I’m quite happy with how my NFL predictions for Week 3 went down, because aside from a couple of rather stunning surprises, I did quite well for myself. As we gear up for another week of intense football action, it’s time once again for me to lay my NFL picks on the line for your scrutinizing and betting pleasure.
Let’s see who’s playing who this week in the National Football League
Atlanta Falcons at Carolina Panthers
Atlanta is coming off of a solid win and Carolina is recovering from a disappointing loss, but I feel that Jake Delhomme still has the fight inside of him and he should be able to lead his team to victory on home turf.
Pick: Carolina.
Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals
Both of these teams have not been able to live up to their preseason hype. The Browns brought in some good personnel and the Bengals managed to maintain a solid core. Even though Cincy lost last week to the Super Bowl Champion New York Giants, they were very competitive and came within a field goal of bringing it to overtime. The Bengals are hungry.
Pick: Cincinnati
Houston Texans at Jacksonville Jaguars
The Texans are hopeless. It really doesn’t matter who they play.
Pick: Jacksonville
Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs
Mike Shanahan has made some pretty crazy calls (you’ve probably heard about the insane two-point conversion already), but he has a potentially winning formula with his Broncos. Cutler is doing well and the team is solid.
Pick: Denver
San Francisco 49ers at New Orleans Saints
Drew Brees had an absolutely insane game last week, throwing a phenomenal 421 yards. Reggie Bush could have rushed for a few more yards, but New Orleans is back to their old form. The Niners are still continuing their “rebuilding” since Steve Young retired. This is an easy pick.
Pick: New Orleans
Arizona Cardinals at New York Jets
Brett Favre suffered an embarrassing defeat on Monday Night, getting absolutely demolished by the San Diego Chargers. Thankfully, this week he’s bringing the Jets in against the Cardinals. This is a good rebound game for the aging quarterback.
Pick: New York Jets
Green Bay Packers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
This is a tough one. Aaron Rodgers couldn’t stand up to the Cowboys last week, but he’s proven that he has some of the right ingredients in Green Bay to pick up a win or two. Tampa isn’t as impressive as it used to be, but Jeff Garcia is showing promise again. It’s a close one, but I’m going with the Bucs.
Pick: Tampa Bay
Minnesota Vikings at Tennessee Titans
I like the Titans. Vince Young hasn’t been able to live up to the hype and they don’t have Eddie George anymore, but they’re winning. I don’t have such a rosy outlook for the Vikings this year.
Pick: Tennessee
San Diego Chargers at Oakland Raiders
The Chargers are charging again, even if LaDainlian Tomlinson isn’t the mind-blowing RB that we once knew. In this battle of California, Oakland doesn’t stand a chance.
Pick: San Diego
Buffalo Bills at St. Louis Rams
Much like the Texans, the Rams are pretty much hopeless against any other team in the NFL. It doesn’t help that they have to take on the surging (and undefeated) Buffalo Bills.
Pick: Buffalo
Washington Redskins at Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys are arguably the best team in the league right now and they are absolutely the complete package. It’s not just Terrell Owens and Tony Romo out there. The entire squad is remarkably impressive. The win won’t come easy, but I see the ‘boys taking home another W.
Pick: Dallas
Philadelphia Eagles at Chicago Bears
Donovan McNabb doesn’t take the same kinds of risks that he used to take as a younger man. He doesn’t run nearly as much, but he makes better decisions and Philly is right in there for playoff contention. The Bears are alright, but the Eagles should squeeze by them.
Pick: Philadelphia
Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers
Two Mondays ago, we experience what could be the most exciting Monday Night Football game of quite some time. Last Monday, it was a blowout. I don’t foresee either of those things happening this Monday. The Ravens will steal one from the Steelers, but it probably won’t be all that exciting to watch.
Pick: Baltimore
This Week’s Byes
Taking a breather this week are the Detroit Lions, Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots (oh boy do they need it), New York Giants, and Seattle Seahawks.
Although I am a Steelers fan I have to agree. After the beating they took against the Eagles I don’t have much confidence that they will be able to score on the Ravens…