Games Of Midweek
Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions. For Green Bay to stay in the NFC wild-card picture, it will need to rely even more heavily on Aaron Rodgers, Ryan Grant and the rest of the offense as its defensive injuries pile up. The Pack's remaining healthy cornerbacks and pass rushers get a break here, as rookie Matthew Stafford is a no-go after his best game as a pro. The only roars we'll hear out of Detroit on another Turkey Day loss will be from indigestion. Packers 34, Lions 13.
Oakland Raiders at Dallas Cowboys. Tony Romo is undefeated in three Thanksgiving starts. In those games, the Cowboys have won by an average of 27 points, while Romo has tallied 10 TD passes. As long as Dallas doesn't sleep on the Raiders the way Philadelphia and Cincinnati did, they should be giving plenty of thanks to Romo for another key November victory. Cowboys 40, Raiders 14.
New York Giants at Denver Broncos. The sleeping Giants needed an overtime win over Atlanta for a reawakening. The buckling Broncos have continued to slide down the mountain after a 6-0 start. They need to rediscover their altitude attitude, or risk falling off the playoff cliff altogether. Unfortunately, their defense is starting to tumble against the run, and New York will go right at it with a power rushing attack. Then it will be the front seven's turn to play aggressor, wreaking enough havoc on Kyle Orton late. Giants 24, Broncos 17.
Game Of The Week
New England Patriots at New Orleans Saints. In what figures to be the most exciting and highest-scoring Monday night game of the season, the teams' prolific former Big Ten quarterbacks, Tom Brady and Drew Brees, will draw most of the spotlight. But in what should be a see-saw battle reminiscent of the best Pats-Colts games of the recent past, the supporting casts will decide it.
Look for the Patriots to keep things going on the ground with Laurence Maroney, and also bring Sammy Morris back in the fold. They should know New Orleans has struggled against the run of late, and it's a way to ensure Brady gets more opportunities than Brees. Another big matchup helping New England is the ability of Randy Moss and Wes Welker against a Saints secondary that's hurting at cornerback. Remember what the Pats couldn't quite do against an undefeated team indoors at Indy? They finish the difficult task in the Big Easy on Monday night. Patriots 34, Saints 31.
AFC Game Of The Week
Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens. Last season, these AFC North combatants played three times, with Pittsburgh gritting out all three victories, including the conference title game, on the way to winning Super Bowl 43. This year, both teams are fighting just to make the playoffs again.
Last week was a perfect example. A few mental mistakes cost the Steelers in a close one with the Chiefs, while the Ravens didn't quite execute enough to edge the Colts. It was all the more frustrating later on Sunday after seeing the division-leading Bengals get upset at Oakland.
In his true tough form, look for Ben Roethlisberger to bounce back strong from his head injury this week. He has mobility and arm strength to burn Baltimore in the perimeter passing game. He's a little bit more clutch than Joe Flacco at this point in their respective careers, and the Steelers' defense will make sure Flacco doesn't have a chance to keep up with Big Ben. Steelers 23, Ravens 20.
Lock Of The Week
San Diego Chargers over Kansas City Chiefs. The rebuilding Chiefs proved they just might be on the right track with their successful surprise Arrowhead attack on the reigning champion Steelers. This year, however in the AFC, it's the Chargers who are having that Super Bowl look, and starting to dominate opponents at the right time.
Philip Rivers and San Diego's offense keeps on clicking, now with newfound balance, and the defense has significantly raised its level of play. Knowing what Kansas City did last week, the hosts will be ready to deliver another complete performance. Chargers 38, Chiefs 17.
Upset Of The Week
St. Louis Rams over Seattle Seahawks. The NFL's other Missouri team has also shown signs of life of late, thanks to terrific, determined running by Steven Jackson. The 'Hawks defense is a mess at the moment, even without Marc Bulger, Jackson can lead the hosts to an elusive second win. Rams 23, Seahawks 20.
Rest Of The Week
Carolina Panthers at New York Jets. Both defenses aren't the same because of injuries, and each offense is run-heavy with limited pop in the passing game because of roller-coaster quarterback play. This should be a long November afternoon in the swirling New Jersey winds for both Jake Delhomme and Mark Sanchez. In a sloppy game decided by turnovers, the Jets squeak one out. Jets 15, Panthers 14.
Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals. After lighting up the Lions' defense last week, Brady Quinn and Cleveland's offense will come back to reality back in Ohio against a Cincy defense that is likely to be seeing red after giving up the lead late in Oakland. Mike Zimmer and Marvin Lewis will have their players flying to the football, stuffing the run and smothering Quinn's receivers while also looking to drop Quinn on every down. Look for Carson Palmer to help his team "reset" at home, and complete its division sweep. Bengals 20, Browns 9.
Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans. It's the similar story from Houston that we saw last year: Flashes of elite talent and some good production mixed in with the inability to seal a big win against a top opponent, especially in a game decided by three points or fewer. Putting the ball in Peyton Manning's hands often has worked in all quarters for Indianapolis and the Colts are built to close defensively with Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis. Colts 34, Texans 20.
Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Bills. The Bills don't really have much of a home-field advantage in Orchard Park anymore; they will be very hospitable to Ricky Williams with their porous run defense. The Dolphins showed a balanced, pro-style offense without Ronnie Brown last week, and it worked. As long as Chad Henne works on protecting the ball, he can get the Dolphins to escape Buffalo and stay in the postseason hunt. Dolphins 20, Bills 17.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Atlanta Falcons. Like most young teams, the Falcons love coming home to roost, especially after they've been hit by injuries and consecutive tough road losses. It was a good sign, however, that Matt Ryan broke out of his sophomore mini-slump last week, and the running game could still be effective without Michael Turner. Those two developments will overwhelm Tampa's defense in the Georgia Dome. Falcons 23, Bucs 13.
Washington Redskins at Philadelphia Eagles. Just when Washington had found something offensively with Ladell Betts, he went down at Dallas, and so did the team's ability to move the ball. Going into Philadelphia out of sync isn't a good proposition, especially with how the Eagles like to attack and force more mistakes. The Eagles were smart to run more with LeSean McCoy last week, and that sense of balance will allow Donovan McNabb to be more effective. Eagles 24, Redskins 10.
Arizona Cardinals at Tennessee Titans. For the most part, the Cardinals have played the run well this season, but they can struggle with quick, fast, shifty backs in the mold of Chris Johnson. Jeff Fisher knows how to game plan for a Kurt Warner-led team — keep them off the field as much as possible. Vince Young again won't need a spectacular game to win his fifth straight as a starter, just protect the ball and let Johnson and the aggressive Tennessee D rattle Warner. Titans 24, Cardinals 20.
Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings. The good news is Jay Cutler doesn't need to worry about struggling in another big prime-time game this season. As someone built with a similar arm to Brett Favre's, Cutler needs to let it rip for Chicago to have a chance against Favre's dominant team. The problem is, he isn't getting much from either the Bears' defense or running game, staples of the team's past success. Vikings 30, Bears 20.
Jacksonville Jaguars at San Francisco 49ers. The Jaguars usually don't fare well when they need to travel this far, as evidenced by how they were shut out in a flat performance at Seattle. The Niners have become consistently competitive with Alex Smith back under center, and he should have a pressure-free day against an anemic Jags' pass rush and big-time help from Frank Gore on the ground. 49ers 20, Jaguars 17.
Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions. For Green Bay to stay in the NFC wild-card picture, it will need to rely even more heavily on Aaron Rodgers, Ryan Grant and the rest of the offense as its defensive injuries pile up. The Pack's remaining healthy cornerbacks and pass rushers get a break here, as rookie Matthew Stafford is a no-go after his best game as a pro. The only roars we'll hear out of Detroit on another Turkey Day loss will be from indigestion. Packers 34, Lions 13.
Oakland Raiders at Dallas Cowboys. Tony Romo is undefeated in three Thanksgiving starts. In those games, the Cowboys have won by an average of 27 points, while Romo has tallied 10 TD passes. As long as Dallas doesn't sleep on the Raiders the way Philadelphia and Cincinnati did, they should be giving plenty of thanks to Romo for another key November victory. Cowboys 40, Raiders 14.
New York Giants at Denver Broncos. The sleeping Giants needed an overtime win over Atlanta for a reawakening. The buckling Broncos have continued to slide down the mountain after a 6-0 start. They need to rediscover their altitude attitude, or risk falling off the playoff cliff altogether. Unfortunately, their defense is starting to tumble against the run, and New York will go right at it with a power rushing attack. Then it will be the front seven's turn to play aggressor, wreaking enough havoc on Kyle Orton late. Giants 24, Broncos 17.
Game Of The Week
New England Patriots at New Orleans Saints. In what figures to be the most exciting and highest-scoring Monday night game of the season, the teams' prolific former Big Ten quarterbacks, Tom Brady and Drew Brees, will draw most of the spotlight. But in what should be a see-saw battle reminiscent of the best Pats-Colts games of the recent past, the supporting casts will decide it.
Look for the Patriots to keep things going on the ground with Laurence Maroney, and also bring Sammy Morris back in the fold. They should know New Orleans has struggled against the run of late, and it's a way to ensure Brady gets more opportunities than Brees. Another big matchup helping New England is the ability of Randy Moss and Wes Welker against a Saints secondary that's hurting at cornerback. Remember what the Pats couldn't quite do against an undefeated team indoors at Indy? They finish the difficult task in the Big Easy on Monday night. Patriots 34, Saints 31.
AFC Game Of The Week
Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens. Last season, these AFC North combatants played three times, with Pittsburgh gritting out all three victories, including the conference title game, on the way to winning Super Bowl 43. This year, both teams are fighting just to make the playoffs again.
Last week was a perfect example. A few mental mistakes cost the Steelers in a close one with the Chiefs, while the Ravens didn't quite execute enough to edge the Colts. It was all the more frustrating later on Sunday after seeing the division-leading Bengals get upset at Oakland.
In his true tough form, look for Ben Roethlisberger to bounce back strong from his head injury this week. He has mobility and arm strength to burn Baltimore in the perimeter passing game. He's a little bit more clutch than Joe Flacco at this point in their respective careers, and the Steelers' defense will make sure Flacco doesn't have a chance to keep up with Big Ben. Steelers 23, Ravens 20.
Lock Of The Week
San Diego Chargers over Kansas City Chiefs. The rebuilding Chiefs proved they just might be on the right track with their successful surprise Arrowhead attack on the reigning champion Steelers. This year, however in the AFC, it's the Chargers who are having that Super Bowl look, and starting to dominate opponents at the right time.
Philip Rivers and San Diego's offense keeps on clicking, now with newfound balance, and the defense has significantly raised its level of play. Knowing what Kansas City did last week, the hosts will be ready to deliver another complete performance. Chargers 38, Chiefs 17.
Upset Of The Week
St. Louis Rams over Seattle Seahawks. The NFL's other Missouri team has also shown signs of life of late, thanks to terrific, determined running by Steven Jackson. The 'Hawks defense is a mess at the moment, even without Marc Bulger, Jackson can lead the hosts to an elusive second win. Rams 23, Seahawks 20.
Rest Of The Week
Carolina Panthers at New York Jets. Both defenses aren't the same because of injuries, and each offense is run-heavy with limited pop in the passing game because of roller-coaster quarterback play. This should be a long November afternoon in the swirling New Jersey winds for both Jake Delhomme and Mark Sanchez. In a sloppy game decided by turnovers, the Jets squeak one out. Jets 15, Panthers 14.
Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals. After lighting up the Lions' defense last week, Brady Quinn and Cleveland's offense will come back to reality back in Ohio against a Cincy defense that is likely to be seeing red after giving up the lead late in Oakland. Mike Zimmer and Marvin Lewis will have their players flying to the football, stuffing the run and smothering Quinn's receivers while also looking to drop Quinn on every down. Look for Carson Palmer to help his team "reset" at home, and complete its division sweep. Bengals 20, Browns 9.
Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans. It's the similar story from Houston that we saw last year: Flashes of elite talent and some good production mixed in with the inability to seal a big win against a top opponent, especially in a game decided by three points or fewer. Putting the ball in Peyton Manning's hands often has worked in all quarters for Indianapolis and the Colts are built to close defensively with Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis. Colts 34, Texans 20.
Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Bills. The Bills don't really have much of a home-field advantage in Orchard Park anymore; they will be very hospitable to Ricky Williams with their porous run defense. The Dolphins showed a balanced, pro-style offense without Ronnie Brown last week, and it worked. As long as Chad Henne works on protecting the ball, he can get the Dolphins to escape Buffalo and stay in the postseason hunt. Dolphins 20, Bills 17.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Atlanta Falcons. Like most young teams, the Falcons love coming home to roost, especially after they've been hit by injuries and consecutive tough road losses. It was a good sign, however, that Matt Ryan broke out of his sophomore mini-slump last week, and the running game could still be effective without Michael Turner. Those two developments will overwhelm Tampa's defense in the Georgia Dome. Falcons 23, Bucs 13.
Washington Redskins at Philadelphia Eagles. Just when Washington had found something offensively with Ladell Betts, he went down at Dallas, and so did the team's ability to move the ball. Going into Philadelphia out of sync isn't a good proposition, especially with how the Eagles like to attack and force more mistakes. The Eagles were smart to run more with LeSean McCoy last week, and that sense of balance will allow Donovan McNabb to be more effective. Eagles 24, Redskins 10.
Arizona Cardinals at Tennessee Titans. For the most part, the Cardinals have played the run well this season, but they can struggle with quick, fast, shifty backs in the mold of Chris Johnson. Jeff Fisher knows how to game plan for a Kurt Warner-led team — keep them off the field as much as possible. Vince Young again won't need a spectacular game to win his fifth straight as a starter, just protect the ball and let Johnson and the aggressive Tennessee D rattle Warner. Titans 24, Cardinals 20.
Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings. The good news is Jay Cutler doesn't need to worry about struggling in another big prime-time game this season. As someone built with a similar arm to Brett Favre's, Cutler needs to let it rip for Chicago to have a chance against Favre's dominant team. The problem is, he isn't getting much from either the Bears' defense or running game, staples of the team's past success. Vikings 30, Bears 20.
Jacksonville Jaguars at San Francisco 49ers. The Jaguars usually don't fare well when they need to travel this far, as evidenced by how they were shut out in a flat performance at Seattle. The Niners have become consistently competitive with Alex Smith back under center, and he should have a pressure-free day against an anemic Jags' pass rush and big-time help from Frank Gore on the ground. 49ers 20, Jaguars 17.