TEM’s Divisional Playoff Weekend Preview: New York Giants vs Green Bay Packers

The Pack have been the favorite since the beginning of the year. The Giants weren’t even supposed to be here in some people’s eyes. But no matter what we all think, what we do know is that these two teams had a really competitive game in the New Meadowlands. Now we get to see Round 2, except this time, its in Green Bay.

QB Eli Manning was hitting the big play with consistency last week. And no player was bigger for him in the passing game than WR Hakeem Nicks. This week, expect Nicks to have the advantage again in his matchup. He will more than likely be facing CB Sam Shields while CB Charles Woodson will be in the slot. But for as good as the Giants were in the passing game, they must be equally impressive in the running game. If RBs Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs are effective, they keep Packers QB Aaron Rodgers off the field. Another thing the Giants have to do is account for LB Clay Matthews. He can wreck a game if the Giants don’t control him and Eli could be under duress all game.

QB Aaron Rodgers is the MVP. Contrary to all the Drew Brees lovers, he’s the man in my opinion. Now with that being said, Rodgers has to come out and carry his offense again this week. For him to do that, the Packer offensive line must protect Rodgers from the Nascar pass rush of the Giants, led by DEs Jason Pierre-Paul and Justin Tuck. If the Packers protect Rodgers, then the Giants secondary could be in some trouble. No offense to the Giants, but they don’t have enough DBs to cover TE Jermichael Finley and WRs Donald Driver, Jordy Nelson, Greg Jennings and James Jones. Another player to watch this game when the Packers are on offense will be James Starks. He is the most physical of the Green Bay RBs and he must be somewhat effective to help the offensive line keep some of the heat off of Rodgers.

This game should be interesting and high-scoring. But, like most games, it comes down to defense. Whoever makes more plays defensively will win the game. I will take the team that creates more turnovers to win this game, the Green Bay Packers.
Prediction: Green Bay Packers 34, New York Giants 31

TEM’s Wild Card Weekend Preview: Atlanta Falcons vs New York Giants

It’s playoff football time in Gotham City. No, its not the Jets but the Giants that are headed to the post-season to take on the Atlanta Falcons. The crowd will be amped. The atmosphere will be electric. And the game should be good.

QB Matt Ryan has enjoyed his best season as an Atlanta Falcon (4177 yards, 29 TDs, 92.2 passer rating). Ryan enjoyed this season due to the play of rookie WR Julio Jones(54 receptions, 959 yards, 8 TDs), WR Roddy White(100 receptions, 1296 yards, 8 TDs) and TE Tony Gonzalez(80 receptions, 875 yards, 7 TDs). But for as much as these guys did for the passing game, Ryan’s best friend needs to be RB Michael Turner(1340 yards, 11 TDs). Turner has been the barometer for the Falcons. When he is given the ball 20-25 times, this Falcons team is tough. When the Falcons become a passing team, that’s when they become vulnerable. It should be interesting to see how Falcons offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey calls this game. If I were him, I would attack the Giants with Turner. If that running game is successful, then you keep the Giants pass rush, led by Jason Pierre-Paul(16.5 sacks) and Justin Tuck, off balance. Ryan better hope the Nascar pass rush doesn’t get cranked up. The Falcons have the better matchups in terms of their WRs and TEs vs the Giants DBs, but Ryan can’t make great passes when he’s looking up at the sky.

QB Eli Manning(4933 yards, 29 TDs, 92.9 passer rating) has certainly been inconsistent this year. He played great in games against the Patriots and the Cowboys and then there was the Seahawks game. Yikes! But of recent, when the game and the season has been on the line, he’s been Eli the Clutch. But for as clutch as Eli has been, what’s even more incredible is he’s led this team to the playoffs with the worst running game in the NFL. Well, its playoff time and that means its time for the Giants to run the ball better. They need RBs Ahmad Bradshaw(171 carries, 659 yards, 9 TDs) and Brandon Jacobs(152 carries, 571 yards, 7 TDs) to play like the beasts they can be and not like the duds they have been for most of the year. If Eli can get some help in the running game, then expect some fireworks in the passing game. Victor Cruz(82 receptions, 1536 yards, 9 TDs) has been the star of the Giants offense all season. In this game, he ought to be licking his chops. No offense to Falcons CBs Dunta Robinson and Brent Grimes, but neither can handle Cruz, let alone WR Hakeem Nicks(76 receptions, 1192 yards, 7 TDs) on the opposite side. This game has all the makings of another big game for Eli. The two guys that could throw a wrinkle in those plans are DE John Abraham and LB Curtis Lofton. Abraham, even though he doesn’t have big sack numbers this year(9.5), could cause serious problems for a Giants offensive line that has had their problems at times this year. As for Lofton, he’s the guy that is their best defensive playmaker in the back seven. He must show up and show out for this Falcons defense.

As far as how this game goes, expect the run games of both teams to be the key. I just have a feeling that the Giants running game will get its acts together and give Eli some support. The Giants will be big today and the Falcons will end another year in disappointment.
Prediction: New York Giants 27, Atlanta 23

NFL Sunday Night Showcase: Dallas Cowboys vs New York Giants

It all comes down to one game. The New York Giants or the Dallas Cowboys from Met Life Stadium. The winner is the NFC East champion and goes to the playoffs. The loser goes home. Sounds like there’s going to be some excitement in New York tonight.

Cowboys QB Tony Romo has been oft criticized for his not-so-clutch performances at times and his downright unexplainable decisions as well. Tonight, Romo has to be smart with the football. Get the ball into the hands of WRs Dez Bryant, Miles Austin and TE Jason Witten, but don’t force it though. If the play is there, make it. If it isn’t, he needs to just get rid of the ball. Another thing that will help Romo will be a consistent running game. If Cowboys RB Felix Jones can pierce the Giants defense, that will help keep the Cowboys out of predictable down and distances so the Giants pass rush, led by DE Jason Pierre-Paul, cannot get a beat on the Cowboys offense.

Giants QB Eli Manning has also been inconsistent at times this year. Manning has looked like the possible MVP some days and looked like he was asleep at the wheel on others. The good thing about this game is it’s at home and it’s a big game. And no one understands the big game as much as Eli this year. In pretty much every big game this year, he has performed at an excellent level. If he is afforded some time in the pocket, he should be able to take advantage of a weak Cowboys secondary. A guy the Giants have to be aware of all game is Cowboys DE DeMarcus Ware. Ware is a beast and the Giants will definitely need to provide extra attention his way. Another thing to pay attention to will be how the running game does against the Cowboys. RBs Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs will be pivotal.

Expect this game to be a back and forth affair. Both teams have the capability to be explosive offensively and I expect both teams to make plays. In the end, I think the home crowd and the tendency of the Giants to play their best in big games will lead the Giants to the win and the NFC East crown.

Prediction: New York Giants 34, Dallas Cowboys 31

Ballers And Wankstas Of The WeeK- Week 16

Crunch time folks! Ballers stepped up this week and some of the Wankstas showed their true colors! Let me introduce you to the Ballers and Wankstas of the Week!

Ballers Of The Week

Drew Brees, QB, New Orleans Saints
I don’t even want to mention Brees and his numbers for this game. Brees broke the record for passing yards in a season held by Dan Marino since 1984. Brees has been a revelation in New Orleans and he deserves every bit of credit that he’s gotten. He’s been a Baller all year for this team and I expect to see more from him in the playoffs.

Jerome Simpson, WR, Cincinnati Bengals (5 receptions, 42 yards, 1 TD)
I’m sure people are wondering why Simpson is a Baller this week. Well, if you were watching the Cincinnati game vs the Cardinals this weekend, then you know. Simpson caught a shallow crossing pattern across the middle of the field, turned it up the field and then he did a forward flip over a defender and landed on his feet in the endzone. The most incredible effort I’ve seen all season on a touchdown by far. Now that’s ballin!

Victor Cruz, WR, New York Giants (3 receptions, 164 yards, 1 TD)
Cruz was a man on a mission. His 99 yard catch and run for a TD turned the momentum of the game and helped set up a Week 17 showdown with the Cowboys for the NFC East crown. Cruz has been a revelation for the Giants and he also set the team record for most receiving yards in a season in this game.

CJ Spiller, RB, Buffalo Bills (16 carries, 111 yards, 1 TD)
CJ looked like the first round draft pick he was in this game vs the Broncos. He hit the holes hard and make things happen. It ought to be interesting to see if this is fool’s gold or if this is what we can come to expect from Spiller regularly.

Wankstas Of The Week

Tim Tebow, QB, Denver Broncos (13/30, 185 yards, 1 TD, 4 INTs)
Tebow played pretty bad and now is sporting a two game losing streak. In that time, the common denominator is turnovers. Tebow must get back to valuing the football or they could be trouble brewing.

St. Louis Rams
I wonder if this team mailed it in. They got absolutely steam-rolled in Pittsburgh. To me, you have to bring more than this in the NFL and this effort has to be disappointing to Coach Spagnolo, who some say has a warm seat he’s sitting on these days.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have apparently forgotten what decade they play in because they are playing like the team that wore those hideous creamcicle jerseys back in the day. The Bucs need to find themselves, but it won’t happen this year. And it may have to happen with a new coach as well.

I have a special Wankstas award for the fans and media who got mad at the Saints for allowing Brees to throw for the record. Its the NFL folks and last time I checked, the defense gets paid to stop people. The Falcons defense didn’t stop him, so he got the record. Get over it and move on Falcons, media and Falcons fans. Its over. Focus on making the playoffs instead of getting even.

These are my Ballers and Wankstas of the Week. If you have any Ballers or Wankstas that you would like to add, feel free to drop a comment.

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NFL Saturday Night Showcase: Dallas Cowboys vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The stage is set. The writing is on the wall. Its crunch time for Dallas. The Cowboys lost a heartbreaker to the New York Giants last weekend 37-34 and now they face virtually a must-win situation every week to make the playoffs. Their mission starts tonight with a visit to Tampa to face the Buccaneers.

QB Tony Romo has been enigmatic all year long. He has historically been bad down the stretch run of the last few seasons. In this game, he must make smart decisions with the football and not try to do too much. His weapons also have to be effective. Expect RB Felix Jones to get plenty of touches due to the Tampa Bay defense’s inability to stop the run. He must show up in place of Demarco Murray, who is out for the season due to a fractured ankle. It also wouldn’t hurt if Dez Bryant gets involved in the game early and often. Bryant’s match up with Tampa Bay CB Aqib Talib should be interesting to watch.

Josh Freeman has struggled this year to stay away from the turnovers. He has been trying to force passes into places where no one should attempt to complete a pass. But the burden of keeping him out of situations where he has to force things doesn’t just fall on him. His running game, led by RB LeGarrette Blount, will be key in allowing Freeman to relax and just play the game. Also, WR Mike Williams has to help his quarterback more. Williams has been targeted a lot by Freeman, but doesn’t have a high percentage of catches in relation to those targets. He will have plenty of chances again tonight, so it should be interesting to see what he does. If the Tampa WRs and TEs are able to take advantage of Dallas and their secondary, then Dallas could have some trouble.

In this game, I expect both teams will come out emotional for different reasons. The Cowboys will be fighting for a playoff birth and the Bucs will be fighting for their coach. Unfortunately, the Bucs can’t stop the run or run consistently. Dallas can.
Prediction: Dallas 30, Tampa Bay 13

Ballers And Wankstas Of The Week- Week 14

The season is down to crunch time and the Ballers balled and the Wankstas, well they did what they usually do. Without further adieu, here are the Ballers and Wankstas of the Week!!

Ballers Of The Week

Eli Manning, QB, New York Giants (27/47, 400 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT)
Eli should be nicknamed Eli the Clutch after what’s he done this year in the fourth quarter. He is the highest rated QB when it counts most and he showed again that he can make it happen. Big ups to Eli.

Ryan Matthews, RB, San Diego Chargers (20 carries, 114 yards)
Matthews played excellent this weekend and showed some of the promise that the Chargers and Chargers fans have been waiting for from the former 1st round pick. Hopefully this is a sign of things to come for the young running back.

Marshawn Lynch, RB, Seattle Seahawks (23 carries, 115 yards, 1 TD)
Lynch ran over around and through the St. Louis Rams on his way to another 100+ yard rushing performance. It looks like Beast Mode has returned. Someone pass Lynch the Skittles please!

Alphonso Smith, DB, Detroit Lions
Smith was the star of the Lions 6 turnover effort against the Minnesota Vikings. He picked off two Christian Ponder passes, including an interception return for a touchdown that led to his ode to Michael Jackson touchdown dance. Great stuff!

Wankstas Of The Week

Browns Offense
The Browns couldn’t get anything going offensively. Part of it was the effect of the Steelers defense. The other part of it was the ineptitude of the offense. You would think that this offense would have some kind of imagination but it was as imaginative as a blank sheet of paper. Coach Shurmur, you’ve got some work to do.

Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs? Have you seen them folks? I really wonder what happened to them and where did they go. This team won the AFC West last year and they’ve gone completely down the tubes this year. Sure, injuries affected this team, but are they this bad? I think not.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were playing well in Jacksonville and then the roof caved in. Jacksonville became the Green Bay Packers and were scoring at will on the Bucs. If I’m the Bucs, I’m embarrassed by my performance and if I’m Bucs brass, I wonder if Raheem Morris can’t reach this team anymore.

Josh McDaniel, St. Louis Rams Offensive Coordinator
McDaniel has been pretty bad as an offensive coordinator this year St. Louis. He took a pretty good offense and turned it inept. For his next magic trick, he may want to see how fast he can disappear from this coaching staff.

These are my Ballers and Wankstas of the Week! If you have anyone you would like to add, feel free to drop a comment with your Baller or Wanksta of the week!

#SportsBlogMovement

The Everyday Mailbag-12/6/2011

There was plenty of big news this week with the BCS, the Tebow craze and other things as well. And with those exciting events and players, there are also questions. Without further adieu, here are the questions the sports world wants to know!

Q: Who do you think will win the Shortened NBA Season?
-Brandon T., Nashville, TN

A: I think the logical choices for the title will be the Heat and the Lakers, but I also believe its too early to tell right now due to the pending NBA free agent and trade movement coming up. Once rosters are mostly set, then I could probably give a more accurate pick there.

Q: Is Cam Newton a sure pick for Rookie of the year after breaking the QB single season rushing record?
-James R., Nashville, TN

A: I don’t think Cam Newton is a surefire pick for rookie of the year. Even though Cam has broke records, Bengals QB Cam Newton has won games. Simple and plain, he has been one of the catalysts of this team, along with AJ Green and that Bengal defense.

Q: After what we’ve seen in Chicago since Cutler went down, question is does backup QB Caleb Hanie have a future role as a backup in Chicago?
-Lee L., Chicago, IL

A: I think that Hanie is done in Chicago. I understand that he’s a backup, but in this instance, he hasn’t shown he can fill in for Cutler when they need him and to be honest, the Bears need to look for more stability in that position because the backup QB is only one play away. Who knows when this situation could arise again for Chicago.

Q: Why is it so hard for Tim Tebow’s critics to give credit where credit is due? Yesterday, Cris Carter looked like he’d rather vomit than admit tebow is winning.
-JW, Lafayette, IN

A: I actually think that folks are afraid of what they haven’t seen. People haven’t seen a QB like him be successful and I think it bothers the “experts” a whole bunch that someone unconventional as Tebow is winning.

Q: Do the Colts draft Andrew Luck & deal Peyton Manning or do they pay two quarterbacks a lot of money? Or do they deal the rights to Luck & get a lot of draft pick? ?
-James R., Nashville, TN

A: I think the Colts, if they get the 1st pick in the draft (which seems to be a certainty at this point) will draft Luck and possibly keep both QBs. That’s a small possibility, but a possibility nonetheless. In the end though, I think that if Peyton proves he’s healthy, he will be traded. But he has to prove he’s healthy first.

Q: ‎​How will the Giants finish the season?
-Joey K., Los Angeles, CA

A: That depends on which Giants team shows up. If the one that played against the Packers shows up, they could win the rest of their games this year and win the division. If they appear like they did in New Orleans, they are done. I think the Giants will show fight and will make the playoffs due to the implosions of Chicago and Detroit right now.

Q: Do you think Jim Schwartz is on the hot seat in Detroit because of the lack of discipline shown by the Lions?
-Jeremy W., Winnepeg, Canada

A: I think Schwartz isn’t on the hot seat, but what he does need to do is make a statement with this team. A lot of times when these dumb penalties happen, Schwartz doesn’t discipline them about it. I would have liked Schwartz to have made a statement and send a player to the locker room or something. That would get the team’s attention I think that’s what has to happen.

Q: What do u think about the BCS title game?
-Jason J., Memphis, TN

A: I think the title game will be a hard-nosed, physical game and that special teams could make the difference again. On another note, a lot of fans are screaming that Oklahoma State should have been in the title game. To that I have one explanation. I believe they have one person to blame: Oklahoma State. They had their own destiny in their hands and then they lost to Iowa State. When that happened, doubt came into the picture and hope came into the picture for Alabama. In the end, doubt turned into reality for Oklahoma State and hope turned into jubilation for Alabama. I’m not saying the BCS is right or wrong, but what I’m saying is Oklahoma State should blame Oklahoma State first and not the BCS.

Thanks everyone for all the questions. And remember, if you have sports questions, I have answers.

#SportsBlogMovement

Ballers And Wankstas Of The Week- Week 11

Week 11 just passed us by in the NFL. And with every week, some players played and some played bombed. And some players just did some dumb things. Without further adieu, here are the Ballers and Wankstas of the Week!

Ballers Of The Week

Tony Romo, QB, Dallas Cowboys (23/37, 292 yards, 3 TDs)
Romo had a good game vs the Redskins. He made some risky throws, but he placed those throws where only his teammate can catch it. Romo has now had 2 good games in a row. It will be interesting to see if he can handle prosperity when he faces the Dolphins on Thanksgiving.

Kevin Smith, RB, Detroit Lions (16 carries, 140 yards, 2 TDs)
Smith was excellent for the Lions. He ran with conviction and purpose. If he’s able to give the Lions a running game, that makes the Lions that more dangerous offensively.

Michael Turner, RB, Atlanta Falcons (21 carries, 100 yards, 1 TD)
Turner punished the Titans everytime he ran the ball Sunday. The lasting image I have of this game is Turner running down the sideline, squaring up Titans safety Michael Griffin and running him flat over. And Turner repeated that a bunch Sunday. When he’s running the ball like that, the Falcons are very tough to beat.

Michael Crabtree, WR, San Francisco 49ers (7 receptions, 120 yards)
Could this be the emergence of Crabtree as a lead receiver? Well, it was the Cardinals, but he did show up and played well. It should be interesting to see if he can build on this performance vs the Ravens.

Wankstas Of The Week

Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills have gone from everyone’s surprise to everyone’s demise. They seem to have forgotten their offense the last few weeks and their defense as well. And to top it all off, they even got a punt blocked for a TD. Buffalo, you’ve got to do better!

Tyler Palko, QB, Kansas City Chiefs (25/38, 0 TDs, 3 INTs)
Welcome to the Big Leagues Palko! Well, I’m sure this wasn’t the welcome he wanted. The Pats didn’t show any mercy against Palko. The best thing he can do is forget this game even happened.

DeSean Jackson, WR, Philadelphia Eagles
Jackson made some big plays vs the Giants, but he made a bonehead play as well. After a huge gain on a pass from QB Vince Young, Jackson flipped the ball to Giants defensive coordinator Perry Fewell and then proceeded to taunt the Giants sideline. Well, that showboating coast the Eagles not only some penalty yards, but that big gain as well. Great job DeSean!

St. Louis Rams
The nightmare that is the St. Louis Rams season continued this week with a sound whooping at home against the Seattle Seahawks. The Rams made Tavoris Jackson look like something most think he can’t be: an NFL QB. A season where so much was expected has gone right down the tubes.

These are my Ballers and Wankstas of the week. If you feel someone else should be added to the Baller or Wanksta list, feel free to drop a comment.

Ballers And Wankstas Of The Week-Week 9

Players played. Ballers balled and some players just flat-out left it all at home. Here are the Ballers and Wankstas of Week 9 in the NFL!

Ballers Of The Week

RB Arian Foster, Houston Texans (19 carries, 124 yards, 1 TD)
Foster came out and handled business. It seemed at first this year that he was going to struggle with a hamstring injury, but what a difference a few weeks make! He’s back to torching defenses again as usual. And this is dangerous. Just ask the Browns how dangerous he was this past weekend.

Eli Manning, QB, New York Giants (20/39, 250 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT)
The game was in the balance. The Giants were down and most had counted them out. Then Manning went to work. No, not Peyton, but Eli. Eli was clutch and came through when his team needed him most. I guess he has Brady’s number.

Jordy Nelson, WR, Green Bay Packers (5 receptions, 105 yards, 1 TD)
Nelson is just one of a plethora of talented Packers receiver. He gives Aaron Rodgers yet another weapon to punish teams with. Good luck stopping all their weapons.

Patrick Peterson, CB/WR, Arizona Cardinals
Peterson has been electrifying returning punts this year, but this one takes the cake. In overtime, Peterson took a punt 99 yards for the game-winning TD. Peterson is truly a special return guy. Now he has to get his defensive back swagger back and stop getting penalized so much.

Wankstas Of The Week

Phillip Rivers, QB, San Diego Chargers (26/46, 385 yards, 4 TDs, 3 INTs)
Rivers has been good. Rivers has been bad. And most recently, he’s been ugly. Against the Packers, he threw two pick-6′s and he also threw the game-sealing interception to Green Bay’s Charlie Peprah. He’s just been off this year. All I know if he better get it together if the Chargers want to make the playoffs this year.

Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB, Buffalo Bills (15/31, 191 yards, TD, 2 INTs)
Fitzpatrick came back down to Earth this week as the Jets took him out of his game. For the Bills’ sake, they better hope this performance is a blip on the screen because they just opened up the pocket book to sign Fitzgerald long-term.

DeSean Jackson, WR, Philadelphia Eagles (2 receptions, 16 yards)
Action Jackson was missing in action Monday. He also gave up a fumble on a punt return as well. He needs to come out of the haze and be special again. His team needs him.

Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs didn’t show up this week. So for all NFL fans, here is where they were. They were getting ready for the Wankstas list this week. Wake up Chiefs. It was football time Sunday and you didn’t even show up. C’mon man!

These are my Ballers and Wankstas of the Week! If you have any players or teams you would like to add to either list, feel free to drop a comment.

#SportsBlogMovement

The Everyday Man’s NFL Predictions- Week 9

Dreams are starting to take shape and fortunes are starting to be told. No, I’m not talking about fortune telling. I’m talking about NFL football. Week 9 is gonna be a good one! Here is my predictions for Week 9 in the NFL!

NY Jets vs Buffalo
The Jets head to the Ralph to take on the Bills in this AFC grudge match. The Jets were off last weekend and should be rested. Hopefully within that week of resting, the offense has had time to build some chemistry. QB Mark Sanchez needs the running game to continue to aid his play. If Shonn Greene and LT show up, expect more one-on-one matchups outside, and that’s advantage Jets. The Jets also need to make sure they find S George Wilson. He’s having an MVP year and is the Bills best defensive playmaker.

Fitzpatrick finally got paid and went out and led his team to a win last week vs the Redskins. Expect Fitz to have more of a challenge this week with the Jets getting back to stop the run. More will be on his shoulders to beat the Jets defensively. TE Scott Chandler could be a big factor because the Jets are weakest at S and Chandler is a matchup problem for a lot of teams. Expect this game to be tight, but the Jets will fall again. The Bills will have the home crowd and they have the best QB on the field in this matchup.
Prediction: Buffalo 24, NY Jets 20

Seattle vs Dallas
The Seahawks head to the Lone Star State to take on a Dallas team still smarting from last week’s thumping by Philadelphia. Seattle is a welcomed sight for the Cowboys due to their ineptitude offensively. With either Tavaris Jackson or Charlie Whitehurst at QB, the passing game has been inconsistent at best. And to go with that, the running game hasn’t exactly been great either. Expect the Seahawks to have problems moving the ball and expect them to have problems containing Cowboys OLB Demarcus Ware. To be honest, the only guy I see that could have a good day this game for Seattle is TE Zach Miller because the Cowboys can’t cover TEs, especially with ILB Sean Lee out of the game.

Tony Romo has to be protected from Tony Romo. And that falls on offensive coordinator/Head coach Jason Garrett. Expect Garrett to run the football right at the Seahawks with RB Demarco Murray. Once the running game gets going, then everything else will fall in place. If the Cowboys come out trying to pass the ball all over the yard, they will not win, or it will be close at least. Either way, I think Dallas wins this game.
Prediction: Dallas 27, Seattle 10

Atlanta vs Indianapolis
The Falcons head to Nap Town to take on the Colts. QB Matt Ryan has gotten back to being who he is. Part of that reason is the re-dedication to the running game. If the Falcons stick to their script of using the running game to set up the play-action pass, they should be fine in Indy. If they become a passing team again, expect DE Dwight Freeney, DE Robert Mathis and crew to put tremendous pressure on Ryan and keep this game close.

QB Curtis Painter has filled in for Peyton this year and he hasn’t done an awful job. Sure, he isn’t Peyton and he’s made mistakes, but he’s not been the reason for their loses for the most part. For the Colts, to keep it close offensively, they must have production from the running game. Look for RB Delone Carter to get some more touches because he’s been the most effective of the running backs for the Colts. If Carter gets going, that opens up the field for Painter to hit those play-action passes to TE Dallas Clark, WR Pierre Garcon and WR Reggie Wayne. Ultimately, the Colts will fight hard but they just don’t have enough to get it done.
Prediction: Atlanta 31, Indianapolis 17

Miami vs Kansas City
The Dolphins continue their nightmare as they head to the Midwest to take on a resurgent Kansas City team. QB Matt Moore has been inconsistent for the Dolphins as a starter. I expect more inconsistencies this week as he is playing against a Chiefs team that can bring pressure with the likes of OLB Tamba Hali. A matchup to watch will be WR Brandon Marshall vs CB Brandon Flowers. Flowers is one of the best corners in the NFL and no one talks about him.

QB Matt Cassel found his stride a little bit last week, but this week he should light the Dolphins up. Cassel has to consistently attack the Dolphins secondary because they have been giving up the ghost all year long. Expect some big plays to WRs Dwayne Bowe and Jonathan Baldwin. And maybe we will see WR Steve Breaston show up and get off the milk carton. This game has the potential to either get way out of hand or be real close. Its all in the hands of the Chiefs offense.
Prediction: Kansas City 24, Miami 13

Tampa Bay vs New Orleans
The Bucs head to the Crescent City to take on a New Orleans squad that got embarrassed by thr hapless Rams last weekend. Expect the Saints to come out fired up. QB Josh Freeman and crew must weather the storm. And for Freeman, he must value the football. He has been trying to throw into double and triple coverage and trying to make plays out of nothing. He has to take what the defense gives him and get some help from his running game.

New Orleans is a team that is an enigma. They have been electrifying at times and disappointing. At others. Expect the Saints to come out looking for revenge. And that smells trouble for the Bucs. QB Drew Brees will have all but one of his weapons on display, RB Mark Ingram. Expect the other RBs to pick up the slack and expect the Saints to get revenge on the Bucs and redeem themselves from last week’s disappointment.
Prediction: New Orleans 27, Tampa Bay 20

San Francisco vs Washington
The 49ers head East to take on the Washington Redskins. The Redskins have been fading fast and its a mystery who will be at QB. The reason I say that is because when you have two QBs, you don’t have a QB. For the Redskins to win, they must have something from the running game. They also must have something from the QB position. Its gonna be tough sledding against the 49ers stingy defense.

QB Alex Smith has been playing mistake-free football. His chances have been limited due to the success of the running game and the offensive scheme, but in this case, less is more. Smith must continue to take care of the ball and also keep feeding the ball to RB Frank Gore. Gore has been a beast this year. Expect the 49ers to challenge the Redskins defense in the running game. Ultimately, the strength and toughness of the 49ers in the run game will wear the Redskins down. That’s and a sprinkling in of precise passes.
Prediction: San Francisco 31, Washington 13

Cleveland vs Houston
The Browns head to H-town to take on the Houston Texans. QB Colt McCoy and crew have been slowed offensively. Expect more of the same this week due to the lack of a healthy Peyton Hillis and Montario Hardesty. These two RBs will be on the shelf this weekend more than likely. The onus will be on McCoy to make plays in the passing game and that won’t be easy with the likes of CB Jonathan Joseph lurking in the Houston secondary.

RB Arian Foster should be licking his chops going into this week. He’s going against a team that allowed RB Frank Gore to run wild last week. Expect Foster left, Foster right and Foster up the middle. It could be a long day for the Browns defense getting off the field. And the sad thing is the passing game for the Texans is potent too.
Prediction: Houston 31, Cleveland 14

Cincinnati vs Tennessee
The surprising Bengals head to Tennessee to take on the Titans. QB andy Dalton has been better than expected this year. He’s been helped by a good running game, led by RB Cedric Benson. Expect the Bengals to try and establist the run first. If they do that, then they will have the Titans defense on their collective heels. For the Titans, if they stop the run, they make Andy Dalton try to beat them in the passing game.

QB Matt Hasselbeck has been a great pickup so far for the Titans. Now the Titans need the running game to reappear. Some are quick to point to Chris Johnson as the issue, but the real issue is the offensive line. They have become a pass-first blocking line. For the Titans to win this game, their offensive line must find that mean streak and that road raider style that they had in the past to clear holes for Johnson and Ringer. That and the constant veteran presence of Hasselbeck will lead the Titans to victory vs the Bengals.
Prediction: Tennessee 23, Cincinnati 17

Denver vs Oakland
The Broncos head to The Black Hole to take on the Raiders. Expect the Raiders to bring a ton of pressure to rattle QB Tim Tebow. Tebow must diagnose the defense and make plays, whether with his feet or with his legs. Tebow must also get rid of the ball quicker. The one positive for the Broncos against the Raiders is the Raiders are a bad pass defense.

QB Carson Palmer has had a week of learning the offense, so hopefully he will be better this time out. Expect him to get help from his running game, even though Darren McFadden may be out. Also, look for the young WRs to step up and make some plays against an atrocious defense in Denver.
Prediction: Oakland 24, Denver 13

NY Giants vs New England
The Giants head to Boston to take on Tom Brady and the Patriots. QB Eli Manning carried his team last week. Now I don’t expect that to happen again, but I do expect him to have a good game. Look for the Giants to use the pass to set up the run, especially with all the good, young receivers they have. New England must get some pressure on Eli to knock him off his mark.

The New England offense is Tom Brady. I’m not saying he does everything for them. After all, he is a QB and doesn’t catch his own passes, but he is the barometer for the Pats offense, and perhaps the Pats team as a whole. Expect Brady to come out and hit all his weapons with pinpoint passes, but that’s only if the Giants pressure doesn’t get to him. The group of pass rushers the Giants have could cause problems for the Patriots if they don’t account for them.
Prediction: New England 31, NY Giants 24

St. Louis vs Arizona
The Rams are flying high after their big win. Expect them to be riding that confidence into the Desert. The main thing that will help the Rams this game is if they stay focused on getting the running game going. RB Steven Jackson is the most important player on this team. If he gets going, everything else on offense will open up for the Rams, especially against the hapless Cardinals.

News is out that QB Kevin Kolb will not play. With that being said, backup QB John Skelton must step up and into his role. Bad thing is, I don’t think he can. And Coach Steve Spagnolo is known to be a mad scientist defensively. Expect him to try to confuse Skelton all game. The only way Arizona fights what Coach Spags does if with the running game. I expect that Skelton will not get it all figured out. He’s gonna fail Coach Spags test.
Prediction: St. Louis 20, Arizona 17

Green Bay vs San Diego
The Pack head west to take on the Chargers in San Diego. QB Aaron Rodgers has been spectacular this year. Expect him to come out slinging the ball again this game. And the crazy thing is the Chargers can’t do anything about it. The passing game, along with the run mixed in, could bring lots of pain to Chargers fans this weekend.

QB Phillip Rivers has been off all year. He’s been turning the ball over with interceptions and fumbles all year long. Expect him to step it up this game though. When great QBs face great QBs, greatness comes out of the QB that was struggling. A guy that may be due for a big game this week is WR Vincent Jackson. For as good as the Pack have been on defense, they have had some struggles in pass defense. All in all, I don’t know if those struggle get show because the Chargers will shoot themselves in the foot again, like usual.
Prediction: Green Bay 38, San Diego 24

Baltimore vs Pittsburgh
The Ravens head to the Big Ketchup Bottle to take on the Steelers. The Steelers will be bent on revenge this game, so expect them to come out with a lot of energy, especially defensively. Its gonna hurt that OLB Lamar Woodley will be out, but OLB James Harrison could be back though. Even with those guys possibly out, I still expect them to put heat on Ravens QB Joe Flacco. And as inconsistent as the Ravens have been offensively, the Ravens could help them out with some turnovers. The Ravens must get their most important offensive player, RB Ray Rice, as many touches as possible.

For the Ravens D, the mission is simple: stop the run and put pressure on Big Ben. These two things will be key to watch. Expect Big Ben and crew to counteract that with the quick passing game and quick hitters in the run game. Big Ben will have to play well, but RB Rashard Mendenhall and the offensive line will have to carry this one home for the Steelers to win. I think the crowd along with the revenge factor will help the Steelers win this ballgame.
Prediction: Pittsburgh 17, Baltimore 13

Chicago vs Philadelphia
The Bears are heading into the Big Link to take on a resurgent Eagles team. For the Eagles to win, they must get RB LeSean McCoy involved in the game. He needs at least 25 touches to affect the game. And with 25 touches, I mean runs. The Eagles must use the run to protect Vick and to help setup the big plays to their bevy of weapons. For the Bears, they must know where WR DeSean Jackson is at all times.

For the Bears, they must come out and run the football at the Eagles. Even though the Eagles had a good game stopping the run last week, I’m curious to see if they can do it two weeks in a row. QB Jay Cutler must be careful with the football and get the football to RB Matt Forte as many times as possible. He’s the barometer for this team. This one should be close, but I just think its tough to hold down the Eagles and their playmakers all game long.
Prediction: Philly 34, Chicago 20

These are my predictions for the week. Let the games begin!!!

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