Carolina Panthers 31-20 Oakland Raiders
The Panthers have won three out of their last four games, including a big win at Atlanta. They have a potent run game that averages 122 yards per game. They can also pass the ball with Cam Newton under center. The Raiders have lost three of their last four with their only win coming against Kansas City. I take the Panthers in this one.
The Panthers have won three out of their last four games, including a big win at Atlanta. They have a potent run game that averages 122 yards per game. They can also pass the ball with Cam Newton under center. The Raiders have lost three of their last four with their only win coming against Kansas City. I take the Panthers in this one.
New Orleans Saints 33-27 Dallas Cowboys
The Saints are 1-3 in their last four. However, those three losses came against the 49ers, Falcons, and Giants (when they were hot). Their single win came last week in a 41-0 blowout against the Buccaneers. I think the Saints have some momentum and that their offense is firing on all cylinders. The Cowboys can be very good with Tony Romo, DeMarco Murray, Dez Bryant, and Jason Witten on offense. However they are streaky, and their last three wins came in their last three games with slim margins of victory - winning by five, one, and three in that order against the Eagles, Bengals, and Steelers. I feel the Cowboys will drop this to fall behind the Redskins in the NFC East division race.
The Saints are 1-3 in their last four. However, those three losses came against the 49ers, Falcons, and Giants (when they were hot). Their single win came last week in a 41-0 blowout against the Buccaneers. I think the Saints have some momentum and that their offense is firing on all cylinders. The Cowboys can be very good with Tony Romo, DeMarco Murray, Dez Bryant, and Jason Witten on offense. However they are streaky, and their last three wins came in their last three games with slim margins of victory - winning by five, one, and three in that order against the Eagles, Bengals, and Steelers. I feel the Cowboys will drop this to fall behind the Redskins in the NFC East division race.
Green Bay Packers 30-13 Tennessee Titans
After the debacle known as Monday Night Football last week, the Titans have no chance in this one. The Packers are 10-4 and have Aaron Rodgers on their side. The Titans are tying to get second year QB Jake Locker reps and I don't think he'll be leading the Titans to victory over Green Bay today.
After the debacle known as Monday Night Football last week, the Titans have no chance in this one. The Packers are 10-4 and have Aaron Rodgers on their side. The Titans are tying to get second year QB Jake Locker reps and I don't think he'll be leading the Titans to victory over Green Bay today.
Houston Texans 28-21 Minnesota Vikings
This is a clash of two great running teams with arguably the best two running backs in the league: Adrian Peterson and Arian Foster. While I expect Peterson to have another big day and take a chunk out of the 294 rushing yards he needs to break the NFL's single season rushing record, I think his team around him is too weak to overcome the Texans. The Texans' offense has a strong run and pass game while the Vikings are literally carried by Peterson. Peterson may get a lot of yards, but most likely he will not score enough points against a tough Houston team.
This is a clash of two great running teams with arguably the best two running backs in the league: Adrian Peterson and Arian Foster. While I expect Peterson to have another big day and take a chunk out of the 294 rushing yards he needs to break the NFL's single season rushing record, I think his team around him is too weak to overcome the Texans. The Texans' offense has a strong run and pass game while the Vikings are literally carried by Peterson. Peterson may get a lot of yards, but most likely he will not score enough points against a tough Houston team.
New England Patriots 45-10 Jacksonville Jaguars
Ok, this one is a no-brainer. Tom Brady and his plethora of offensive weapons, against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Let me remind you this is a team without Maurice Jones-Drew due to injury, they traded up in the 2011 NFL draft for Blaine Gabbert, AND now it's rumored they want to acquire Tim Tebow. Yup, that's a winning football team right there. Patriots over Jags by a lot is my prediction. Plus, New England won't lose two games in a row and they looked impressive making a 28 point comeback against the 49ers last week.
Ok, this one is a no-brainer. Tom Brady and his plethora of offensive weapons, against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Let me remind you this is a team without Maurice Jones-Drew due to injury, they traded up in the 2011 NFL draft for Blaine Gabbert, AND now it's rumored they want to acquire Tim Tebow. Yup, that's a winning football team right there. Patriots over Jags by a lot is my prediction. Plus, New England won't lose two games in a row and they looked impressive making a 28 point comeback against the 49ers last week.
Indianapolis Colts 28-14 Kansas City
The Colts are looking to secure their 10th win of the season and a playoff spot. The Chiefs on the other hand want to win their third game of the year. With Andrew Luck at quarterback and a surprisingly good Colts team, I don't think the lowly Chiefs will be much of an obstacle. The only thing the Chiefs have going for them now is Jamaal Charles. Also, look for Luck to eclipse 4,000 passing yards today.
The Colts are looking to secure their 10th win of the season and a playoff spot. The Chiefs on the other hand want to win their third game of the year. With Andrew Luck at quarterback and a surprisingly good Colts team, I don't think the lowly Chiefs will be much of an obstacle. The only thing the Chiefs have going for them now is Jamaal Charles. Also, look for Luck to eclipse 4,000 passing yards today.
Miami Dolphins 24-13 Buffalo Bills
The first thing that stood out to me when looking at each teams stats was that the Bills average three more points per game than the Dolphins: 21.9 to 18.9. But then I looked at how many points each team allows per game and it all made more sense. Bills allow 28.7 to Miami's 19.9. Yikes. The Dolphins have Tannehill at QB and overall not too shabby of a football team defensively and in the run game. Bills on the other hand are frustrated with QB Ryan Fitzpatrick. Their only bright spots right now seem to be RB C.J. Spiller and TE Scott Chandler, yes, I said Scott Chandler. Look for the Bills to help themselves get a higher draft pick in this one.
The first thing that stood out to me when looking at each teams stats was that the Bills average three more points per game than the Dolphins: 21.9 to 18.9. But then I looked at how many points each team allows per game and it all made more sense. Bills allow 28.7 to Miami's 19.9. Yikes. The Dolphins have Tannehill at QB and overall not too shabby of a football team defensively and in the run game. Bills on the other hand are frustrated with QB Ryan Fitzpatrick. Their only bright spots right now seem to be RB C.J. Spiller and TE Scott Chandler, yes, I said Scott Chandler. Look for the Bills to help themselves get a higher draft pick in this one.
San Diego Chargers 31-10 New York Jets
As said by one of the Monday Night Football analysts, the New York Jets had played their franchise's worst offensive game ever. Wow. The sad part is that it's true. The Jets couldn't do anything right. Mark Sanchez has lost all confidence he has ever had in himself and this week Greg McElroy will be starting at quarterback for the Jets. San Diego has had just as an abysmal season at 5-9. I'll take the Chargers because they have Philip Rivers. The Jets can't be trusted.
As said by one of the Monday Night Football analysts, the New York Jets had played their franchise's worst offensive game ever. Wow. The sad part is that it's true. The Jets couldn't do anything right. Mark Sanchez has lost all confidence he has ever had in himself and this week Greg McElroy will be starting at quarterback for the Jets. San Diego has had just as an abysmal season at 5-9. I'll take the Chargers because they have Philip Rivers. The Jets can't be trusted.
Washington Redskins 32-17 Philadelphia Eagles
Alright, Redskins need to win this to stay atop the NFC East, and the Eagles need to lose to get a higher draft pick. I am personally hoping for two positive to come out of this one. RGIII is back this week. Kirk Cousins is very good, but RGIII is better. With his passing and added running threat paired with rookie surprise running back Alfred Morris, I expect the Eagles defense to have tough time in this game. Rookie QB Nick Foles has been playing well and LeSean McCoy is back, but the Redskins are too good and have the momentum behind them.
Alright, Redskins need to win this to stay atop the NFC East, and the Eagles need to lose to get a higher draft pick. I am personally hoping for two positive to come out of this one. RGIII is back this week. Kirk Cousins is very good, but RGIII is better. With his passing and added running threat paired with rookie surprise running back Alfred Morris, I expect the Eagles defense to have tough time in this game. Rookie QB Nick Foles has been playing well and LeSean McCoy is back, but the Redskins are too good and have the momentum behind them.
Cincinnati Bengals 27-20 Pittsburgh Steelers
The Bengals are looking to clinch a playoff spot today with a win while the Steelers need a win to keep their playoff hopes alive. The Steelers have been pretty disappointing this season and I think they'll disappoint again today. The Bengals are lead by talented youngsters Andy Dalton (QB) and A.J. Green (WR). They have a nice passing game complimented by a surprisingly good run game. BenJarvus Green-Ellis has over 1,000 rushing yards this season and six rushing touchdowns. I think it is time for the Bengals to show the league that they can contend in the AFC North with a win over the Steelers.
The Bengals are looking to clinch a playoff spot today with a win while the Steelers need a win to keep their playoff hopes alive. The Steelers have been pretty disappointing this season and I think they'll disappoint again today. The Bengals are lead by talented youngsters Andy Dalton (QB) and A.J. Green (WR). They have a nice passing game complimented by a surprisingly good run game. BenJarvus Green-Ellis has over 1,000 rushing yards this season and six rushing touchdowns. I think it is time for the Bengals to show the league that they can contend in the AFC North with a win over the Steelers.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23- 16 St. Louis Rams
6-8 Buccs vs. the 6-7-1 Rams. The Rams have held some tough teams to draws or losses (the 49ers) this year and the Buccs are a team that can be really good or really bad. I like Tampa Bay in this one because of QB Josh Freeman, rookie RB Doug "The Muscle Hamster" Martin, and Freeman's passing targets; WR Vincent Jackson and veteran TE Dallas Clark. This game is also in Tampa Bay.
6-8 Buccs vs. the 6-7-1 Rams. The Rams have held some tough teams to draws or losses (the 49ers) this year and the Buccs are a team that can be really good or really bad. I like Tampa Bay in this one because of QB Josh Freeman, rookie RB Doug "The Muscle Hamster" Martin, and Freeman's passing targets; WR Vincent Jackson and veteran TE Dallas Clark. This game is also in Tampa Bay.
Denver Broncos 35-14 Cleveland Browns
Peyton Manning. Enough said. Manning has helped the Denver franchise have the amazing season that they have had this year. With him on your side, it's hard to lose. Plus, Denver's defense has been stellar this year. The Browns have some good young pieces in place on both sides of the ball, but this is Denver's game.
Peyton Manning. Enough said. Manning has helped the Denver franchise have the amazing season that they have had this year. With him on your side, it's hard to lose. Plus, Denver's defense has been stellar this year. The Browns have some good young pieces in place on both sides of the ball, but this is Denver's game.
Chicago Bears 24-14 Arizona Cardinals
The Bears should win this game. However, they've been really shaky as of late and the Cardinals upset, if you could call it that, the Lions last week and messed up my prediction. They Bears have QB Jay Cutler, WR Brandon Marshall, and a very strong defense. Most importantly, the Cardinals don't have a quarterback. I will take the Bears hoping that Cardinals don't mess up my pick again.
The Bears should win this game. However, they've been really shaky as of late and the Cardinals upset, if you could call it that, the Lions last week and messed up my prediction. They Bears have QB Jay Cutler, WR Brandon Marshall, and a very strong defense. Most importantly, the Cardinals don't have a quarterback. I will take the Bears hoping that Cardinals don't mess up my pick again.
Baltimore Ravens 28-24 New York Giants
Another game that will comply with the Washington Redskins making the playoffs by winning the NFC East. The Ravens are on a three game skid and are looking to clinch the AFC North with a victory. The Giants are coming off a 34-0 blowout versus the Atlanta Falcons. For once, I hope and think the Giants will not be able to "turn it on" at the end of the season and that this one will go to the Ravens. The Ravens have a strong defense and a good offense. Hopefully they play like it today.
Another game that will comply with the Washington Redskins making the playoffs by winning the NFC East. The Ravens are on a three game skid and are looking to clinch the AFC North with a victory. The Giants are coming off a 34-0 blowout versus the Atlanta Falcons. For once, I hope and think the Giants will not be able to "turn it on" at the end of the season and that this one will go to the Ravens. The Ravens have a strong defense and a good offense. Hopefully they play like it today.
San Francisco 49ers 35-32 Seattle Seahawks
This will be a great matchup. Two great defenses, similar young dual threat quarterbacks, and two strong run games will square off on Sunday Night Football. Both quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Colin Kaepernick will have good games, and it will be interesting to see running backs Marshawn Lynch and Frank Gore try to run against two top defenses. I think the Seahawks won't be able to put up a ton of points against the 49ers and I can't underestimate San Francisco after their impressive win against New England last week on the same stage. I take the 49ers as I think they are more experienced and are the better team.
This will be a great matchup. Two great defenses, similar young dual threat quarterbacks, and two strong run games will square off on Sunday Night Football. Both quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Colin Kaepernick will have good games, and it will be interesting to see running backs Marshawn Lynch and Frank Gore try to run against two top defenses. I think the Seahawks won't be able to put up a ton of points against the 49ers and I can't underestimate San Francisco after their impressive win against New England last week on the same stage. I take the 49ers as I think they are more experienced and are the better team.