NFL Picks and Predictions

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.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are kicking off the NFL football season with a bang, defending their Super Bowl title against the Titans.  While this game looks like a showdown in the making, it might end up being a bit more of a blowout than many think.  The reason I think this is because the Steelers are notoriously tough at home, and the Titans have not looked like themselves with Kerry Collins in the preseason.

Now the preseason means nothing, and nobody knows that any more than me.  Still, he seemed like an aging version of himself during the preseason.  The pop in his throws were not there, and Collins is a man that depends on his arm at the quarterback position.

The Steelers on the other hand looked very much like the juggernaut that they are.  Ben is recovered by all accounts, and opening night in Pittsburgh is sure to be a huge ticket.  The Steelers are set for a very big night.

Though the game will likely come down to defense, I do think that the Steelers are going to be the ones to score early and often. Though the Titans defense is stout, the Steelers are known for finding a way to score the football. As noted in my NFL predictions here, I do think that the Pittsburgh Steelers will win this week one matchup.

Some side notes/predictions:

• Ben will throw for around 250 yds and a couple of Tds while not throwing an interception.
• The Titans offense will sputter with Collins at the helm, and even a decent running attack will not be able to pull them out.
• Willie Parker will have a better than expected game, and might make it through the game without getting hurt. (pun intended)
• The Steelers will win by at least two touchdowns.

Tonight’s opening Hall of Fame game match up features two teams that are due to answer some questions.  At the top of that list of questions is how Terrell Owens will fare in his Bill debut, and how the first team Titan defense will fare without Albert Haynesworth.  Both of these questions will not likely be answered in the NFL Hall of Fame Game, but we might get a glimpse.  Owens is slated to play.

Given that the teams will be using very sporadic first team players, one must look at the second units when determining the outcome.  For this reason, I would go with the Titans here.  The Titans do still have Vince Young at quarterback, and he is still quite talented.  Not only that, he is the number two man on the totem pole now, and he will want to prove himself.  Given this, he will be tough against Buffalo.

Buffalo will be facing an uphill battle with Ryan Fitzpatrick and others at the quarterback position the majority of the game.  This is especially true against even the second team Titans defense.  They are no slouch to be sure.  It will be fun to watch Terrell even in limited action.

Prediction:

Titans will win.

Season Record: 0-0

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