Redskins @ Panthers - The Redskins benched Rex Grossman after throwing four interceptions through three quarters in last week's 20-13 home loss to the Eagles. In is John Beck, who while not a super-skilled quarterback is skilled enough to be an effective game manager and take what the defense gives him (something Grossman has never been able to do). The Panthers have been competitive in every game this year, but need to run the ball more to take pressure off of Cam Newton. Prediction: Panthers 23, Redskins 20.
Seahawks @ Browns - Coming off a bye in week six should help the Seahawks come down from their big week five road win against the Giants and re-focus. Tarvaris Jackson will likely miss this game due to a strained pectoral from the Giants game, meaning Charlie Whitehurst will get the starting nod. Expect a heavy dose of Marshawn Lynch, as the Browns rank near the bottom of the league in rush defense (27th at 129.8 yards/game). The Browns are also dealing with injuries, as Peyton Hillis is questionable following his hamstring injury last week. Even with Hillis, their running game has not been up to snuff, so a lot of pressure will fall on backup Montarrio Hardesty to pick up the slack in the running game. Prediction: Seahawks 21, Browns 17.
Falcons @ Lions - The Falcons got back to a more run-oriented offense last week, and Michael Turner's success on the ground will be the deciding factor in this game, as the 49ers exposed the Lions rush defense (allowing 5.2 yards/rush on the year, 31st in the league). The Lions are going to be playing angry coming off a last minute loss to the 49ers in a game they dominated statistically. The health of Jahvid Best will be something to watch for, as an already pass-happy offense could be even moreso without their #1 running back. The offensive line also needs to do a better job protecting QB Matthew Stafford, as he was sacked five times this past week. Prediction: Falcons 27, Lions 23.
Broncos @ Dolphins - The Tim Tebow era will officially begin in Miami against the Dolphins on Sunday. Before the game, the Dolphins are going to be honoring the 2009 National Champion Florida squad that Tebow was a part of. The trade of Brandon Lloyd won't help Tebow, but returning from injury are fellow WRs Demaryius Thomas and Eddie Royal. I'd expect to see the Broncos use more of a power running attack with Willis McGahee. The Dolphins actually had decent success against the Jets in the running game, and if both Daniel Thomas and Reggie Bush are healthy, they can exploit a very average Broncos run defense. Prediction: Broncos 24, Dolphins 17.
Chargers @ Jets - The matchup I'm going to watch is Chargers WR Vincent Jackson vs. Jets CB Darrelle Revis. Last week Brandon Marshall did have some success against Revis (4 catches for 80 yards when matched up with Revis), but Revis still got his (2 interceptions, including one taken back 100 yards for a touchdown). The Jets are 3-3, and need to win this game to avoid having to play near-perfect football down the stretch. Mark Sanchez was solid this past week, but needs to stop making rookie mistakes if this team is serious about making the playoffs. Prediction: Jets 23, Chargers 20.
Bears at Bucs - The Bears have finally found some balance between the pass and run, and absolutely put it on the Vikings this past week. Their offensive line is still not protecting Cutler well, but having more balance on offense does give Cutler a bit more time to throw, and they've been playing better since finding that balance. The Bucs will again be without LeGarrette Blount, which will hurt their chances against a strong Bears front seven. Being played at Wembley Stadium in London, the grass will no doubt be playing soft, which will favor whichever team can run the ball most effectively. Prediction: Bears 20, Bucs 16.
Texans @ Titans - The Texans will again be without Andre Johnson and Mario Williams, this time facing a team in the Titans who are coming off a disappointing performance in their 38-17 loss to Pittsburgh. The winner of this game can definitely be looked at as the team to beat in the AFC South. Tennessee hasn't run the ball as well as in years past, but Ahmard Hall is back healthy, so expect a solid performance from Chris Johnon. Prediction: Texans 27, Titans 20.
Steelers @ Cardinals - The Steelers have been one of the more inconsistent teams in the AFC this year. They've only been truly manhandled once (opening day against the Ravens), but have had only a three point road win against the winless Colts, as well as last week's 17-13 squeaker over the Jags. The talent is there on both sides of the ball, but they've yet to find a rhythm. The Cardinals will have had their bye week to prepare and focus on the Steelers, which is good because their last performance (34-10 loss to the Vikings) was anything but solid. The Cardinals will need to get Beanie Wells involved, as Pittsburgh's rush defense is not as stout as in past years, allowing 112.8 yards per game. If they do that, and Kolb can protect the football, Arizona will be in this game. Prediction: Steelers 28, Cardinals 23.
Chiefs @ Raiders - The Raiders acquired Bengals holdout QB Carson Palmer this week, but he's not likely to start this weekend against the Chiefs, meaning Kyle Boller will get the nod. After a disastrous first two weeks that saw the Chiefs get outscored by a combined 89-10 against the Bills and Lions, the Chiefs have won two of three, the only blemish coming in a 20-17 road loss that had Kansas City near midfield when Matt Cassel was intercepted in the final minute. This game is very important for the Raiders if they want to stay on San Diego's heels for the AFC West lead. Expect heavy doses of Darren McFadden and Michael Bush on the ground, with Boller throwing largely out of play-action to keep the defense honest. Prediction: Raiders 24, Chiefs 19.
Rams @ Cowboys - With Sam Bradford not playing in this game with a high ankle sprain, this could be a long day with AJ Feeley at quarterback. The only chance the Rams have is to keep the Cowboys offense off the field with Steven Jackson and Cadillac Williams. Prediction: PAIN!! Cowboys: 38, Rams 14.
Vikings @ Packers - Not much to like for the Vikings in this game. A rookie quarterback making his first start against a Packers team that has looked very good all year. Ponder will be a good quarterback, but this is not going to be a game to showcase his talents. Prediction: Packers 34, Vikings 10.
Colts @ Saints - This game looked much more exciting before Peyton Manning had to undergo neck surgery the week before the season started. New Orleans will be focused after a disappointing performance against Tampa Bay last week. Curtis Painter has acquitted himself fairly well for the Colts, but their running game isn't good enough to allow Painter to manage the game, something his skill set is more fit for. Prediction: Saints 33, Colts 17.
Ravens @ Jaguars - The Ravens seem like the team to beat in the AFC North this year, as Ray Rice is continuing to be one of the best dual-threat RB's in the league. The Jaguars pass offense has been non-existent this season, but Maurice Jones-Drew is still averaging 4.8 yards per carry despite often facing 8 and 9 men in the box. A heavy dose of MJD could keep the Jaguars close. Prediction: Ravens 27, Jaguars 13.
Last Week: 10-3 (.769)
Season: 62-28 (.689)
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