BUCCANEERS AT FALCONS; It’s no guarantee for a win, however the Falcons are a perfect 4-0 at home, while the Buccaneers are 0-4 on the road. Bucs head coach, 32 year old Raheem Morris, has taken over defensive co-ordination duties from Jim Bates, who has been re-assigned to other responsibilities. Tampa will feature the Tony Dungy created “Tampa 2” or “Cover 2” defense. Even Tony Dungy might have had a difficult time manufacturing a victory out of this match. The Falcons win 31-17.
DOLPHINS AT BILLS; The Dolphins have scored a lot more (242) than the Bills (155). Former Toronto Argonaut Ricky Williams is playing quite well, which helps with Ronnie Brown being out for the year. The Bills are only 1-3 at home, so I’ll select Miami to beat Buffalo 27-24.
BROWNS AT BENGALS; I just can’t see Cincinnati screwing this up. The Browns are 1-9, while the Bengals are 7-3. Cleveland will get crushed by Cincinnati 37-13.
SEAHAWKS AT RAMS; What a great matchup this is; Seattle is 0-5 on the road, while the Rams are 0-5 at home. Seattle scores a lot more and gives up much less than St.Louis, so I’m taking the Seahawks to win 34-10
PANTHERS AT JETS; Two teams that are perfectly matched. Carolina is 4-6 overall, and 2-3 on the road. New York is 4-6 overall and 2-3 at home. The respective quarterbacks seem to be going in opposite directions. Jake Delhomme seems to be improving , while Mark Sanchez has tailed off from his fast start. I’ll pick by the direction of the quarterbacks , and go with Carolina to beat the “Big Apple” by 23-21.
REDSKINS AT EAGLES; Washington is 0-5 away from home while Philadelphia is 3-2 at home. The Eagles have scored 266 points, while the Redskins have only 146. That’s enough information for me. Philly will win 27-16.
COLTS AT TEXANS; The Texans usually give the Colts all they can handle, however, the Texans have been troubled recently by some missed field goals from placement kicker, Kris Brown. Ordinarily, you might be inclined to pick the Texans for an upset,but until someone shows they can shut down Peyton Manning, I’m riding the undefeated team. Houston is 2-3 at home, and 5-5 overall. I like Indianapolis to gut out a 37- 31 victory.
CHIEFS AT CHARGERS; Let’s just say that the Chiefs have already won their Super Bowl, by stunning everybody, in defeating the special teams challenged Pittsburgh Steelers. I’m sure the Chiefs are still high on life after that win, and may be emotionally tapped out for this game, against a vastly superior opponent. Kansas City is 3-7, while San Diego is 7-3. The Chargers will prevail 30-19.
JAGUARS AT 49RS; The Jaguars Maurice Jones-Drew is one of the very best running backs in the game, and while San Francisco has a good defense, I like the team with the star player, and the fact that the 49rs are nothing special at quarterback with Alex Smith. I’ll take Jacksonville 24- 13
CARDINALS AT TITANS; This is one of the toughest games to pick. Tennessee has been on a role since Vince Young returned to being the starting quarterback, after having gone through an emotional breakdown last year. On the other hand, the Cardinals are a surprising 5-0 on the road. They were not very good away from home last season. I’ll go with the upset and pick the 4-6 Titans to surprise the 7-3 Cardinals by 23-21.
BEARS AT VIKINGS; Jay Cutler got a little pep talk from Donovan McNabb last week. He’ll probably need one from Brett Favre after this game. The Bears, figuratively speaking of course, are dead meat in this game. Minnesota will win 38-10
STEELERS AT RAVENS; Who would have thought at the start of the season, that the Pittsburgh Steelers would have the N.F.L.’s worst special teams component on their report card. They have given up 8 returns for touchdowns this season. The Steelers have brought in some new special teams players, and big Ben Roethlisberger is scheduled to play. I’ll pick Pittsburgh to break out of their shocking funk, in a physically punishing match with the Ravens. Pittsburgh 23- Baltimore 16.
PATRIOTS AT SAINTS; While the Patriots are 1-3 on the road, and the Saints are undefeated and 5-0 at home, New England plays tough on the road, in domes, and in big games. It’s only gut feel, but I think the Patriots will burst the Saints bubble, and give them their first loss of the season. Patriots 20 Saints 17.
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