It seems almost premature to consider either Buffalo or Carolina as an NFL contender, yet this Sunday’s matchup has the feel of a season changing game. Both Buffalo and Carolina are fighting to get on the plus side of .500. Buffalo began the season 1-4 before finally winning a big game against the New York Jets last week. Carolina started the season 0-3 but has now won two straight games while suddenly finding their running game. This match up will go a long ways towards determining which direction these teams will go in 2009.
The Buffalo Bills certainly have their work cut out for them as they will be playing without their starting quarterback, Trent Edwards. Edwards was knocked out of the New York Jets game early and suffered a severe concussion. Replacing him will be Ryan Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick is known for being a ball control quarterback without much ball control.
While the Buffalo Bills certainly have a decent running attack with Fred Jackson and Marshawn Lynch, they really need to find a way to get the ball to their superstar receivers. Both Terrell Owens and Lee Evans have been thrust into the decoy role and have become virtual non-factors in most of Buffalo’s games. The Panthers secondary can certainly be exploited if Fitzpatrick can get the ball out quickly. That may be easier said than done with the Panthers defense suddenly waking up the last few weeks. Julius Peppers has been an absolute terror the last two weeks with four sacks, and the entire defense has been producing turnovers.
Likewise, the Buffalo Bills defense has shown a nose for the ball as well. The Bills secondary picked off six passes against the New York Jets. Given that the Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme tends to throw the ball to the other team, this could be an area where the Bills can have an impact.
While Jake may have a problem passing the football, the Panthers are not likely to throw it very often. With DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart running the football, head coach John Fox would be a moron to throw the ball except when absolutely necessary. If the Panthers stick to the game plan for controlling the clock with a powerful running game, the Bills likely will have no chance. Look for Williams and Stewart to completely dominate the football game from start to finish. The Panthers will control the clock and win going away.
What an NFL season we have going here. The Saints are no longer Aints, and the Broncos finally showed me in week six that they were for real. What a mixed up year. Still, it makes for great football every single week, and week seven should be no exception. Here are your free NFL picks for the NFL week seven of action:
Green Bay at Cleveland – Green Bay looked like world beaters in week six, but they were playing the Detroit Lions. It is a good thing they are facing Cleveland this week. The result should be similar as Cleveland just can not seem to get it together at all.
Winner – Green Bay Packers
San Diego at Kansas City – The Chargers totally bombed on Monday Night Football against the Broncos but it seems the Broncs have a way of doing that to teams. The Chiefs finally got a win last week, but will return to their losing ways against the Chargers. Especially the angry Chargers.
Winner – San Diego Chargers
Indianapolis at St. Louis – The Rams have zero chance. Zero.
Winner – Indianapolis Colts
Minnesota at Pittsburgh – This is easily the game of the week to most NFL fans, and it should be a doozie. It is not every day we see Brett Favre face Ben Roethilisberger. This should be fun, but I see the Vikings finally losing one. It will be at the last minute, but the Steelers steal a much needed win.
Winner – Pittsburgh Steelers
New England at Tampa Bay – Tampa Bay has zero chance. Zero.
Winner – New England Patriots
San Francisco at Houston – This is another game that will be better than advertised. Schaub has been excellent this year, and the Niners struggled in their last outing. I think the Texans are just hot enough to take down the Niners this week.
Winner – Houston Texans
Buffalo at Carolina – Don’t look now but that Carolina running game is starting to rumble again. Just about this time last year, the Panthers did the same thing and ended up nearly taking home field advantage from the Giants in the NFC. The Bills are simply in the way. Just do not let Jake throw the ball, and the Panthers roll easily.
Winner – Carolina Panthers
NY Jets at Oakland – The Jets and Sanchez rebound in a big way. Nothing like having Oakland around to get back on the horse.
Winner – NY Jets
Atlanta at Dallas – The Cowboys have to win, and will for that reason only. The Romo watch continues though as he will struggle again against the Falcons rush.
Winner – Dallas Cowboys
Chicago at Cincinnati – The Bears will pull this one out but not without some serious fight from the Bengals. The Bengals and Bears might become an annual classic someday. It should be already. This will be a fun one.
Winner – Chicago Bears
New Orleans at Miami – I am smelling an upset here, but I think that if I pick against the Saints I might lose some readers here. If you are so inclined, feel free to take the Dolphins as they could very well upset the Saints at home. I still think the Saints will weather the storm though in all probability.
Winner – New Orleans Saints
Arizona at NY Giants – The Cardinals are in the wrong place at the wrong time. The Giants are angry.
Winner – NY Giants
MON, OCT 26
Philadelphia at Washington – See above. Add to this that the head coach is really not the head coach in Washington and they can not score. Philly better win or they might just be disowned when they go home.
Winner – Philadelphia Eagles
Tiebreaker Score – Eagles 21 Redskins 3
Week Six Record – 8 – 6
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Houston at Cincinnati
This is going to be a really good game between two up and coming teams. I expect that the Bengals will have enough at home, but the Texans are unpredictable. This game is the only one that scares me this week. Still, I say the Bengals take the win.
Winner – Cincinnati Bengals
Detroit at Green Bay
The Lions are not last year’s Lions, and will give Green Bay a bit of a fight…for about a quarter. This one might get ugly with Calvin Johnson injured. Green Bay in a blowout here.
Winner – Green Bay Packers
Baltimore at Minnesota
This is easily the game of the week. I expect that the Ravens will show up big time this week, but I do think that the Vikings will simply have too much firepower. In the end, it will be a close game but the Vikings will pull it out at home. This is the type of game where Favre’s experience will mean a win where as last year the Vikings would lose.
Winner – Minnesota Vikings
NY Giants at New Orleans
The Saints are no joke folks. This offense and defense is for real and they will expose some of the Giants weaknesses. Still, the Giants will be right there in the end. It could go either way, but I think the Saints will pass their way to a win.
Winner – New Orleans Saints
Cleveland at Pittsburgh
The Steelers are going to win this one going away. Do not even think of taking those Brownies here.
Winner – Pittsburgh Steelers
Carolina at Tampa Bay
The Panthers win back to back games finally in 2009. They really need a break out game from DeAngelo, and this should be the game to do it. Also look for a big game from the Carolina pass rush. Last week they woke up big time with sack after sack against the Redskins in the win.
Winner – Carolina Panthers
Kansas City at Washington
Now this is a stinker of a game huh? Redskins win just cause they are at home.
Winner – Washington Redskins
St. Louis at Jacksonville
See above. Still the Jags can actually score a touchdown….some weeks. This week they do…repeatedly.
Winner – Jacksonville Jaguars
Arizona at Seattle
This game will be entertaining to say the least. Lots of scoring and lots of fun in the rainy city of Seattle. Fitzgerald will have a field day and the Cardinals will win by the skin of their teeth….er…beaks.
Winner – Arizona Cardinals
Philadelphia at Oakland
The Eagles will win in a laugher here. Not much to say. Oakland is selling off the team already, so I don’t expect much except maybe a fight on their sideline at some point.
Winner – Philadelphia Eagles
Tennessee at New England
The Pats will win this one as the Titans have completely fallen apart. One has to cheer for Vince Young, however, as he gets another chance to prove he can handle being an NFL quarterback. Not against the Patriots at home.
Winner – New England Patriots
Buffalo at NY Jets
The Jets have to feel horrible after the loss in Miami. The Bills are just what the doctor ordered.
Winner – NY Jets
Chicago at Atlanta
This game will be a huge one for the Bears. A night game that will give them the chance to prove they are contenders. I expect Jay Cutler to have a huge night as the Falcons struggle under the lights.
Winner – Chicago Bears
MON, OCT 19
Denver at San Diego
The Broncos finally drop a game against a Charger team that plays every other game like they are superstars. This week they are due for a great one.
Tie breaker score – Chargers 31 Broncos 21
Winner – San Diego Chargers
Week Five Record – 8 – 6
Season Record – 47 – 29
Well, I would love to say I told you so, but that might seem arrogant! Aw hell with it….. I told you so! For whatever reason, my picks always seem to get better once the bye weeks begin. I don’t know why, but it happens every year. The good news is, this will continue. Thanks for the patience from all my loyal readers. Climb on board, and enjoy this weeks free picks and predictions along with us! Here are my week five NFL picks and predictions!
Cleveland at Buffalo – This game is going to be more competitive than many thought it might be in weeks past. I do think that Buffalo will pull out the win simply because they are at home, and they have a little bit more offense than poor Cleveland. This should be fun to watch.
Winner – Buffalo Bills
Dallas at Kansas City – Dallas is in desperate need of not only a win, but a big game out of Romo. For whatever reason, this guy is falling apart. The Chiefs are just what the doctor ordered, but I think that Romo will struggle anyway.
Winner – Dallas Cowboys
Minnesota at St. Louis – Favre is looking like he might only really be 25, and as long as that holds up the Vikings will win. Against St. Louis, he could play like he is eighty and they will win.
Winner – Minnesota Vikings
Oakland at NY Giants – The NY Giants are not going to need much to overcome the Raiders. When is someone going to notice that J. Russell is not the answer at quarterback? The Giants will walk all over them in the Meadowlands.
Winner – NY Giants
Tampa Bay at Philadelphia – The Eagles are sure to enjoy this one, as the weeks get tougher soon. Will Michael Vick make any impact this week? Will McNabb be back? Tune in to find out. You will see a tail whipping regardless by the Eagles.
Winner – Philadelphia Eagles
Pittsburgh at Detroit – This game is a trap game for the Steelers. They had better not come in here and think that the Lions are a pushover. They have some talent and can score. Mike Tomlin will not let that happen, so no worries in Steeler country.
Winner – Pittsburgh Steelers
Washington at Carolina – The Panthers have had their bye week and now face four teams they actually can beat. They simply have to win this game, and coming off the bye they will do just that. If not, then do not be surprised if the Fox chanters start screaming for his head again.
Winner – Carolina Panthers
Cincinnati at Baltimore – The Ravens are ticked. That is not good when you are talking about Ray Lewis and company. The Bengals just got them on a really bad week at home. They will be overwhelmed.
Winner – Baltimore Ravens
Atlanta at San Francisco – The Falcons are going in to face the shockingly good Niners. Can they take em? I say yes thanks to a very good game by Ryan. This is going to be one of the best games of the week that could go either way.
Winner – Atlanta Falcons
Jacksonville at Seattle – The Jaguars shocked everyone with the explosion last week against the Titans. This week, they will head into Seattle and deliver more of the same against a team that is hurting.
Winner – Jacksonville Jaguars
Houston at Arizona – This is a game where the team nobody expected from last year (Arizona) faces this year’s media darling (Houston). The Texans are for real and they get the chance to prove it this week.
Winner – Houston Texans
New England at Denver – This game is one that I was very tempted to take Denver. I am not simply because I can not see Brady losing to Kyle Orton on any planet. That can not happen….ever.
Winner – New England Patriots
Indianapolis at Tennessee – Another match up that should be great, but probably will be a laugher. The Titans are simply horrible lately, and nobody can seem to figure out why. (see carolina) The Colts take advantage.
Winner – Indianapolis Colts
MON, OCT 12
NY Jets at Miami – The young Mark Sanchez on the big stage for the first time. How exciting is that? It will be really exciting for the Jets. Expect a big game for the young Sanchez who is used to the big stage from his USC days.
Winner – NY Jets
Tiebreaker – Jets 30 Dolphins 21
Week Four Record – 12-2
Season Record – 39-23
Don’t forget to check out my competition either. Nick Meyer’s NFL football picks.
Three weeks into the NFL football season and I am officially humbled. I have started the season about as good as a Brett Favre reunion in Green Bay. Still, I am not giving up. I am now entering the part of the season where I usually go on a long winning streak. The pattern has been this way for several seasons, so why change now? Week four is the week when everything changes for NFLpicksandpredictions.com. Mark my words. You will be glad you did. Here is the free week four NFL picks and predictions:
SUN, OCT 4
Detroit at Chicago
This game features two teams that are feeling pretty good about themselves. Chicago is riding high with Cutler getting comfortable, and Detroit because they got their first win in the last century this past week. The Bears will crash the party and send Detroit on another losing streak.
Winner – Bears
Cincinnati at Cleveland
The Bengals winning? What the blue blazes is going on here? At least the Browns are playing normally. (if you call what they have been doing playing, that is) The Bengals win this one going away.
Winner – Bengals
Seattle at Indianapolis
The Seahawks are hurting badly, and the Colts are among the worst possible teams for them to face right now. This one could get ugly.
Winner – Colts
NY Giants at Kansas City
The Giants will stomp all over the Chiefs. That is a given. The question is, can the Chiefs possibly get any worse?
Winner – Giants
Baltimore at New England
The Ravens will send notice to the Pats that their time is over in the AFC. Flacco is for real, and nobody doubts that. If Brady plays like he did last week, the Patriots will have no chance at all.
Winner – Ravens
Tampa Bay at Washington
Washington will look like supermen in defense of Zorn’s job. They better.
Winner – Redskins
Tennessee at Jacksonville
The Titans are really starting to make me look bad with my picks. They get one more vote of confidence and then I show them the door. Go Titans!
Winner – Titans
Oakland at Houston
The Raiders had a bad let down game against Denver and could be dangerous here. I think it is more likely that JRussell will self implode instead.
Winner – Texans
NY Jets at New Orleans
The game of the week by far, this one will come down to who has the better defense and who can score more points. The Saints will win the point battle, and barely hang in there on defense. Great game expected here.
Winner – Saints
Buffalo at Miami
The Dolphins reaaaalllllllyyyyy needed the Bills this week. Maybe they can right the ship with a new quarterback.
Winner – Dolphins
St. Louis at San Francisco
The Niners are a team that people had better watch out for. The Rams are a team that nobody even sees anymore. This one will be a blowout.
Winner – Niners
Dallas at Denver
Denver has slowly made me a believer. They are going to have a tough one here, but I think at home they will pull it out. I still am not sold on Orton though.
Winner – Broncos
San Diego at Pittsburgh
The Steelers are angry. Very angry. If this was in San Diego, I would go with the Chargers. At home, Pittsburgh will get back on track.
Winner – Steelers
MON, OCT 5
Green Bay at Minnesota
This is the football game everyone is waiting for. The coup de gras. The first time Favre faces his former team wearing the purple. What a game this is going to be. The Vikings have too much APeterson in the backfield. He will be the difference.
Winner – Vikings
Tiebreaker Score – Green Bay 21 Minnesota 28
Week Three Record – 9-7
Season Record – 27-21
Week Two NFL Power Rankings
Week one certainly has shaken up the power rankings for week two, that is for sure. Some things have stayed the same of course, and it is unsure if some that were picked high can recover. We will see over the course of the NFL football season. Here are the power rankings for week two of the NFL football season. (keep in mind these are before the games in week two)
1. Pittsburgh Steelers – The Steelers stay on top after a week one win over an impressive Titans squad.
2. New England Patriots – The Patriots hold onto number two, but only by the skin of their teeth. They need some work on defense for sure.
3. NY Giants – The Giants have proven their mettle, but face a serious test in Big D during week two.
4. New Orleans Saints – With Brees throwing like that, the Saints have the chance to do something special. Can the defense hold up?
5. Philadelphia Eagles – Will McNabb return and be effective?
6. Indianapolis Colts – The Colts are kind of uncertain, but Manning has them right back in the mix.
7. Atlanta Falcons – Matt Ryan is the real deal, folks. So is that Atlanta defense.
8. Minnesota Vikings – The Vikings looked sharp, and with Adrian Peterson in the backfield, there is no ceiling here.
9. Dallas Cowboys – The boys have Romo comfortable again. That could be bad news for the rest of the NFC.
10. San Diego Chargers – Still dangerous in spite of a lackluster week one win over the Raiders.
The rest…..
11. Baltimore Ravens
12. Green Bay Packers
13. Seattle Seahawks
14. NY Jets
15. Tennessee Titans
16. Chicago Bears
17. San Francisco Niners
18. Denver Broncos
19. Arizona Cardinals
20. Buffalo Bills
21. Houston Texans
22. Washington Redskins
23. Jacksonville Jaguars
24. Cincinnati Bengals
25. Carolina Panthers
26. Tampa Bay Bucs
27. Oakland Raiders
28. Miami Dolphins
29. Cleveland Browns
30. Kansas City Chiefs
31. St Louis Rams
32. Detroit Lions
NFL Power Rankings Week One Edition
Going into week one I thought I would rank the NFL teams in the order I see them going into the season. This is a tough thing to do prior to the regular season, because nobody knows how certain players will fit in with new NFL teams and so on. Still, it will be a weekly thing that I do throughout the 2009 NFL football season. Here are my power rankings for week one:
1. Pittsburgh Steelers – Until someone proves otherwise, they are the champs.
2. New England Patriots – The Pats seem primed to return to glory.
3. San Diego Chargers – The fact they are finally healthy has the Charger fans in a tizzy.
4. NY Giants – Can they replace Plax? Some think not.
5. Philadelphia Eagles – The Eagles are exciting again, but they must show they can be consistent.
6. Indianapolis Colts – The Colts are always a threat with Peyton Manning. Even if Dungy is gone.
7. Carolina Panthers – The Panthers have a three headed rushing monster now with hotshot rookie Mike Goodson.
8. Minnesota Vikings – The Vikings need to put up or shut up now. They have the quarterback they said they needed.
9. Tennessee Titans – The Titans find a way to be there every year. This year should be no different.
10. Chicago Bears – The Bears are sort of like the Vikings here. They now have a quarterback. What are they gonna do with him?
The rest…..
11. Atlanta Falcons
12. Baltimore Ravens
13. Arizona Cardinals
14. Green Bay Packers
15. Dallas Cowboys
16. Miami Dolphins
17. Seattle Seahawks
18. Houston Texans
19. New Orleans Saints
20. Buffalo Bills
21. NY Jets
22. Washington Redskins
23. Jacksonville Jaguars
24. Cincinnati Bengals
25. Denver Broncos
26. Tampa Bay Bucs
27. Oakland Raiders
28. St Louis Rams
29. Cleveland Browns
30. Kansas City Chiefs
31. San Francisco 49ers
32. Detroit Lions
While certainly these rankings are a work in progress, they are the way I see the NFL shaking down as of right now. Feel free to share your picks or thoughts in the comments below.
