NFL Week 17 Predictions

                                             Courtesy of printableteamschedules.com

Well, here we are...Week 17 of the NFL season and it couldn't have come fast enough for a lot of teams in the league.  Last week saw complete chaos with the Panthers, Patriots, Seahawks, and Steelers all losing to teams they were favored against.  The NFC playoffs teams are set, but their seeding is still up for grabs as only the Redskins are locked into their seed heading into the last game of the regular season.  In the AFC, there's one Wild Card playoff spot open, with the Jets and Steelers both fighting for it.  It's pretty simple for the Jets, win and you're in.  For the Steelers, they need the Jets to lose at Buffalo, and they have to beat the Browns, thanks to their awful loss to the Ravens last week.  There's also a chance Indy could overtake the Texans for the AFC South crown, but they have to win and hope Houston loses to Jacksonville, plus have a lot happen in order to win the tie breaker, which I won't bore you with.  The short version is, that it is extremely unlikely all those games go Indy's way, so Houston should win the AFC South, let's take a look at how the final week of the season could end, and how the playoffs could shape up.

NY Jets   -3
at Buffalo 

As I indicated above, it's easy for the Jets, win and you're in.  Lose, and you better hope Cleveland pulls off a miracle against Pittsburgh.  Buffalo will throw everything they have at the Jets, but I think New York is going to be extremely focused in this one.  Ryan Fitzpatrick has been playing exceptionally well the last month of the year, and the Jets may have the best WR tandem in the NFL with Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker.  With Shady McCoy out, give me the Win and In Jets to clinch a playoff birth in Buffalo.  Jets 27 Bills 20.

                                                              Courtesy of giphy.com

New England    -9
at Miami

At the beginning of the year, analysts thought this game might decide the AFC East title, but things have not gone well for the Dolphins this year.  The Patriots currently have the No. 1 overall seed and they'll get a win today at Miami to ensure that the AFC road to the Super Bowl runs through Foxboro.  I expect the Pats to get up by double digits early and then coast through the rest of the game.  I know the Patriots have been riddled with injuries, but Miami hasn't looked good all year.  Despite all the controversy and injuries, the Patriots will secure home-field advantage today.   Patriots 31 Dolphins 17.

                                                               Courtesy of SBNation.com

New Orleans
at Atlanta    -5.5

The Falcons started off red hot, then looked abysmal for 2 months, then ended up beating a 14-0 Panthers team at home to get to 8-7.  The Saints have been up and down all year, playing a lot of close games, but rarely coming out on the winning side of those games.   These two teams hate each other, and I expect this game to be a war between two franchises who know they won't play again for another 8 months. Despite good play by Drew Brees, their defense has been awful throughout the season, which should set up nicely for Julio Jones and Matty Ice.  Atlanta 30 New Orleans 24.      

                                                            Courtesy of reddit.com

Baltimore
at Cincinnati   -9.5

How happy were the Ravens on Sunday?  That upset, that could very well have knocked the Steelers out of the playoffs, and it had Baltimore fans dancing in the streets despite only winning 5 games this year.  With the injuries both teams are suffering at QB, this game is a toss up, despite the 9 point line.  The Bengals have a lot more talent though, and with a win and a Denver loss, the Bengals secure a 1st round bye.  With a lot more to play for, I'm going with the Bengals to get the win at home, but I think the Ravens make enough plays to cover the spread.  Cincy 23 Baltimore 16.  

                                                            Courtesy of fatmanwriting.com

Pittsburgh   -11
at Cleveland

The Steelers completely blew it last week losing to the Ravens.  It was a complete meltdown, against Ryan Mallett and the Ravens.  I don't think they make the same mistake against the Browns this week.  With Austin Davis starting for the Browns, the Steelers should be able to secure a victory.  This one should be a blowout, and they'll keep a close eye on the score in Buffalo.  Steelers 34 Cleveland 13.

                                                          Courtesy of nesn.com

Jacksonville
at Houston   -6.5

At the beginning of the year, I didn't think the Texans had any shot at the postseason, but solid defense and a seemingly season-ending injury to Andrew Luck propelled the Texans into a situation where they're likely going to win the AFC South and host a playoff game.  In Jacksonville, the Jags have only won 5 games this year, but they've found their QB and No. 1 WR, so that gives them the chance to focus on their defense in the draft.  Gus Bradley has been told he'll be retained, but Jacksonville better get to the playoffs next year if he wants his services retained for 2017.  I think this is a game Houston finds a way to win, but Jacksonville covers the spread.  Texans 27 Jags 23.

                                                                 Courtesy of profootballzone.com

Tennessee
at Indianapolis    Even

With Indy being the trendy pick for the Super Bowl at the beginning of the year, this has not been the year the Colts were hoping for after Andrew Luck's injury.  The organization looks poised to make a change at the head coaching position, and you can bet Jimmy Sexton will get a call for several of his clients.  As for this game, if Tennessee loses they secure the No. 1 overall pick, so they actually have a pretty strong incentive to lose this game, and I think they will, even with the problems Indy has had.  Give me the Colts to get a win 20-17.

                                                            Courtesy of ign.com

Washington
at Dallas   -3.5

If I'm the Redskins, I sit every single starter this week.  You're not going to increase or decrease your playoff position, so this is your bye week.  I wouldn't even let Kirk Cousins dress for this game.  Dallas should come out and just throw the ball all day with Kellen Moore, because they have nothing to lose.  I'm going with the Cowboys, but I don't feel good about it.  Dallas 22 Washington 20.

                                                                    Courtesy of boards.giants.com

Philadelphia
at NY Giants   -5

The Chip Kelly era comes to an end in Philly, and begins in Tennessee...?  Well, we'll see, but you can bet the Titans give his agent a call.  The Eagles need a lot of help because they've completely changed their roster and they're going to have to rebuild that team from scratch.  The Giants will likely say goodbye to Tom Coughlin after today, and he's had a great NFL career.  Despite the Giants' own concerns with personnel, I'm going with the Giants to get a win to send Coughlin off with a nice swan song at home, but this was a year where the Giants should have been playing for at least one more week.  Giants 28 Eagles 23.

                                                                 Courtesy of backofthejersey.com

Detroit    -1
at Chicago

The Lions and Bears both hoped they could sneak into the playoff this year, but that just didn't happen.  Both teams sit at 6-9, but I think Detroit is the better team.  They started the year 1-7, but are 5-2 since that start.  The Bears haven't been able to find their rhythm all year, and will likely lose their offensive coordinator to a head coaching job at the end of the season.  Chicago also is going to have to make a tough decision as Matt Forte and Alshon Jeffery's contracts are up this year.  I think Stafford throws early and often and Chicago has trouble defending against Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate.  Lions 30 Bears 24. 

                                                                 Courtesy of usatoday.com

Tampa Bay
at Carolina    -10

The perfect season is over in Carolina, but the bigger issue is whether or not they can secure home-field advantage today.   It's going to be tough with Ted Ginn, Jr., and Kirk Coleman doubtful, plus Jonathan Stewart and Fozzy Whitaker out.  This is a game where Cam and Olsen are going to have to take over, and the defense is going to have to play light's out, but I think they'll get it done.  That line is huge considering all of Carolina's injuries.  Give me the Panthers at home 27 - 21.    

                                                            Courtesy of viralpirate.com

Oakland
at Kansas City    -7

Kansas City has had a phenomenal 2nd half to their season.  A team that looked left for dead is going to the playoffs, and could easily win their Wild Card round game.  I don't think this team is headed to the Super Bowl, but Andy Reid and Alex Smith have certainly made for a nice tandem.  Oakland also looks like they're headed in the right direction, but they still need to add some pieces before they can compete for the playoffs on a regular basis.  Kansas City 20 Oakland 17.

                                                                    Courtesy of fansided.com

San Diego
at Denver     -9

The Chargers have had a tough season, while Denver has been able to overcome a lot of adversity, namely that of Peyton Manning declining in his play, then being injured for a good portion of the season.  Even with Brock under center and Peyton on the sideline, I like the Broncos to get it done and lock down the No. 2 seed.  Broncos 24 Chargers 17.  

                                                                      Courtesy of azcardinals.com

Seattle
at Arizona    -6.5

The NFL moved the Panthers-Bucs game to later in the afternoon, due largely to the fact that if Carolina won, this game wouldn't be nearly as exciting.  The Cardinals have looked pretty impressive all season, and Seattle has been good, but they still have 6 loses.  Arizona is fighting with the Panthers for the No. 1 overall seed, and Seattle's only question is whether they will be the 5 or the 6 seed.  With a LOT to play for, I'm going with the Cardinals at home.  They're arguably the most complete team in the NFL right now.  Arizona 27 Seattle 20.  

                                                                     Courtesy of reddit.com

St. Louis
at San Francisco   -3.5

The Rams and 49ers can't wait for this season to end and the only celebrating they'll be doing will likely be on draft day.  Both have major questions at QB and the head coaching position.  The Rams have won 3 games in a row to get to 7-8, and they have an opportunity to end the season at 8-8 in Santa Clara.  With the Rams having suddenly surged and the 49ers struggling to score points all year, I'm going with Case Keenum and Todd Gurley to get a win against San Fran 24 - 19.

                                                                    Courtesy of fanvice.com

Minnesota
at Green Bay   -3

The final regular season game of the year decides who wins the NFC North.  Green Bay got absolutely throttled by Arizona last week, and Minnesota took care of business against a depleted Giants team.  Green Bay has struggled on defense all year, and you can bet that Minnesota is hoping to ride Adrian Peterson to an NFC North crown.  If this game were anywhere but Lambeau, I'd like the Vikings, but it's hard to go against Green Bay at home in a meaningful game.  Packers 30 Vikings 28.  

                                                            Courtesy of reddit.com

It's been a fun regular season, and I'll be listening to the games on the road today as I head back from the Sugar Bowl.  Cheers to the Playoffs!  

NFL Week 10 Predictions

                                              Courtesy of printableteamschedules.com

With Saturday being full of upsets in college football, Sunday hopes to follow suit with some exciting match ups between New England and the Giants, Minnesota and Oakland, and Arizona heading to Seattle.  The news heading into this weekend though is about the uniforms that the Jets and Bills wore on Thursday night.  Luckily, I'm not colorblind, but if you are here's what the game looked like.

                          

Courtesy of deadspin.com

                
It's nearly impossible to tell which team is which, unless you can make out the logos on the helmets.  The executive who came up with that marketing theory has not had a good couple of days.  With the 2nd half of the season set to kick off shortly, let's see how these games could play out.

                                                                 Courtesy of b930radio.com

Detroit
at Green Bay  -10.5


The Detroit Lions haven't beaten the Packers in Lambeau since 1991, and with the way the Lions have played this season, that streak is going to continue.  The Packers may have lost back to back games, which under Aaron Rodgers is rare, but they're not losing 3 in a row.  Green Bay lights it up today and wins easily in Lambeau.  Green Bay 34 Detroit 17.

                                                                Courtesy of wavy.com

Dallas  -1
at Tampa Bay

Dallas has now dropped 6 in a row, and their playoffs hopes are likely done.  They'd pretty much have to run the table to win the East, and likely need some help.  Tampa is 3-5, but they've looked good in their last 2 games, and if Mike Evans could catch balls that hit him in the chest, they might be .500 or better.  I'm going with the Bucs to get a win against the Cowboys at home today, as Dallas is getting media attention for all the wrong reasons.  Bucs 25 Cowboys 24.

                                                                      Courtesy of freep.com

Carolina  -4.5
at Tennessee  

The Panthers head to Nashville today to try and continue their 8-0 streak.  They beat the Packers last week in a classic finish to solidify themselves as the best team in the NFC.  Tennessee fired their coach last week, and then went down to New Orleans and beat the Saints in an overtime thriller.  Mariota looked fantastic, but Carolina's defense isn't run by Rob Ryan.  The Panthers have heard all week how this is a trap game, and they'll continue their streak today with a win over the Titans.  Panthers 27 Titans 17.  

                                                       Courtesy of nola.com

Chicago
at St. Louis  -6.5

The Rams are still fighting for their playoff hopes, sitting at 4-4.  They added Wes Welker to the roster this week, and he's expected to suit up and play for the Rams against the Bears.  On the other side, the Bears went to San Diego on Monday night and got a win to move to 3-5.  St. Louis defensive coordinator Greg Williams is in the news again after the Rams knocked out Teddy Bridgewater.  If Matt Forte plays the Bears will have a better chance, but I like the Rams to get to 5-4 with a win at home today.  Rams 22 Bears 17.

                                                                    Courtesy of washingtonpost.com

New Orleans
at Washington   -1

The Saints loss against the Titans in overtime might have been the killer blow to their playoff hopes, as they dropped to 4-5.  Washington went to New England and suffered the same fate as most teams who go to Foxboro.  This game should be a high scoring affair with both defenses having an inability to stop the other team from scoring.   If you've got fantasy players for either of these teams, this would probably be a good day to put them in your line up.  I think the Saints get back to .500 today and win a close one 34-30.

                                                                Courtesy of fansided.com

Miami
at Philadelphia  -6

The Eagles kept pace with the Giants edging the Cowboys in Dallas, but if you ask most Eagles fans you wouldn't know it.  Philly hosts the Dolphins this week, in a game that has significant implications for the Eagles.  I don't believe in Sam Bradford, but I do think the Eagles have better talent and a better coach than the Dolphins, and playing at home I think they'll get the win.  Eagles 27 Miami 20.

                                                           Courtesy of fansided.com

Cleveland
at Pittsburgh  -6

Johnny Football heads to Pittsburgh this week and will face off against Landy Jones.  The Steelers are 5-4, and with a win they'll jump the Jets for the final wild card spot.  Manziel hasn't been awful this year, but he hasn't played well enough to solidify himself at the No. 1 starter in Cleveland either.   With Cleveland having the worst rushing defenses in the league, I'd look to Deangelo Williams to have another big day, and the Steelers make enough plays to get them to 6-4.  Pittsburgh 24 Cleveland 20.

                                                       Courtesy of sportswire.usatoday.com


Jacksonville
at Baltimore    -5.5

The Ravens season has completely collapsed, with Terrell Suggs and Steve Smith, Sr. being hurt, and they have not been able to find a consistent running game.  If this game was in Jacksonville, I'd go with the Jags, but being that it's in Baltimore, I'm going to go with the Ravens.  This should be a low scoring game, and I like Jacksonville's skill position players better than the Ravens, but with Baltimore having 2 weeks to prepare, I'm going with the better head coach and better QB.  Ravens 20 Jags 16.

                                                                     Courtesy of oak.247sports.com

Minnesota
at Oakland   -2.5

Teddy Bridgewater has been cleared to play today, which is going to make for an exciting show down between two teams trying to make the playoffs.  Maybe it's because the Raiders haven't been very good for over a decade, but I think this is the year they can contend for that last playoff spot.  Derek Carr has played extremely well, and Amari Cooper is proving that he was worth the No. 4 overall pick.  Minnesota is likely going to make the playoffs, whether that's as a wild card or a divisional winner remains to be seen, but as for today, I think the Raiders get to 5-4 with a victory at home.  Oakland 27 Minnesota 24.

                                                                Courtesy of usmagazine.com

New England    -7
at NY Giants

Eli and the Giants have had Tom Brady's number when it comes to big time games.  While this game is important, I don't consider it to be a big time game.  The Giants have been lacking a pass rush all season, and that was a big reason why they were able to beat Brady in the 2 Super Bowls.  This should be a fun game to watch, but I still think New England gets it done and stays perfect.  Patriots 28 Giants 21.

                                                          Courtesy of denverpost.com

Kansas City
at Denver    -4.5

Denver fell from the ranks of the unbeaten last week with a loss to Luck and the Colts, but they are still in the driver's seat to host a playoff game.  They'll bounce back this week against the Chiefs, but this game is closer than it should be with Talib being suspended for his idiotic unsportsmanlike conduct incident.  Denver wins on the arm of Peyton Manning 23-20.

                                                      Courtesy of rantsports.com

Arizona
at Seattle   -3

Seattle has been up and down all year, and Arizona has a huge chance tonight to take a 3 game lead on the Seahawks for the NFC West.  The Seahawks and Cardinals have both had 2 weeks to prepare for each other, so there should be no excuse for either of these teams to be surprised.  Arizona is the better team, but it's hard to go to Seattle and get a win, and I think the Cards and Hawks split the series between each other.  Seattle 24 Arizona 21.  

                                                              Courtesy of nbcprofootballtalk.com

Houston
at Cincinnati  -11

The Monday Night game sees a lackluster Texans team head to Cincy to face the undefeated Bengals.  If Houston wins this game, it's because Brian Hoyer has the game of his life, and Andy Dalton and the Bengals fall apart.  It's highly unlikely.  Cincy has the better QB, better running game, better receiving corps, and better defense.  Houston may keep it close for the 1st half, but I think Cincy pulls away and wins this one by double digits.   Cincy 31 Houston 17.


We're over halfway through football Sunday, and with the playoff picture starting to take shape, every game going forward matters to those teams in contention.  Enjoy it while it lasts.  Cheers!




  

NFL Week 9 Predictions

                                                 Courtesy of printableteamschedules.com


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.

                                                         Courtesy of foxsports.com

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.

                                                  Courtesy of washingtonpost.com

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.

                                                              Courtesy of musiccitymiracles.com

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.

                                                         Courtesy of bleachereport.com

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.

                                                           Courtesy of sbnation.com

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.

                                                  Courtesy of nydailynews.com

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.

                                                                  Courtesy of bleacherreport.com

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.

                                                                     Courtesy of newsday.com

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.

                                                            Courtesy of 49ers.com

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.

                                                               Courtesy of fansided.com

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.

                                           Courtesy of cowboysblog.dallasnews.com

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.

                                                     Courtesy of youtube.com

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.   

                                                               Courtesy of telegraph.co.uk

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. 

NFL Week 8 Predictions

                                                                  Courtesy of dina.dreamwidth.org


If you're wondering how Dolphins fans feel after Thursday Night's woodshed visit to Foxboro, you need to look no further than the fact they're now referring to Tom Brady by saying, "It's Not Snowflake!"  Miami got pummeled 36-7, as they were the latest victim on the Tom Brady vs. The World Tour.  As for the rest of this week, we have a battle of undefeated teams between Green Bay and Denver, and an AFC North showdown that will see Big Ben return for the Steelers against Andy Dalton and the Bengals.  So, without further delay let's get to some games!

Courtesy of number6666.deviantart.com

Detroit
at Kansas City  -3.5

How are the Lions this bad?  This team went to the playoffs last year, they basically lost one Defensive Lineman, and now they're the worst team in football.  The Chiefs got a much needed win against the Steelers last week, while the Lions were beaten by the Vikings at home.  This will be the final game from London this year.  I'm probably going to regret this, but I'm going with the Lions in the upset win.  I just can't believe Detroit is this terrible.  Detroit 23 Kansas City 19.

                                                                Courtesy of pbstwimg.com


Tampa Bay 
at Atlanta   -7

Jameis Winston as Sebastian the Crab is pretty much the best Halloween costume in the NFL.  Under the Sea!  Under the Sea!  Darlin' it's better, down where it's wetter, take it from me! The Falcons at home vs. Sir Turnover?  Give me the Dirty Birds and Julio down by the school yard to get the win.  Falcons 31 Bucs 17.  

                                                               Courtesy of bleacherreport.com

Arizona    -6
at Cleveland  

This game could be a lot closer than it should be.  The Cardinals are clearly the better team, but they needed a last second play to beat the Ravens at home.   Palmer vs McCown?  I'm going with Carson to get the win on the road.  Fist bump ref.  Cards 22 Browns 13.

                                                              Courtesy of ramblinfan.com

San Francisco 
at St. Louis     - 8

If the Rams had a decent QB, they'd be a real playoff threat, but with Nick Foles under center they're looking at being a No. 6 seed at best.  Gurley is having a phenomenal year.  In the last 3 games, he's rushed for 146 yards, 159 yards, and 128 yards.  St. Louis keeps with the ground and pound theme and grit out a win against the 49ers.  Rams 22 49ers 16.

                                                               Courtesy of ibtimes.com

NY Giants
at New Orleans   -3

Eli's homecoming to NOLA.  This is somewhat of a unique game, because Eli, Odell, Rueben, and Brad Wing are all getting a chance to head back to the Big Easy and have their friends and family in attendance.  The Giants have been up and down, but I don't see them going into NOLA and coming out with a win.  It's going to be a long night for Eli.  Saints 31 Giants 20.

                                                           Courtesy of fatmanwriting.com

Minnesota      -1
at Chicago

Adrian Peterson and Matt Forte have almost identical statistics through the 1st half of the NFL season.  Peterson has 530 yards on 120 carries with 3 TDs, while Forte has 507 yards on 126 carries and 2 TDs.  The Vikings wins so far this season have come against the Lions twice, the Chiefs, and the Chargers.  Those teams have a combined record of 5-16.  Being that this is a divisional game, I'm going with the Bears to get a win at home.  Bears 24 Vikings 22.

                                                           Courtesy of giphy.com

San Diego
at Baltimore      -3.5

The Chargers are 2-5, while the Ravens are 1-6.  Needless to say, neither of these teams are going to the postseason.  West Coast teams generally don't travel well to the East Coast.  Both Flacco and Rivers are going to have to throw the ball in this game, as the Ravens and Chargers have non-existent running games.   Give me the Ravens to get a win at home to get to 2-6.  Baltimore 30 San Diego 23.

                                                              Courtesy of thebiglead.com

Cincinnati   
at Pittsburgh     -1

Cincy is sitting at 6-0 and they've been impressive in those wins, but Pittsburgh has managed to stay in the playoff race at 4-3 without Big Ben.  Roethlisberger is back today for Pittsburgh, and he's supposedly a full go with no restrictions.  I think his return gets the Steelers a win at home against the Bengals in a close game.  I wouldn't be surprised to see a 4th quarter comeback victory.  Steelers 31 Bengals 30.  

                                                                   Courtesy of SBNation.com

Tennessee
at Houston     -4

Mettenberger vs. Hoyer.  Get excited.  It's pretty clear both of these teams are not very good, as their combined records are 3-10.  Here's something to give Texans fans hope though.  The AFC South is so bad, that if they beat the Titans today and the Colts lose on Monday Night Football, they'll be tied with the Colts for 1st place in the division at 3-5.  Hoyer's the better QB, and the Texans are playing at home.  Give me the Texans to win and cover.  Houston 20 Tennessee 13.

                                                                       Courtesy of genius.com

NY Jets          -3
at Oakland

Is Amari Cooper going to get stranded on Revis Island today?  Will the Jets be able to travel to the West Coast and come back with a win?  This might actually be one of the best games, if not the best game of the weekend.  Defense travels, and the Jets love to run the ball.  The Jets look like a playoff team, while the Raiders might be a year or two away.  Jets 23 Raiders 17.

                                         Courtesy of gameofzones.sportsblog.com

Seattle        -4.5
at Dallas  

Seahawks.   Dallas is 0-4 since Tony Romo left.  I know that Dez is scheduled to play this week, but I don't think it's enough against that Seattle defense and running game.  Give me the Seahawks to win and cover.  Seattle 34 Dallas 20.

                                                          Courtesy of uproxx.com

Green Bay       -2.5
at Denver

This is a battle of the unbeatens at Mile High.  Green Bay is the better team.  They have the better QB, and they'll go further in the playoffs this year.  Peyton doesn't have the arm strength anymore, but I think this is just one of those games, where the Broncos defense gets some key turnovers, and Manning plays well enough to get the Broncos a win at home.  They're going to need to get off to a fast start, because if the Packers get up by double digits, I don't think Peyton is going to be able to lead them on a comeback win.  Denver 27 Green Bay 24.

                                                                  Courtesy of buzzfeed.com

Indianapolis   
at Carolina      -7

The Monday Night Football match puts the 6-0 Panthers against the 3-4 Colts.  Andrew Luck has not been having a good year, while the Panthers have been winning games with defense and running the ball; novel concept.   Earlier in the year, Carolina looked at a 4 game stretch between the Seahawks, Eagles, Colts, and Packers and were hoping for 2-2 at best, but now it looks like 3-1 is very possible and 4-0 is not out of reach.  The Colts are in serious trouble, but they play in what is easily the worst division in the NFL so they can go 6-10 and still win the division.  The Colts have the worst defense in football, and they're going up against the best running team in the league, on the road.  Give me the Panthers to get a win on Monday Night and move to 7-0.  Carolina 31 Indy 20.

                                                           Courtesy of postaduk.com

This is the last London game for the season, so we'll have football start early again this morning. Cheers!