy and itching to get back into the game. Match that up with Big Ben and his young receivers, as well as Mendenhall finally coming back to the gridiron too, and you've got the makings for the old defense to meet the new offense. The best of both worlds for Pittsburgh fans.
Eagles 16 - Steelers 24
Falcons (4-0) at Redskins (2-2)
Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, Roddy White, Michael Turner, Tony Gonzalez on and on and on. These guys will continue to make play after play no matter who they are going up against. I can say it week in and week out and it's not going to change. The Falcons pass defense is very good too getting a handful of takeaways early in the year. Last week though Cam tore through the front line of the Falcons which is either going to set the tone for RG3 this week, or be a building block for practice. RG3 and Alfred Morris have been dominant on the ground which could spell trouble for this Falcons front seven. The aerial assault might not be there, but Griffin can definitely create with his feet and buy some time for his receivers to open up down field. My head says go with the Falcons, its the logical choice, but my guy says in Washington this could be an upset in the making.
Falcons 24 - Redskins 27
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Week 5 - Thursday Night Football
Cardinals (4-0) at Rams (2-2)
It's a battle of two teams that have surprised me in the first quarter of their 2012 seasons. Arizona has looked better than anyone gave them credit for, starting off with a perfect 4-0 record. Kolb has come in and caused a lot of chaos for opposing defensive coordinators with a very smooth and fluid passing attack week in and week out. The games haven't been solely resting on Larry Fitzgeralds shoulders either, which is a huge break for the Cardinals finally having the rest of their offense helping Larry out. The big shocker is the Cardinals defense. They've been holding teams to just 15.2 points per game, which is the third best in the NFL. Key turnovers and big plays have been their bread and butter, despite being 17th with yards allowed.
The Rams might not be better than everyone thought that they would be, but they are definitely better than I thought they would be. I guess I forgot that Bradford was a decent quarterback with his injury plagued body and abyssmal offensive line. Again its been their defense that has made the plays and kept them alive in the two games that they have won early on. Last week they picked off rookie Russell Wilson three times securing the 19-13 win. They may not be the most explosive team on either side of the ball, but early on they have been consistent and they could pose a threat to knocking Arizona down with their first loss.
I have to give it to Arizona. Kolb's been great since he's subbed in for Skelton. He's lead the team on some impressive drives where no one thought he was going to play a down this season. While both defenses are very good, I think Arizona's offense is just a score better.
Cardinals 20 - Rams 16
It's a battle of two teams that have surprised me in the first quarter of their 2012 seasons. Arizona has looked better than anyone gave them credit for, starting off with a perfect 4-0 record. Kolb has come in and caused a lot of chaos for opposing defensive coordinators with a very smooth and fluid passing attack week in and week out. The games haven't been solely resting on Larry Fitzgeralds shoulders either, which is a huge break for the Cardinals finally having the rest of their offense helping Larry out. The big shocker is the Cardinals defense. They've been holding teams to just 15.2 points per game, which is the third best in the NFL. Key turnovers and big plays have been their bread and butter, despite being 17th with yards allowed.
The Rams might not be better than everyone thought that they would be, but they are definitely better than I thought they would be. I guess I forgot that Bradford was a decent quarterback with his injury plagued body and abyssmal offensive line. Again its been their defense that has made the plays and kept them alive in the two games that they have won early on. Last week they picked off rookie Russell Wilson three times securing the 19-13 win. They may not be the most explosive team on either side of the ball, but early on they have been consistent and they could pose a threat to knocking Arizona down with their first loss.
I have to give it to Arizona. Kolb's been great since he's subbed in for Skelton. He's lead the team on some impressive drives where no one thought he was going to play a down this season. While both defenses are very good, I think Arizona's offense is just a score better.
Cardinals 20 - Rams 16
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