This past week the only team to lose in the NFC West was the Rams who were blown out by the Steelers big time. Seattle won easily against a rather poor Ravens team. The 49ers upset the Bucs in San Francisco, which in my opinin, isn't that big of an upset and Arizona derailed the Falcons in overtime after blowing a 13-point lead in the fourth quarter.
Last week the Green Bay Packers were humiliated by the Bears in Chicago. If you remember I almost picked the Bears to upset the Packers but changed my mind at the last minute. The Bills stayed with the Giants and lead going into the 4th quarter, but too many mistakes cost the Bill at the end. I thought the 49ers/Bucs game would be close and it was, but in favor of the 49ers. For the week I was a very respectable 12-4 and for the year I am 144-75.
My picks for week 17 are:
Note: Before I make my picks please remember most playoff teams will rest their players, some early on and some later, so this week's picks are the most difficult of the season for that reason. The two toughest weeks to pick winners are the first and the last, in fact because of that reason I skipped the first week of the season completely.
SATURDAY - NEW ENGLAND OVER THE NEW YORK GIANTS
The question here is whether the Patriots will rest their front line players or will they go for the record? I think they will play their front line players at least until the game is in hand. Maybe deep into the third quarter. Don't let the hype fool you, Belichick and all the players want all the records, Pats will win on the road 28-17 to complete an undefeated season.
SEATTLE OVER ATLANTA
This is a meaningless game for the Seahawks and knowing Holmgren 'let them off the hook' style, I dread this game with a passion. Holmgren teams play down to the the level of the bad teams and Atlanta is a bad team. But look for the Hawks to exploit the mistakes of the Falcons and squeak out a win, lets say 21-13.
GREEN BAY OVER DETROIT
Detroit was just barely able to beat a bad Kansas City team last week while the Packers were humiliated by a suspect Bears team. You may think the Packers would have the advantage playing in Green Bay with winter well set in, but last weeks lost in Chicago was also wintery weather and they still lost and lost badly. But look for home heating and home cooking to be in the Packers favor and they win 24-10.
CINCINNATI OVER MIAMI
No, the Dolphins will not finish the season with their second win. Cincinnati willl squeak out the win in Miami 24-20.
CHICAGO OVER NEW ORLEANS
The Saints will go into cold, windy and unfriendly Chicago and leave the windy city with a bad taste and a disappointing season as the Bears will win in a low scoring battle of frozen football players and fans. Bears 17-14. The forecast? 30 degrees and snow which doesn't favor the warm weather Saints.
JACKSONVILLE OVER HOUSTON
Houston plays well at home, but the Jaguars want to go into the playoffs with momentum and will not rest any of their players until the game is well in hand. Jags 27-19.
PHILADELPHIA OVER BUFFALO
This may be the last game for McNabb in Philadelphia and again it may not. If Donovan can have an impressive game he will most likely be back. Wins have a way of shutting up critics and win the Eagles will, 24-20.
TAMPA BAY OVER CAROLINA
Here's news for you, the Vegas odds makers have the Panthers a three point favorite. TB will not rest their players for the playoffs. They are not good enough to be able to rest anyone as shown by losing two of the last three, and both loses to bottom feeders. But the Bucs are at home where they play fairly well and will win over another, well maybe not a bottom feeder, but a poor team for sure 17-14.
CLEVELAND OVER SAN FRANCISCO
The Browns are fighting for their playoff lives, and can't afford to rest their front line players against a surging 49ers. Playing at home they will win 24-17.
WASHINGTON OVER DALLAS
I think the Dallas Cowboys will rest some of their players and the Redskins will take advantage as they still have a chance for the playoffs if they win. In fact if they win they are in the playoffs. Washington wins in a mild upset at home, 21-20.
PITTSBURGH OVER BALTIMORE
The once proud Ravens are a team in disarray and the Steelers will pounce on them. Look for coaching changes in Baltimore before next season. Steelers win easily 24-13.
SAN DIEGO OVER OAKLAND
The Chargers are anotheer team who may rest some of their players, but against the Raiders it won't make much difference. San Diego will win in Oakland, 21-17.
MINNESOTA OVER DENVER
Look for a possibe coaching change in the Mile High city next year. Whether it is through retirement or firing, it will happen. Fans in Denver are used to winning and that is not happening as Denver has suffered though the worst drought in recent memory and Minnesota is still alive, if Washington loses and they pull out a win. The Vikings win in Denver but close, 24-10.
ARIZONA OVER ST LOUIS
Arizona and St Louis? The only thing this game will accomplish is if the Rams lose they will get a higher draft pick. The Rams will lose and get their higher draft pick. Cardinals win at home, 24-17.
NEW YORK JETS OVER KANSAS CITY
Come on sports fans, who care who wins between these two teams? The 3-12 Jets will beat the 4-11 Chiefs in the rain/snow of New Jersey, 19-14.
SNF - INDIANAPOLIS OVER TENNESSEE
Manning verus Young, Manning wins hands down. Also the Colts win hands down 34-17.
Back to business as usual for the Western division of the NFC as three of the teams went down to defeat and none of the three games were even close. The San Francisco 49ers continue their downward spiral and is destined to remain in the cellar in the division for the remainder of the season. A Meaningless touchdown in the second half was all the offense the 49ers could muster and what little they did show was offset by five turnover. Defensively the 49ers became one of the few teams able to shut down Adrian Perterson, but with another quarterback biting the dust, it seemed to me the 49ers were basically just going thru the motions. I hope the New England Patriots like the high first round pick received from the 49ers. The lost of that pick will hurt the 49ers more than it will help the Patriots which doesn't really need more help.
The Seattle Seahawks ripped the Arizona Cardinals and won out right the NFC West title. The Hawks showed their dominance over the Cardinals from the first quarter on by jumping off to a 24-0 lead before Arizona scored just before half. Five picks by Seattle, three by Trufant, was the downfall of Warner and the Cardinals. Again the special teams play shows the only weakness in the Seattle game at this time.
The Rams should have won this game but couldn't sustain any drives until the third quarter when they scored their lone touchdown. The Rams could only muster 10 first downs against a suspect Bengal's team.
I missed my upset of the week when San Diego pulled out the win in Tennessee by beating the Titans in overtime. Tampa Bay losing to Houston was a mild upset and was a set back for the Bucs who were hoping to clinch their divisional title. A surprise in Philadelphia as the Giants came away with the win, and what was really surprising was no interceptions by either quarterback. For the week I was 12-4 and for the year I'm standing at 122-65.
My picks for week 15 are as follows:
THURSDAY - HOUSTON OVER DENVER
Houston at home has played their best football as shown by last weeks upset of Tampa Bay. The Denver Broncos are a hard team to figure, up one week and down the next, but this week will be a down week as the Texans win 24-20 at home.
SATURDAY - CINCINNATI OVER SAN FRANCISCO
Cincinnati is my pick for not meeting the preseason expectation hype, but they are playing the 49ers who have lost another quarterback to injury. The 49ers just have not been able to muster an offense this season with any quarterback and it shows by their scoring only 13 points a game, lowest in the NFL. Thats 332 points less than New England. Bengal's to bounce the 49ers 31-13.
SUNDAY'S GAMES
TENNESSEE OVER KANSAS CITY
Kansas City's offensive woes continue without a running back of any caliber, 17 rushes for 16 yards as displayed in last weeks game is not going to win many games in this league. Nor is seven first downs, Tennessee's defense will stifle the Chief's for a 28-10 win.
BALTIMORE OVER MIAMI
For god's sake, it's the winless Miami Dolphins! Baltimore who is on the brink of being delegated to the cellar in the AFC North will beat the worst team in all the NFL. But it will be close, Ravens 24-20.
NEW ENGLAND OVER THE NEW YORK JETS
New England is a 24 point favorite and how can anyone disagree? I can't and won't! The best team in the NFL will humiliate one of the worst 40-14.
CLEVELAND OVER BUFFALO
Buffalo is still in the hunt for a wild card and Cleveland is one of those teams in front of them. The Bills are playing better than most people thought they could. But Cleveland still has a chance to overtake the Steelers for the divisional title. Don't look for the Browns to overlook the Bills at home and will win 27-17.
SEATTLE OVER CAROLINA
Seattle has the 12th best total offense and the 10th best defense in all of the NFL. The Panthers are 1-5 at home this season and have thrown more interceptions than touchdown passes. The Hawks will put pressure on some old guy named Testaverde and the Panthers turnovers will be their downfall. Seattle, will be out to prove they belong with the leagues elite teams , wins 28-17.
NEW ORLEANS OVER ARIZONA
I'm taking the Saints only because they are a home. The Cardinals were too mistake prone last week and the Saints were playing a hapless Falcon team. So combining these two criteria and I will pick the Saints, but only because they are at home, New Orleans 24-20.
TAMPA BAY OVER ATLANTA
Atlanta has basically folded their tent and will play out the season just like they did the last two weeks and in a lackluster fashion to boot. Tampa Bay after a disappointing lost to Houston will rebound and crush the Falcons 24-10.
GREEN BAY OVER ST LOUIS
Green Bay is on a collision course for the NFC title game with the Dallas Cowboys. Don't look for the pathetic Rams to be anymore than a bump in that road. Packers beat the Rams in St Louis with ease 34-14.
PITTSBURGH OVERE JACKSONVILLE
This is tough game to call. Jacksonville has the wild card wrapped up, but Cleveland is breathing down the Steelers necks again and a Pittsburgh lost and a Browns win would bring it down to the head and head tie breaker. Pittsburgh has more to lose than Jacksonville, so the Steelers in a dog fight and at home will win 28-27.
INDIANAPOLIS OVER OAKLAND
Oakland can be a scrappy team at times, but this won't be their time as the Colts and Peyton Manning show the west coast fans how the passing game is really played, Colts will prevail 34-17.
SAN DIEGO OVER DETROIT
The odds makers make the Chargers an eleven point favorite, but in my humble opinion that is too many by about five. Look for Tomlinson to run the ball all day and the Chargers at the end of the day will be on top 27-21.
DALLAS OVER PHILADELPHIA
Who going to quarterback the Eagles? Doesn't matter as Romo and TO will fly by the Eagles at home big, 34-17.
SNF - NEW YORK GIANTS OVER WASHINGTON
New York has a lock on the wild card and will only start fine tuning their game against the Skins. Washington showed some hope as they beat the Bears a week ago on the Thursday Night game, but the Giants and Eli, if they can hold down the turnovers, will win this game at home 24-10.
MNF - MINNESOTA OVER CHICAGO
Chicago saw their season end a couple weeks ago up in Seattle and the Viking will just put another nail in their disappointing season. The Bears just didn't live up to their Super Bowl year hype. The Vikings on the other hand will try to maintain their lead for the wild card. Vikings over the Bears 27-17.
Another short week as we have a game tonight between Chicago and the Redskins, so I will put my Pans for week 13 and Picks for week 14 together again.
This past Sunday we saw two teams in the NFC West eliminated from a divisional title and for all practical purposes any hope for the playoffs.
The Seahawks put the Eagles away with some excellence defense in the clutch as Lofa Tatupu (my player of the game) intercepted Freeley, the Eagles quarterback three times, with the last one coming as time was running out and the Eagles on the verge of scoring the winning touchdown. The Eagles played even up with the Hawks the whole game as both teams traded scores for the first three quarters, but Seattle defense shut down the Eagles when the game was on the line. The Rams overpowered the Atlanta Falcons on their home field by jumping out to a 21-point lead in the first half and held on for the win. Jackson who gained almost 100 yards and Frerotti 23-35 and 311 yards led the Rams to victory. Arizona ruled the day in Glendale against the high-flying Browns by shutting down Cleveland's offense and creating four turnovers to hold off the Browns. Edgerrin James gained 114 yards on the ground while Warner, short of 400 yards the week before, was effective. Three of the Browns turnovers were converted into touchdowns for the Cardinals. The mistake prone San Francisco 49ers were crushed by the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte as the Panthers won for the first time at home in almost a year. The 49ers turned the ball over six times in defeat.
Last week's games were up and down for me but I managed to squeak out 10 winners, but missed on some games I didn't see coming. Buffalo win over the Redskins on a last second field goal wasn't really unexpected as the Skins were smarting over the lost of Taylor. My upset of the week didn't bear out as the Colts continue to roll. Whoa, the Jets really rolled over the hapless Dolphins, not sure if the Miami will see the win column this year. What has gotten into the Raiders of late, the Broncos were never in the game as Oakland scored a season high against Denver? For the year I'm now 110-61. Let's see if I can do better starting with tonights game.
My picks for week 14 are as follows:
WASHINGTON OVER CHICAGO
Both teams are 5-7 and are heading no where. Because the Redskins are at home and should be over the death of Taylor, at least somewhat, and hopefully are a little PO over the lost to Buffalo last week and facing a so-so Bears offense, I will go with the Skins 24-17.
ST LOUIS OVER CINCINNATI
Cincinnati continues to struggle scoring points and the Rams have seemed to have found their rhythm by winning three out of the last four. The Rams win on the road 28-21.
DALLAS OVER DETROIT
The Cowboys continue their quest for the NFC title and the Lions is a team on the decline as they seem to be every year at this time. Romo and TO pound the Lions 34-13.
GREEN BAY OVER OAKLAND
Although the Raiders seem to have found some wins of late, they will run up against a good Packers team in Green Bay, Bret Favre will feast on the Raiders defense this week 35-14.
BUFFALO OVER MIAMI
Miami showed absolutely no heart in last weeks lost to the Jets. They pulled the rug out and just went through the motions, look for more of the same this weekend. Buffalo 24-10.
TAMPA BAY OVER HOUSTON
Tampa Bay's defense verus Houston offense. The Texans play well at home but the Bucs are at the top of their game right now and it didn't seem to matter if the Bucs top quarterback went down last week, they cannot be stopped by the Texans. Bucs 20-17.
TENNESSEE OVER SAN DIEGO
This is my upset of the week. San Diego has almost wrapped up their divisional title and will be looking past the Titans. Look for the Titans to win a close game at home, 21-20.
JACKSONVILLE OVER CAROLINA
Jacksonville has almost wrapped up a wild card and with a win at home against the Panthers they will. Look for them to win convincingly 34-17.
PHILAEDELPHIA OVER THE NEW YORK GIANTS
If Feeley can hold down his turnovers, the Eagles should beat the up and down Giants. In fact this game could be the battle of turnovers as Manning is about even par with Feeley. I haven't heard the status of McNabb yet but I'm not sure it will make a difference. This game will depend on consistent play and the Eagles show more at this time, at home the Eagles win 24-17.
SEATTLE OVER ARIZONA
On the way to the playoffs, the Seahawks, who are on a roll both on the road and at home of late should clinch the divisional title in this game. Don't look for the Cardinals to derail the Hawks as Seattle's pass defense will stop Warner. Why? Because at press time, all three of Arizona's aging WR are doubtful for the game. Look for the Hawks to put the pressure on the aging quarterback and the Cardinals defense all day. Seattle to elimninate the Cardinals from the playoffs 34-17.
MINNESOTA OVER SAN FRANCISCO
The Vikings still have hope of making the playoffs and San Francisco is wondering what hit them. Well this week, it will be the high scoring Vikings taking apart what is left of the lowly 49ers 34-10. I'm beginning to wonder if maybe Dilfer is color blind.
NEW ENGLAND OVER PITTSBURGH
This is a tough call as the Patriots have been in limbo of late. Last Monday's escape against the Raven was by pure luck. Well maybe not pure luck, but I bet a few New England fans were rubbing their rabbit foot when the game came down to the last play of the game ending on the Pats two yard line. But the Pats are at home and with the wind still at their back to complete a unbeaten season, will beat the Steelers 34-21.
CLEVELAND OVER THE NEW YORK JETS
The Jets crushed the Dolphins last week in a surprise offensive show. But don't look for the Jets to out score the Browns who have one of the most potent offenses in the NFL. Cleveland goes into New York and comes away with a 35-17 win.
DENVER OVER KANSAS CITY
I can't figure out this Denver team no matteer how I analyze them. When they have a chance to make the playoffs and they lose to teams who are going no where, well what now? But hey are playing a team this week who is hurting so badly, I wonder if they can win another game this season. Denver at home 17-10 in the cold weather.
INDIANAPOLIS OVER BALTIMORE
The Colts are starting to get part of their walking wounded back and Manning is still throwing touchdown bombs with ease. Baltimore lost a heart breaker to New England this past Monday and may lose another Sunday night to Indianaplois, 28-24.
MNF - NEW ORLEANS OVER ATLANTA
New Orleans has fallen on hard times of late, but Atlanta has been on hard times the whole season. This game is not on my must watch list. Saints in a squeaker 21-17. Where is that TV Guide?
News Flash, the NFC West wins again! Seattle and San Francisco won in games against the other two foes in the west. What? The 49ers break their eight game losing streak? Yep, they sure did, beating the Cardinals for the second time this season, but it took a overtime and a fumble in the in zone by Warner to get a much needed win and get some of the pressure of the 49ers fans off their teams backs. This sure puts a damper on Arizona's chances of winning the West or even getting a wild card bid. Seattle came from behind for the second week in a row beating the Bears and now the Rams in very interesting games to say the least. Now Seattle stands 7-4 and with a couple breaks the Hawks could have been 9-2 and be challenging for the best record in the NFC. Look for things to change in the West this weekend as all the teams play out side of the division. Although the Rams, Seahawks, 49ers and the Cardinals have a shot at winning, don't count on it.
This past week was a so-so week as I picked only 9 of the 16 game correctly. I started off quickly, picking the first five games and then it fell apart quite rapidly as I missed the next five. Two overtime loses really did me in. Arizona losing at home and missing my upset of the week when Denver lost to the Bears. Never expected the Saints to be beaten by a lack luster team like Carolina or Cincinnati beating the Titans. The Texans lost was not totally unexpected but disappointing. Kansas City continues to miss Johnson and the Raiders took advantage of the situation. Minnesota really dismantled the Giants, the outcome of this game wasn't predicted by hardly anyone. For the year I'm now 100-55.
Now my picks for week 13 which starts tonight;
THURSDAY - DALLAS OVER GREEN BAY
I've pondered this game all week and finally decided to go with the Cowboys. Why? They are at home and the odds makers make them a 7 point favorite. The Cowboys have a quarterback that is just as hot as Favre and the Cowboys have TO. I think the point spread is a little to high and I will go with Dallas 24-20.
CAROLINA OVER SAN FRANCISCO
This is another game that leaves me to think twice. But because the Panthers are at home and because the 49ers are the 49ers, I will go with Carolina 17-14. This is really a battle of two teams that are not going anywhere. You may have to use toothpicks to prop open your eye lids if you are unlucky enough to have this game in your TV viewing area.
WASHINGTON OVER BUFFALO
Buffalo offense can't seem to score enough to get over the hump and their defense at times is atrocious, on the other hand, at times the Redskins look almost like a football team. Redskins at home 27-13.
TENNESSEE OVER HOUSTON
Another tough pick. The Texans continue to struggle on the road and don't look for a different outcome in this game. Houston running game is going no where and the pass defense is what Young will exploit and turn it into a 28-21 win.
ST LOUIS OVER ATLANTA
Damn, each game is getting harder and harder to predict as I go down the list. Both of these teams are going no where and it is only because the Rams seemed to show some spark in the last three game including the first half against the Seahawks, I will give them the edge, But barely, 24-17.
SEATTLE OVER PHILADELPHIA
Why would I pick the Eagles over my Seahawks? I can't.....I just can'#### just not in me. But let me say this, if McNabb starts Sunday the Seahawks will win. no doubt in my mind, but if he doesn't, the game in my opinion is going to be too close to call. No matter who starts for the Eagles the Hawks defense will have to step up and stop Westbrook both on the run and the 'out' pass. If Feeley starts, the Hawks will have to stop the roll out passing game or it will be a long day. McNabb will have to be a pocket passer because of his injuries and will be pressured all day, but Feeely, well......Seattle 27-20.
MINNESOTA OVER DETROIT
The Vikings are a up and down team this season. The Lions are a down team at this time. So because the Vikings are at home and seemed to have their offense going in the right direction, I will go with the Viks 27-20.
JACKSONVILLE OVER INDIANAPOLIS
I'm going against the wisdom here as the Colts are a 7 point favorite, but with the injuries the Colts have and the chance for the Jags to finally get into first place after all these years, I will call this my upset of the week, Jacksonville 31-24.
SAN DIEGO OVER KANSAS CITY
Kansas City has lost Holmes to retirement and Johnson is still on the mend. San Diego finally has put some space between themselves and the rest of the AFC West teams and don't look for them to stop now in their quest for the title. Chargers 27-14.
MIAMI OVER THE NEW YORK JETS
What better chance do the Dolphins have to win a game this season? The New York Jets that's who! Playing in front of the home folks they will finally get that first win. Besides that, I have nothing good to say about either team. Miami 19-17.
DENVER OVER OAKLAND
Denver still thinks they have a shot at the divisional title and I don't think the Raiders win last week will make a difference one way or the other. The Broncos offense is more than the Raiders defense can handle. Denver 24-13.
CLEVELAND OVER ARIZONA
The Browns offense is just too much for the Cardinals to control, as most teams who play the Browns find out the hard way. The Cardinals, on the other hand, has a decent offense also, as shown by Warner's nearly 500 yards passing against the 49ers last weekend. But in a shoot out the Browns will prevail 35-31.
TAMPA BAY OVER NEW ORLEANS
Tampa Bay smells the divisional title and it doesn't smell like Bayou swamp gas. TB defense will stop Brees and Bush and take the game 24-17.
CHICAGO OVER THE NEW YORK GIANTS
That's right, the Bears will beat the Giants. The Giants feast on teams that are subpar but this week the subpar Bears will upset the Giants in Chicago 21-17.
PITTSBURGH OVER CINCINNATI
Not much of a contest here and the Steelers are a seven point favorite to win. The Bengals unloaded on the Titans last weekend but don't look for the Steelers defense to give up points like that this week. The Steelers have been struggling lately, but at home and if the field is dry, look for them to rebound from a sloppy win against Miami. Pittsburgh 28-17.
MNF - NEW ENGLAND OVER BALTIMORE
No contest, the Patriots will rebound from a poor performance last week against the Eagles. That was their flat game of the season. New England is a 20 point favorite and I can't see anything that would change my mind at this time. Pats 34-14.
Seattle created some breathing room between them and Arizona, while the Rams and the 49ers were basically eliminated from the divisional title hunt as the Hawks hold the tie breaker over both teams. Neither the Rams nor the 49ers have a real shot of even getting a wild card bid, their seasons are basically over and they will finish the season playing for pride and possibly finding out if some of their bench players can do the job on the field and make the team next season and replace some of the present team members who are not doing the job as of now. Both NFC West division wins came at the expense of the other two West teams. Lets look at what happened in St Louis and Glendale, Arizona on Sunday.
First, the Cardinals/49ers game. San Francisco got only it's third win of the season and second against the Cardinals. Dilfer, who had been given the quarterback job before the Seattle game replacing an inept Smith, had a good game, at least for him. His 25-39 without a pick and 256 yards was enough to keep the 49ers in the game. In fact the 49ers didn't turn the ball over at all. On the other hand the Cardinals turned the ball over four times and the last turnover cost them the game as Warner, while being sacked in the end zone fumbled the ball which the 49ers promptly turned into the winning points in the overtime. Arizona tied the score in regulation with a field goal with no time on the clock and missed a chip shot field goal in the overtime that would have won it for the Cards. Frank Gore finally got a hundred yards in a game, long time coming. On the other hand, Warner threw for 484 yards which is up there with the 'Peyton Mannings' of pro football.
The Seahawks eliminated the Rams from any play off hopes with a come from behind victory in St Louis. But the Rams, winners of two straight, didn't go down easily as they jumped off to a fast start, scoring on a safety when Morris was tackled on Seattle's goal line half way into the first quarter. Then a long touchdown run by Steven Jackson and the Hawks found themselves in another first quarter hole. This game had the same bleak outlook as the game the week before against the Bears when Seattle fell 14 points down in the first quarter. Seattle special teams continue to struggle covering kick returns, but a 89-yard kick off return of their own by rookie Josh Wilson seemed to give Hawks fans some hope the game could be turned around just as the Bears game the week prior. Later in the second quarter Seattle turned the momentum in their favor and never gave it back when they started a hurry up, no huddle offense and the Rams never adjusted as Seattle scored 17 unanswered points to take control of the game. Seattle defense knocked out their third quarterback of the season in the first quarter when Bulger left with a concussiion and never appeared on the field again. His replacement did a good job considering he was being hounded all day by a pressing pass rush by Seattle. Frerotti had to resort to short passes to his two aging wide receivers and only averaged about 8 yards a completion. Jackson, the Rams touted running back, after scoring on a 53 yard run in the first quarter, only averaged 1.8 yards on 22 carries the rest of the game. On the other hand, Morris had 16 carries gaining 79 yards for five yards a carry. Hasselbeck again had a good game going 21-38 and 249 yards with his usual and accustom one pick. Seattle seemed to have the game well in hand and should have added a field goal late to ice it, but Brown's kick went wide. This set up a very unnecessary close finish and Seattle got out of town after a very frantic ending when the Rams drove down the field to get a first and goal with about a minute to go. The first play was a poorly thrown pass short of Frerotti intended target, but the second play was stuffed when a pass play only went for two yards. The third paly was stopped on the one yard line and after a timeout with a fourth and one, Rams fans went from crazy wild to stunned silence, in only two seconds time. Frerotti fumbled the snap and the game was racked up in the win column for Seattle. I am sure the roar of Seattle fans could be heard all the way to Portland. Maurice Morris, Deion Branch, Matt Hasselbeck and Patrick Kerney all had outstanding games for the Hawks and deserved the game balls.
Well since this is a short week due to the games on Thanksgiving, I will combine both my Picks and Pans Review and my picks for this coming week.
First the Review. The NFC West continues to win and brighten some of the tarnish they seemed to have acquired in the first half of the season. Three out of the four teams put up wins again this week. The rest of the league must be quivering in their boots. Yeah right! All but one team put up an 'impressive' win. Yeah right, again! Arizona beat the Bengals even when Cincinnati out played the Cardinals though the air and on the ground, however five turnovers including two interceptions for touchdowns spelled Cincinnati doom. On the plus side Arizona has won two in a row and continues to be only one game behind the Seahawks. Speaking of the Hawks, they fell behind early on, in the game against the Bears, but recovered and beat the Chicago quite easily. The finally score wasn't as close as you may have thought if you hadn't watch the game. Seattle's special teams play was again sloppy on kick off returns as it was the previous week and as a result, the Bears jumped off to a fast touchdown on their first series of the game. By the way, it was the first touchdown scored by the Bears on their first series of downs this season. Hasselbeck passed for 337 yards and didn't have a pick for the first time in about a hundred games. Also the Hawks running game continues improving each week. St Louis scored only one touchdown against the 49ers, so why did the Rams win? The problem is the 49ers have scored only one touchdown in the last 12 quarters and is the worst scoring team per game in the NFL. San Fran only registered 13 first downs and toward the end of the game when they still had a chance, they made some bad play calls and it cost them dearly.
I had a good week picking scores and made up for a lousy week eleven. I thought that the Saints/Texans game was going to be close but wasn't as the Texans had little trouble beating the Saints. Cincinnati troubles hanging onto the ball spelled their down fall and the Cardinals came away the the win. Cincinnati continues to be the biggest disappointment, in my opinion in the NFL. What is going on in Pittsburgh, getting beat by the Cardinals and now the Jets. The lowly New York Jets had only one win all year and the Steelers had high hopes to go to the Super Bowl and now I doubt the Steelers will even win in the first round of the play offs, that is if Cleveland doesn't over take them and knock them out of the picture altogether. Like I said I had a good week picking the scores and finished 12-4, and for the year I'm at 91-48.
Now for my picks for week 12:
THURSDAYS GAMES:
GREEN BAY OVER DETROIT
What can you say about Brett Favre that hasn't already been said? He continues to have an outstanding season. Detroit is all over the map and their inconsistence play will be their down fall in this game. The Lions lack of a running game will let the Packers defense ignore the Lions run and Kitna will be flushed out of the pocket the whole game. The Packers are just playing too well for the Lions to be able to stop them, Packers 34-14.
DALLAS OVER THE NEW YORK JETS
What, the Jets beat the Steelers! That has to be the biggest upset of the season so far. But don't let the win fool you into thinking the Jets can beat the Cowboys in Dallas. OT and Romeo will rip the Jets secondary up for a convincing 34-10 win. The odds makers have Dallas by 14.
INDIANAPOLIS OVER ATLANTA
Even as injured as the Colts are they will still beat the Falcons, who, by the way have won two in a row. All it will take is for Peyton Manning to walk out onto the field and the Falcons will fold like a cheap suit. Colts 23-17.
SUNDAY'S GAMES:
SEATTLE OVER ST LOUIS
Seattle Seahawks new found passing game and a new found running back will be to much for the Rams, who also like Atlanta has won two in a row. The Rams only had 207 total yards against the 49ers including 105 net passing. Seattle had 425 net yardage against a much better defense. The Rams will continue to struggle scoring against the Hawks tough defense, Seattle 28-17.
NEW YORK GIANTS OVER MINNESOTA
Believe it or not, but the Giants are a better team than they have shown the past two weeks. Hey they are 7-3 and feasted on teams with losing records. Well, gurss what? That Vikings fall into the category, Giants 24-14.
KANSAS CITY OVER OAKLAND
Oakland continues to struggle on offense as have the Chiefs over recent weeks and both teams have a decent defense. So why did I pick the Chiefs to win? I don't know! Maybe they are playing at home and the odds makers thave them by 6. Chiefs 21-10.
HOUSTON OVER CLEVELAND
I usually don't take the Texans on the road but I have a feeling about this game. Houston's total defense and offense is better overall than the Browns, even if Cleveland is proven a scoring machine, the stats still favor the Texans on defense, of course almost eveyone in the NFL is better than the Browns on defense. Houston 34-30.
TENNESSEE OVER CINCINNATI
This game is as close as any game played this year, at least stat wise. It is really a toss up but with that said there is no way will I pick the Bengals. Titans 21-20.
CAROLINA OVER NEW ORLEANS
The Saints have been a disappointment over the last two weeks, as I had them winning their division at the beginning of the season. But I will now go with Tampa Bay, leaving the Saints out in the Bayou swamp wondering what happened. Carolina to rebound from the Packers loss is at home and will beat the struggling Saints 24-14.
TAMPA BAY OVER WASHINGTON
Washington played a good game against the Cowboys and came up a little short but Tampa Bay smells blood in the water and if they can hold their tournovers down will prevail at home 21-14.
JACKSONVILLE OVER BUFFALO
Jacksonville seems on a roll of late with their big win over SanDiego. They will pound the Bills just like the Pats did on SNF. Well not quite like the Patriots did but close enough, 28-17.
ARIZONA OVER SAN FRANCISCO
With the offense that the 49ers display each week, how can anyone pick any differently? The 49ers haven't scored a touchdown in the last two games and the Cardinals seem to be on a mini roll and last week unload defensively on the hapless Bengals with four picks, two for touchdowns. The 49ers are pick prone and the Cardinals will win at home 17-6.
DENVER OVER CHICAGO
This is my upset of the week, if you can call it that. Denver now is tied with San Diego for the diviisional lead, and they will contine to put pressure on the Chargers. The Bears on the other hand is now tied for the cellar in their division. All hope for the play offs disappeared in Seattle. Denver 27-24.
SAN DIEGO OVER BALTIMORE
San Diego is starting to see the hand writing on the wall, and with Denver breathing down their necks, they have to start showing more consistency if they want to break away from the pack. The Ravens lost a heart breaker to Cleveland on a disputed field goal as time ran out. If the Chargers can get their running game together they will win, 24-17.
NEW ENGLAND OVER PHILADELPHIA
The odds makers make New England a 23 point favorite. Why should I go against that? The Patriots are the best team in the NFL to come around in a long time, maybe better than the undefeated Miami Dolphins team of old. McNabb is hurt so what chance does the Eagles have, Pats, you pick the score..... okay 38-10.
MNF - PITTSBURGH OVER MIAMI
Pittsburgh took it on the chin against the lowly Jets in OT last Sunday, but don't look for a repeat on the Monday night, Steelers 28-10.
Did I take a beating Last week or what? I picked the West to lose 3 out of 4 and the opposite happened. This is really something new for NFC West fans, its called winning! And win they did, three out of four can't be considered all bad.
Arizona put the pressure on Seattle by beating the Lions on Sunday and made the MNF game a must win for the Hawks to stay in first place and as predicted they come thru and beat the 49ers. The Cardinals travels this week and hope to keep the NFC West divisional race close. Arizona shocked most predictors last week with a convincing win at home against the Detroit Lions.
St Louis aso befuddled the would be forecasters by beating the New Orleans Saints with ease and on the road to boot. I think the game was the biggest upset so far this year in the NFL considering the Rams, didn't up to that point, have a single win under their belts and quite frankly hasn't played very good football this season and the Saints had won four in a row.
The other two teams in the NFC West, Seattle and San Francisco met on MNF and the game went as most thought it would. San Francisco offense couldn't even get their first, first down until the last play of the first half and the second half only produced five more on their way to a shoutout loss. Seattle as predicted beat the 49ers in every faze of the game and came away with a outstanding performance by both offense and offense in a very inconsistence season.
Now for the bad news, I had the worst week predicting scores ever. I flat out made a fool of myself, well....after reviewing some of the other forecasters predictions, I' wasn't quite alone with making bad calls. My long shot, Miami beating the Bills, fell short as Buffalo scored 11 points in the fourth quarter to keep the Dolphins winless. I knew the Panthers/Falcon game was going to be close and it was, but not in my favor. Now who out there besides Ram fans thought the Rams could go on the road and beat the Saints? Not even sure the Rams fans thought it possible. I knew the Titans and the Jaguars game was going to be a dog fight and now Jacksonville with their win, will be the wild card in the AFC. My other upset was the Giants over the Cowboys. Well it looks like the Cowboys will meet the Packers for the NFC title. My picks for the week were a dismal 4-10 and for the year I'm 79-44.
My picks for week 11 are:
NEW YORK GIANTS OVER DETROIT
The odds makers are making the Lions an one point favorite, but I still think the Giants who actually controlled the ball against the Cowboys and was beaten by mistakes will be effective against the Lions. Look for the Lions to pass most of the time as they lack a consistence running game. Giants in a close one 24-20.
MINNESOTA OVER OAKLAND
Oakland is too mistake prone and the Vikings will take advantage of this weakness. If Peterson can get back on track he could have another big game. Yes the Packers shutout the Vikings but don't look for anything like that this week, Vikings 28-14.
TAMPA BAY OVER ATLANTA
The bubble will burst in Atlanta, after winning two in a row, don't look for the streak to continue. Tampa Bay is feeling the heat blowing off the bayou and it will incite them to put the spunky Falcons away, Tampa Bay 24-17.
GREEN BAY OVER CAROLINA
Green Bay will dispose of the Panthers on their way for the NFC showdown game against the Cowboys. The Panthers have to be sorry shape after letting the Falcons beat them at home last week. Brett Favre is the real deal and he is showing it week after week, Packers easily at home 34-17.
NEW ORLEANS OVER HOUSTON
This is a tough one to pick as Houston is at home and the stats are even steven and the odds makers are favoring the Texans slightly. But I think the Saints will bounce back after their embarrassing lost to the Rams, Saints in a close one, 28-27 shoot out.
CLEVELAND OVER BALTIMORE
Cleveland's offense versus Baltimore's defense. I think the Ravens let one get away last week and it will effect them as their offense has been sluggest all season. However holding Cincinnati out of the end zone is never a bad thing. Its to bad the Ravens offense isn't as good as the defense. The Browns offense will be to much for the Ravens to handle, Browns 28-14.
CINCINNATI OVER ARIZONA
The Bengals are a three point favor by the odds makers and I will agree with them. But Cincinnati better score touchdowns and not field goals if they want to beat the Cardinals. If the Cardinals defense can step up, this game could come out differently but I will still go with Cincinnati, 24-21.
PHILADELPHIA OVER MIAMI
Miami will go down to their 10th defeat on the road against the Eagles. Nothing more needs to be said as there will be no upset here. Eagles 28-17.
JACKSONVILLE OVER SAN DIEGO
The only reason I will pick the Jags is because they are playing at home. San Diego didn't look that good offensive against the Colts, and LT will have to turn on the jets if the Chargers want to have a chance in this game, Jacksonville will be the AFC wild card and will beat the Chargers 32-21.
PITTSBURGH OVER THE NEW YORK JETS
New York is proving to be one of the worst teams in the AFC, right behind the Dolphins. The Steelers will dispose of the Jets without pain. Pittsburgh wins easily 28-10.
DALLAS OVER WASHINGTON
Washington has an improved offense but they can't stop anyone on the ground or the air. The Cowboys on the other hand can't be stopped either way. Dallas is just playing out the regular season getting ready to play the Packers for the NFC title. Cowboys in a walk over, 35-17.
ST LOUIS OVER SAN FRANCISCO
I never thought I would be picking the Rams to win a game, but I don't see San Francisco winning another game this season at this point. Believe it or not the Rams hold the stats edge in every category except offensive rushing and Gore has been ineffective of late, so with Jackson back and running well and Dilfer slated to start for the 49ers look for the Rams to win number two, 24-10.
NEW ENGLAND OVER BUFFALO
Another tune up for the Super Bowl, Pats 40-10.
SEATTLE OVER CHICAGO
Seattle holds the edge in every category, offensive and defensive. Seattle is at home where they have been playing better of late. Seattle is still a scary and inconsistence team but the Bears are even more inconsistence and not to scary and offensively they are not very good. Seahawks 24-13.
INDIANAPOLIS OVER KANSAS CITY
The Colts are hurt and have lost two in a row for the first time in a long time, but don't let this distract you. The Colts still have Manning and a little home cooking will cure a lot of problems in Indianapolis. Although this game wll be close and Holmes will start, the Chiefs are still no threat as the Colts will prevail 28-14.
MNF - TENNESSEE OVER DENVER
Denver is a hard one to figure with their inconsistence play at home. If the Titans can hold their turnovers down and play better defense they will win, 21-17.
All four NFC West teams are back in action this weekend and three will be hard pressed to produce a win. Look for three near blow outs and the only win will be in the game pitting two of the teams playing each other on MNF.
The Cardinals coming off a loss to Tampa Bay on the road, will be playing in the dome at the University of Phoenix, but don't expect home cooking to help the Cards get their fourth win of the season.
After a bye, St Louis will travel south this weekend, but don't look for the week off to help one of the worst teams in football achieve their first win. They may want to keep traveling further south after the game and seek sanctuary some place that doesn't have a extradition treaty.
Seattle is at home and on MNF. Lets hear it for MNF in Seattle. What not a peep? But seriously, Seattle will have a couple of players coming off the IR list this Monday and it may help as Holmgren has announced he will abandon the run in favor of the pass. I wonder why he would make such an statement? Didn't he already abandoned the run a month ago? I know I did.
San Francisco after losing for the sixth straight time in Atlanta will be Seattle opponent in the MNF game. This will not be the game of the century.
I had a so-so week picking scores last Sunday, as a couple teams that should have won in my opinion didn't. Detroit beating up on Denver was a surprise to me, especially the final score of 44-7. I picked Denver to win a close one. Yea, right, 44-7 was really close. Minnesota ran over San Diego, and a lot easier than almost any expert thought they could. Peterson showed LT who is now top dog in the NFL and is a shoe in for rookie of the year. Cincinnati is in total disarry and was beaten by a team that is not really that good. Guess what, Cincinnati is not very good and continues to be the biggest disappiintment in the AFC in my opinion. Seattle lost in OT was not totally unexpected, but was still disappointing. For the week I was 9-5 and for the year I am still in good shape with a 75-34 record.
My picks for the coming week 10 are:
MIAMI OVER BUFFALO
Please someone shoot me if I'm wrong! Miami winning their first game of the year! Come on, the Dolphins have to win sometime, why not against the Bills? Miami after a bye and at home, 17-14 even with the quarterback problem.
CAROLINA OVER ATLANTA
Atlanta had their big game last week against the 49ers and the Panthers were also beaten, but they are still better than the Falcons, (about 30 teams are better than the Falcons)Carolina at home in a low scoring game, 17-10
GREEN BAY OVER MINNESOTA
Green Bay will continue on a collision course with the Dallas Cowboys for the NFC title and the Vikings will not stand in their way even if Peterson gets a 100+ yard game, Packers at home easily 27-17.
DENVER OVER KANSAS CITY
This maybe my upset of the week, but with Larry Johnson out, what weapons does the Chiefs have? Because of Johnson's absences and no other reason I will go with the Broncos 21-17.
NEW ORLEANS OVER ST LOUIS
I predicted the Saints to win the NFC South and I don't believe a 0-8 team (soon to be 0-9) can stop the Saints from reaching that goal. New Orleans wins with little trouble, 31-10.
PITTSBURGH OVER CLEVELAND
A Browns fan come on to my blog 'Picks and Pans' a couple days ago and asked me why I had no respect for the Browns after I had picked Seattle to beat the Browns. Well, if beating teams from the NFC West makes a team a title contender, that fan and Cleveland are in for a rude awakening this weekend, Pittsburgh 34-21.
TENNESSEE OVER JACKSONVILLE
Tennessee is one of the surprise teams in the AFC and Jacksonville is one of the disappointing teams in the AFC. However the winner of this game may well be the wild card in the AFC. Titans in a close game 21-17.
WASHINGTON OVER PHILADEPHIA
I originally picked the Eagles to win this game as the stats favor the Eagles in most catagories but for some reason I had to give it a second look. I said to myself, Self, the Eagles aren't very good. Redskins at home in rather low scoring game, 19-13.
BALTIMORE OVER CINCINNATI
I have officially written off the Bengals this year, the hell with them. I don't care if the Bengals were playing the Rams, I wouldn't pick them to win and as bad as the Ravens are they will beat the Bengals, 27-17.
DETROIT OVER ARIZONA
Come on, the Cardinals are a NFC West team, and NFC West teams can't beat anyone at this time but teams in the NFC West. Detroit will win on the arm of Kitna and the legs of Jones. What does Arizona have to counter? Nine first downs will not win to many games in this league no matter who you play. Detroit 27-10.
NEW YORK GIANTS OVER DALLAS
Another upset in the making? Dallas on paper is the better team and New York's schedule is a little suspect. But the Giants are at home and do have an edge on defense and defense will be the key in this game. New York in a tug of war, 27-24 in the game of the week.
OAKLAND OVER CHICAGO
This may be another so called upset. But I don't think so, as the Raiders have shown a consistent defense which is lacking in recent weeks in Chicago and 16 interception hasn't helped the Bears cause this season. Oakland at home, 17-10.
INDIANAPOLIS OVER SAN DIEGO
Manning and a new found running back will pass and rush with easy as LT and the Chargers will be looking for the license plate of the truck that hit them. Colts rebound easily 34-17.
MNF - SEATTLE OVER SAN FRANCISCO
Not to be the finest moment for MNF. But Seattle should handle the 49ers with ease on their way to a division title. Look for another near shutout in Seattle as they pass the ball and abandon the run. Seattle may use the pass to set up Morris against this suspect defense, Seahawks 28-7.
The three NFC West teams that played, went down to defeat in week 9. The NFC West losing is starting to be like a weekly event, Yah, right, Its not startiing to look that way, it is that way. Lets put this division in prospective, New England has won 8 game and the NFC West combined has only won a total of nine games between the four teams (9-23). I wouldn't be surprised if the Patriots had more wins at seasons end then the whole NFC West combined. I stand by my early prediction in week's six Picks and Pans, that the winner of the NFC West will only win seven or at best eight games this year. Seattle will win their division if only by default as the other three teams in the division haven't won any games at all over the last four weeks. Get this! Seattle will play the San Francisco 49ers this coming Monday and I will predict that this game will have the lowest viewer audience rating of any game this year on MNF. I'm sure that ESPN and the NFL are sorry they scheduled this game and most likely won't schedule either team on MNF any time soon in the near future. At least not in my life time. Well I hope the Hawks/49ers game won't be as bad as the one last night between the Ravens and the Steelers, could it....? Naaa...
St Louis got off easy on week 9, they had a bye and didn't play, but this coming week all the NFC West teams will be back into action and the Rams will be on the road against a team on a roll. Be sure to check the point spread on this, if that is, Vegas will even take a bet on this game.
The 49ers actually led in the game against the Falcons for, well....about five minutes, and played catch up the rest of the way. Four more turnovers and two sacks again spelled their doom. This game was a battle of a couple of the worst teams in the NFL and San Francisco won that title hands down. If San Francisco can't beat the falcons who can they beat? Wait they still have to play the Rams at home. That game will not be on my must see list.
Seattle blew a 21-6 lead and fell in OT to a team, that simply put, had more of a desire to win. Seattle lacked both desire and heart as witnessed in the OT loss Sunday. Seattle had the ball with a 4th and inches and failed to get even an inch for the needed first down and that against a team ranked 32nd in total defense, and that was the game. In fact the Browns defense spent as much time in the Seattle back field as did the Seahawks powder puff offensive line. Alexander again had his usual game of run up and fall down. I don't know yet how serious the latest iinjuries are (ankle and knee), but he will not be missed, at least by me. His outside running game was stuffed as soon as the right guard started to pull. The defense keyed on the pulling guard and was in the back field before Alexander could take his first step after getting the hand off. Seattle offers no deception at all when it comes to running the ball. If Seattle wants a real running game, they must run some counter plays or pitch the ball out before the defense can react and be able to run with some speed. When was the last time you saw Seattle run a reverse? Morris may be the answer with the problem of a lack of outside speed that Alexander doesn't have. Maybe we will see how this works out on MNF against the 49ers. Something has to change and now maybe it will as Holmgrem has announced he will abandon the run in favor of passing more. With Branch and Pollard coming back for the MNF game he should have all the pieces in place.
Arizona could not muster any offense (42 plays to the Bucs 74) against Tampa Bay getting only 9 first downs total and like I predicted the Bucs were able to run the ball down Arizona throat. TB controlled the ball for over 43 minutes and had 43 rushes for 162 yards. Arizona on the other hand only had the ball for 17 minutes and had only one first down in the first half and finished the game with only 178 total yards, which meant the Cardinals defense was on the field the whole game. I give Arizona defense credit for only allowing TB 17 points.
Keep a look out for my picks coming out on Friday. Look for another string of defeats by the NFC West. Only the winner of the 49ers/Seahawks game on MNF will keep it from being a complete sweep. Slap me Dorothy, I think we are stuck in the land of OZ.
This week three of the four NFC West team are back into action, but don't look for to much to change from last week. Again Iook for two of the three teams to go down to defeat.
The Cardinals coming off a bye week and hope to have some of their front line players back into action. But don't look for anything exciting to happen this week as Arizona goes on the road.
Seattle is also coming off a bye week and a much needed rest and hopefully they will get both wide receivers back into action against the Browns. Alexander must show more consistence for the Hawks to win. However Branch has only a 50/50 chance of returning and Hasselbeck who is scheduled to start is not 100% due to a nagging stomach muscle pull. Both of Seattle's starting tackles are expected to play but neither are 100%.
The 49ers continue to struggle on offense and their defense is just starting to wear down because of the offense can't keep them off the field. Smith return didn't seem to help spark any life into the offense as they fell for the fifth straight time to the Saints at home.
The Rams will have a bye this week and is coming off a disappointing loss to Cleveland at home and continues to struggle on offense. Last week the Rams did show some improvement on both sides of the ball, but are really to inconsistence to be any threat against anyone at this point of the season.
I had a good week picking the right teams to win. I was a little surprised that the Lions beat the Bears in Chicago, but knew it would be a close game. My long shot pick went down the tube when the Rams couldn't hold a early lead and was flushed away by the Browns also at home. Another loss was, yawn, the Bills over the Jets, again I thought this game would be close and like I said, I didn't know why I picked one team over the other. So for the week I was 10-3 and that brings my seasons total to a respectable 66-29. There are a lot of tough games this week, so lets see how I do.
My picks for week 9 are:
DENVER OVER DETROIT
The Bronco coming off a disappointing loss at home to Green Bay will get the edge in this game even it they can't stop the run, why? Because Detroit doesn't run the ball effectively and Denver pass defense is 6th best in the league, Denver in a close one, 21-17.
TENNESSEE OVER CAROLINA
The Titans will try to run the ball against the Panthers this week like they did against the Raiders. Although the Titans didn't do squat offensively against Oakland their defense will hold up against the Panthers at home, in a low scoring game , Tennessee 17-10.
SAN DIEGO OVER MINNESOTA
Minnesota special teams are one of the best in the NFL, but the Chargers offense and defense will dominate the Vikings on the road for a 24-14 win. The Chargers will continue their quest for the AFC West title.
WASHINGTON OVER THE NEW YORK JETS
Don't let the lopsided loss to New England cloud your view of the Redskins, after all, they aren't playing the Patriots again this week, they are playing the 'Jets', and the Redskins will thump the Jets in New York, 27-10.
ATLANTA OVER SAN FRANCISCO
I couldn't believe the Vegas odds makers are making Atlanta a three point favorite. But after close examination of the game, I will have to agree that three points are about right. The Falcons offense is better than the 49ers, as the 49ers have the worst offense in the NFL and the defense is about even, so based on that and being the Falcons are at home, I go with Atlanta 12-9 in a battle of field goals.
CINCINNATI OVER BUFFALO
The Bengals are coming off a home loss to the Steelers and Buffalo is coming off a win on the road. There is no way the Bills can win three in a row. Cincinnati will pass and pass some more against Buffalo on their way to 28-14 win.
NEW ORLEANS OVER JACKSONVILLE
This is tough one to pick. If Jacksonville gets their running game going they could pull this game out, but again the Saints have the 10th best rush defense in the NFL and have shown more on offense overall than the Jaguars, New Orleans at home 20-17.
GREEN BAY OVER KANSAS CITY
This will be another close game being played in Kansas City, but the Packers are too strong on offense and should prevail on the strength of Favre arm, 21-17.
TAMPA BAY OVER ARIZONA
The Cardinals are coming off a bye week and the Bucs were edged by Jacksonville last Sunday after throwing three picks to dash their hopes. Arizona has a good pass defense but the problem is Tampa Bay won't pass as much, they will run over the Cardinals, 24-10.
SEATTLE OVER CLEVELAND
Cleveland has one the worst defense overall in the NFL and Seattle has a chance to have a good offensive day with both of their WR coming back. Seattle defense will shut down Cleveland's passing game if they have as much success rushing Anderson as they did against the Rams two weeks ago. Turnovers may be the key to this game. Seattle 24-17 in a nail bite-er.
OAKLAND OVER HOUSTON
If Oakland can keep the turnovers down they should win at home against a team that doesn't play well on the road. In a very close game I will take the Raiders 20-14.
NEW ENGLAND OVER INDIANAPOPLIS
In the featured game of the week, everything I see about this game leans toward the Patriots, better defense, better special teams, better coaching, better, better. In fact I think the Patriots are the best team by far this year if not in the last 30 years to trot out on a football field. New England 34-17.
DALLAS OVER PHILADEPHIA
This is another one of those games that is bound to be close. Dallas has to many weapons and will beat the Eagles 28-14. Hang on to the ball TO.
MNF - PITTSBURGH OVER BALTIMORE
This will be a defensive battle and the out come could decide who is top dog in the AFC North, but because the Steeleres are at home and may have the better offense, I will take the Steelers in a close one, 17-14.
