NFL Fearless
Predictions
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Week 14
Denver
at Houston
8:00 pm NFL Network December 13, 2007
Why to Watch: As Texans head coach Gary Kubiak said in his post game
press conference, it’ll be a little strange for him looking across the field and
seeing his entire NFL ‘life’ right in front of him. That’s just one subplot for
a game that should be entertaining to say the least. The Broncos beat the
Chiefs last week 41-7 to remain mathematically alive for the last playoff berth,
while the Texans played their best game all season long, topping the Bucs 28-14
behind a strong performance by quarterback Sage Rosenfels. The Texans rarely
have had the national television stage to themselves, so expect the crew in the
“Battle Red” to play with a little extra something, even on a short preparation
week.
Why Denver Might Win: Speaking of subplots, one of them involves Broncos
rookie running back Selvin Young returning to his hometown for this game. The
undrafted Young has made his presence known, running for 569 yards on the
season, 156 of those coming last week against the Chiefs on 17 carries. The
Texans played much better against the run last week, holding the Bucs to 71
yards rushing, but still rank 23rd in the NFL against the run (118.2
yards per game). However, due in large part to Young, Travis Henry and the
Bronco offensive line, the Broncos offense is sixth in the league, averaging
128.1 yards per game.
Why Houston Might Win: There’s no quarterback controversy in Houston,
but the Texans offense didn’t miss a beat last weekend with Rosenfels in
control. And, there’s no question; he was in complete control. He finished the
game 27 of 36 for 209 yards and three touchdowns in a game that the Texans had
to win. The Broncos have one of the best pass defenses in the league, seventh
in the NFL yielding 195.9 yards per game, but so did the Bucs and Rosenfels did
what he wanted for much of the game.
Who to Watch: Texans defensive end Mario Williams has been under the
spotlight since he set foot in Houston, and he’s finally tapping into his
immense potential. He has double digit sacks, ten on the season, but most
importantly, he’s forcing defenses to game plan to stop him. That’s all you can
ask from a number one pick – be a difference maker and change game plans. He’s
starting to do that, but can he produce efforts like this week in and week out?
We’ll see.
What Will Happen: The Texans aren’t used to having a national stage with
which to make a statement, so this is unchartered territory for Kubiak’s ‘kids’
(yes, he thinks they’re kids). Like Williams, Rosenfels must also play
consistently well in this one for the Texans to have a shot at winning this
game. And, he’ll do just that. He’ll throw for 250+ yards and a couple of
touchdowns to lead the Texans to a second consecutive home victory.
CFN Prediction:Texans – 27…Broncos – 21
Line: Texans -3
Must See Rating: (5 Hef wants you to take his place on The Girls Next
Door, but you can’t
Must See Rating: (5 Gossip Girl - 1 Desperate Housewives)
...3
Cincinnati
at San Francisco
8:00 pm NFL Network December 15, 2007
Why to Watch: It was just a short 19 years ago when these two met in
Super Bowl XXIII in one of the greatest post season games, well, finishes of
all-time. Uh, things have changed, slightly. The 49ers are one of the worst
teams in the NFL, winning only three games and losing 27-7 to Minnesota at home
last week. The 49ers have scored five fewer touchdowns than the winless Miami
Dolphins, if that helps give you an idea of how far the mighty has fallen. The
Bengals beat a Brock Berlin-led Rams team 19-10 for win number five on the
season. However, the Bengals have only won one game on the road this season
(Ravens, week ten), so it’s not a Bengals lock this weekend.
Why Cincinnati Might Win: The Bengals don’t lose games because they
can’t move the football. The Carson Palmer-led offense is seventh in the league
in total offense and scoring (353.2 yards per game and 23.8 points per game),
while ranking fifth in passing yards (256.1 yards per game). Considering the
fact that the 49ers are in the bottom ten in the league in total defense, the
Bengals could put a big number on the 49ers defense this Saturday night.
Why San Francisco Might Win: It’s a home game? It’s a chance to revenge
the previous ten losses? Shaun Hill? There’s a reason here, we’re sure, but
none have been unearthed through thirteen games, unless it’s the fact that the
defense is 16th in the league in pass defense, giving up 217.6 yards
per game. If the offense isn’t able to move the football, at least the defense
should be able to slow Palmer and company and not get completely torched through
the air.
Who to Watch: Bengals running back Rudi Johnson had 92 yards rushing last
week against the Rams and his ability to provide the run (yin) to Palmer’s
passing (yang). The 49ers held Adrian Peterson to three yards rushing, but
watched Chester Taylor run away from them for 101 yards rushing. If Johnson
runs for 92+ yards this week, the 49ers are done. D. O. N. E.
What Will Happen: The 49ers might have packed it in for the rest of the
season and it won’t help when the defense faces this prolific Bengals offense.
Palmer will throw for 275+ yards and a couple of touchdowns, while the 49ers and
Hill will help them out with a couple of turnovers. Not that the Bengals need
it.
CFN Prediction: Bengals – 34…49ers – 13
Line: Cincinnati -8.5
Must See Rating: (5 Gossip Girl - 1 Desperate Housewives)
...2
Arizona
at New Orleans
1:00 pm Fox December 16, 2007
Why to Watch: Mathematically, neither team is eliminated from playoff
contention, but a loss here could be curtains for the loser. Arizona is 6-7,
coming off of a 42-21 loss on the road at Seattle that ended any thoughts of an
NFC West title. The Saints kept any small hope alive by beating the Falcons on
Monday night 34-14. The Saints are two games back of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
in the NFC South, but would need a collapse of enormous proportions from the
Bucs to have a shot at the division title. As such, the situation is pretty
simple for each team – the winner moves into a sixth place tie in the NFC if
Minnesota loses and only one game behind the Vikes if Minnesota beats Chicago.
A loss and, well, start cueing up the draft talk.
Why Arizona Might Win: The Cardinals won’t lose many track meets, as
long as quarterback Kurt Warner doesn’t throw five interceptions again as he did
in Seattle. The offense ranks tenth in the league in passing yards per game,
averaging 244.8 yards through the air, while the Saints are 29th in
the NFL against the pass. This bodes very well for the pass happy Cardinals, an
offense that put up 337 yards passing against the Seahawks last weekend.
Why New Orleans Might Win: The Saints passing game has carried this
offense since running back Deuce McAllister was lost for the season.
Quarterback Drew Brees is fourth in the league in passing with 3,504 yards and
has found a nice groove after struggling in the first four games of the season.
As such, wide receiver Marques Colston has followed up his strong rookie
campaign with a solid second season, one in which he’s caught 79 passes for just
under 1,000 yards and eight touchdowns.
Who to Watch: The one defender on either team that can make a difference
in this game is Saints defensive end Will Smith. The Fresh Prince of New
Orleans has six sacks on the season and generates enough pressure from the edge
that it could force Warner into bad throws and/or turnovers. He had eight
tackles and a sack against the Falcons and will be a tough assignment for the
Cardinals tackles.
What Will Happen: Well, if it’s a track meet you want, then, gosh darn
it, a track meet you will get. The Saints won’t lose this up and down game,
though, as Brees throws the ball at will on the Cardinals secondary, a unit that
gave up 272 yards and four touchdowns through the air to Seahawks quarterback
Matt Hasselbeck last weekend. Brees will throw four touchdowns and keep the
Cardinals chasing throughout the game.
CFN Prediction: Saints – 38…Cardinals – 31
Line: New Orleans -4
Must See Rating: (5 Gossip Girl - 1 Desperate Housewives)
...3
Tennessee
at Kansas City
1:00 pm CBS December 16, 2007
Why to Watch: The Titans closed last season with a flourish and just
missed the playoffs. This season, the Titans aren’t closing with quite a
flourish, but are still holding onto playoff dreams. However, a loss to the
Chiefs could end any and all hopes for postseason play. The 23-17 loss to the
Chargers, after holding a 17-3 lead late in the fourth quarter, was a crushing
blow, but a loss here could be even more devastating for the 7-6 Titans. The
4-9 Chiefs aren’t playing for much at this time in the season, other than draft
position, but they can play the role of spoiler this week.
Why Tennessee Might Win: Desperation is the motivation for the Titans.
A loss, combined with a Bills win, could be a severely damaging blow for the
Titans from which to recover. There’s no secret with this team – the defense is
carrying the team and they’re just hoping for a couple of touchdowns from the
offense to have a chance to win. Albert Haynesworth and company are sixth in
the NFL in total yardage defense, giving up 297.6 yards per game and face one of
the worst offenses in the league this week.
Why Kansas City Might Win: Vince Young hasn’t set the world on fire
throwing the football this season (29th in the league in passer
rating) and he faces one of the top ten pass defenses in the NFL. The Chiefs
are ninth in the league, giving up just over 200 yards per game, so Young may
have significant trouble this weekend. He threw for only 121 yards, while
adding a couple of interceptions against the Chargers and the Chiefs are just as
good, if not better, in the secondary.
Who to Watch: Titans running back LenDale White is channeling his inner
2005 USC Trojan form this season. After a rough rookie season, spending much of
it overweight and out of shape, he’s bounced back with 867 yards, including 113
yards last week against the Chargers. More importantly, he pounded the rock 30
times to provide Young a crutch with which to lean upon when it got tough.
Against the Chiefs, White should see another 30 carries against the 25th
ranked rush defense in the league.
What Will Happen: The Titans will jump on top early and this time, they
won’t let up. Young throws for 195+ yards and a touchdown, while White rolls
big for 125+ yards and a touchdown in a much-needed Titans win.
CFN Prediction: Titans – 23…Chiefs – 9
Line: Titans -3.5
Must See Rating: (5 Gossip Girl - 1 Desperate Housewives)
...3
Jacksonville
at Pittsburgh
1:00 pm CBS December 16, 2007
Why to Watch: When these two were in the same division during the late
‘90s, this was a bitter rivalry and the one that Jacksonville fans held in high
regard. The bitterness has subsided since the two changed divisions in 2002,
but this game is perhaps the best game of the weekend. The Jaguars hammered the
Carolina Panthers last week 37-6 for win number nine, maintaining its perch atop
the AFC Wild Card standings, if you will. The Steelers, well, the guarantee
didn’t go so well for them, as Tom Brady and the Patriots shredded them like a
Christmas ham 34-13. However, at home this season, the Steelers are 7-0 and
won’t play nearly as tight as they did in New England last weekend.
Why Jacksonville Might Win: Pick your poison. Do you want to get gashed
by Maurice Jones-Drew, the youngster? Or, do you roll the dice that the 32-year
old Fred Taylor is going to be the flavor du jour? Either way, the Jaguar
running game is as powerful as any in the AFC and is second in the entire NFL,
averaging 143.8 yards per game. Last weekend, Taylor harbored his inner Belle
Glade Central days, rushing for 132 yards, including an 80-yard burst in which
he was running away from some spry Carolina defensive backs. The man showed
that, not only is he not ready for the retirement home, he might be as good as
he’s ever been.
Why Pittsburgh Might Win: Well, for starters, there’ve been no
guarantees made this week. At least not thus far. Beyond that, the Steelers
strength on defense, the run defense, matches up perfectly with the Jaguars
offensive strength. The Steelers are second in the league in run defense,
giving up 172.8 yards per game and first in the NFL in total defense giving up
less than 250 yards per game. The Patriots ran for only 22 yards on the
Steelers and the Jaguars can’t hurt the Pittsburgh secondary nearly as much as
Brady did last weekend. Meaning? Meaning they’ll have to run to win, playing
right into the Steelers’ hands.
Who to Watch: Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger didn’t have a bad
game against the Patriots, completing 19 of 32 passes for 187 yards and a
touchdown. However, this team needs much more consistency and production before
the playoffs start and it’s on Roethlisberger, the leader of this team, to bring
them back. Outside of moving the football effectively, Roethlisberger must set
a tone of confidence and toughness, like he did in 2005 when the Steelers made
their improbable run to the Super Bowl title.
What Will Happen: The Jaguars are going to have problems running the
football against the stout Steelers defense and will need the passing game to be
effective to win. Although quarterback David Garrard hasn’t had to carry this
team this year, he’s never really been put in a position to do so. This week,
he’ll have to and the Steelers will turn him over a couple of times. The
additional possessions will turn into points for the Steelers, resulting in win
number ten.
CFN Prediction: Steelers – 27…Jaguars – 24
Line: Pittsburgh -3.5
Must See Rating: (5 Gossip Girl - 1 Desperate Housewives)
...4.5
Baltimore
at Miami
1:00 pm CBS December 16, 2007
Why to Watch: For the 14th straight week, the Miami Dolphin
win watch is on, baby! Can the Dolphins avoid the fate of the 1976 Tampa Bay
Buccaneers, allowing Steve Spurrier and company to pop the cork of champagne?
Or, does the champagne stay on ice for another week? The Dolphins lost their 13th
straight game last week up in Buffalo 38-17 - 24 of the Bills’ points coming in
the first quarter. This one was 31-7 at half and over at that point. But, the
Dolphins got a break this week facing a Baltimore Raven team that is done. Done
meaning a team that has nothing left. The heartbreaking loss to New England
begat a 44-20 loss to the Colts on national television – a game in which the
Ravens trailed 37-7 at halftime. If the Dolphins had a win, no one would care
about this game, but fans everywhere will be riveted to television screens to
see if the ‘Phins can stay perfect.
Why Baltimore Might Win: Disregarding last week’s loss to the Colts, the
Ravens haven’t lost much off the defensive fastball, if you will. Although the
pass defense has been hurt by the injuries at the corner position, the defense
is still fifth in the league in total defense, giving up less than 300 yards per
game (297.3 yards per game). The Dolphins are decimated on offense, so Ray
Lewis and company should shut them down completely.
Why Miami Might Win: As noted above, the Ravens took a couple of shots
early in the Colts game and crumbled. The Dolphins don’t have the playmakers to
deliver a knockout blow, but if they can string together a good drive for a
touchdown, followed by another quick seven in the first quarter, the Ravens may
just as easily want to head home for the weekend. The lone bright spot last
weekend was the running of former Packer and Texan Samkon Gado, who averaged
more than four yards per carry and had two touchdowns.
Who to Watch: Baltimore’s cornerbacks. Last week, Peyton Manning had the
replacement corners on blast and lit them up in a major way. If Dolphins
quarterbacks Cleo Lemon and/or John Beck attack them early, the Ravens defense
is in trouble. Now, that’s a big if, but Manning had a relatively easy time
going after the Ravens secondary on the perimeter.
What Will Happen: As much as we’d all like to see the Dolphins stay
perfect, well, we’ll get our wish. Ray Lewis and Ed Reed aren’t going to let a
winless team beat the Ravens in Miami, where the dynamic duo went to college at
the U. Running back Willis McGahee, another U product, will rush for over 100
yards and a couple of touchdowns in a Ravens win.
CFN Prediction: Ravens – 23…Dolphins – 7
Line: Baltimore -3
Must See Rating: (5 Hef wants you to take his place on The Girls Next
Door, but you can’t
Must See Rating: (5 Gossip Girl - 1 Desperate Housewives)
...4
Green Bay
at St. Louis
1:00 pm Fox December 16, 2007
Why to Watch: One team is a division winner. The other is in the top
ten. The 2008 NFL Draft Top ten. The Packers sealed the NFC North Division
title last week after dropping the Oakland Raiders at home 38-7 and will head to
the playoffs after a two-year absence. Unfortunately for the Rams, the playoffs
will have to wait until 2008. The Rams are 3-10, including a 19-10 loss last
week to the Cincinnati Bengals. It’s gotten to the point where former Miami
Hurricane product Brock Berlin was under center last week for the Rams. Even if
the Packers take the week off, so to speak, the Rams may not be able to take
advantage – they’re finished this season. Hey, everyone, Cancun on three. 1-2-3
CANCUN!
Why Green Bay Might Win: The Packers still have a shot at home field
advantage throughout the playoffs, albeit an extremely slim chance. But, you’re
saying they have a chance, right? Yes, a chance. But, with the motivation of
maintaining excellence, the Packers are going to pound the running game.
Earlier this season, the Packers were winning games throwing it all over the
yard and the run offense was the worst in the league. Since that point, the
Packers have ridden Ryan Grant all the way up to the 23rd spot in the
NFL, averaging 92.5 yards per game. The Rams are 21st against the
run, yielding 115.7 yards per game, so expect plenty of Grant, who had 156 yards
and a touchdown against the Raiders.
Why St. Louis Might Win: The hope this week is that Rams quarterback
Marc Bulger can return for this week, after watching Berlin play the entire
Cincinnati game. Berlin wasn’t horrible (not great either), but Bulger gives
the Rams the best chance to win. When he’s been healthy this season, the Rams
have played like the team that had playoff aspirations at the beginning of the
season. The Packers defense has played well this season, but that unit is still
15th in the league against the pass (217.3 yards per game), so Bulger
can attack them and be successful.
Who to Watch: Pro Bowl receiver Torry Holt has been the Rams only bright
spot this season. He’s tied for sixth in the league with 80 receptions and is
over 1,000 yards for the eighth straight season. No one will appreciate how
much Holt has done and what he’s done over his career, especially with the
losses this season, but stopping him is job number one for the Packer secondary
this weekend.
What Will Happen: The Packers will win a game that’ll be a little closer
than at first glance. Bulger will throw 40 times and have a successful 300+
yard game, but he’ll throw a pair of picks to give the Packers additional
possessions with which to drive home the proverbial nail in the Rams coffin.
Grant will have 85+ yard and a touchdown to lead the offense and the Packers to
their 12th win.
CFN Prediction: Packers – 24…Rams – 20
Line: Green Bay -9
Must See Rating: (5 Gossip Girl - 1 Desperate Housewives)
...1.5
Buffalo
at Cleveland
1:00 pm CBS December 16, 2007
Why to Watch: The Battle of Lake Erie will commence this weekend with
just a little bit on the line. You didn’t expect that at the outset of this
season did you? Here’s the skinny. The Bills are 7-6 and fighting for a wild
card berth, while the Browns are 8-5 and fighting for a wild card berth. While
the Jaguars, more than likely, will lock up one spot, the remaining one is left
for the Bills, the Browns or the Titans. If the Browns win this weekend, that
last spot is as good as theirs. If the Bills win, those two will be tied at
8-6, but the Bills will hold the head-to-head tiebreaker. There’ll be two games
left for both (insert cliché here about anything can happen), but this game is
as important as any game these two organizations have played in years.
Why Buffalo Might Win: The Bills didn’t have a running game last
season. They couldn’t run the football at all, which forced them to go out and
draft Marshawn Lynch from Cal. His performance early in the season validated
spending the 12th pick in the draft, but when he went down with an
injury, it appeared the Bills would struggle. Well, if last week was any
indication, perhaps two backs are better than one. Against the Dolphins, Lynch
ran for 107 yards in his first game back, but Fred Jackson went for 115 yards to
top the rookie from Cal. The Bills are now 16th in the league in
rush defense and will face the Browns 32nd ranked defense in the
NFL. The Browns better hope this game doesn’t become the Running of the Bills.
Why Cleveland Might Win: No offense has overachieved more this season
than the Cleveland Browns. The Browns are ninth in the league averaging 352.2
yards per game total offense and have moved the football against the best
defenses in the league. The Bills have played a great deal of cover two this
season, keeping offenses in front. They’ll give up yards (30th in
the league – 363.8 yards per game), but hold teams to field goals in the red
zone. However, the Browns have one of the best red zone threats in the game,
Kellen Winslow II, who has 69 catches and five touchdowns this season.
Who to Watch: No matter what Winslow does, the key for the Bills will be
to slow down receiver Braylon Edwards. Edwards is averaging 17 yards per catch
and his presence keeps safeties from packing the box and stopping running back
Jamal Lewis. Edwards may not have as much downfield success this week, but his
ability to stretch and push the safeties downfield and curl up in front of them
for 15 to 18 yards for first downs.
What Will Happen: The Browns defense will play one of its best games of
the season, slowing Jackson and Lynch and forcing quarterback Trent Edwards to
throw the ball further than five yards downfield to beat them. This is a tough
spot for the Bills rookie signal caller and the Browns will take advantage of
his shortcomings…and turnovers.
CFN Prediction: Browns – 34…Bills – 23
Line: Cleveland -5.5
Must See Rating: (5 Gossip Girl - 1 Desperate Housewives)
...4
New York Jets
at New England
1:00 pm CBS December 16, 2007
Why to Watch: If you don’t know why to watch this game this weekend then
you shouldn’t be reading these fearless predictions. But, for those uninformed,
here goes. The Patriots are going for history and are 13-0. The Jets ratted
them out for videotaping the Jets sideline earlier this season. Jets head coach
Eric Mangini went from being a Bill Belichick assistant to hated rival and that
was before Video-Gate. The Patriots have made a point of destroying any team
that has so much as questioned how good the Patriots really are, much less make
a guarantee against them or rat them out for video taping. Okay, brought up to
speed?
Why the Jets Might Win: They won’t. Not this weekend. But, hope can be
found with Jets quarterback Kellen Clemens and running back Thomas Jones. Last
week, Clemens completed 24 of 41 passes for 286 yards, although he did throw a
couple of picks, while Jones ran for over 106 yards in the loss to Cleveland.
Teams have not shied away from running the football, in particular, at the
Patriots and Jones could have another 100-yard day to keep the Jets “inside the
number”.
Why New England Might Win: If there’s a team that the Patriots want to
embarrass more than any team in the league, it’s this one. Some teams get tight
when they’ve got a message to administer, but the Patriots, well, that’s a
different story. Just ask Pittsburgh safety Anthony Smith what happens. Other
than that, this just isn’t a good matchup for the Jets at all, considering what
Randy Moss and Tom Brady did to them in the first game of the season (183 yards
receiving/297 yards passing).
Who to Watch: The videographers? No, seriously, Patriots outside
linebacker Adalius Thomas has struggled against the run the past few weeks and
there might be some validity to the thought that he might be just a one-trick
pony (pass rushing). The Patriots gave up over 100 yards to Willie Parker last
week and Baltimore’s Willis McGahee did a number on the Patriots run defense as
well. Thomas isn’t the only culprit, but he’d better start to play better
against the run.
What Will Happen: This one will either be a record setting blow out or a
tough game that goes into the fourth quarter. In the expected snowstorm, there
should be some intrigue in the fourth quarter. It’s Wes Welker’s week to shine
and with the focus of the Jets being put on Moss, the former Texas Tech star
should have a ten-catch game to lead the Patriots offense.
CFN Prediction: Patriots – 45…Jets – 28
Line: New England -23.5
Must See Rating: (5 Gossip Girl - 1 Desperate Housewives)
...4
Seattle
at Carolina
1:00 pm Fox December 16, 2007
Why to Watch: This season couldn’t be going any better for the Seahawks.
After a relatively slow start, the Seahawks have won five straight after losing
to Cleveland in early November. Last week, the Seahawks doubled up the
Cardinals 42-21 for win number nine on the season. Seattle leads the NFC West
by three games and will seal the deal with a win at Carolina. Speaking of the
Panthers, this season couldn’t be going any worse for them. Since losing
quarterback Jake Delhomme earlier this season, the Panthers have gone south.
Way south. The Panthers have won only three of their last ten games and can’t
get a quarterback to play worth a plug nickel, not even former 2002 number one
pick David Carr. So, this one is predictable, right? Right?!?
Why Seattle Might Win: Here’s what’s great about Mike Holmgren and the
Seahawks. Shaun Alexander has done nothing this season due to injuries and age,
so what does Holmgren do? Forget about it – just throw it., he says. The
Seahawks, behind Hasselbeck’s performance, are eighth in the NFL throwing the
football, averaging 246.2 yards per game, so don’t expect the Seahawks to get
away from their core competencies this week against the 12th ranked
pass defense in the league.
Why Carolina Might Win: A blind squirrel finds a nut every now and again
and the Panthers are at home, so there’s a chance, even with a rookie at
quarterback this week, Matt Moore. The decision has not been made this week yet
between Vinny Testaverde or Moore, but it’ll be one of the two. The offense has
been putrid lately and should be better against a Seattle defense that is 22nd
against the pass, yielding 220.8 yards per game.
Who to Watch: The key to this game will be Carolina’s Julius Peppers, who
has been a shell of the Pro Bowler he’s been in the past. He’s not even leading
the Panthers in sacks and has been forgotten for much of the season. He must
generate some sort of pressure off the edge on Hasselbeck or the Panthers will
get blown out.
What Will Happen: The Panthers will keep this much closer than expected,
but the reality will hit the Seahawks in the second half. Hard. Hasselbeck
will survive the Panthers onslaught early and riddle the Panthers at will in the
second half. He’ll throw for 275+ yards and a couple touchdowns to lead the
Seahawks to win number ten.
CFN Prediction: Seahawks – 27…Panthers – 14
Line: Seattle -7
Must See Rating: (5 Gossip Girl - 1 Desperate Housewives)
...2
Atlanta
at Tampa Bay
1:00 pm Fox December 16, 2007
Why to Watch: The Falcons were a sad story before this week, but their
story hit a new low with Bobby Petrino’s shenanigans on Tuesday. After only 13
games, Pig Sooie Petrino hightailed it for Arkansas, leaving a note for his
players on Tuesday and an organization in shambles. With that being said,
interim head coach Emmitt Thomas is left to pick up the pieces and prepare for
the Buccaneers. After losing on Monday night to the Saints 34-14, the Falcons
travel to division leading Tampa Bay, a loser at Houston last week 28-14. The
Bucs have a two game lead over the Saints, but another loss could signal major
problems for Tampa Bay.
Why Atlanta Might Win: No team is more dangerous than a team with a chip
on its shoulder. After what Petrino did to them, the Falcons are Jack Bauer
ready to save the world. Beyond the motivation provided by their former coach,
the Falcons aren’t facing an offensively potent ball club. The Bucs are 19th
in the league in total offensive yards, 323.6 yards per game and 19th
in scoring offense averaging 19.6 points per game.
Why Tampa Bay Might Win: The Buccaneers defense won’t get shredded quite
like it did last week in Houston. No matter who’s under center for the Falcons,
he won’t play anywhere near as well as Sage Rosenfels did last week. This
defense is third in the league in total yards, 289.3 yards per game, fourth in
passing yards 185.8 yards per game and second in scoring defense with 16.5
points per game. The Falcons are going to be lucky to sniff the end zone.
Who to Watch: In almost every win this season, Bucs receiver Joey
Galloway generated at least one big play touchdown or a big play that led to a
touchdown. Last week, he was kept from beating the secondary deep and the Bucs
only scored 14 points. The Bucs offensive staff has to find a way to get
Galloway behind the Falcons secondary, 19th in the league in pass
defense – 219.8 yards per game.
What Will Happen: The Bucs are going to withstand an early rush of
adrenaline from the Falcons, but it won’t last. Behind a strong running
performance from Earnest Graham and a solid second half showing by the defense,
the Bucs will win game number nine.
CFN Prediction: Bucs – 21…Falcons – 9
Line: Tampa Bay -13.5
Must See Rating: (5 Gossip Girl - 1 Desperate Housewives)
...2
Indianapolis
at Oakland
4:05 pm CBS December 16, 2007
Why to Watch: If you like a trainwreck, then this is the game for you.
Last week, the Colts had a 37-7 lead by halftime, winning 44-20 with Peyton
Manning spending much of the second half on the bench. The Raiders, on the
other hand, took a 38-7 beating from the Green Bay Packers. The Colts are
headed to the playoffs and are winning the AFC South division, while the Raiders
are headed for offseason training activities in a couple of weeks. But, that
sort of chasm could make this a great December football game (remember the
Texans beating the Colts last year on Christmas Eve?). Maybe?
Why Indianapolis Might Win: The Colts offensive machine was clicking on
Sunday night in the rain in Baltimore. Manning was 13 of 17 for 249 yards and
four touchdowns, with most of his work coming early in the game. Suffice it to
say, the Raiders have their work cut out trying to stop the machine heading
their way, now that Manning has the bad games out of his system.
Why Oakland Might Win: The Raiders have proven that they can run the
ball as well as any team in the AFC. Behind Justin Fargas and a much improved
offensive line, the Raiders offense is fifth in the league in rushing, averaging
131.2 yards per game. With Josh McCown and JaMarcus Russell under center, the
running game should be the focus against the Colts defense, a unit that is only
17th in the league giving up 107.5 yards per game.
Who to Watch: Indianapolis running back Joseph Addai didn’t really have
much opportunity on Sunday night to make a significant impact on the game with
Manning throwing four touchdown passes (although he did have two touchdowns).
This week, though, he’ll be a much bigger factor against the Raiders weak run
defense.
What Will Happen: The Colts have hit their stride and make quick work of
the Raiders, even in the Coliseum. Manning will throw for 275+ yards and three
touchdowns and Addai will run for 75+ and a touchdown to lead the Colts to a
fifth consecutive win.
CFN Prediction: Colts – 34…Raiders – 17
Line: Indianapolis -10.5
Must See Rating: (5 Gossip Girl - 1 Desperate Housewives)
...2.5
Philadelphia
at Dallas
4:15 pm Fox December 16, 2007
Why to Watch: Maybe it’s the fact that the Cowboys are so dominant this
year. Or, maybe it’s because the Eagles, well, aren’t so good. Okay, they’re
still mathematically alive for a playoff spot, but 5-8 isn’t that good. Maybe
it’s because T.O is feuding with Keyshawn Johnson and not Donovan McNabb.
Either way, this matchup doesn’t have quite the cache it’s had in previous
meetings. The Cowboys are one win away from pretty much sealing up home field
advantage throughout the playoffs. On the other hand, the Eagles are picking up
the pieces from a missed opportunity against the Giants and not just the 57 yard
missed field goal at the end of the game. Even with these teams headed in
different directions, it’s still the Eagles and Cowboys. Minus the drama, of
course.
Why Philadelphia Might Win: The return of Donovan McNabb didn’t do much
for the Eagles passing game, but the running game, in particular the work of
Brian Westbrook, has continued to shine. Against the Giants, Westbrook ran for
116 yards on 20 carries (5.8 yards per carry). The Eagles offense is eighth in
the NFL, averaging 122.1 yards rushing per game. The Eagle offense can be the
best defender on the field against the powerful Cowboy offense by keeping Tony
Romo and crew off the field.
Why Dallas Might Win: Every other reason. Offensively, the only thing
that can slow down the Cowboys is the Cowboys. Turnovers and missed
opportunities are the two things that have helped slow this group down, but
without those, the Cowboys aren’t easily stopped – second in scoring, second in
total offense, third in passing yards per game and ninth in rush yardage. Good
luck, Eagles.
Who to Watch: Eagle defensive end Trent Cole has become one of the best
pass rushers in the league and must be a key figure in this game. Pressure on
Romo hasn’t been plentiful this season, but Cole has the speed off the edge to
cause problems. Cole has 12 sacks on the season and if he can pick up a couple
of more this weekend, the Eagles might have a chance.
What Will Happen: The key word is might. However, they won’t be able to
make it happen. The Cowboys won’t let the Eagles breathe this week. Romo will
have a solid game, but it’ll be Marion Barber III who pounds on the Eagles
throughout. He’ll have a 100+ yard/two touchdown performance to lead the
Cowboys to a win.
CFN Prediction: Cowboys – 35…Eagles – 17
Line: Dallas -10.5
Must See Rating: (5 Gossip Girl - 1 Desperate Housewives)
...3.5
Detroit
at San Diego
4:15 pm Fox December 16, 2007
Why to Watch: There are no ifs, ands or buts about it – the Lions have to
win this game or this season will be an absolute bust. After starting 6-2, the
Lions have lost five in a row, but still have a mathematical shot at getting to
the playoffs. However, a loss in this game could signal more than just a lost
playoff opportunity. The Chargers come from behind win over the Titans last
week in Nashville might have been the perfect tonic for a team that played
up-and-down football all season long. Down by two touchdowns late in the game,
the Chargers scored 14 points in the last few minutes to get the game to
overtime and then won on a LaDainian Tomlinson touchdown run. The AFC West
leading Chargers may have found the right solution at the perfect time.
Why Detroit Might Win: The Lions are going to win this game by throwing
the football. The one thing the Lions do as well as any team in this league.
Jon Kitna’s Lions offense is seventh in the league, throwing for 248.5 yards per
game and will have a stern test as the Chargers are 13th in the
league in pass defense. However, if the Lions have a chance this week, it’s on
Kitna’s right arm and broad shoulders.
Why San Diego Might Win: You knew that LaDainian Tomlinson wasn’t going
to remain “just a guy” this season. After a season defining performance in
Nashville where he ran for 146 yards and a touchdown, Tomlinson is now third in
the league in rushing yards and could run for another 146 yards against this
Lions defense, ranked 16th in the league in rush defense.
Who to Watch: Charger quarterback Philip Rivers had reverted back to
‘bad’ Philip for three and a half quarters in the game at Tennessee, but with
the game on the line, Rivers came through with one key play after another. He’s
still making key mistakes, some of which have angered Tomlinson throughout the
season, but when it was money time, he made the money play. One right after the
other.
What Will Happen: The Chargers are going to ride that Tennessee victory
for the rest of the season. The emotion of the comeback win will play large
against the confidence riddled Lions. Kitna will pile up some yards through the
air, but a couple of interceptions will stop the Lions offense. However, the
Chargers will find balance in pass and run using Tomlinson in both to win this
game.
CFN Prediction: Chargers – 28…Lions – 7
Line: San Diego -10
Must See Rating: (5 Gossip Girl - 1 Desperate Housewives)
...3.5
Washington
at New York Giants
8:15 pm NBC December 16, 2007
Why to Watch: At halftime of the first matchup between these two teams,
the Giants were 0-2 and down 17-3 in FedEx Field. The rest of the game, well,
the Giants came from behind to win the game and then won eight of their next ten
games to become the NFC Wild Card front runner. A 16-13 win over the Eagles
helped them stay in the catbird’s seat, if you will. The Redskins ended a rough
stretch by beating the Bears 24-16 on national television and got a few extra
days after the game as a reward. The Redskins probably need this one a little
more than the Giants, but on the road, it’s going to be a tough, NFC East
battle.
Why Washington Might Win: This team’s playoff hopes rest on the capable
right arm of…Todd Collins? Yep, the veteran back up replaced the injured Jason
Campbell last week and played the game of his life to salvage this season. In
Campbell’s stead, Collins completed 15 of his 20 passes for 224 yards and two
touchdowns. The steely nerves and cool head will help the Redskins as they take
on one of the best pass rushing front fours in the league. Campbell’s absence
in this game, might actually be a blessing with Collins’s experience and moxie
needed at this point in the season.
Why the Giants Might Win: The Giants can run the football. Against
anyone, at any time. The Redskins are sixth in the league against the run, but
stopping Brandon Jacobs 25 times in a game is a tough task for any defense,
especially a defense as physical as the Redskins defense. Jacobs ran for 70
hard yards against the Eagles, but may have a bigger game in store for the
Redskins upon returning home to the Meadowlands.
Who to Watch: Giants receiver Plaxico Burress has had perhaps his best
season in his career. With 62 catches for 900 yards and ten touchdowns, Burress
is a tough matchup for the Redskins secondary no matter where the former
Michigan State star lines up in the offensive formation. The Redskins defense
is only 23rd in the NFL against the pass, so Burress could have a big
night.
What Will Happen: The Giants will win a close-to-the-vest, physical
battle with solid running from Jacobs and serious pressure on Collins in the
passing game. Quarterback Eli Manning must avoid the turnovers to have a shot
and he will in this NFC East tussle.
CFN Prediction: Giants – 17…Redskins – 12
Line: Giants -5
Must See Rating: (5 Gossip Girl - 1 Desperate Housewives)
...4
Chicago
at Minnesota
8:30 pm ESPN December 17, 2007
Why to Watch: Late in December, any NFC Norris Division matchup is fun to
watch, especially those on Monday night. The Bears, though, may just be playing
out the string, although they’re not completely out of the wild card race. The
24-16 loss to the Redskins last week was doubly painful as quarterback Rex
Grossman was lost to injury, leaving last year’s starter Kyle Orton the
opportunity to show his wares again to end this season. The Vikings, on the
other hand, are smoking hot. After Adrian Peterson got hurt in a 34-0 laugher
in Lambeau Field, the prevailing thought was that Minnesota would be lucky to
win a game. Three consecutive wins later, the 7-6 Vikings have a solid grasp on
the final NFC Wild Card position. The Bears can play the role of spoiler, while
keeping hope alive, up in the Metrodome.
Why Chicago Might Win: The Bears have absolutely nothing to lose and
that’s a scary proposition for the Vikings. Orton hasn’t seen the field this
year and it’s unclear how much of the gameplan he’ll have for the Sunday game.
However, that might be a positive as it creates some uncertainty for Minnesota’s
defense. Orton’s facing the league’s worst pass defense, so if he has some
early success against this defense, he could be tough to stop at winning time.
Why Minnesota Might Win: Peterson was held to three yards last week and
the Vikings won 27-7 over San Francisco. Number two back Chester Taylor picked
up the slack, rushing for over 100 yards yet again, including an 88 yard
touchdown run that might have been the highlight of the day. The 1-2 punch,
combined with the best rush defense in the league, has made the Vikings a team
that NFC division winners may not want to see come playoff time. But, first
things first, the Vikings must run right at the Bears 29th ranked
defense.
Who to Watch: Orton, obviously, is the biggest wild card in this game.
After a solid start to his rookie season, he was eventually sent to the bench
for Grossman and hadn’t been heard from since. But, the decision was made this
week to put him in. Now, it’s up to Orton to validate whether that decision was
meant to be an infusion of enthusiasm from a different voice, if you will, and
not the raising of the white flag.
What Will Happen: Although Minnesota embarrassed the Bears in Soldier
Field earlier this season, the Bears are going to pull the upset in the Dome.
Orton and the offense may not play the perfect game, but this group will do
enough at the right time to move the football and score enough points to win.
Orton will throw for 200+ yards and a couple of touchdowns in Chicago’s biggest
win this season.
CFN Prediction: Bears – 23…Vikings – 20
Line: Minnesota -10
Must See Rating: (5 Gossip Girl - 1 Desperate Housewives)
...4