Cincinnati showed yet again on Thursday night that they're an elite team. The Bengals hammered the Browns in the 2nd half winning 31-10 at home against Johnny Football. Today's key games start with Green Bay heading to Carolina, as the Packers try and get back on track after a dreadful performance against the Broncos. Speaking of the Broncos, they head back to the house that Peyton built as they go up against Andrew Luck and the 3-5 Colts. Then the day ends with Chip Kelly and the Eagles heading to Dallas to try and keep their playoff hopes alive, while simultaneously knocking the Cowboys out of the race. Let's take a look at how the games could play out this week.
Green Bay -2.5
at Carolina
Both the Packers and Panthers got a scare last week. The Packers realized they have some major issues, as they got thumped by the Broncos on the road. The Panthers meanwhile choked away a 17 point 4th quarter lead at home to Indianapolis, only to make some huge plays in overtime to escape with a win. The Panthers have a better defense, and running game. The Packers have Aaron Rodgers, who almost never loses two regular season games in a row. This game could be the preview for the NFC Championship game, as both teams seem headed for January. The Panthers have been riding high, but they haven't been winning pretty, and I think Rodgers knows this is a must win game if the Packers want to get home field advantage, so they'll throw everything they have at Carolina. I'm reluctantly going with the Packers in a close one, 24-21.
Washington
at New England -14
The Tom Brady Revenge Tour continues this week in Foxboro as the Redskins come to town. I don't think there's any question the Patriots will win this game, the only real debate is by how much. Giving 14 points in the NFL is like giving 30 in College Football. I hope Kirk Cousin's enjoyed his week off because he's not going to like what will happen this week. Patriots 38 Redskins 17.
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Tennessee
at New Orleans -7.5
The Titans let go of Ken Whisenhunt this week, and it was really the only decision they could make, as Whisenhunt was just deplorable as a head coach. His record at Tennessee was an embarrassing 3-20. Mariota didn't fit his system and they need a coach who can use Mariota's skill set to get the Titans back to respectability. The reports are that Marcus Mariota will start today in New Orleans. I don't think it matters, but I like Tennessee's chances with him under center rather than Mettenberger. The Saints are 4-4 and I think despite their completely awful defense, they'll put up enough points to get the win at home against the Titans to go to 5-4. As bad as the NFC South was last year, they could get 3 teams into the playoffs this season. The Saints to win and cover 34-24.
Miami
at Buffalo -3
The Bills crushed the Dolphins earlier this year in Miami, but that was when Joe Philbin was still employed. This is essentially an elimination game, as the loser will drop to 3-5. Tyrod Taylor is expected to start today, and that's good news for Bills fans, as EJ Manuel clearly isn't the answer. The smart money would be on the Bills, but I'm going with Miami in the upset. I think Ryan Tannehill and the Dolphins will see this as a revenge game and get a gritty win on the road. Miami 26 Buffalo 24.
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St. Louis
at Minnesota -2
This might actually be the most important game of the week. The Rams and Vikings are both fighting for Wild Card spots, and it's likely only one of them is going to have a shot to make it. On top of the playoff ramifications, it's going to be fun to watch Adrian Peterson, the old guard of running backs go against Todd Gurley, who is seen as the new Adrian Peterson. Gurley has been the best back in the league the last 4 games, and there's no reason to see why he should slow down now. I'd normally go with the home team since this is a pick em game, but I'm going to go with the Rams based on their defense and youth to get an upset win at Minnesota. Rams 30 Vikings 24.
Jacksonville
at NY Jets -8
The Jets will start Ryan Fitzpatrick today against the Jags, even with the damage to his left thumb, because their other option is Geno Smith. The real issue that should concern the Jets though is their defense, which got absolutely torched by Derek Carr and the Raiders. I think the Jets bounce back this week and get a to 5-4 against the Jags. The Jags had an exciting win against the Bills last week in London, but they'll get brought back down to earth today. Jets 27 Jags 20.
Oakland
at Pittsburgh -5.5
This game will give football veterans memories of the wars that existed between Madden and Noll in the 70s. But it's Del Rio vs. Tomlin today in another game with Wild Card playoff implications. It's fairly safe to say the Steelers and Raiders aren't winning their divisions, but they both have a chance to make the playoffs as a Wild Card team which means they may have an opportunity to play the winner of the AFC South. I think the Steelers get it going this week against the red hot Raiders and eek out a victory at Heinz field. Big Ben leads the Steelers on a late 4th quarter drive and Deangelo Williams has a big day filling in for Le'Veon Bell. Steelers 32 Raiders 27.
NY Giants -2
at Tampa Bay
Eli Manning put on a show last week down in New Orleans, throwing for 350 yards 6 TDs and 0 Ints in a heartbreaking loss. I don't think he'll have that kind of day against the Bucs, but I do think he'll do enough to get a win. This game is a fantasy owner's dream as both the Bucs and Giants have trouble stopping the other team from scoring. This one should be a shootout, but I'm going with the Giants to win and cover. Giants 38 Bucs 34.
Atlanta -7.5
at San Francisco
If the Falcons lose this game, they have no one to blame but themselves. The 49ers are practically handing the Falcons a win by benching Kaepernick and starting Blaine Gabbert. The 49ers have officially gone from one of the best organizations in the NFL to one of the worst in less than 12 months. Congrats Trent Baalke. Give me Atlanta and the points. Dirty Birds 30 Gold Diggers 13.
Denver -4.5
at Indianapolis
Alright, here we go. Peyton Manning vs. Andrew Luck. The Colts showed a lot of heart and fight in their overtime loss to the Panthers on Monday Night, and their reward will be that they get to face an even better defense this week as the undefeated Broncos come to town. Manning throwing in a dome against a weak Colts defense should really help Denver's chances. Andrew Luck on the other hand is going to be running for his life all day as his extremely shaky offensive line is going to have their hands full stopping Denver's pass rushers. Give me the Broncos to win and cover. Denver 35 Indy 24.
Philadelphia -3
at Dallas
Matt Cassel will get the start again this week as Tony Romo still isn't healthy enough to warrant playing against the Eagles. Being that the Cowboys have yet to win a game without Romo, and the Eagles got embarrassed at home against the Cowboys in Week 2, I think the Eagles return the favor in Dallas. Kelly's team is still a half game behind the Giants for the NFC East, so this is almost a must win game to keep up with them as they face the Bucs today. The real story this week was the photos leaked this week of Greg Hardy's ex-girlfriend's injuries, hasn't give Dallas much to cheer about this week, as they've continued to stand by him. Dallas drops to 2-6 this week and their playoff hopes are likely gone. Philly 31 Dallas 27.
Chicago
at San Diego -4.5
Lastly, we come to the Monday Night Game between 2 teams who are looking to the draft. With Keenan Allen now out for the rest of the season, the Chargers will have to replace his production by committee. The Bears on their end will be without their best player as Matt Forte's knee was injured in last week's loss to the Vikings. I think you'll see a lot of passing in this game with Forte out and the Charges unable to find a consistent running back. Chargers Offensive Coordinator Frank Reich says he'll continue to give Melvin Gordon the ball, but he certainly hadn't produced like the Charges has hoped he would. If this game was in Chicago I'd go with the Bears, but being that the game is on the West Coast, I'll go with San Diego to get the win. Chargers 28 Bears 20.
With the season half over, we're starting to get a look at how the playoffs could shape up. Hopefully, this Sunday gives us some exciting games. If your games don't go well today, you can always end the weekend with 007 as SPECTRE is now out in theaters, and though it's not Skyfall or Casino Royale, it's well worth the seeing. Cheers.
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