Jacksonville over BUFFALO

Jacksonville is on cloud 9 this week after a 59-yard game winning field goal from Josh Scobee to propel the jags past the Indianapolis Colts.  Buffalo is coming off of an embarrassing loss to The New York Jets and has yet to earn its first win of the season.  This is not their week.  The real Maurice Jones-Drew finally showed up in week 14 and the Bills rank dead-last in the NFL in opponents rushing yards.  Jags control the clock and win this game.

CINCINNATI over Tampa Bay

The Bengals have taken on a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde this season with wins over Baltimore and Carolina and losses to New England and Cleveland.  This week, the key to their success stands behind Carson Palmer.  The Bengals rode Benson all the way to the playoffs last year, and need to get back to that philosophy.  What better time than against the leagues 28th ranked rushing defense?  The hot-start Tampa Bay Buccaneers fall to the Bengals in this match.

Atlanta over CLEVELAND

Atlanta is the hotter and healthier team with more talent at every position.  When Cleveland stacks the box to contain Michael Turner, Matt Ryan will exploit Cleveland’s weak secondary.  No Peyton Hillis and an ailing Jerome Harrison will let the Falcons focus on Seneca Wallace exclusively.  Falcons win in a route.

St. Louis over DETROIT

Both the Rams and the Lions are much improved from last season, but I am going to give the edge to St. Louis.  Sam Bradford has been hot, the defense has been hotter and they have a workhorse in the backfield that runs better on on leg than Jahvid Best does.  Rams win!

INDIANAPOLIS over Kansas City

Kansas city has looked good in many aspects of the game as their rookies have been electric.  You look at the stats and think the Chiefs will run all over the Colts.  Haven’t we heard this before a la the 2007 playoffs?  You do not pick against Peyton Manning.  You certainly don’t pick against him coming off of a loss.  Colts win, but the Chiefs stay warm.

Green Bay over WASHNGTON

Green Bay cannot run, but it hasn’t stopped them yet.  As long as they stay committed to it, defenses will have to stay honest.  Ryan Torain might have a good day against the Green Bay run defense, which has more holes than you’d think, but Aaron Rodgers will pick apart the Redskins pass defense.

Chicago over CAROLINA

Todd Colins versus Jimmy Clausen.  Julius Peppers versus his former team.  The only real weapons on the field should be the two-headed monster in Carolina’s backfield as I do not trust Chicago’s receivers catching balls from Collins.  Forte will need a big game, but it has been awhile since the Bears defense has taken over a game.  It happens this week.

Denver over BALTIMORE

The Broncos boast the leagues number one passing offense.  The Ravens rank first in passing defense allowing 119 yards per game.  Something has to give.  This week it will be the Ravens pass defense.  Orton has too many weapons for Baltimore to contain.  Joe Flacco and Co. haven’t been too impressive so far minus a game against a weak Browns team and the final drive against the Steelers.  The Broncos get the run game going this week against the Ravens mediocre run defense and open up the field for Orton.

Houston over NY GIANTS

The return of Brian Cushing will energize this Texans defense. Arian Foster and Derrick Ward will run like crazy on offense.

New Orleans over ARIZONA

A switch to undrafted rookie Max Hall doesn’t immediately turn this team around.  The Cardinals ground game could get going this week against a weak Saints defense, but Sean Payton’s offense will get it going in all aspects this week.  New Orleans beats Arizona easily.

DALLAS over Tennessee

If the Cowboys’ offense didn’t get rusty over the bye week, they should give Tennessee’s defense fits.  The Titans defense has been lit up through the air two weeks in a row, and the Cowboys have a great stable of big wide receivers.  Cowboys win in Dallas.

San Diego over OAKLAND

The Raiders always play divisional games well, but with the Chargers boasting the leagues best defense and offense, they should be able to overcome any obstacles.  Let’s see if their special teams show up.

SAN FRANCISCO over Philadelphia

The 49ers get the Eagles at a great time.  No Vick. No McCoy.  No Samuel.  At Home.  The 49ers get a much needed win this week against a weary Kevin Kolb.

NY JETS over Minnesota

The Vikings get Randy Moss and the Jets get Santonio Holmes.  Moss is the better receiver, but the Jets are the better team.  Mark Sanchez should only get better with more weapons.  Jets win Monday night, but the Vikings recover and have a good season.