Last Week: 10-4
Overall: 107-57
Minnesota @ Atlanta
Matt Ryan is beginning to play much better, which is great news for the playoff-hopeful Falcons. Christian Ponder and the Vikings turned in a better effort against the Raiders last week, but with Adrian Peterson banged up, Minnesota won’t be able to last against a desperate Atlanta team.
Pick: Atlanta
Cleveland @ Cincinnati
Andy Dalton threw three interceptions last week, but came within 10 yards of completing another furious comeback against the Ravens in Baltimore. The young quarterback has been extremely impressive, even in defeat, and shouldn’t have trouble leading his team to victory at home over the hapless Browns.
Pick: Cincinnati
Carolina @ Indianapolis
It’s time for Cam Newton and the Panthers to win their third game of the season. The Colts don’t have the firepower or will to contain to explosive rookie and the other weapons in the Carolina arsenal.
Pick: Carolina
Houston @ Jacksonville
The Matt Lienart era begins in Houston. With Matt Schaub out for the season, the former first-round pick of the Cardinals will get an opportunity to lead the Texans to the playoffs. He’ll face a manageable opponent in his first start, and should come out with a win.
Pick: Houston
Buffalo @ New York Jets
The Bills seem to have reverted back to what they’ve been in years past, last week’s miserable 35-8 loss to the Dolphins destroyed what little playoff hopes they still had. The Jets still believe they have a chance to get back into the AFC playoff picture, and will come out ready to play at home.
Pick: New York
Arizona @ St. Louis
Several weeks ago, these two teams met and the Cardinals won on a Patrick Peterson punt return for a touchdown in overtime. Expect another ugly game between two poor teams, I think the Rams come out on top this time.
Pick: St. Louis
Tampa Bay @ Tennessee
The Titans looked much better two weeks ago against the Panthers, but were overpowered by the Falcons last week. Tampa Bay gave Green Bay a respectable effort, but Josh Freeman was unable to finish the comeback effort. This is a close game between a couple of middle-of-the-pack teams, I think the Bucs steal one on the road.
Pick: Tampa Bay
Chicago @ Oakland
The Bears begin life without Jay Cutler, as Caleb Hanie takes over for the injured starter. He’ll draw a tough assignment in his first start, facing the Raiders on the road. As Carson Palmer continues to grow more comfortable in the Oakland attack, they become a more dangerous team. I don’t know that the Bears will be inept with Hanie at the helm, but I don’t think they can win this game.
Pick: Oakland
Washington @ Seattle
The Redskins played their best game in over a month last week, though it still resulted in a 27-24 loss to the Cowboys. The Seahawks won their second game in a row, taking down the Rams last week. Seattle seems to be legitimately improving, and I don’t think the Redskins can go out west and outscore the Seahawks.
Pick: Seattle
New England @ Philadelphia
The Eagles managed to keep their season alive for another week with a victory over the Giants last Sunday. They’ll need Vince Young to produce at a much higher level this week in order to take down the Patriots. I don’t believe the defensive effort of the Eagles was legitimate last week, and I think the Patriots easily outscore the Eagles.
Pick: New England
Denver @ San Diego
Tim Tebow’s 4-1 record as a starter is making noise in the league, and suddenly has the Broncos within striking distance in the AFC West. San Diego continues to play mediocre football, taking another tough loss to the Chicago Bears in their last outing. As impressive as Tebow has been, I feel as though it’s a lot of smoke and a lot of mirrors. The Chargers are due for a better effort, and can’t afford another division loss.
Pick: San Diego
Pittsburgh @ Kansas City
Kansas City enters the second week of the Tyler Palko era, and they don’t have any greater hopes of changing their fortunes. The Steelers enter the game rested from their bye week, and two weeks of preparation should be more than enough for them to earn the road victory in Kansas City.
Pick: Pittsburgh
New York Giants @ New Orleans
Remember just a few weeks ago how good the Giants were feeling about themselves after their victory over the Patriots? Seems like eons ago doesn’t it? Just two weeks later, New York has lost two in a row, and is coming off of an embarrassing loss to the Eagles. They now need a win to keep pace with the Cowboys for first place, and they’ll have to do it on the road facing a well-rested Saints team. I think Drew Brees and New Orleans offense will be too much for the Giants to handle.
Pick: New Orleans
