NFL Week 9 Predictions

All I can say about last week is ....

Onto this week.

Jets @ Bills
Both teams feature stellar running games. The underappreciated Curtis Martin is having a career season so far, and Willis McGahee is quickly making a name for himself. The difference will be the quarterbacks. Pennington is living up to the hype surrounding him since his breakout year in 2002, whereas Bledsoe appears in the death throws of a once promising career. Prediction: Jets.

Raiders @ Panthers
The losers of the last two Super Bowls face off in Carolina. Both teams have struggled this year. Both have been hit hard by injuries. But you start to get the feeling that the Raider team that gave up last year is giving up again this year. Prediction: Panthers.

Cowboys @ Bengals
The Bengal offense looks like it's coming alive again, putting up 43 points in the last two games, after averaging under 15 points in the previous four. On the other hand, the Cowboys have a decent offense going up against a lousy Bengal defense. This is hard to pick, because both teams are pretty bad, but I have a feeling Palmer might be starting to hit a groove. Plus the Bengals are at home. Prediction: Bengals.

Redskins @ Lions
The Lions are at home, so they should not play well. But they face the Redskins, who don't play well anywhere. I really don't understand their struggles, but they have them. One of their biggest problems is turnovers, and the Lions are among the best in the league at forcing turnovers. Another big problem for Washington is penalties, which should be an even bigger problem on the road. Prediction: Lions.

Cardinals @ Dolphins
I'm going to go with the upset here. I really like what Dennis Green is getting out of the Cardinals. They have been competitive in every game this year, and they have had a tough schedule. Miami just plain stinks. Prediction: Cardinals.

Eagles @ Steelers
This game is between the top team in the NFC and the top team in the AFC. Both are well balanced teams with strong defense and passing games. The Eagles are the only undefeated team in the league, now that Pittsburgh took down New England. But, they have had problems dealing with better defenses. They haven't faced too many good defensive teams, but their scoring juggernaut has been slowed by Chicago and Baltimore. Despite his relative inexperience, Big Ben has proven himself among the better quarterbacks in the league. So the passing games are about equal between them. The one difference should be the running game, with Pittsburgh having the advantage with former Eagle Duce Staley. Prediction: Steelers.

Chiefs @ Bucs
The Chief offense has come back with a vengeance. Their defense has not improved, but they have the look of last year's 13-3 team. The Bucs have found some offense with Brian Griese, but no where near enough to keep up with the Chiefs. Prediction: Chiefs.

Bears @ Giants
The Bears are contending for the title of worst team in the league. The Giants are contending for a playoff spot. Prediction: Giants.

Saints @ Chargers
I'm actually picking the Chargers. Who would have thunk it? San Diego is kicking butt right now, tied for first in their division, with a pretty potent offense and an improving defense. They finally have a passing game that is a worthy counterpart to LaDanian Tomlinson. It's too soon to get really excited about San Diego. They have started fast most seasons since Marty has been there. The problem is in finishing off the season. But for now, you have to go with the surging team. Prediction: Chargers.

Seahawks @ 49ers
Despite their fall from the upper echelons of the league, Seattle is still a potent team that could make a deep run in the playoffs. San Fran is still deep in contention for that top pick in next year's draft. Prediction: Seahawks.

Texans @ Broncos
Houston has been explosive on offense this year, but their defense is not keeping up. (Think of Houston as KC South). The Broncos are not quite as explosive, but they are much more balanced. Of course, their high-rated defense has been scorched by lesser offenses the last two weeks in losses. Look for the Broncos to bounce back with a heavy dose of the running game to control the clock, keeping David Carr and Andre Johnson on the sidelines and keeping Plummer out of situations where he has to force throws. Prediction: Broncos.

Patriots @ Rams
The Pats come into this game beat up, with injuries to Ty Law and some of their top receivers. But, one of the strengths of the Patriots is depth, so the Patriots should still be able to confuse Bulger and slow him down. The Patriots can somewhat neutralize the impact to their receiving corps through Corey Dillon's running game, against a weak Ram defense. The Pats will grind this one out on the ground and do to the Rams what Pittsburgh did to New England last week. Prediction: Patriots.

Browns @ Ravens
Cleveland's offense has really picked up the last couple of games, taking Philly to the wire two weeks ago. But Baltimore will have a well-rested Jamal Lewis back. Prediction: Ravens.

Vikings @ Colts
Two top-notch, explosive offenses against two weak defenses. Will there be any punts? The difference will be the injury list, with Moss and Robinson hurt and the Colt receivers at full strength. Prediction: Colts.

Last Week: 5-9
Season: 63-53