Last week my predictions looked pretty good until the Patriots, Steelers and Rams all decided to lose their 4th quarter lead and eventually their matchups. Last week’s record was 9-5, which isn't so bad for a first try. This week I'm already down thanks to Phillip Rivers and the Chargers, so let's hope for a better outing this weekend!
NO Saints @ ATL Falcons
This fixture last year saw the Saints end the Falcons eight game winning streak and dropped the Falcons to 12-3. This year the Falcons are on another winning streak as the Saints head into the Georgia Dome.
Drew Brees is currently on course to break Dan Marino’s all time passing record and we wouldn’t be surprised to pass over the Falcons D.
If the Falcons offence can keep up in a shootout with Brees this game could end up being game of the week.
Dbl Coverage Prediction: Saints to win by 3.
TENN Titans @ CAR Panthers
The Titans will face another rookie QB this week after losing to Andy Dalton and the Bengals last week. This time they face a different type of quarterback. Cam Newton is by far one of, if not the most entertaining players in the NFL.
The Carolina D are currently allowing 4.6 yards per rush so if they want to win this game they need to hold Chris Johnson to minimal yardage, thus forcing Matt Hasselbeck to win the game for the Titans.
Dbl Coverage Prediction: The Cam Newton Panthers to win by 6.
PIT Steelers @ CIN Bengals
One week after blowing a last minute lead to division rivals, the Steelers now face another divisional foe in the form of the AFC North leading Bengals. The 6-2 Bengals will be hoping to keep the momentum going after scoring 17 unanswered points against the Titans to win last week.
If the Steelers want to keep up their hopes of making the playoffs then this is a must win game for them and it will be interesting to see how Andy Dalton handles the pressure of facing a Dick LeBeau led defence for the first time.
Dbl Coverage Prediction: We believe in the Ginger gunslinger! Bengals to win by 7.
STL Rams @ CLE Browns
So far this season the Browns are 1-1 vs. the NFC West (granted the win was a 6-3 victory over the ‘hawks). Colt McCoy and Sam Bradford both seem to be having sophomore slumps this season which has all but ended both teams’ playoff hopes, fortunately for the Rams they have a very good running back compared to the Browns.
This game is either going to be really low scoring or an amazing shootout that nobody will have watched.
Dbl Coverage Prediction: The Rams to win by 6.
BUF Bills @ DAL Cowboys
Once again the Cowboys lose one week then win the next. Two former regular superbowl competitors meet at Jerry Jones’s playground for a game that could decide the outcome for both teams playoff hopes.
The emergence of DeMarco Murray is a huge boost for the Cowboys and especially Tony Romo as it takes a lot of the pressure off his shoulders and although he is facing a tough Bills defence, we are still expecting him to have a huge game this weekend.
After seeing what LeSean McCoy did to the Cowboys defence we wouldn’t be surprised if Fred Jackson did something similar, although he’s not receiving a huge amount of praise, Jackson is still having his best statistical season so far.
Dbl Coverage Prediction: Cowboys to steal the victory late and win by 3.
JAC Jaguars @ IND Colts
Another game another loss for the Colts, I would try and find a positive for losing every game such as they will be able to draft Andrew Luck but we all know that’s heading straight for a QB controversy. The loss doesn’t seem that bad after Curtis Painter tried to pass the ball twice on one play and failed both times!
Fortunately for the Jags they are able to play good defence and have a guy nicknamed ‘Pocket Herculeeeeees’ if it wasn’t for these the Jags would be most likely be 0-8 at the moment. Expect Jones-Drew to have a huge game against the poor Colts D.
Dbl Coverage Prediction: The Jags to win by 12 in this classic...
DEN Broncos @ KC Chiefs
Well didn’t Tim Tebow quiet all the “experts” last week when he and the Broncos embarrassed the Raiders? Obviously all these experts decided that the zone read won’t work in the NFL and still decided to criticise Tim Tebow. After losing to the winless Dolphins last week, the Chiefs will be looking to bounce back in this divisional matchup.
A victory for the Broncos this week will make the Chargers, Chiefs and Broncos all 4-5 in the AFC West, one game back from the Raiders.
Dbl Coverage Prediction: We showed what Tebow can do in our play of the week segment and fully expect it to happen again. Bronco’s to win by 12.
WAS Redskins @ MIA Dolphins
Miami finally won! They also have a real chance of getting to three or four wins before the Redskins remember how to win. A dominating victory over the Chiefs showed that the Dolphins have some potential and once rookie Daniel Thomas returns to full fitness could be a dark horse in the AFC next season.
Unfortunately for the Redskins fans the tail spin continues. After a good start it’s gone so wrong for the ‘Skins and doesn’t look like improving any time soon. John Beck returns to the team he started his career with the same record he had as the Dolphins starter. Zero.
Dbl Coverage Prediction: Dolphins to win by 14.
ARI Cardinals @ PHI Eagles
If the Eagles ever needed a game to try and get back on track then this is that game. The Eagles high powered offence should have a field day against the awful Cardinals D. No doubt that if the Cardinals pull off the upset a different Eagles player will complain that someone is cheating against their team (Babin we’re looking at you).
This game is a must watch for two reasons: number 1, to see if the Eagles can somehow save their season and number 2, the return of Kevin Kolb to Philly since he was traded away (McNabb also won in his first matchup against the Eagles after getting traded).
Dbl Coverage Prediction: Eagles to win by 14.
HOU Texans @ TB Buccaneers
The Texans bring their explosive backfield and number 1 ranked defence to Tampa Bay; the Texans are currently off to their best start in franchise history and will hope to keep up the good form this week to head into their bye week 7-3.
The Bucs on the other hand are struggling of late, losing 3 of their 4 last games. With the Falcons and Saints battling it out for the division lead this week, the Bucs will be hoping for a victory to get themselves back into the race for the NFC South. Albert Haynesworth will also make his first start since being cut by the Patriots.
Dbl Coverage Prediction: Texans to win by 7.
9PM GMT Games
BAL Ravens @ SEA Seahawks
After a huge win over the Steelers the Ravens will be looking to take control of the AFC North this week against the 2-6 Seahawks. The Ravens so far have scored a total of 64 points against NFC West teams, but do have a habit of playing down to an opponent’s level (see the Arizona game).
The ‘Hawks will be looking to try and get something going this week but the offence will be in for a long day when they face a Ravens defence featuring “Ball so hard University” alumni Terrell Suggs. Unless you’re a diehard Seahawks fan, don’t expect anything special this week.
Dbl Coverage Prediction: Ravens to win by 17.
DET Lions @ CHI Bears
Looks like the Chicago Bears we saw last year are back, a huge win over the Eagles on MNF will be a massive boost as they head into this rematch with the Lions. Jay Cutler not getting sacked all game paid off as head led the Bears to victory.
The last time these teams played Jahvid Best and Calvin Johnson were forces against the Bears defence on route to a Lions win, with Best still on the sideline with a concussion it looks as if Stafford and the passing game will have to be on top form as the running game is nonexistent for the Lions at the moment.
Dbl Coverage: Although the Lions have just came off their bye we still see the Bears winning by 5.
NY Giants @ SF 49ers
Like Deion Sanders I believe in Eli! Who would’ve guessed that all it took for Eli to be considered an elite QB was an injury to big brother Peyton and a claim by Eli that he’s a top 5 quarterback. After once again pulling off a last minute game winning drive over the Patriots, the Giants will be hoping they can win their final game against NFC West opponents to finish with a 3-1 record against the division and 7-2 heading into their next three games (Philly, New Orleans and Green Bay. Ouch!)
The 49ers just keep winning! Apart from Frank Gore being the main force of the offence there’s a lot of unknown players stepping up to play a big role at crucial points of the game. This week’s game will be a true test for the 49ers to see if they are true contenders in the competitive NFC.
Dbl Coverage Prediction: Giants to win by 3.
1.20AM GMT Game
NE Patriots @ NY Jets
The battle for the AFC East goes ahead at the MetLife Stadium this weekend with the Pats facing the Jets. The Patriots are currently on a two game losing streak and are now in a three way tie for the lead in the division. Once again it was the defence that cost the Pats the game and it will be interesting to see how they respond this week, fortunately they are facing Mark Sanchez and the Jets offence.
A victory over the Bills would have given the Jets a huge confidence boost heading into this game and with home field advantage they should be slight favourites for this game, but don’t count out Bill and Brady yet.
Dbl Coverage Prediction: Patriots to win by 6.
Monday Night Football
Aaron Rodgers, so cool he leaves his gumshield in his facemask. |
MIN Vikings @ GB Packers
Aaron Rodgers is still treating playing in the NFL like playing a game of Madden and this week he faces a Vikings secondary that has allowed the fourth most passing yards in the league, we are expecting big numbers this weekend.
Christian Ponder made his first start against the Packers and didn’t play two badly in the 33-27 loss (219 yards, 2 TDs, 2ints). With an extra week to prepare due to a bye, we are hoping the Vikings can stay competitive on the national stage and potentially upset the Packers, but it’s doubtful.
Dbl Coverage Prediction: Packers by 7.
And that's a wrap. Check back after Monday to see our NFL review and see how I did!
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