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| The 2nd best corner in football (Marc Serota/Getty Images) |
Pittsburgh at CLEVELAND
The Steelers have won two in a row and rallied into the AFC wildcard race, thanks to a resurgent Big Ben and a top-ten passing game. Unfortunately, they will face Joe Hayden and a Browns defense that has held opponents to 207.5 yards-per-game-- 4th in the league. I expect the Browns to grind out a win at home in a game where points come at a premium.
Tampa Bay at DETROIT
After an embarrassing collapse last week, I expect the Lions to rebound against a the Bucs, despite the fact that the former winless team has won two straight. Expect much action through the air as both teams target their go-to receivers: Detroit's Calvin Johnson and Tampa's Vincent Jackson. Both teams also feature solid rushing attacks, which should open up the passing game anymore. The bombs will fall in this game, but when the dust settles, I'm picking the Lions to emerge as the victors.
Minnesota at GREEN BAY
The combined factors of an unhealthy AP and a Green Bay team absolutely desperate for a win push me toward the Packers to win this one. Tolzein threw the ball well last week, and Minnesota, despite the presence of Jared Allen, is only mediocre against the run, so Green Bay should have no trouble moving the ball down the field. On the flip side, AP and his injured groin will hamper an offense that has been lackluster all season anyway.
SAN DIEGO at Kansas City
This week's upset special! If you know the Chargers like I do, you know they are just as likely to beat the top-seed as they are to lose to the most dysfunctional franchise in football (Miami), which they did last week. By that logic, or lack thereof, I am choosing them to go into KC and beat the Chiefs in their own territory. Last week's loss against Denver didn't expose as much as reemphasize the lack of offensive firepower of Alex Smith and the Chiefs, and I foresee a San Diego defense that rises to the challenge on Sunday.
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| Despite all common sense, I'm betting on Phillip Rivers (Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) |
CHICAGO at St. Louis
I'm conducting the Josh McCown train myself, and I'm expecting the Bears to win on the road this week to maintain possession of first place in the NFC North. (They won't start to blow it until Cutler returns.) St. Louis has played surprisingly well from time to time, but I still have no faith in their ability to play consistent, and therefore I am going with the hot hand from the Windy City.
CAROLINA at Miami
I love the Panthers, and I love that they beat my most hated teams in back-to-back weeks. I almost picked them to get upset this week, as I think the attention they have gotten this week might be too much for a young, inexperienced team. However, I'm still taking them to win because of one thing: defense. Their defense has simply been playing too well to go against, especially against a Miami offense that has struggled to find an identity all season long. It doesn't matter how well Cam plays, Carolina will leave Florida with its 7th straight win.
NEW YORK JETS at Baltimore
The logic here: The Jets got destroyed last week, so the pattern dictates that they rebound this week. It's as easy as that. Also, I do not know what is going on in Baltimore, but I do not think they know either. This game also earns the nomination for "least interesting game of the week", despite the fact that the Jets, with a loss, would lose their grip on the AFC wildcard spot and open it up to about 8 different teams. Somehow, someway, I see Rex Ryan's team earning the W.
Jacksonville at HOUSTON
C'mon Houston. You cannot possibly lose 9 straight games, can you? Kubiak learned from his (inexplicable) mistake last week and will stick with Keenum in this game to earn the W against the league's worst team. Sidenote: the Texans actually have the league's best pass defense-- not that it matters against a team starting Chad Henne at QB.
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| (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez) |
Tennessee at OAKLAND
I expect Matt McGloin to look sharp from the pocket again, though I am tapering my expectations a little, as last week he was nearly flawless, statistically speaking. I also think that Oakland's running game, led by future RB Rashad Jennings, and an increasingly healthy O-Line, will look sharp against a team with a rush defense ranked in the bottom half of the league. Backup QB Ryan Fitzpatrick will struggle against a Raiders' defense invigorated by the Black Hole and motivated to redeem themselves after a most embarrassing outing in the last home game against the New Slim Shady and the Philadelphia Eagles.
Indianapolis at ARIZONA
You might call this an upset, but I see it as an underrated team beating an overrated team at home. Consider this: Trent Richardson has not rushed for over 60 yards once this season, and is also questionable for the match. Meanwhile, Arizona has the 2nd ranked rush defense in the league. Expect Andrew Luck to put the ball up many times this game. With Hilton covered, that leaves only the shaky hands of Darrius Heyward-Bey on the receiving end... and a host of Arizona defenders.
Dallas at NEW YORK GIANTS
How can you realistically pick Dallas anymore? They have let first place slip through their fingers yet again. The Giants (formerly 0-6) have won 4 straight and are starting to play well at the right time, while Dallas looks headed in the other direction. I'm predicting at least one Dez Bryant tantrum and several shots of an exasperated Jerry Jones in the booth to go with the Dallas loss.
Denver at NEW ENGLAND
*Sunday Night*Peyton Manning's ankle, and the large concern with it, has shifted to the background after the Broncos beat the Chiefs. I have no idea why, as he looked noticeably incapable during the game and only stands to injure it worse as he continues to play on it. And we all know that Brady and Belichick are furious after being robbed of a chance to win last week. I'm anticipating a shootout in which Brady gets the best of Manning yet again.
SAN FRANCISCO at Washington
*Monday Night*The rebound theory applies here as well, although the 49ers should not need any extra motivation to beat the lowly Washington team. RG3 and Kaepernick, despite their dazzling outbreaks last season, have both played poorly at times this season. San Francisco enjoys the benefit of one of the league's best defenses-- one that RG3 will become acquainted with multiple times on Monday night-- and will enjoy their long flight home from the east coast after winning this game.
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| The worst is yet to come (Rob Carr/Getty Images) |
On the Bye:
Buffalo, Cincinnati, Philadelphia, Seattle
Am I crazy to pick San Diego? Will RG3 out-duel Kaepernick? Does ANYONE have faith in the Cowboys? Comment below!
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