NFL Week Nine predictions

Forget the records, the injuries, the controversies and anything else you've heard this week. Dallas vs. Washington is all that matters…

Overall

Last Week

Sunday, November 5, 2006

Atlanta Falcons (5-2) at Detroit Lions (1-6)

Josh says: Mike Vick can pass?! I'm not used to this throwing Falcon's team, but they've been making it work, and they get another win this week.

Abe says: Remember those "Michael Vick Experience" commercials? Yeah, those were cool.

Pia says: Pocket-passing or running quarterback? Either way Michael Vick is going to own Sunday.

Phil says: Michael Vick is finally playing like a quarterback and really that is all the falcons have been missing the last few years. With Warrick Dunn still churning up yards as the most underrated back in the league this offense can't be stopped.

Cincinnati Bengals (4-3) at Baltimore Ravens (5-2)

Josh says: In a big division game, I got defense winning out over offense. The Ravens have only given up 91 points in seven games. Niiiiccee.

Abe says: I don't know what it is, but something about the Ravens makes me cringe. Maybe it's those horrid purple jerseys. Whatever it is, I see Carson Palmer going wild Sunday.

Pia says: The Ravens offense was fired up last week, winning 35-22 on the road against the Saints. It seems that Baltimore Coach Brian Billick made the right move in firing offensive coordinator Jim Fassel two weeks ago. The Bengals on the other hand have dropped three of their last four games after starting out 3-0. The Ravens will be might happy to take this game from their division rival.

Phil says: With the Bengals offense sputtering the Ravens defense is just waiting to get a shot at them.

Dallas Cowboys (4-3) at Washington Redskins (2-5)

Josh says: Let's just win this game…please.

Abe says: If the football gods have any sympathy whatsoever, we'll pick up the W here. If not, it's time for some Campbell's Soup, if you know what I mean.

Pia says: With a new quarterback and a rivalry flaming, the Cowboys look poised to sweep the series this season. Hopefully the Redskins' bye last week will help a little though, because I have tickets and want to watch a good game.

Phil says: I hate myself for this but some times you just know.

Green Bay Packers (3-4) at Buffalo Bills (2-5)

Josh says: J.P. Losman is taking steps back in his improvement process, and Green Bay looks to be progressing a little bit.

Abe says: Anyone who comes within 500 feet of a TV showing this game will instantly puke. And then the Packers will win. Don't worry about my logic, just trust me.

Pia says: Green Bay looks to keep its hot streak alive against yet another weak team. Favre and the Packers have won two straight against Miami and Arizona and look to pull even on the road. A downwards-spiraling Buffalo might just hand them that.

Phil says: The Bills at home have nothing to fear.

Houston Texans (2-5) at New York Giants (5-2)

Josh says: The Giants are one of the NFL's hottest teams, and Houston can't handle the cold.

Abe says: Sage Rosenfels played quarterback last week for Houston. Um, yeah, I'll take the Giants.

Pia says: The sorrowful Houston Texans aren't going to snap the New York Giants' four-game winning streak.

Phil says: I'm sure there is away for the Texans to win this one I just can't seem to figure it out.

Kansas City Chiefs (4-3) at St. Louis Rams (4-3)

Josh says: They have Larry Johnson. That's all you need to know.

Abe says: Steven Jackson is the real deal, and at home the Rams are infinitely better. The Chiefs can only go on so long with a shell of their offense.

Pia says: Backup QB Damon Huard has led the Chiefs to victory in four of their past five games and has the third highest passer rating in the league. St. Louis QB Marc Bulger happens to have the second highest rating, just above Huard, but isn't getting the same level of performance from the rest of his team.

Phil says: Damon Huard is torching defenses since replacing Trent Green, throwing for 8 touchdowns and only one interception.

Miami Dolphins (1-6) at Chicago Bears (7-0)

Josh says: Easy pickins here.

Abe says: When did Miami become the league's worst team?

Pia says: Twenty-one years ago the Miami Dolphins stopped an 11-0 and soon to be Super Bowl Champion Chicago Bears from pursuing an undefeated season. But everyone knows history doesn't repeat it self.

Phil says: Bears might not run the table but the dolphins sure won't top them.

New Orleans Saints (5-2) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-5)

Josh says: Reggie Bush's ankle should hold him and the Saints up as the Bucs pull and upset.

Abe says: At the start of the season, I would have never thought we'd be picking the Saints so much. Go figure.

Pia says: With or without Reggie Bush, New Orleans looks in good shape to complete a season sweep of NFC South rival Tampa Bay. The Bucs struggled last week with an ineffectual run offense and defense in a 17-3 loss against the Giants.

Phil says: Reggie my man Bush hasn't lived up to the hype failing to gain over 100 total yards in the last three weeks and was responsible for two turnovers in last week's loss to the Ravens. Against an over rated Bucs defense look for the Saints to regain there wining form.

Tennessee Titans (2-5) at Jacksonville Jaguars (4-3)

Josh says: With David Garrard starting at quarterback, the Jags never seem to miss a beat. Against a weak opponent, they should get the easy W.

Abe says: Oh, baby! My Super Bowl pick was in trouble two weeks ago, but beastly backup David "G-Money" Garrard put the Jags back on track.

Pia says: If backup Jacksonville QB David Garrad performs well again this week against the AFC South rival Tennessee Titans, Jaguars fans are certainly going to wonder if they even need Byron Leftwich. Garrad, who is 5-1 starting in Leftwich's place goes against the Titans rookie Vince Young, who is looking to win his third consecutive start.

Phil says: Vince Young's first major test comes against the pressure defense of the Jags. Over under five turnovers?

Minnesota Vikings (4-3) at San Francisco 49ers (2-5)

Josh says: After being embarrassed on Monday Night Football, the Vikings take revenge on the 49ers.

Abe says: The freakin' 49ers have the same record as the 'Skins.

Pia says: Brad Johnson is desperate to get back in Minnesota's coach Brad Childress good graces after being pulled in the fourth quarter of last week's game. He should be fine against one of the league's worst defenses.

Phil says: Chester Taylor is coming off of his worst performance as a starter but has the luck to face the 49ers for a rebound game. He's my fantasy lock for week 9.

Cleveland Browns (2-5) at San Diego Chargers (5-2)

Josh says: Even without Shawne Merriman, the Chargers are too good for the Browns to handle on both sides of the ball.

Abe says: Philip Rivers is a really good handoffer.

Pia says: San Diego will pass its first test without LB Shawne "Lights Out" Merriman, who decided Tuesday to cancel his steroids suspension appeal and take the four-game penalty. The Chargers are also missing other defensive players due to injuries and more off-the-field mishaps, but unlike Cleveland, have their offense going for them.

Phil says: With Shawne Merriman serving his suspension the Chargers lose the fear inspiring stopper on there defense. Against most teams this could change the dynamic of the game but I just don't see the Browns' front seven stopping LT.

Denver Broncos (5-2) at Pittsburgh Steelers (2-5)

Josh says: The defending Super Bowl champs are struggling, and a loss here could be the knockout blow to their playoff hopes.

Abe says: Steelers fans are still talking about the Super Bowl. I honestly don't think they care about this year, and as a 'Skins fan, I can sympathize.

Pia says: After Ben Roethlisberger's dismal, god-awful performance last week, I have no more hope for him. Let's go Charlie Batch!

Phil says: The Broncos fell to the Colts but there still the NFL's second best team.

Indianapolis Colts (7-0) at New England Patriots (6-1)

Josh says: Obviously this is going to be a great game. But look at the past. Tom Brady owns Peyton Manning. For the Colts to take the next step towards becoming Super Bowl champs, they have to prove they can beat the Pats.

Abe says: The Pats have quietly risen to the top of the NFL, and Indy has trouble with New England.

Pia says: The battle of the AFC's best teams and best quarterbacks. Colt's kicker Adam Vinateri's first return to his old team. Playoff implications. Me like.

Phil says: Belicheck is a mastermind at game planning for Peyton Manning but trust me Manning has been learning from his mistakes. If the New England tries to zone blitz him look for Harrison Wayne or Clark going deep.

Monday, November 6, 2006

Oakland Raiders (2-5) at Seattle Seahawks (4-3)

Josh says: Even though their playing some second stringers as starters, that should even the game out against Oakland whose starters are so bad they should be second stringers.

Abe says: Seneca Wallace… Seneca Wallace… Seneca Wallace… Seneca Wallace…

Pia says: Seattle is struggling and Oakland is suddenly looking good. Upset of the week.

Phil says: The Raiders have the same record as the Redskins. That's embarrassing.