49ers @ Bengals - San Francisco has been competitive in both of their games this year, including a talented Cowboys team they probably should have beat last week. Andy Dalton has made an impact early, and does a good job of taking what the defense gives him and takes care of the football (zero turnovers through the first two weeks). This game will likely come down to who can establish the run game first. Prediction: 49ers 21, Bengals 17.
Jaguars @ Panthers - In the first regular season match-up pitting two rookie quarterbacks, this will be another game where whichever team can effectively establish a run game to take the pressure of their young quarterbacks first. The Panthers were competitive with Green Bay for a good portion of their game at Lambeau this past week, and will try to build on that momentum. DeAngelo Williams needs to step up and earn his 5 year, $43 million dollar contract. Prediction: Panthers 24, Jaguars 16.
Lions @ Vikings - The Lions are the talk of the NFL right now, and rightfully so. A solid defensive line that controls the line of scrimmage and an explosive young offense with solid weapons for QB Matthew Stafford. This could be a sneaky tough game, as in years past the Lions have had a hard time giving Stafford enough time. Look for Stafford to air it out, as the Vikings are allowing 280 yards a game through the air, as it will be tough to get Jahvid Best running lanes against a stout Minnesota run defense. Prediction: Lions 20, Vikings 13.
Broncos @ Titans - Denver will likely be getting back DE Elvis Dumervil this week, as well as oft-injured RB Knowshon Moreno. The Titans are going to look to build upon last week's big win against the Baltimore Ravens. Tennessee would like to get back to running the ball more, so look for Chris Johnson and the powerful O-Line to take a page out of Oakland's book and pound the ball with CJ2K. Prediction: Ttitans 23, Broncos 14.
Dolphins @ Browns - Miami has been competitive in both games this year, and Daniel Thomas looked like the real deal vs. a Texans team on the rise. The Browns come off a road win against Indy, but it doesn't hold quite the weight it normally would with Peyton Manning being sidelined. UPSET OF THE WEEK!! Prediction: Dolphins 27, Browns 20.
Giants @ Eagles - Turnovers are going to be key in this game. Can the Giants get pressure on the Eagles QB (Whether that be Vick or Kafka) and force mistakes? And can Eli Manning fight his propensity for interceptions (a league worst 25 last year)? Prediction: Eagles 24, Giants 21.
Texans @ Saints - The Texans and their #1 defense (yes, you read that right) have a challenge on their hands, going to New Orleans to play Drew Brees and the rest of the Saints. With Arian Foster's hammy being an issue, RB Ben Tate has stepped in and is 2nd in the NFL in rushing yards. Prediction: Saints 34, Texans 24.
Patriots @ Bills - The only game pitting two undefeateds against each other, the Bills need to try and establish the run with the league's leading rusher (Fred Jackson) to take pressure off of Ryan Fitzpatrick. If the Bills can minimize penalties and turnovers, they will have a shot. Watch for Tom Brady to pick on Bills CB Leodis McKelvin early, as he was torched by Denarius Moore last week. No Aaron Hernandez or Dan Koppen for NE. Prediction: Patriots 30, Bills 21.
Ravens @ Rams - Which Ravens team will show up this sunday? Baltimore will look to return to form after a bad loss to Tennessee this past week. St. Louis has not looked sharp so far this year, but if RB Steven Jackson can return, then watch for the Rams to use him to set up the play-action passes against a Ravens team allowing over 300 yards/game through the air. Prediction: Ravens 27, Rams 23.
Jets @ Raiders - Despite being off to a 2-0 start, the Jets are not using the running game (only 73 yards/game). While the Raiders are susceptible to big games through the air now that Nnamdi Asomugha left via free agency, don't fall into that trap, as I'm still not sold on Mark Sanchez as a playmaker so much as a game manager. Prediction: Jets 20, Raiders 10.
Chiefs @ Chargers - Not a good first few weeks for the Chiefs, and its not going to get any easier against a San Diego team that will be looking to bounce back from a turnover-filled performance in Foxborough last Sunday. Prediction: Chargers 35, Chiefs 13.
Packers @ Bears - The Bears are another Jekkyl and Hyde team, which makes it hard to try and figure out their performance from week to week. The Packers got a surprisingly competitive from Cam Newton and the Panthers this past week. Prediction: Packers 23, Bears 14.
Cardinals @ Seahawks - Its hard to get a read on this Cardinals team, as they've played two surprise teams thus far. The Seahawks just seem lost right now. For Seattle to have a chance, they HAVE to establish some semblance of a running game against a Cardinals team that gave up 172 yards to the Redskins this past week. Prediction: Seahawks 24, Cardinals 20.
Falcons @ Bucs - If Tampa is serious about competing for a playoff spot this year, they're probably going to have to pass up either the Falcons or Saints. Atlanta has looked shaky so far this year, and could easily be 0-2. Michael Turner has had two 100 yard rush games to start the season, but will face a tough test against a team that is only allowing 80.5 yards/game. Prediction: Bucs 24, Falcons 20.
Steelers @ Colts - Indianapolis established a running game last week, which was enough to keep them competitive with an up-and-coming Browns team. The Steelers regained their form against Jacksonville last week after getting blown out by the Ravens in week one. Prediction: Steelers 31, Colts 10.
Redskins @ Cowboys - The Redskins have an underrated two-headed monster at tailback with Arizona cast-off Tim Hightower and rookie Roy Helu. Dallas is a classic under-achieving team, especially when looking at their talented roster. Dallas wants to return to the postseason, and if that's the case, they need to find more balance on offense. Prediction: Cowboys 26, Redskins 17.
Last Week: 12-4 (.750)
Season: 22-10 (.688)
No comments:
Post a Comment