Sanders's Week 8 NFL Predictions

Week 8 NFL Predictions

Something really spoke to me in the preseason this year. It was an interview with Bill Bellichick where someone asked if he thought his team could make it to the Super Bowl and if they could beat the Cardinals in the season opener like everyone was guessing and his response was this: “You can’t really make that judgment because I don’t think you really know your team until the middle of October.” For a coach that will go down as the greatest team in the NFL, this is some wise advice. We have seen undefeated teams like last years Falcons go from 5-0 to 7-9 or the Cardinals that started 4-0 then went 5-11. While we know the Patriots are better than that, it’s a great philosophy to live and coach by. With this in mind, I’ll be judging this week’s games based upon overall performance the past 7 week and the way teams have been trending just like how Bellichick would (except he is a million times smarter than I will ever be.)

Sanders went 9-5-1 last week giving him a 65-41-1 total. How will he fare this week? A perfect 13-0! Watch out! (I wish.)

Jacksonville Jaguars vs Tennessee Titans

A lot of people are hyping this up as who steps up: Mariota or Bortles? This isn’t even a real question. Bortles has regressed beyond belief all season, being afraid to pull the trigger on big plays like he did last year while Mariota is coming into his own with the help of Murray’s resurgence and an O-line that does a great job protecting a QB who is very mobile. The Titans win this hands down. They are the better team and Jacksonville has a lot to figure out on both sides of the ball.

Washington Redskins vs Cincinnati Bengals

So, this is a tough one as the Redskins are 4-3 winning 4 of their last 5 games while the Bengals have struggled at 3-4. To examine both teams, the Redskins have built  up one of the better running attacks in recent weeks and the run game has been an issue for the Bengals and a great reason as to why the offense isn’t doing well despite Dalton’s ability to retain his progressions from last year. Kirk Cousins on the other hand, has given the middle finger to his doubters with improved play and showing that he can be just as good as he was last year throwing for 9 TDs to just 3 INTs in the past 5 weeks. As for both defense, the run defenses are awful with Cincy being at 24^th and 26^th. Considering how the Redskins have the better running attack, I’ll look for another 100 yard Matt Jones game to take pressure off Cousins so he can do his work.

Redskins 24  Bengals 21

Kansas City Chiefs vs Indianapolis Colts

I don’t think I’m going to pick the Colts to win for the rest of the season barring incredibly improved play. The Colts have Andrew Luck to win. That’s it. This Colts D can’t capitalize on what Luck provides or even retain it for that matter. Kansas City offense isn’t electrifying or even all that fun to watch but with them being 15-3 in their last 18 games (including playoffs) you can’t deny that it works and it’s all they need to win. With KC facing such a poor defense, it’s hard to not pick KC here. Sorry Luck. If fact, I shouldn’t be saying I’m sorry. The Colts GM and head coach should be apologizing for their roster mistakes.

Chiefs 26  Colts 20

Arizona Cardinals vs Carolina Panthers

You’re lying if you told me you saw this matchup and said no one would care to watch it two months ago. Well now, no one cares. I don’t even care. Only Panthers and Cardinals fans care. Maybe Seattle fans care??? Doubt that one but regardless, the Panthers are 1-5 and not because of Cam Newton but because they let go of Josh Norman and are seeing how much he brought to the team. The Panthers are giving up too many big plays. What do the Cardinals excel in? Big plays. Wait. My bad. It’s 2016 not 2015. The Cardinals excel at a run-first game with an opportunistic and efficient passing game. Michael Floyd and Palmer have started to recover from their early season troubles and took some pressure off of Fitz to make plays but not DJ. Holy moly 44 runs? Damn. Slow down Arians. Anyway, Cards have to finish offensive drives if they want to win. Getting 300+ yards but only scoring 6 points is a recipe for disaster as we saw last week. For the Panthers to win, Benjamin and Olsen have to go off for Newton. Sounds like a tough task to handle considering they are playing against the Cards #NoFlyZone.

Cards 26  Panthers 17

Oakland Raiders vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Raiders are looking poised to dethrone the Broncos from their division. While their records are the same, that’s still a tough task. The Raiders can prove right here what most good teams do. They throw bad teams into trash like the garbage they are (sorry Bucs fans). Speaking of trash, how about that Bucs defense? They can’t seem to stop decent defenses. Shame. Good luck against the Raiders.

Raiders 31  Bucs 14

Seattle Seahawks vs New Orleans Saints

The Saints have a terrible defense. We all know this. But can the Seahawks capitalize? After 7 weeks of play, the Seahawks O has had 4 unstoppable games but then have turned in 3 duds. It’s hard to decide how good the Seattle offense is with high highs and low lows. If they truly are a potent offense, they will manhandle the Saints defense like most teams have. Speaking of potent, the Saints are becoming of the most potent offensive forces in the NFL. Despite a weak record, Drew Brees and Co. look like their having fun and developing a lot of chemistry. It’s reminiscent of an old Drew Brees we used to know where he lit up defenses. But we can slow that thought process down for now. They’re playing the Legion of Boom. This will be a real test for the Saints.

Seahawks 23  Saints 20

Detroit Lions vs Houston Texans

I’m be short and sweet. I am picking the Lions. Matt Stafford has been playing phenomenally all year and Osweiler has been playing like a dud. While the Texans might have the better defense, it’s hard to ask the Texans defense to take over a game when the offense does LITERALLY nothing. Shame. Texans are still a playoff-caliber team held back by the QB positions. Same ol’ Texans

Lions 27  Texans 13

New England Patriots vs Buffalo Bills

This looks like a game the Bills could win but I can’t see Bellichick allowing the Bills to sweep the Patriots. The Bills are a tough team but the Patriots are smarter. Both teams need this win. The Patriots need it to secure their division more or less while the Bills need it to stay alive in the AFC playoff race. Unfortunately, the Patriots and tom Brady don’t care about what you need.

Patriots 24  Bills 16

UPSET OF THE WEEK!!!!

New York Jets vs Cleveland Browns

This has to be the lamest upset I can think of. Jets vs Browns? Well, the Browns are winless this season but no more! The Browns fun offense will finally score enough points to win the game and the defense will be hold off a Fitzpatrick led offense. If Fitzpatrick wasn’t playing, I would pick the Jets but I’m not buying Fitzpatrick’s “resurgence” just yet. Go get em Cleveland.

Jets 16  Browns 24

San Diego Chargers vs Denver Broncos

It wouldn’t be surprising to see San Diego win this one just like they did two weeks ago. However, I think Denver has had the time to learn from their mistakes and Coach Kubiak will be back on the sideline this time around. AND, this game will be at mile high. Hmm. I think that’s enough for to say Denver can win this game. As for the Chargers, keep your foot on the gas. The offense must be relentless and tire the Orange Crush out if they want to win.

Chargers 17  Broncos 23

Green Bay Packers vs Atlanta Falcons

Many people are going to pick the Falcons. I am going to pick Green Bay. So before you call me insane, here’s the logic. The Packers beat the Bears last week. Okay, so what? They’re a bad team. True, but the Packers were able to find out what they can do on offense to make their offense run smoother. And I’ve said  it a million times in this column and I’ll say it again. The Falcons have a great offense but I wonder how long they can manage to consistently win with a defense that gives up 28.4 points a game. For those who don’t know, THAT’S WORSE THAN WHAT THE BEARS ALLOW! If the Packers could take advantage of a Bears team that ranks 20^th in points allowed, they can beat a Falcons team that ranks 27^th in points allowed. A tale of two offenses is to come here. Atlanta’s or Green Bay’s?

Packers 31  Falcons 27

Philadelphia Eagles vs Dallas Cowboys

A game with HUGE implications for the NFC East. If the Cowboys win it here, they give themselves a good chance of solidifying their spot atop the NFC East and a good run at the No. 1 seed for the NFC. If the Eagles win it here, then they create an earthquake with massive ripple effects. Do you bring Romo back? Who wins the NFC East? Who has a good chance at the No.1 seed in the NFC? The drama is real. And this is a REAL test for Dak Prescott. He hasn’t faced such a formidable defense yet. The media is hyping up the “Carson Wentz vs Dak Prescott showdown” but this game comes down to who has the better defense. Both QBs are rookies and both defense should know how to punish them for the lack of knowledge. I’m taking the Eagles because Carson Wentz has already beat a top tier defense (Vikings) and Dak Prescott hasn’t. And the Eagles defense is arguably better than the Cowboys defense.

Eagles 23  Cowboys 16

Minnesota Vikings vs Chicago Bears

Is this even a contest? We get to watch Matt Barkely or Jay Cutler get demolished by the Purple People Eaters 2.0. Fun stuff. However, the Vikings O-line needs to show up. Last week was brutal. You can’t win with a poor offensive line as the Vikings found out last week. I imagine that Zimmer lit a fire under their behinds this week. We’ll see if they can recover against a more than manageable defense.

Vikings 27  Bears 16

Sanders's Week 7 NFL Predictions

NFL Week 7 Predictions

Okay. So I was wrong. The AFC North and NFC North aren’t the best divisions. The NFC East and the AFC West are. The Chargers and Chiefs dropped money on the Broncos and Raiders making the division a wide open 4 man race. Meanwhile, the NFC East is now 11-4 against teams outside their division and no team is under .500 (Giants 3-3, Eagles 3-2,  Redskins 4-2, Cowboys 5-1) It’s amazing how what was presumed one of the most confusing divisions in the League, is now still confusing but for the opposite reasons. It seemed like it was going to be like last year; who plays the least amount of bad football. But now, all 3 teams have shown grit and ability to beat their opponents when needed. Jeez.

Also, did anyone else turn the TV off during the Colts vs Texans Sunday night game middle of the 4^th quarter? I did. And I regret it as I heard I missed one hell of a rallied comeback. Maybe I shouldn’t be so quick to assume. Speaking of assuming, let us get on to me assuming who wins! (even though the recent trends say I am going to be wrong).

Sanders went 9-6 last week going to 56-36 on the season. One day he will get perfection. This week probably isn’t that week.

Chicago Bears vs Green Bay Packers

If this were any other team, I probably would predict the Packers to lose as their offense just can’t seem to get it together specifically Aaron Rodgers. It’s hard to imagine a world where Aaron Rodgers struggles but we are living in it right now. However, the Bears are one of the worst teams in the NFL. In fact, they may be 1-5, but I think the 0-6 Browns are a better team. At least the Browns have made every game interesting! Even when they got blown away by the Patriots, they were fighters for the first couple quarters. If anything, the Packers are in worse shape than we think if they lose to the Bears. But they can’t. Actually, they won’t. Not if they want the NFL world to take them seriously.

Bears 13  Packers 17

NY Giants vs St. Louis Rams

It feels like the Rams simply don’t know how to finish games at 3-3. They were a winning team but now just look like they can’t get over the hump in close games. In other words, if they aren’t winning, they aren’t clutch enough to win. Also, the offensive line is a huge reason for the penalties and why Gurley can’t get going. The Giants just came off a very hard fought win in Baltimore and are sitting 4^th in what looks like a tough NFC East. If the Giants want a shred of hope in staying in the playoff race, they must improve upon last week’s win and make it two in a row.

Giants 24  Rams 17

Cleveland Browns vs Cincinnati Bengals

In a rough season for the Bengals, this seems like the exact type of game they would lose. However, this is the exact type of secondary Dalton and Green would go off on. It’s unfortunate. I have heard from others that Dalton sucks, but does he really? He has retained all improvements he made last year but has literally NO weapons but AJ Green. The running game is poor as well. The Bengals have a long road at 2-4 if they want to make the playoffs and it will probably be all lost if they go 2-5. Also, this is a great test for the Browns with Kessler at QB. They are playing this year to examine the future and so far Kessler has been playing well. Let’s see what he does against a Bengals defense.

Browns 20  Bengals 27

Washington Redskins vs Detriot Lions

Both of these teams are extremely underrated. Nobody is talking about the 4-2 Redskins with a quietly dominant run defense because the Cowboys are sitting pretty at 5-1 with a QB controversy. Meanwhile, nobody is talking about the Lions at 3-3 with the undefeated Vikings and Aaron Rodgers woes in their division. Did you know the Matt Stafford has been playing like a top 5 QB all season? Don’t believe? Go watch his highlights! The dude has gotten better ever since Megatron left and hasn’t gotten the attention he deserves. I declare this game, the UNDER-RATED BOWL this week. So who wins? I’ll give it to the team with the better record. I like the Lions a lot this year, but they need a more dominant defense if they want to win more games.

Redskins 24  Lions 20

Oakland Raiders vs Jacksonville Jaguars

Had a Raiders fan tell me this is the exact kind of game the Raiders would lose while doing well. I’d buy it…….if this were 2009. The Raiders are a good team. Were they held to 10 points last week? Yes, but the AFC West is a division that not even Brian Billick can figure out (figure of speech because he hasn’t actually voiced his opinion recently). The Jaguars were hyped last year but the defense is the same. Bortles and Co. can score points but the defense can’t hold off opponents. Then again, the Raiders haven’t proven to really prevent the opposing offense from scoring either. Get ready for a wild west shootout today ladies and gents!

Raiders 31  Jaguars 27

New Orleans Saints vs Kansas City Chiefs

This is a tough one. The Chiefs are very unpredictable. The Saints however, ARE predictable. Drew Brees will have a great day like usual but the defense won’t show up. It’s kind of sad. 400 yards in a game is a feat to behold that we are shocked when even Tom Brady does it like he did against the Browns earlier this season. When Drew Brees does it? Meh. No one cares. Why? Because this has become the norm for the Saints and it’s such a shame that we ignore the greatness that Brees puts out each week at 37. Who says age can keep you down? Back to the Chiefs though, they are super boring. Their offense just isn’t rolling at all and it makes you wonder if they can take advantage of a bad Saints defense. Most critics are picking the Chiefs. I’m giving this game to Drew Brees. No, not the Saints. Drew Brees. Because he will be the reason they win if they do win.

#DREWBREESFOR2016MVP

Saints 27  Chiefs 24

Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins

You have to wonder if the Bills are just this good or if they are over-achieving every week. I pick the first. The Bills are just this good. They are playing their hearts out for their coach and have the most mobile offense in the league. McCoy and Taylor are almost impossible to get your hands on. The Dolphins are coming off of a spicy win against the Steelers. However, that was against an injured Roethlisberger and even bad teams can have good games. I don’t believe in the Dolphins just yet. I’ll be shocked if the Bills lose this actually.

Bills 24  Dolphins 20

Baltimore Ravens vs NY Jets

The truth hurts Baltimore fans. The Ravens have now had 20 games in the past 2 season decided by one score or less. One could argue the Ravens could be 6-0 but we can also argue they could be 0-6. This matchup here, is a tale of two outcomes. This really comes down to if Flacco is healthy or not. If Flacco is healthy, Baltimore can take advantage of the Jets and throw it deep all day to Wallace and Perriman to win the game. If Flacco is not healthy however and still plays, this game is a different story. Suggs, Dumervil, Mosley, Smith Sr., Wright and Yanda already look like they’ll be out this game. This means Geno Smith should have easy pickings to take a step in the right direction to prove that he should be the Jets starter or a starter elsewhere. Baltimore simply looks too banged up to be able to win a game. Rather unfortunate for them and rather fortunate Geno Smith.

#ALLABOARDTHEGENOCOASTER

With a healthy Flacco: Ravens 23  Jets 21

With an unhealthy Flacco: Ravens 16  Jets 24

Minnesota Vikings vs Philadelphia Eagles

I could go on forever about this game but it’s better I keep it short(er). Until PROVEN otherwise, the Vikings have the best or 2^nd best defense (leave that up to you guys, I believe they are the best) in the NFL and will be the reason they win games. People say Bradford is realizing his potential this season but this team never needed a good QB to win in the first place. I am not calling Bridgewater bad as I like the kid but can we say Bridgewater would have the same success elsewhere? Probably not. I want to see a game where the Vikings defense falters and Bradford has to single-handedly carry his team. Till he does that, I’m no believer in him.

The Eagles are now on a 2 game skid and looking to get back on track. This would be a great game to do so but I figured if the Eagles had managed to go 5-0 at this point, they would lose here. Yeah the Eagles defense is great to but they can be beaten. The Vikings D is an immovable object and it’s not like the Eagles really have an unstoppable force for an offense. On a sidenote, can Blair Walsh get out of his fear already? Jeez man. Go from being a great kicker to mediocre because of one faulty kick in a playoff game. The great kickers man up and get past it. I still have hope for him.

Vikings 20  Eagles 13

Indianapolis Colts vs Tennessee Titans

Andrew Luck is so good. That’s all I have to say about the Colts. How THE HELL do you lose a game being two scores ahead in under 3 minutes? Ugh. Such a waste of Andrew Luck’s prime. It’s almost like he is getting the Drew Brees treatment. In fact, those two should talk over what it’s like to have a terrible defense but still score a lot of points and somehow manage to win games. I would watch that feature segment. Anyway, because of how rotten the Colts defense is, I’m picking the Titans. Mariota is on a roll and DeMarco Murry is having a comeback player of the year type of season. We knew you were still there Murray. Thanks for coming back out to give us highlight reels.

Colts 28  Titans 30

San Diego Chargers vs Atlanta Falcons

Chargers are probably the best 2-4 team right now. I was actually expecting them to lose last week after the Broncos managed to get the onside kick. Those are just the kind of events that have been happening to the Chargers. When examining this game, I looked at how well the Chargers and Falcons have performed. The Chargers are averaging 28.8 points per game but their defense is allowing  25.8 points per game while the Falcons are averaging a ridiculous 33.1 points per game but the defense is allowing 27.6 points per game. So where does that leave this matchup? In a surefire shootout. you have to wonder how long can the Falcons keep up the scoring before the defense lets opponents catch up. San Diego fans, I’m giving you the win. Philip Rivers has been playing amazing all year. Let he who plays the better football game be the winner.

Chargers 34  Falcons 33

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs San Francisco 49ers

Tough one. Two bad teams = one exciting clown fiesta of a game. This will probably be entertaining but the matchup means nothing for playoff implications. If anything, take in a few beers or shots before watching this one. You might have more fun. As far as the matchup overall, both defenses are awful but the Bucs have the edge at offense with a true difference maker in Mike Evans.

Bucs 23  49ers 20

New England Patriots vs Pittsburgh Steelers

So. Roethlisberger is out and Tom Brady is in. Are we done here? Okay okay. Landry Jones is the QB for the Steelers. Now I’m done here. Okay, okay fine I’ll give you more. You got me. Bell is back for the Steelers and they still have Antonio Brown while Landry Jones is playing QB. The Patriots have Brady, Gronkowski, and Hoga……aw forget you guys. Why am I analyzing this? Patriots win. Why? You tell me. Do you pick Tom Brady or Landry Jones? If you tell me Jones, you are a heathen.

Patriots 27  Steelers 17

UPSET OF THE WEEK!!!!!!!

Seattle Seahawks vs Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals have been straight BALLIN the past two weeks. Now SNAP BACK TO REALITY, OH HERE COMES GRAVITY…..it was against the 49ers and Jets….whoop dee fricken doo. And their other win was against the Buccaneers. So the Cardinals are 3-3 and their only wins are against the worst teams in the NFL who are a combined 4-13 *slow claps*. Call me out if you want for being a Cards hater this year, but the Cardinals haven’t proven jack. I’m going to throw this out of the way before I continue; the Cardinals defense has looked great with their pass rush and Patrick Peterson shutting down everyone in his sight. Now, on to the real issues I have with the Cardinals. Have they looked great against bad teams? Yes. However, take out Larry Fitzgerald and David Johnson, and this offense looks totally wack and you have to wonder if they would have beat the 49ers (Johnson and Fitzgerald were responsible for 28 of the 33 points the Cards scored that day). You would think they would have had better results with the players on offense they have. Now is the time Arizona. Live up to the hype. Prove that your on paper talent can be as good as last year. Seattle on the other hand is 4-1 and has only beaten one true quality opponent in the Falcons. The rest they have beaten have been the 49ers, Jets, and Dolphins. Not a quality schedule for either team so far but this game will show who the real Seahawks and Cardinals are. The Cardinals will be at home and if they can’t pull this off, they can probably kiss their post- season hopes goodbye as a wildcard looks like a daunting task at 3-4 if they lose here (their schedule doesn't get any easier from here). Conventional wisdom says that the Seahawks win and takes full control of the NFC West. However, I’m calling the upset. The #NoFlyZone will show up Sunday night and come in clutch. DJ is going to roll over opponents like normal, and we’ll finally see Palmer spread the ball around better with Michael Floyd and J.J. Nelson picking up the slack behind Fitzgerald.

Seattle 23  Cardinals 24

Houstan Texans vs Denver Broncos

Two weeks ago, this matchup looked like a joke. Now both teams are 4-2. The Denver offense has started to struggle (thanks in part to Kubiak’s and Sieman’s absences) while the Texans have picked up some of the pieces since their shellacking from the Patriots. While many believe this will be a great matchup, I don’t think it will be. The Broncos finally will have Kubiak and Siemian back at the same time. Meanwhile, Osweiler still looks like he is struggling. He did help make a comeback against the Colts last week but I have 4 words to let that backfire on you. Colts Defense. Lamar Miller. Enough said. The Broncos defense won’t let the Texans work any magic this time around. Same old players. Same old story. Osweiler struggles while the Orange crush brings home another win to Mile High.

Texans 16  Broncos 23

Sanders's Week 6 NFL Predictions!

Sorry for these being late! I forced myself to not watch football or look at scores so I couldn't cheat. Besides, I was doing laundry while writing them anyway.

NFL Week 6 Predictions

This week, I am skipping the “Key Matchup” segment to see how it feels when writing. Anyway,…

It’s funny how the NFL works. All teams that looked decent in the first few weeks now look either terrible or just mediocre. Usually how it turns out to be. We are in the middle of the season and injuries are starting to pile up. Now is when we see who the real teams are. The ones who can fight injuries and still win. To be honest, the only team that has surprised me is the Falcons. I definitely thought they would be over-hyped like they are everywhere but this year they are passing their hype tests with FLYING colors. Haha. Get it. Their Falcons. Flying…..I’ll go hide in the corner now and just give you my predictions now.

Sanders went 10-4 last week putting him to a 47-30 record on the season! Woo. Thought I was gonna fall down the pits at first. Let’s keep it up!

Denver Broncos vs San Diego Chargers

So I definitely thought the Broncos were going to win this game. I will full on admit I was wrong and will take the loss. If I have time, I plan on writing a feature of the Chargers. Probably the most intriguing team in the NFL besides the Vikings right now.

Chargers won. I picked Broncos. RIP

San Francisco 49ers vs Buffalo Bills

The Bills are hot and streaking. The 49ers are one of the worst teams in the NFL talent-wise and their 1-4 record is only evidence of this. Even though Kaepernick is starting, I don’t think it will be enough to penetrate Rex Ryan’s defense. Also, the 49er defense needs to learn how to stop their opponents from putting up so many points and stopping Shady McCoy has been impossible for opposing defenses this season. Neither trend will probably stop this game.

49ers 13  Bills 24

Jacksonville Jaguars vs Chicago Bears

An interesting matchup to say the least. Both teams haven’t done well at all but the Jaguars are coming off of a win that they secured in London against the Colts. Also, the Colts beat the Bears last week. While these two statements really don’t have much to do with each other, I am going to make the connection anyway and say that, naturally, the Jaguars should be the Bears because of the above statements. Besides, isn’t it about time Hoyer made some back-breaking mistakes?

Jaguars 23  Bears 17

Los Angeles Rams vs Detroit Lions

Hard to pick the team to win here. The Lions just upset the Eagles but the Rams are pulling the better record here and against a couple teams that are nothing to laugh at. However, I will give the game to the better QB. Despite only leading the team to two wins, Stafford has looked phenomenal compared to his past years. It’s exciting to see him finally meet his potential and it’s without Calvin Johson! Maybe Johnson retiring and forcing Stafford to make better reads will be better for the Lions in the long run.

Rams 16  Lions 27

Pittsburgh Steelers vs Miami Dolphins

I think it’s time for us to admit that Tannehill just may not be the QB for the Dolphins. Despite cycling through coaches, you would think the guy would have built a rapport with his receivers by now. And he hasn’t been very clutch either for his team recently. It’s a shame to see talent on the Dolphins wasted because coaching staff can never maximize it and the QB can’t maximize his own potential either. The Steelers on the other hand have been finding their groove and getting smacked by the Eagles. I think the Steelers will continue to stay on track and dominate the Dolphins like they did the Jets last week.

Steelers 28  Dolphins 14

Cincinnati Bengals vs New England Patriots

Tom Brady is a man on a mission. Wow what a great start to his season. That doesn’t spell good news for a Bengals team who got dominated by the Dallas Cowboys and desperately need a win at 2-3. Unfortunately, Brady shows no pity for those in his way. The Patriots will take swift advantage of a Bengals team currently in free fall.

On a sidenote: THIS ISN’T DALTON’S FAULT! I figured he would regress but the man is still showing he is just as good as he was last year. Poor guy. Right when he starts to realize his potential, his team starts to falter. Time to replace Marvin Lewis?

Bengals 20  Patriots 31

UPSET OF THE WEEK!!!

Carolina Panthers vs New Orleans Saints

I feel ashamed for calling this an upset but almost everyone thinks that the Panthers are going to win. I say they’ll lose. While, yes, the Panthers are the same team as last year, they are not having as much fun this year as they did last year. I stated in my Super Bowl prediction last year that the Panthers need to have fun in order to keep their mindset in the right direction. So far, they haven’t had any fun this year and a big part is that the secondary has been struggling mightily giving up big plays and points. Enter Drew Brees, the king of big plays and scoring points for over the last decade. No one has a better eye for the big play like Drew Brees and he should take advantage of a poor Panthers secondary. It’s only week 6, but the game is DO OR DIE for both teams.

Panthers 27  Saints 30

Baltimore Ravens vs NY Giants

I had this pegged as Baltimore’s first loss of the season. Even with them at 3-2, I am not changing my mind. Baltimore just fired their OC and that’s a victory for them. One of their primary issues was offensive playcalling (AKA abandoning the run). The run game has looked like the strongest part of the Baltimore offense in the last two weeks and Trestman refused to run it more often than throw. We'll see if new OC Morhinweg learns to run the ball more. Meanwhile, the Giants have lost 3 in a row due to self inflicted wounds. It’s hard to argue that they can win given the state they have been in the past 3 weeks, however, teams tend to get out of funks if they aren't a terrible team. OBJ has started to turn it around but needs to continue doing so if the Giants want to win. The Giants aren’t out of it yet, but they have a long road of recovery to get through and a win here will get them on the right track.

Baltimore 17  Giants 20

Cleveland Browns vs Tennessee Titans

Can Cleveland get their first win? Probably. Are they going to? Not in my books no. I believe in Demarco Murray who has enjoyed a FANTASTIC comeback season so far. If he continues his streak, I would argue him for Comeback Player of the Year. He is the sole reason I think Tennesse can win. I’m just not sure how well the Browns run defense will be able to handle someone of Murrary’s caliber. But HEY! Kessler has looked solid in his rookie season debut. The Browns have hope if Kessler can continue to improve his play. Maybe the Browns have found their future signal-caller after all.

 Browns 21  Titans 24

Philadelphia Eagles vs Washington Redskins

So, did you know that the Redskins have quietly been one of the better defenses in the past 3 weeks? Ironically, that’s the same time Cousins has started to step up this season. Hmm. Weird. It’s as if the Redskins have been decent all along. Haters. Anyway, this is a tough one to predict. The Eagles were finally silenced but it wasn’t even by a dominant team, it was by the Lions! That’s why the matchup looks so tough. The Redskins have started to show who they could be and there is plenty of game tape on the Eagles so now teams can figure out what their strengths and weaknesses are. The Eagles should win on paper, but I am rolling with the hot hand: The Redskins

Eagles 20   Redskin 26

Kansas City Chiefs vs Oakland Raiders

So who are the Chiefs with Jamal Charles? Guess we’ll find out this week. I expect this to be a high scoring game. The Raiders defense hasn’t come up clutch yet except in one game against Baltimore but even then a lot have argued that Marc Trestman’s playcalling lost Baltimore the game in the end. So, where does that leave us? That leaves us with a mediocre Chiefs offense vs mediocre Raiders defense with a good Chiefs defense  vs an elite Raiders offense. On paper, the Raiders should win. In real life? They will win anyway. Derek Carr has been the key to the Raiders 4 wins this season. Put another win on his resume.

Chiefs 17  Raiders 24

Dallas Cowboys vs Green Bay Packers

Even though Atlanta will be playing Seattle too, I think this will be the best game of the afternoon. Is it so hard to believe that Dallas can beat the Packers? Not at all. However, the Packers defense has been very opportunistic recently and I think Prescott will throw his first interception against Green Bay. My gut tells me the Cowboys are going to win, but my brain tells me the Packers will win. However, for that to happen, Rodgers needs to step up. The guy has the lowest completion percentage in the league. Unacceptable.

Cowboys 23  Packers 24

Atlanta Falcons vs Seattle Seahawks

The Falcons showed they can win without Matt Ryan going off……because they have a balanced offense. The running game has been okay all season but finally went off against Denver. The Falcons are a had offense to figure out thanks to OC Kyle Shanahan. I think the Seahawks are formidable but I think the Falcons can still pull it off with a little trickery and outsmarting the Legion of Boom. For the Seahawks to win, Wilson needs to keep showing why he is the future QB to watch in the NFL. The guy has performed well in the pocket and is the absolute definition of dual threat passer.

Falcons 21  Seahawks 20

Indianapolis Colts vs Houston Texans

I’m going to flat out say it. The Colts will win and not because their good. Because the Texans just look bad, specifically, Brock Osweiler looks bad. Unless Osweiler starts performing, the Texans become one dimensional on offense and without J.J. Watt on the defense, the Texans can’t rely on their defense to win games for them. Expect more Luck magic Sunday Night!

Colts 27  Texans 16

New York Jets vs Arizona Cardinals

The Jets defense isn’t living up to the hype and Fitzpatrick is looking more like Fitzpatrick than he ever has before. The return of Fitzmagic will have to wait another week as Palmer is back and this is the game for the Cardinals to get their offense firing back up on all cylinderes. Also, if the Cards defense can shutdown Fitzpatrick completely (not a hard task), even a bad version of the Cardinals offense will win this game. Just give the ball to David Johnson. #FutureHOF

Jets 13  Cardinals 34