As we get further along into the NFL season, I find that the increasing volume of statistics becomes overwhelming, and the parity of the league continues to be a big story. There are only a couple of teams that anyone can feel confident about, in terms of being able to safely predict how they will perform from one week to the next. Pittsburgh, Baltimore, New England,as well as the Jets are mostly consistent teams, and I would include the Colts if they were healthy, but they just keep losing players, as was the case with tight end Dallas Clark this week, joining Bob Sanders, and Melvin Bullitt as players who are out for the season. In the NFC, you might as well flip a coin, in terms of trying to get a feel for what might happen from one week to the next. To be perfectly fair, injuries have knocked the stuffing out of the Saints, Packers, and Vikings. It would no doubt be a much different story if those teams were at normal strength.
Bengals at Falcons: The Bengals are the biggest disappointment in the NFL this season, to this point in time, especially with losses to Cleveland, and Tampa Bay. I can’t see the Falcons having another bad game, as they did in losing 31-17 at Philadelphia last week.
Atlanta 28 Cincinnati 20
Redskins at Bears: The Bears offensive line is just that, it is offensive. Just ask Jay Cutler or Matt Forte. They would probably use their fifth amendment rights, and not say anything, because they would have nothing positive to add. I’ll speak for them. The Bears have allowed the league worst 27 sacks, and they are ranked 26th in rushing. That pretty much sais it all. This is also a homecoming for the Chicago area native, Donovan McNabb.
Washington 26 Chicago 20
Eagles at Titans: Chris Johnson is second in the NFL in with 596 rushing yards and leads the league with 7 rushing touchdowns. The Titans have the NFL’s best pass rush, with 24 sacks. The Eagles have given up the second most in the NFL, with 20. What is also critical for this game, is the uncertainty as to the health of both Titans quarterbacks. Vince Young had a mild sprain in his left knee, and a sprained ankle, while Kerry Collins has some difficulty with the middle finger on his throwing hand.
Tennessee 27 Philadelphia 23.
Jaguars at Chiefs: I really like the improvements with Kansas City. General Manager Scott Pioli has done a superb job in quickly turning the team around in the right direction. They are no longer easy to play against. The Chiefs are ranked ninth in scoring defense, giving up 18.4 points per game. Jacksonville is ranked 25th in yards per game, and is 23rd in points. They will not likely have quarterback David Garrard or backup Trent Edwards available to play. Todd Bouman will likely make his first start since 2005. Sounds to me like it could get pretty ugly for the Jaguars.
Chiefs 34 Jaguars 19.
Steelers at Dolphins: I think it is suicidal to wager against Pittsburgh at Heinz Field. The Steelers will enjoy their fish dinner.
Steelers 33 Dolphins: 22
Browns at Saints: I would pick New Orleans, even if it was Tulane University wearing the black and gold.
Saints 36 Browns 16.
Rams at Buccaneers: Josh Freeman and Sam Bradford look like they will have promising careers in the NFL. I will give the edge to the Rams, who are a very confident team. Tampa Bay got pounded by the Saints last Sunday at Raymond James Stadium, 31-6, and I think that might carry over to this game.
St.Louis 26 Tampa Bay 24.
49ers at Panthers: Other than the fans of both teams, does anybody care about this game ? NOT !!!!!!!!!!!
San Francisco 20 Carolina 16
Bills at Ravens: This is an urgent message from Eye- Witness News. The Bills have lost again. The final score was Baltimore 30 Buffalo 12. Up next, another blizzard is about to blast the queen city, with 25 inches of snow.
Cardinals at Seahawks: Seattle put up an impressive win at Chicago, but generally, they are much tougher at home than they are on the road. The Cardinals are also a pleasant surprise, considering the off-season changes in personnel. It should be a close game at Qwest Field.
Seattle 24 Arizona 20.
Raiders at Broncos: Oakland is winless on the road. Denver has one win at home.
Broncos 28 Raiders 17.
Patriots at Chargers: Although San Diego is 2-0 at home, playing the Patriots is an entirely different story, for a team that has struggled as badly as the Chargers have this season. At 4-1, New England is not going to suffer their second defeat of the season in this game.
Patriots 31 Chargers 24.
Vikings at Packers: This should be fun to watch. The Packers are getting some injured players back, including Al Harris, Atari Bigby, and Clay Matthews.Gone for the year are Ryan Grant, and Jermichael Finley. It’s a tough game to pick, and of course, who knows how Brett Favre’s meeting with NFL officials went on Wednesday,and whether or not that will have any impact on him, in terms of his focus. I give a slight edge to Minnesota because of their big win over the Cowboys last week, 24-21. This game will probably go right down to the last play.
Vikings 31 Packers 30.
Giants at Cowboys: New York is playing with a lot of confidence, being on a three game win streak, and the Cowboys must be figuring they’re jinxed. The Giants defense is the best in the NFC, limiting opponents to 264 yards per game. Defensive lineman, Osi Umenyiora, has 7 sacks and 6 forced fumbles in the last three games. Dallas is second worst in the league with 62 penalties. The Cowboys have the third-best offense and fourth-best defense in the league based on yards, but more importantly, their record is 1-4.
Giants 27 Cowboys 23.