By: Kevin Cottrell Jr. 

Just A Thought...

STUDENT ATHLETES...Every year the NCAA uses the college football bowl season and the NCAA basketball tournament to promote the STUDENT athlete. Many times we as fans tend to lose sight of the fact that these gifted athletes also carry the burden of performing well in the classroom as well as on the hardwood or gridiron. Now obviously many of the players are not properly acknowledged because so many of the athletes are known for not completion their collegiate matriculation and others have been found to have cheated in the past. While all of that may be true none of that has to do with one Myron Rolle. Rolle is a Free Safety for the Florida State Seminoles and although FSU has not been as dominate as past Seminole teams Rolle has exceeded expectations in the classroom. In fact, Rolle was awarded the Rhodes Scholarship to study at Oxford, where he intends to study medical anthropology. As a result of his performance Rolle has decided to forego his senior year to attend Oxford. In making this decision he has also delayed his plans to enter his name into the NFL draft. So now when you hear the term student-athlete please be aware that there are legitimate one's out there. In the case of Myron Rolle he should no longer be called a student athlete but a Rhode Scholar. Congratulations Myron!

I. NFL Week 15 Predictions: (Last Week: --) I know you're probably saying I left ya hanging for the past couple of weeks (and I did..) put it wasn't personal here's my sure fire picks for this week's games with playoff implications. Let's take a look!

1. (7-6) Saints @ Bears (7-6) (Th. 8:15 pm NFL Network)- These two teams have identical records but headed in two totally different directions. The Bears are one game out of their division lead and the Saints are clinging on to their Wild Card hopes. The past few years the Saints have had to travel to the Windy City in the middle of December. Although the games have provided various fireworks that outcomes have all been the same. The Bears come out with the win. I tend to not believe that Dome teams in the South have trouble playing outside in the Winter but the numbers say otherwise. Drew Brees and company will be locked and loaded but so will the Bears and the forecast. High 20 degrees. Prediction: BEARS by 6

2. (9-4) Buccaneers @ Falcons (8-5) (1:00 FOX)- This game is huge as the two NFC South teams clash for a shot at one of the two Wild Card spots. The Bucs were in position to win the division when the Panthers denied them of their chances on Monday night. As for the Falcons they've been the surprise of the season as their rookie Coach, QB and new RB have all come together to form a true NFC force. Within the division home teams are 24-2 and as I glance at the schedule this game will be played in the Georgia Dome. Outcome decided. Prediction: FALCONS by 3

3. (8-5) Vikings @ Cardinals (8-5) (1:00 FOX): This game should have a playoff atmosphere, the Vikings are holding on to a one game lead in their division and even thought the Cards have clinched their division they look to get in gear for their first trip to the playoffs in a million years! It looks like the Vikes will put the ball in the hands of inexperienced Tavaris Jackson. The same QB that lost his job to Gus Ferotte earlier in the year. What this will equate to is a heavy dose of Adrian Peterson. On the flip side the Cardinals have a pair of pro-bowl receivers and an experienced QB that will be using this game to prepare for playoff situations. This game may turn into a shootout but the home team seems to have the edge. Prediction: CARDINALS by 4

4. (10-3) Steelers @ Ravens (9-4) (4:15 CBS)- Both the Steelers & Ravens are coming off wins that should be credited to their defenses. Pittsburgh fought back against the Cowboys and the Ravens ripped apart the Redskins the entire game. So which defense will bend but not break this weekend? I would have to lean towards the Ravens because they will be backed by the energy of their home crowd. However, the Steelers will have an opportunity to feast on the rookie signal caller Joe Flacco. The Ravens have an opportunity to catch the Steelers coming off the emotional high of defeating the Cowboys and put themselves in position to win the AFC North. This game is very tough to call but the team that can rattle the opposing quarterback will be victorious. Prediction: STEELERS by 3

**GAME OF THE WEEK**

5. (11-2) Giants @ Cowboys (8-5) (8:15, NBC)- I know what Cowboy fans across the nation is thinking, where is that team that was featured on Hard Knocks? Where is the Cowboys team that everyone picked to run away with the NFC? Well you're looking at them. The Giants will travel to Irvin, Texas to play a Cowboys team who seems to be up against the ropes. Marion Barber is banged up, Pacman is knocked out and T.O. and Romo is not on the same page. The good news for the 'Boys is that the Giants too have internal issues. So which team can overcome its soap opera and get things back on track? Home field is always a good remedy then again so is good play. The 'Boys are fighting for their playoff lives and the Giants are simply trying to lock up home field throughout the playoffs. With that said the Cowboys will have to find a way to pull things out under the bright lights of Texas. This game is a definite must see. Prediction: COWBOYS by 3

***Quick Picks***

Packers over Jaguars

Titans over Texans

Broncos over Panthers

Redskins over Bengals

Rams over Seahawks

Browns over Eagles

Dolphins over Niners

Patriots over Raiders

Colts over Lions

Jets over Bills

Chargers over Chiefs

II. Sports Ventz

By: Kevin Cottrell Jr. 

Just A Thought...MORE THAN A 9-5...With all due respect to those that serve and protect this country and our inner cities (Military, Police and Firemen) one of the toughest jobs in the country is being a Fan. Yes, a fan. A loyal supporter of one's local professional team or college varsity squad. And if that's not saying much try being a fan of the L.A. Clippers, Detroit Lions (with or without Barry Sanders), Kansas City Royals, Seattle (they lost their basketball team altogether) and yes all Chicago Teams. Sure the Bulls ruled the 90's...Sweetness and the Bears shuffled through the mid 80's and the White Sox even won a pennant in 2005 but it seems as if the Cubs never come out of hibernation (at least for the last 100 years). The thing with the Bulls is that one Michael Jeffery Jordan set a standard that we as Chicagoans expect out of all of our teams, sheer domination. But that's not the case that era may never be duplicated. I understand my frustration may be a result of my Bears being embarrassed by our rivals, Green Bay this past Sunday and my Bulls lost by 42 Wednesday night to the Blazers! Yea a tough week to say the least. But do understand a Cowboys fan could never marry a Redskins fan and a Ohio State and Michigan fan wouldn't last 2 minutes alone in a dark alley, why you ask? It's all because of our fan hood. Sure all teams and cities go through seasons of let down and seasons when they're on top of the world. Take Boston. The Patriots lost on two different occasions in the Super Bowl prior to dominating in this current decade. The Celtics were the worse team in basketball the year before they hung their 17th championship banner and the Red Sox ended a nearly 90-year pennant drought prior to winning two titles in 2004 & 2007. So you see we all have our tough weeks (or years) in sports but we're all aware that there's always next game or next season and for that we continue supporting our teams knowing that there is a possibility that we'll reign supreme at season's end...unless you're a fan of the Chicago Cubs.

I. NFL Week 12 Predictions: (Last Week: 10-5-1) Last week was a pretty good one for me (well excluding the Bears debacle) and a weird one as I witnessed the Eagles and Bengals end in a 13-13 tie. As we approach week 12 teams are hitting their stride making their push towards the playoffs. Division races are heating up so let's take a look at how things make shake out!

1. Jets (7-3) @ Titans (10-0)- The AFC East leading Jets looks to clash with the AFC South leading Titans for a potential conference title preview. The preview may be a stretch but a hard fought 60-minutes is not. Favre and the Jets have all the confidence in the world coming off a win over the last team that was undefeated in the league (Patriots).  The Jets will attempt to move the ball on the ground with Thomas Jones and Leon Washington but if that doesn't work they always have the great Brett Favre to step back and sling the ball all over the field. As for the Titans they've won games on the ground, stopping the run and even with Kerry Collins' arm. Sunday they too will try to find a way to keep their flawless record in tact. My guess will be they will do all they can to keep things close and make the Jets one-dimensional forcing Favre into one of his many interceptions. This game will be one to keep your eye on. I know I will. Prediction: JETS by 3

2. Patriots (6-4) @ Dolphins (6-4)- This time last year the Patriots were trying to accomplish a perfect 16-0 season whereas the Dolphins were trying to avoid a 0-16 season. Both accomplished their goals but that was then...now they two are tied for second in the division (with the Fins winning their first meeting). The Patriots have had time to gel with inexperienced QB Matt Cassell and after falling short to the Jets in OT, will do all they can to avoid the two game skid at the hands of two division foes. Look for the Patriots to attack the mouthy LB Joey Porter with the run and various passing plays to keep him out of the backfield. As for the Dolphins I still find it hard to believe that this team is playoff bound although they do their best to prove me wrong every week. As for the Fins plans they can't rely on their wildcat offense because Belichick will have his defense prepared to stop this effective formation. There is no love lost between these two so expect things to get rough but expect the Patriots to come out on top. Prediction: PATRIOTS by 7

3. Vikings (5-5) @ Jaguars (4-6): This game will feature two of this year's disappointing teams. The Vikings were viewed upon as the early favorites to run away with the NFC North and many thought the Jaguars would be challenging the Colts for the AFC South title and not the Titans. Nevertheless the Vikings still have a chance to win their division and the Jags' are one good loss away from pulling the plug on their season. With that said look for Jacksonville play with more since of urgency at home both running the ball and do their best to stop Adrian Peterson. As for the Vikings until they can get more consistent play out of the QB position they will continue to be a mediocre team. This game has 20-16 all over it. As for who will have 20... Prediction: JAGUARS by 4

4. Colts (6-4) @ Chargers (4-6)- This game has recently been a fight between two AFC heavyweights but this year the two have dropped in weight class. The Colts started out slow but they've found a way to get their offense on track. The problem is consistently reaching the end zone. As for the Chargers their defense has not played to its level of the past and their offense is very inconsistent. L.T. has yet to have a break out game and Phillip Rivers continues to put up more quotes than touchdowns. Regardless of what's happened this Sunday the two will square off in San Diego a place where the Colts tend to struggle. This game will be tough to watch for both sets of fans but look for Manning to exercise his Southern Cal ghosts in picking apart the Chargers secondary. This game may not be as appealing as it has been in the past but they two will be playing for their post-season lives! Prediction: COLTS by 3

**GAME OF THE WEEK**

5. Giants (9-1) @ Cardinals (7-3)- The defending Super Bowl Champion Giants have overcome retirement (Michael Strahan) and injury (Osi Umenyiora) and posted a 9-1 record. Their defense still haunts offenses on Sunday's and the Cards too should be worried. They come into this week looking to get closer to clinching a division title led by the ex-Giant Kurt Warner. Warner has come up in recent MVP conversations with the likes of ironically Eli Manning- who Warner eventually backed up in New York prior to his departure. Warner has been successful throwing over 3,000 yards through the first 10 games but my guess would be that their running game must be effective to keep the Giants front four out of the Cardinals backfield. This sounds good but the truth of the matter is Warner is as stiff as a statue so if his O-Line can't do an excellent job of protecting the veteran he may not be able to finish this game. Prediction: GIANTS by 10

***Quick Picks***

Saints over Packers

Steelers over Bengals

Buccaneer over Lions

Bills over Chiefs

Bears over Rams

Eagles over Ravens

Browns over Texans

Cowboys over 49ers

Broncos over Raiders

Redskins over Seahawks

Falcons over Panthers

II. Sports Ventz

By: Kevin Cottrell Jr. 

Just A Thought...

GREENER PASTURES...Ever stepped out of your proverbial door in life and wonder why your neighbor's grass was greener than yours? Have you ever asked them their secret? Well in sports athletes tend to envy others manicured grass and eventually opt to hop that fence! In fact, last Tuesday Allen Iverson and the Nuggets questioned their ability to win with A.I. in uniform and they figured his best answer would be to get traded to the Detroit Pistons. Sure the Nuggets have struggled in the past. Sure the Pistons have reached six straight Conference finals but yet in still when Iverson arrived in the Motor City he still had to assume his role on the Piston assembly line. As for Chauncey Billups, he's already obtained Iverson's ultimate goal of winning a title (and being named MVP) and he now gets to perform in front of his home crowd. But keep in mind Chauncey was happy to be in Detroit. One week later Billups has led Denver to a 3-0 record while Iverson & Co. have struggled with a dismal 1-2 record. Sure the season is early and the Pistons may still reach their seventh straight Conference Final but for Iverson to obtain the beautiful green grass he's still going to have to mow that lawn.

I. NFL Week 11 Predictions: (Last Week: 7-7) Sure last week was mediocre and while I too could opt for greener pastures I've decided to trim my predicting hedges and get back on track in week 11. All 32 teams will be in action beginning with an AFC East battle tonight! Here we go!

1. Jets (6-3) @ Patriots (6-3) (Th. 8:15 pm NFL Network)- The last time these two teams met Tom Brady and the Patriots were set to complete their goal of winning the Super Bowl and Brett Favre and the Jets were just trying to learn each others strengths and weaknesses. 10 weeks and an injured Tom Brady later, the two are set to face off for sole possession of the AFC East lead. The Patriots seem to be clicking on offense once again despite Brady's absence. Obviously the scoreboard isn't ringing up at its record-setting '07 pace but the chains are moving. As for the Jets Favre has yet to consistently make plays down the field but on the heels of RB Thomas Jones, Brett has been limited to simply managing the game. But this isn't any game. In Foxborough the forecast is cold and rainy which means conditions will be sloppy, if Jones isn't able to find creases in the Pats' defense, Brett will be expected to drop back and make key throws down the field in the midst of the slop. While Favre is the all-time leader in touchdowns he too sits in first in the interception category. Although Brady will be absent the Patriots should come out with the same result. W. Prediction: PATRIOTS by 7

2. Broncos (5-4) @ Falcons (6-3) (1:00 CBS)- Quick ask yourself, do you believe....in the Falcons? Yes, after coming off a season where their franchise QB was sent to prison, their first year coach quit...prior to the end of the season and they drafted a QB and put the team on his shoulders from day one, who knew they would be in position to win their division? Sure you did...As the Broncos look to bring their high-powered offense into the Georgia Dome the Falcons will feature their underrated pass defense that forced Drew Brees into three interceptions last week. Broncos QB Jay Cutler has played at a Pro Bowl level at times (along with WR Brandon Marshall) but it's their defense that keeps opponents hanging around. After attending a Falcons game this season my belief is that it will be tough for anyone to come in the dome and defeat the dirty birds. If you don't believe me their 4-0 home record will answer all of your questions. Prediction: FALCONS by 3

3. Bears (5-4) @ Packers (4-5) (1:00 FOX): When Bears head coach Lovie Smith accepted the responsibility of leading the Monsters of the Midway the first thing he committed to as Head Coach was defeating the Green Bay Packers. Not only has Smith been successful in doing so he's won 8 out of 10 meetings between their Cheesy rivals. But enough with the history lesson, the Packers defense is hobbled. And their ability to stop the run is non-existent. With Bears rookie sensation Matt Forte coming to town this will pose a problem for the Lambeau Leapers. Look for Chicago to come out and control the clock running the ball and involving their tight ends. Without the services of Packers LB Nick Barnett their defense will have to alter their attack. This game will live up to its billing with a lot of hitting and trash talking but as long as Lovie Smith is manning the sidelines the outcome should remain the same. Prediction: BEARS by 6

4. Titans (9-0) @ Jaguars (4-5) (4:15 CBS)- The Titans will travel to Jacksonville boasting a league best 9-0. Every week that they win their bulls eye gets bigger and their schedule couldn't be any tougher traveling to a division foe that has absolutely nothing to lose. The Jags' have been known for the tough defense but their offense has struggled as of late. If the Titans can't find a way to gain more than 20 yards on 29 rushes as they did against Chicago, the Jags' will make their flight home a long one. One of the toughest things to do in football is run the ball on the road but the only thing tougher is actually winning on the road. If you really want to know my "expert" opinion, the Titans are simply due for a loss. Prediction: JAGUARS by 3

**GAME OF THE WEEK**

5. Cowboys (5-4) @ Redskins (6-3) (8:15, NBC)- The Game of the Week features yet another NFC rival that will face off after regrouping during their bye week. The 'Skins may be without Clinton Portis and the 'Boys are hoping to come in to Landover with a healthy (and effective) Tony Romo. Nevertheless, the biggest difference between the two rivals is that the Cowboys had extra time to acclimate their newest addition in WR Roy Williams. In the past few weeks he's literally had to learn on the fly but with an extra week of reps without being injured will allow Tony and Roy to get a better feel for one another and simply make life difficult for opposing defenses. The Redskins have been playing well all season long but with the Cowboys backs being slammed against the wall I expect them to come out swinging and throwing down field. This game too should live up to its hype and the road team shall be victorious. Prediction: COWBOYS by 6

***Quick Picks***

Eagles over Bengals

Colts over Texans

Saints over Chiefs

Dolphins over Raiders

Giants over Ravens

Vikings over Buccaneers

Panthers over Lions

49ers over Rams

Cardinals over Seahawks

Steelers over Chargers

Browns over Bills

II. Sports Ventz

 By: Kevin Cottrell, Jr. 
Just a Thought... A Thoughtful Tuesday....Its been said that great minds think alike, so when President elect Barack Obama made history on Tuesday I wondered who was he on the same wavelength with. Was it Jackie Robinson who became the first African-American baseball player? Or Fritz Pollard who became the first African-American football player? Maybe it was Ernie Davis when he overcame the odds to become the first African-American to win the heisman trophy or Tiger Woods for Mastering the game of Golf in 1997....then again he is based out of Chicago so maybe it was Lovie Smith (Bears Head Coach) and Tony Dungy (Colts Head Coach) who became the first African-Americans to lead their teams to the Super Bowl...while all of these men broke the color barrier in their own special way none of them thought like Obama. In fact, they all played a game they loved and it just so happened that they were all black. As for President Obama, you see he was sick and tired of the war, struggling economy, poor educational system and the high unemployment rate so what he did was instill hope to us all. He wanted us to know that together WE can change the way of the world. He started out by convincing us "Yes We Can" make a difference and all become the first to have say so in the first African-American President. So on November 4th many would attribute his thought process to those mentioned above but there were millions of people who stood in lines across America to state that they too thought like President Obama...so you are to thank for this milestone and no longer will we chant "Yes We Can" but instead we must say...."Yes We Did"....I guess great minds do think alike.
 I. NFL Week 10 Predictions (Last week 10-4) Last week was another productive week for your resident predictions guru (that is if you play in the NFC West). This week many teams will attempt to distance themselves in heated division races and others are simply trying to keep pace with the frontrunners. Here's a look into my NFL Crystal Ball!!!
 1. Broncos (4-4) @ Browns (3-5) (Thur. 8:15 pm, NFL Network)- Yes it's that time of year! Football is in midseason form and games our aired midweek! Tonight the Broncos will travel to Cleveland for a shootout with first time starter Brady Quinn and the Browns. This game has more importance and interest now that the "Golden Boy" finally gets a chance to do more than he has in his Vitamin commercials! The Browns have been clicking when Braylon Edwards has held on to the ball and the Broncos started out with an seemingly impossible to stop offense (and help from officials) before they were brought down to earth. So what will this game come down to? Home field advantage. Both teams are trying to salvage their season and the Browns seem to have more to prove with the switch at QB and the inconsistent play from their Pro Bowl wideout. The team will rally around Brady and the night will be electrifying since both defenses have issues with defending the pass. Prediction: BROWNS by 3   
2. Saints (4-4) @ Falcons (5-3) (1 pm, FOX)-This NFC South rivalry will be in full effect in the Georgia Dome come Sunday. Many experts sexy pick to reach the Super Bowl (Saints) currently sit in last place in their division. Meanwhile the Falcons have put on display one of the most balanced offenses in the L in the first 8 games of the season. Michael Turner runs through the opposition and Roddy White seems to run by them. So what will be the key for the Saints to hand the Falcons their first home defeat of the year? Placing pressure on their defense early and often. The Falcons have gotten off to hot starts in the dome this season and if the Saints can strike early and often it will put pressure on Matt Ryan to win the game through the air and eliminate the Michael Turner dynamic. For the Saints offense that should be a Brees. Prediction: SAINTS by 10
 3. Titans (8-0) @ Bears (5-3) (1pm, CBS)- Throughout the first two months of the season the Titans have been the status quo in the NFL. They've defeated their opponents by stopping the run (anchored by Big Albert Haynesworth) and running effectively with Lendale White and rookie speedster Chris Johnson. So as they traveled to Soldiers Field Sunday this game should be a walk in the park, right? Not exactly. One of the toughest things to do in the NFL is win on the road. Another thing is its tough to run the ball on the road (especially if it's a team like the Bears) with that said for one of the first times QB Kerry Collins will have to lead Tennessee to victory with his arm and that may pose as a problem. The Bears defense is at full-strength and after holding Detroit to 0 points in the second half last Sunday they may have regained their swagger. All good things must come to an end Tennessee fans and their undefeated road may end....on the road Sunday. Prediction: BEARS by 4 
 4.Colts (4-4) @ Steelers (6-2) (4:15 pm, CBS)- Three weeks ago I thought the Colts would be headed towards a six game winning streak...I guess the next time I decide to make such a bold prediction I should at least take a look at their schedule. Yikes! Coming off the tough victory over the Patriots at home, Manning & Co. will travel to Pittsburgh to take on the best defense in the league. After Roethlesberger had an MRI to show that he shoulder had no serious damage the bad news only piled on for the Colts. The 3-4 scheme played by the Steelers has been one that has given Indy problems in the past and with the Colts' inability to move the ball at will it will be interesting to see how Peyton, Reggie and Marvin adjust to the Steelers aggressive play. But one does not have time wonder that's why they play the games (and look at schedules). Prediction: STEELERS by 7 
***Game of the Week*** 5. Giants (7-1) @ Eagles (5-3) (8:15 pm, NBC)- For the past several years the toughest division in the NFC has been the East so it shouldn't come as a surprise that this is my game of the week. Last season the Giants dominated the Eagles sacking McNabb 10 times but 6 of them were by the injured Osi Umenyiora. Nevertheless the Giants are still one of the most aggressive Defensive units in the league and the Eagles have one of the most dynamic west coast offenses in the L. So which unit wins? My guess would be the home team offense. The Philly crowd will be into the game the dink and dunk passes from McNabb setting up deep plays will keep the G-Men on their heels and set them up for only their second loss of the season. If the Giants expect to make a difference they've got to keep McNabb & Co. off the field. Easier said than done...    Prediction: EAGLES by 7
 ***Quick Picks*** Jaguars over Lions Seahawks over Dolphins Patriots over Bills Jets over Rams Ravens over Texans Panthers over Raiders Chargers over Chiefs Cardinals over 49ers Packers over Vikings   
Bye week: Bengals, Buccaneers, Cowboys, Redskins 
II. Sports Ventz

By: Kevin Cottrell, Jr.

 

Just a Thought...

FAN NIGHT...Last Tuesday NBA-TV launched an interactive night where you the FAN can determine what game they will air the following Tuesday! How cool is that? How often have you rushed home on a Monday Night to come home to a bad Bengals team facing off with the offensively challenged Ravens? All that will change in the NBA because all you have to do is cast your vote on NBA.com and you the FAN will have an opportunity to dictate what game the nation sees. Well if you think this sounds cool this coming Tuesday will blow you away! That's right this coming Tuesday is FAN NIGHT of a different sort...you the citizen or fan will have the opportunity to go to your local polls and dictate which team you'd rather see take this country to the promise land. You've heard their forums, you've seen their strengths, they've both trained for this day for the past 21 months but it all comes down to you the fan. Keep in mind that no two teams could ever win on the same night. So be sure to view the scouting reports and come this Tuesday make this political FAN NIGHT one to remember. Ahhh who am I kidding you know who my vote is for...BARACK OBAMA FOR PRESIDENT!

I. NFL Week 9 Predictions (Last week 10-4) Last week was more like 10 wins but the only problem is that may only get me a wild card spot in the AFC. So far another attempt at a Patriots like week take a look at my Week 10 picks!

 

1. Packers (4-3) @ Titans (7-0) (1 pm, FOX)- This match-up is an official "trap game". The Titans are coming off the emotional high defeating their division nemesis in the Colts. At the end of that game Titans players were so excited they walked around holding up 7 fingers as if they were 16-0! That was then, the Packers are now! Look for Aaron Rodgers and the three step offense to attack the blitz happy Titans. This game will definitely be close but the Titans have yet to face a truly effective offense. As for Green Bay they watched the Titans claw out the win against the Colts like the rest of the nation so when they travel to Nashville this Sunday they won't be there to visit the Country Hall of Fame.Prediction: PACKERS by 4
2. Jets (4-3) @ Bills (5-2) (1 pm, CBS)- This is a huge game and not because Brett Favre is one of the starting QBs. In fact, the winner of this game will have an opportunity to keep pace or even tie the division leading Patriots. But first thing first, the Bills are a team that cliques at every facet of the game. Their special teams sets up there offense with great field position. Their defense flies to the ball and their offense knows how to punch it in on the ground or through the air. As for the Jets, they've yet to play their best football, yet they're one game out of first place. The thing is Favre is liable to erupt at anytime and with a big game on the line he's prime to erupt. But pay close attention to the injury report the Favre man reportedly has a "sore arm" so the Bills will look to attack that lethal weapon. The Bills were picked apart by the Dolphins so look for them to take it out on the Jets this Sunday. Prediction: BILLS by 7
3. Patriots (5-2) @ Colts (3-4) (8:15 pm, NBC)- This game is huge but not on the same level as their undefeated match-ups in the past. The Colts are trying to salvage their season and the Patriots are trying to distance themselves in the AFC East. The Pats are regaining their swagger even with the absence of Tom Brady. Matt Cassell is beginning to prove that he can play in the NFL posting a 5-2 record in his first 7 games (Brady was 4-3). As for the Colts Peyton Manning may have the services of Addai returning but his effectiveness is still in question. The Colts will be sharpening their "no huddle" skills to wear down a banged up Patriots offense. This game will be played in prime time on Sunday Night so expect the stars to come out. Both teams have not played their best so as in the past the two will clash for 60 minutes. In a game this tight you've got to give the nod to the home team. Prediction: COLTS by 3
4. Steelers (5-2) @ Redskins (6-2) (8:30 pm, MNF ESPN) Is it me or have the Redskins overachieved? Whether you feel so or not the 'Skins have defeated the teams on their schedule and they are in position to prove that they belong among the NFL elite. The Steelers will travel to Landover on Monday Night for another shot at an NFC East team. Last week they struggled with the Giants because of New York's ability to pressure the quarterback. If the 'Skins defense can not get to Big Ben then they're in for a long night. Offensively for the 'Skins their best bet to win is by establishing the run. With the Steelers having Polamalu to roam around the line of scrimmage, the 'Skins will eventually have to depend on Jason Campbell to drop back and beat Pittsburgh with his arm. Keep in mind that this is a Monday Night game and crazy things are destined to happen. Pediction: STEELERS by 10                              

 

 

***Game of the Week***

 

5. Cowboys (5-3) @ Giants (6-1) (4:15 pm, FOX-) The struggling Cowboys will travel to the Meadowlands in an attempt to keep their heads above NFC East water heading into their bye week. The Giants on the other hand leads the league in sacks and will look to attack the statuesque Brad Johnson as he stands aimlessly in the pocket. This game will be played close because the Cowboys defense will keep things close by stopping their tough and elusive run game early on. But if the Cowboys can't get T.O. and Roy going early on in the game the 'Boys may be staring at 4 losses going into their bye week (they only had 3 all of last year). There is a lot at stake in this game but without the services of Tony Romo I can't see a scenario where the 'Boys come out victorious. Prediction: GIANTS by 4

    

   ***Quick Picks***

   Bears over Lions

   Jaguars over Bengals

   Buccaneers over Chiefs

   Eagles over Seahawks

   Browns over Ravens

   Falcons over Raiders

   Broncos over Dolphins

   Vikings over Texans

   Cardinals over Rams

    

   Bye week: Saints, Chargers, 49ers, Panthers