Last week's predictions were woefully inept. That is not due to poor prognostication however, just stepped up play by some teams and poor play by others. This week, there are just winners and losers, no final score will be projected.
Early NFL Games
Baltimore and Cincinnati renew an old in-state rivalry. In the spirit of the throwback games, the old Cleveland Browns (Ravens) square off against their former Ohio rivals, the Cincinnati Bengals. Both teams have stepped up their play. Carson Palmer at home should be able to find the end zone a lot this week. Look for a big game from the Bengals, and a win.
An important AFC South match up pits the Houston Texans against the still undefeated Indianapolis Colts. It will be tough for the Texans though, the Colts have beat them 13 of the last 14 meetings. If the Texans, who have won three in a row, can win another it not only knocks the Colts down a peg, it may help in any tie breakers toward the end of the season. The Colts however will not let that happen, Indy will win in another nail biter.
Falcons over the Redskins
The last meeting between these two teams was an instant Monday Night Football classic and lead to Denny Green's famous "They are who we thought they were" post-game rant. The Cardinals let the Bears off the hook by giving up two defensive touchdowns and then kicking the ball right to Devin Hester for a return touchdown. This year, both teams are struggling. Although Arizona traveled well against the Giants, they typically lose when they go east. The Bears should be able to pull out another one, but maybe not as dramatically.
Jacksonville over the Titans
The battle of the Bays, Green Bay at Tampa Bay is one of those obscure but fun-to-watch rivalries. Making it even better are the creamsicle jerseys the Bucs will be wearing, reminiscent of their record-setting losing season. The struggling Buccaneers will start their rookie quarterback, Josh Freeman in hopes of turning their dismal 0-7 start around. It will be tough however for the young QB to start against the Packers tough secondary. Rookie mistakes and veteran play on the other side will make this a lopsided Packers victory.
In another division game, the reigning AFC East champs host the New England Patriots. The Dolphins need a win to knock the Patriots down a peg and move themselves up in the standings. Many people are wondering where the Wildcat has gone in the past few weeks. A return to what "brung you to the dance" is likely in order. After sitting out a week, New England should be ready to score early and often at home, too much for Miami to overcome.
Afternoon NFL Games
In the final week last year, the Carolina Panthers beat the New Orleans Saints 33-31 and hope to repeat their performance in order to keep up in the division. Drew Brees and New Orleans look to remain unbeaten. The last few weeks have been closer games than they want with the offense at times sputtering. The Saints defense may be the key to a win in the Superdome as they put the pressure on Jake Delhomme, forcing even more turnovers. Saints should win, but it may be another close game.
Seattle over Detroit
San Fransisco over Tennessee
The Giants cannot afford another loss if they want to keep up with the winner of the Sunday Night Football game. They have virtually self destructed the last three games. Fortunately, they are hosting the game which requires San Diego to travel across the country for a late game. If one of the defenses stands up, they should be able to shut down the opposing offense and come away with the win. The Giants should win this one, but it will be very close, maybe even going to overtime.
Sunday Night Football
After a week off to graciously allow more people to ignore the World Series, the NFL returns to Sunday night in an important NFC East match-up. Dallas is looking for revenge of its humiliating beat down from Philly, which ended their chances at a playoff berth. The winner of this game will sit atop the division with a potential tie breaker in their pocket. Although home field advantage is not always a plus for the Eagles, they should be able to pressure Tony Romo into another mistake-laden game.
Monday Night Football
The biggest game of the week pits the once defeated Denver Broncos against the always tough Pittsburgh Steelers. Denver hopes to avoid back-to-back losses and rebound from last week's loss to Baltimore. If they can beat the Steelers, the sports pundits will view their undefeated run as more than a fluke. Denver's tough defense will benefit by playing at home. If they can keep Rothlesberger out of the end-zone early, they should win this game. Expect an exciting game with the Broncos winning in the final minutes.
Byes
Bills, Browns, Vikings, Jets, Raiders, Rams
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