- Aug 24, 2000
- 4,153
- 4
- 81
OK, I'll go first...
Buffalo @ N.O. (San Antonio)
This should shape up to be a defensive battle. With no real home field advantage, raw talent will decide this game. Buffalo suffered a key loss on D losing Takeo Spikes for the season, and the Saints should feel somewhat at home playing in the Alamodome, but they have also lost their second running back in as many weeks with Aaron Stecker?s injury to his Achilles tenson. He won?t be starting against the Bills this week, which leaves Duce McAllister with no real backup to save the day. Other Saints injuries include SS Jay Bellamy, and WR Joe Holm. Also, Saint?s passing game should be no match for Buffalo?s defense (even without Spikes) considering Brooks? inability to protect the ball. Both teams have a shot here, but I predict the Saints will come up short.
Bills win 24-20
Denver @ Jacksonville
The Bronco?s came away with a key win against a team that I?ve been touting all season as an NFL powerhouse, but can they do it again against another high-power team in Jacksonville who currently has the #2 ranked defense in the NFL and a host of offensive weapons to include Fred Taylor. Meanwhile Champ Bailey?s hamstring injury leaves him questionable for the Broncs. That said, this is another Florida game (hardly the same as Mile-High Stadium) where Denver faltered against the Dolphins in week 1 and coming off of a short practice week since playing Monday night, I predict Jacksonville to have their way with Denver this week.
Jags win 34-21
Detroit @ Tampa Bay
So far Tampa Bay has had a Cinderella start to the season going 3-0 and earning the NFL?s #1 spot on defense, but last week?s one-point victory was over a broke down, broke dick, Packers squad so if the Bucs plan to extend their streak, they?d better be ready to play. The BYE week has done Detroit some good. Cornerback Fernando Bryant is out for the season, but they re-gain kicker Jason Hanson and possibly fullback Cory Schlesinger, but let?s not forget the Lion?s lack of consistency in spite of what would seem like a strong offensive lineup. I believe this game could go either way, but my gut is with Chucky, Cadillac, and the Bucs at home.
Tampa Bay wins 21-17
Houston @ Cincinnati
This week the unimpressive Texans visit the unbelievable Bengals. Neither teams have any significant listings on the injury reports to what you?ve seen so far is what you get. In Houston, a new offensive coordinator has his hands full, meanwhile the Bengals lead the league in take-aways totaling 12 (10 of them forced). Expect this team to force a couple more this game. Home field advantage only bolsters what should be a blowout.
Cincinatti wins 28-10
Indianapolis @ Tennessee
The Colts are riddled with injuries going into this week?s match up. Lucky for them, it?s the Titans they face. Dominic Rhodes, James Mungro, and Ben Utecht will all miss the game this weak which may help level the playing field between the Colt?s offence and the Titan?s healthy, yet non-existent defense. Speaking of defense, the Colts are still healthy in this department and I believe they will be too much for McNair and the boys on Sunday. Colts will continue their march to Super Bowl XL.
Colts win 28-21
San Diego @ New England
This could be another toss-up game. New England plays at home this week without Kevin Faulk to carry the ball. However, they did sign Amos Zereoue to take his place with Andre Davis becoming the sacrificial lamb to make roster room. Injuries keep piling up for the Pats with the loss of Rodney Harrison and Tedy Bruschi on defense as well as the loss of Faulk and tackle Matt Light on offense, but somehow this team is consistently able to adapt and overcome. Last week the Chargers looked to be back on track with no significant injuries to speak of going into this week?s game. In fact San Diego has a couple of players returning to practice this week in the form of rookie WR Vincent Jackson and guard Toniu Fonoti but they?ll have to improve their road performance if they expect to win in Boston on Sunday.
Pats win 21-17
Seattle @ Washington
Offense vs. Defense. Shawn Alexander and the Seahawks have been on a route lately. Darrell Jackson is off to a good start dropping only 1 pass all season and the Hawks stand to gain another weapon on offense this week with the possible return of TE Itula Mili. They face the current #3 ranked defense in the league allowing only 10 points per game and 258.5 total yards this season. Then again, this was against the Bears and Cowboys. We?ll see how they do this week against the NFL?s current #2 offense. As long as Seattle holds it together, they should find pay dirt.
Seahawks win 24-10
St. Louis @ NY Giants
So, will it be the St. Louis Rams or the St. Louis Lambs this week in New York? If there has been one team that is tough to pinpoint this year, it has been St Louis. On paper, this team has what it takes to beat the Giants and a young Eli Manning. Last week St. Louis looked like they were beginning to find their rhythm, but the Giants have played well to. So far the Rams O line has not done much to protect Bulger on pass plays while just last week the Giants gave up over 260 yards against the rush. Jackson is listed as questionable for the Rams this week but that doesn?t mean that Marshall Faulk can?t get it done on the ground. If the Rams play smart, they could walk away winners, but if the defense can?t step up against a combination of Tiki Barber and an improving pass attack, St Louis could find themselves in trouble. Toughest game of the week to pick right here!
St. Louis wins 24-21
NY Jets @ Balitimore
The Jets started this season looking promising but at this point they?ve resorted to pulling Vinny T. out of the grave just to have some depth for their 3rd stringer Brooks Bollinger who makes his first start this week. If that wasn?t bad enough, starting left tackle Jason Fabini is out with a torn medial collateral ligament. Neither team has looked spectacular this year, but look for the Ravens defense to blitz non-stop against the damaged Jets offense while Jamal Lewis should have an opportunity for a big game against a struggling Jets defense too.
Ravens win 28-17
Dallas @ Oakland
Dallas has yet to show us anything impressive this year. In fact they?re lucky San Francisco didn?t stick it right up their Chocka-Locka-Lolla-Walla (literally!) last week. If things don?t improve this week then the ?Boys are in for a flogging at the hands of the Raiders. Getting Patrick Crayton to hold onto the ball would be a good start Bill? Injury wise, neither team is reporting any significant changes, so what you saw last week is what you?ll get this week. That said, I expect Randy Moss and the gang to own Dallas this weekend
Oakland wins 28-10
Minnesota @ Atlanta
After two weeks and two terrible losses, Minnesota finally came alive last week and played like the division contenders they realistically could be. But that was against a New Orleanes team that is beginning to slide downhill. The challenge for this team will be to overcome Michael Vick and his explosive offense and the Viks will have to do it without safeties Willie Offord and Darren Sharper and nickel back Brian Williams who sprained his knee against the Saints last week. Meanwhile Atlanta WR Dez White is expected to return to the lineup this weekend at home in Atlanta. All things considered, the Vikings could have a narrow shot at this game if the grass turns purple and the dog jumps over the moon, but as it stands I expect Atlanta to come away with another one.
Falcons win 30-21
Philadelphia @ Kansas City
These are two teams who are tough on both offense and defense but without Willie Roaf (listed as questionable) in the lineup the KC offense just isn?t 100% and they?ll need to be this week to take on the Eagles. You can bet that the Homes-Johnson duo will keep the Eagles D on their toes. Eagles kicker David Akers will be out this week with a pulled hamstring replaced by Todd France. Look for the Chief?s D to keep the pressure on McNabb and try to force the less than 100% QB to scramble out of the pocket but they can?t afford to take too much focus off of Brian Westbrook. I predict a defensive showdown with explosive moments on offense. With a little luck the Chiefs should triumph at home.
KC wins 28-24
San Francisco @ Arizona (Mexico City)
First let me just say? Mexico City.?? OK, It?s not your standard venue, but at least there is no home field advantage to factor in. So far we?ve seen the 49?s upset the Rams and give Dallas a pretty good run for the money. Both of these teams are better than the Gridbirds who have already lost King Kurt to a groin injury for next week?s upcoming division game. The 49?ers are not without their own key injuries with linebacker Julian Peterson suffering a hamstring injury although he may start Sunday. However cornerback Ahmed Plumber will not be back for 4-6 weeks. That?s not to say that the 49?ers don?t still have a linebacker corps good at stopping the run?especially the Cardinals run. All conventional wisdom says that the 49?ers should come away with the win without difficulty, but with the Cardinals 0-3 they face a near must-win situation, which is why I?m picking them for the upset this week.
Cardinals win 20-17.
Green Bay @ Carolina
Green Bay is in poor shape right now starting 0-3 and things aren?t looking any better for them this week as they face a healthy Panthers squad this Monday. Perhaps the Pack?s only saving grace is Carolina?s inconsistency this year but I doubt even that will be enough for GB to capitalize. In short Green Bay needs to figure out how to protect the ball better while Carolina needs to see a better performance out of Stephen Davis. Expect to see the Panthers, who play at home, atone for their sins last Sunday in this lackluster Monday night match up.
Carolina wins 31-10
Of course this year I've only been about 70% right so take it or leave it.
JR..
Edit: The Denver-Jacksonville poll is skewed. I accidently voted Denver, so take one vote from Denver and give it to Jacksonville and call it good
Buffalo @ N.O. (San Antonio)
This should shape up to be a defensive battle. With no real home field advantage, raw talent will decide this game. Buffalo suffered a key loss on D losing Takeo Spikes for the season, and the Saints should feel somewhat at home playing in the Alamodome, but they have also lost their second running back in as many weeks with Aaron Stecker?s injury to his Achilles tenson. He won?t be starting against the Bills this week, which leaves Duce McAllister with no real backup to save the day. Other Saints injuries include SS Jay Bellamy, and WR Joe Holm. Also, Saint?s passing game should be no match for Buffalo?s defense (even without Spikes) considering Brooks? inability to protect the ball. Both teams have a shot here, but I predict the Saints will come up short.
Bills win 24-20
Denver @ Jacksonville
The Bronco?s came away with a key win against a team that I?ve been touting all season as an NFL powerhouse, but can they do it again against another high-power team in Jacksonville who currently has the #2 ranked defense in the NFL and a host of offensive weapons to include Fred Taylor. Meanwhile Champ Bailey?s hamstring injury leaves him questionable for the Broncs. That said, this is another Florida game (hardly the same as Mile-High Stadium) where Denver faltered against the Dolphins in week 1 and coming off of a short practice week since playing Monday night, I predict Jacksonville to have their way with Denver this week.
Jags win 34-21
Detroit @ Tampa Bay
So far Tampa Bay has had a Cinderella start to the season going 3-0 and earning the NFL?s #1 spot on defense, but last week?s one-point victory was over a broke down, broke dick, Packers squad so if the Bucs plan to extend their streak, they?d better be ready to play. The BYE week has done Detroit some good. Cornerback Fernando Bryant is out for the season, but they re-gain kicker Jason Hanson and possibly fullback Cory Schlesinger, but let?s not forget the Lion?s lack of consistency in spite of what would seem like a strong offensive lineup. I believe this game could go either way, but my gut is with Chucky, Cadillac, and the Bucs at home.
Tampa Bay wins 21-17
Houston @ Cincinnati
This week the unimpressive Texans visit the unbelievable Bengals. Neither teams have any significant listings on the injury reports to what you?ve seen so far is what you get. In Houston, a new offensive coordinator has his hands full, meanwhile the Bengals lead the league in take-aways totaling 12 (10 of them forced). Expect this team to force a couple more this game. Home field advantage only bolsters what should be a blowout.
Cincinatti wins 28-10
Indianapolis @ Tennessee
The Colts are riddled with injuries going into this week?s match up. Lucky for them, it?s the Titans they face. Dominic Rhodes, James Mungro, and Ben Utecht will all miss the game this weak which may help level the playing field between the Colt?s offence and the Titan?s healthy, yet non-existent defense. Speaking of defense, the Colts are still healthy in this department and I believe they will be too much for McNair and the boys on Sunday. Colts will continue their march to Super Bowl XL.
Colts win 28-21
San Diego @ New England
This could be another toss-up game. New England plays at home this week without Kevin Faulk to carry the ball. However, they did sign Amos Zereoue to take his place with Andre Davis becoming the sacrificial lamb to make roster room. Injuries keep piling up for the Pats with the loss of Rodney Harrison and Tedy Bruschi on defense as well as the loss of Faulk and tackle Matt Light on offense, but somehow this team is consistently able to adapt and overcome. Last week the Chargers looked to be back on track with no significant injuries to speak of going into this week?s game. In fact San Diego has a couple of players returning to practice this week in the form of rookie WR Vincent Jackson and guard Toniu Fonoti but they?ll have to improve their road performance if they expect to win in Boston on Sunday.
Pats win 21-17
Seattle @ Washington
Offense vs. Defense. Shawn Alexander and the Seahawks have been on a route lately. Darrell Jackson is off to a good start dropping only 1 pass all season and the Hawks stand to gain another weapon on offense this week with the possible return of TE Itula Mili. They face the current #3 ranked defense in the league allowing only 10 points per game and 258.5 total yards this season. Then again, this was against the Bears and Cowboys. We?ll see how they do this week against the NFL?s current #2 offense. As long as Seattle holds it together, they should find pay dirt.
Seahawks win 24-10
St. Louis @ NY Giants
So, will it be the St. Louis Rams or the St. Louis Lambs this week in New York? If there has been one team that is tough to pinpoint this year, it has been St Louis. On paper, this team has what it takes to beat the Giants and a young Eli Manning. Last week St. Louis looked like they were beginning to find their rhythm, but the Giants have played well to. So far the Rams O line has not done much to protect Bulger on pass plays while just last week the Giants gave up over 260 yards against the rush. Jackson is listed as questionable for the Rams this week but that doesn?t mean that Marshall Faulk can?t get it done on the ground. If the Rams play smart, they could walk away winners, but if the defense can?t step up against a combination of Tiki Barber and an improving pass attack, St Louis could find themselves in trouble. Toughest game of the week to pick right here!
St. Louis wins 24-21
NY Jets @ Balitimore
The Jets started this season looking promising but at this point they?ve resorted to pulling Vinny T. out of the grave just to have some depth for their 3rd stringer Brooks Bollinger who makes his first start this week. If that wasn?t bad enough, starting left tackle Jason Fabini is out with a torn medial collateral ligament. Neither team has looked spectacular this year, but look for the Ravens defense to blitz non-stop against the damaged Jets offense while Jamal Lewis should have an opportunity for a big game against a struggling Jets defense too.
Ravens win 28-17
Dallas @ Oakland
Dallas has yet to show us anything impressive this year. In fact they?re lucky San Francisco didn?t stick it right up their Chocka-Locka-Lolla-Walla (literally!) last week. If things don?t improve this week then the ?Boys are in for a flogging at the hands of the Raiders. Getting Patrick Crayton to hold onto the ball would be a good start Bill? Injury wise, neither team is reporting any significant changes, so what you saw last week is what you?ll get this week. That said, I expect Randy Moss and the gang to own Dallas this weekend
Oakland wins 28-10
Minnesota @ Atlanta
After two weeks and two terrible losses, Minnesota finally came alive last week and played like the division contenders they realistically could be. But that was against a New Orleanes team that is beginning to slide downhill. The challenge for this team will be to overcome Michael Vick and his explosive offense and the Viks will have to do it without safeties Willie Offord and Darren Sharper and nickel back Brian Williams who sprained his knee against the Saints last week. Meanwhile Atlanta WR Dez White is expected to return to the lineup this weekend at home in Atlanta. All things considered, the Vikings could have a narrow shot at this game if the grass turns purple and the dog jumps over the moon, but as it stands I expect Atlanta to come away with another one.
Falcons win 30-21
Philadelphia @ Kansas City
These are two teams who are tough on both offense and defense but without Willie Roaf (listed as questionable) in the lineup the KC offense just isn?t 100% and they?ll need to be this week to take on the Eagles. You can bet that the Homes-Johnson duo will keep the Eagles D on their toes. Eagles kicker David Akers will be out this week with a pulled hamstring replaced by Todd France. Look for the Chief?s D to keep the pressure on McNabb and try to force the less than 100% QB to scramble out of the pocket but they can?t afford to take too much focus off of Brian Westbrook. I predict a defensive showdown with explosive moments on offense. With a little luck the Chiefs should triumph at home.
KC wins 28-24
San Francisco @ Arizona (Mexico City)
First let me just say? Mexico City.?? OK, It?s not your standard venue, but at least there is no home field advantage to factor in. So far we?ve seen the 49?s upset the Rams and give Dallas a pretty good run for the money. Both of these teams are better than the Gridbirds who have already lost King Kurt to a groin injury for next week?s upcoming division game. The 49?ers are not without their own key injuries with linebacker Julian Peterson suffering a hamstring injury although he may start Sunday. However cornerback Ahmed Plumber will not be back for 4-6 weeks. That?s not to say that the 49?ers don?t still have a linebacker corps good at stopping the run?especially the Cardinals run. All conventional wisdom says that the 49?ers should come away with the win without difficulty, but with the Cardinals 0-3 they face a near must-win situation, which is why I?m picking them for the upset this week.
Cardinals win 20-17.
Green Bay @ Carolina
Green Bay is in poor shape right now starting 0-3 and things aren?t looking any better for them this week as they face a healthy Panthers squad this Monday. Perhaps the Pack?s only saving grace is Carolina?s inconsistency this year but I doubt even that will be enough for GB to capitalize. In short Green Bay needs to figure out how to protect the ball better while Carolina needs to see a better performance out of Stephen Davis. Expect to see the Panthers, who play at home, atone for their sins last Sunday in this lackluster Monday night match up.
Carolina wins 31-10
Of course this year I've only been about 70% right so take it or leave it.
JR..
Edit: The Denver-Jacksonville poll is skewed. I accidently voted Denver, so take one vote from Denver and give it to Jacksonville and call it good
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