NFL Picks and Predictions

Week nine of NFL football action is upon us and we are feeling pretty good about things. With the season starting off on the wrong foot picks wise, we have battled our way back to a very respectable season record. That said, we are now ready to make our move into the big time this week with several red hot NFL football games. This week features an upset that may surprise you, but there is a good reason for it. Whatever the case, here are the week nine NFL games picks and predictions for your viewing pleasure:

Washington at Atlanta

The Atlanta Falcons have to be feeling pretty bad about themselves after letting the game against the New Orleans Saints get away. While certainly they should have won the game, there is no shame in falling victim to that Saints offense. They are not the first. Fortunately for the Atlanta Falcons, the lowly Washington Redskins are coming to the Georgia Dome. While I’m hesitant that the Falcons may look past the Redskins, I do believe that they simply have too much talent for it to matter. The Falcons will win this one going away.

Winner – Atlanta Falcons

Arizona at Chicago

Having been completely demolished at home against the Carolina Panthers, the Arizona Cardinals have to be wondering what the hell was going on. With the number one run defense in the NFL, the Cardinals proceeded to give up nearly 300 yards on the ground to the Panthers. To be fair, the Panthers running game is as good as it gets in the NFL. Matt Forte has started to show signs that he is finally coming out of his slump, and that could be bad news for the Arizona Cardinals. When Forte is running the football effectively, quarterback Jay Cutler becomes much better than average. I expect that Forte will continue his running success, and knock off the Cardinals in a frigid Chicago Bears stadium.

Winner – Chicago Bears

Baltimore at Cincinnati

This game is one that is very difficult to pick because the Cincinnati Bengals pick and choose when they want to show up. If they play up to their capabilities, the Bengals are as good as anybody. The Ravens seem like they are starting to really gel, and knocked off previously undefeated Denver last week. I do think that the Bengals will have some success throwing the football and pull out the win.

Winner – Cincinnati Bengals

Houston at Indianapolis

This is the Houston Texans’ opportunity to prove that they are for real in the AFC. The problem is, they are facing a very solid and focused Peyton Manning led Colts team that has not been beaten. Even in the games that the Colts were close with other teams, the Colts seemed in total control. It is hard to imagine the Colts losing to the Texans, and it won’t happen Sunday… In time, however, I can see the Texans being that good. Maybe even later this season.

Winner – Indianapolis Colts

Miami at New England

The Dolphins are one of those teams that kind of lurks around, and if you let down your guard, they smack you in the mouth. They did just that in 08, coming from nowhere to win a division that the Patriots had dominated for years. You can be sure the Patriots see them coming this week. No letdowns here, and the Pats will win it emphatically. This game will not be as close as people think as the Pats are coming off a bye week.

Winner – New England Patriots

Green Bay at Tampa Bay

This should be a slaughter as the battle of the Bays is no real battle at all. The Packers are smarting from the Favre saga last week, and they will be looking for someone to take it out on. Enter winless Tampa Bay. Ugh..

Winner – Green Bay Packers

Kansas City at Jacksonville

This game could literally put some people to sleep. I expect that this will be an up week for the Jags, and Jones-Drew will likely break the 200 total yard barrier. Because of superior talent behind the line, the Jags should completely dominate this match up.

Winner – Jacksonville Jaguars

Carolina at New Orleans

Okay everybody. I realize that you all might think I am crazy picking the Panthers here, but there is a darn good reason for it. The Panthers are built to beat teams just like the Saints. They can completely dominate the ground game, as shown by Atlanta running back Michael Turner on Monday night. The Panthers have two running backs that are as good or better than Turner. In addition to this, the Panthers are masters at shortening the game. I am telling you this is the upset game of the year. Mark it down. Just like I said the Panthers would beat the Cardinals and they did, this game will be the upset of week nine.

Winner – Carolina Panthers

Detroit at Seattle

Does anyone care? Seattle in a landslide.

Winner – Seattle Seahawks

Tennessee at San Francisco

The Titans looked pretty darn good with Vince Young under center, but I think the party stops in San Francisco. The Niners are a good football team, and they are going to have some success against that Titan defense. That still sounds very strange does it not? Last year they were simply impossible to score on. This year?

Winner – San Francisco Forty Niners

San Diego at NY Giants

This game is a real stinker to try to pick. Do we get the last three weeks version of the Giants or the team that preceded it? I am thinking that the Giants will come out and play a great game against the Chargers. Besides, the Chargers are due a stinker. The Chargers never can put several games together where they look great, so they are due to stink up the Meadowlands. The Giants start to get well again.

Winner – NY Giants

Dallas at Philadelphia

This is what NFL football is all about. The Eagles and the Cowboys baby! Both NFC East teams are playing outstanding football, and both are going to likely be in the playoffs. This game will be won and lost in the running game, and the Cowboys are stacked there in comparison. The one thing that worries those Cowboys fans is Deshaun Jackson. This little dynamo is the best young receiver in the game, and he is finding more and more ways to get the ball. Still, the Cowboys will make enough plays to win and take over first place in the NFC East.

Winner – Dallas Cowboys

MON, NOV 9

Pittsburgh at Denver

The Steelers always find a way to win these big games. Whatever happens, Ben and Hines and the gang find a way to get it done. Being in Denver, the Broncos really could use a big win against the Steelers. I expect that this game will be close, but that the Steelers will pull it out in the end.

Winner – Pittsburgh Steelers

Tiebreaker Score – Pittsburgh 28 Denver 21

Week Eight Record – 9 – 4

Season Record – 74 – 42

The NFC East is always competitive it seems. Regardless of how many times the experts say that the NFC East will be dominated by one team or another, they always end up being stuck in a high powered struggle. Three weeks ago, the NY Giants seemed as though they were going to run away with the East. Now, three weeks later, they find themselves looking up at not only the Eagles, but the left for dead Dallas Cowboys as well.

While the Eagles were stomping the Giants, the Cowboys were trampling all over the Seahawks. While certainly beating the Seattle Seahawks is no huge task of late, the Dallas Cowboys will certainly take it. for a few weeks there it appeared that Tony Romo was attempting to find his way to the Dallas Cowboys bench. Then came superstar Miles Austin – you know the guy that was supposed to have the breakout year? Before a couple weeks ago nobody even knew who he was. After the last couple weeks everybody knows his name, and Tony Romo in particular. Romo has a new best friend not named Jason Witten, and the reviews are all raving thus far.

As we head into the meat of the NFL football season, one cannot help but wonder how the NFC East will eventually end up. Will the Giants right the ship? Will the Philadelphia Eagles continuing to develop that high-powered offense? Will the Dallas Cowboys continue to get better every single week and give Tony Romo a chance to exorcise those postseason demons? No one seems to know for sure, but I would guess that the NFC East will continue to beat up on each other. This bodes well for the rest of the NFC when it comes time for the wild-card bids. It seems to happen every year.

It is hard to believe that we are already heading into week eight of NFL football action. After a very solid 10 and 3 record during week seven, we are now prepared for that all-important stretch run. There are some key injuries that could affect week eight in a big way, and some surprises may be in store. Here is a game by game look at the week eight matchups, and predictions for each game.

Houston at Buffalo The Texans looked particularly good during week seven action, and Matt Schaub in a particular looks like the real deal. With Steve Slaton starting to look like last year’s version, the Texans may be one tough team to beat in November and December when it counts. The Buffalo Bills actually beat the Carolina Panthers though most would say that the Panthers beat themselves. This game will be a blowout in favor of the Texans.

Winner – Houston Texans

Cleveland at Chicago When you consider the fact that Cleveland could not beat my high school football team, it becomes rather clear that they will not defeat Chicago in Chicago.

Winner – Chicago Bears

Seattle at Dallas Finally last week Tony Romo and the Dallas Cowboys look like the team to beat in the NFC East. Unfortunately for them, it may be too little too late. On the bright side, the New York Giants have lost two in a row and are leaving the door open for both Dallas and Philadelphia. Wide receiver Miles Austin has come from absolutely nowhere to post two huge games in a row. One would think that the struggling Seahawks would have no chance. If Romo shows up like last week, this will be a huge blow out.

Winner – Dallas Cowboys

St. Louis at Detroit One cannot help but laugh at this particular matchup. The Lions are going to win this one simply because they have more life on the roster. The only real chance the Rams have at winning is if Stephen Jackson runs for 200 plus yards. Do not be surprised if that actually happens, but I still say the Lions will win this game.

Winner – Detroit Lions

Denver at Baltimore Baltimore Ravens enter this game with their season hanging in the balance in many ways. A win against the undefeated Denver Broncos could re-energize the team and send them heading down a long winning streak. The Broncos seem to find a way to win every single week, so it is with some trepidation that I pick the Ravens.

Winner – Baltimore Ravens

San Francisco at IndianapolisWhile San Francisco has made huge leaps and bounds and 2009, they have zero chance of stopping Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts

Winner – Indianapolis Colts

Miami at NY JetsIf Mark Sanchez can stop eating hotdogs long enough to see his wide receivers wide-open down the middle, the Jets are likely to walk out of the Meadowlands with another win. The Dolphins blew one of the biggest leads of the year last week against a high-powered New Orleans Saints team. This game will go to the Jets.

Winner – New York Jets

NY Giants at PhiladelphiaIn what should be a huge game in the NFC East, I expect that the New York Giants will come in and smack the Eagles around. Part of this is because the Eagles will be without Brian Westbrook, and part of it is because they have lost two in a row. The Giants always seem to come back strong after adversity.

Winner – New York Giants

Jacksonville at Tennessee While Tennessee is suffering through one of the worst NFL football seasons in their history, I still think that they are due for a breakout game. They have plenty of talent on both sides of the football and the Jacksonville Jaguars are very inconsistent. With the Titans a home, I am looking for a big upset.

Winner – Tennessee Titans

Oakland at San DiegoThe Chargers win this going away.

Winner – San Diego Chargers

Carolina at ArizonaThe Carolina Panthers head into this week a matchup against Arizona with a quarterback change looming. What many people outside of Carolina does not realize is that backup quarterback Matt Moore is capable of big things. Look for another shocker in Arizona.

Winner – Carolina Panthers

Minnesota at Green BayHere we go with round 2. Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings won the first go around, but I expect that Green Bay will come back in a big way in this week 8 battle. Aaron Rodgers will finally shut up the critics in Green Bay for good.

Winner – Green Bay Packers

MON, NOV 2

Atlanta at New Orleanswhat is sure to be a very important game in determining the NFC South championship, the Saints will completely dominate the Falcons. The Falcons simply do not have the firepower to keep up with Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints.

Winner – New Orleans Saints

Tiebreaker Score – Saints 42 Falcons 21

Week Seven Record – 10 – 3

Season Record – 65 – 38

Every NFL football season there are at least a few teams that seem to start very slow. Sometimes it is an NFL team that was expected to have a huge year, and sometimes it is a team that everyone thought would be horrible. For every favorite that falters, there are at least two teams that win unexpectedly. In spite of this, a good portion of these NFL football teams will end up being very good before the end of the season. So far in 2009, there are a number of teams that fit into both categories in the NFC. In particular, there are five NFC football teams that are showing signs that they might be ready to explode. Here they are in no particular order:

Carolina Panthers – the Carolina Panthers were on most everyone’s list of teams in the NFC that were expected to do quite well this season. DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart had such impressive statistics in 2008 that it became quite difficult to ignore them any longer. Going into 2009, Williams and Stewart knew that they would be facing not only teams stacking the run, but the second toughest schedule in the entire NFL. Thus far, the Panthers running game has been derailed primarily because quarterback Jake Delhomme has been unable to throw the ball to his own team. In spite of the horrible quarterback play so far, the Panthers find themselves with a two-game winning streak and are a win at Buffalo away from being at .500.

what is even more telling about the Panthers is that Williams and Stewart are beginning to show signs of exploding. In week six game against Tampa Bay, Williams rushed for two touchdowns on 150+ yards rushing while Stewart had one touchdown and also broke the century mark. This marked the first time either running back had topped 100 yards in a game this season. Granted, the Bucs are far from top level competition. Still it is clear that these two running backs have yet to show the best they have to offer in 2009. This makes Carolina a team to look out for in the weeks to come.

Green Bay Packers - The Packers have actually been rather good so far this season. In particular, quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been lights out in his second year under center for the pack. The Packers have suffered a good bit of injuries as well as some unfortunate luck to start the season slow. Most everyone that follows NFL football would concede that the Packers are a candidate to explode at any time.

San Francisco 49ers - San Francisco has been a team that has surprised everyone, and so imagining them improving might be a stretch. The reason for San Francisco getting better is simply about one player — Michael Crabtree. The first-round draft pick up the San Francisco 49ers is set to make his NFL debut during week seven after finally signing with the team. If the 49ers were able to perform as well as they have without him, it stands to reason that they should be even better with him. Crabtree is a special player and should be a great playmaker for the 49ers.

Dallas Cowboys - Tony Romo and the Dallas Cowboys have been pretty much a train wreck in 2009. It seems that every single week the Cowboys find a new way to put questions in the minds of the NFL experts. In particular, Tony Romo has not played up to expectations to say the least. In some ways this may actually benefit the Cowboys. With the emergence of wide receiver Miles Austin, the Cowboys now have a certified playmaker to take the heat off of Roy Williams and Romo. It remains to be seen whether the Cowboys can put it all together, but their talent level is simply too high to continue on the same track.

Atlanta Falcons - The Atlanta Falcons are currently in second place in the NFC South trailing only the undefeated New Orleans Saints. While they are winning football games, they are not doing so in the way in which they were expected to. The running game with Michael Turner has not been up to par this season. This is primarily a problem because Atlanta is definitely a running football team. On the bright side, quarterback Matt Ryan and free-agent signing Tony Gonzalez have developed a very special passing connection. As the season wears on, it is only a matter of time before Turner and that Atlanta offensive line start to gel. When they do the Falcons may not play second fiddle to anyone.

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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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Week six is here already and the contenders are starting to take form. We should have a great week this week, and look forward to an interesting set of games. Without further ado, here are the Free NFL Week six picks and predictions:

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 three of great NFL action is already upon us and the week three picks and predictions have been percolating in my mind. I have tried to really get my brain around the fact that Brady was shown up, Peyton ruined my week two upset, and the Cincinnati Bengals are no longer, well….. terrible. Scary, huh? Week three is sure to bring a great deal more surprises. With two weeks in the bag, lets get on to the meat and potatoes of the NFL picks and prediction season. Here are the free week three NFL picks and predictions:

Washington at Detroit

The Redskins are having some major offensive problems this season. The Lions are scoring but simply not enough. While my brain is smelling a possible (gasp) Lion’s win, my gut is telling me that the Redskins will prevail in spite of their offensive problems. I always go with my gut.

Winner – Washington Redskins

Green Bay at St. Louis

The Rams nearly pulled one out last week in spite of the fact that they simply can not seem to score. The offense has gone from the greatest show on turf to watching paint dry in no time flat it seems. Green Bay is having no such problems in spite of the week two loss.

Winner – Green Bay Packers

San Francisco at Minnesota

Now this is a match up we can sink our teeth into. The Niners are for real in spite of what many think. I am shocked to be saying that, but Singletary has made all the difference there this season. The Vikings look every bit the Super Bowl contender that they hoped to be. Favre is not finished yet after all.

Winner – Minnesota Vikings

Atlanta at New England

The Patriots are going to be very mad, and that is bad news for a young upstart team like Atlanta. The Falcons are much better than years past, but they will get pounded against the Patriots.

Winner – New England Patriots

Tennessee at NY Jets

Will Sanchez have a rookie game? I am figuring on a possible let down game here for the Jets. The Titans are much better than their record indicates, and the Jets are playing way over their heads. Sooner or later, the bubble has to burst. I say it is this week against the Titans.

Winner – Tennessee Titans

Kansas City at Philadelphia

The Chiefs simply do not have the firepower to stay with Philly in Philly.

Winner – Philadelphia Eagles

NY Giants at Tampa Bay

The Gmen will go into Tampa and destroy the Bucs. They seemed like a Super Bowl team against Dallas, in spite of the fact that they should have lost. Little Eli has certainly grown up.

Winner – NY Giants

Cleveland at Baltimore

Baltimore will dominate this one in a laugher. The Browns are really bad so far. Really bad.

Winner – Baltimore Ravens

Jacksonville at Houston

The Texans finally woke up from their slumber and laid a whipping on the Titans. Now they do the same to the Jaguars.

Winner – Houston Texans

New Orleans at Buffalo

Can anybody stop this offensive juggernaut? Not the Bills, that is for sure. Brees throws for 400+ again.

Winner – New Orleans Saints

Chicago at Seattle

The Bears finally showed up against the Super Bowl Champion Steelers and look what happened. I expect they will ride that momentum against an ailing Seattle squad. Matt Hasselback is a must for them, and they will struggle with his rib injury.

Winner – Chicago Bears

Miami at San Diego

The Chargers finally get it all together in one game. They will have the best game of the season against the Fins, and will win going away. The Dolphins have some defensive issues right now that can not be ignored.

Winner – San Diego Chargers

Pittsburgh at Cincinnati

The Steelers now must head into Bengal country to face an upstart squad that is playing like they have nothing to lose. They will have enough to get out of Cinci with a win.

Winner – Pittsburgh Steelers

Denver at Oakland

The Broncos surprised me in week two with a strong showing. The Raiders are the team that is surprising everyone. Expect the Raiders to continue to surprise and pick up a key win.

Winner – Oakland Raiders

Indianapolis at Arizona

The Colts keep on finding ways to win with Peyton pulling them out at the last minute. Arizona looked like the NFC champions finally last week. This game is a tough call, because you never know what you will get with Arizona. Because they are at home, I am going with the Cardinals.

Winner – Arizona Cardinals

MON, SEP 28

Carolina at Dallas

This Monday night match up will give Dallas a second chance to win in primetime at the new stadium. While the Panthers have struggled, they looked like a whole new team last year. I think the Panthers begin to crawl out of their hole this week, and surprise the Cowboys in week three.

Winner – Carolina Panthers
Tiebreaker Score – Panthers 21 Cowboys 17

Week Two Record – 9-7
Season Record – 18-14

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