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Texans at Bengals (Bengals) – After beating teams like the Packers, Steelers, and Ravens, the Bengals are indeed a legitimate team in  this league. This week they have a game against the league’s benchmark team, the Houston Texans. Although I expect the Bengals to win this game, I do not think that they will blow them out. I think it will be a tight game throughout, as the Bengals have won their last 3 games by 3 points each. The Bengals seem to like to pull games out at the end, and I am not sure how long that style of winning can hold up. For now, I think that they could pull it out this week against Houston. Bengals by 3.

Lions at Packers (Packers) – The Packers are coming off of a bye week, and they should be more than ready for the Detroit Lions. Aaron Rodgers should have a big game at home, and the Lions will struggle trying to keep the Pack out of the endzone. Additionally, if Stafford plays in this one, I see him having a hard time against Green Bay’s solid secondary. Expect C-Wood to have a pick in this one. Packers by 17.

Rams at Jaguars (Jaguars) – The mess of a franchise that is the St. Louis Rams heads to Jacksonville to take on an inconsistent Jaguars team. In this young season, the Jaguars have shown the ability to produce a blowout, and they have also shown the ability to get blown out. This week I expect a blowout for the team in teal. The Rams have truly been anemic on offense, and the defense hasn’t been too good either. Until the Rams prove that they can win a game, I will continue to pick against them. Jags by 21.

Ravens at Vikings (Vikings) – This should be an interesting game. The Ravens are coming off of 2 close losses, and the Vikings are still undefeated. In contrast to seasons past, the Ravens’ offense seems to be their strong suit, and their defense is having problems stopping teams. Cedric Benson just had a 100+ yard game against this defense, and it should not be any easier against Minnesota’s Adrian Peterson. The Ravens will be able to score, but the Vikings should be able to score a little bit more. Vikings by 7.

Giants at Saints (Saints) – Both teams are undefeated up to this point, and it should be a wonderful game. It will be the biggest test of the season for each team, as they have taken care of their weaker competition. The Giants have shown that they are capable of throwing the ball without much trouble, but they have not faced a defense as good as New Orleans. This defense has looked very good up to this point, and there will be no freebies for Eli and the G-men. Also, Drew Brees and the Saints are coming off of a bye week, and I think that could only help them. Brees is a real student of the game, and I don’t see him having that hard of a time against the Giants secondary. The Giants lost Kenny Phillips in week 2, and they have not been tested against a good quarterback since then. Here is where I see that loss hurting a team like New York. When you face the better teams, they will expose your weaknesses. Giants be careful. Saints by 10.

Browns at Steelers (Steelers) – The Steelers are not yet at Super Bowl form, but they are still a lot better than most teams. That would include the Cleveland Browns. The Browns are coming off of a game in which they completed 2 passes and won. If they do anything like that against Pittsburgh, expect a huge blowout for the black and gold. However, being that the Browns are coming off of a victory, I think they will come out more fired up than they have been all year. Plus, going against a rival in the Steelers, their performance will be top notch. Unfortunately, the Browns in top form is probably still going to fall short against the Steelers. Steelers by 9.

Panthers at Bucs (Panthers) – Mediocrity Bowl here we come! The Panthers and Bucs were both teams fighting for the NFC South crown for most of last season, but this season seems like the total opposite. These teams have a combined 1 win between them, and they are looking for answers. Right now, I think the Bucs are slightly worse than the Panthers. They have inserted young Josh Johnson at quarterback, who has not been terrible, but you can’t expect to win many games with him right now. Also, with one of the weakest secondaries in all of football, Steve Smith is licking his chops. If Delhomme has any chance of getting his confidence back, it would be against this team. Panthers by 13.

Chiefs at Redskins (Redskins) – Here is another game between 2 awful teams. The Chiefs are still winless, and the Redskins have been a huge disappointment at 2-3 against a weak schedule. Both teams should be able to have decent offensive games in this one, but I see the Redskins having a slight edge defensively. They have some big names on defense, and they should be able to step up in a game like this. If anybody has a big game, it should be burner Santana Moss. ‘Skins by 3.

Eagles at Raiders (Eagles) – I think this game will be a blood bath. JaMarcus Russell’s numbers have been funnier than Larry David, and the Eagles have shown the ability to make bad quarterbacks look as bad as they can. There will be pressure on Russell all day long, and he will turn the ball over more than once. The Eagles are getting healthier as the weeks progress, and the Raiders have nobody to stop this potentially potent offense. Eagles by 31.

Cardinals at Seahawks (Seahawks) – The Cardinals are coming off of an inspirational win against the Texans, and they should be excited to play this week. However, the Seattle Seahawks are at home, and they have Matt Hasselbeck back in full form. He just had a 4 TD performance against the Jags, and he is looking for a repeat. This should be a back and forth battle, and there should be about 65 points scored by these teams combined. Seahawks by 3.

Titans at Patriots (Patriots) – I cannot believe that I am saying this, but the Titans will be 0-6 by the time this game is over. The Patriots are not in the mood for a close battle with an 0-5 team, and I would expect Belichick to pull out all the stops in this one. Brady has been somewhat off up to this point, but this game should help him out. He is facing a Titans team that is starting 2 rookie cornerbacks, which should boost Brady’s confidence and numbers. It is going to be another long game for last year’s best regular season team. Patriots by 24.

Bills at Jets (Jets) – The Bills have been inexcusably awful this season, and the Jets are coming off of 2 straight losses. What better way to get back on the winning side if you’re the Jets? The Bills have shown that their offense is suspect, and the Jets defense should only make it seem worse. Sanchez was able to find his new receiver Braylon Edwards 5 times in his first game, and they should only improve their rapport as time goes on. Jets by 14.

Bears at Falcons (Falcons) – This should be one of the best games of the weekend. The Bears have been clicking following their week 1 loss to the Packers, and the Falcons are coming off of an impressive blowout win against the 49ers. These teams are pretty evenly matched, and I can see it going either way. I think the difference will be the young Atlanta defense. They have been playing really well thus far, and they can turn the tide in a close game. Plus, I feel like Matt Ryan will flourish in a Sunday night game and put up a great statline. Falcons by 4.

Broncos at Chargers (Broncos) – Coming off of a huge win against the New England Patriots, the Broncos are a perfect 5-0. They take that perfect record into San Diego where they will face the Chargers. The Broncos have been superb on defense, but they should be facing their toughest test in the Chargers. Philip Rivers is one of the league’s elite passers, and the combination of Darren Sproles and LT is always a tough task for a defense. However, I feel that the Broncos are up for the challenge. They have been questioned all year about legitimacy, and there is no better way to prove themselves than on Monday Night Football. They are going to play inspired football, as they want to show the world just how good they really are. Broncos by 10.

Filed under: NFL Pick'em