Post by riley82 on Aug 24, 2010 11:21:43 GMT -5
Alright folks, great to have you back in the Weekly Predictions thread for this upcoming week of gridiron action. I was 7-6 last week so a .500+ isn't bad to start off. This week has a few interesting matchups but isn't quite looking as good as last week's games but in the NFL, anything can happen so let's get down to it!
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Analysis:
This game features two teams at opposite sides of the see-saw in their division.The Bengals, 3-1, are once again surprising everyone at the number two spot in the AFC North. The Bucs on the other hand...not so much. The Buccaneers are riding a 2-game losing streak and despite having the bye week off, I don't think they'll have the firepower or defense to keep the Bengals from clawing their way to another victory. Though he didn't have any TDs, Carson Palmer still went 34-47 for 246 yards to carry his team to victory for the third time in a row this season. After giving up 328 yards to the Steelers in their last outing, I just can't see the Bucs stopping Palmer this week.
Prediction:
Palmer and the Bengals don't make this one a nail biter that's for sure, 31 - 13, Bengals
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Analysis:
The Browns find themselves in yet another dismal season but this week looks a little promising. The Falcons are going to be the team on the other side of the football and they, like the Browns, have had their share of woes this season. The Falcons are terrible against the run, great news for the Browns right? Wrong. The Browns managed zero, that's right, ZERO yards on the ground last game, the definition of pitiful football. The Falcons, despite having lost last week had a decent outing from Matt Ryan which should be enough in this one.
Prediction:
Falcons struggle a bit, but Ryan leads his team to victory, 24 - 6, Atlanta
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Analysis:
The Giants now share a tie for third place in the NFC East after an impressive occupation of the Bears' offense, holding them to just 224 yards of offense while piling up over 400 yards. Matt Cassel definitely hit his stride this week with 4 touchdowns and 324 yards. The Texans pulled themselves together as well last week winning a shootout against the Raiders. Despite winning, the Texans still show cased their lack luster defense. One thing the Giants like to do, run, and they ran well last week with 126 printed on the stat sheet. For the Texans, no defense, no answer, no wins.
Prediction:
The Texans may feel like they're taking off in the right direction, but this week, the Giants bring them back down to Earth, 28-24, New York
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Analysis:
The Colts finally picked up a victory last week against Jacksonville and just in time to get themselves on a roll against the Chiefs who are coming off a bye. The last time the Chiefs played in week 3, they were impressive in running the ball and picking up yards through the air was as easy as hitting water falling out of a boat. They did defend well only giving up 70 yards on the ground and 238 through the air. The Colts, still showed that they can't stop anyone offensively giving up 100+ on the ground and being lit up by the Jags through the air, unable to force any interceptions and only recover one fumble.
Prediction:
The Colts were lucky in beating the Jags last week, but the rainbow ends with KC and there isn't a pot of gold, 28-21, Chiefs
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Analysis:
Last week the Redskins were in a close one with their rival, the Eagles. This is nothing new, however, what is new is the Redskin's inability to run the ball last week sufficing less than 75 yards. They were able to get Santana Moss involved but a faltering in specials teams play led to the loss to Philly. The Packers are coming off a win against the Lions, who actually gave the Packers a run for their money late in the second half but were unable to over come the Packers' early 28-3 lead. The Packers gave up a couple big plays last week that didn't cost them a win, but this week they're not facing the Lions. Forcing Shaun Hill into interceptions is one thing but McNabb is a proven quarterback with a surrounding cast that can get the ball into the endzone. Not to mention they'll be facing a stiff run defense.
Prediction:
Defense wins championships and the Redskins will bring it this week, 20-16, Washington
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Analysis:
The Bills were thrashed last week at the hands of the Jets who were possessed to take over the AFC East division. Luckily for the Bills, they're still on top. If they want to ensure that they stay ahead of the pack, they need to win against the Jags this week. The Bills, on paper, out played New York last week, that's until you look at the column labeled turnovers. The Bills had 4 of them and can blame that for their trouble against their division foe, but that was then, and the Jags are now. The Jaguar defense isn't as intimidating as the Jets', but the pride held their own against arguably the greatest quarterback of all time forcing two turnovers from the Colts' offense. Couple that with the ability to run and pass the ball effectively and you've got yourself a win.
Prediction:
The Bills make it a game, but the better team will win, 27-21, Jacksonville
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Analysis:
The Broncos really had an impressive game against the Titans last week and proving a lot of the doubters wrong, including myself. They ran the ball with a healthy 5 ypc average. Orton looked in form as well going 23-33 for 242 and a touchdown. And the defense that was non-existent in the previous weeks finally appeared, keeping Chris Johnson under 100 yards and 5 yards a carry. The Ravens aren't looking so composed after losing to the Steelers in a pure decomposition of their offense, managing to find a way to rush for -2 yards for the whole game. Still, the Ravens managed some scoring on the arm of Joe Flacco. The Ravens are going to come out motivated to win this game and keep pace with the Steelers in the division
Prediction:
The Broncos may have played well last week but one good week of defense doesn't substitute for 3 weeks of terrible defense, 28-14, Ravens
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Analysis:
Both of these teams are coming off tough games and are going through lack luster seasons. However, the Panthers have something to fight for that the Bears don't, a chance to be in the playoffs. The Panthers' problem is that they don't run the ball, not that they can't, they just don't. Which has led the team to play a one dimensional game. In turn, the Panthers are starting to lose games,badly. But the Bears, do one thing well, give up yards on the ground. If the Panthers can take advantage of that, which I think they will, then they can win this game.
Prediction:
Panthers win with a balanced attack, 20-6, Carolina
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Analysis:
These two franchises have found themselves struggling the last few years to just win games. Sadly, they must meet on the field tomorrow and see who is the worst of the worst, though record-wise neither of these teams are the worst, they haven't looked good thus far. The Lions gave the Packers a bit of a game late in the second half but were simply out matched. Injuries to Stafford and number one pick, Suh in the first half leaving them out for the game, didn't help their cause. Unable to run, they were forced into turnovers and ultimately crushed by Green Bay. The Rams faced a similar fate in their game against the Seahawks only able to rush for 48 yards. Sam Bradford threw two interceptions and yet, the Rams fought tooth and nail to a 3-point defeat.
Prediction:
The Lions simply don't have the tools to compete this year and the Rams will be looking to get going early, final score, 24-16, St. Louis
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Analysis:
If you're going to get in a shootout, the last thing you want is to be out gunned by the opponent. Apparently, the Cardinals didn't get the memo as they were out gunned against the super-charged Bolts last week. Phillip Rivers proved to be too much for the Cardinals throwing for over 350 yards. The Cardinals won't be escaping the aerial attack anytime soon, as the Saints come marchin' in this week with Brees leading the way. The Cardinals and the Saints both like to run the ball and they did it quite effectively last week each team picking up 150 or more handing the ball off. Adding to the running game both quarterbacks are playing efficient football, though Brees' numbers are more prolific. Arizona has shown to struggle in the passing game, failing to reach even the 100 yard mark on two separate occasions against lower competition.
Prediction:
I think the Cardinals' passing attack lets them down again this week against the Saints who will run all over them this game,
35-13, Saints
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Analysis:
This game features two AFC West rivals going at it and as usual, the Chargers are on top of the division at 4-0, while the Raiders are playing catch-up with a record of 2-2.The Chargers last week lit up the Cardinals through the air for 368 yards and four touchdowns. They did give up two interceptions but didn't let the Cardinals capitalize on their mistakes and went on to win the game. The Raiders did lose, but they looked solid against the Texans offensively. Defensively, they gave up over 400 yards of offense and over 375 of those yards were through the air. Phillip Rivers is hot so far this season and the Chargers should be confident in their ability to score against defenses.
Prediction:
If the Texans were able to make a fool out of this defense, I'm sure the Chargers won't have any problem doing the same, 42-20, Chargers
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Analysis:
The Titans had a hard time stopping the run last week against the Broncos. This season, the defense has played well but the Titans can't seem to put together a win. This could be a result of Vince Young being injured and I think this will hurt them against Dallas. Coming off the bye weeks Dallas, undefeated, has had a week to prepare for Tennessee . The running game has been working well for them and Romo has been successful through the air. If they run the ball well against the Titans, they'll win this game easily.
Prediction:
Dallas will have simply too much firepower on both sides of the ball for Tennessee this week, 31-17, Cowboys
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Analysis:
Both of these teams are 3-1 so far this season and are looking good after their week 4 performances. The 49ers played well enough to win last week against the Falcons scoring touchdowns in the first three quarters and only allowing Atlanta to get into the endzone twice. The Eagles faced a more challenging opponent in the Redskins who were without Clinton Portis. Kevin Kolb was able to find the endzone three times against a tough defense in Washington. The Niners defense isn't as imposing and I think we'll see that this week.
Prediction:
Kolb is able to work the ball through the air this week proving to be enough to win it, 28-14, Eagles
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Analysis:
These two teams love to run the ball. The Jets struggled to get the running game going versus the Bills last week only mustering 82 yards. The passing attack wasn't impressive but good enough to win the game against the Bills. Their defense is what's making them such a hard team to beat after forcing four turnovers last week. They did allow Spiller to run for over a 5 ypc average though, luckily the Bills had to abandon the running game as they fell behind. The Vikings are coming off a bye week and at 3-0, they're looking like a well-oiled machine. As one of the few teams still running a 4-3 defense, the Vikings are very good at stopping the run. And if you force the Jets to rely on Mark Sanchez to win the game for them, well your chances of victory increase.
Prediction:
The Vikings force the Jets into being a one-dimensional team and win this game, 24-10, Vikings
Well that concludes this week's weekly predictions, good luck to all teams and see you again for next week's predictions. Be sure to check out the Game of the Week thread to be posted later today!
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Analysis:
This game features two teams at opposite sides of the see-saw in their division.The Bengals, 3-1, are once again surprising everyone at the number two spot in the AFC North. The Bucs on the other hand...not so much. The Buccaneers are riding a 2-game losing streak and despite having the bye week off, I don't think they'll have the firepower or defense to keep the Bengals from clawing their way to another victory. Though he didn't have any TDs, Carson Palmer still went 34-47 for 246 yards to carry his team to victory for the third time in a row this season. After giving up 328 yards to the Steelers in their last outing, I just can't see the Bucs stopping Palmer this week.
Prediction:
Palmer and the Bengals don't make this one a nail biter that's for sure, 31 - 13, Bengals
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Analysis:
The Browns find themselves in yet another dismal season but this week looks a little promising. The Falcons are going to be the team on the other side of the football and they, like the Browns, have had their share of woes this season. The Falcons are terrible against the run, great news for the Browns right? Wrong. The Browns managed zero, that's right, ZERO yards on the ground last game, the definition of pitiful football. The Falcons, despite having lost last week had a decent outing from Matt Ryan which should be enough in this one.
Prediction:
Falcons struggle a bit, but Ryan leads his team to victory, 24 - 6, Atlanta
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Analysis:
The Giants now share a tie for third place in the NFC East after an impressive occupation of the Bears' offense, holding them to just 224 yards of offense while piling up over 400 yards. Matt Cassel definitely hit his stride this week with 4 touchdowns and 324 yards. The Texans pulled themselves together as well last week winning a shootout against the Raiders. Despite winning, the Texans still show cased their lack luster defense. One thing the Giants like to do, run, and they ran well last week with 126 printed on the stat sheet. For the Texans, no defense, no answer, no wins.
Prediction:
The Texans may feel like they're taking off in the right direction, but this week, the Giants bring them back down to Earth, 28-24, New York
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Analysis:
The Colts finally picked up a victory last week against Jacksonville and just in time to get themselves on a roll against the Chiefs who are coming off a bye. The last time the Chiefs played in week 3, they were impressive in running the ball and picking up yards through the air was as easy as hitting water falling out of a boat. They did defend well only giving up 70 yards on the ground and 238 through the air. The Colts, still showed that they can't stop anyone offensively giving up 100+ on the ground and being lit up by the Jags through the air, unable to force any interceptions and only recover one fumble.
Prediction:
The Colts were lucky in beating the Jags last week, but the rainbow ends with KC and there isn't a pot of gold, 28-21, Chiefs
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Analysis:
Last week the Redskins were in a close one with their rival, the Eagles. This is nothing new, however, what is new is the Redskin's inability to run the ball last week sufficing less than 75 yards. They were able to get Santana Moss involved but a faltering in specials teams play led to the loss to Philly. The Packers are coming off a win against the Lions, who actually gave the Packers a run for their money late in the second half but were unable to over come the Packers' early 28-3 lead. The Packers gave up a couple big plays last week that didn't cost them a win, but this week they're not facing the Lions. Forcing Shaun Hill into interceptions is one thing but McNabb is a proven quarterback with a surrounding cast that can get the ball into the endzone. Not to mention they'll be facing a stiff run defense.
Prediction:
Defense wins championships and the Redskins will bring it this week, 20-16, Washington
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Analysis:
The Bills were thrashed last week at the hands of the Jets who were possessed to take over the AFC East division. Luckily for the Bills, they're still on top. If they want to ensure that they stay ahead of the pack, they need to win against the Jags this week. The Bills, on paper, out played New York last week, that's until you look at the column labeled turnovers. The Bills had 4 of them and can blame that for their trouble against their division foe, but that was then, and the Jags are now. The Jaguar defense isn't as intimidating as the Jets', but the pride held their own against arguably the greatest quarterback of all time forcing two turnovers from the Colts' offense. Couple that with the ability to run and pass the ball effectively and you've got yourself a win.
Prediction:
The Bills make it a game, but the better team will win, 27-21, Jacksonville
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Analysis:
The Broncos really had an impressive game against the Titans last week and proving a lot of the doubters wrong, including myself. They ran the ball with a healthy 5 ypc average. Orton looked in form as well going 23-33 for 242 and a touchdown. And the defense that was non-existent in the previous weeks finally appeared, keeping Chris Johnson under 100 yards and 5 yards a carry. The Ravens aren't looking so composed after losing to the Steelers in a pure decomposition of their offense, managing to find a way to rush for -2 yards for the whole game. Still, the Ravens managed some scoring on the arm of Joe Flacco. The Ravens are going to come out motivated to win this game and keep pace with the Steelers in the division
Prediction:
The Broncos may have played well last week but one good week of defense doesn't substitute for 3 weeks of terrible defense, 28-14, Ravens
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Analysis:
Both of these teams are coming off tough games and are going through lack luster seasons. However, the Panthers have something to fight for that the Bears don't, a chance to be in the playoffs. The Panthers' problem is that they don't run the ball, not that they can't, they just don't. Which has led the team to play a one dimensional game. In turn, the Panthers are starting to lose games,badly. But the Bears, do one thing well, give up yards on the ground. If the Panthers can take advantage of that, which I think they will, then they can win this game.
Prediction:
Panthers win with a balanced attack, 20-6, Carolina
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Analysis:
These two franchises have found themselves struggling the last few years to just win games. Sadly, they must meet on the field tomorrow and see who is the worst of the worst, though record-wise neither of these teams are the worst, they haven't looked good thus far. The Lions gave the Packers a bit of a game late in the second half but were simply out matched. Injuries to Stafford and number one pick, Suh in the first half leaving them out for the game, didn't help their cause. Unable to run, they were forced into turnovers and ultimately crushed by Green Bay. The Rams faced a similar fate in their game against the Seahawks only able to rush for 48 yards. Sam Bradford threw two interceptions and yet, the Rams fought tooth and nail to a 3-point defeat.
Prediction:
The Lions simply don't have the tools to compete this year and the Rams will be looking to get going early, final score, 24-16, St. Louis
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Analysis:
If you're going to get in a shootout, the last thing you want is to be out gunned by the opponent. Apparently, the Cardinals didn't get the memo as they were out gunned against the super-charged Bolts last week. Phillip Rivers proved to be too much for the Cardinals throwing for over 350 yards. The Cardinals won't be escaping the aerial attack anytime soon, as the Saints come marchin' in this week with Brees leading the way. The Cardinals and the Saints both like to run the ball and they did it quite effectively last week each team picking up 150 or more handing the ball off. Adding to the running game both quarterbacks are playing efficient football, though Brees' numbers are more prolific. Arizona has shown to struggle in the passing game, failing to reach even the 100 yard mark on two separate occasions against lower competition.
Prediction:
I think the Cardinals' passing attack lets them down again this week against the Saints who will run all over them this game,
35-13, Saints
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Analysis:
This game features two AFC West rivals going at it and as usual, the Chargers are on top of the division at 4-0, while the Raiders are playing catch-up with a record of 2-2.The Chargers last week lit up the Cardinals through the air for 368 yards and four touchdowns. They did give up two interceptions but didn't let the Cardinals capitalize on their mistakes and went on to win the game. The Raiders did lose, but they looked solid against the Texans offensively. Defensively, they gave up over 400 yards of offense and over 375 of those yards were through the air. Phillip Rivers is hot so far this season and the Chargers should be confident in their ability to score against defenses.
Prediction:
If the Texans were able to make a fool out of this defense, I'm sure the Chargers won't have any problem doing the same, 42-20, Chargers
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Analysis:
The Titans had a hard time stopping the run last week against the Broncos. This season, the defense has played well but the Titans can't seem to put together a win. This could be a result of Vince Young being injured and I think this will hurt them against Dallas. Coming off the bye weeks Dallas, undefeated, has had a week to prepare for Tennessee . The running game has been working well for them and Romo has been successful through the air. If they run the ball well against the Titans, they'll win this game easily.
Prediction:
Dallas will have simply too much firepower on both sides of the ball for Tennessee this week, 31-17, Cowboys
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Analysis:
Both of these teams are 3-1 so far this season and are looking good after their week 4 performances. The 49ers played well enough to win last week against the Falcons scoring touchdowns in the first three quarters and only allowing Atlanta to get into the endzone twice. The Eagles faced a more challenging opponent in the Redskins who were without Clinton Portis. Kevin Kolb was able to find the endzone three times against a tough defense in Washington. The Niners defense isn't as imposing and I think we'll see that this week.
Prediction:
Kolb is able to work the ball through the air this week proving to be enough to win it, 28-14, Eagles
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Analysis:
These two teams love to run the ball. The Jets struggled to get the running game going versus the Bills last week only mustering 82 yards. The passing attack wasn't impressive but good enough to win the game against the Bills. Their defense is what's making them such a hard team to beat after forcing four turnovers last week. They did allow Spiller to run for over a 5 ypc average though, luckily the Bills had to abandon the running game as they fell behind. The Vikings are coming off a bye week and at 3-0, they're looking like a well-oiled machine. As one of the few teams still running a 4-3 defense, the Vikings are very good at stopping the run. And if you force the Jets to rely on Mark Sanchez to win the game for them, well your chances of victory increase.
Prediction:
The Vikings force the Jets into being a one-dimensional team and win this game, 24-10, Vikings
Well that concludes this week's weekly predictions, good luck to all teams and see you again for next week's predictions. Be sure to check out the Game of the Week thread to be posted later today!