NFL Week 13 Preview and Picks (Dec 1-5)

Record Last week 11-5

Philadelphia (4-7) at Seattle (4-7) Thursday Night

The Eagles and the Seattle are not officially eliminated from the playoffs as of yet, but the team that lose will require a major miracle to make the playoffs.  Vince Young will start again for the Eagles at quarterback.  Tarvaris Jackson will continue to head up the Seahawks.  The Eagles will win 27-10.

Tennessee (6-5) at Buffalo (5-6)

The Titans are in a must win situation if they are to win the AFC South.  The Titans are two games out of first place and played well in the defeat of  the Buccaneers last week.  The Bills are depleted by injuries and suffered a tough defeat last week against the Jets.  Tennessee will win 28-24.

Kansas City (4-7) at Chicago (7-4)

Both teams come into this game with backup quarterbacks.  The Chiefs will go with Kyle Orton who was with the Broncos just a couple of weeks ago.  The Bears will have Caleb Hanie under center for the Bears.  The Bears currently hold a wildcard spot for the playoffs.  The Bears will win 21-10.

Baltimore (8-3) at Cleveland (4-7)

This is the type of game that the Ravens forget to show up for.  The Ravens are tied for first place with the Steelers and do not want to go on the road again in the playoffs.  The Browns got the return of Peyton Hillis last week.  Colt McCoy will beat you if given a chance.  The Ravens will win 28-21.

Atlanta (7-4) at Houston (8-3)

Three weeks ago this game looked like a possible game of the year.  In two weeks the Texans lost their starting and backup quarterbacks for the season.  The Texans will rely on their defense and a rookie quarterback TJ Watts to lead.  The Falcons are peaking at the right time.  The Falcons will win 17-14.

Oakland (7-4) at Miami (3-8)

Miami reverted back to their back habits in the game last week in scoring field goals instead of touchdowns.  The Raiders have adjusted to QB Carson Palmer and have their sights set squarely on the playoffs.  Reggie Bush has been having  a good year despite his team losses.  Oakland will win 28-21.

Cincinnati (7-4) at Pittsburgh (8-3)

This is the second meeting of the year for these teams.  The Bengals have dropped two in a row and are losing their confidence.  The Steelers have been beat up all year with injuries and Troy Palamolu will play this week, but will be monitored closely.  The Steelers will win this game 24-17.

Carolina (3-8) at Tampa Bay (4-7)

Tampa Bay has been their own worst enemy this season, untimely turnovers and just making too many mental mistakes has cost the Bucs too many games.  Carolina was not expected to win many games this year, but they have been very productive, but their defense lacks talent.  The Bucs will win 28-27.

New York Jets (6-6) at Washington (4-7)

The Skins started the year hot and upset the Seahawks last week.  The Jets have been very disappointing all season long.  It will take a minimum of 9 wins to make the playoffs this year the loser of this game will most likely be eliminated from playoff contention.  The Jets will win 28-14.

Denver (6-5) at Minnesota (2-9)

Tim Tebow is 5-1 as starter, but the Broncos have been winning with defense.  Christian Ponder has been impressive for the Vikings.  The Broncos are still trying to get a playoff spot even though they have been winning ugly.  Without Adrian Peterson the Vikings will struggle.  Broncos will win 17-10.

Dallas (7-4) at Arizona (4-7)

The Cowboys have not handled success well this season, with the Giants playing the very hot Packers the Cowboys can open up a two game lead in the division.  Tony Romo has been playing well with his balanced attack.  The Cardinals have been productive with John Skelton at QB. Dallas will win 28-21.

Green Bay (11-0) at New York Giants (6-5)

The Packers are taking this season one game at a time and have been improving on defense.  The Giants are not in a must win game, but they are not getting better as the season has progressed.  Green Bay is trying to stay perfect for nine more games.  The Packers will win 28-24.

St Louis (2-9) at San Francisco (9-2)

The Niners have had nine days to heal from their wounds on Thanksgiving. The Rams are in disarray.  Sam Bradford has Brandon Marshall and Stephen Jackson, but nothing on defense to stop the San Fran.  Expect San Fran to take all of their frustration out on the Rams.  The Niners will win 38-14.

Indianapolis (0-11) at New England (8-3)

Curtis Painter has been replaced at QB by Dan Orlovsky in his seventh year out of the University of Connecticut.  Expect the Patriots defense to blitz and confuse the replacement QB all day long.  Do not expect the Colts to get their first win on today.  New England will win 34-10.

Detroit (7-4) at New Orleans (8-4) Sunday Night

Suh appealed his two-game suspension, but even if the Lion had Suh the Saints are on a roll.  The Saints had one bad game all season.  The Lions are trying to keep pace with the Beas for a playoff spot.  The Lions have to overcome the loss of their defensive leader and contain the Saints.  Saints roll 28-20.

San Diego (4-7) at Jacksonville (3-8) Monday Night

Jacksonville fired Head Coach Jack Del Rio this week and will be led by Mel Tucker.  There have been too many distractions in Jacksonville for the team this week. Phillip Rivers is looking get the Charges back in sync, if not Norv Turner may not be back next year.  The Chargers will win 28-14.

Former Longhorn AJ Williams transitions to the Professional Life

Aaron ”A J” Williams is playing his rookie year in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills.   Williams was selected by the Bills in the second round with the 34 pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.  Williams is from Austin and attended McNeil High School and the University of Texas Longhorns.

Williams started, as a freshman, with the Longhorns and even returned an interception back for 81 yards and a touchdown.  In 2009 in his sophomore year, Williams played in 13 games, had 31 tackles, three quarterback sacks and three interceptions. Williams continued his stellar play in his junior and last year with the Longhorns, he had 45 tackles, one quarterback sack and two forced fumbles.

AJ’s transition from the Deep South of Texas to the blue collar city of Buffalo has been very smooth.  “The fans in Buffalo are a lot like the fans of the Longhorns.  They are hardcore and diehard fans that cheer you when you win and they cheer you when you lose”.  The transition from college player to a professional football player was easy because of the preparation by Mack Brown and the rest of the Longhorns coaching staff.

Williams is a very religious person and stated.” It is a blessing that I am here and I thank God for giving me the opportunity to live my dream and make it a reality.  I have to keep working hard and continue to contribute to the team as much as possible’.   Williams has played in five games and started two so far this year.  Even though Williams has not dressed for all games he is always ready and willing to encourage his fellow teammates all the time. 

AJ has used the power of social media to connect with his fans in Buffalo and Austin.  Williams is very active on tweeter and has used the application to keep up with friend, family and fans. On many occasions Williams would you tweeter to find out where is a good place to eat in his new city and to brag about his Longhorns or his former High School football team.  Williams also knows that being a professional there are certain responsibilities that must done.  When you are a professional you have the ability to say what you want to say at any time, but with that come consequences.    He is careful in what he states in public, and to try to be respectful to people all the time.

With five games left in the regular season and the Bills are continuing to fight for a playoff spot.  Winter has been very mild with only a few flurries here and there.  Buffalo can and will be a very wintry place to play football.  The Bills have three remaining home games and very likely that Williams will get a good dose of Buffalo snow before he returns to Texas for the offseason.

NFL Week 12 Preview and Picks (Nov 24 -28)

Record Last week 10-4

Green Bay (10-0) at Detroit (7-3) Thursday

This is the most important game of the year for the Lions; if they win they will gain confidence for the rest of the year if they lose other teams in the conference can tie them for playoff positioning.  The Packers are still living the dream of being PERFECT.  The Packers will win 24-21

Miami (3-7) at Dallas (6-4) Thursday

A few weeks ago I looked at this game as the worst one on Thanksgiving, but it might end up be most entertaining one.  The Dolphins have won 3 games in a row.  Tony Romo and DeMarco Murrary have been a nice duo. The Cowboys are in first place and has won three in a row.  The Dallas will win 28-17.

San Francisco (9-1) at Baltimore (7-3) Thursday Night

The Harbaugh brothers will be the first pair of brothers that will ever coach against one another in an NFL game.  The Ravens have been good against good teams but very bad against bad team.  The Forty-Niners have just been a complete team all year, even without Frank Gore.  The San Fran will win 31-21.

Minnesota (2-8) at Atlanta (6-4)

The Vikings will enter the game without their best player Adrian Peterson.  Matt Ryan should have his rookie receiver this week Julio Jones and Roddy White at his disposal.  The Falcons are beginning to show signs of what was expected of them this year.  The Falcons will win 24-21.

Carolina (2-8) at Indianapolis (0-10)

This may be the last best chance for the Colts to win a game this year.  Cam Newton said last week his team is getting creative on how to lose a game.  In last week’s game against the Lions the Panthers had a 17 point lead and found a way to lose. The Colts wants a win bad.  The Panthers will win 35-21.

Cleveland (4-6) at Cincinnati (6-4)

The records do not matter when these intrastate rivals play.  The Browns won last week with Chris Ogbonnaya’s first career 100 yard rushing game and Colt McCoy managing the game plan to perfection. The Bengals have lost two in a row and are looking to get back on track.  The Bengals will win 21-17.

 Houston (7-3) at Jacksonville (3-7)

Matt Lienart will get the start at quarterback for the Texans after the injury to Matt Schuab.  Andre Johnson should return to the Texans lineup.  Maurice Jones-Drew will run hard and try to keep the Panthers in the game.  The Texans will rely on Arian Foster much more.  The Texans will win 28-17.

Buffalo (5-5) at New York Jets (5-5)

The injuries have finally caught up with the Bills.  The Jets fans are losing faith in Mark Sanchez and want for him to start winning games again.  The Jets have lost two in a row, while the Bills have lost three in a row.  The Bills have given up 77 points in the last two games.  The Jets will win 34-10.

Arizona (3-7) at St Louis (2-8)

The Cardinals and the Rams both scored only seven points last week.  The Rams only has one home win this season.  The Rams quarterback Sam Bradford should be in this week after being beat up pretty bad last week.  The Cards will still have backup quarterback John Skelton under center The Rams win 14-10.

Tampa Bay (4-6) at Tennessee (5-5)

The Bucs have lost four in a row.  Josh Freeman and LeGarrette Blount have got to protect the defense by controlling the ball.  Matt Hasselback will be a game time decision on playing.  The Titians are two games behind the Texans and can’t afford to lose any more ground.  The Bucs will win 24-14.

Chicago (7-3) at Oakland (6-4)

The Bears are on a 5 game winning streak, but may have struck out last week.  Jay Cutler is on the shelf for a few weeks with a broken thumb.  The Raiders could possibly open up a two game lead with a win on Sunday.  Carson Palmer has been taking care of the ball better. The Raiders will win 35-14.

Washington (3-7) at Seattle (4-6)

Can the Redskins play the way they played against the Cowboys two weeks in a row?  The Seahawks are on a two game winning streak.  These two teams both have questions about their quarterback, but both defenses are solid.  This will be a low scoring game.  The Seahawks will win 17-10.

Denver (5-5) at San Diego (4-6)

Phillip Rivers has been racking up fantasy points, but not wins.  The Chargers are in a must win game.  Tim Tebow is 4-1 as a starter and has been exciting in the fourth quarter.  Both teams are in playoff mode, because any loss will hurt any chance to play in the playoffs.  The Charges win 35-17.

New England (6-3) at Philadelphia (4-6)

Many thought this could be a possible Super Bowl matchup in Sept.  Today teams have major flaws.  The Eagles have to win the rest of their games just to make the playoffs.  The Patriots have been very good on offense, but there defense is the weakness of the team.  The Patriots will win 27-14.

Pittsburgh (7-3) at Kansas City (4-6) Sunday Night

The Chiefs are currently on a three game losing streak.  The Chiefs have many starters on the injured reserve list and are using backup quarterback Tyler Palko, who was only able to managed 3 points on Monday Night.  The Steelers are looking to confuse Palko and rest Big Ben.  The Steelers will win 28-17.

New York Giants (6-4) at New Orleans (7-3) Monday Night

The Giants had a two game lead in their division, now they are tied for first place.  The Saints have are coming in off an overtime win over Atlanta. Drew Brees loves his new weapon in Darren Sproles.  The Saints are on a two game winning streak and controlling the NFC South.  The Saints will win 35-27.

NFL Week 11 Preview and Picks (Nov 17-21)

Record Last week 10-6

New York Jets (5-4) at Denver (4-5) Thursday Night

Tim Tebow is 3-1 as a starter for the Broncos.  It has not been pretty for the Broncos over the past few weeks, but they are only one game out of first place.  The Jets played their worst game of the season last week against the Patriots.  The Jets can’t afford two bad weeks in a row.  The Jets will win 17-14.

Jacksonville (3-6) at Cleveland (3-6)

The Browns were a chip shot field goal away from a win last week.  The Browns are not doing the little things it takes to win.  Jacksonville defeated the Colts with ease last week.  Although the Jaguars only have three wins they have been very competitive in all of their games.  The Jaguars will win 24-21

Buffalo (5-4) at Miami (2-7)

The Bills were outplayed last week in a 44-7 loss to Dallas.  The Dolphins comes into this game with a two game winning streak.  The Dolphins have been in most games this year.  The Bills’ offense wants to get back on track.  Look for the Bills to come into this game very angry.  The Bills will win 35-21.

Carolina (2-7) at Detroit (6-3)

Cam Newton comes into this game with an injured shoulder.  The Lions come off a tough loss to the Bears and are looking to contain the explosive Newton and Panther’s offense.  This could be a trap week for the Lions, because thy play the Packers on Thanksgiving Day.   The Detroit will win 21-17.

Tampa Bay (4-5) at Green Bay (9-0)

The Packers looks unbeatable this year, against the Vikings, they didn’t make any mistakes.  Tampa is still in the hunt for the playoffs.  The Bucs have been very sporadic.  Josh Freeman has to have a great game to keep the Bucs in sync. Aaron Rodgers is hands down MVP so far. The Green Bay will win 28-10.

Cincinnati (6-3) at Baltimore (6-3)

Both teams are coming in off of disappointing losses.  The Baltimore loss was especially hard, because they were a heavy favorite and were in first place alone.  The Bengals lost to the Steelers at home.  The winner of this game will be tied with the Steelers for first place.  Ray Lewis and Ed Reed will have to put a lot of pressure on Bengal’s rookie quarterback Andy Dalton.  The Baltimore will win 17-10.

Dallas (5-4) at Washington (3-8)

The Washington Redskins have gone from contenders to pretenders in the last few weeks.  The Cowboys have been under achievers this year.  Rookie running back DeMarco Murray has given the Dallas offense some balance.  Rex Grossman has returned as a starter for the Skins.  The Cowboys will win 24-10.

Oakland (5-4) at Minnesota (2-7)

The Vikings were taken to the woodshed on Monday night by the Packers.  Christian Ponder continues to make strides as the starting quarterback for the Vikings.  Carson Palmer very well in his last game.  Darren McFadden should return to assist the Raiders offense.  The Raiders will win 24-14.

Arizona (3-6) at San Francisco (8-1)

The Cardinals shocked the Eagles last week with backup quarterback John Skelton from Fordham University.  The Forty-Niners with the win will eliminate the Cards from the NFC West Division Title.  San Fran has being winning while Frank Gore has been hurt, with defense.  San Francisco will win 35-14.

Seattle (3-6) at St. Louis (2-7)

The Rams are on a two game winning streak and have looked better in those games.  The Seahawks upset the Ravens last week and are looking to win two in a row.  Tarvaris Jackson has slowing been getting better as the Seahawks’ quarterback.  The Rams will win this one 17-14.

San Diego (4-5) at Chicago (6-3)

The Chargers are reeling in a weak division at the wrong time of the year.  Phillip Rivers has been received some criticism for not willing his team to some more wins.  The Bears are playing with more passion and has been protecting Jay Cutler more.  The Bears will win 31-27.

Tennessee (5-4) at Atlanta (5-4)

The overtime loss to the Saints last week was hard for the Falcons, but they have to focus on the Titans or makings the playoffs will be more difficult.  With the injury to the Texans quarterback the door may have been opened for the Titans and they must take advantage of it.  The Falcons will win 31-24.

Philadelphia (3-6) at New York Giants (6-3) Sunday Night

The Eagles are in hoping for a miracle mode, because that is what it is going to take for them to make the playoffs.  The Giants are coming in off a loss to the Forty-Niners.  This is the toughest part of the Giants schedule and has a one game division lead over the Cowboys.  The Eagles will win 24-21.

Kansas City (4-5) at New England (6-3) Monday Night

Matt Cassell had surgery on his hand this week and will be out.  The offense of the Chiefs will miss Cassell’s presence.  The Patriots dominated the Jets last Sunday night to get back into first place.  The Patriots defense played their best game against the Jets last week.  The Patriots will win 35-10.

NFL Week 10 Preview and Picks ( Nov 10-13)

Record Last week 9-4

Oakland (4-4) at San Diego (4-4) Thursday Night

The Raiders and Chargers have lost their last two games.  Carson Palmer played better in last week’s game, but still threw 3 interceptions.  The Raiders sweep the Chargers last year.  Phillip Rivers has not been playing well the past two weeks.  Last week against the Packers he threw two interceptions for touchdowns.  The team that protects the ball in this game will win.  The Raiders will win 28-24.

Buffalo (5-3) at Dallas (4-4)

This game is more important to the Cowboys than the Bills.  The Bills are currently tied for first place with both the Jets and the Patriots.  The Cowboys come into the game two games behind the Giants in the loss column.  The Cowboys need to put together a few wins in a row.  The Cowboys will win 24-21

Pittsburgh (6-3) at Cincinnati (6-2)

The Steelers are coming off an emotional last minute loss to the Division rival Ravens.  The Bengals are surprising the league with their rookie quarterback Andy Dalton.  The Bengals have only beat two teams that had a winning record when they played.  If the Bengals are for real they must beat the Steelers and the Ravens.  The Steelers still have their eye on winning a Division crown.  The Steelers will win 24-21.

St. Louis (1-7) at Cleveland (3-5)

The Cardinals shocked the football world two weeks ago by defeating the Saints.  Sam Bradford returned for the Rams last week and they lost to Arizona 19-13 in overtime. The Browns defense has been playing well this season.  Colt McCoy has been consistent, but the running backs are still trying to learn the system.  This should be a competitive game to watch.  The Browns will win 21-17.

 Houston (6-3) at Tampa Bay (4-4)

The Texans come into this game with the number one ranked defense in the league.  The Texans offense has been getting all of the attention so far this season.  The Buccaneers come off of a hard loss to the Saints last week.  Josh Freeman has been very good at home this year.  Matt Schaub has done the things to get the Texans off to fast starts and Arian Foster has closed out games.  The Texans win 28-17.

Denver (3-5) at Kansas City (4-4)

The Broncos came into this game off an improbable win over the Raiders.  The Chiefs come into this game after being completely dominated by the previous winless Dolphins last week.  Matt Cassel did not play well last week.  The AFC West has all teams within one game of first place and the automatic bid for the playoffs.  The Chiefs will not have two bad games in a row.  The Chiefs will win 17-10.

Jacksonville (2-6) at Indianapolis (0-8)

The Jaguars have played hard all season long, but only have two wins to their credit.  The Colts are the only winless team in the NFL this season.  The Colts will not have too many other opportunities to get wins this season.  Curtis Painter has played better week by week.  Maurice Drew Jones has been a work horse for the Jaguars.  The Colts will get their first win of the season 14-10.

Washington (3-5) at Miami (1-7)

For some reason the Dolphins do not play well at home.  The Redskins look just awful the last two weeks.  So conventional wisdom say take the Dolphins at home.  John Beck has not looked good in his starts for the Skins this year.  Matt Moore was name AFC Player of the week for winning their first game of the year.  The Dolphins will have a two game winning streak by beating the Skins 24-14.

Arizona (2-6) at Philadelphia (3-5)

The Eagles are in must win situations for the rest of the season and now my rely on assistance from other teams in other the make the playoffs this year.  The Cardinals are trying not to be eliminated from the playoffs before Thanksgiving.  Turnovers have been the death of the Eagles.  Eagles win 35-14.

New Orleans (6-3) at Atlanta (5-3)

This should be the best game of the day.  Drew Brees has been great this season, but the Saints defense needs rehab.  Matt Ryan and Julio Jones have finally got on the same page this season.  This game will be an old fashion shootout.  The Falcons will win this one 35-28.

Tennessee (4-4) at Carolina (2-6)

Tennessee is slowing falling further behind the Texans and are getting into must win games if they are to get into the playoffs.  Cam Newton has shined as a rookie, but he only has two wins.  The Panthers offense is very good, but the defense can’t stop teams in the fourth quarter.  The Titans win 28-17.

Baltimore (6-2) at Seattle (6-2)

The Ravens had a huge win in Pittsburgh on Monday night, but they have also lost two games to inferior teams this season.  Which Raven team will show up on Sunday?   The Seahawks have been moving the ball most of the season, but have not had any closing ability.  The Seahawks always play great at home.  If the Ravens are for real they should show it in this game.  The Ravens will win 27-14.

New York Giants (6-2) at San Francisco (7-1)

The Forty-Niners are one overtime loss to being perfect.  Alex Smith is playing like a Pro Bowl quarterback and not making the mental mistakes this season.  San Fran defense is one of the best in the league.  The Giants beat the Patriots last week.  Eli Manning is earning respect by continuing his winning ways.  The Giants have a two game lead in the NFC East.  San Francisco will win 28-27.

Detroit (6-2) at Chicago (5-3)

The game will have a playoff feel to it.  If the Lions win they will legitimize their playoff push.  If the Bears win the will make people start believing they are for real.  This game will feature two good defenses.  The team that makes the fewest mistakes will win this game.  The Bears will win 21-17.

New England (5-3) at New York Jets (5-3) Sunday Night

The Patriots are on a two game losing streak and go on the road to face their hated division rival.  The Jets have got their team in order.  Tom Brady goes against the revived Jets defense.  The Jets are playing more consistent and have not been making critical mistakes in games lately.  The Patriots have to get back on track this week or their playoff hopes will be hurt.  The Pats will win 24-21.

Minnesota (2-6) at Green Bay (8-0) Monday Night

Christian Ponder has looked good as the Vikings quarterback.  Unfortunately he has to play the Packers.  In order for the Vikings to have a chance to win this game Adrian Peterson and the offense must control the ball and they must play their best game of the year.  The Packers are working like a machine.  The offense is unstoppable, but the defense can’t stop anyone.  The Packers will win 35-21.

Mid-Season NFL Report Card

Arizona (1-6) Grade F

Kevin Kolb has been a disappointment in the desert in a weak division. 

Atlanta (4-3) Grade C

Julio Jones was added to increase offensive explosion, however the offense has been inconsistent.

Baltimore (5-2) Grade B

A loss to the Titans and a near loss to the Arizona last week bring down their grade.

Buffalo (5-2) Grade A

A division lead that no one saw coming this season.  Ryan Fitzpatrick is playing well this season.

Chicago (4-3) Grade C

The offensive line can’t protect Jay Cutler.  The wide receivers drop way too many passes.

Cincinnati (5-2) Grade B

Marvin Lewis has done a miracle with Andy Dalton.  The Bengals defense has been great so far.

Cleveland (3-4) Grade C

Colt McCoy has managed the offense and the defense has kept the team in most games.

Dallas (3-4) Grade C

The can compete with the best the league, but game mismanagement and turnovers is the problem.

Denver (2-5) Grade D

Need to upgrade at quarterback, offensive line, defensive line etc…….

Detroit (6-2) Grade B-
The Lions have been impressive all season on both sides of the ball and have confidence, but lack experience.

Green Bay (6-0) Grade A+

The Pack has not missed a beat since the Super Bowl.

Houston (5-3) Grade B

The Texans has been great on offense.  The defense is playing better of late.

Indianapolis (0-8)   Grade F

What a difference a year makes no Payton Manning no wins.  The defense has many holes also.

Jacksonville (2-6)  Grade D
Despite the win over Baltimore, the quarterback position needs more seasoning.

Kansas City (4-3) Grade B

The Chiefs lost the first 3 games and have been rolling since.  The Chiefs are back in first place.

Miami (0-7) Grade F

The Dolphins have been competitive, but have been their own worst enemy.

Minnesota (2-6) Grade D
The switch to Christian Ponder was done two weeks too late.  The defense has been inconsistent.

New England (5-2) Grade B

Tom Brady is still a top tier quarterback.  The Patriots defense can’t stop elite teams. 

New Orleans (5-3) Grade C

The loss to the Rams was a major black eye.  Sweeping the Bucs would erase the Rams game.

New York Giants (5-2) Grade B

The loss to the Seahawks shows how inconsistent this team is.  Eli Manning has managed the game well.

New York Jets (4-3) Grade C

The defensive losses from last year’s, has hurt the defense this year.  The offense is hitting its stride.

Philadelphia (3-4) Grade C

The new additions are finally beginning to play as a unit.  Too many fumbles by the offense.

Pittsburgh (6-2) Grade B+

Big Ben has been great.  The Steelers have too many injuries to and turnovers to get a better grade.

Oakland (4-3) Grade B

Hue Jackson has his team believing they can return to the playoffs.  Carson Palmer has to learn quickly.

San Diego (4-3) Grade B-

The Chargers normally start slowly, this year they are in a mid-season swoon.

San Francisco (6-1) Grade A

Jim Harbaugh has his team believing in his scheme.  Alex Smith has changed the perception of his play.

Seattle (2-5) Grade D

Pete Carroll has not been able to  capitalize off of their playoff run from last year.

St. Louis (1-6) Grade D-

Sam Bradford has been a bright spot for this team.  Defense has to be able to compete for entire game.

Tampa Bay (4-3) Grade C

The Bucs may be a victim of their travel schedule.  The blowout loss to the San Fran still lingers.

Tennessee (4-3) Grade C

Signing Matt Hassellbeck was great.  Chris Johnson needs to return to his old form.

Washington (3-4) Grade C-

The Redskins gave the fans false hope early.  The offense has taken a turn for the worst of late.

NFL Week 9 Preview and Picks

Record Last week 8-5

New York Jets (4-3) at Buffalo (5-2)

The Jets seemed to have righted the ship.  The Jets are 0-3 on the road this season and the Bills are 4-0 at home.  Both teams are on a two game winning streak, so something has to give with the current trends.  The Bills are playing well with Ryan Fitzpatrick at quarterback.  The Jets have not been consistent as a team this year.  The Jets will win 24-21

Cleveland (3-4) at Houston (5-3)

The Browns have played above expectations this season, on the backs of their defense.  The Browns offense does not have many offensive weapons.  Colt McCoy has been consistent, but need more weapons.  The Texans have a smothering defense and force turnovers.  The Texans have been very potent on offense with Arian Foster and Matt Schuab.  Andre Johnson will be a game time decision again this week.  The Texans have to be careful not to look ahead to their bye next week.  Texans win 28-10.

Atlanta (4-3) at Indianapolis (0-8)

The Colts have many holes with their team and will be playing for pride.  Curtis Painter has been unable to have the Colts offense on the same level as the sidelined Peyton Manning.  The Falcons are tied with the Saints and Bucs in the loss column. The Falcons have struggled with their offense as well this season.  Atlanta will win 24-14.

Miami (0-7) at Kansas City (4-3)

The Dolphins have been competitive this year, but always find a way to lose games.  The Chiefs are coming off of an emotional win over the Chargers and could take the Fins for granted.  The first place Chiefs will not get caught looking ahead to division rival Oakland next week.  Chiefs will win 17-14.

Tampa Bay (4-3) at New Orleans (5-3)

The Bucs and Saints played three weeks ago in New Orleans.  The Bucs won that game 26-20.  Drew Brees and the Saints are coming off of a very disappointing loss to the Rams.  The Saints got caught looking ahead to this game.  Josh Freeman has been steady.  The week off should help the jet lagged Bucs to put up a good fight against the Saints.  The Saints will win 24-21.

San Francisco (6-1) at Washington (3-4)

What a difference a couple of weeks make.  A few weeks ago the Redskins’ fans were thinking of playoffs now they are just looking to score points.  Mike Shanahan was shut out for the first time in over 200 games last week.  The Redskins have struggled offensively this year.  Jim Harbaugh has his team believing in themselves and they are running away with the division this year.  San Fran will win 28-7.

Seattle (2-5) at Dallas (3-4)

The Cowboys looked great against the St. Louis Rams.  The Cowboys defense could not get the Eagles off the field last week.  The Seahawks are clearly in rebuilding mode trying to improve the talent and skill level of the team.  The Seahawks did beat the Giants in NY this season.  This should be an up week for the Cowboys.  Felix Jones could return this week. The Cowboys will win big this week 28-14.

Denver (2-5) at Oakland (4-3)

The bye week will allow Carson Palmer to learn more of the offense and he should start this week.  The Raiders need the return Darren McFadden to balance their offensive attack.  McFadden will be a game time decision.  The Broncos have made more adjustments to the offense to try to assist Tim Tebow ‘s progress.  The Broncos don’t have any weapons to compete against the Raiders.  Raiders will win 28-17.

Cincinnati (5-2) at Tennessee (4-3)

Rookie sensation Andy Dalton has the Bengals playing great this season.  The Titans rebounded last week after getting pounded by the Texans two weeks ago.  Matt Hasselbeck has been playing very well, but Chris Johnson has been missing in action since signing his new contract.  This game could help decide wildcard tie breakers. This is a very important game for both teams.   Cincinnati will win 21-20.

St. Louis (1-6) at Arizona (1-6)

The Rams got a shocking win last week at home over the Saints.  The Cardinals are having a very disappointing season with new quarterback Kevin Kolb.  He winner of this game could be the loser in the Andrew Luck sweepstakes in next year’s draft.  The Cardinals will win 24-21.

New York Giants (5-2) at New England (5-2)

The Giants come into this game with a two game lead in their division. The Giants have been winning ugly.  Eli Manning has been playing well lately. The Patriots will try to avoid losing two consecutive games.  The Patriots are undefeated at home.   Tom Brady needs to win to keep pace with the Bills who currently own the tie breaker over the Pats.  The Patriots will win in a close one 28-24.

Green Bay (6-0) at San Diego (4-3)

The Packers are still riding high from the Super Bowl win.  Aaron Rodgers is the mid-season MVP.  Unlike last year the Packers have been relative injury free.  San Diego after the Monday night loss to the Chiefs slipped back into a three way tie for first place in the division.  Phillip Rivers has had good numbers but has not had a quality win this season.  Green Bay will win 35-28.

Baltimore (5-2) at Pittsburgh (6-2)

This game is critical for the Steelers.  The Ravens have already defeated the Steelers once this year and if the Ravens are able to win again, the Steelers will have to get help to win the Division.  The Ravens almost slipped last week against Arizona looking ahead to this game.  The Steelers have many injured players on both sides of the ball.  At times this season, Joe Flacco has looked like a deer in headlights.  The medics will be nearby for this game.  The Steelers will avenge their earlier loss and win 24-17.

Chicago (4-3) at Philadelphia (3-4)

The playoffs start today for these two teams.  The loser will have a very difficult time making the playoffs.  The Eagles are two games out of first place and the Bears are 3 games out of first place.  Michael Vick has been playing well lately and all of the moving parts of the Eagles may be gelling at the right time.  Jay Cutler has been running for his life most of the season.  The Bears have made some slight adjustments and Cutler has not been sacked as often.  The Eagles will win a close one 28-24.