Football Forecasters

Then there were two. Last week I was wrong on both games both straight up and against the spread making the playoffs a rather poor 4 – 6 straight up and 5 – 5 against the spread. The Super Bowl is obviously not what I would have predicted but it is what we have.

Please note that these picks are not to be confused with the real business of Football Forecasters and are not the recommended picks. Personally I do not bet football and anyone who has followed this little feature for any length of time will understand why. I participate in a pick’em league and these choices reflect those picks though my league choices are subject to last minute changes based on the latest injury and practice reports. Generally, these picks will appear on Wednesday evenings and for their limited amusement value.

The Super Bowl

Arizona – The offensive prowess of this team is not really a question but they are better than they demonstrated during the season. The offensive line has stepped up their level of play, they have protected well in the passing game and their run blocking is considerably better though not outstanding. Larry Fitzgerald has been playing at an entirely different level; he was a great receiver during the season but in the post season, he has been unstoppable thus far.

The bigger surprise was the Arizona defense, actually the discovery that there was an defense in Arizona. We have seen this before in 2006 when the Colts defense went from worst in the regular season to best in the playoffs. There though a couple of players returned from injury (notably Bob Sanders) and you could make sense out of it. In this case, there has been no such dramatic return but they are generating sacks and turnovers.

Pittsburgh – The Steelers have played a brutal schedule this season and overcome the challenge. This team will grind out a win, usually by playing stifling defense and field position. Defensively they have dominated in about every statistical category throughout the season and post season. The defense can make big plays on occasion but their signature is consistent hard hitting and an aggressive game plan.

Offensively they can break the big play in either the running and passing game. They have controlled the clock as much due to the defensive game as their offense. Hines Ward’s health is a concern as he serves as a security blanket for Roethlisberger in the passing game and is a consistent downfield blocker in the running game.

The Super Bowl may not be a great game but there is a real question as to who will win. The Steelers are favored for good reason; they are the better team. The Cardinals can score quickly and the Steelers are not a good come from behind team. The question will become can the Cardinals make inroads against the Steelers defense and keep their offense flexible.

If Pittsburgh can dictate the tempo of the game, they should win easily. Their defense can rush the passer from about every defensive position. Warner, if given time, can throw with surgical precision but under pressure his ball security has been historically poor and the Cardinals can not give the Steelers any extra possessions. On the other hand if the Cardinals can strike early they will be not be in forced passing situations and can take some of the pressure off of the quarterback.

Pittsburgh is going to try to take Larry Fitzgerald out of the equation. Double-teaming him is not sufficient; they will have to hit him coming off the line of scrimmage and keep coverage over the top. If they do not make good contact off the line, he will make plays (and may even if they do) but man coverage is not an option. For Arizona, this may be a question of how recovered Boldin is because he will be facing a lot of single coverage that, if healthy, he can beat.

This has the look of a great defense versus an explosive offense. So what will happen here boils down to these questions:

Can the Arizona line give Warner enough time? Initially yes, though if the Steelers can play for the pass this will be problematic.

Can Arizona get a running game going? No at least not without success in the passing game though James is a good pass blocker and there are likely to be opportunities in the short passing game for him if Pittsburgh over commits to the blitz.

Can the Steelers take Fitzgerald out of the game? Not with coverage, the pass rush has to be working.

Can Arizona stop the Steelers offense? Depends on which Cardinal defense shows up but Whisenhunt knows the Pittsburgh offense and should have either group well prepared. Count on the Steelers to want to test the run defense of the Cardinals and set up the pass with the run if they can.

Players to watch:

Pittsburgh – Polamalu, Taylor, Parker, Ward (health), Farrior

Arizona – Warner, Boldin (health), Fitzgerald, Dansby, Rodgers-Cromartie

The last couple of games Arizona has been able to jump out to early leads. It will be hard for them to repeat that trend but not impossible. Still the likely scenario would seem to be the Steelers to win going away as the Cardinals make turnovers because they are pressing and pressured by the Steelers defense. The problem for Pittsburgh is can they maintain control of the game which seems uncertain unless they can get to Warner early. If they can’t and the possibility that Hines Ward will be limited or even unavailable the pick here is the Cardinals, 28 – 24.

Now there are four teams left standing. In the divisional round I was again 2 – 2 straight up but 3 – 1 against the spread which means that I am better against the spread than straight up in the playoffs at this point. This week again has the replay theme but with a twist. There are two number six seeds playing yet and it seems likely that one and possibly both could win. This would seem a fitting end to what has been a topsy-turvy season.

Please note that these picks are not to be confused with the real business of Football Forecasters and are not the recommended picks. Personally I do not bet football and anyone who has followed this little feature for any length of time will understand why. I participate in a pick’em league and these choices reflect those picks though my league choices are subject to last minute changes based on the latest injury and practice reports. Generally, these picks will appear on Wednesday evenings and for their limited amusement value.

AFC

Baltimore at Pittsburgh – This will be the third meeting between these two divisional rivals with Pittsburgh winning both of the earlier meetings. These were close games, going to overtime once, and extremely hard fought. This should be a defensive classic. These are good teams who know each other very well, this will be a toe-to-toe slugfest, not much subtlety to be found here.

To have a chance to beat Pittsburgh the Raven defense will have to get consistent pressure on Roethlisberger in order to create turnover opportunities. They can do that but they will also have to contend with keeping Willie Parker from breaking big plays, either running or in the short passing game particularly against the bilitz.

Flacco has done remarkably well largely because he has not been placed in a position where he has had to win games on his own. Pittsburgh does everything well defensively but the Ravens now have the ability to mix things up because they can take legitimate deep plays in the passing game. This stretches the defense and gives them some chance to establish the power running game.

Roethlisberger has been knocked around a lot this season, part of this has to do with his technique but the pass blocking of the offensive line can be very average. The running game can be very effective but the lack of a true power rusher in a game like this can be an exploitable weakness. The Steelers are going to have to establish ball control with balance.

The game is likely to be decided by the defenses and there is not much to choose between the two, both are hard-hitting and capable of the big play. The slight advantage for Pittsburgh is that they are better rested but Baltimore is somewhat more aggressive, Ravens win 21 – 20.

NFC

Philadelphia at Arizona – These teams met in Philadelphia in week thirteen with the Eagles winning easily. The Eagles have been a team that seems to play hot or cold and of late they have been playing very hot indeed. Arizona’s offensive prowess has never been in doubt; weapons like Fitzgerald and Boldin have given them the third ranked overall offense despite having the last ranked running offense in the league.

The Arizona defense has been playing very well in the playoffs. This is rather remarkable since they had the worst overall scoring defense of any team to make the playoffs. However, in the playoffs they have the fourth-best scoring defense and second in total yardage. (Note that the other three teams left are the top three defensive teams from the regular season.)

Fitzgerald has been unstoppable, seemingly able of producing a big play whenever required. Boldin’s injury has restricted his effectiveness but they have been able to establish a rushing attack to support the passing game. Warner, who can be somewhat erratic, has been solid.

The Philadelphia defense is very good; they are talented across the board and can keep an offense off balance. Jim Johnson has had good schemes for each of the playoff games and can bring pressure with the talent available. This is one way to disrupt the Cardinals passing game if they can make it happen.

The Cardinals play well at home, Philadelphia is playing well and overall the more talented team. This is a quarterback’s game, one of them could easily fold up, Warner under pressure or McNabb for whatever reason he seems to have a bad game. Barring that there is a slight edge to Philadelphia despite being on the road, Eagles win. 28 – 24.

The playoffs move into the divisional round. Last week we broke even after predicting that the wildcard teams would sweep as two of the home teams won also beating the spread in those two games. As has been pointed out excessively each of these games is a rematch of a game played earlier in the season. The earlier games were all very competitive, decided by a touchdown or less. The games this weekend rate to be less competitive overall though they all have potentially interesting storylines.

Please note that these picks are not to be confused with the real business of Football Forecasters and are not the recommended picks. Personally I do not bet football and anyone who has followed this little feature for any length of time will understand why. I participate in a pick’em league and these choices reflect those picks though my league choices are subject to last minute changes based on the latest injury and practice reports. Generally, these picks will appear on Wednesday evenings and for their limited amusement value.

AFC

Baltimore at Tennessee – These teams met in week five with Tennessee eking out a close win in a low scoring defensive struggle. The more things change the more they stay the same, as history seems likely to repeat itself at least in terms of the game type. The problem for both teams will be stopping the run and forcing their opponent out of their game plan.

For the Raven defense, it will mean stopping Chris Johnson from breaking big plays. They have plenty of defensive speed for this but will have to be careful of cutbacks. The offense will have to be patient and try to establish their own running game as they cannot expect a rookie quarterback to shoulder the entire load; despite Flacco’s lack of experience they have the better passing game their big play threats are in the passing game.

Both teams have very good defenses but the Ravens are more of a big play defense who can generate turnovers. This is a game likely to be decided by turnovers and Baltimore is somewhat more likely to generate some, Ravens win 24 – 21.

San Diego at Pittsburgh – In week eleven this game was decided by a last minute field goal; this game may not be quite so close. The health of key players figures in to the choice here, Tomlinson looks like he will be limited, if available and Roethlisberger is expected to be available. That gives an edge to the Pittsburgh offense.

The defense of Pittsburgh has been dominating all season. The San Diego defense has stepped up in recent weeks but still is somewhat inconsistent. The defenses will have to play well and again the edge here goes to Pittsburgh. Getting pressure on Rivers has historically produced turnovers.

One area where the Chargers excel is special teams where Scifres, the punter who controlled field position in last weeks game. Sproles is always a threat though that may be diminished somewhat as he is expected to be playing a lot more in the regular offense again and will be taking a lot of hits. Still the edge is with Pittsburgh for this one, Steelers win 28 – 20.

NFC

Philadelphia at New York Giants – This is the third meeting of these teams who split during the regular season with each team winning on the road. This is a difficult game to call because it is never really clear which Eagles team is going to show up on any given Sunday. Philadelphia can beat just about anyone but have been very inconsistent at times this season. Their lack of a power running game does hurt their ability to dictate tempo in games and control the clock.

The Giants are a steady team that has had some injury problems but is sound on both sides of the ball. The defense can create pressure on McNabb in the pocket with their defensive line; the problem will come in controlling the short passing game to Westbrook. If the Giants get the lead, they can control the pace of the game. They are less likely to make big gains but they can play the field position game against the Eagles.

Both teams are good and if each play to the best of their capabilities this should be a very good game. The Eagles seem to be the most likely team to have a lapse at this point, they just do not seem to be able to put three good games together in a row, Giants win 24 – 21.

Arizona at Carolina – When these teams met earlier Carolina had a come from behind win at home. Both quarterbacks can run hot and unfortunately, they can go terribly cold. The teams have very different game plans in line, Carolina will play ball control and field position a classic using the run to set up the pass. Arizona will be playing a more open, faster game, where the big play is featured and the running game is mostly a diversion.

The Cardinal defense played well in shutting down the run last week, this week will test them again as they will have to keep Williams and Stewart contained. They will be very aware of Steve Smith who had a big game in their first match up. Trying to stop Smith will give the running game a chance to dominate time of possession. Offensively the Cardinals need to get ahead and control the tempo or this could be a very long day.

Carolina has a solid but not intimidating defense. If Boldin is healthy, they will be challenged to cover the Arizona receivers. His status is still unclear at this point. If Carolina does fall behind they do not have to get one-dimensional passing as Williams is a big play running threat. Given that Carolina has more weapons and options, Panthers win 28 – 21.

The playoffs begin and the Wildcard round is usually one of the most interesting, this season should be no exception as there are four very strong wild card teams and a couple of very suspect division champions. Indeed it is well within the possibilities that all of the wildcard teams will win into the divisional rounds. Each of these games has potential to be very closely contested, it should be a great weekend to watch football. (For those keeping track at home the regular season results were 169 – 86 – 1 straight up and 137 – 112 – 7 against the spread.)

Please note that these picks are not to be confused with the real business of Football Forecasters and are not the recommended picks. Personally I do not bet football and anyone who has followed this little feature for any length of time will understand why. I participate in a pick’em league and these choices reflect those picks though my league choices are subject to last minute changes based on the latest injury and practice reports. Generally, these picks will appear on Wednesday evenings and for their limited amusement value.

AFC

Baltimore at Miami – The Dolphins have one of the great turnaround stories of the game as they have won ten games more than last season. This has been the result of good fortune to some extent; they were the real winners of the Brett Favre sweepstakes. They have played well also as reflected by the fact that they have the fewest turnovers in the NFL. A lot has been made out of their use of the Wildcat formations and trick plays but really, they play fundamentally sound football on both sides of the ball.

The Ravens defense seems to have found the fountain of youth and is playing as good as they ever had which is a very high standard. They may not be the best statistical defense but they are certainly as difficult to play against as anyone is and capable of turning around a game on almost any play. The greater surprise is the offense, which has big play potential for the first time in recent memory.

These teams met in week seven with the Ravens winning. This looks like a close game but the nod here goes to Baltimore again. The Miami offense relies on speed and the Baltimore defense has the players to neutralize their speed. In the other direction, the Baltimore running game can wear down the Miami defense and open up big play opportunities in the passing game, Ravens win 24 – 20.

Indianapolis at San Diego – The Chargers essentially returned from the dead after starting the season 4 – 8 and making the playoffs. They recovered by refocusing the defense and getting the offense healthy down the stretch. They did not play as badly as their early record might indicate.

Indianapolis also started the season with an uncharacteristic losing stretch. They have the longest winning streak going into the playoffs, they perhaps have not played as well as their record might indicate but they have proven the ability to win from behind with strong efforts late in games.

This game is a rematch of week twelve when the Colts won on a field goal as time expired. Both defenses are suspect and both offenses have advantages against the defensive weaknesses of the other side. The season play suggests that the Colts have found ways to win late and the Chargers have found ways to lose late, hard to pick against that trend, Colts win 24 – 21.

NFC

Philadelphia at Minnesota – The Vikings have struggled their way to a division title. They have a good running offense and a quality rush defense with everyone expected to be available on the defensive line. Their pass offense has been hit or miss and this is not a good team to come from behind in a game.

The Eagles are a frightening team, both good and bad. They have the capability to play at the highest levels on both offense and defense but they can be horribly inconsistent as well. They lack a power running game, which has cost them in the red zone; the offense depends largely on how McNabb plays.

Based solely on talent the pick for this one has to be Philadelphia. They have more ways to win and more weapons but they also have the ability to implode. Whatever the result there is a likelihood that this game may not be all that close, Eagles win 24 – 14.

Atlanta at Arizona – Arizona has been a team on the brink for some time trying to win their division and make their way into the playoffs. They managed to win the West this season though it is not clear that anyone else was really trying to win it. Their offense can be prolific but has been inconsistent at times. The problem for the Cardinals is on defense where they give up too many big plays, they have by far the worst scoring defense of any team in the playoffs.

Atlanta has been one of the big surprises of the season as they finished seven games better than last season and made wholesale changes to their roster, most of which seemed to have worked very well. The offensive line has played well protecting rookie, Matt Ryan who has played better than any quarterback has since Marino. Michael Turner has excelled as an every down back and is a break away threat. The defense is not great but it is effective.

Atlanta is the choice for the win based on their defensive advantage, which is not decisive but may be enough. If Arizona can jump out to an early lead and get Atlanta out of their running game they have good chances. If Atlanta gets rolling with the running game, they can pretty much dictate the tempo, Falcons win 28 – 24.

Final week of the regular season, time to be careful, as it’s difficult to assess whom might be resting.

ARIZONA - Our top pick on the board.  They have match-ups that can be exploited, and will want to go into the playoffs on a winning note.  Seattle may come in without much incentive, as they may have had their “playoff” game in last weeks home finale.  Arizona by ten.

HOUSTON - Texans playing at a high level at home this year, and our bet is they come into this one with a high amount of intensity.  Houston does have key matchups over the top they should be able to exploit.  Texans by seven.

MIAMI - is playing with a lot of enthusiasm, and if they win they’re in the post season.  The Jets look like they’ve lost their mojo.  This one should be a hell of a game, and there is solid value with NY on the moneyline.

All of the games this weekend will be played on Sunday. Again, some of the games are for playoff position while others have no meaning in the season beyond perhaps preparation for the off season or pride. Last week there were more outright upsets than any other week this season and it was certainly reflected in the results here where both straight up and against the spread came in at 7 – 9. For the season the straight up results are 157 – 82 – 1 straight up and against the spread 130 – 104 – 6.

Please note that these picks are not to be confused with the real business of Football Forecasters and are not the recommended picks. Personally I do not bet football and anyone who has followed this little feature for any length of time will understand why. I participate in a pick’em league and these choices reflect those picks though my league choices are subject to last minute changes based on the latest injury and practice reports. Generally, these picks will appear on Wednesday evenings and for their limited amusement value.

St Louis at Atlanta – The Rams have limited offensive options behind a patchwork offensive line and their defense is mediocre on a good day. Atlanta has a playoff spot but can actually get the second seed and a bye if they win and Carolina loses, Falcons win 27 – 10.

Jacksonville at Baltimore – The Jaguars have had a disappointing season and it is about over, their running game is unlikely to do well here. Baltimore wins with defense setting up the offense with field position and the occasional score, Ravens win 24 – 10.

New England at Buffalo – The Bills played the spoiler last week and would like to do the same this week, this will be a more daunting task. New England is playing well offensively when it matters; their defense is vulnerable but good enough, Patriots win 24 – 21.

Kansas City at Cincinnati – The Bengals have a terribly inept offense and a marginal defense despite last weeks shutout. Kansas City has continued to play hard despite being over matched in terms of talent about every week; but perhaps not this week, Chiefs win 20 – 14.

Detroit at Green Bay – Detroit continues their quest to the perfection of futility and it seems unlikely that they will be able to prevent it. Green Bay certainly does not want to be the team that grants a reprieve to the winless season, Packers win 24 – 10.

Chicago at Houston – Chicago has dodged elimination from the post season twice with overtime wins; third time is not likely to be the charm. Houston plays well at home and have a number of offensive weapons that match up well here, Texans win 27 – 21.

Tennessee at Indianapolis – The Colts historically rest their players in week seventeen games where the result will not affect their playoff position, expect to see key starters for a quarter or so. Tennessee is unlikely to play hurt players but will otherwise play starters, Titans win 24 – 10.

New York Giants at Minnesota – The Vikings have another chance to win their way into the playoffs at home but have some injury issues. The Giants have already locked up home field in the playoffs but they will not rest players Giants win 28 – 21.

Carolina at New Orleans – The Saints are an offensive powerhouse but defensively they have been victimized by poor pass defense. Carolina needs to win this game to win the division and assure them of a first round bye, Panthers win 28 – 24.

Miami at New York Jets – The Jets are tremendously inconsistent and Favre often tries to do to much and makes bad decisions in the process. Miami has been one of the major surprises of the season and can win the division here, Dolphins win 24 – 21.

Dallas at Philadelphia – The Cowboys have been a hard team to get a handle on, they have a lot of talent but their performance is uneven. Philadelphia is another team that has been defined by their inconsistency at home they get the nod here, Eagles win 21 – 20.

Cleveland at Pittsburgh – Cleveland could not manage a score last week and now get to play the best defense in the NFL. Pittsburgh has played the toughest schedule in the league and they could rest a few players but it probably will not matter, Steelers win 28 – 14.

Oakland at Tampa Bay – Oakland is not a particularly good team nor do they travel particularly well not a good combination. Tampa Bay has had a string of poor games yet still has a chance to get into the playoffs with a win and some help, Buccaneers win 24 – 14.

Seattle at Arizona – Seattle came up with a surprising defensive effort last week, their offense seems to be a collection of backup players. This game has no playoff meaning for Arizona but they need to put together a good game after being blown out twice, Cardinals win 28 – 20.

Washington at San Francisco – The Redskins played a very nice defensive game last week but their offense is still largely ineffective. San Francisco has played with intensity over the past few weeks winning last week despite four turnovers, Forty-niners win 24 – 17.

Denver at San Diego – The Broncos have played their way into being knocked out of the division title and the playoffs. San Diego has fought back gamely and are playing better offense though the defense is still uneven, Chargers win 28 – 24.

NFL

The second half of the season has been a rough one for us, still we see two contests this week that stand out as solid value plays.

Miami - Things are coming undone in Kansas City.  All signs point to Herm Edwards being on his way out, and when non-performing players see that, they lose a bit of their commitment.  Miami has a playoff spot on the line - and they’ve come to play every game.  This should be a double digit Dolphin win.

Atlanta (+):   The best performing dog on the board.  This one should be undecided going into the final minutes, and we think the eventual score will be decided by a mere FG either way.

Also Likes:  The Jets have slid back to the middle of the pack since their win at Tennessee, they may not have what it takes to put away the Seahawks.  New England has a strong enough pass attack to take advantage of Arizona’s week secondary.  The Cardinals do not have a strong rush attack, which is what it takes to beat New England at home late in the year.

• Here are our bowl picks!  The teams in bold are our picks…
• Saturday Dec 20…… Arizona vs BYU….. Fresno St vs Colorado St….. South Florida vs Memphis….. Wake Forest vs Navy….. /
• Sunday Dec 21…… Troy vs Southern Miss…../
• Tuesday Dec 23….TCU vs Boise St…. /
  
• Wednesday Dec 24...Hawaii vs Notre Dame…./
• Friday Dec 26…. Central Michigan vs Florida Atlantic…../
• Saturday Dec 27….. California vs Miami…. Florida St vs Wisconsin…. North Carolina vs West Virginia…./
• Sunday Dec 28… Northern lIIinois vs Louisana Tech…./
• Monday Dec 29…. Missouri vs Northwestern…. Rutgers vs North Carolina St…/
  
• Tuesday Dec 30….. Nevada vs Maryland…. Oklahoma St vs Oregon….. Rice vs Western Michigan…../
• Wednesday Dec 31…. Boston College vs Vanderbilt…. Georgia Tech vs LSU….. Houston vs Airforce…..  Kansas vs Minnesota….. Oregon St vs Pittsburgh…. /
  
• Thursday Jan 1…. Cincinnati vs Virginia Tech….. Clemson vs Nebraska….  Georgia vs Michgian St…. Iowa vs South Carolina…. USC vs Penn St…../
  
• Friday Jan 2 …. Alabama vs Utah….. East Carolina vs Kentucky…… Texas Tech vs Mississippi…../
• Saturday Jan 3…. Connecticut vs Buffalo….. /
• Monday Jan 5 …. Texas vs Ohio St….. /
• Tuesday  Jan 6 …. Ball St vs Tulsa…../  Florida vs Oklahoma……
  
• Our top Play: Central Michigan…. The Chippewas are very familar with the Motor City Bowl. This game could be a shootout with both teams showcasing their offense, but in the end I think the Chippewas have too much for the Owls and win by 13-17 pts……  Have a Happy Holiday!

We now have NFL football on four days next weekend and while some of the games are for playoff position some are simply for potential and others have no meaning at all in this season. Last week there were a number of unexpected results and straight up it was a struggle to get to 10 -6. After last weeks nice results against the spread last week was the worst of the year going 4 – 10 – 2. For the season, the results are 150 – 73 – 1 straight up and 123 – 95 – 6 versus the spread.

Please note that these picks are not to be confused with the real business of Football Forecasters and are not the recommended picks. Personally I do not bet football and anyone who has followed this little feature for any length of time will understand why. I participate in a pick’em league and these choices reflect those picks though my league choices are subject to last minute changes based on the latest injury and practice reports. Generally, these picks will appear on Wednesday evenings and for their limited amusement value.

Indianapolis at Jacksonville – The Jaguars have had a variety of injuries and unrealized potential in what looked to be a promising season. Indianapolis has still not quite secured a playoff spot though a win this week would remove the last shred of ambiguity, Colts win 28 – 21.

Baltimore at Dallas – The Ravens have played generally outstanding defense throughout the season, their offense has been decent but inconsistent. Dallas has stepped up their defensive play and has enough offensive weapons if they can avoid turnovers, Cowboys win 21 – 20.

Cincinnati at Cleveland – The Bengals have been ineffective offensively and while they have shown recent signs of life they are too inconsistent defensively. Cleveland is completing their season and they have major distractions, as changes seem likely in the coaching staff Browns win 28 – 27.

New Orleans at Detroit – The Lions are playing with effort though without much discipline especially on defense where they are allowing the most points in the NFL. New Orleans is playing bad defense but scores the most points in the NFL, Saints win 35 – 27.

Miami at Kansas City – The Chiefs historically play well at home but they have limited talent and depth and changes in the front office can be unsettling. Miami has to be one of the big surprises of the season tied for the division lead, Dolphins win 27 – 20.

Arizona at New England – The Cardinals have locked up their division but can not do much to improve their playoff position and they are not a particularly good road team. New England is playing for their chance to make the playoffs and must win to stay alive, Patriots win 31 – 24.

San Francisco at St Louis – The Rams have lost eight games in a row and their season has been a study in futility on both sides of the ball. San Francisco has played with greater intensity and much better ball security in recent weeks, forty-niners win 24 – 17.

San Diego at Tampa Bay – The Chargers kept their dim playoff hopes alive with a win last week, but their lack of defensive pressure has been limiting. Tampa Bay is in a position where they need to keep winning and they are in the playoffs, Buccaneers win 24 – 20.

Pittsburgh at Tennessee – The Titans defense is probably going to be without Haynesworth and Vanden Bosch, which is a serious problem in an important game. Pittsburgh has played a difficult series of games and this is for home field in the playoffs, Steelers win 20 – 17.

Buffalo at Denver – The Bills have lost a good portion of their defensive roster to injured reserve but their problems with inconsistency on offense have been a more limiting factor. Denver can win their division and secure a playoff spot with a win here, Broncos win 28 – 20.

Houston at Oakland – The Raiders are, simply, not a very good team, the offense is limited and the defense is inconsistent. Houston is playing very well though too late to count for anything but effort, still they are a fairly young team and building, Texans win 28 – 17.

New York Jets at Seattle – The Seahawks are injured and defensively ineffective, not surprisingly, as they are on the field longer than any other defense in the NFL. The Jets are inconsistent but in control of their playoff destiny, Jets win 28 – 20.

Atlanta at Minnesota – The Vikings have control of their destiny in the playoffs but the loss of Williams and Frerotte present certain challenges. The Falcons have been a surprisingly solid team this season and need to win to stay in the playoff hunt, Falcons win 24 – 21.

Philadelphia at Washington – The Redskins have worn down as the season progressed as injuries have taken their toll and the team lacks depth. Philadelphia seldom seems to play to their full potential but have seemed better focused of late, Eagles win 27 – 21.

Carolina at New York Giants – The Giants have had offensive that impact their short running game and defensive injuries to overcome as well. Carolina has the running game to control the clock and pull defenders up to open the vertical pass, Panthers win 21 – 20.

Green Bay at Chicago – The Packers have faded as the season ends, injuries and a lack of defensive consistency playing a part. Chicago has slim playoff hopes though by the time this game kicks off those may have ended, Bears win 24 - 21.

NY Jets - The Buffalo running game struggles against good defenses, and the Jets have one of the stouter run defenses in the league.  The Jets can blanket WR Lee Evans with CB Darelle Revis, minimizing the impact of the Bills lone playmaker.  NY controls their playoff destiny, they should come to play in this spot.  Jets by 10 to 14.

St. Louis (ML) - Both teams have been inconsistent, and are experiencing significant injuries.  However, Seahawks coming in banged up on the O-line, and without starting LT Walter Jones.  We’ll take the Rams on the ML to pull off the out right upset.

Also Likes:  Dallas