The work week is winding down, and that can only mean one thing: Sunday football is getting closer! Let's take a look at this weekends matchups with some predictions on what we could see.
Atlanta @ Tampa Bay
Having to pick one of these teams is a lot like having to choose between being kicked in the balls or kneed in the groin. Neither is very enjoyable and they're essentially the same. Looking on the bright side for Atlanta, Steven Jackson can only improve upon his 9 carry 11 yard performance. Mike Glennon for the Bucs only completed 11 passes and threw an interception last week, but I still think he is the kind of quarterback that can work on this team. Riding momentum from their first win of the year and playing in front of their home crowd, expect the Buccaneers to double their season win total.
Prediction: Buccaneers 23 Falcons 21
New York Jets @ Buffalo
The Jets are an impossible team to figure out. The fact that they currently stand at 5-4 and are in the thick of the playoff race is nothing short of a miracle. The Jets have the fifth lowest total points scored in the whole league, and have allowed 52 more points than they have scored. Yet here they are facing the lowly Bills with a chance to keep a firm grasp on the final wild card spot. The Bills are without anything consistent in their offense to make them the favorite here, so I'm going with the Jets to continue their improbable run.
Prediction: Jets 20 Bills 17
Detroit @ Pittsburgh
The Lions had a huge win last week going into Chicago and knocking off the Bears for sole possession of the NFC North. The Steelers picked up their 3rd W on the year, but coming against the Bills it was hardly impressive. The Steelers defense is a shell of what it used to be, and the Lions offense should have no problem marching down the field Sunday.
Prediction: Lions 31 Steelers 17
Washington @ Philadelphia
A key division matchup, and really a must win for the Redskins. The Eagles have hit their stride since Nick Foles took over, and they could finally put an end to their home woes. The Redskins secondary has been vulnerable all year and this one has the potential to get out of hand if they can't contain the passing game.
Prediction: Eagles 30 Redskins 20
San Diego @ Miami
The Dolphins just allowed Tampa to get their first win of the season and with all the other troubles the team is facing they may be the league door mat at this point. San Diego should have no trouble here as Philip Rivers has a chance for at least a few touchdown passes.
Prediction: San Diego 28 Miami 17
Baltimore @ Chicago
Both teams are battling for playoff positioning in this inter conference matchup. Baltimore just eeked out a key win last week while Chicago fell just short at home. Jay Cutler didn't look 100% last week and they may be better off this week with backup Josh McCown taking snaps. The Bears win this game by controlling time of possession and winning the battle of field position.
Prediction: Bears 23 Ravens 18
Cleveland @ Cincinnati
The Browns have a great opportunity to win a big game against a rival to remain in the hunt. The Bengals also have a lot at stake here, and their talent overmatched the Browns by too wide of a margin. There's no way Andy Dalton can turn in a performance like last week again. If he does however, the Browns may have some hope.
Prediction: Bengals 26 Browns 16
Oakland @ Houston
I keep thinking that each week is the week that the Texans find their form and return to being a winning team. Maybe this will finally be it. Case Keenum has looked good and they've got some talent at the wideouts with Andre Johnson and Deandre Hopkins. Losing Arian Foster will hurt, but I still believe this team can win, especially this week against the subpar Raiders.
Prediction: Texans 27 Raiders 17
Arizona @ Jacksonville
Jacksonville finally got their first win out of the way, but let's not get used to it. Though they've improved, don't expect the Jags to rip off a few wins. The Cardinals should start to be taken seriously as a contender, and they should take care of business Sunday.
Prediction: Cardinals 28 Jaguars 13
Minnesota @ Seattle
The Vikings short and simply don't have a chance this week. The Seahawks have solidified their status as the team to beat in the NFC. If Adrian Peterson can run for over 200 yards he may give his team a chance, but even then it's unlikely.
Prediction: Seahawks 31 Vikings 14
San Francisco @ New Orleans
Even though the 49ers are currently sporting a 6-3 record, they could find themselves in hot water if they lose this week. There is a swarm of teams nipping at their heels, and after dropping last weeks matchup versus the Panthers, many are wondering if the niners truely are a championship caliber squad. There's no better matchup to prove it than the one this week, as we already know the Saints can play in that upper echelon of teams.
Prediction: Saints 27 49ers 20
Green Bay @ New York
Things have somehow turned around for the Giants, as a win this week could possibly leave them only a game out of first place. Quite the opposite for Green Bay who may be headed for a free fall after losing Aaron Rodgers. Though Scott Tolzien looked pretty good last week, it wasn't enough to top the Eagles. It will likely be the same result this week, as the Giants continue to find a way to win.
Prediction: Giants 26 Packers 18
Kansas City @ Denver
Despite being the only undefeated team in the league, the Chiefs are out to prove themselves this week. For good reason too: All 9 of their victories have come against teams without winning records. We'll find out if they are for real, but I think they're in for a rude awakening. The Broncos have looked hands down like on of the best teams all year, and they should bring the Chiefs win streak to a screeching hault.
Prediction: Broncos 34 Chiefs 20
New England @ Carolina
You can make a case for the Panthers being the hottest team in the league right now. Their 5 game win streak is second only to the undefeated Chiefs. They were able to defeat the defending NFC champs last week, and this time around have the opportunity to knock off the highly successful Patriots. The Pats are not as good as their 7-2 record might indicate, and they will soon find out they are in for a challenge this week.
Prediction: Panthers 24 Patriots 21
