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

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

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.

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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It was a bang up week in the NFL South as Carolina, Atlanta and especially New Orleans pulled out big wins. The NFC South has quickly made a case for being one of the better divisions in the NFC with Atlanta and New Orleans taking huge steps. Carolina is now starting to make strides towards regaining their form from last year, at least in the running game.

In week six action, the New Orleans Saints made a clear statement to the entire NFL that they just might be the best. It would be difficult for any team to claim otherwise, with the possible exception of the Vikings. The Saints took the New York Giants and simply abused them, beating them soundly and shredding that vaunted New York defense. Drew Brees is the clear MVP so far this season in my eyes.

Atlanta kept pace with the Saints by squeaking by the Chicago Bears on Sunday Night Football. The Falcons looked great at times, but they did show some signs of weakness. Matt Ryan sure looked like the superstar everyone has said that he is, calmly leading a late drive to down the Bears after Cutler had led them back.

The Carolina Panthers took down the Tampa Bay Bucs with ease, in spite of the close score. Were it not for the horrible play of quarterback Jake Delhomme, the Panthers likely would have won by twenty. What is really exciting for the Panthers is the return of Double Trouble. Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams had huge days with both players scoring and both breaking that 100 yd barrier. Williams went over 150 with two touchdowns.

The Bucs are still fighting to win a game in 2009, but still put up a good fight against the Panthers. They are still probably a year away from any kind of real success.

The Saints face Miami in week seven, while Atlanta faces Dallas. The Panthers face the Bills, and hope to even up their record at 3-3. The poor Bucs must travel to London, England to face the red hot New England Patriots in week seven action.

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The Chicago Bears are 3-1 entering their week six match up with the Atlanta Falcons, and they are right behind the Minnesota Vikings in the standings as well. The Bears have had what has to be a good season so far, and quarterback Jay Cutler has been as good as advertised. If you throw out that week one nerve game, Cutler is among the most efficient quarterbacks in the league. With Atlanta coming up, the Bears face a game that could make or break their season in some ways.

First of all they are playing a team that is incredibly talented. The Falcons are showing that they are going to be major players come playoff time, and the Bears know it. More importantly, it is very likely that the Bears will be competing with these Falcons, among others for the wildcards. Minnesota is looking like they might have a stranglehold in the standings, and so does New Orleans in the South. Either way, this game could end up being important down the road.

Another key reason this game is so vital is because the Bears are heading on the road and playing on prime time television. This is the chance they have to make a statement to the rest of the NFC.

If the Bears can go into Atlanta and pick up the win, they have to feel good about their chances moving forward. They need one of those “statement” wins this year as they have been up and down so far.

Atlanta is in a similar position, but they seem to be on cruise control right now. They have every part of their game rolling with the passing game and the running game. Even the defense looked good this past week.

The game should be a doozy, and I expect it will be a huge game for the ratings.

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.

With the NFL football season being so young only three weeks in, it is hard to really gauge where the young players are. This NFL season, however, we are fortunate to have two NFL draft pick rookies starting for NFL football teams right from the first gun of the season. Three games in, and both Mark Sanchez and Matthew Stafford have seen some success. Who has been the most impressive so far?

On the surface it would appear that Sanchez has been the best in a landslide, but much of that has to do with the players around him. Sanchez is 3-0 as a starter in his brief NFL career, but his defense has as much to do with that as anything that he has done. Do not get me wrong – Sanchez has looked fantastic so far. The thing about Sanchez that is shocking to me is how poised he has been. The guy never looks rattled, and that is a sign of a future NFL superstar at such a young age. He has a quarterback rating of just below 90 which is great and has only thrown 2 picks against 4 Touchdowns. Again, that is impressive.

Stafford has had his moments as well. The problem that Stafford faces is that he plays for the Lions. This guy is already being thrown into situations that create character or destroys young quarterbacks. Thus far, he has stood up quite well though the stats do not seem like it. He is 1-2 with a quarterback rating of 57.0. He has also thrown two touchdowns and 5 picks. This is partly because they have played from behind all season with the exception of that lone win against the Redskins.

All in all, the competition is pretty darn close. I do give the nod to Sanchez for one reason. He has shown an ability to throw the deep ball as he has three passes over 40 yds so far. While not mind boggling, this is certainly respectable for an NFL rookie quarterback that is only now getting their feet wet.

Who will be the better quarterback in the end is anybody’s guess, but I have a feeling they will both be around for a very long time. These are two great young talents. Hopefully they are not snake bitten by their respective teams. They are for real.