NFL Picks and Predictions

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

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.

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

Going into week one I thought I would rank the NFL teams in the order I see them going into the season. This is a tough thing to do prior to the regular season, because nobody knows how certain players will fit in with new NFL teams and so on. Still, it will be a weekly thing that I do throughout the 2009 NFL football season. Here are my power rankings for week one:

1. Pittsburgh Steelers – Until someone proves otherwise, they are the champs.

2. New England Patriots – The Pats seem primed to return to glory.

3. San Diego Chargers – The fact they are finally healthy has the Charger fans in a tizzy.

4. NY Giants – Can they replace Plax? Some think not.

5. Philadelphia Eagles – The Eagles are exciting again, but they must show they can be consistent.

6. Indianapolis Colts – The Colts are always a threat with Peyton Manning. Even if Dungy is gone.

7. Carolina Panthers – The Panthers have a three headed rushing monster now with hotshot rookie Mike Goodson.

8. Minnesota Vikings – The Vikings need to put up or shut up now. They have the quarterback they said they needed.

9. Tennessee Titans – The Titans find a way to be there every year. This year should be no different.

10. Chicago Bears – The Bears are sort of like the Vikings here. They now have a quarterback. What are they gonna do with him?

The rest…..

11. Atlanta Falcons
12. Baltimore Ravens
13. Arizona Cardinals
14. Green Bay Packers
15. Dallas Cowboys
16. Miami Dolphins
17. Seattle Seahawks
18. Houston Texans
19. New Orleans Saints
20. Buffalo Bills
21. NY Jets
22. Washington Redskins
23. Jacksonville Jaguars
24. Cincinnati Bengals
25. Denver Broncos
26. Tampa Bay Bucs
27. Oakland Raiders
28. St Louis Rams
29. Cleveland Browns
30. Kansas City Chiefs
31. San Francisco 49ers
32. Detroit Lions

While certainly these rankings are a work in progress, they are the way I see the NFL shaking down as of right now. Feel free to share your picks or thoughts in the comments below.