Week 9 Picks

Week 8: 10-4  Overall: 73-46

Broncos vs. Bengals

The Broncos are a hot team going into week 9.  They have won 3 of their last 4 with receiver Eric Decker getting 5 TDs during that span.  Their rapport that people speculated about all preseason is finally showing up.  The Bengals are going in the opposite direction.  after starting 3-1 they’ve quickly loss 3 straight.  After a much needed bye week we’ll see if they can rebound to form.  I think this could turn into a high scoring affair only if the talented AJ Green gets involved early.  Otherwise it could be all Denver.

Pick: Broncos

Ravens vs. Browns

The Browns have won 2 of their last 3 games including the Chargers in the middle of a storm.  The Ravens on the other hand although are a soft 5-2, meaning, although they have a good record, indication shows they might not be as good as advertised.  Injuries on their defense has helped them have a 24th ranked passing defense and 30th against the run.  Those aren’t typical numbers that a Baltimore defense will put up.  After a shellacking from the Texans and a bye week, look for a heavy Ray Rice workload.  Don’t get tricked into picking the Browns this week.

Pick: Ravens

Cardinals vs. Packers

The Packers only squeaked by the Jacksonville Jaguars last week without the help of Jennings and Nelson.  This week they have, although slumping, a tougher opponent in the Cardinals.  Defensively the Cardinals match up well.  The big question is weather or not the Cardinals offense can score.  Although the Packers D is banged up, Clay Matthews should still wreck havoc in the backfield.  This could  be a close game, but Green Bay just has too much talent.

Pick: Packers

Bears vs. Titans

Cutler and Marshal have appeared to return to their old Denver form.  Forte is back into rhythm and this defense has been amazing.  If they can keep away from any more destructive performances like against Green Bay, this team will be scary.

Pick: Bears

Dolphins vs. Colts

Both of these teams are 4-3.  The Dolphins have done it by running the ball and stopping the run.  The Colts have done it by throwing the ball and stopping the passing game.  I think I like Miami in this one however, they just seem like a more complete team right now.

Pick: Dolphins

Panthers vs. Redskins

The game of the two most athletic quarterbacks in the game.  The Panthers have a sophomore slumping Newton and the Redskins have an improving RG3. The main difference is that the Skins have a more complete team and a running game.

Pick: Redskins

Lions vs. Jaguars

The Jags hung for a while with the Packers last weekend so they aren’t all that bad right?  Wrong.  The Lions who are one of the most talented 3-4 teams you’ll see in the league should win this one.

Pick: Lions

Bills vs. Texans

The Texans are one of the best teams in the league.  They can pound the ball and play defense.  The Bills get ran on by anybody.  Opponents average almost 180 yards per game against them.  Foster and the Texans have to be salivating at the mouth.

Pick: Texans

Buccaneers vs. Raiders

Josh Freeman has been a hot QB as of late and after the biggest game of his career, Doug Martin and the Bucs looks to keep the ball rolling.  After a tough loss to the Falcons the Raiders have won two straight, but against some pretty poor teams.  This game could very easily be a shootout.  I think the edge will go to the team who can run the ball better, which will be the Bucs.  McFadden hasn’t been all that great this year and Tampa knows how to shut down the run.

Pick: Buccaneers

Vikings vs. Seahawks

The Vikes have been struggling as of late dropping two of their last three, the worse being last week against Tampa.  Now they face a pesky Seattle team.  Seattle has loss two straight road games but now return home where they are 3-0.  This is probably why they are favored in Vegas.    I think Minnesota will tighten up their defense miscues the past few weeks.  We will also see a heavy dose of Peterson, although his YPC may not be the best, it will open up the passing game for the dynamic Harvin.

Pick: Vikings

Steelers vs. Giants

Both of these teams identities have changed some over the years.  No longer are these teams a run first pass later offense.  Both of these offenses now go through these Super Bowl winning quarterbacks.  The Giants however are healthier on defense, which I think gives them the edge in this one.

Pick: Giants

Cowboys vs. Falcons

When will the Falcons lose?  I think it is fair to say that we all believe the Falcons are an elite team in the NFL, but very few think they will remain undefeated.  This week they are playing a confusing Cowboy team.  Just look last week when they mopped the floor of the NYG and won....wait...oh they turned the ball over how many times?  And his pinky was on the chalk line at the end huh...oh.  I think this week Jerry Jones Cowboys don’t quite shoot themselves in the foot.  If the they can slow down this passing attack like they did the Giants they’ll win this time.  I think.

Pick: Cowboys

Eagles vs. Saints

I have to admit I was disappointed with the Saints performance against the Broncos last week.  I thought it was time for one of those rolls that this team goes on.  Now they have 5 losses to the seasons and are losing some playoff hopes.  Especially without their star mighty mouse, Sproles.  Their opponent is in shambles as well however.  The Eagles have dropped 3 straight the most recent in the form of a beat down by the Falcons.  They have a question mark at their quarterback position and their head coach is in danger of losing his job.  This should be the week for a statement game right?  Nope, I see another let down to Philly fans.

Pick: Saints