NFL Picks and Predictions

The Cincinnati Bengals have begun to really make believers out of many of the experts around the NFL. Cedric Benson, Carson Palmer and a rejuvenated Chad Johnson has the Bengals thinking playoffs for the first time in a few years. One group of players in particular believe – the Baltimore Ravens. The Bengals took out the Ravens and Cedric Benson ran for better than 100 yds against them. Nobody runs for more than 100 against the Ravens. Yet he did.

Cedric Benson is the key once again for the Bengals. The last thing they need is for the Ravens to stuff the run and force the Bengals into a pass only team. This year’s Bengals are at their best when they are mixing the run and the pass. Gone are the days of Carson Palmer throwing bombs as the Bengals first choice on offense. The Bengals are a balanced offense when they are clicking.

As for the Ravens, they are going to be hell bent on avenging that early season loss. This game is pivotal in the division race, and both teams really need the win. This game is what makes November football so interesting. The teams that show up and win key match ups in November are the teams that are likely to move on in the playoffs. The Ravens know what they are facing and they will be ready.

In spite of the Ravens determination, I see the Bengals actually pulling out this win. I do think the game will be close, and that both teams will put up good showings. I just feel that after the bye week last week, the Bengals are going to be fresher and more prepared than the Ravens. The Ravens just got over an emotional week eight win over previously undefeated Denver. That takes a toll.

This game will be one that we look back to come playoff time. Mark it down. It will mean a lot in the long run.

The injury bug has literally been attempting to dismantle the undefeated Indianapolis Colts throughout the 2009 football season. At one point or another, it seems that virtually every player on the Colts team has spent time on the sidelines. Ironically their biggest star has never been healthier… or better. Peyton Manning is having what many would argue to be his best NFL football season. It seems that regardless of the injuries that are put before him, Manning finds a way to post a win in the column each week.

Once again all-pro safety Bob Sanders has been sidelined. Unfortunately for the Colts and Sanders, this injury will put him out for the remainder of the season. As if that isn’t bad enough for the Colts secondary, cornerback Marlin Jackson is also out for the season. When you consider the injuries to wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez and Pierre Garçon, it seems it would be more than the Colts could overcome.

Don’t tell that to Peyton Manning however.

Throughout this troubled a successful NFL season, Peyton Manning has simply come out and directed his team to a win. Amazingly, the Colts have not seemed to miss a beat regardless of who they put in from week to week. While certainly some of this deserves to be credited to the coaching staff, the biggest part of it should go to Manning. Throughout all of the problems, Manning has remained calm, cool and collected. Certainly that state of mind has rubbed off on the other team members.

Peyton Manning and the Colts will next face an upstart Houston Texans team. Quarterback Matt Schaub has the Texans playing quite well right now. Wide receiver Andre Johnson is among the best in the NFL, and has to be licking his chops facing this revamped Colts secondary. One would have to think that the Texans are going to put up one heck of a fight against the Colts.

Still, I would not bet against Peyton Manning and the Colts.