NFL Picks and Predictions

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.

If you enjoyed this post, get free updates by email or RSS. Subscribe here to NFL picks and predictions!

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

If you enjoyed this post, get free updates by email or RSS. Subscribe here to NFL picks and predictions!

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.

Monday Night Football has never been so thrilled. The biggest stage in football is now the place where Brett Favre will face the team he built his legend with. While this sounds like a game made in football heaven, the truth of the matter is that its weird -weird for me, weird for Green Bay, weird for the NFL at large. Nobody really thought that the Minnesota Vikings would ever face the Green Bay Packers with Brett Favre under center. Not with a purple helmet on anyways.

The truth of the matter is that when Favre retired, he retired as a Green Bay Packer. His signing with the Jets was no big deal really in Green Bay. It stunk. It made Green Bay mad. It was odd on every level. Favre signing with arguably the Packer’s worst on field enemy is another story all together. The fact that the Vikings are serious contenders in the Packers own division is just icing on the cake. The Packers are going to be in for the fight of their life to ward off the Vikings this season. Brett Favre could very well be the reason that Green Bay does not make the playoffs this year. What crime could he commit that would be any worse to a Green Bay fan?

Watching this game on Monday night will be like nothing else in recent memory as sports go. The Packers are going to be playing against Brett Favre. No matter how many times you say it, it still has to sound strange. What will it look like? The real question is, will the Green Bay players have it in for Favre? Regardless of the niceties that are sure to be thrown around on Monday night’s pregame, you can bet that the Packers are going to be a little pissed in the back of their minds. They will be coming after Favre hard and fast.

To tell you the truth, I see that as being their ultimate downfall. They are going to be looking for Favre all night long, and Adrian Peterson is going to be running by them while they do. The real weapon in Minnesota is not Brett Favre. He is the decoy now. The real weapon is Adrian Peterson. Given this, the Vikings would do well to sling some shots down the field early against Green Bay. They should get all eyes squarely on Favre. Once they focus in, then they should smash them in the mouth with a steady dose of Adrian. The worse thing they could do is get into a passing game with the Packers.

Aaron Rodgers is actually the better quarterback at this stage of their careers. Physically he is just more put together than Favre. Favre has the experience and the mojo over Rodgers, however. If Favre is going to beat Rodgers, it will have to be between the ears. He will have to shelve his ego, and let the strengths of his team lead the way. To Favre’s credit, he has done so this year so far. This is why the Vikings are 3-0. It remains to be seen if he can do the same against the Packers.

Pull up a chair, and enjoy the ride. This should be a good one.

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

Free NFL football picks are so fickle. Much like the Carolina Panthers start to the season, we pulled a Jake Delhomme in week one. (okay so it wasn’t that bad, but I am ticked at the cajun) The start was not what we had hoped for with only nine picks in the bag, but like every season we will make it up this week. That is the beauty of NFL football picks. You can always turn things around quickly with a good next week. Week two looks like a bit of an easier road to hoe, so let’s dive right into those free NFL football picks right now.

SUN, SEP 20

Carolina at Atlanta

This game is one of those where you just don’t know which trend to trust. The Panthers have owned the Falcons in recent years, and they are coming off a poor performance. The Falcons are coming off a great week one performance. Also, history has shown that the Panthers show up after a loss usually. Still, Mattie Ice has shown that he is for real. As much as I hate to do it, Carolina is toast in this one.

Winner – Atlanta Falcons

Minnesota at Detroit

The Lions really showed up last week on the offensive side of the ball and they established the fact that they can score on an average New Orleans defense. The Vikings are not average. Adrian Peterson might run for 500 yds in this one.

Winner – Minnesota Vikings

Cincinnati at Green Bay

Aaron Rodgers is no joke folks. This guy is for real. The game against Chicago was his growing up game, and he is loaded with confidence. At Green Bay, the Bengals have little chance of stopping their momentum after that fantastic win on Saturday night.

Winner – Green Bay Packers

Houston at Tennessee

The Texans are going to be a good team this year, but it appears they are going to do another late season show up party. This game will be ugly with the Titans still fuming over the week one loss to the Steelers.

Winner – Tennessee Titans

Oakland at Kansas City

The Raiders had some genuine moments on Monday night and showed that they are no pushover this season. The combination of McFadden and Bush looked awfully good. The Chiefs certainly played better than expected, but they will falter in this one.

Winner – Oakland Raiders

New England at NY Jets

Mark Sanchez really gets to find out what big time NFL football is all about. He will play well, but he will learn what a loss feels like against Brady and company.

New England Patriots

New Orleans at Philadelphia

This is a game that would be much more exciting with Mcnabb. The Saints are a juggernaut offensively, and the city of Brotherly Love will see that first hand. The Eagles are going to play well but lose in the final minutes.

Winner – New Orleans Saints

St. Louis at Washington

The Skins had better enjoy this one while they can. The Rams do not come to town every week you know.

Winner – Washington Redskins

Arizona at Jacksonville

The Jaguars are going to give the Cardinals fits, and part of that is because they are better against the pass than the majority of the Cardinal’s opponents. The Cardinals will start the year off 0-2 keeping in time with previous Super Bowl losers the year following.

Winner – Jacksonville Jaguars

Tampa Bay at Buffalo

The Bills are much better than advertised. Edwards played fantastically and that is even before he and Owens get their timing right. Expect a huge night in Buffalo.

Winner – Buffalo Bills

Seattle at San Francisco

There is something about that win in Arizona that has me believing a little bit in the Niners. Mike Singletary has them really rolling as a team, and the talent level is there. Could this be the next Cardinals?

Winner – San Francisco 49ers

Pittsburgh at Chicago

This is going to be a showdown. The Bears are going to have some kind of struggle against the defending champs, but I see Cutler recovering a bit this week. The guy is too talented of a quarterback and he showed flashes of brilliance last week. With the Bears being at home, I see the Steelers losing a rare early season game.

Winner – Chicago Bears

Baltimore at San Diego

The Ravens are for real this year. They not only have that vaunted defense, but they also have a pretty darn good offense. The Chargers looked a bit frail in their week one win.

Winner – Baltimore Ravens

Cleveland at Denver

The Browns are going to hand it to the Broncos this week for one reason. Kyle Orton. The guy had one thing going for him in week one. Luck. That TD was completely luck.

Winner – Cleveland Browns

NY Giants at Dallas

The Giants look fantastic but so do the Boys. I am not a huge fan of the Cowboys, but I do think that they are set to return to prominence this year. This particular week, they take the early upper hand in the NFC East.

Winner – Dallas Cowboys

MON, SEP 21

Indianapolis at Miami

This Monday night matchup is not a gimme for Peyton and the boys. I expect that at home the Dolphins will right the ship. Manning looked almost fallible in their week one struggle against Jacksonville, and the Dolphins are no joke on defense. This will be a fun one, but Indy loses in a close one.

Winner – Miami Dolphins

Tiebreaker – Miami 24 Indy 21

Week One Record – 9-7
Season Record – 9-7

The 2009 NFL preseason is off and running and things are beginning to get interesting.  Unfortuantely, my week one NFL preseason predictions were a mediocre 9-8.  Call it rust, or call it the unpredicatable nature of NFL preseason picking.  Whatever the case, I am just getting warmed up.  Things will get better.  Without further ado, lets get into the week two NFL preseason predictions and get on with the football:

THUR, AUG 20

Cincinnati at New England - This game is one that should really be a scoring fest.  I expect that the Bengals are going to continue to try to see if Palmer is truly ready, and they might give him a few extra snaps.  The Pats are feeling awfully good about Brady and the offense after that first week.  Preseason or regular season, this one is New England all the way.

Winner – New England Patriots

Philadelphia at Indianapolis - The Eagles now have Michael Vick on board, and they surely will be tempted to sneak him in a time or two to see what he might have.  That would likely be a mistake, as he barely has taken a snap in practice.  The Colts are trying to figure out why they stunk so bad last week.  The Eagles will win this one.

Winner – Philadelphia Eagles

FRI, AUG 21

Tennessee at Dallas – The Cowboys looked about as bad as a team can look in the preseason last week, and this week I expect them to bounce back.  The Titans have been great in the preseason, but they will lose in Big D.

Winner – Dallas Cowboys

Atlanta at St. Louis – Could things get any worse for Marc Bulger and the Rams?  First they lose Donnie Avery, and now they lose Marc Bulger.  Atlanta will take advantage in this NFL matchup.

Winner – Atlanta Falcons

Kansas City at Minnesota - The Chiefs are going up agains the Minnesota Favres?  Vikings, I mean.  Brett Favre in Minnesota has the whole NFL shook up.  I think it might be a big mistake in the long run.  We will see.  The Vikings win this one going away, however.

Winner – Minnesota Vikings

SAT, AUG 22

Detroit at Cleveland – Detroit actually looks like a team that is turning the corner.  Of course when you lose every game, that corner is not hard to reach.  They will steal a win against a team that is having a major identity crisis at the moment.

Winner – Detroit Lions

Carolina at Miami – The Panthers looked horrid against the Giants, but the second teamers performed well.  Miami looked fairly solid.  I expect that the Dolphins will run their way to a win with the Panthers sitting all their stars.

Winner – Miami Dolphins

Pittsburgh at Washington - The Steelers are serious contenders this year, and the Redskins look pretty bad on paper.  The formula will hold true for this game at least.

Winner – Pittsburgh Steelers

Tampa Bay at Jacksonville – The Jaguars are going to struggle a bit this year, but it wont be because of their defense.  Look for some serious excitement out of the Jags on D.  This game in particular.

Winner – Jacksonville Jaguars

New Orleans at Houston – The Saints will go marching all over the Texans in this NFL Preseason matchup.  It will be ugly.

Winner – New Orleans Saints

Buffalo at Green Bay – Buffalo has had their fair share of games having played two already and both games were a bit of a disappointment.  Green Bay has to be ticked off about the whole Favre thing.  They will take it out on Buffalo.

Winner – Green Bay Packers

NY Giants at Chicago – Chicago is excited about seeing how they stack up against the Giants.  I think that if Jay Cutler just throws the ball and keeps his mouth shut, they will look pretty good.  Unfortunately, I don’t see that happening after the Giant’s pass rush is all over him.

Winner – NY Giants

Oakland at San Francisco – The Raiders might just win this one if they can keep their fists out of each other’s faces.

Winner – Oakland Raiders

San Diego at Arizona – The Chargers and the Cardinals are certainly going to be a fun game to watch.  The Chargers have so many weapons, and the Cardinals have the ultimate weapons on offense.  Don’t expect a lot of defense, folks.

Winner – San Diego Chargers

Denver at Seattle – The Broncos are really struggling as expected given the loss of all pro quarterback Jay Cutler, and they are still taking baby steps.  The Seahawks are going strong now that Matt is back full strength.  This one will be a blowout.

Winner – Seattle Seahawks

MON, AUG 24

NY Jets at Baltimore – The Jets will put on a nice show with their new quarterback Mark Sanchez.  Will he be able to look so good against that Raven’s defense though?  I don’t think so.  Not yet.

Winner – Baltimore Ravens

The NFL preseason gets into full swing this week with a full slate of games.  For those of us that have been dying for some NFL action, this week is like a football dream come true.  The season got off to a great start in the Hall of Fame kickoff classic with the Titans beating the Bills. (just as I picked)  Here are the rest of the week one NFL preseason games along with who I predict will come away the winner:

THU, AUG 13

New England at Philadelphia

The Patriots and the Eagles are actually two of the favorites according to most NFL experts in the NFL this season.  It will be interesting to see how Tom Brady looks in preseason action, though I am sure he will not play very much.  As for the Eagles, they should keep Mcnabb on the bench as well as Westbrook.  They are simply too fragile.  I expect that the Patriots will win this preseason matchup.

Winner – New England Patriots

Washington at Baltimore

The Redskins are hoping that Portis has at least one more big season, and the Ravens are simply hoping that defense can remain as strong as usual.  The Ravens are not nearly as deep as they once were on defense.  I still expect they will win this preseason match up.

Winner – Baltimore Ravens

Arizona at Pittsburgh

The Cardinals take the field for the first time since the Super Bowl, and they are fired up about it.  Ironically, this Super Bowl rematch is set to be pretty interesting.  Both teams have some second and third string players that are looking to make a splash.  This game will come down to the running game and defense which puts the win firmly with the Steelers.

Winner – Pittsburgh Steelers

Dallas at Oakland

The Cowboys take the field without Terrell Owens and they have to find a way to replace him.  This game will begin to answer the questions that the Cowboys have at wide receiver.  While Oakland is not exactly the greatest secondary ever, they are a solid enough group to get a feel for the Cowboys.  More importantly, the Cowboys second and third string running backs are better than most team’s starters.

Winner – Dallas Cowboys

FRI, AUG 14

St. Louis at NY Jets

The Rams just found out that they are without Donnie Avery for at least four to six weeks, and this injury is going to hurt.  The Rams just do not have the firepower at the position that they have been used to.  The Jets are anxious to unveil new rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez.  It will be a big splash for NY.

Winner – New York Jets

Minnesota at Indianapolis

The Vikings and the Colts will be a very fun game to watch simply because of the talent on the second and third teams.  Both teams are pretty darn deep, and so it should be a good preseason game to watch.  This one smells like a Colt win to me, however.

Winner – Indiannapolis Colts

Cincinnati at New Orleans

The Bengals are hoping for a huge return for Carson Palmer, but that likely won’t begin against the Saints in preseason.  Still, there are a lot of answers to be had in this game.  Can Reggie Bush play a whole game without breaking a leg?  Can the Bengals play a whole game with no felonies?  I mean penalties?  We shall see.  Either way, the Saints win this one big in preseason action.

Winner – New Orleans Saints

Denver at San Francisco

The post Cutler era in Denver gets started here and Kyle Orton has to be a bit nervous.  Then again, he was a quarterback in Chicago, so he has nothing to be nervous about.  All kidding aside, I think he will do quite well in Denver.  He especially will do well against these 49ers in preseason action.

Winner – Denver Broncos

SAT, AUG 15

Atlanta at Detroit

The Falcons are amped up for an NFC South battle this season and the Lions are simply hoping to win a few games.  While optimism is high in Detroit, the depth of this team is still very shallow.  Rome was not built in a day, and neither will Detroit be.

Winner – Atlanta Falcons

Chicago at Buffalo

The Bears are anxious to see what they have with Jay Cutler under center, and the Bills are coming off an opening week loss against the Titans.  While the Bears are not quite as strong as the Titans, they should still handle these Bills.

Winner – Chicago Bears

Cleveland at Green Bay

The Browns have a quarterback situation to work out.  The Packers need to get a running back in order quick.  This game will do little to solve either situation, but it will be a good game.  The Browns will surprise an amped up Green Bay squad.

Winner – Cleveland Browns

Tampa Bay at Tennessee

The Bucs, like many other teams, need to find a quarterback.  The Titans are pretty set in their lineup, and looked pretty impressive against Buffalo.  I expect that the Titans will take advantage of the Bucs early growing pains.

Winner – Tennessee Titans

Houston at Kansas City

The Texans are going to be fun to watch this season.  Kansas City is a team that is very much in turmoil.  Expect the Texans to spring a little preseason surprise on the Chiefs.

Winner – Houston Texans

Seattle at San Diego

The Chargers and the Seahawks will be a great preseason game.  The Seahawks are searching for some semblence of a running game, and the Chargers are just trying to keep LaDanian Tomlinson healthy.  Expect LT to skip this one for sure, and it might be the difference.

Winner – Seattle Seahawks

MON, AUG 17

Jacksonville at Miami

The Jaguars and Miami are always a fun game with the whole intra-state rivalry thing.  This game will be fun to watch as well.  Expect that Miami will have a little more firepower in the backups for this one.

Winner – Miami Dolphins

Carolina at NY Giants

This game will be the ultimate expression of power struggle in the NFC.  The Panthers are just too good at running back, and they should be able to handle the Giants in this one.

Winner – Carolina Panthers

Preseason Record Overall – 1 Win 0 Losses