NFL Week 15 Predictions

   Courtesy of printableteamschedules.com

Thursday night saw what could likely be the last home game for the Rams franchise in St. Louis, as the franchise's owner looks to move the team to Los Angeles.  The Color Rush game saw Mustard beating Ketchup 31-23, whereby the Rams essentially knocked the Bucs out of the playoff picture, as both teams now sit at 6-8.  

                                                           Courtesy of usatoday.com

Last night's game, saw the Cowboys finally join the ranks of those mathematically eliminated from the playoffs, and Skip Bayless's rhetoric about how he expected Dallas to finally turn the corner can be put back on the shelf until 2016.  The Cowboys had a good chance to win the game with Kellen Moore at QB, but a late jump ball pass down the field to Dez Bryant ended in an interception and officially ended the season for the Cowboys.  

                                                         Courtesy of kxan.com

One of today's biggest games has Houston and Indy both starting back up QBs in a game that could very well decide who wins the AFC South and secures the 4 seed in the playoffs.  Carolina heads to MetLife Stadium to try and stay perfect, and the Chiefs looks to continue their winning streak in Baltimore.  The most important game of the week though is probably Denver at Pittsburgh.  With the Jets winning last night, the Steelers have to keep pace with a win, while Denver is hoping to stay in the hunt for a playoff bye after losing a close game to Oakland at home.

                                                       Courtesy of centriotimes.com

Chicago
at Minnesota    -5.5

Minnesota suddenly looks like a mediocre football team after dropping 3 out of the last 4 to fall to 8-5.  I still think this team makes the playoffs, but they are likely going to be the 6 seed and heading to Green Bay, unless something changes quickly.  The Bears have played a lot better than expected this season, but that's because the expectations were very low.  Chicago is coming off back to back loses to the 49ers and Redskins, both at home, and now they have to go on the road against a divisional opponent that is going to the playoffs.  9 of the last 10 Chicago games have been decided by 6 points or less, so give me the Vikings to win, but the Bears cover.   Vikings 20 Bears 16.

                                                               Courtesy of bigcatcountry.com

Atlanta
at Jacksonville   -3

Jacksonville's season will likely end on January 3rd, but in their last 3 games the Jags have scored 25, 39, and 51 points, so I think they have finally figured it out on offense.  I like what Blake Bortles has done this year; he has 30 passing touchdowns, which is 3rd in the NFL this season, and he has clearly found a rhythm with Robinson, Hurns, and Julius Thomas.  Atlanta has officially fallen apart after getting trounced 38-0 in Charlotte last week.   Give me the Jags to win at home 34 - 31.

                                                        Courtesy of gannett-cdn.com

Houston
at Indianapolis   -1.5

JJ Watt's hand is clearly affecting his performance.  He has zero sacks and a pedestrian 7 total tackles in the last two games.  Indy hasn't exactly been setting the world on fire either though in the last few weeks.  They got blown out in the 2nd half against the Jaguars and were dominated by the Steelers, so they also need a win badly.  With the AFC South crown likely on the line in this game, I'm going with the Colts to get the win.  The Colts are playing at home, they have more explosive players than Houston, and I believe in Matt Hasselbeck more than I do TJ Yates.  If Hasselbeck's rib injury gives him problems and the Colts have to turn to Charlie Whitehurst, that could open the door for the Texans, but assuming he's healthy I think the Colts get a win at home and likely secure the AFC South crown.  Colts 22 Texans 20.

                                                               Courtesy of sportingnews.com

Carolina      -4
at NY Giants  

This game has probably been one of the most hyped 13-0 vs 6-7 match ups in recent memory, because it puts the best wide receiver (with all due respect to Julio Jones and Antonio Brown) in the game against the best corner in the game.  Odell Beckham has 6 straight games with over a 100 yards receiving and 12 TDs this year, but Josh Norman's numbers against top wide receivers are insane.  This year against DeAndre Hopkins, Mike Evans, T.Y. Hilton, Dez Bryant, and Julio Jones he has given up 9 receptions, 89 yards, and 0 touchdowns total.  He hasn't give up more than 35 yards receiving to any receiver, and none of those players has caught more than 4 balls against him.  That's total domination against some of the best players in the NFL.  With Jonathan Stewart out, the Panthers are going to rely on Fozzy Whitaker to carry the load, with Cameron Artis-Payne and Mike Tolbert mixed in to change up the pace.  I think this comes down to the fact the Panthers play good defense and run the ball well, and the Giants can't run the ball and don't play good defense.   The Giants are too reliant on Eli and Beckham, and if you take away those two from them, their offense doesn't move the ball.  I don't know if Josh Norman completely shuts down Odell Beckham, but I don't think Beckham has a career day either.  It should be an awesome chess match between these two.  Panthers 31 Giants 23.  

                                                              Courtesy of trbimg.com

Tennessee
at New England    -14

I don't think anyone outside of a die hard Titans fan is expecting Tennessee to go up to Foxboro and get a win, so this questions comes down to will they cover the spread?  The Titans have played a lot of teams close this year, but they got blown out last week against the Jets.  The Patriots still have multiple key players nursing injuries, but they've still got far more talent than the Titans.  Tennessee may keep it close for the 1st half, but I think New England pulls away and wins this one by double digits.  It should be interesting to see how the Pats use Brandon Bolden and James White.  Patriots 34 Titans 17.

                                                                 Courtesy of cbssports.com

Buffalo      -2.5
at Washington

Rex Ryan's playoff hopes are likely over and there's dissension in the locker room in Buffalo.  The Redskins meanwhile got a much needed win on the road in Chicago last week, and they are 5-2 at home this year.   This game is pretty much a push, but I like Kirk Cousins and the Redskins at home over Rex Ryan's Bills.  If this game was in Buffalo, I'd go with the Bills, but I think Washington just has more to play for today.  Washington 21 Buffalo 20.

                                               Courtesy of panicbutton.sportsblog.com

Kansas City     -6.5
at Baltimore     

Kansas City has won 7 of their last 8 games, but last week they struggled mightily against a bad San Diego Chargers team, only winning 10-3.  Baltimore has been eliminated from the playoffs, but they've still been competitive in most of their games this year.   While this might not be a sexy game, it does have significant playoff implications.  The Chiefs have been finding ways to win and they should continue that today against the Ravens.  They'll run the ball and Alex Smith will move the ball down the field when he has to.  Chiefs 25 Ravens 17.

                                                                     Courtesy of foxsports.com

Cleveland
at Seattle      -14

Mike Pettine has officially hopped aboard the I Don't Give A Damn Express.  Is Russell Wilson elite?  No.  But the guy has still been to back to back Super Bowls, and his team is going back to the playoffs again this year.  Additionally, his statistics over the last few weeks have been phenomenal.  So, saying that someone is not elite, when your team has struggled at the QB position for the last 2 decades, isn't exactly smart, but you have to appreciate the fact that Pettine knows his days in Cleveland are numbered and he's going out with a bang.  Maybe his comments help motivate his team; maybe they go into Seattle and surprise the Seahawks and only lose by 13 points.  I don't see it happening, but it's worth a shot.  Seattle 35 Cleveland 10.

                                                 Courtesy of silverandblackpride.com

Green Bay       -3.5
at Oakland

Green Bay heads to the black hole today to try and keep their lead in the NFC North.  This game should be a very good battle as both QBs love to throw the ball.  Rodgers has completed 282-461 passes for 3175 yards and 28 TDs, while Carr has completed 283-455 passes for 3313 yards and 28 TDs.  It's amazing to think that Carr, a second year player, has those kind of numbers compared to Aaron Rodgers.  The Raiders likely aren't going to the playoffs, barring a miracle, but they've had a very nice season.  I'm hoping this game is a high scoring affair in the Bay Area, but I like Green Bay to get a close win.  Packers 38 Raiders 34.

                                                            Courtesy of cbsboston.com

Denver
at Pittsburgh    -6

Reports from the Broncos via Ian Rapoport, are that Peyton Manning does not plan on being Brock Osweiler's back up, even if he's healthy, so it likely means the Manning era in Denver is over.  Peyton wasn't going to play this week anyway due to injury, but this looks like to be an EXTREMELY interesting developing story over the next couple of weeks.  With all these distractions, it looks like Pittsburgh's chances of winning and covering the spread just jumped through the roof.  I think Denver's defense is going to play tough, but I still think the Steelers win and cover.  Pittsburgh 24 Denver 17.

                                                        Courtesy of foxsports.com

Miami
at San Diego    -1

San Diego and Miami both have packed it in and are looking to 2016.  The Chargers almost knocked off the Chiefs last weekend, but couldn't punch it in from the red zone.  Miami has usually played well against bad teams, but heading to the West Coach for what could be the last Chargers home game in San Diego, could prove challenging.  If this game was in Miami I'd go with the Dolphins, but being that this may be the last time Philip Rivers plays in San Diego, I'm going with the Chargers to get the win 27-24. 

                                                          Courtesy of foxsports.com

Cincinnati      -6
at San Francisco

AJ McCarron gets the start today for the Bengals, and he's not shy about his confidence.  The Bengals are clearly a better team than San Francisco, but going on the road with a QB who is making his first NFL start, is going to be a challenge.  As has been well reported, the University of Alabama hasn't had one their alumni win an NFL game as a starting QB since Reagan was president.  I think that streak ends today.  As long as McCarron doesn't play terribly, the Bengals should move to 11-3.  Cincy 20 San Fran 13.

                                                                       Courtesy of foxsports.com

Arizona     -3.5
at Philadelphia

The Cardinals head to Philly tonight to take on an Eagles team that looks poised to take the NFC East crown.  Arizona has already locked in a playoff spot and they can lock up the NFC West with a win or a Seattle loss.  Carson Palmer has had an MVP type season and he'll look to lead to the Cards to another victory tonight.  Philly, surprisingly controls their own destiny thanks to a deplorable NFC East.  I think this game is close, but I like still like Arizona to get a win and lock up the NFC West.  Cardinals 30 Eagles 24.

                                                          Courtesy of bleacherrport.com

Detroit
at New Orleans    -2.5

Monday Night's game sees the Lions heading to New Orleans to the face the Saints.  Drew Brees against Matthew Stafford should be a fun to watch as two dynamic passing teams go up against each other with nothing to lose.  The Saints got a win last week in Tampa, while Detroit fell to St. Louis.  Stafford should have a better week against that bad Saints defense, but I think the Saints get a win at home in a high scoring game.  Saints 34 Lions 28.

The Holidays are in full swing as Hanukkah ended on Monday and Christmas comes on Friday, which means the playoff race heats up.  Cheers to the last few games of the season and the start of the NFL Playoffs.

NFL Week 12 Predictions

                                              Courtesy of printableteamschedules.com


After the Thanksgiving games, we learned that the Cowboys season is officially over, as they have been all but mathematically eliminated from the playoffs.  We also learned that the Chip Kelly experiment may be over sooner rather than later in Philadelphia, as the Eagles dropped to 4-7.  Lastly, Green Bay's awesome retirement ceremony for Brett Favre was spoiled as they fell to Chicago, and suddenly the NFC North road goes back through Minnesota...assuming they beat Atlanta today.  Let's take a look at the rest of Week 12's games.

                                                        Courtesy of sfexaminer.com

Oakland   -1
at Tennessee

The Raiders have been on a skid in recent weeks, but Tennessee is not a good football team.  Oakland has better skill position players and despite a horrible performance last week, I think Oakland gets it done in Nashville.  I believe more in Derek Carr and his receiving corps than I do in Mariota and the receivers in Tennessee.  Oakland 19 Tennessee 13.

                                                           Courtesy of kctv5.com

Buffalo
at Kansas City    -5.5

Kansas City seems to be playing with a chip on their shoulder, winning their last 4 games, and both they and Buffalo have a chance at the playoffs sitting at 5-5.  If Kansas City plays the type of football they've been playing, Buffalo is going to have a long day.  Alex Smith has been near perfect during this stretch, and hasn't thrown an INT in 253 pass attempts.  Buffalo has been hot and cold all year, and I think Kansas City just has more consistency, and being that this game is at home, they get the victory.  Chiefs 22 Bills 17.

                                                        Courtesy of nbcprofootballtalk.com

Tampa Bay
at Indianapolis    -3

Age and Experience vs Youth and Flair.  Matt Hasselbeck leads the Colts again for a 2nd straight game, after beating Atlanta on the road last week, in Andrew Luck's absence.  This is why back up QBs are important, and why it's worth having a guy who can win you games when your starter goes down.  The Bucs sit at 5-5 as well, and are looking to get the final Wild Card spot for the NFC.  Jameis and Doug Martin have played extremely well of late and if this game was in Tampa, they'd likely be favored.  Indy knows they have to keep pace and win their division if they hope to make the playoffs, and I think Hasselbeck makes enough plays when it counts to get them a close win at home.  Indy 24 Tampa Bay 21.

                                                                Courtesy of www.hostmama.com

NY Giants
at Washington    -2.5

The NFC East might have turned into a 2 horse race between the Giants and the Redskins, and the winner of this game will be in the driver's seat going into December.  The Redskins got demolished by Carolina last week, and they'll need to get their running game going to have a chance to get to .500.  The good news is that the Giants defense isn't nearly as good as Carolina's, but that bad news is that the Giants still have Eli Manning and Odell Beckham.  If this game was at MetLife Stadium, I'd clearly go with the Giants, but I think the Redskins control the clock by running the ball all day at home.  Washington 30 New York 26.

                                                           Courtesy of foxsports.com

New Orleans
at Houston     -3

The Saints have had 2 weeks to prepare for Houston after firing Rob Ryan.  They haven't been able to stop any offense this year, and Deandre Hopkins is emerging as an elite wide out.  With Rob Ryan out the door and 2 weeks to prepare, I think the Saints will have a better game plan and execution against the Texans this week.  The Saints offensive line is going to have their hands full with that Texans defense, who have gotten much better than they were at the start of the year, but I think they'll hold up long enough for New Orleans to execute some big plays.  Saints 34 Texans 30.

                                                               Courtesy of usatoday.com

Minnesota
at Atlanta        -2.5

The Vikings got handed a tough loss last week against Green Bay, but the Bears did them a favor by beating the Packers at Lambeau, and if the Vikings can knock off Atlanta today, they'll be in first place in the NFC North.  Devonta Freeman is out for today's game, and that's not good news for the Falcons.  Atlanta started out 5-0, but they've dropped 4 of the last 5 since that great start.  The Falcons are going to have to win this one in the air, if they hope to get to 7-4, but I think the Vikings defense and running game give them the edge against an Atlanta team that doesn't look nearly as good as it did a month ago.  Minnesota 28 Atlanta 23.

                                                                Courtesy of sportressofblogitude.com

St. Louis
at Cincinnati      -9

I would not want to play the Rams, because it's pretty evident that opposing QBs have a habit of getting injured when they go up against St. Louis.  Cincy has dropped their last 2 games after going 8-0, but I think they'll get back on track this week.  St. Louis doesn't have a QB, and even if Case Keenum starts, the Bengals are a better football team than the Ravens.  If Andy Dalton can stay upright today Cincy will get a victory at home.  Bengals 19 Rams 12.   

                                                                    Courtesy of bleacherreport.com

San Diego
at Jacksonville       -4.5

This might officially be the worst game of the week.  The 2-8 Chargers head across the county to face the 4-6 Jaguars.  The Jags hope to make it 3 in a row this week against a team with Philip Rivers and a bunch of dudes.  Blake Bortles has looked pretty good this year, and while the Jaguars aren't going to be an elite team anytime soon, they do look much improved from previous years.   With this game in Jacksonville and Philip Rivers lacking most of his weapons, give me the Jags to get the win 26-17.

                                                       Courtesy of heavy.com

Miami
at NY Jets      -4

Even with a bad performance last week, I still believe in the Jets more than I do the Dolphins.  Miami's best win came against the Texans on October 25th, and I don't think they'll do enough to go up to New York and come out with a victory.  With Revis out look for the Dolphins to throw the ball a lot today, but the Jets should still be able to hold them in check.  Jets 20 Dolphins 16.

                                                            Courtesy of media.philly.com

Arizona   -8.5
at San Francisco    

Well after getting beat by the Seahawks by double digits, it's pretty clear that San Francisco will be drafting early and they'll be in the QB market come 2016.  Do they go get Jared Goff from Cal?  Do they trade Kaep to the Eagles for whatever they can get for him, assuming Chip Kelly is still there?  In any event, their woes will continue today as Arizona, the 2nd best team in the NFC comes to town.  This one should be over early as the Cardinals jump out to a big lead.  Arizona 31 San Francisco 13.

                                                             Courtesy of picpicx.com

Pittsburgh
at Seattle    -3

With Seattle desperately fighting for that last Wild Card spot, they need to win this game at home.  Pittsburgh has a little bit of breathing room, but with the troubles the Bengals have been having, they're hoping to take the AFC North crown, and possibly get a bye.  Beast Mode is likely out for the rest of the regular season, so Seattle is going to have to rely on Wilson's arm at their defense, especially their secondary, to get them over the hump against Pittsburgh.  The match up between Antonio Brown and Richard Sherman should be fun to watch.  Seattle 27 Pittsburgh 24.

                                                            Courtesy of denverpost.com

New England   -2.5
at Denver    

At the beginning of the year, this game looked like it could be a preview of the AFC Championship.  But as the season wore on, it appeared it would likely be the last time that Manning and Brady would square off.  Both of those look unlikely now, as Manning is sidelined with an injury and has to watch as Tom Brady and the Pats come to town to face off against Brock Osweiler.  Denver's defense will keep them in this game, but I don't see Brock Osweiler beating Tom Brady.  Patriots 23 Broncos 17.

                                               Courtesy of detroit.cbslocal.com

Baltimore
at Cleveland   -3

Joe Flacco tore both his ACL and MCL last week, and still finished the game for the Ravens in their 16-13 victory over the Rams.  That's toughness.  Baltimore will also be without Justin Forsett who broke his right arm in last week's game.  So the Ravens are now without Flacco, Forsett, Steve Smith, Sr., Breshad Perriman, and Terrell Suggs.  Despite all the issues Cleveland has had this week with Johnny Football, they should win this Monday Night game at home.  Josh McCown is a veteran and though he's clearly not going to turn into an MVP candidate, the Browns at least have most of their players healthy.  Browns 17 Baltimore 13.

Week 12 gave us a nice preview on Thanksgiving.  Let's hope that the rest of the league's games this week hold up.  

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!