I don’t have much to say this week, which is unfortunate, since you guys won't have much to watch this week. Three winning weeks in a row, though – even if my record has gotten progressively worse each week.
*Week 10: 7-6
*Overall: 54-41
Washington Redskins (4-5) at Tennessee Titans (5-4): OK, when I said Shanahan was killing his own team, I didn’t mean he was demoralizing them THAT badly. Either way, ‘Skins aren’t going to recover from that one in under a week.
Titans over Redskins: 31-20
Detroit Lions (2-7) at Dallas Cowboys (2-7): In my defense of last week, after watching the Bills give up three straight shoulda-been wins, would you have picked them against your favorite team, which should’ve beaten the Jets? Yes. That being said, I would not want to be in the Cowboys’ way right now. The team’s playing like everybody’s jobs are on the line (and they probably are).
Cowboys over Lions: 27-13
Buffalo Bills (1-8) at Cincinnati Bengals (2-7): Can we get a two-game win streak for the Bills? … um, no. Not on the road. Or at home. Or really anywhere (I feel like I’m reciting Green Eggs and Ham here).
Bengals over Bills: 31-10
Arizona Cardinals (3-6) at Kansas City Chiefs (5-4): The Chiefs needed this “break” badly. I can’t see this team losing three straight, with the third at home.
Chiefs over Cardinals: 28-13
Green Bay Packers (6-3) at Minnesota Vikings (3-6): I hate picking the Vikings. It’s just irritating, because I know they’re going to flame out, and eventually the team will have to accept what Favre is and bench him. That being said, there’s barely in a drama in this division, and this division needs drama.
Vikings over Packers: 17-14
Houston Texans (4-5) at New York Jets (7-2): This is not the season Gary Kubiak envisioned after Houston’s Week 1 win. We all know that. It’s too late for them to turn the season around, but I think you can expect a surprise here.
Texans over Jets: 21-17
Oakland Raiders (4-5) at Pittsburg Steelers (6-3): Anyone else notice the irony in the fact that Big Ben comes back, the offense plays better, and the Steelers goes 3-2 in that stretch? I did. It’s about to be 4-2, though. Raiders may be the best team in an OK division, but they aren’t doing what New England did last week.
Steelers over Raiders: 28-7
Baltimore Ravens (6-3) at Carolina Panthers (1-8): When in doubt, I usually go for the home team. Good thing my only doubt about this one is Ray Rice getting to 20 fantasy points this week.
Ravens over Panthers: 31-7
Cleveland Browns (3-6) at Jacksonville Jaguars (5-4): I don’t think Cleveland is a good team by any margin, but I think it does play a great spoiler team, with its consistency on offense, but I’ll save another of those upset calls for another week. Jacksonville finally seems to be clicking, and a home win against Cleveland is a must if the Jags want to stay in playoff contention.
Jaguars over Browns: 24-17
Atlanta Falcons (7-2) at St. Louis Rams (4-5): The Rams are no longer in first. Order seems to have been restored in the West … until this week at least.
Rams over Falcons: 21-17
Seattle Seahawks (5-4) at New Orleans Saints (6-3): Reality check time for the Seahawks, same as the Raiders. This is just a decent team controlling an awful division.
Saints over Seahawks: 28-16
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-3) at San Francisco 49ers (3-6): I’m officially drinking the Raheem Morris Kool-Aid, but I don’t think it’s gonna pan out this week. Given how desperate the Niners have to be at this point, plus the 3,500-mile home-field advantage, and I have to side with San Fran here.
49ers over Buccaneers: 24-21
Indianapolis Colts (6-3) at New England Patriots (7-2): I’m a little irritated at the scheduling on this one. Greatest game of the regular season for nearly a decade running, and it’s scheduled as an afternoon game – which I can’t watch because of work – instead of a night game. Way to hold the ball on this one, NFL. That being said, the Patriots got their marquee win last week. The Colts will get theirs this week, on a last-minute come-from-behind touchdown by Manning.
Colts over Patriots: 28-24
New York Giants (6-3) at Philadelphia Eagles (6-3): I refuse to admit I’m wrong about the Giants. This team will collapse at some point this year. No better time than the present … or just in Philly against Vick.
Eagles over Giants: 31-20
Denver Broncos (3-6) at San Diego Chargers (4-6):I do not want to pick for this game. The two will probably combined for 628 passing yards, 284 rushing … and three touchdowns. I don’t understand how offenses this good – and defense, in the Chargers’ case – can be part of such bad teams. It’s something to watch, though.
OK, so my Detroit prediction failed last week. I forgot how remarkably consistent teams, which have spent the last decade at the bottom of the league, are at falling apart when it seems impossible to do so. There’s always next year, I guess?
Also, I’m a little sad that I forgot about Thursday night’s game. I picked Atlanta to win. Apparently that was something of an upset – division-leading team at home is an underdog. That’s a new one – but I can’t count it, because I didn’t write it down.
Oh well, I’ll just have to go perfect this week.
*Week 9: 8-5
*Overall: 47-35
First back-to-back winning weeks, by the way. Not the biggest brag, but I can take it.
Detroit Lions (2-6) at Buffalo Bills (0-8):Remember how I said the Bears would be the team to give up Buffalo’s first win, and they managed to pull another win out of nowhere again? Yeah, Buffalo doesn’t seem to want to get anything this year.
As for the Lions, Matthew Stafford’s out again, but I think that may actually be a blessing in disguise. Don’t get me wrong, I’m slowly starting to be won over by the ‘Dawg (ew.), but I think Shaun Hill has better chemistry with the team, and if anyone can ensure a victory over a winless team, it’ll be Hill. That, plus Jim Schwartz not bombing the play-calling this week.
Lions over Bills: 27-7
Minnesota Vikings (3-5) at Chicago Bears (5-3): I don’t know which team has it better/worse. The Vikings, who seem to catch the weirdest breaks at the weirdest moments – think last week’s comeback versus the Cardinals, right after dumping Randy Moss – or the Bears, who just seem to hand victories about and get them returned twofold.
Here, I think it’ll be Bears. Mostly, because they’re at home, and I don’t have a clue how else to gauge this game, but also because the Vikings were L.U.C.K.Y last week. This team doesn’t know how to make the playoffs. I’m not saying the Bears do, but as long as Jay Cutler isn’t playing the role of meat being tenderized, the Bears actually have a pretty solid team.
Bears over Vikings: 21-16
New York Jets (6-2) at Cleveland Browns (3-5): I wanna say the Browns can pull off the shock twice in a row. And I wanna say the Jets can lose three times (Oh wait…two out of three. Never mind.) in a row. But it doesn’t matter how enticing this rivalry could become in the next few years – with Rob Ryan, Rex’s brother, as defensive coordinator for the Browns, as well as Eric Mangini, who took the Browns coaching position after being unceremoniously ousted from the same position in New York, facing off against Rex and the Jets – the Jets simply are too good to collapse midseason like this. Even is Mark Sanchez is still overrated.
Jets over Browns: 24-13
Cincinnati Bengals (2-6) at Indianapolis Colts (5-3):Bengals are in free fall, which is kind of weird, considering Palmer is as close to true form as he’s been in five years, and the Bengals have recently been known for their defense, not high-flying offense. Somehow, though, this team is just coming apart. And playing the Colts off a loss is not a good way to re-stitch those seams
(I really don’t have to say much more about Indy. We all know about Peyton.)
Colts over Bengals: 31-20
Tennessee Titans (5-3) at Miami Dolphins (4-4):Two major issues exist here for the Dolphins: 1) They haven’t won at home this year. Granted, it’s been against stiff competition, but two have been division rivalry games, so that’s definitely not a good thing; 2) Teams don’t get much more consistent than the Titans. Road or away, you can usually expect them to bring about the same level of performance each game.
Growing up watching the Titans, I know all too much about the latter. Home-field advantage for the Titans is not a big deal. Conversely, though, road games are no big threats either. And I like how that’s playing off here.
Titans over Dolphins: 17-14
Carolina Panthers (1-7) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-3): Poor Panthers. I no longer stand by my statement that this is a playoff team, but seriously, who has worse luck than these guys? Minus most of their running backs and their starting quarterback coming into this game. That’s just not right.
As for the Bucs, who in the world saw this coming? They’ve not been seriously blown out this year, and, granted, they have one of the easiest schedules in the league, but so did the Arizona Cardinals a couple years back. Ask them how the Super Bowl turned out. The Bucs may not be Super Bowl caliber, but you can chalk up at least one more win this week.
Buccaneers over Panthers: 24-13
Houston Texans (4-4) at Jacksonville Jaguars (4-4): Both of these teams have spent most of the season equal parts hype and disappointment. The Texans just can’t seem to get a consistent thing going – seriously, where the heck is Matt Schaub? This is his team, not Arian Foster’s – while the Jaguars are matched in schizophrenia only by the two NFC West leaders, Arizona and Seattle.
Let’s face it: Given the relatively surprising success of the Titans this year, neither of these teams has a legitimate shot at making the playoffs. But I think Houston’s going to keep itself out of last place for the second year in a row, starting with a win in Jax.
Texans over Jaguars: 30-24
Kansas City Chiefs (5-3) at Denver Broncos (2-6): Really, I don’t wanna waste time on this. Kyle Orton to Brandon Lloyd has been one bright spot in a very dreary season that serves only to make Bronco Nation regret firing Mike Shanahan.
Kansas City, meanwhile, is putting together a legitimate squad that’s matched by only, dare I say it, Oakland. Even if this game is mile high, the Chiefs heads are in the clouds right now, while the Broncos are in free fall.
Chiefs over Broncos: 21-13
Dallas Cowboys (1-7) at New York Giants (6-2): And I’m freeeeeee … freeeeefallin. What if the Super Bowl half-time show this year was Tom Petty?
Giants over Cowboys: 31-10
Seattle Seahawks (4-4) at Arizona Cardinals (3-5):I’ve given up even trying to understand the Seahawks.
The Cardinals, however, have the mark of a decent team that simply needs a quarterback. They’ve played well in most instances, and great in some (New Orleans). Any other year against any other division, this would be a practice year. This year, though, against this competition, I see the Cardinals having a chance. Hosting the bipolar Seahawks this week certainly isn’t hurting them.
Cardinals over Seahawks: 20-3
St. Louis Rams (4-4) at San Francisco 49ers (2-6): Well, the 49ers owner came out a couple weeks ago and said his team would win the NFC West. Now’s the time to put up or shut up. I gotta say, though, I do like this lineup, with Troy Smith in, instead of Alex Smith. If not for a bout of ill-timed food poisoning, Troy Smith could very well have been the Ravens’ starter in their playoff run a couple years ago.
The Rams have been one of this season’s pleasant surprises. They’re not quite on the level of the Bucs and the Chiefs, but at the same time, seeing them do well, after so many years of misery, is something I think almost everyone who has no vested interest in the NFC West playoff race kind of enjoys watching. This week, though, gotta go with the Niners.
49ers over Rams: 17-14
New England Patriots (6-2) at Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2): I don’t care who you like, this game is football at its finest. Two teams that have dominated in recent years, one on a prolific offense with a defense that gets the job done, the other the exact opposite.
Granted, last week was embarrassing, but Brady seems to have fully recovered, and the Patriots’ D has been a surprise this year, while the Steelers’ D has been even better than usual, and Big Ben’s return hasn’t hurt, either. Belichick coming off a loss is dangerous, but so is Heinz Field at night. Still though, I can’t see this New England squad dropping two in a row.
Patriots over Steelers: 17-13
Philadelphia Eagles (5-3) at Washington Redskins (4-4): Alright, the emotion of Donovan McNabb’s return to Philly has worn off, and Michael Vick’s reality has set in. I don’t know what Mike Shanahan is doing to his team, but he’s killing the ‘Skins chemistry, and let’s face it: The Eagles are the better team, and they’re going to want revenge.
I’ve got awesome news for you guys, and I know every last one of you will care. Care to hazard a guess? … That’s right. Detroit is still in contention for the NFC North with a win over the Jets today. We all knew it was coming …
OK, so I’m kidding (sort of). But I’ve got plenty of reasons to be excited. As one friend put it, the Pack laid the groundwork on how to shut down the Jets, and if the Lions follow it, they should coast. The Lions offense literally can’t be stopped right now. It’s the fact that they’re giving up almost 25 points a game that’s killing them.
Also, the Titans are on bye this week, so I can spend the next seven days praying that I dreamed the waiver claim. Too bad that part won’t happen.
With that, here’re this week’s picks:
*Week 8: 9-4
*Overall: 39-30
Chicago Bears (4-3) at Buffalo Bills (0-7): The depressing downward spiral of the Bears only gets worse here, I’m afraid. Buffalo has been too close too many times to not be able to pull one out, while Jay Cutler seems to be hanging on by a very thin thread.
As of right now, Mike Martz seems like he’s actually trying to get Cutler killed, and he’s doing a pretty good job. And somehow, Ryan Fitzpatrick (who knew? Better yet, who knows?) has been the spark the Bills have needed to finally put up some points this season.
Bills over Bears: 24-17
New York Jets (5-2) at Detroit Lions (2-5): I’ll be honest: I may have a little fan bias on this one. But I’m looking at a Lions team that is putting up 25 points per game, has only been truly beaten once (Week 3, Minnesota), seems like they’re defense is actually becoming something special, and Detroit’s had an extra week to prepare for a Jets team that looked completely flummoxed by the Pack last week.
I’m not saying I’ve forgotten about Mark Sanchez and his best receiving corps and backfield that money can buy; I’m just saying I think Detroit can score more. And that’s what wins games, my friends.
Lions over Jets: 31-20
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-2) at Atlanta Falcons (5-2): Raheem Morris truly believes he has the best team in the conference. That’s a lovely sentiment, but the reality is, it has the best schedule in the conference. The Buccaneers are a potential playoff team, and Josh Freeman looks like he’s settled in, but they are not beating Mike Smith, Matt Ryan and co. at home, when first place in the division is on the line.
Falcons over Buccaneers: 24-10
New England Patriots (6-1) at Cleveland Browns (2-5): You know what’d be really funny? If Brady threw the game-losing interception because he forgot to sweep his hair out of his eyes before the snap. But really, I think the Patriots will struggle. One New England receiver has been able to go off each week, which has saved the offense from exposure, but what happens when a team shuts Welker and Branch down and the unknown backups can’t pick up the slack? We know they can’t fall back on a running game.
Meanwhile, that’s about Cleveland has. If Peyton Hillis were playing for, say, a playoff team, he would probably have 700 yards and 10 TDs right now. He is that good. The best part about Cleveland, though, is that it fights. Detroit and Buffalo aside, this team has probably suffered more close losses than anyone in the league. But occasionally, it’ll be a close win. Plus, I think it’s fun watching the experts struggle with all this “parody” this year.
Browns over Patriots: 34-17 (I didn’t say it would be close, did I?)
Arizona Cardinals (3-4) at Minnesota Vikings (2-5): I almost said, “Here’s a game that doesn’t matter.” Then I remember the Cardinals are in the NFC West, and it very much does matter. I’m hesitant to say the Cardinals’ motivation will be enough to pull out a win for this one, just because they really have nothing on offense. Occasionally, you’ll get the unexpected performance out of them – like the 30-17 trouncing they put on New Orleans – but this is not a good offensive team.
The biggest weakness for the Vikings, I think, aside from Favre, is their defense right now. It’s not bad, but it certainly isn’t playing up to the level it should be. That being said, Sidney Rice is coming back, and it’s the Cardinals at home. They should survive.
Vikings over Cardinals: 27-20
New Orleans Saints (5-3) at Carolina Panthers (1-6): The Saints have a nasty tendency to just get trounced by the awful teams – this is actually a good thing come playoff time, if you think about it – but I think the Panthers are awful enough that this doesn’t matter, especially since the Saints won’t be taking them lightly after their first meeting. Remember how I said for five weeks that I still thought Carolina had playoff potential? Yeah … that’s really all I’ve got to say on that.
Saints over Panthers: 31-17
Miami Dolphins (4-3) at Baltimore Ravens (5-2): I do not understand the Dolphins. How do you 4-0 on the road and 0-3 at home? Maybe the visiting team is so stunned by the women in South Beach that they have extra incentive? Who knows. Either way, ‘Phins are on the road, so it’s moot. The big thing here is that Dan Carpenter is healthy, and Miami’s going to need that leg against a team that historically relies on its kicker.
I think this game comes down to Ray Rice, though. He’s been less than stellar this year, having only one truly great game and scoring both of his touchdowns then. The Ravens have a great receiving corps and Flacco looks solid this year, but if Rice doesn’t get it going, even with McGahee playing well, it’s just hard to see the Ravens putting up enough points to match Miami. Good news is, Rice is due for another good game.
Ravens over Dolphins: 24-19 (Yes, I do think the ‘Phins will kick four field goals.)
San Diego Chargers (3-5) at Houston Texans (4-3): By all accounts, the Chargers should be dead, out of the playoff running. But they do this every year, plus have the No. 1 offense and defense in the NFL right now (explain that one). The problem is, the majority of that No. 1 offense comes in the form of Antonio Gates, who isn’t playing this week. Rivers has made it work with receivers that I bet you couldn’t name even if you watched the Chargers play a week ago, but at Houston, against an offense that can score whichever way it feels like, will be a challenge.
Houston meanwhile, just seems to lack a winner’s mindset. Maybe it’s because this franchise isn’t used to be a contender, but it continues to underperform with the talent it has. This offense should be miles ahead of everyone in the league, and yet Matt Schaub is barely averaging 200 yards per game. The bye week and the home field should help tremendously, but the Texans need to do some serious soul searching.
Texans over Chargers: 28-25
New York Giants (5-2) at Seattle Seahawks (4-3): Anybody else out there think all those Giants bandwagoners are going to look hilarious when they fall/jump/dive off that wagon in the coming weeks? Ahmad Bradhsaw is playing out of his mind, yes, and Eli Manning is having a decent year. But let’s keep in mind, I said Eli. You know, choke artist who redefines family of choke artists? (Let’s keep this straight: I love Peyton Manning, but the man can not win big games when it matters.)
Also, I hate enigmas. And the Seahawks are an enigma. They’re not just good at home, bad on the road. They are ridiculously good at home and ridiculously bad on the road. It’s like they forget how to play the second they leave Qwest Field. Lucky for them, they’re at Qwest. And they’re due for another rushing touchdown. Yeah, they have two. For the season. Total. Ew.
Seahawks over Giants: 28-17
Kansas City Chiefs (5-2) at Oakland Raiders (4-4): I don’t think this game has mattered since it was a big deal that Bo Jackson played football for Oakland and baseball for Kansas City. But New England West – I’m sorry, I mean Kansas City – has built an extremely solid team, thanks to the help of a great coaching staff, a great backfield, and a defense full of young future Pro Bowlers. I said I expected 10-6 from the Chiefs, but even I’m shocked at how well this team is closing out games.
The Raiders, meanwhile, I don’t understand. So they bench Campbell, put up 59 points, bring Campbell back, put up 33 points. Seriously, what the heck? I knew their defense could be shut-down, as long as it focused on the run, but I always assumed that means 17-10 games, not 59-14 ones. Here’s the problem, though: Oakland’s run D is not good, and the last two weeks, it’s faced teams that would struggle to run the ball even with only four guys playing defense.
Kansas City is not that flawed. Look for 350 yards on the ground and for the Raiders to come crashing back down to reality.
Chiefs over Raiders: 34-20
Indianapolis Colts (5-2) at Philadelphia Eagles (4-3): I know I said Peyton isn’t clutch, but his talent still irks me. It isn’t fair how somebody minus the nation’s best tight end, using several undrafted or high-round-pick wide receivers can simply keep chugging along at a 4,000-yard-per-season pace. I don’t think Philly will slow him down, but I do think they’re going to leave him bruised and battered.
As for the Eagles, he’s baaaaack. I can’t believe I’m admitting that Vick seems to be legitimate at this point, but what he’s done for this team is unreal. It’s motivated and playing well beyond what its talent level should be accomplished. And here, the team’s at home against Indy. And I think that’s the edge the Eagles are going to need for this week.
Eagles over Colts: 21-17
Dallas Cowboys (1-6) at Green Bay Packers (5-3): It would be funny if Dallas came into Green Bay and shocked the world with a win. And it would keep NBC from trying to put a hit out on Jerry Jones after scheduling this game. But it’s not going to happen. I’ve never a seen a team as talented as this, yet so dysfunctional.
Packers over Cowboys: 34-14
Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2) at Cincinnati Bengals (2-5): ESPN is silently considering the same thing as NBC. They were thinking division title implications at this point. As much as Ben Roethlisberger irritates me, it’s hard to argue with how good he makes this team, which was already one of the best in the league without a proven quarterback.
As for Cincinnati, the only trouble they give teams is figuring out how to spell that city (seriously, I misspell it every time). Plus, Roethlisberger gets a chance to seek a little vengeance against the team that swept the Steelers last year, on its own turf. You don’t think the Steelers are drooling a little bit over this one? I do think Palmer and the Bengals will be able to put up some great numbers against Pittsburgh today, but it’s not going to be enough.
I have a complaint to lodge. This was supposed to be my easy semester, my last one, 12 credits, including one class that should be an easy A. Instead, I get saddled with the last two weeks, where I never got more than five hours of sleep and had to do something like 10 out-of-class assignments.
But it’s cool. I’ve got four more over the next week, then I’m home-free till Thanksgiving.
As usual, I have a reason for telling this: I’m not simply putting my picks up on Sunday morning, with little description to go with them, for no reason. Getting a couple hours extra sleep on a weekend is just that valuable to me right now.
But since I got out of work an hour early tonight and since some earth-shattering (only if you’re a Titans fan, I guess) news just broke, I thought I’d take the time to reintroduce myself to the blogosphere.
For those who haven’t heard, Randy Moss was claimed off waivers … by the Tennessee Titans. On the outset, this looks like a great deal. The Titans now have a legitimate, proven deep threat, which they’ve lacked since Kevin Dyson. They’ve also gotten a great replacement for the injured Kenny Britt. Moss has a place with a proven, veteran quarterback, as well as a veteran, level-headed coach. The Titans are legitimate playoff contenders, which pretty much ensures that Moss will give most of his effort … most of the time, at least.
So with all these benefits, what could possibly be wrong with this deal? Only everything else.
Randy Moss is like one of the massive, exotic animals you go to the zoo to see. He’s fascinating to watch, gorgeous in a way, and, as long as he’s viewed from afar or from behind some protective casing, you could watch him all day. But the second he gets closer to you, you realize just how terrifying he truly is.
I don’t love Randy Moss the person, and I doubt many fans who know his personality do. But I do love the football field Moss. He’s entertaining and he’s full of surprises, but mostly, he’s incredible. I only ever saw Jerry Rice in his waning days, so I have no comparison to Moss’ talent. All I can say is, when he wants to, he seems completely untouchable.
And when he’s playing for a team you don’t care about, that’s great. You can ignore his off-the-field rants and the fact that he just sometimes turns it off in the middle of games. You can’t do that when he comes to your team.
Moss is poison personified. Childress may be vilified for releasing Moss in the manner he did, and I don’t agree with it, but I do understand it. Moss wasn’t being productive, and he was already creating problems in the locker room. If action wasn’t taken immediately, there was a chance the Vikings would be worse than they already were. Childress cut his losses, assumed the risk and did what needed to be done.
So it’ll be different with the Titans right? Like I mentioned earlier, he’s got all kinds of reasons to be happy, so why won’t he play nice? All it takes is one thing.
The Titans are a good, borderline great, team this year, and they have the league’s best offense. It’s the best offense, not because it’s the most talented (although Chris Johnson certainly helps), but because the team meshes. Johnson aside, there are no superstars, and even Johnson seems to understand the team aspect.
That being said, Moss cannot be the No. 1 receiver for the rest of the year. Granted, it’s hard to imagine a better way to replace your best receiver for a few weeks than with the greatest receiver this generation, but this can’t end well.
Either Moss performances like he has the potential to and gets the starting job – which means Britt comes back, forced into the No. 2 slot, upsetting him and completely screwing up the obvious Vince Young-to-Kenny Britt connection that’s developed – or, regardless of his performance, Moss is demoted to No. 2 upon Britt’s return, which means Tennessee has to deal with whiny, sulky Moss, who doesn’t try but still gets paid $200,000 a game.
I don’t like either scenario.
Plus, remember what I said about poison? New England was able to mask this because of Belichick’s stance that no player is great than the team and because of personalities, like Tom Brady’s, that were so overwhelmingly powerful, Moss simply had to fall in line.
Tennessee does not have this. Kevin Mawae was forced into retirement over the offseason, Keith Bulluck was discarded and Kerry Collins is a back-up. Collins is a great, mature individual, but there is no way Moss takes his orders from a guy who won’t even start most of the season.
Jeff Fisher can’t be the answer, either. He can only hold so much sway over the players, and unlike fellow teammates, he can’t be around Moss all the time to manage him.
The Titans are a young team, focused primarily on rebuilding, with plenty of impressionable players, especially at the wide receiver position, and Moss is the absolute worst role model to bring in for these guys. This gives Moss the ability to absolutely shred the locker room if he wants, something he will do if he doesn’t get his way.
The only way the Moss signing can work out favorably for the Titans is as an extremely short-term solution. Like I said before, there’s no better way to replace an injured receiver than by signing the best receiver of the generation. It’s also reasonable to assume that Moss will give everything he has during his initial games with the Titans, if for no more reason than to encourage a team to sign him next season – or in 2012, pending a lockout.
I normally would never condone abusing a player’s talents like this, but if the Titans are able to get a productive three or four games out of Moss, then waive him before he’s able to do too much damage to the team’s psyche, there’s potential for this to be a truly brilliant move on the part of the Titans’ organization. It would be a costly one (close to $1.5 million for only four games) but worth it if it means they can keep up their torrid streak of 28 points per game.
Put simply, though, the Titans have some ‘splainin’ to do. This is not a move typical of the Jeff Fisher dynasty, and it provides absolutely no long-term advantages. So why run this risk, Tennessee?
Did it again. I need to stop forgetting about my picks until Sunday morning. In fairness, though, did you see college’s games yesterday? It started with Michigan-Iowa and went until Hawaii-Nevada. No way I was going to be able to take time away from those games. Anyway, picks for the week …
*Week 5: 6-8
*Overall: 15-13
Seattle Seahawks at Chicago Bears: I learned something two weeks ago: Never take the Seahawks on the road. Especially when Jay Cutler is (should be) healthy, with the Bears’ defense playing as stellar as it is. Sorry, Seattle, Marshawn Lynch does not a playoff contender make.
Bears over Seahawks: 24-10
Detroit Lions at New York Giants: Why can’t the NFL give the Lions two easy games in a row? They’ll put up points, but don’t be surprised if the offensive line gives up five sacks and the defense gives up five touchdowns.
Giants over Lions: 34-28
Miami Dolphins at Green Bay Packers: Green Bay’s defense is injury-prone again, its efficiency has slipped, and the Pack have no running game. But they have Aaron Rodgers. And Miami? Well, it has Chad Henne and Brandon Marshall. Easy points keep the Dolphins in it, but Rodgers should go for 300 yards, three touchdowns today.
Packers over Dolphins: 24-20
San Diego Chargers at St. Louis Rams: I believed Detroit could win last week. I had no idea the Lions could humiliate the Rams the way they did. I think St. Louis’ defense was exposed, and Phillip Rivers should finally be able to throw for 400 yards AND win for the first time this season.
Chargers over Rams: 28-13
Baltimore Ravens at New England Patriots: Deion Branch is no Randy Moss, but he’ll get the job done spreading the field for Tom Brady. Baltimore’s defense is solid, but the average age there makes it difficult to go straight weeks, especially against such an effective offense.
Patriots over Ravens: 17-13
Atlanta Falcons at Philadelphia Eagles: The more I watch Atlanta play, the more legitimate they seem. The Eagles are still trying to figure out their offensive plan and are in danger of becoming just a middle of the road team. That being said, I’m not betting against Philly at home … at least this week.
Eagles over Falcons: 21-17
Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers: I keep saying that the Browns are not a bad football team – I don’t think they’ve lost by more than a touchdown this season – but against Pittsburgh, at home, in Big Ben’s debut? Nah.
Steelers over Browns: 34-10
New Orleans Saints at Tampa Bay Buccaneer: This is not your 2009 Tampa Bay team. The Buccaneers seem to be together, have a decent defense and have a decent sophomore quarterback. They have a serious shot at winning this game, especially at home, but Drew Brees isn’t going to lose two games in a row. At least, not yet.
Saints over Buccaneers: 24-14
Kansas City Chiefs at Houston Texans: It’s not so much that Kansas City is facing a grueling schedule (though consecutive games against high-flying offenses can’t help); it’s that the Chiefs’ timing is horrible. Indianapolis wasn’t going to suffer two straight heartbreakers, and Matt Schaub isn’t going to have another outing as bad as he had last week, especially with Andre Johnson much more healthy.
Texans over Chiefs: 31-21
New York Jets at Denver Broncos: Yeah, yeah…great Rex Ryan-led defense, efficient offense with Mark Sanchez coming into his own. But it’s in Denver, early in the season, against a Kyle Orton passing attack which hasn’t gone under 295 yards this season. The Broncos should finally be able to pull out a close win, here.
Broncos over Jets: 21-17
Oakland Raiders at San Francisco 49ers: Trust me, I’m off the 49ers bandwagon for now. But seriously? Losing at home against the Raiders, especially after such an emotional win last week for Oakland? Not happening.
49ers over Raiders: 28-13
Dallas Cowboys at Minnesota Vikings: I love this game. I’m a fan of neither team, and the moniker, “The Panic Bowl,” is just funny. Unfortunately for Minnesota, Dallas may still be a serious playoff contender. The Vikings really aren’t, even if they win this game, which they won’t.
Cowboys over Vikings: 24-14
Indianapolis Colts at Washington Redskins:The ‘Skins defense has been getting it done, and it should get it done this week as well. But it’s hard to imagine Donovan Mcnabb’s so-far-listless offense matching Peyton Manning.
Colts over Redskins: 17-14
Tennessee Titans at Jacksonville Jaguars: I’d love it if the Titans would stop being so schizophrenic. Then again, it’d be nice if the Jaguars would decide if they’re the team that gets annihilated by San Diego and Philly or if they’re the team that beat Indianapolis. I bet former.
Whoops…silly Fall Break. I completely forgot about making picks. Just the picks and a short explanation now; I’ll try to elaborate later.
It’s the week of the underdog this week, though. I’m feelin’ it.
*Week 4: 9-5
Jacksonville Jaguars at Buffalo Bills: This game saddens me. If any team is as bad as the 2008 Lions, it’s this Bills team. Too bad they’re just good enough to win against a lousy Jags team at home.
Bills over Jaguars: 23-17
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Cincinnati Bengals:I wasn’t wrong about the Bengals. Lucky for them, though, I’m not wrong about the Bucs. That undefeated record is going to seem like it was years ago for the Bucs.
Bengals over Buccaneers: 31-14
Atlanta Falcons at Cleveland Browns: Peyton Hillis is legit. The Falcons’ run D is not. But I just can’t see Cleveland holding on against two high-caliber quarterbacks in a row.
Falcons over Browns: 24-14
St. Louis Rams at Detroit Lions:I swear the schedulers did this on purpose for all the bad teams. St. Louis is far better than it was last year, but so is Detroit, and playing at home should be enough for the Lions.
Lions over Rams: 34-26
Kansas City Chiefs at Indianapolis Colts: Poor Chiefs. No recognition so far, and not going to receive any after Peyton Manning vents.
Colts over Chiefs: 35-17
Green Bay Packers at Washington Redskins: Green Bay worries me. Shouldn’t be giving up 26 points to the Lions, who can barely run. Rodgers will also be facing his hardest test this season.
Redskins over Packers: 21-17
Chicago Bears at Carolina Panthers: Remember what I said about the talent gap in the NFL last week? Yeah, Carolina isn’t that much worse than everyone else. And they get a Jay Cutler-less Bears at home.
Panthers over Bears: 17-14
Denver Broncos at Baltimore Ravens: The reason I don’t get on the Cutler bandwagon is because I’m too busy on the Kyle Orton one. But Denver’s a one-dimensional offense, and Baltimore has to love that.
Ravens over Broncos: 27-17
New York Giants at Houston Texans: Yes, Schaub will take sacks. He did it all last year and still led the league in passing. Eli Manning faces a porous secondary, but this is Eli, not Peyton.
Texans over Giants: 24-20
New Orleans Saints at Arizona Cardinals: The Cardinals are disgustingly bad. Seriously, teams should not lose by as many points as they do. Plus, Max Hall is making his QB debut … against the Saints. Not smart, Whisenhunt.
Saints over Cardinals: 27-10
Tennessee Titans at Dallas Cowboys: This one gives me the most trouble. Cowboys as a whole are schizophrenic, while the Titans seem good enough, but not willing to put games away.
Cowboys over Titans: 17-16
San Diego Chargers at Oakland Raiders: Oakland’s getting better, but the defense needs to work on stopping Philip Rivers, which it hasn’t done since Rivers got the starting nod in Oakland. Plus, Ryan Matthews is pretty good, while Darren McFadden is out.
Chargers over Raiders: 23-16
Philadelphia Eagles at San Francisco 49ers: I can’t say I like the 49ers this week, but they’re not 0-4 bad. Plus, look for Kevin Kolb to be jittery behind the Eagles’ porous O-line, and keep in mind, Philly has to switch its offensive game plan depending on the starting QB.
49ers over Eagles: 17-14
Minnesota Vikings at New York Jets: The Vikings have Moss, so this cures all their problems now! ... Right? Wrong. He’ll stretch the field, but the Jets are just too good, and seriously, Brett Favre is too old. And the game’s in New York. Uh-uh old man.
OK, here’re my overdue NFL postseason predictions. I’ll try to keep it brief and only list the teams I think are going to the playoffs or have a chance of doing so. And you’ll have to take my word that these were my thoughts before the season began.
AFC:
Indianapolis Colts (12-4, AFC South) – I’m a Titans fan, and I love rooting for the Texans – I have a thing for underprivileged; don’t get me started on Boise State – but I accept reality. And the reality is that the Colts have won 12 games for seven straight seasons, and love him or hate him, Peyton Manning is the reason that keeps happening.
Pittsburgh Steelers (11-5, AFC North) – I mentioned in an earlier blog that Troy Polamalu, not Ben Roethlisberger, was the reason for Pittsburgh’s wild postseason success for the last few years, and I stand by that. Troy and the Pitt defense were the reason they won the Super Bowl in 2008; Big Ben was just there to do pretty things, like throwing Santonio Holmes game-winning touchdown passes. Plus, this is not a team that’s going to miss the playoffs two straight seasons. Mike Tomlin’s will just won’t let it.
San Diego Chargers (11-5, AFC West) – Keep in mind, this is preseason, because I really do not like the Chargers’ chances anymore. They seem discombobulated, Philip Rivers is as horrible a leader as ever, and giving up Antonio Cromartie and Ladainian Tomlinson to the Jets now seem like tremendously bad moves. Still, though, you have to like the defense and the Rivers-led passing attack. It’s hard to get much better than that.
New York Jets/New England Patriots/Miami Dolphins (Two will go 10-6 for the AFC East and final wild card slot) – I thought about this all summer, and even though the Patriots looked like the weakest team to me, the Jets’ arrogance and youth, the Dolphins’ inexperience and questionable leadership, and the Patriots’ tried-and-true leadership just confuse me. As of right now, the Patriots still look like the weakest team here to me, but that can and probably will change, but I still like this division’s chances to get two playoff teams in.
Kansas City Chiefs (10-6, Wild Card) – Believe it or not, I said on draft day, they could go 10-6. They simply have too many young playmakers to not be a dynamic team. I will admit, though, a 3-0 record, based primarily on defense, is shocking even to me. I expected a wild card slot, not a two-game division lead three games into the season.
NFC:
Green Bay Packers (12-4, NFC North) – I just want to say, I knew this would happen, Brett. You can only screw over your team and teammates so long before it comes back to bite you. Plus, dude, you left a really good thing in Green Bay. The defense is aging, but it’s still very versatile, very good, and you have to love that Psycho Package. And there’s that slight thing where Aaron Rodgers might be the best QB in the NFL, with one of the best receiving corps. You know, no biggie.
New Orleans Saints (11-5, NFC South) – I kept looking for reasons over the summer to bet against the Saints, because people just don’t survive this division in consecutive years for some reason. But honestly, I can’t find one. Brees is too good, the running-back-by-committee group is too good, and the defense is way too opportunistic to just be a passing thing. I don’t think they’ll dominate the way they did last season, but hey, I said they’d go 8-8 last year, so don’t take my word as gold here.
Philadelphia Eagles (10-6, NFC East) – Honestly, no one saw the Michael Vick thing coming. You’re lying if you said you did. But what I saw of Kolb, McCoy and some of the Eagles’ other playmakers who were forced to step in last season impressed me … enough to the point where I’m comfortable saying this team can win a very messed up East division.
San Francisco 49ers (9-7, NFC West) – I didn’t think the Niners would be great, but Ithought they would be improved, and they would be able to win a division that, with Kurt Warner’s retirement, has no significant talent anywhere. Even with their 0-3 start, their only competition are the Seattle Seahawks, and I like a Mike Singletary-led defense better than a Pete Carroll-led NFL team.
Atlanta Falcons (10-6, Wild Card) – I had the same problem with this division as I did with the AFC East, but cutting Jake Delhomme sealed the deal for me here. Even now, I think Carolina may have a playoff-caliber team, but Matt Ryan will always be better than Matt Moore. Plus, Roddy White and Michael Turner are both healthy for now, Tony Gonzalez is like the Energizer Bunny, and Jason Snelling has come out of nowhere as a great No. 2 back. I haven’t paid much attention to this team’s defense, but so far, it’s looked about as shut-down, in terms of points allowed, as they come.
Washington Redskins (9-7, NFC East) – Keep in mind, these are preseason, because I would so trade these guys for the Chicago Bears. But what I liked about them was that fact that the Skins really were a good team last year. They quietly had a top-5 defense – led by London Fletcher, the best player to never play in a Pro Bowl – had one of the better backs in the league in Clinton Portis, and have a couple of good receivers in Chris Cooley (tight end) and Santana Moss. Add Mike Shanahan, Donovan McNabb, Brian Westbrook, and, eventually, Albert Haynesworth, to the mix, and you have an extremely talented team that needs only to mold itself into a cohesive unit.
Teams I like/that are now on my radar:
Seattle Seahawks – I don’t like them. I just feel forced to put them here, because, really, the NFC West sucks even worse than I realized. But Matt Hasselbeck does seem to be healed, the defense has been able to keep games from turning into track meets, for two out of three weeks at least, and Pete Carroll seems to actually know what he’s doing.
Chicago Bears – Can I just say “Wow?!” I won’t jump on the Jay Cutler bandwagon just yet, because he looked pretty good at the beginning of last year – didn’t jump on the bandwagon then either, for the record. But Forte looks healthy, Hester’s special teams look like they want to score again, and the defense, through three games at least, is as healthy as it’s been since 2006. Right now, these guys are legitimate Super Bowl contenders.
Tennessee Titans – I feel like a bad fan for having one of my two favorites teams listed as a surprise. But come on, Kevin Mawae is forced into retirement, the defense is stripped bare, Chuck Cecil returned as defensive coordinator, and Nate Washington is still on the team. How is that a playoff contender? Turns out, though, this defense may not be in its best form, but it’s been able to make stops when it needs to. Plus, Washington is actually catching the ball now.
(OK, seriously guys, I’m not exaggerating my issues with No. 85. He cost the Titans at least two games last year with his crunch-time drops, against Houston in Week 2 and against the New York Jets a couple weeks later. If it’s any other receiver instead of him, or if Collins checks down past him, Collins is still starting, and the Titans are in the playoffs. A butterfly in China, folks.)
Houston Texans – I thought the Texans would be able to pull out another winning record. I did not think that they would dominate the Colts and come back from way down on the road already this season. This team as a whole is showing poise and talent, especially from quarterback Matt Schaub, and when Brian I-have-estrogen-in-me-because-I-work-out-too-hard Cushing comes back from suspension, this team is going to be very hard to stop.
Baltimore Ravens – I know, I’m putting way more AFC teams up here, but seriously, don’t these guys ever get old? Ray Lewis is still playing like he’s 30, and the defense is still acting like it plays under Rex Ryan. If Joe Flacco can get a rhythm, this team could easily win 12 games.
Don’t ask about the Bengals, by the way. They’re a fluke. They don’t have a chance this year.
Why am I sitting in Hodges Library at midnight, when I have no homework or tests to study for? I guess maybe I'm antisocial. Roommate -- who I don't really know, keep in mind -- turned 21 today, and decided he would just throw a party in our apartment in the middle of the week.
So, instead of trying to make small talk, which I don't like, with the 18 people in my apartment, who I don't know, I figured I would come here and share my thoughts with you peeps.
But I think I'm gonna shift gears this week. I've been writing about college football, basically becuase I'm too lazy to write four times a week, and college comes before pro football in the week, so I write about that, even though I love the NFL.
That’s gonna change this week, though. After my second straight horrible outing in our school newspaper’s college pick ‘ems, I need to prove something. So here’s my NFL previewfor the week:
*One little note: I won’t be using current rankings on either side of the ball, simply because they fluctuate too much this early in the season. Until Week 6 or 7, you’ll simply be getting my analysis of the talent on each team.
**Double note (like a double rainbow, only much, much cooler): Don’t put too much stock into the scores. I just do those because I like to see where I land. The only stock I place in myself is the ability to call winners and losers. I’ll leave the scoring expertise to Vegas.
Atlanta Falcons vs. San Francisco 49ers:
I’m a little upset. I picked the 49ers to win the NFC West with ease under the guidance of Mike Singletary and Alex Smith. (More on my preseason predictions next post; I know, I got lazy. Familiar right?) Instead, the Red and Gold are adrift, sans offensive coordinator yet again, and they look like they’ll struggle to reach .500 this season.
That being said, the great thing about the NFL is that the talent range is so ridiculously narrow. Even Dan Orlovsky can outplay Peyton Manning sometimes. The Niners are due a win, the Falcons are coming off an emotional one, and honestly, Vernon Davis and Frank Gore are too good to be shut up for long, especially given the desperation this team has to be feeling right now.
49ers over Falcons, 20-17
Buffalo Bills vs. New York Jets:
Remember what I just said about the talent range being so narrow? Yeah, not applicable here. Right now, the Bills have a very good secondary, a (singular) very good playmaker and that’s about all. Ryan Fitzpatrick is not an offensive spark, and I’m not sure releasing Trent Edwards just because he was no longer was a smart ploy, but it did come from Chan Gailey …
As much as I deplore the Jets’ arrogance – and the fact they’re from New York – they have way too much talent for this game to be an issue, even in Buffalo. Sanchez has weapons galore, a great safety valve in Dustin Keller, along with a pair of dynamic backs in Shonn Greene and Ladainian Tomlinson. Seriously, the man hasn’t lost even half a step. On the defensive side of the ball, don’t get me started. The Jets’ nickel package is one of the scariest concepts in football when Darelle Revis is healthy.
Jets over Bills: 28-13
Cleveland Browns vs. Cincinnati Bengals:
The Bengals baffle me. This should not be a good team. They have a defense that really only slows down offenses, not stops them, and Carson Palmer just hasn’t been the same since his elbow bursitis a couple years ago. Cedric Benson is a workhorse, true, and the receiving corps is as good as ever, but it’s not an elite offense.
Also, I fail to see these “helpless” Browns the experts have been talking about. I see a Cleveland team that’s been in every game, even if it’s lost every game. Peyton Hillis seems to be a gem, and even with Delhomme’s injury, the Browns managed to snap the Ravens’ touchdown-less streak. The defense has been good-not-great, and it shouldn’t come as a surprise to see the Browns snap the Bengals inter-division win streak.
Browns over Bengals, 17-10
Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions:
I love my Lions. I really do. And the best part is, this year I get to watch them – thanks for the Buffalo Wild Wings tip, Amber – plus, they’re actually fun to watch! They have a great receiving corps, Jahvid Best was a diamond in the rough, Ndamukong Suh and Kyle Vanden Bosch are living up to expectations on the defensive line, and the secondary, though not good, is greatly improved.
Unfortunately, “greatly improved” doesn’t stop maybe the best passer in the game. Aaron Rodgers is scary good, and even without a consistent run game, the Lions won’t be able to focus enough on the pass to stop it. Along with that, no Lions quarterback is interception-proof, and Charles Woodson and Al Harris have an annoying nose for the ball.
Packers over Lions: 34-21
Tennessee Titans vs. Denver Broncos:
I think the Broncos have one of the more underrated offenses in the country. Did you know Kyle Orton has thrown for well over 1,000 yards already? No? That’s because the Broncos can’t play defense, score when it matters or run the ball. It’s a problem. BUT, if you’re like me and have Orton on your fantasy team, it’s a sure 20 points every week.
OK, so that’s not exactly an upside to Broncos’ fans. In fact, there’s not really one. Broncos are crossing two timezones to play a ground-and-pound offense in a sold-out stadium. It’s hard to imagine anything favorable. Chris Johnson is a great bet for 200 yards this week, and you can expect the Titans to force at least two turnovers this week.
Titans over Broncos, 31-24
St. Louis Rams vs. Seattle Seahawks:
Like the Browns, the Rams have been eerily competitive so far this season. And by eerily competitive, I mean they smacked the Redskins around for four quarters last week. Strange stat of the year though: Since 2008, the Rams are 2-1 vs. the Skins, 2-30 vs. everyone else (thanks, Gregg Easterbrook). Bradford seems to have made this team competitive, but there’s only so long he can take a beating. Plus, the Rams don’t have a defense, whatever the final score read last week.
I like this game, because it’s a battle of the anomalies. The Seahawks smothered the Niners at home, got smashed by the Broncos on the road, then went back to their choking ways against Jacksonville at home. Truthfully, I don’t know what to think here. But Hasselbeck seems to be healthy and fresh, with a decent pass attack, and the Hawks have a very opportunistic defense/special teams. A team that doesn’t rush for a touchdown in three weeks can only go so long, but against the Rams, shouldn’t be a detriment.
Seahawks over Rams, 21-16
New Orleans Saints vs. Carolina Panthers:
Poor Panthers. Nothing’s going right for them. Release Jake Delhomme and still get 10 turnovers in the first three games. Play an awful Giants team, a supposedly awful Bucs team, and still start the season 0-3. The run game is in shambles, and the defense looks anemic. Sorry guys, I don’t see a reason to pretend like this game will be close.
The Saints have Drew Brees, Pierre Thomas, Marques Colston, Jeremy Shockey … and the list literally just keeps going. Add in the entire Saints defense, which seems pretty legitimate to me, along with a close loss the Saints have to feel they deserve back, and you have a recipe for a Carolina disaster.
Saints over Panthers, 34-17
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens:
Could it be, the Steelers sans Roethlisberger are the best team in football? I think so. When Troy Polamalu came back from injury in 2009, I wondered if he wasn’t the reason the Steelers missed the playoffs. Now, I know for sure he is. Aside from an 85-yard Chris Johnson run in Week 2, this defense has given up absolutely nothing, and that, along with Charlie Batch’s acceptably accurate arm, has kept the Steelers at the top of the AFC standings.
Unfortunately, their last game before Big Ben returns is against the Ravens. Baltimore’s offense seems to have finally clicked last week, and even without Ray Rice – who really hasn’t done anything to impact games this season anyway – it will probably score points. Also, this defense may be the only one that can rival Pittsburgh’s in intensity. I suggest not watching this game unless you love defense or one of these teams.
Ravens over Steelers, 16-13
Oakland Raiders vs. Houston Texans:
I have to vent here. For the past two years, I’ve convinced my dad to play fantasy football. Both times, I’ve done his draft, and both times, he’s had the best team in the league coming out of the gates. Well, this year, one of his backs tore his ACL before the season started, so I told him to pick up Arian Foster or Darren McFadden, because they weren’t getting much attention. Well, somebody got smart and picked up Foster, so he went with McFadden, who’s wound up as one of the most consistent backs in the league this year. Honestly, if my dad weren’t family, I’d be irked by how much my advice has helped him.
That being said, McFadden plus Bruce Gradkowski plus Louis Murphy seem to have reignited an Oakland offense that’s been stagnant more than half of my lifetime. The defense has been playing well, especially in the secondary, for the second or third straight year.
Unfortunately, Matt Schaub may be the most underrated passer in the league when it comes to simply racking up pass yardage. No one finds seams in a secondary like Schaub, and no one is more likely to throw for 400+ yards. Add to this the fact that Foster is, as of right now, the league’s best rusher, and he’s going up against a notoriously weak front seven, and you’ve got a long night for Raiders’ fans.
Texans over Raiders, 28-14
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Indianapolis Colts:
Honestly, I can’t explain Jacksonville to you. Granted, the defense seemsto have done nothing to shore up its weaknesses from last year, but the offense should be scoring more than 13 points per game. David Garrard didn’t have a great 2009 season, but it was definitely good; Maurice Jones-Drew is one of the league’s top backs, and the Jags seem to have finally found a receiving corps.
They should just take a look at the Colts. No one makes “fourth-round pick” or later seem as incredible.. Quick, name the four players to have caught a Peyton Manning touchdown pass. Need help after Austin Collie, Dallas Clark and Reggie Wayne? It’s Blair White, undrafted out of Michigan State. Pierre Garcon, Collie and White were all drafted fourth round or later in the last two years. The defense, yet again, is without Bob Sanders and an ability to stop the run, but Manning has never before needed a defense, and that’s not gonna change now.
Colts over Jaguars, 28-10
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins:
Eagles are hot, Redskins are not. Should be simple right? Eh, not so much. The Eagles should be able to trademark the word “playmaker” with DeSean Jackson, LeSean McCoy, Jeremy Maclin and Michael Vick, and their defense has a disgusting ability to rack up five or six sacks in a game. There’s a reason I believe this team will make the postseason, even after clearing house during the offseason.
That being said, this is Donovan McNabb’s game. The way he plays makes or breaks this game. He can say all the right things, but there’s no way he’s not coming back to Philly without the intention of proving the Eagles franchise wrong. Plus, guess what the Redskins’ biggest issue on defense is? Line play! Guess what Vick does with astonishing regularity? Get sacked! No, seriously, the Skins’ linebacking corps is superb, their secondary is quite good, and their D-line – if only you had tried Haynesworth, if only – is good and could be one of the league’s best right now. Add to this that McNabb knows this team front and back, and you know Andy Reid is sweating this week out right now.
Redskins over Eagles, 21-10
San Diego Chargers vs. Arizona Cardinals:
You know what’s absolutely hilarious? The fact that people actually picked the Cardinals as a “surprise” NFC West winner, and did it with a straight face. Unlike the Eagles, the Cards didn’t clear house to make room for new talent; they just cleared house. Gone are Antrel Rolle, Karlos Dansby, Anquan Boldin, Kurt Warner and Matt Leinart. A defense minus one of its biggest emotional leaders in the past three years (Dansby) plus an offense minus its Nos. 1 and 2 QBs over the past three years (Warner and Leinart) does not equal a playoff team, not does it equal a 1-3 team. Sorry, guys.
I won’t say much on the Chargers, because I’m pretty sure the Cards will get swept by even the Rams this year. But Philip Rivers should be able to settle down this week, Ryan Matthews will be back, and the Chargers’ D could sit down in the middle of the field and shut down the Cards.
Chargers over Cardinals, 24-7
New York Giants vs. Chicago Bears:
It sucks to be the Bears right now. As in, this week only. Because they’re undefeated, everything’s going their way, and everyone is on the bandwagon. Devin Hester is back – for a limited time only – Cutler looks like he finally grew up, Urlacher is buying into Cutler, and Matt Forte is healthy, as is most of the Bears’ defense, Tommie Harris being an exception that I’m not sure I understand. So why does it suck? Hangover.
The Giants are desperate. They’ve been killed in their last two outings, and the Bears are coming off a short week that began with a grueling, physical game against the century-old rivals. Eli may not look any sharper than he has so far this year, but he has the best young receiving corps in the country, and Brandon Jacobs is going to make an already tired D-line suffer even more. Plus, the Giants really need to win at home, or they may all be in the unemployment line next week.
Giants over Bears, 21-17
Miami Dolphins vs. New England Patriots:
Can someone wake the Patriots up please? It’s like they’re sleepwalking. Since putting up a 31-3 lead against the Bengals, the offense has barely been putting up enough points to survive. Also, since that outing, the defense can’t seem to give up less than 28 points (granted, the Bengals' points were essentially garbage).
I like the Dolphins here, but I don’t know if I like the Dolphins long term anymore. Their defense was dominant against shaky offenses, but when it was time to show up on primetime against a solid offense, they were nowhere to be found. Mark Sanchez should never throw for 250 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions against a legitimate defense. I like Miami simply because I don’t like New England. I don’t see the Pats coming out of their stupor in Miami in a game the Dolphins have to see as a must-win if they want to assert their dominance in the AFC East.
