Packers at Browns (Packers) – The Browns’ struggles this season have been well-documented and for good reason. This team has 
trouble passing the ball and inconsistency running the ball. The defense isn’t too great either. Then you have the Packers. A team that many had going to the Super Bowl, including myself, the Packers have not played like a Super Bowl team up to this point. The good thing for the Pack this week is that they don’t need to play their best to win in Cleveland. I expect Rodgers to have another strong game as the Packers should cruise easily. Packers by 17.
49ers at Texans (49ers) – Following a 45-10 loss to the Falcons, the Niners had a bye week to regroup. In addition to regrouping, the Niners have promoted rookie receiver, Michael Crabtree, to a starting role. Ultimately, I think Crabtree will help them, but I don’t think he will have too big of an impact in this game. The defense, though, will step up and look to get back on the winning track against Houston. Speaking of Houston, the Texans have alternated wins and losses each week, and they are coming off of a win against the Bengals. This trend says loss for Houston, and that is what I believe to be the case. 49ers by 10.
Chargers at Chiefs (Chargers) – The Chiefs are coming off of their first victory of the season, but I don’t expect that to become a normal occurrence for this team. They are hosting the Chargers, who have underperformed this season and would love to beat up on their division rival from Kansas City. The Chargers realize that each game matters a lot because of the hole they are in, in the AFC West. They will take this game seriously, and I expect them to be in top form. Chargers by 13.
Colts at Rams (Colts) – Anyway you look at it, the Colts are going to win this game. These teams are polar opposites right now, as the Colts have the league’s biggest winning streak right now at 14 games, and the Rams have league’s biggest losing streak at 16. Peyton Manning has been looking unbelievable this season, and the Rams defense should only make him look better. If the Rams win this one, I will have a finger removed. Colts by 21.
Patriots at Bucs (Patriots) – If the Patriots were able to beat the Titans 59-0, I can only imagine what they will do to the Bucs. The Bucs are a mess in the secondary, and Tom Brady will be anxious to throw the ball all over the place. Plus, with the Bucs starting Josh Johnson, I expect a defensive scheme that will confuse the youngster. Patriots by 35.
Vikings at Steelers (Steelers) – I am feeling an upset special in this one. The Steelers are tough to beat at home, and the defending champions want to show that they are a legitimate threat to win it all again this year. What better way to show that than beating the undefeated Vikings? Roethlisberger has been throwing the ball for many yards, and Rashard Mendenhall has been relatively good in the running game. The Vikings have been very good on both sides of the ball this season, but they have escaped with a couple of victories that could have gone either way. I expect the Steelers to seize their opportunities, and I love Big Ben at the end of the game. There is nobody better down the stretch than Ben. Steelers by 4.
Bills at Panthers (Panthers) – Both teams are coming off of victories, which has been a rare occurrence for each of them. The Panthers have been worse than most people expected, but they are still better than the bad teams. I consider the Bills to be a bad team. I realize that they just beat the Jets, but I feel that the Jets gave them that game more than the Bills took it. The Bills gave up 200+ yards to Thomas Jones last week, and DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart are ready to run that ball effectively. As long as Carolina sticks to the running game and protects the ball, they should win the game. Panthers by 7.
Jets at Raiders (Jets) – This was actually a tough game for me to pick. A few weeks ago, that would not have been the case, as the Jets were soaring and the Raiders had not beaten the Eagles. However, when it comes down to it, the Jets are the better team. If Sanchez keeps the turnovers to a minimum, and they get their running game going, they should have no problem with Raiders. Even in last week’s victory against the Eagles, the Raiders did not do much offensively. Outside of a fluke 86-yard touchdown by Zach Miller, the Raiders did not move the ball too well. The Jets’ defense is one of the better defenses in the league, and they should help this team get back on the winning side. Jets by 9.
Bears at Bengals (Bengals) – This should be a good one. The Bengals are coming off of an unexpected loss to the Texans, and they are going to come out on fire. They will get Benson going early, which should set them up later for some big play action passes. Carson has been one of the best in the fourth quarter, and Jay Cutler has not. The Bears had opportunities to win against the Falcons, but Cutler and the Bears fell just short. In my opinion, Carson Palmer would have been able to pull that game out. But no worries, Palmer will be able to pull one out late this week. Bengals by 3.
Falcons at Cowboys (Falcons) – The Falcons have been one of the best teams in football despite Michael Turner’s lack of production. Matt Ryan has been a great leader for this team, and the defense has stepped up. Then you have the Cowboys. Another season in which they will seemingly squander a bunch of talent and fall short of expectations. I do not see how the ‘Boys will deal with Atlanta’s passing attack effectively. Between Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez, they will have their hands full trying to stop the Falcons. They have had problems defending guys with far less talent, so this spells trouble for that Cowboys secondary. Falcons by 7.
Saints at Dolphins (Saints) – The Saints are the real deal as they showed against the Giants. They moved the ball up and down on a good Giants defense, and it should be no different against the Fins. Chad Henne has looked good for the Dolphins, but he has not had to face a defense as good as New Orleans. They will not shut him down totally, as I respect what he has done up to this point, but he will have his least productive game against this defense. The real concern for the Saints’ D is the Wildcat. If they can keep it in check, the Dolphins stand no chance. However, teams have shown that it is nearly impossible to stop even if they know it is coming. Based on that, I feel that this game will be close, but I think the Saints have a little bit more to pull it out. Saints by 3.
Cardinals at Giants (Cardinals) – The Cardinals played well in the last 2 weeks, and they look like they will once again make a push for the playoffs this season. Now they face a Giants team that was seriously exposed against the Saints last week. Drew Brees threw the ball all over the Giants secondary, and Kurt Warner would love to follow suit. He has the weapons to do it, in Fitz, Boldin, and Breaston, but he needs protection from his o-line in order to utilize them. If they get good protection, which I think they will, they will be able to have a big game passing the ball. When the Cards click in the passing game, they can be one of the toughest teams to beat as they showed last season when they almost won the Super Bowl. Cards by 10.
Eagles at Redskins (Eagles) – Everybody knows the problems that the Redskins have had lately. They have demoted Jim Zorn from his offensive play-calling duties, and they are looking for some kind of flow. Don’t expect the Eagles to help that cause. The Eagles are coming off of an embarrassing loss to the Oakland Raiders, and they are in no mood to give handouts to a lost Redskins team. They will put the pedal to the metal from start to finish, and they will prove that last week’s loss was just a bump in the road. Eagles by 17.
Filed under: NFL Pick'em
