NFL Week Seven Preview and Predictions

Last week—9-5

Overall—47-28

There are some games that should not have counted as losses.  Buffalo beating the Jets, and Oakland beating the Eagles is just wrong. I do have to say though, I did a pretty good job at picking the Chiefs to win their first game of the season beating the Redskins, and I missed the score of the Monday Night game between the Broncos and Chargers by two points.

OK, enough patting myself on the back.

I got an email from one of my wonderful readers (you are as well!) and suggested a wonderful title for me to use on the games I think are a lock.

Five-Star Picks of the Week—These are the games I think are a lock.

Trap games—Games that no one should bet on, because they could go either way.

Upset Specials—If you need me to explain that one, quit reading!

So, here we go…

 

Five-Star Picks of the Week

Green Bay at Cleveland —This one won’t even be an interesting game to watch. Cleveland’s only chance is if the Packers catch the Swine flu, and there is actually a chance of that happening since they have to enter the Brown’s facilities. At least it’s not a staff infection.

Packers win 31-13.

Indianapolis at St. Louis —The Colts get Bob Sanders back, even though they would have won without him. Indy is undefeated while the Rams have not won a game. Nothing is going to change after this one.

Colts win 41-7.

New England vs Tampa Bay (London, or England, or somewhere)—One of two things happened when this game was being scheduled.
1—The NFL actually thought Tampa Bay was going to be a good team.
2—They wanted the people overseas to see a high scoring, blow out.
One makes them look like a genius, the other an idiot. Which one do you think it is?

Pats win big 37-10.

Philadelphia at Washington (Monday Night)—This will be Jim Zorn’s last game coaching the Redskins. Philly was embarrassed last week when they lost to the Raiders, and now they are going to take it out on the Skins.
Eagles win 31-9.

 

Trap Games

Arizona at New York Giants —The Giants are another great team that was embarrassed last week (against the Saints), and will be looking to return to form. With Anquan Boldin questionable, the dynamics of the Cardinals is just not the same.
Giants win 27-20.

Minnesota at Pittsburgh —Most see this as the game of the week. The Steelers are going to have to shut down AP, which, if anyone can, it would be the Steelers. If the Vikings are going to win this game, it is going to have to be on Favre, which could be good or bad for the Minnesota. Favre is due for one of his four-interception games.
Steelers win 31-21

San Diego at Kansas City —After picking the Chiefs as my upset special last week, I was very tempted to pick them again to beat the Chargers. The only reason I didn’t is because I don’t think they can win back to back games.
Chargers win 27-21

San Francisco at Houston —I was thinking this was going to be my upset special, because I was sure that the 49ers were going to be favored. Houston is a surprising team, and is playing some weeks like they can beat anyone, and others like they could lose to the Browns. I think Michael Crabtree may have three catches, but will not be a game breaker.
Houston win 17-13.

Atlanta at Dallas —In the offseason, the Cowboys released TO, and many believed it was an addition by subtraction situation. The Boys were supposed to get better by cutting him. That has not happened, yet, but this week, Roy Williams is healthy, and if the Cowboys are going to make a playoff run, they better get started now.
Cowboys win 24-21.

Chicago at Cincinnati —Everyone is going to see how real the Bengals are this week, playing without Lamar Odom, who was lost for the season last week against the Texans. If the Bengals do not win this game, look for their season to start unfolding.
Bears win 27-17.

New Orleans at Miami —Miami has been playing good defense, but this is a high powered Saints team, that just pounded one of the best defenses in the NFL, the Giants. It wont be getting any better for the Dolphins this week.
Slants win 34-17.

Buffalo at Carolina —This one is so bad, that Vegas has not even given it a line. Do you know what that means? Vegas has no idea what is going to happen. Eenie, Meenie, Miney, Mo…
Carolina wins 13-10.

 

Upset Special

New York Jets at Oakland —After beating the Eagles last week, Richard Seymour declared that the Raiders were going to the playoffs this year. As insane as I think that is, I do think they will beat up on the J-E-T-S Sunday, because the strength of the Raiders is their defense, and NY QB Mark Sanchez is still a rookie.
Raiders win 17-14.

 

REMEMBER —In most states it is illegal to gamble, don’t do it. In the states where gambling is legal, knock your socks off. Just remember, win or lose, these picks are for fun, and I am not at fault if you lose betting on what I am saying.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

NFL Week Seven Preview and Predictions

Last week—9-5

Overall—47-28

There are some games that should not have counted as losses.  Buffalo beating the Jets, and Oakland beating the Eagles is just wrong. I do have to say though, I did a pretty good job at picking the Chiefs to win their first game of the season beating the Redskins, and I missed the score of the Monday Night game between the Broncos and Chargers by two points.

OK, enough patting myself on the back.

I got an email from one of my wonderful readers (you are as well!) and suggested a wonderful title for me to use on the games I think are a lock.

Five-Star Picks of the Week—These are the games I think are a lock.

Trap games—Games that no one should bet on, because they could go either way.

Upset Specials—If you need me to explain that one, quit reading!

So, here we go…

 

Five-Star Picks of the Week

Green Bay at Cleveland —This one won’t even be an interesting game to watch. Cleveland’s only chance is if the Packers catch the Swine flu, and there is actually a chance of that happening since they have to enter the Brown’s facilities. At least it’s not a staff infection.

Packers win 31-13.

Indianapolis at St. Louis —The Colts get Bob Sanders back, even though they would have won without him. Indy is undefeated while the Rams have not won a game. Nothing is going to change after this one.

Colts win 41-7.

New England vs Tampa Bay (London, or England, or somewhere)—One of two things happened when this game was being scheduled.
1—The NFL actually thought Tampa Bay was going to be a good team.
2—They wanted the people overseas to see a high scoring, blow out.
One makes them look like a genius, the other an idiot. Which one do you think it is?

Pats win big 37-10.

Philadelphia at Washington (Monday Night)—This will be Jim Zorn’s last game coaching the Redskins. Philly was embarrassed last week when they lost to the Raiders, and now they are going to take it out on the Skins.
Eagles win 31-9.

 

Trap Games

Arizona at New York Giants —The Giants are another great team that was embarrassed last week (against the Saints), and will be looking to return to form. With Anquan Boldin questionable, the dynamics of the Cardinals is just not the same.
Giants win 27-20.

Minnesota at Pittsburgh —Most see this as the game of the week. The Steelers are going to have to shut down AP, which, if anyone can, it would be the Steelers. If the Vikings are going to win this game, it is going to have to be on Favre, which could be good or bad for the Minnesota. Favre is due for one of his four-interception games.
Steelers win 31-21

San Diego at Kansas City —After picking the Chiefs as my upset special last week, I was very tempted to pick them again to beat the Chargers. The only reason I didn’t is because I don’t think they can win back to back games.
Chargers win 27-21

San Francisco at Houston —I was thinking this was going to be my upset special, because I was sure that the 49ers were going to be favored. Houston is a surprising team, and is playing some weeks like they can beat anyone, and others like they could lose to the Browns. I think Michael Crabtree may have three catches, but will not be a game breaker.
Houston win 17-13.

Atlanta at Dallas —In the offseason, the Cowboys released TO, and many believed it was an addition by subtraction situation. The Boys were supposed to get better by cutting him. That has not happened, yet, but this week, Roy Williams is healthy, and if the Cowboys are going to make a playoff run, they better get started now.
Cowboys win 24-21.

Chicago at Cincinnati —Everyone is going to see how real the Bengals are this week, playing without Lamar Odom, who was lost for the season last week against the Texans. If the Bengals do not win this game, look for their season to start unfolding.
Bears win 27-17.

New Orleans at Miami —Miami has been playing good defense, but this is a high powered Saints team, that just pounded one of the best defenses in the NFL, the Giants. It wont be getting any better for the Dolphins this week.
Slants win 34-17.

Buffalo at Carolina —This one is so bad, that Vegas has not even given it a line. Do you know what that means? Vegas has no idea what is going to happen. Eenie, Meenie, Miney, Mo…
Carolina wins 13-10.

 

Upset Special

New York Jets at Oakland —After beating the Eagles last week, Richard Seymour declared that the Raiders were going to the playoffs this year. As insane as I think that is, I do think they will beat up on the J-E-T-S Sunday, because the strength of the Raiders is their defense, and NY QB Mark Sanchez is still a rookie.
Raiders win 17-14.

 

REMEMBER —In most states it is illegal to gamble, don’t do it. In the states where gambling is legal, knock your socks off. Just remember, win or lose, these picks are for fun, and I am not at fault if you lose betting on what I am saying.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Is the Steelers’ Jeff Reed Really Worth the Headache?

Most people believe kickers should be like children – seen and not heard. The only time in the NFL a kicker should get recognition is when he either makes or misses a kick that determines the outcome of a game.

Jeff Reed must not believe in that.

As the information from the Sunday night altercation between Reed and Pittsburgh Police officers continues to surface, it is time to evaluate how important Jeff Reed really is to the Steelers.

In the Steelers’ two losses this year, Reed missed a total of three field goals. Had he made those three, the Steelers may be sitting at 5-0 right now.

In his contract year, you would think that Reed would be on his best behavior. But this article is not about what Reed does off the field, it is about what he does on it.

Reed joined the Steelers in November of 2002, when he replaced Kris Brown. Brown was an amazing kicker on the road, but was unable to consistently hit in the gusty winds of Heinz Field.

That is where Reed is his most dangerous.

Heinz Field is a nightmare for kickers. No one has ever kicked a field goal over 50 yards there, which becomes a benefit to the home team.

That being said, there is no one that can deliver in the clutch as Reed can. In my opinion, Reed would have been a top priority in the offseason, had he been able to stay out of trouble.

But that brings us to the point of this article. Do you think that Reed should be brought back next year, knowing what we know about his off-the-field issues?

Please vote in the poll question and leave a comment as to why you think he should stay or go. If you were the GM of the Steelers, what would you do?

Just remember, if we are playing in the AFC Championship game in Pittsburgh, and there are three inches of snow, and the gusty winds that Heinz Field gets, is there anyone other than Reed that you would want kicking a 45-yard field goal to go to the Super Bowl?

At that point, do any of his off field issues really matter?

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

The Topsie Turvey World That Is Now Known As the AFC North.

Prior to the beginning of the NFL Week Six match up, the AFC North looked different than it had in years.

The Cincinnati Bengals were sitting atop at 4-1, winning one game against each of the divisional rivals. 

The Baltimore Ravens were in second, after losing to those Bengals last week.

The defending Champion Pittsburgh Steelers were in third place, after losing back to back games in weeks two and three. 

The Browns, well, they are the Browns. In the basement, as usual.

But, what a difference a day makes.

In Cincinnati, the Bengals looked to improve to 5-1, against a Texans team that most people believed were over matched. Antwan Odom, the Bengals Super Star defensive end, has been lost for the year. That could do damage to the defense while the offense does not look as sharp as it has in the past.

The Baltimore Ravens, looking to keep pace with the Bengals, and looking to avoid a three game losing streak, traveled to Minnesota to take on the Vikings.

This Ravens team is unlike those of the past. No longer do they live and die on defense. For the second straight week, the Ravens allowed a running back to rush for over 100 yards. They had not allowed any running back to rush for over 100 yards in the previous 40 games.

The Pittsburgh Steelers who have been the kings of the heap recently in the AFC North, started the day off in third place. Gone are the days of being a run oriented team, as they now pass to set up the run.

So, as the early games winded down, the Bengals fell to the Houston Texans, making their record 4-2. Pittsburgh went on to defeat the Cleveland Browns, to improve to 4-2, and in a first place tie with the Cincinnati Bengals.

The Baltimore Ravens fell to 3-3, after losing their third game in a row, heading into their bye week.

The Steelers host the Minnesota Vikings next week, while the Bengals host the Chicago Bears. If Pittsburgh and Cincinnati both win, they will be 1.5 games up on the Ravens.

As I explained three weeks ago, the road for the Ravens  was going to be bumpy, even offering a pole asking how the Ravens would do in the last three games.

As the pole went, 170 people voted, with almost 43 percent of people said the Ravens would go 3-0, 46 percent said 2-1, with a total of 11 percent saying the Ravens would win once, or not at all.

The reality is looking to be that the Cincinnati Bengals are going to ride the wave of the third place schedule to a playoff spot, meaning while the Bengals play the Texans and the Jets, the Ravens will have to play the Patriots and the Colts.

The Ravens have the hardest remaining schedule of the three AFC North teams, while the Bengals have the easiest.

But there are still 10 games left for the Bengals, Steelers, and Ravens. And the way the AFC North is playing, they could all be playing come January. It will just be a shame that only one of them will be at home for the playoffs.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Week 6 Picks and Predictions: Sorry I Am so Late!

I would like to start off by apologizing for having this so late. I normally try to get my weekly predictions posted by Thursday night, but due to some personal things, I have been caught up.

Because of my insanity this week, I have not had the chance to hear what Madden has to say about this week, so you are going to be stuck with just mine, sorry again.

Overall: 38-23

Last week: 9-5

 

Houston at Cincinnati

The Bengals are off to their fastest start in probably, ever. But yet, still can not avoid a local black out? I already said my side of that story , so I wont go more into that.

I do think the Texans are a team on the rise, but I think Cincinnati has enough weapons on defense to shut the Texans down.

Bengals win 21-13.

Detroit at Green Bay

I actually just erased everything I was going to say about this game, because the more I think about it, I am going to pick the Lions in my upset special of the week!

The Lions are coming off an 28-20 loss to the Steelers, while the Packers are coming off a bye. The Lions played decent against the 3-4 of the Steelers, which is the defense the Packers are trying to install.

Lions win 17-14.  (Just remember, the last time I picked the Lions to win, they did!)

Baltimore at Minnesota

The Ravens, while trying to become a dynasty , are also trying to avoid a three game losing streak. The Vikings, on the other hand, are trying to stay undefeated. After giving up over 100 yards on the ground for the first time in 40 games, the Ravens will have to stop the best running back in the NFL.

The Ravens defense was embarrassed when they allowed Cedrick Benson 120 yards, and are going to do everything to stop Adrain Peterson. If the Vikings are going to win this game, they are going to have to do it through the air.

While the Vikings defense is also stout against the run, the Ravens are also going to have to throw the ball to win.

What this comes down to, which team has the better quarterback? Brett Favre of Joe Flacco?

Vikings win 27-17.

New York Giants at New Orleans

Since this game is on the same time as the Steeler game, I have my DVR set to record already.

I honestly believe, this is going to be an NFC Championship preview, with neither team losing a game as of yet. Both great offenses, both great defenses. How do you pick? Easy.

Eli Manning is banged up, and regardless what anyone says, that injury will effect how the QB plays. If you try to say it didn’t against Oakland, stop reading this now, and throw your computer away. The starting QB for the 8-9 year old football team that is playing up the street could beat the Raiders.

Saints win 31-24.

Cleveland at Pittsburgh.

I hate being a Steelers fan and picking this game. There is no way on this planet the Browns should even be close. If you look at every position on the field, Pittsburgh is CONSIDERABLY better than the Browns. Had I not been a Steelers fan, I probably would have picked this 56-3.

However, every time I say things like that, the Steelers blow it. This is a rivalry game, and as everyone knows, anything can happen in a rivalry game. Pittsburgh is too good to lose this game. So they will either win by seven, or by 27.

Steelers win 37-10.

Carolina at Tampa Bay.

Remember what I said about the Giants vs. Saints? This is the exact opposite. Two teams that are horrible on offense, and horrible on defense.

Neither team scares anyone, because neither team has a starting QB, or even one on the bench, that strike fear in defensive coordinators.

John Fox of the Panthers knows that Bill Cowher is waiting to take his job when he gets fired, and that move will be coming even sooner if he loses to the Buccaneers.

Panthers win 17-14.

Kansas City at Washington.

The Washington Redskins have not played a game yet this year against a team that had won a game. Think about that. Every team that the Skins have played, prior to that game, the team has not won a game.

Giants week 1 – 0-0

Rams week 2 – 0-1

Lions week 3 – 0-2

Buccaneers week 4 – 0-3

Carolina week 5 – 0-4

and this week

Kansas City Chiefs – 0-5.

But yet, the Redskins have only won twice.

Because the Redskins are favored to win this game (-6.5), I am picking the Chiefs in my upset special of the week, PART II.

Chiefs win 21-13.

St. Louis at Jacksonville.

I really don’t understand this Jaguars team. Every time I pick them to win, they get smoked. Every time I pick them to lose, they win. I just don’t know what to say, but they are playing the Rams. How can I pick them to lose, at home, to the Rams?

Jaguars win 27-6. (If the Rams win this game, I expect every Rams fan in the country to come back and give this article their POTD vote.  That would only be fair, because that is the only way you win this game!)

Arizona at Seattle.

Last year, had the Cardinals been playing anyone else, except the Steelers, I would have been vocally rooting for them to win the Super Bowl. There are about 29 ex-Steelers on this team, including the Head Coach and half the assistants. I want them to do good, but their time has passed.

As banged up as the Seahawks have been, they are getting healthy, and that is not good for the Cardinals. Plus, playing in Seattle, with the 12th man, is the worst thing imaginable for an offense like the Cardinals.

Seahawks win 23-21.

Philadelphia at Oakland

The Eagles are one of the strongest teams in the NFL, while the Raiders are one of the worst. The Eagles do it on both sides of the ball, while the Raiders do it on neither.

This game is going to be as bad for the Raiders as last weeks was against the Giants. Only this time, it is going to happen at home, where you will hear the loudest crowd the Raiders have heard all season. And that noise will be BOO’s!

Eagles win 41-13.

Tennessee at New England.

The Titans have struggled this season worse than anyone could have imagined. I explained to everyone exactly why the Titans are having the problems they are having . Playing a hungry Patriots team, this week, is not looking much better.

The fact is, if the Titans lose this week, they will be out of the playoffs, officially.

In New England, I don’t think the Titans have much of a chance.

Patriots win 27-13. Let the Vince Young watch begin.

Buffalo at New York Jets.

The Jets started off the season on fire, with rookie Mark Sanchez playing like Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco did last year. But, as I said last week, it takes an NFL defensive coach three games of game tape to breakdown a rookie QB, and that is exactly what happened over this season.

In the last two weeks, the Saints and Dolphins have broken down Sanchez, and exposed the weakness of the Jets.

Are the Bills going to be able to do that this week? No. They are still the Bills.

Jets win 24-14.

Chicago at Atlanta.

The Bears recently acquired Gains Adams from the Buccaneers, to help their defensive line, which they are going to need it they are going to slow down the Falcons. Atlanta has the firepower to put up massive numbers.

Jay Cutler has brought life back to the Bears offense, so look for this game to feature some scoring.

Atlanta wins 34-28

Monday Night Football.

Denver at San Diego.

I have downed the Broncos and their fans all year. I have said the Broncos were over rated. I said they had an easy schedule. I have said they are lucky.

I still think they have had an easy schedule (every game other than the Patriots), and they have been lucky (Week 1 against the Bengals). But no one can fault the Broncos for their schedule, and every team has to be somewhat lucky.

I am officially picking the Broncos this week. I think they have a better offense than the Chargers, and I know they have a better defense.

Broncos win 34-21.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Is The Curse of the Terrible Towel Still Haunting the Tennessee Titans?

Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008. The Tennessee Titans were hosting the Pittsburgh Steelers, with the winner of the game having the inside track to the best record in the AFC, and home field advantage through out the playoffs.

The Titans entered the game hungrier than the Steelers, and abused them to the tune of 31-14. Not only winning the game, but securing the rights to be called the best team in the AFC, and becoming the favorites to play in Super Bowl XLIII.

Toward the end of the game, with the outcome certain, some Titans players decided to make things personal with the Steelers and their fans.

By stomping the beloved Terrible Towel, the Titans signified they were not afraid of the Steelers, or any curse that may come along with the Towel.

See, Steelers fans have seen this before. In 1995, the San Diego Chargers defeated the Steelers in the AFC Championship game. At the end of the game, the Chargers won the right to go to the Super Bowl for the first time in franchise history.

At the end of the game, several Chargers players were waving Terrible Towels, stomping on them, and being disrespectful.

So what, you ask?

The Chargers went on to one of the worst beatings in Super Bowl history, losing to the San Francisco 49ers, 49-26.

Coincidence you say?

Dec. 4, 2005. The Cincinnati Bengals visited Heinz Field to play the Steelers, with the AFC North title on the line. In a high scoring game, the Bengals defeated the Steelers 38-31.

At the end of the game, T.J. Houshmandzadeh took a Terrible Towel, shined his dirty cleats with it, and threw it on the ground.

Cincinnati did win the division, and in their first playoff game in almost 20 years, hosted those same Pittsburgh Steelers.

On the Bengals first drive, Carson Palmer was lost for the game, tearing his ACL when Kimo Von Olhoffen rolled up on his knee.

The Bengals unraveled, with rumors of a fight between Chad Johnson and a member of the coaching staff (where there were supposedly punches thrown) at half time.

That is the same year the Steelers would go on to win their fifth Lombardi Trophy.

Still think it is coincidence?

When the Arizona Cardinals were preparing to depart for Super Bowl XLIII, the city had a pep rally for the team at the airport.

Even though no member of the team, or coaching staff did anything disrespectful, the Mayor of Arizona acted as if he were blowing his nose on the Terrible Towel, even after coach Ken Whisenhunt asked him not to.

The result, again, was a defeat to the disrespectful team.

Prior to stomping the Terrible Towel, the Titans were 13-2.

Since the Titans players, namely LenDale White, Javon Kearse and Keith Bulluck, were disrespectful to the Terrible Towel, here is how the Titans have done.

Week 17, 2008 – Indianapolis 23 / Tennessee 0

Divisional playoffs 2008 – Baltimore 13 / Tennessee 10

Week 1, 2009 – Pittsburgh 13 / Tennessee 10

Week 2, 2009 – Houston 34 / Tennessee 31

Week 3, 3009 – New York Jets 24 / Tennessee 21

Week 4, 2009 – Jacksonville 37 / Tennessee 17

The fact is, since the Terrible Towel stomp, the Titans have not been able to win a game, losing six straight.

Is this coincidence, or are they suffering the same fate as the other teams before them? Your guess is as good as mine, but unless something happens against the Colts Sunday, Tennessee will again be knocked out of the playoffs.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

NFL Week 5 Preview and Predictions: Me VS Madden 10

Week 4 – 10-4

Overall – 29-18

That is right, I am going to be taking on the Hall of Famer – John Madden!

No, not the REAL John Madden – EA Sports, Madden 10. I actually had a pretty decent week last week, but I have been wanting to try this for a while.

Starting this week, every week, I will simulate that week from Madden 10, and I will be compeating against the picks of the computer.

For those of you that want to get on me about my picks, feel free. Please, as you read below, some of Johns picks are not going to be popular. I did not come up with these stats, or predictions, they are Johns. If you want to get mad, get mad at Madden!

I hope you enjoy!

Cleveland at Buffalo

I honestly thought if Braylon Edwards was still on the Browns, I would have picked them to win. Derek Anderson led the Browns to a last second loss to the Bengals, but with no weapons, they are in trouble.

Me – Bills win 17-10.

Madden – Buffalo wins 24-21.  Trent Edwards throws two TD passes to TO, including one in the fourth quarter.

 

Dallas at Kansas City

Before their loss to the Broncos last week, I would have thought this was a no brainier. By not knowing it was fourth down, (I don’t care what the team says), Tony Romo has shown he is clueless. Still, this is the Chiefs.

Me – Dallas wins 24-13.

Madden – Tony Romo throws for 327 yards as the Cowboys spank the Chiefs 34-10.

 

Minnesota at St. Louis.

Two of the NFL’s best running backs face off – Who am I kidding, I can’t make this game sound good. AP will run all over the Rams and it will be over by half time.

Me – Vikings win big 34-10.

Madden – AP Runs for 190 yards and has 75 yards receiving as the Vikings beat the Rams 27-7.

 

Oakland at New York Giants

This would actually be a close game, if Eli Manning was not playing. Oakland is dysfunctional and is not going to be able to beat a quality team.

Me – Giants win 24-10.

Madden – In an upset, Russel throws for three scores, and McFadden runs for another, as the Raiders down the Giants 31-24. (What a shock the first upset is by the Raiders.)

 

Tampa Bay at Philadelphia

Think Donovan McNabb needs to come back for this game?  No, they could play me at QB and still be able to beat Tampa. Tampa is not good on offense OR defense.

Me – Philadelphia wins 27-6.

Madden – Donovan McNabb throws four touch downs as the Eagles defeat the Bucs 34-13.

 

Pittsburgh at Detroit

The last time the Steelers played in Detroit, they came home with the Lombardi Trophy. Pittsburgh may get Polamalu back while Stafford my not play for the Lions.

Me – Pittsburgh wins 31-7.

Madden – Ben Roethlisberger throws two TD passes to Santonio Holmes, and Willie Parker runs for another as the Steelers beat the Lions 24-10.

 

Washington at Carolina

The Skins pulled one out of the, um, air last week, but I don’t look for that same success this week. Washington is almost as bad as the Raiders, so I am going with the home team Panthers.

Me – Panthers win 17-13.

Madden – The Panthers defense force the Redskins into four turn overs, and keep the Skins out of the end zone to win 21-9.

 

Cincinnati at Baltimore

Before the season, many believed this would be a walk over game. Baltimore with their defense and Cincy with their offense would be fun to watch. But in the AFC North, AKA Bizzaro World – Cincy is winning with defense and the Ravens are winning with offense.

Me – Baltimore wins 17-14.

Madden – The stiffening Ravens defense holds the Bengals to under 200 yards, while the Bengals defense scores twice on Joe Flacco interceptions. Bengals win 17-7.

 

Atlanta at San Francisco

San Fran is playing this year as the Falcons did last year. Mike Singletary has the defense of the 49ers playing at playoff level, and only a Brett Favre miracle pass from undefeated. Atlanta and Matt Ryan are off to another hot start, and this should be one of the best games of the week.

Me – San Fran pulls it off late, defeating the Falcons 17-14.

Madden – Matt Ryan throws for 312 yards, and the Falcons win 27-14.

 

Jacksonville at Seattle

ZZZZZZZZZZZ

Sorry, dosed off there. The Jaguars are hoping for a three game winning streak, while the Seahawks are hoping to get an un-injured Matt Hasselbeck back.

Me – Jacksonville plays their best game of the year, and win 21-17.

Madden – Matt Hasselbeck throws for two scores, while the Hawks shut down Jones-Drew, and Seattle wins 17-10.

 

Houston at Arizona

Two Jeckly/Hyde teams, that play great one week, and bad the next. The real question is, which team will show up?

Me – I think Houston shows up, and shuts down the Arizona passing attack. Houston wins 24-14.

Madden – Kurt Warner throws for 385 yards, with 170 going to Larry Fitzgerald, and the Cardinals win 31-17.

 

New England at Denver

I have to say, I am impressed so far by the Broncos, especially after I picked them to get killed by the Cowboys. Is it the Broncos are that good? Or, is it the Cowboys are that bad? I think it is a little of both, but I think New England is too good for the Broncos to overcome.

Me – Patriots win 21-17.

Madden – Patriots win big with Tom Brady throwing for 312 yards and two scores to Randy Moss. 28-13.

 

Indianapolis at Tennessee

If there has ever been a must win for the Titans, it is this week against the Colts. If the Colts can manage to win at Tennessee, the Titans playoff hopes will be officially over. Does Tennessee have the fight left in them to win?  I don’t think so.

Me – Peyton Manning will have another huge game against the below average secondary of the Titans. Colts win 31-13.

Madden – Peyton Manning throws for 286 yards while Kerry Collins throws for less than 200, as the Colts win 27-17.

 

New York Jets at Miami

It has been said that it takes a coaching staff three games of tape to be able to point out all of the strengths and weaknesses of a rookie QB, and how to expose them. Is that what happened to Mark Sanchez against the Saints last week? We will see Monday night against the Fins?

Me – Miami pressures Sanchez, who still does not have the timing to be able to hit Braylon Edwards, with a pass that is certain to be dropped. Miami wins 21-14.

Madden – Miami sacks rookie Mark Sanchez five times, forcing three turnovers in a one sided game, with Miami winning 30-13.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Was Losing Troy Polamalu a Blessing in Disguise for the Steelers?

Before you say that I must be crazy, hear me out.

During the first half of the opening night contest against the Tennessee Titans, Troy Polamalu was an absolute monster. He was a one-man wrecking machine and looked like he was well on his way to Defensive MVP, and possibly MVP of the league.

Near the end of the first half, Polamalu injured his knee recovering a blocked kick, knocking him out of every game since. There are rumors that he will return to play against the Lions, or possibly the following week against the Browns.

Over the last three weeks, Steelers fans have watched something that they never thought they would see: a struggling defense.

Over the last three weeks, the Steelers have dominated the first three quarters of games against the Bears, Bengals, and against the Chargers. In all three games, the defense allowed the opposition to get back into the game and allowed both the Bears and Bengals to steal the victory.

Sunday night, against the Chargers, it was almost the same thing.

Some people may claim that the defense is looking old, while others are saying that they are not prepared. I say Dick LeBeau is playing soft because Polamalu is not in the game.

The reason that the Steelers dominate the first three quarters is simple: They play Steeler football. But once it gets to crunch time, they go back to playing prevent, and without Troy in the secondary, teams are exposing the weakness.

Once Polamalu returns from injury, we will once again see the Steelers defense blitzing from all over the field, and once again, the Steelers defense will dominate.

There is one thing that Steeler fans learned Sunday night, and that is something that should scare the rest of the NFL: The Steelers offense can put some points on the board.

I am not saying that the Chargers defense is the best in the league, not by any stretch of the imagination. But Pittsburgh’s offense put 38 points on the board, totaling 497 yards. Those are great numbers against any team.

Rushing, short passes, intermediate passes, long passes—Bruce Arians called them all, and the Steelers executed them to near perfection.

It took losing against the Bears and Bengals to see that our offense did not need to sit on a lead and hope to win. It showed that when the Steelers need to put points on the board, they are more than able to do so.

Now, imagine this: Pittsburgh starts putting 30 points on the board per game, and when Polamalu returns, the defense regains last year’s form and becomes dominant again.

Scary thought, huh? Especially if you don’t own a Terrible Towel.

If anything, Ben Roethlisberger has shown that he is one of the elite quarterbacks in the NFL, and once he has a defense to back him up, this is going to be a fun team to watch.

So, maybe losing Polamalu did cost the Steelers two games. But what they learned about themselves could be priceless.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Does Rashard Mendenhall’s Last Chance Come Against the Chargers?

The Pittsburgh Steelers formula for first round rookies is simple. Let them watch the first year, and expect them to contribute their second.

It happened to Troy Polamalu, who played sparingly his rookie season. Same with Lawrence Timmons, Santonio Holmes, Heath Miller, and this year with Ziggy Hood. With the exception of Ben Roethlisberger, you can date back to the ’90s before finding a rookie that contributed right off the bat, Alan Faneca (1998).

When you are a team that drafts best available player, instead of for need, this is a luxury you can afford.

When Rashard Mendenhall was selected in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft, everyone wondered why? Running back was not the Steelers greatest area of weakness, but again, best available, in the Steelers opinion, was Mendenhall.

After having his rookie season cut short in week four against the Ravens, Mendenhall had to watch from the sidelines. Unfortunately, in the NFL, there are no red-shirt years.

In 2009, Mendenhall was expected to contribute, as all second year players are. So far, the Steelers have gotten no bang for their buck.

Some people, think Mendenhall should be let go, while others think he should be starting. Come Sunday, against the Chargers, we will find out which side has the upper hand.

Willie Parker will not play against the Chargers, due to a turf toe injury. Mewelde Moore is not suited to be an every down back, and it is time for the former first rounder to take the torch, and run (pun intended) with it.

Over the last two weeks of the season, the Steelers have committed to running the ball, which I believe is the reason for their failure, but that is for another article.

The Chargers come into Pittsburgh on Sunday night, in front of a national TV audience, bringing the NFL’s 26th ranked rushing defense, allowing just over 142 yards per game.

In addition, Shawne Merriman is on the injury report as questionable, and massive defensive tackle Jamal Williams is on injured reserve.

If Mendenhall ever had a chance to show the Steelers, and Steeler Nation that the team made the right decision in drafting him, now is the time.

If he does not play like he is able to, then his career in Pittsburgh may be as good as over.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

NFL Week Four: Picks and Predictions

There will be some great games during the NFL Week Four, ending with the Favre Bowl in Minnesota when the Vikings host his former team, the Green Bay Packers. This week will also feature the Ravens at the Patriots and Chargers at the Steelers.

After average weeks in the first two weeks of the regular season, I had a bounce back week three, posting an 11-5 record. Had my Steelers been able to hold off the Bengals, I would have done even better.

Week Three-11-5

Overall-29-18

In addition to improving on my win total, for the second straight week, I picked correctly with my upset special.

Week Two-The New York Giants defeated the Dallas Cowboys in the inaugural game at the new Texas Stadium.

Week Three-The Detroit Lions ended their 19-game losing streak by defeating the Washington Redskins.

So, what will happen in week four? Here goes.

 

Detroit Lions @ Chicago Bears

The Detroit Lions have finally won a football game that counts, now they have to travel to Chicago to take on the Bears. The Bears are a much stronger team than the Redskins are, so Detroit starts their next losing streak.

Bears win 27-10.

 

Cincinnati Bengals @ Cleveland Browns

The Bengals came from behind last week against the Steelers to become 2-1, while the Browns got thumped by the Ravens. Eric Mangini made a switch at quarterback, not that it will matter.

Bengals win 34-13.

 

Seattle Seahawks @ Indianapolis Colts

The MASH bowl. Both the Seahawks and Colts come into this game, battered and bruised. The injury report is almost as long as the rosters are. Hasselbeck is out for the Hawks, Manning is in for the Colts, enough said.

Colts win 34-24.

 

New York Giants @ Kansas City Chiefs

Poor Kansas City.  The Giants are stomping their way through the early part of the season, and unfortunately for the Chiefs, the next step is in Kansas City. The Giants defense is just too much for the Chiefs.

Giants win 27-7.

 

Baltimore Ravens @ New England Patriots

The Ravens are flying high, while the Patriots are battling injury. Even though Tom Brady MAY be healthy, Randy Moss and Wes Welker are not, and Jared Mayo is not going to play for an already banged up defense.

In my upset special of the week, Baltimore handles the Patriots 31-17.

 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Washington Redskins

Do I really have to pick this game? How can you pick two teams that play like neither one wants to win? All kidding aside, I wanted to go with a tie. But, Tampa Bay is starting a new signal caller and Washington isn’t, so I will go with the home team.

Redskins win 13-10.

 

Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars

The Titans better be in desperation mode, because if they lose this game, their season is basically over. Jacksonville would love to be the team to put that final nail in the coffin, but it won’t happen this week.

Titans win 24-17.

 

Oakland Raiders @ Houston Texans

There is not a team in professional sports, or amateur for that matter, that is as dysfunctional as the Oakland Raiders. I have tried to pick them to win, they just are not that good. I am just glad I don’t live anywhere near Oakland, because Tom Cable would probably break my jaw too.

Texans win 31-10.

 

New York Jets @ New Orleans Saints

This is going to be the game of the week. The Buffalo Bills showed the NFL that the Saints can be held to under 700 yards passing and 13 scores a game. The Jets defense is considerably better than the Bills is, and will give Drew Brees fits at times, but he is still Drew Brees.

Saints win 27-20.

 

Buffalo Bills @ Miami Dolphins

Even though Miami is playing at home, the loss of Chad Pennington is going to crush the Dolphins. Even though Buffalo is not one of my favorite teams in the NFL, I am still picking them to beat the Dolphins.

Bills win 23-13.

 

St. Louis Rams @ San Francisco 49ers

Imagine this, St. Louis has a running game, and San Fran doesn’t. Even without Frank Gore, the 49ers held the lead against a very talented Minnesota team until the final seconds of the game, until another Brett Favre miracle put down the 49ers.

San Francisco has too strong of a defense for Steven Jackson to pull his weight here.

49ers win 24-10.

 

Dallas Cowboys @ Denver Broncos

For all of those people that think the Broncos 3-0 start is a sign that they are for real, be prepared to have your bubble exploded this Sunday. Denver is not a good team, and has benefited from a very easy schedule to this point. That changes Sunday.

Cowboys win 31-10.

 

San Diego Chargers @ Pittsburgh Steelers

For two teams that were supposed to win their division, neither the Steelers or the Chargers have been overly impressive. San Diego is one of the worst teams in the NFL at stopping the run, and Pittsburgh is one of the worst teams at running the ball.

Strength vs strength, Pittsburgh has a better all around team, and is playing in Pittsburgh, at night.

Steelers win 24-20.

 

Green Bay Packers @ Minnesota Vikings (AKA – Brett Favre Bowl)

It is finally here, and on the national stage. Brett Favre finally gets to take revenge against his old team, and show them how big of a mistake it was to let him go.

In my second upset special of the week, Aaron Rogers will outperform Brett Favre, and the Green Bay Packers will defeat the previously unbeaten Vikings 27-21.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

« Previous Page — Next Page »

NFL Sport Channel Latest

• Just How Far Would You Go?
• Sorry Rex, But It Isn’t Happening
• Super Bowl Predictions: Five Stat-Free Reasons Why the Eagles Will Reach The Super Bowl
• Seahawks Attempt to Turn Corner With Heavy Pursuit of Pete Carroll
• Bill Cowher Unlikely to Coach in 2010