- Washington at Dallas: This is an ancient rivalry that holds much hatred. Fortunately I was able to attend one of these games in Washington a few years back. Let me tell you, you could just feel the unbelieveable emotion in the air. The Skins massacred the Cowboys thats day 35-0. I don't believe we'll see the same outcome or a blowout for that matter. I feel like the Redskins defense is the wild card in this game. If their D plays strong, forces Tony Romo into turnovers it could spell upset for DC. But it seems like a longshot and the Cowboys will use that ugly loss last week at GB to come out victorious. Dallas by 7.
- Steelers in KC: Pitt lost a close game at home last week. Let's rephrase that. The Steelers lost a close game to the Bengals and no longer control their own destiny when it comes to winning the division. Very interesting turn of events in the AFC North. I look for Pitt to come out angry and fired up, beating the Chiefs in an ugly game thats over at halftime. Pitt by 17.
- Browns vs. Lions: I don't care to waste much time on this game. The Browns are an embarrassement to the NFL. The Lions are improving and like them to win by 10.
- Seattle at Minnesota: On paper it looks like a mismatch. Vikings only have 1 loss coming into the game. The Seahawks do have a veteran quarterback and the Minnesota secondary is banged up. Ultimately I see the Vikes winning but it could be closer than many think. Minn by 4.
- 49ers at Green Bay: Both teams are coming off huge, season-saving wins. Niners coaxed Jay Cutler into 5 picks last week and Packers held Tony Romo and Dallas to a dismal day on offense. Both defenses are hot and believe this trend will continue. Expect the intensity and focus of Mike Singletary to be the difference here. SF over GB, 14-10.
- Atlanta visiting NY Giants: The bye week couldn't have come at a better time for the Giants. They are limping after their 5-0 start, having lost four straight games. At 5-4 we are no longer talking about this team being one of the best in the league, rather will they make the playoffs. The Falcons have lost three of their last four games, more importantly lost their beast of a running back Michael Turner to a high ankle sprain in Carolina last week. Both teams 5-4, not quite a must win game however there will definitely be a playoff-like, desperate atmosphere today. This one will come down to the wire, and if Turner was healthy I would definitely go with ATL. But I'm gonna go with my gut on this, Giants 28 Falcons 26.
- Buffalo at Jacksonville: Can the Jags build on last week's huge win at NY over the Jets? How will the Bills react to their head coach being fired this past week? Both teams are a disappointment this year. At the very least, the Jaguars have been trying to put things together over the last few weeks. Buffalo is a mess and I don't see things getting any better anytime soon. Jax by 10.
- Colts at Baltimore: We want to think this will be a close game. We want to believe the Colts will get their first loss of the year. Indy is still basking in the glory of their last second upset of New England (yes you read that correctly, last week's win over the Pats was definitely n upset because NE outplayed them for 98% of the game, don't get me started). The issue for the Ravens is their defense. Their offense has put up big numbers this year, however, their D is starting to show its age. They can't get off the field like they used to and more importantly they aren't coming up with the big turnovers to produce great field position or quick points. I see Indy winning by 13, unfortunately.
- Saints at Bucs: This one's over at halftime. Final score: 45-17.
- Cincy at Oakland: This one has letdown game written all over it. The Bengals are coming off their biggest win of the season, at Pitt. They are in the drivers seat for their division title and a possibe #2 seed in the playoffs. No way they lose to the Raiders right?? Well, the Raiders are changing quarterbacks and have upset teams that have come in unprepared this season (ask the Eagles). I do see Marvin Lewis showing tape of that game to his team to shock the hell outta them and make sure they don't take anything for granted. Bengals by 14.
- Cardinals at St. Louis: Looks like a blowout on paper, but everytime you think you have Arizona figured out they throw a curve ball. They are the most unpredictable team in the league. The most impressive stat about the Cards? They are 4-0 on the road. This game is on the road. The Rams only have Steven Jackson as far as offense is concerned and their D is a few years away. Arizona 35, Rams 21.
- SD at Denver: Wow, the Broncos 6-0 start seems forever ago, as does their rout over the Chargers a few weeks ago on MNF. Now both teams are 6-3 and this game will determine first place in the AFC West. Denver will likely be without starting QB Kyle Orton, forcing them to turn to Chris Simms. Advantage San Diego. The Chargers came out of the gate slow, as always, but now appear to be firing on all cylinders. I like SD to keep rolling and Denver to keep reeling. Chargers by 7.
- NY Jets vs. Patriots: The rivals collide once again Foxboro. For the Patriots, a chance to payback the team that held them without a TD in week 2. And for the Jets, an opportunity to turn the ship in the right direction. NY started off 3-0 and were the talk of the land as the new up and coming team. Not soooo fast my friend. They've lost 5 out of 6 games and are falling apart faster than USC's defense. So many storylines for this game. Last time the week before they played, multiple Jets players said to the media - "We don't want to just beat them, we want to embarrass them." Yep, sounds like a typical NY sports player. However, only problem was, they did just that. Holding the Pats to zero points in the 2nd half and blitzing Brady more than a female in Victoria's Secret on Black Friday. But that game was 9 weeks ago. Much has changed with both teams. The Jets have lost Kris Jenkins for the season. The Patriots have Wes Welker back and active for this game. Brady is starting to look like the Brady of old. After heartbreaking losses for each team last week, each wants to forget about last Sunday and get back on the winning track. I can't see the Jets keeping up with NE in this game. They won't be able to defense the Pats offense with a healthy Welker and Brady throwing with extreme accuracy. Mark Sanchez looks terrible these days and is showing everyone why rookies should spend their first season on the bench and not on the field leading the league in turnovers. Patriots win this one going away in the 2nd half, 38-17.
- Eagles at Chicago: Desperation is setting in for both teams. Cutler gave the game away last week in SF. All of sudden Chicago must be thinking life with Kyle Orton wasn't this bad, was it? The Eagles lost in San Diego and now are tied with the Giants in the standings. Philly will be without Brian Westbrook but I don't see that hurting them. Their rookie running back McCoy is something special. Combine that with the Eagles two young outstanding receivers and a banged up Bears D, I see Philadelphia coming thru with a huge win and leaving Chicago worrying about making the playoffs. Eagles by 13.
- Monday Night Football - Tenn at Houston: The Titans made Vince Young their starter, stopped their six game losing streak and now have won 3 in a row. Some of their players are talking playoffs although that seems a bit far fetched. The Texans at 5-4, desperately need a win to keep up with the very competitive bunch in the AFC. If Houston wants to go to the postseason this is a must win. QB Matt Schaub is quietly having a great year and Andre Johnson is a monster. Although the Titans are playing with a renewed sense of urgency I believe they come up a little bit short. Texans 35, Titans 31.
Parting thoughts: If the Patriots do not beat the Jets by at least 20 points I will be terribly disappointed. We can only pray that Brady and the offense put all the pieces together and score TDs at will, forcing the Jet's coach Rex Ryan into another postgame crying session. GO PATS!
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