NFL - Week Nine predictions

As expected, the Redskins were absolutely annihilated by the Patriots last week (somehow three of our experts got that game wrong). New England was clearly the better team, but was running up the score like that really necessary? Maybe Bill Belichick is a Tom Brady owner in his fantasy football league...

The news this week of course comes from the RCA Dome, where the Pats will take on the Colts in the battle of the two remaining undefeateds. It's Brady versus Manning in a matchup we saw last January and will most likely see again come playoff time this year. Could this be the most anticipated regular season game in recent memory? Well, it looks to be a lot more exciting than Redskins-Jets, that's for sure.

Standings:

	Last week	Season total
Andrew	7-6	72-44
Pia	9-4	70-46
Anshul	8-5	69-47
Nitin	8-5	67-49

Sunday November 4, 2007

Washington Redskins at New York Jets

Andrew	Nitin	Pia	Anshul
Washington	Washington	Washington	Washington

Andrew says: Well, it looks like Kellen Clemens, he of the career 45.3 QB rating, will get the start under center for Gang Green. Washington can breathe a sigh of relief now that Tom Brady is done pillaging their defense, and should emerge with a W against the floundering Jets, who probably will be without our old friend Laveranues Coles.

Nitin says: Pia forgets that New England can make a fool out of anyone, including her Chargers. The New York Jets hardly stack up with half of the Patriots offense, as Washington will remind them.

Pia says: After last week's atrocity, I didn't want to pick Washington ever again. Yet the 1-7 Jets are too easy an opportunity for even the Redskins to mess up.

Anshul says: So maybe the 'Skins aren't ready to handle the NFL's elite just yet. Luckily for them, the Jets are just the bottom, sitting at a lowly 1-7. Washington should get back on track with an easy road victory here.

Cincinnati Bengals at Buffalo Bills

Andrew	Nitin	Pia	Anshul
Buffalo	Buffalo	Cincinnati	Cincinnati

Andrew says: Honestly, Carson Palmer hasn't looked all that great this year. But the bulk of the Cincinnati struggles lies mainly with their atrocious defense. Look for the Bills to build upon last week's win and try to rebound in season's second half.

Nitin says: Bills QB J.P. Losman's 83-yard hookup with Lee Evans has led to the hope that Evans is ready to start making a difference again. Cincinnati's Swiss cheese defense won't stop the star wide out and rookie Marshawn Lynch.

Pia says: Having J.P. Losman back at quarterback isn't going to be enough to turn Buffalo around for a win.

Anshul says: I'm still not sure if having J.P. Losman is a good thing or bad thing for Buffalo. Hopefully Cincinnati will stop the bleeding and get one step closer to .500.

Denver Broncos at Detroit Lions

Andrew	Nitin	Pia	Anshul
Detroit	Denver	Detroit	Detroit

Andrew says: Dre Bly and Champ Bailey are still gimpy coming off injuries, so the only strength of the Denver defense is gone. The Lions passing game, Roy Williams in particular, should get back on track at Ford Field.

Nitin says: To be honest, Green Bay got away with the win last week on two absurdly lucky plays. Denver's pass defense looked weak statistically, but in reality the Broncos are still solid. Even though Detroit is choosing to run the ball more and more, the Lions still depend on the passing game. Jon Kitna has to get the game rolling early to have a chance.

Pia says: As long as quarterback Jon Kitna comes onto the field clothed, the Lions should be able to wrap this one up against an increasingly injured Denver team.

Anshul says: Kitna had his fun off the field, now its time to come back to reality. Denver is struggling, even their top-ranked corners. Should be an easy way for Kitna to pick up win number six.

Green Bay Packers at Kansas City Chiefs

Andrew	Nitin	Pia	Anshul
Kansas City	Green Bay	Green Bay	Green Bay

Andrew says: Don't underestimate the power of the bye. The Chiefs come in rested after a week off, while the Packers come in weary after an extremely fluky win on Monday night.

Nitin says: If RB Ryan Grant wasn't a fluke last week, Green Bay has a chance to really do some damage in the second half of the season. The Packers are without a doubt up there with the Giants and the Cowboys in the NFC.

Pia says: In his ever-so-long career, Brett Favre has beaten every team in the league except for one. He'll make that every team after this week's match-up.

Anshul says: Favre looked to end last week's game in a hurry during overtime. Something tells me this game will be a little more enjoyable for him.

San Diego Chargers at Minnesota Vikings

Andrew	Nitin	Pia	Anshul
San Diego	San Diego	San Diego	San Diego

Andrew says: I suppose if anybody could pull off the upset, it's Purple Jesus, plus I can definitely see Norv finding a way to somehow lose this. But with the Chargers back to their high-voltage ways, it would take a superhuman performance and a great deal of luck for the Vikings to win this. It's possible, but I don't see it.

Nitin says: Adrian Peterson may be the greatest back out of college since LaDainian Tomlinson, but LT will show who's number #1. Philip Rivers only needed 11 attempts to put 18 points on the board last week and he should have an even easier time getting it done through the air against the weak Minnesota secondary.

Pia says: Now that the Chargers have remembered that they have LT and can rely on their running game a bit, the playoff talk can resume once more.

Anshul says: The top rookie running back squares off with the top running back. Should be interesting, but LT was and is the reigning top back in the league and will show Peterson that he still has ways to go.

Jacksonville Jaguars at New Orleans Saints

Andrew	Nitin	Pia	Anshul
New Orleans	Jacksonville	New Orleans	New Orleans

Andrew says: Jags QB Quinn Gray doesn't inspire a lot of confidence going up against an improving Saints defense.

Nitin says: Watching Jacksonville's defense give Jeff Garcia not only his first interception of the season, but the second and third, it feels like Drew Brees will have an early season-esque performance.

Pia says: New Orleans will continue its surge to even out its record at .500. The Saints' offense has played well in the last three games, and the Brees-Colston combo should lead New Orleans to another victory.

Anshul says: The Saints are marching in now. A good home victory over the ailing Jaguars will give them their fourth straight victory and the city something to cheer for again.

Arizona Cardinals at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Andrew	Nitin	Pia	Anshul
Arizona	Arizona	Tampa Bay	Tampa Bay

Andrew says: Edgerrin James and the Cardinal wideouts should find the seams in the Tampa-2 to put up enough points to counteract the capricious Garcia-led Bucs attack.

Nitin says: Kurt Warner might not be 100%, but judging by his performance two weeks ago, he certainly has it in him to come up with big plays. Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald make up one of the best receiver duos in the league, spreading the field thin for RB Edgerrin James.

Pia says: In this battle of inconsistent teams, it's not easy to predict what will happen. But with Kurt Warner still hurting after a week off, the Bucs can look to take advantage and stay atop .500 before their own bye week.

Anshul says: Kurt Warner is still out and Tampa Bay should bounce back after a close game against the Jags last week.

Carolina Panthers at Tennessee Titans

Andrew	Nitin	Pia	Anshul
Tennessee	Tennessee	Tennessee	Tennessee

Andrew says: Even with Vince Young struggling, the Titans are an incredibly physical team that nobody wants to play, dominating the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball.

Nitin says: QB David Carr is back and ready to throw his way to another loss. Steve Smith and the Panthers desperately need Vinny Testaverde to win.

Pia says: The Tennessee offense is beginning to stagnate, but with Carolina stagnated since they lost Jake Delhomme in Week 3, it should be another victory for the Titans.

Anshul says: Is putting Carr back in a good idea? I'm not so sure. With its astounding rush offense and rush defense, the Titans roll to 6-2.

San Francisco 49ers at Atlanta Falcons

Andrew	Nitin	Pia	Anshul
San Francisco	Atlanta	Atlanta	Atlanta

Andrew says: Alex Smith and crew are bound to break out of their season-long slump eventually, even if Pro Bowl running back Frank Gore can't go on Sunday.

Nitin says: It's really a toss up here; two dismal offenses collide here, but Atlanta's homefield advantage will pay off.

Pia says: These two mediocre teams need all they can get. The Falcons will be well rested after a week off, which could be the edge they need over a sore 49er team.

Anshul says: Neither of these teams have really caused any sensation among their fans. Still, Atlanta has a slightly better offense and homefield advantage, so I'll give them the win.

Seattle Seahawks at Cleveland Browns

Andrew	Nitin	Pia	Anshul
Seattle	Cleveland	Cleveland	Cleveland

Andrew says: Derek Anderson has been dynamite for the Cleveland offense, but their defense is ranked dead last in the league, giving up exorbitant point totals even when they win. A healthy Matt Hasselbeck is just what Seattle needs to stay atop the NFC West.

Nitin says: Shaun Alexander has virtually disappeared in the once-feared Seattle attack. Meanwhile, QB Derek Anderson and his fast rising receiving corps are establishing themselves as an elite offense.

Pia says: The only reason Seattle is currently on top of its division is that the NFC West is pathetically weak. Cleveland on the other hand, after years of floundering at the bottom of a strong AFC North, is finally in contention for that division's title, and isn't going to let the Seahawks stand in their way.

Anshul says: While Cleveland's offense is rolling, their defense is nonexistent. Luckily they face a pretty week Seattle team and should come away with an easy home win.

New England Patriots at Indianapolis Colts

Andrew	Nitin	Pia	Anshul
Indianapolis	New England	New England	New England

Andrew says: Conventional wisdom goes with the Patriots in the big matchups, but this is the regular season, where Peyton Manning is always gold. The Colts have quietly won 12 in a row dating back to their Super Bowl run, and Manning is due for a truly dominating performance, something we haven't seen yet this year.

Nitin says: I'm not stupid. Without Marvin Harrison suiting up, Indy's Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark better eat their Wheaties.

Pia says: Every time I pick against New England, I get burned. As much as I don't like them, I have to admit they are amazing. I also have to catch up to Andrew.

Anshul says: I've learned not to pick against New England. They messed up my Redskins, now they'll do a number on the defending champion Colts.

Houston Texans at Oakland Raiders

Andrew	Nitin	Pia	Anshul
Oakland	Houston	Oakland	Houston

Andrew says: The Texans desperately need next week's bye to rest up and get back Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson, who played critical roles in their early season success. The Raiders have played tougher than their record suggests, having lost the past two games by a combined six points.

Nitin says: Matt Schaub or not, Houston can put away Oakland easily. Word is Josh McCown will start over Daunte Culpepper for the Black and Silver, a questionable and likely costly change for the Raiders.

Pia says: Houston's improvement from last season is due mostly to new quarterback Matt Schaub. With Schaub out with a concussion from last game, the Texans will revert to their old ways.

Anshul says: Josh McCown is in for Daunte Culpepper and that is going to take Oakland back a few steps. Even without Mat Schuab, Houston's offense should take care of the Raiders.

Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles

Andrew	Nitin	Pia	Anshul
Dallas	Dallas	Dallas	Dallas

Andrew says: Unless Tony Romo's success was financially motivated and he suddenly pulls an Erick Dampier, the Cowboys should continue their rampage and maintain their spot atop the NFC.

Nitin says: Tony Romo is apparently "the man" for the next six years, while more than a few Philly fans are mumbling for the promotion of rookie Kevin Kolb. WR Terrell Owens had little success against his former team last year, but the 2007 Cowboys have a stunning offense to be reckoned with.

Pia says: Quarterback Tony Romo will prove to doubting fans that he deserved the $67.5 million contract by walking all over his division rivals, currently in last place.

Anshul says: The Eagles are at the bottom of a much-improved NFC East. With a pretty questionable pass defense, the Eagles will fall to the Cowboys.

Monday November 5, 2007

Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers

Andrew	Nitin	Pia	Anshul
Pittsburgh	Pittsburgh	Pittsburgh	Pittsburgh

Andrew says: Their track record against Baltimore is somewhat worrisome for Steely McBeam's boys, but Mike Tomlin has done an incredible job this year, and a second straight division win should come without too much trouble.

Nitin says: Pittsburgh's offense and defense have been on fire all year, while Baltimore's D has been mediocre at best and its offense colder than ice. A Chris McAlister-less defense will get picked apart easily by Big Ben.

Pia says: Last year Baltimore demolished its division rival in their two match-ups. Then again, last year Baltimore only had three losses all year; something they already have seven games into this season. No luck this time for the purple and black; the Steelers are gearing up for another Super Bowl run.

Anshul says: I really hate picking against the Ravens, but their defense is not what it was last year. The Steelers are still highly regarded as a major power in the AFC and should take care of the Ravens at home.

Bye week: Chicago Bears, Miami Dolphins, St. Louis Rams, New York Giants