Colts at Titans
Despite the struggles of both teams, they each maintain legitimate playoff aspirations in the weak AFC South. However, this is a must-win for both teams and the loser is unlikely to be playing come January. The Colts have struggled to defend the run, which could present a problem with Chris Johnson in the Tennessee backfield. Nevertheless, I expect the Colts to find a way to overcome their weaknesses on defense and exploit the Titans’ passing defense on the other side of the ball.
Colts 28, Titans 13
Browns at Bills
One the league’s best stories this year has been the breakout season of the Browns’ Peyton Hillis. His impressive stats will only be bolstered by Buffalo’s anemic, last-ranked rushing defense. The Browns should be able to hold on to the ball for the majority of the game and ride their running game to victory.
Cleveland 24, Buffalo 17
Falcons at Panthers
This one could get ugly. Atlanta is one of the league’s best teams and Carolina is arguably the NFL’s worst. Expect the Falcons to dominate in every phase of the game and get an all-too-easy win.
Atlanta 31, Carolina 6
Packers at Lions
This game looks like another potential blowout with a dominant Green Bay team coming to Detroit to meet the lowly Lions. The Lions’ secondary will be unable to slow down Aaron Rodgers, who will continue to have great success finding Greg Jennings. This will be a very tough game for Detroit and I don’t expect them to be up to the task.
Green Bay 27, Detroit 14
Giants at Vikings
The Giants have looked solid in their last two games and their pass rush is fearsome. Whichever Minnesota quarterback plays, Brett Favre or backup Tarvaris Jackson, should be eating turf all game. Minnesota will not be able to run like they did on the Bills and will go back to their losing ways against postseason hopeful New York.
New York 31, Minnesota 20
Raiders at Jaguars
Surprisingly, this is a meaningful game for both teams. Neither was expected to compete for a playoff berth, but it’s December and both are still alive. The key in this game will be the matchup of Maurice Jones-Drew against Oakland’s No. 23 ranked running defense. Expect MJD to run all over the Raiders en route to a comfortable Jacksonville win.
Jacksonville 27, Oakland 9
Bengals at Steelers
There is simply no way that Cincinnati will come to Pittsburgh and leave with a win. The Steelers’ defense is stingy and their running game should be dominant over the Bengals’ weak defense in this cakewalk for Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh 34, Cincinnati 13
Buccaneers at Redskins
Despite a tough loss to the Falcons last week, the Bucs are still a playoff contender in the NFC South. The Redskins, on the other hand, have never looked like a team destined for success this season. Washington’s league-worst defense will continue to get spanked as Josh Freeman lights them up in an easy win.
Tampa Bay 28, Washington 14
Seahawks at 49ers
At 4-8, the 49ers should be playing the role of spoiler by now, but are somehow still alive in the pathetic NFC West. They face division-leading Seattle in a must-win game for San Francisco. Both teams know they must win the division to make the playoffs given their poor records, so expect a hard-fought, close game. I see the 49ers getting the better of Seattle’s hapless defense and earning a close win to stay afloat in the NFC West.
San Francisco 21, Seattle 17
Saints at Rams
The Rams have looked like a team with a bright future this year. Rookie quarterback Sam Bradford appears to be the real deal and the team has been scrappy all year. However, the Saints are an experienced, solid team with too many weapons on offense for the Rams to contend with. The Super Bowl champs get a win despite a solid effort from St. Louis.
New Orleans 31, St. Louis 23
Patriots at Bears
This should be the premier matchup of the weekend. The Bears’ defense has been solid and Jay Cutler is making fewer mistakes as of late. However, the Pats’ defense, which dismantled the Jets last week, will bring out the worst in Cutler and Bears’ turnovers will be costly. Additionally, New England’s offense will put up big numbers again this week in a victory that will truly show how large a gap there is between these two division leaders.
New England 38, Chicago 17
Dolphins at Jets
After being manhandled by the Patriots, the Jets will look to rebound with an important win over division rivals Miami. Expect the strong New York defense to step up and dominate an average Miami offense in a low-scoring win for the Jets.
New York 14, Miami 6
Broncos at Cardinals
Both of these teams are 3-9 and have no shot at the playoffs, rendering this game meaningless. However, it could be a close, interesting game anyway. I see the Broncos stepping up for interim head coach Eric Studesville and eking out a close win behind a strong performance from Kyle Orton, Knowshon Moreno and the rest of the Denver offense.
Denver 24, Arizona 23
Chiefs at Chargers
This is one of the most important games of the week. Can the Chargers bounce back from a tough loss to the Raiders to make another late-season surge toward the playoffs or will the division-leading Chiefs shut the door on San Diego once and for all? I expect a strong effort from the Chiefs, but I believe the desperate Chargers will scrap their way to a well-earned and critical victory behind the impressive leadership of Philip Rivers.
San Diego 28, Kansas City 20
Eagles at Cowboys
This is a traditional NFC East rivalry that usually holds great importance for both of these perennial contenders, but the Cowboys’ poor start to the year has seen them adopt a spoiler role. Michael Vick will certainly move the football through the air and on the ground, but I like the hot Cowboys to keep up with Philly and snag a close home win over a bitter rival.
Dallas 27, Philadelphia 24
Ravens at Texans
This is an important game for both of these playoff contenders. I would bet on the Ravens to bounce back after their loss to Pittsburgh and dominate through the air against a feeble Houston passing defense. On the other side of the ball, look for the Ravens to clamp down and control the game defensively. Look for the Ravens get a vital win to keep their hopes of an AFC North title alive.
Baltimore 20, Houston 10