Buccaneers at Falcons
Coming into the 2010 season, few would have chosen this game as a critical battle between playoff contenders. However, after eight weeks, the Falcons and the upstart Buccaneers are tied atop the NFC South. Nevertheless, despite their identical 5-2 records, the Buccaneers will struggle to keep up in this one. Well-rested after their bye week, Atlanta should be able to overwhelm Tampa’s porous running defense with its strong rushing attack led by Michael Turner. This mismatch will be the deciding factor in a comfortable Atlanta victory.
Atlanta 31, Tampa Bay 17
Bears at Bills
After a 3-0 start, the Bears have cooled off considerably. Still in the hunt for a playoff berth, they will look to reverse their recent poor fortunes in a seemingly favorable matchup with the winless Bills. The Bills’ offense could struggle against a strong Bears’ defense, but Jay Cutler and the Bears’ offense have looked fairly incompetent as well. This game will be decided on turnovers, and Jay Cutler commits a lot of them. After a few close calls, the Bills finally get their first win.
Buffalo 24, Chicago 21
Dolphins at Ravens
Coming off their bye and playing at home, the Ravens will hope to continue their winning ways against the scrappy Dolphins, who have won all four games of their games on the road this season. The Ravens will look for Ray Rice to have a big week and will have to hope their defense, which has underachieved thus far, will step up. The bye week should rejuvenate the Ravens, who will win fairly easily.
Baltimore 27, Miami 13
Saints at Panthers
This is an easy one for the Saints. The defending Super Bowl champs have looked strong in recent weeks after a disappointing start to the year, and they face one of the weakest teams in the NFL in the Panthers. Expect the Saints to dominate.
New Orleans 38, Carolina 7
Patriots at Browns
The Patriots are as consistent as they come. Bill Belichick and Tom Brady just keep winning and this week should be no different against the lowly Browns. Despite their shocking win over the Saints before their bye last week, Cleveland is too weak on both sides of the ball to compete with a solid team like the Patriots.
New England 28, Cleveland 17
Jets at Lions
The Lions have made significant strides toward becoming a more complete team this season, but the Jets will be ready to play after an embarrassing shutout at the hands of the Packers last week. Look for the Jets’ defense to be stingy as usual and expect a much better performance from Mark Sanchez and the Jets’ offense after a weak showing against Green Bay. The Jets will rebound and get a big win to keep themselves in the hunt for the AFC East crown.
New York 24, Detroit 9
Chargers at Texans
Statistically speaking, the Chargers have the best offense and defense in the NFL. The statistics do not make them sound like a struggling 3-5 team, but they are. However, as they have in recent years, I expect the Chargers to make a playoff run after a slow start and I expect this to be the week it starts. The Texans have the worst passing defense in the NFL, so expect Philip Rivers to put in a dominant performance in a high-scoring win for the Chargers. San Diego 35, Houston 24
Vikings at Cardinals
The Vikings have cut their ties with Randy Moss and hope the lack of his negative energy raises spirits and helps produce a critical win. Minnesota will be determined and desperate and the Cardinals are simply not very good, especially at quarterback. The Vikings’ defense will dominate and the offense will get going again with Adrian Peterson leading the way.
Minnesota 23, Arizona 10
Giants at Seahawks
After a 1-2 start, the Giants have won four consecutive games and look like one of the best teams in the NFC. They travel to Seattle to take on a Seahawks team that was humiliated by the Raiders last week. Though home field advantage is a major factor at Qwest Field, the difference in the game will be the Giants’ pass rush, which should prove too strong for Seattle’s weak offensive line.
New York 20, Seattle 14
Raiders at Chiefs
After cruising to victory last week against Seattle, the 4-4 Raiders will try to keep up their challenge for the division title against one of their division rivals, the first place Chiefs. This should be an evenly matched contest of two young, talented teams, but look for the Chiefs’ two-headed rushing attack of Thomas Jones and Jamaal Charles to be a bit too much for the Raiders to handle. The Chiefs win a close one to take a firmer grasp on the AFC West.
Kansas City 24, Oakland 23
Colts at Eagles
The big story in this game is the return of Eagles quarterback Michael Vick. Though Vick is always a threat and will likely produce big numbers against the Colts’ defense, it is just not smart to bet against Peyton Manning in a shootout. The Colts will get the job done, but it’s going to be close.
Indianapolis 34, Philadelphia 31
Packers at Cowboys
Not too long ago, this would have been considered one of the best matchups of the season. However, after entering the season with big expectations, the Cowboys have been the league’s biggest disappointment with only one win in seven games. Tony Romo’s broken clavicle only makes matters worse for Dallas, who will start Jon Kitna again after a loss to the Jaguars. The Pack won’t have any sympathy for the Cowboys and will win this one easily after a season-changing win last week against the formidable Jets.
Green Bay 31, Dallas 14
Steelers at Bengals
This is another game that looked important before the season started but looks much less so after eight weeks. The Bengals, division champs a year ago, just can’t seem to get the job done this year. The Steelers’ defense is dominant as usual and won’t do the struggling Bengals any favors. Expect Carson Palmer to be brought down to the turf often as the Steelers cruise to victory.
Pittsburgh 27, Cincinnati 14