Last Week: 10-4
Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears
While the win against the Redskins is a nice story, don’t look for the Good Times to continue as Jay Cutler and the Bears will be “Dy-no-mite” against an impoverished roster for the Lions. Chicago 24, Lions 10.
New York Giants at Kansas City Chiefs
Along with a new coach and a mediocre roster of talent, the Chiefs play two NFC East powerhouses back to back. While this will help the Chiefs out when they play a weaker division opponent, the Giants are on track and look invincible. New York 27, Kansas City 17
Oakland Raiders at Houston Texans
The Texans lose games they should win, whether they are at home or on the road. The Raiders are mired in the middle of having their coach arrested for assault. Oakland doesn’t have the presence to look past the distraction. Houston 22, Oakland 16.
Baltimore Ravens at New England Patriots
New England looked as though they were starting to get on track against a good Atlanta team last week. Baltimore has quietly gone about their business. The lack of Jet chatter and the Matt Ryan love festival will make the Pats lose the edge they gained last week. Baltimore 13, New England 10.
Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns
Could things get worse for Cleveland? Eric Mangini is under assault in the Cleveland press, and many wonder if he will make it until Halloween, let alone week 16. Cincinnati is flying high after a huge win against division rival Pittsburgh. Cincinnati Dos Uno, Cleveland 7.
Seattle Seahawks at Indianapolis Colts
The Colts offense is a nightmare for opposing defenses, and more complicated that quantum physics. Seattle can wear any color jerseys they like, but Indy is too tough. Indianapolis 32, Seattle 10.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Washington Redskins
If the league ever contracts, Cleveland, Washington, and Detroit could become one team and still go 6-10. Washington seems to lack any sort of backbone, and is attempting to play pretty when they need to try to just win ugly. Tampa is a young team with something to prove and a decent ground game. Tampa Bay 3, Washington 0.
Tennessee Titans at Jacksonville Jaguars
The Titans seem to continue to find a way to keep losing close games. Jacksonville is celebrating a game they should have lost against the Texans. Tennessee should be able to easily overpower the Jags, but if they don’t, look for a major shakeup in the Titans roster and/or coaching staff in the next few weeks. Tennessee 14, Jacksonville 10.
St. Louis Rams at San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers showed all the heart and guts a San Francisco fan could ask for last week, and perhaps if Fred Gore had played, the outcome against the Vikes would be different. This week, it’s no Gore, no problem, as San Francisco rolls into week 4. Look for the Niners coach to push the hot buttons this week and San Fran to demolish the Rams. San Francisco 21, St. Louis 10.
Dallas Cowboys at Denver Broncos
Dallas lacks a big play offense and has an average defense, two things that won’t bode well for them in Denver. Denver 28, Dallas 20.
New York Jets at New Orleans Saints
The most interesting game of the week, the balanced Jets head to New Orleans to take on the high powered Saints. Mark Sanchez is the first NFL rookie quarterback to lead his team to a 3-0 start, but don’t look for 4-0. The Jets will not be able to handle the Saints offense well enough, and while Sanchez will play well, it won’t be enough. New Orleans 28, New York Jets 21.
Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins
The Bills should have fired Dick Jauron and hired anyone else in the offseason- Jon Gruden, Mike Shanahan, and Rex Ryan were all available. Bills fans would take Buddy Ryan at this point. With a lowly offense and a small defense, the Bills need to either hurry up and move to Toronto or fire Jauron and turn the team over. Miami’s season may have ended on the MRI screen of Chad Pennington’s doctors. While Bill Parcells builds great defenses and offensive lines, quarterback has been his weak spot, and it will show up here. Direct from the “Oh No, He Didn’t” file, Buffalo 11, Miami 9.
San Diego Chargers at Pittsburgh Steelers
The Chargers are another team that seems to find ways to underachieve in big games. The Steelers have found their ground game, but San Diego should get LaDanian Tomlinson back this week. This game should come down to quarterback play, and the question is whether the Chargers have enough to pressure Big Ben into some bad decisions. San Diego’s defense doesn’t cut the mustard in the pressure category, as only the Texans have fewer sacks in the AFC. Pittsburgh 25, San Diego 20.
Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings
Despite the story lines, this game should be fairly one sided. The Minnesota fans should be crazed and Super Bowl hungry already. Look for Adrian Peterson to be the difference. Minnesota 17, Green Bay 15.
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