(Winning picks in bold)
Season Record: 70-44
Washington Redskins @ Minnesota Vikings
Washington played well enough to win Sunday and look to make a run at their weak division. They only stand two games back, and with a win and a little help, could close that gap. They should pull out a win over the 1-6 Vikings. The Vikings are trying to play spoiler, as they almost did against the Cowboys. Look for Minnesota to contend for the win, but The Redskins will come out on top.
Jacksonville Jaguars @ Tennessee Titans
The Titans finally won for the first time in over a month and look to win a second straight game at home against the winless Jaguars. Tennessee got back to .500 and is only a game out of the last playoff spot. Expect the Titans to handle the Jaguars, who haven’t won all season.
Philadelphia Eagles @ Green Bay Packers
Nick Foles had a historic game throwing for seven touchdowns against the Raiders. He ended any quarterback controversy, at least for the time being. Expect the Eagles to use their momentum to try and down the Packers. Green Bay continues to play well despite injuries and a slow start to the season. The Eagles should contend, but Aaron Rodgers and the Packers will be too much for the Eagles.
Buffalo Bills @ Pittsburgh Steelers
This game will probably be sloppy and not worth watching. Pittsburgh should squeak out a win over the Bills. Buffalo gave a scare to the unbeaten Chiefs on Sunday but couldn’t come away with an upset. The Steelers continue to struggle on both sides of the ball and need to improve if they want to save their season.
Oakland Raiders @ New York Giants
The Giants appear poised to make a run after dismal opening six week of the season. A win would be there third in as many games. Expect Eli Manning to have a big game and lead his team to victory. A weak Eagles team dismantled the Raiders Sunday. Their defense was ranked in the top ten going into that game and will now need to regroup to avoid a loss to the Giants. Expect a close game.
St. Louis Rams @ Indianapolis Colts
Indianapolis rallied from a huge deficit to the Texans on Sunday Night Football. Down 18, Andrew Luck led his team to victory with a go-ahead touchdown late in the fourth quarter. Expect the Colts to come out and play a better game and roll over the Rams at home. St. Louis is struggling without Sam Bradford and has lost three straight.
Seattle Seahawks @ Atlanta Falcons
Seattle narrowly escaped the Buccaneers last week, in what would have been one of the biggest upsets of all-time. Look for Seattle to put that game behind them and come out a much better team. The Falcons’ woes continue dropping to 2-6 on the season. Their defense hasn’t played overly well, giving up too many points each game.
Cincinnati Bengals @ Baltimore Ravens
The Bengals suffered a heartbreaking loss on a safety in overtime on Thursday Night Football. Expect the Bengals to rebound and extend their lead in the AFC North. The defending champion Ravens are in a deep hole. Joe Flacco has never missed the playoffs in his career, but will need to rally his team if he doesn’t want that streak to end. The Bengals should win easily.
Detroit Lions @ Chicago Bears
Detroit hasn’t been consistent all season. They struggle to put a win streak together, but remain in the chase for the NFC North title. Expect them to battle out a victory over the Bears. Chicago hasn’t played any more consistent than the Lions. The Bears are also within striking distance of the Lions and Packers for the division. Expect a close game in this division tilt.
Carolina Panthers @ San Francisco 49ers
Carolina has impressed and has played well as of late. They had big expectations coming into the season and have finally responded, winning four straight games. However, the 49ers are a much better football team and should pick up the win. The 49ers are well rested after the bye week. The Panthers should contend, but the 49ers will come out of the game with a victory.
Houston Texans @ Arizona Cardinals
Houston blew a big lead to the Colts on Sunday. Expect them to come back and take a win over the Cardinals. Case Keenum proved he can be a starter in the NFL and could take over the job permanently. Arizona is at .500 and sis in the middle of the pack. A win helps their chances of reaching the playoffs. Expect the Texans to edge out a victory over the Cardinals.
Denver Broncos @ San Diego Chargers
The Broncos are coming off a bye and should dismantle the Chargers with their high-powered offense. Peyton Manning has had time to fully heal and should be at the top of his game. The Chargers should have won Sunday and a win would have put them in playoff position. They need to play a flawless game to beat the Broncos. Expect Denver to be too much for the Chargers.
Dallas Cowboys @ New Orleans Saints
Tony Romo was finally able to finish out a close game on a good note. His touchdown pass with less than a minute left led the Cowboys to victory over the Vikings. They hold a one game lead over the Eagles in the NFC East. The Cowboys need to start winning and playing more consistently if they want to win come playoff time. The Saints have struggled the last three weeks. They have lost two of their last three games, both to teams they should have beat. Luckily, they are at the Superdome where they don’t lose. Coach Sean Payton needs to get the Saints back to form.
Miami Dolphins @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Miami found their winning ways after a losing streak. They look to get back over .500 with a win over the Buccaneers. The Dolphins have a mediocre offense and defense and will need to improve in both categories if they want to make a push for a playoff spot. The Buccaneers could come out with their first win if they play with the same energy they had against the Seahawks. Miami should edge out the Bucs in a close game in Tampa Bay.
