Tampa Bay @ Philadelphia: The return of McNabb gives Philadelphia the nod in my book. But, they might get anxious to use more wildcat to limit McNabb's play and get caught up in their new found identity. Tampa Bay will put pressure on McNabb and make this interesting, but after coming off a bye and being healthy again, win: EAGLES.
Minnesota @ St. Louis: Unfortunately, Steven Jackson is all St. Louis has in order to beat the Vikings, and I believe he will have a big game, but it won't be enough. Minnesota will slow the already slow pass offense and with their 10th ranked rush defense, maybe limit Jackson's abilities. Despite a possible interception or two by Oshiomogho Atogwe against the QB with the most interceptions of all time, it won't be enough. You don't win in the NFL with one player, no upset here, win: VIKINGS.
Washington @ Carolina: I could care less about this game. A beat up Washington defense will have a hard time defending the should be run heavy Carolina offense. This opens up the passing game finally giving Delhomme a chance to connect with Steve Smith: first win to CAROLINA.
Oakland @ NYG: Although Oakland has won 4 of their last 5 against the Giants, I think it's fair to assume they aren't going to go into New York and win. After this game, maybe Oakland will finally start questioning the decision to start Russell week in and week out. McFadden's injury gives Oakland a chance to use the under appreciated Bush, but the Bush/Fargas combination + a possibility of Eli Manning not starting = who cares? Win: GIANTS.
Pittsburgh @ Detroit: Playing at Detroit is not a home field advantage, Stafford has an injured knee, Pittsburgh defense is amongst the best in the league, Palamalu may return.. anything else? Win: STEELERS
Cleveland @ Buffalo: The Bills are beat up bad, and have been consistently one of the worst rush defense's in the league (currently 28th ranked). Normally, I wouldn't give my nod to a Cleveland rush attack but Jerome Harrison played well last week and Jamal Lewis, who in my opinion is very under rated, should be able to run all over the Bills IN Buffalo. Perhaps T.O. can finally have a good game for my fantasy team! But I still go with a win for: BROWNS.
Dallas @ Kansas City: Matt Cassell is healthy and has shown improvement, throwing 4 TD's and 0 INT's in the previous two games. Dallas is the 30th ranked passing defense in the league playing against an improving 28th ranked pass offense, I give that advantage to Cassell who is fighting to keep the starting job. LJ has had a slow start, but this might be the game where the rush attack opens thanks to a successful passing game. Tony Homo loses once again: win: CHIEFS.
Cincinnati @ Baltimore: Coming off a tough lose to the Patriots last week, Baltimore will look to rebound. Cedric Benson has had a surprising year, while the Cincinnati passing game has been lacking. The Ravens rank #1 in rush defense, and #25 in pass defense. If Benson can play an average game, it will give the Bengals time to finally connect with their passing attack. If they can turn this into an offensive game, Palmer and company will prevail over Flacco and his crew.
Upset alert: BENGALS!
4:00
Atlanta @ San Francisco: Atlanta's 30th ranked total offense vs, San Francisco's surprising 8th ranked total defense. A tried and tested San Francisco team needs to keep Michael Turner away from turning into the player Atlanta needs him to be, and I believe in San Fran - they live up to their 5th ranked rush defense. Singletary has turned the 49ers into a tough minded team, which will be a challenge for a young Matt Ryan and an anemic Michael Turner. Despite Atlanta coming off a bye, win: 49ERS!
Houston @ Arizona: Arizona has no problems stopping the run, ranking 2nd in rush defense, and Houston's run game damn near doesn't exist ranking 28th in the NFL, so advantage Arizona defensively. Schaub got sacked 4 times against the Raiders, so look for him to receive a lot of pressure by a more talented overall defense in Arizona, and in order to win he is going to need to escape the pocket and connect with his receivers, the passing game is a must. Arizona ranks dead last in the rush attack and Houston is about equally as bad defending it (despite having a good defensive performance last week), so look for Hightower to improve in this one opening up Arizona's passing threat. Coming off a bye, Warner gets his shit together. Win: CARDINALS.
New England @ Denver: Mike Nolan's defensive unit has showed significant improvement since last year, and McDaniel's is going to want this one against his former boss, Belichick. The Denver defense leads the league in sacks, and to be honest, Tom Brady seems a little worried in the pocket this year. That being said, Brady is slowly improving, and the motivation alone to win this one over a surprise undefeated team puts New England in the win column. The Patriots are 4th in the league in passing yards allowed and have only allowed 6 touchdowns so far this year. Moreno, of Denver, is carrying the brunt of the work in this one, while Orton struggles and throws his first interception of the year. Win:PATRIOTS.
Jacksonville @ Seattle: The Seahawks seem to be getting worst, and personally I don't like that cause I enjoy Seattle football, but they are beat up and Hasselbeck is probably not going to play again this week. Although a very worthy back up QB in Seneca Wallace, the Seattle O-line is beat up. Seattle's corners are hurt, and Kearney is most likely not going to play on Sunday. After looking at all the stats, I can't find anything significant that says Seattle is going to beat the Jags. Garrard had his best week last week, and I don't expect him to match those numbers. Jones-Drew will get his yards against any team, so if they can contain the pass and control Garrard, maybe, just maybe Seattle has a chance. I dont like Jacksonville, and I like the city of Seattle. This game is being played in the loudest stadium in the country, so despite facts stated above, win: SEAHAWKS.
Sunday Night Football
Indianapolis @ Tennessee: 4-0 v. 0-4 - You think that would be saying enough, and I want to give the Colts the nod. As much as I would love to, and I am cheering for the Colts, I'm thinking different. Chris Johnson leads the league with 434 rushing yards, and everyone here knows that always spells trouble for the Colts. Although the Colts rush defense is ranked in the middle of the pack (14), we know it is consistently their biggest weakness. The Colts have defended the pass well, but with the ability of Chris Johnson to open up the passing game for a game manager in Collins (who currently is 28th ranked passer), I have a feeling the defense breaks down a bit giving Tennessee a chance to compete with the inevitable points Peyton Manning is going to put up. In a high scoring game, a desperate Titans team will be ready to compete. Peyton will throw for 500 yards(exaggeration) in a loss. Despite all the facts going against the Titans, and it kills me to say this, but win: TITANS
Monday Night Football
NYJ @ Miami: Mark Sanchez v. Chad Henne - the most non-intriguing QB match up this week, and its on MNF. Both QB's young and on a national stage. Sanchez has performed well, but jumped off the ledge last week, and Henne performed better then most had expected him to. Despite that, Miami ranks 31st in pass offense and the Jets rank 6th in defending the pass, and I think that trend continues with a nervous Henne at QB. So, it looks like Miami is going to have to depend on Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown while they bring their wildcat formation to the front of their playbook. Their #1 ranked rush attack will look to attack the middle of the pack rush defense of the Jets. Sanchez is strong willed and is used to playing on a national stage, and will improve their 25th ranked passing game. Miami defends the rush well (9th), so Thomas Jones will need to step his game up if he wants to open the game for Sanchez. Run game (Miami) v. Pass game (NYJ). This ones a toss up in my book, win: JETS
-Stats/Rankings provided by ESPN.com
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