NFL Week 17: Think You Know The NFL?

 

sportsfanIQ challenges anyone who dares to predict.  Make your selections toward the bottom of mine. 

In order to select a winner, you must consider the point spread.  Because frankly, it’d be too easy without it. 

The line is situated next to the home team.  If it’s a minus (-), the home team must win by this amount to be considered the winner.  If it’s a plus (+), they cannot lose by more than this number to be deemed the victor. 

If you can beat sportsfanIQ, you’ll have bragging rights.  And who knows, if we can get the momentum going on this, by next season, we’ll actually have a prize for the winner.

Click here for updated results.

 

 

Indianapolis at Buffalo (-7)

Now that the ’72 Dolphins have popped their 2009 champagne, this game is more meaningless than ever.  The Colts enter their final game ranked No. 1 in passing yards a game (292) but last in rushing (84.6).  Expect Peyton Manning to start in order to keep his consecutive streak alive but not to play much.  Buffalo looks to salvage something of their season.  At 5-10, the Bills have locked up their fifth straight losing season.  Surprisingly, though, they rank third in passing defense but last in rushing.  Opponents evidently figure if they can’t stop the run, why pass?  Buffalo by seven, though?  I like the Colts plus 7.   

 

Jacksonville at Cleveland (-2)

Break up the Browns.  Winners of three straight, Cleveland’s finally found the cure: run, run and more run.  For their last three, the Browns have racked up 686 yards on the ground.  To put that in perspective, prior to this three game run (no pun intended), the Browns managed 656 yards over a seven-game losing stretch.  As for the Jags, who held their own destiny before losing three straight, they’ll hope to finish the season at .500.  In fact, they’ve lost four out of five and have averaged just 107 yards on the ground, well below their 126.5 season average.  I like Cleveland to end on a four-game tear. 

 

Philadelphia at Dallas (-3)

In the game of the week, Philadelphia eyes up not only the NFC East, but the No. 2 seed as well.  Riding a six-game winning streak, the Eagles are second to only the Packers in giveaways/takeaways with 18.  What’s more, they’re second in overall takeaways with 36 and second in interceptions with 23.  They score 28.6 points a game, which is third to only the Saints and Chargers. 

Come playoff time, don’t forget about the Eagles.  After starting December 0-2, the ‘Boys have put their demons behind them and have January in sight.  They held the No. 1 offense of the Saints to 271 passing yards, well below their season average of 416.5.  In their 17-0 smothering of the Redskins, Dallas gave up 175 through the air and a mere 43 on the ground.  This one’s tough.  I actually envision a three-point Dallas win.  So I’ll lean their way. 

 

Chicago at Detroit (+2)

Incredibly, although Detroit has the second worst points differential in the league (-218), it’s the Bears who are eager to get this season over with.  Chicago knew they had a gunslinger in Cutler, but with one game to go, his 26 INTs surpass a personal worst by eight.  He’s well off his 4,526 yards of last year, entering this game with 3,390.  To be fair, though, he did manage a four TD performance against the Vikings. 

The Lions are 2-13, but for a team with zero wins a year ago, Matthew Stafford’s rookie season must be considered a success.  He’s thrown only 13 TDs and 20 INTs, but suffering just 24 sacks in ten games (2.4/game) is a positive for a team that allowed 52 last year, or 3.25/game.   Detroit’s defense is awful, but Chicago’s offense isn’t much better.  I’ll go with the Lions plus the two.

 

Atlanta at Tampa Bay (+2.5)

Despite averaging a 49.2 QB rating, Matt Ryan has led the Falcons to two wins on four TDs and zero INTs over his last two.  Without Michael Turner running the rock, however, Atlanta’s slipped to the bottom half of the league in rushing (112.9 YDS/G) and sit twenty-third overall in yards allowed (247). 

Tampa Bay has won two in a row behind 310 yards on the ground.  Atlanta and Tampa are 23rd and 26th, respectively, in overall offense.  On the last week of the season, when most games are as irrelevant as this one, I’ll flip a coin here.  Heads Atlanta, tails Tampa—it was tails.  Buccaneers plus the 2.5.

 

New Orleans at Carolina (-7)

OK, so I’m not sure if New Orleans has decided to take their foot off the proverbial pedal, but for a team that averages 33.3 points a game, the last two may be of some concern.  Not only have they scored just 17 in both, but Drew Brees’ 556 yards and two TDs are both well off his norm.  In addition, giving up 439 total yards to the Cowboys is understandable. 

But to the Bucs, a team that averages 293 yards and a dismal 15.6 points a game, is another story.  The Panthers are hot.  They held Adrian Peterson and Brett Favre to 35 and 224 yards, respectively.  Then follow that up by spoiling the Giants last home game in their stadium by stampeding for 247 yards.  Not sure the Saints want this one much, but they may need it.  Still, I like Carolina minus seven. 

 

San Francisco at St. Louis (+7)

The 49ers will be going for their most wins since a 10-6 2002 record.  Behind a rejuvenated Alex Smith and an all-purpose Frank Gore, San Francisco’s looks to win two in a row for the first time since starting the year 2-0.  As long as they keep the ball in Gore’s hands—he ran for 78 yards on 28 carries and also caught four balls for 81 yards and a TD in a 20-6 win over Detroit—they should even their 2009 record at 8-8. 

As for the Rams, they’re just lucky the Lions were on their schedule this year as well.  If not, they’d be staring 0-16 directly in the face.  Statistically they’re not too bad, but as for scoring and giving up points—they’ve scored the least (169) and have given up the most (408).  A recipe for failure.  Give me the 1849ers minus the seven. 

 

Pittsburgh at Miami (+3)

The NFL works in mysterious ways.  Faced with playoff elimination, the Steelers take one from the Packers and then a crucial divisional win from the Ravens.  They need some help from the Bengals, but Pittsburgh’s defending their crown with a fight.  If you review their 23-20 win over Baltimore, it’s clear they were outplayed.  Their one saving grace, the Ravens were penalized 11 times for 113 yards. 

As for the Fish, losing their last two will most likely have a lingering effect this off-season.  Missing Ronnie Brown finally caught up with them after managing just 60 yards on the ground in a 27-20 home loss to the Texans.  It does seem though that they’ve found their future at QB.  Chad Henne’s gone for over 300 yards three out of their last four.  I expect both to come to play here.  Pittsburgh the defending champs.  Give me them minus three.

 

NYG at Minnesota (9.5)

The Vikings are spiraling out of Super Bowl contention.  Losers of three of four, they’ll need some help from the Cowboys, and a win here to secure the two seed.   AP’s averaged 69 yards in his last six, including two fumbles, one coming in deciding fashion to the Bears. 

The Giants will be left to think of what could have been.  After beginning the year 5-0, they’re now 3-7 since and showed absolutely no heart in their stadium’s farewell.  For a team that should have been pounding the ball all year, they were outrun 247 to 60 in an embarrassing 41-9 loss to Carolina.  This game is clearly more important to Minnesota, but that’s usually when the G-Men like to show up.  I still like the Vikings minus the 9.5.  

 

Cincinnati at NYJ (-10)

I know what you’re thinking: can this line be right?  It sure is what I’m thinking.  The J-E-T-S Jets, Jets, Jets hold their own destiny but have a dogfight in front of them first.  The Jets run the ball better than any other team, averaging 166.6 YDS/G; the Bengals are second only to the Packers in yards allowed on the ground, giving up only 87.7 YDS/G.  The Jets stop the pass better than anyone, allowing only 164 YDS/G; the Bengals are mediocre in the passing game, throwing for 193 YDS/G. 

The obvious difference here: the Jets are 13th in the league, managing just 154 YDS/G through the air; the Bengals are fourteenth, giving up 212 YDS/G in passing.  This line does seem a bit too high.  I’ll take the Bengals plus the 10.  But the Jets make the playoffs!

 

Green Bay at Arizona (-3)

The Packers were once 4-4 and searching for answers.  Since, they’ve won six of seven, which includes a time expiring loss to the Steelers, and are now positioned for a possible first round home game.  I know I’ve said this before, but Aaron Rodgers has been brilliant.  For the season, he’s thrown 29 TDs with only seven INTs, all while being sacked 50 times.  At 4,199, Rodgers is on pace for 4,479 yards for the season.  (Brett Favre’s career high is 4,413 in 1995.)  I sure hope Green Bay is embracing this guy. 

For the Cardinals, their repeat run to the Super Bowl began three weeks ago in a 31-24 win over the Lions.  Historically speaking, just making the playoffs is an accomplishment lately.  In seven out of the last eight, including the 2007 18-1 Patriots, the loser of the Super Bowl has failed to make the playoffs the year following.  Make that seven out of nine.  I like the Cardinals minus three.

 

Washington at San Diego (-4)

Does it get any hotter than San Diego?  Eighteen straight December victories and counting.  Philip Rivers was near perfect once again, going 21 for 27 with 264 yards and two TDs in a 42-17 shellacking of a good Titans team.  With the fifth best passing defense, the Redskins can certainly offer a warm-up of what’s to come. 

Of their potential second-round showdowns with either the Bengals or Patriots, Cincinnati holds the fourth overall defense, and New England the eighth.  As for what matters—points—the second highest scoring offense in San Diego (28.7) will have a challenge facing the fourth best defense, New England (16.7), and fifth best, Cincinnati (16.9).  I like San Diego to stay classy, minus four. 

 

Tennessee at Seattle (+4.5)

The only thing worth watching here is Chris Johnson’s pursuit of 2,000 rushing yards.  He needs 128 against a Seattle defense that surrenders 110.  Tennessee runs the ball, on average, 30 times a game.  Figure the Titans to make sure Johnson eclipses the mark.  After starting the 2009 campaign 0-6, the Titans have won seven of nine and have great expectations for a full 2010 of Vince Young and Chris Johnson. 

The Seahawks have been outscored 106 to 24 over their last three and have seen Matt Hasselbeck throw nine INTs in this time.  I expect a lot of running from Johnson and a large victory margin from the Titans.  Titans minus 4.5.

 

Baltimore at Oakland (+10.5)

Simply put: Baltimore wins and they’re in.  Earlier this year, I noticed Baltimore’s defense to be playing below their standards.  But with one week to go, here’s where they stand defensively: they are third overall in yards allowed (4,483), second in points allowed (16.5), sixth in rushing yards allowed (96.1) as well as passing (202.8), and sixth in takeaways (30).  Considering their offense ranks fourteenth overall, it’s a good thing the defense has found their old form. 

Then there’s Oakland.  If you can figure this out, let me know.  They’ve beaten the Bengals at home, Pittsburgh and Denver on the road, and then they lose to the Browns.  Okay, okay, this last one was with Charlie Frye.  We’ll grant Oakland a reprieve.  Baltimore gets in with a crushing road win.  Give me them minus 10.5.   

 

Kansas City at Denver (-13)

Another team that may have a lot to think about this off season, the Denver Broncos started 6-0, only to lose four-in-a-row, then most recently three-in-a-row, and now find themselves at an average 8-7.  Over their last three, Denver’s struggled to total just 245 yards on the ground, an area they’re most known for.  Kyle Orton’s had a successful year, considering he came in replacing Jay Cutler.  For the season, his 20 TDs and nine INTs land him 16th and second in the league.  As for the Chiefs, there’s little to say except: wait till next year.  Denver needs the win.  Give me the Broncos minus the 13.

 

New England at Houston (-8)

This line befuddles me the most.  New England is still jockeying for the No. 3 seed and the Texans are favored by eight?  Since the talk of Randy Moss giving up against Carolina, the Patriots seemed to have made a statement, throwing him nine balls for 115 yards and four TDs.   New England’s defense is third in the league in points rendered (16.7) and seventh in passing yards allowed (204). 

These two positions will come in to play provided the Texans are second in passing yards (290.6) and eleventh in points (23.6).  Andre Johnson’s number for the season: 95 grabs (fourth), 1,504 yards (first) and nine TDs (ninth).  This line is fishy.  The Patriots need a win, sort of.  I cannot go against Bill Belichick and eight points.  Pats plus the eight.

 

A QUICK RECAP

Colts +7
Browns -2
Cowboys -3
Lions +2
Buccaneers +2.5
Panthers -7
49ers -7
Steelers -3
Vikings -9.5
Bengals +10
Cardinals -3
Chargers -4
Titans -4.5
Ravens -10.5
Broncos -13
Patriots +8

Think you can beat me, prove it! 

CLICK HERE TO MAKE YOUR SELECTIONS

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

NFL Week 15: Think You Know The NFL?

sportsfanIQ challenges anyone who dares to predict.  Make your selections toward the bottom of mine. 

In order to select a winner, you must consider the point spread.  Because frankly, it’d be too easy without it. 

The line is situated next to the home team.  If it’s a minus (-), the home team must win by this amount to be considered the winner.  If it’s a plus (+), they cannot lose by more than this number to be deemed the victor. 

If you can beat sportsfanIQ, you’ll have bragging rights.  And who knows, if we can get the momentum going on this, by next season, we’ll actually have a prize for the winner.

Click here for the results so far.

 

Indianapolis at Jacksonville (+6.5)

If you’re an NFL fan and your team of choice doesn’t make it to the Super Bowl, aside from Dolphins fans, you are cheering for a Saints/Colts undefeated showdown.  Jim Caldwell has already confirmed that his “healthy” starters will play, at least for week 15. The Colts’ Reggie Wayne, after catching 10 balls for 2 TDs in week 10, has grabbed 18 catches with 1 TD since. 

Jacksonville has split with the Colts four out of the last seven years, and seeing that the law of averages is weighing on the Colts—they’ve won their last seven by an average margin of 5.14—it’s tough to think the Jags are rolling over at home for this divisional showdown.  Plus, they’re in the heat of a four-way tie for the final AFC playoff spot. 

Colts win – barely.   

 

Dallas at New Orleans (-7)

Wade Philips would like to concentrate on 2009.  Fine.  The Cowboys are 0-2 in December and now have to travel to New Orleans, where the Saints are 6-0 and average 15.33 point victories.  Actually, though, the Cowboys aren’t playing that poorly.  They’ve accumulated 771 yards the last two games with only one turnover.  If you analyze the numbers for December, it’s hard to explain why the Cowboys are 0-2.

Except, judging from their previous December troubles, perhaps they lack the “it” of winning.  Drew Brees and the Saints have made no secret about it: they’re gunning for 16-0.  They escaped defeat by a field goal for the second consecutive week, despite having a 23-9 advantage over the Falcons in the second quarter.  Such a small number tells me this game’s going be closer than anticipated, but it’s hard to go against the Saints at home. 

I’ll give the 7.  

 

Green Bay at Pittsburgh (-1)

Two teams heading in the opposite direction, one losing five-in-a-row, the other winning five-in-a-row.  And the Steelers are favored?  In a 13-6 loss to the then 1-11 Browns, Pittsburgh allowed Cleveland to rack up eight sacks, which now accounts for twenty-five percent of the Browns’ season total.  In a five week stretch, the Steelers managed to lose to a two-win team, a three-win team, and a four-win team.  And now, a third of these nine wins are at the hands of Pittsburgh.  Amazing. 

As for Green Bay, Aaron Rodgers has been steady over his last five.  He’s thrown at a 68.8 completion percentage, with 9 TDs and 2 INTs.  The Steelers are all but mathematically eliminated from the post-season, however, their pride is at stake.  I’m trying to convince myself that the Steelers have one more in them, but I just can’t. 

Packers plus the one.   

 

Miami at Tennessee (-3)

Miami is the third ranked rushing team in the league (150.1 YDS/G); Tennessee’s second (165.3).  Even without Ronnie Brown, the Dolphins have averaged 136.3 YDS/G on the ground, winning three of four.  They walked into Jacksonville needing a win and got it, thus propelling them to the front of the 7-6 final-playoff-spot race. 

Chris Johnson’s torrid pace continues.  He’s now surpassed 100 YDS on the ground in eight straight and runs the ball at an even 6.0 yards an attempt, 0.6 better than the next (Ray Rice).  Vince Young left last week’s win early, but veteran Kerry Collins came off the bench going 11-19 with 154 YDS and a touchdown.  Miami once again needs a win, but Tennessee has won four-in-a-row at home. 

Give me the Titans minus the three. 

 

New England at Buffalo (+7)

For New England, most of this week’s talk has been about Randy Moss possibly packing it in against the Panthers.  But has anyone seen what Wes Welker’s been going?  He’s caught more than 10 balls six times this season, for a total of 105 receptions in only 11 games.  Over his last four, Wes has 41 grabs for 496 yards with, remarkably, zero touchdowns.  In fact, he hasn’t reached the endzone since week 7. 

Under interim coach Perry Fewell, Buffalo’s 2-2 and doing it on the ground.  Behind the duo of Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson, the Bills have rushed for 452 yards in their last three, going 2-1.  The Pats held the dynamic combo of Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams—whose team averages over 36 more yards a game on the ground than the Bills—to 111 yards in a 20-10 win over the Panthers.  I think the Bills will come to play, which makes me think I’ll regret this:

Give me the Pats minus the seven. 

 

Arizona at Detroit (+11)

With a chance to wrap up the NFC West division, the Cardinals went out and turned the ball over seven times.  Kurt Warner’s season average for passing yards was 273 YDS/G before this matchup.  He totaled 178 against a 49ers team that ranks 27th in the league, giving up 244 YDS/G.  Warner and the Cardinals get a chance at redemption against the Lions, who rank dead last, giving up 272 YDS/G through the air. 

As a team over their last four, the Lions have given up an average of 432.5 total YDS/G.  They’ve been outscored 142-66 in this time.  Because Kurt Warner built his reputation on turf, let’s consider this: since joining the Cardinals in 2005, Warner’s led Arizona to a 10-7 record versus dome teams, either on the road or under the desert sun.  Of the seven games he’s been under center while playing indoors, Warner’s posted a 4-3 record. 

Whether this stat is impressive or not, it’s gives me the confidence to select them here.  Arizona minus the eleven on turf.   

 

San Francisco at Philadelphia (-7.5)

The Eagles have won four straight and now find themselves one full game atop the NFC East.  Donovan McNabb hasn’t been great in this time, throwing 6 TDs and 3 INTs for 1,017 yards.  But his ability to find DeSean Jackson 24 times, accounting for forty-one percent of his overall passing yardage, has been the key.  At 9-4, and without Brian Westbrook essentially since week 7, the Eagles find themselves 19th rushing the ball, behind teams like Atlanta, Buffalo, and even St. Louis. 

San Francisco is fifth in stopping the run, giving up 95.0 YDS/G.  Their pass defense sits 27th in the league, allowing 7.0 yards a throw, but fifth in touchdowns surrendered (13).  If the 49ers can stop the pass, they’ll have a chance.  But after losing to the Raiders in week six, the Eagles are 6-2, averaging 29.5 points a game. 

I like them minus the 7.5 at home.   

 

Atlanta at NYJ (-4.5)

The Jets are in a four-way tie for the final playoff spot, but lose the tie-breaker in all three instances.  They’ve won three straight, but have struggled at the QB position during this time.  Between Mark Sanchez and Kellen Clemens, the Jets’ aerial attack has accumulated 361 yards through the air it’s last three games combined.  To put that in perspective: Drew Brees has thrown for over 361 yards three separate times this season.  The Jets ran for 424 yards the last two games against the worst and second to worst rushing defenses.  

The Falcons rank twenty-third, giving up 117.8 YDS/G.  Atlanta’s been decimated by injuries and hopes to get offensive weapons Matt Ryan and Michael Turner back this week.  Although it’s too late for their season, it does pose a challenge to the top-ranked Jets defense.  

I think the Jets win by at least three.  So I’ll go the extra 1.5 and give the 4.5.      

 

Chicago at Baltimore (-10)

I see two stats summing up this ten-point line.  For one, the Ravens rank 6th in the league stopping the run, giving up 97.8 YDS/G.  The Bears are last running the ball, managing just 85.8 YDS/G.  Secondly, the Ravens are a +4 in takeaways/giveaways, intercepting their opposing QB 16 times.  The Bears are a -4, having thrown 22 INTs. 

Both these stats illustrate the disappointment toward Jay Cutler and Matt Forte.  Forte’s only broken 100 yards on the ground once this year, totaling just 685 yards, way off the pace from his 1,238 yard rookie season.  Of the four teams tied for the 6th spot in the AFC (Jets, Dolphins, Jaguars), the Ravens’ remaining schedule is the most favoring (15-24).  As a side note, the Jets have the hardest (28-11). 

Baltimore tore apart the Lions for 548 total yards.  I don’t expect that much here, but I do like them minus the ten. 

 

Cleveland at Kansas City (-2.5)

The Browns shocked the defending Super Bowl Champions, thus basically eliminating them from playoff contention.  In Cleveland’s two wins this year, ready for this, their quarterbacks are 8-36 for 113 yards.  Wow!  Coincidentally, the Browns rushed for 171 yards in both wins.  If this isn’t an indication for Kansas City to prepare to stop the run, I’m not sure what is. 

Unfortunately, the Chiefs rank 29th in doing so, giving up 148.1 yards on the ground.  Who are they tied with?  The Browns.  Jamaal Charles ran for 143 yards on 20 attempts in a 16-10 loss to the Bills (last against the run).  Josh Cribbs, a receiver, rushed for 87 yards on eight attempts against the Steelers (first against the run).  One of these 29th ranked rushing defenses has to show up.  I think I’m leaning toward Cleveland.  

I’ll take them plus the 2.5.      

 

Houston at St. Louis (+11)

Houston is 1-4 over their last five.  In this time, Matt Schaub’s been average.  He’s thrown for 1,472 yards with 8 TDs but has coughed it up 6 times.  Their passing offense, which ranks fourth, makes up seventy-six percent of the Texans’ overall attack.  

The Rams, though, have been putrid.  In their 47-7 loss to the Titans, the Rams’ offensive leaders were Keith Null (27-43 157 yards; 1st career start), Kenneth Darby (51 yards on 1 attempt), and Brandon Gibson (6 catches for 43 yards).  These three are a far cry from the days of Warner, Faulk and Holt.  I’m almost tempted to take the Rams here.  In their last three home games, St. Louis has lost by a combined total of 23 points, which included a 28-23 loss to the Saints.  

The one-game-under-his-belt Keith Null didn’t play in any of these games, though.  I’ll take the Texans.    

 

Cincinnati at San Diego (-6.5)

By virtue of a better divisional record, the Bengals could leap the Chargers for the coveted number two seed with a win here.  Cincinnati struggled against the Vikings, having Carson Palmer throw for only 91 total yards on 28 pass attempts.  They’ll finish home versus Kansas City, then at the New York Jets. 

The Chargers have won eight straight, despite possessing the second to last rushing offense (87.5 YDS/G), which includes last in rushing per attempt (3.2 yards).  If you look closely at Cincinnati’s offense, it’s clear they’re winning with their defense.  They are third in rushing yards allowed (1,123) and second in points given up (16.7). 

Their offense, on the other hand, ranks 20th in overall yardage (322.5) and 19th in points scored (20.3).  This is a good matchup that can easily be decided by a touchdown. 

But because of the magnitude, I’ll take the Bengals plus the 6.5.

 

Oakland at Denver (-11.5)

The last time these two played, Denver controlled the clock (36:15), held the Raiders to nine first downs, and surrendered only 137 total yards, including just 42 through the air.  Currently, Denver is second against the pass, giving up 183 YDS/G.  Oakland is second to last throwing it, averaging 145 YDS/G. 

Granted the Raiders are a different team with Bruce Gradkowski running the show, but after suffering sprained ligaments in both knees, Oakland’s left to decide between JaMarcus Russell and Charlie Frye.  Where does all this leave the Raiders?  Perhaps where they were a few years ago: looking for a QB in the first round of the draft. 

Give me the Broncos minus 11.5. 

 

Tampa Bay at Seattle (-7)

How bad are the Buccaneers?  In their 26-3 loss to the Jets, Tampa Bay managed six first downs; their first coming in the third quarter.  They were 0-14 on third down.  And they averaged 2.5 yards per pass attempt and 2.2 yards per rush. 

As for Seattle, their 34-7 loss to the Texans wasn’t much better.  They salvaged 13 first downs, went 1-14 on third down, and ran for 62 yards.  Both teams give up a lot of points.  The Seahawks allow 23.2 points per game, and the Bucs 27.4.  Both predominantly throw the ball, though Seattle does it better.  For the year, Seattle averages 224 YDS/G, Tampa Bay 180 YDS/G. 

I can see a high scoring game here, whereby the underdog scores late to get under the 7.  Give me the Bucs plus seven.

 

Minnesota at Carolina (+7)

Of the top 10 overall offensive team leaders, the Minnesota Vikings seem to display a conscious effort towards balance, and are successful at it.  Their 449 passing attempts have awarded them 254 YDS/G.  Their 388 running attempts—125 YDS/G.  This combination lands them sixth overall in yards (4,927) and second in points scored (29.9). 

Their defense is no pushover either.  Again, they’re sixth in overall yards allowed (3,947), which includes fourth in rushing yards (86.9).  This last stat may come in handy against a Panthers team that runs for 149.9 YDS/G (4th).  One aspect to keep an eye on: Carolina has put the ball on the ground six times this season, which is second worst.  The Vikings have picked it up 12 times, which is second best. 

If the Panthers can hold on to the rock, I like them plus the seven at home.   

 

NYG at Washington (+3)

In last week’s loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, the Giants controlled the ball for 34:46, but lost 45-38.  In the game, they gave up a 72-yard punt return for a touchdown, a 1-play 60-yard pass play for a touchdown, and a 60-yard fumble return for a touchdown.  In addition, they surrendered touchdown drives of 67, 70 and 91 yards.  If this doesn’t tell you all you need to know about the Giants, perhaps this will: their overall defense is ninth in yards allowed (3,993) but they’re twenty-eight in points given up (25.4). 

The Redskins, who are twelfth in points allowed (19.3), come in playing relatively well.  Washington is 2-3 over a five game stretch, sandwiching wins around a 1-point loss to the Cowboys, a 3-point loss to the Eagles, and a 3-point loss to the Saints.  Washington held late four quarter leads in all three of these losses. 

Playing at home, against a Giants team that’s still feeling the effects of beginning the season 5-0 only to go 2-6 over their next eight, makes me believe the Skins have the advantage here.  Give me Washington plus the three. 

A QUICK RECAP

Jaguars +6.5
Saints -7
Packers +1
Titans -3
Patriots -7
Cardinals -11
Eagles -7.5
Jets -4.5
Ravens -10
Browns +2.5
Texans -11
Bengals +6.5
Broncos -11.5
Buccaneers +7
Panthers +7
Redskins +3

Think you can beat me, prove it! 

CLICK HERE TO MAKE YOUR SELECTIONS

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

NFL: Pick All 16 Games To Prove You Know The NFL

SportsfanIQ challenges anyone who dares to predict.   Make your selections toward the bottom of mine. 

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

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