Bengals @ Steelers
-The Steelers are gooood. That's really all there is to it. The Steelers D should be able to suppress CedBen. Chris Henry is out for the year and Andre Caldwell isn't enough of a threat to steer coverage away from Ocho. Although I think the Bengals defense should be able to keep them in the game, it's like Jon Gruden said on Monday Night Football: the way the Steelers close out games is masterful. Look for Mendenhall to grind down an exhausted defense in the 4th quarter. Steelers roll on 23-17.
Eagles @ Chargers
-This is a tough one to gauge. If the Eagles want to win this one, they're going to have to do something Andy Reid seems to have no interest in doing anymore -- running the football. San Diego has one of the best pass defense's in the league, but are allowing 130 yards a game on the ground. Brian Westbrook seems to be doing alright and should play on Sunday. My advice to Coach Reid is to give the Chargers a healthy dose of Westbrook and McCoy early in the game so McNabb can sell the play-action later on to bomb it deep to DeSean and/or Maclin. Another key to this game is going to be 3rd downs. The Eagles have been amongst the worst in the league at converting on 3rd down this year and it's certainly hurt them. The Chargers, on the other hand, are amongst the worst in the league at preventing 3rd down conversions. Philip Rivers should look to LDT and Sproles for quick screens early on to make the Eagles hesitate on their blitzing schemes. If they can do that, Rivers should have a field day with his weapons. The Eagles secondary only has one starter taller than 5'10", (Sean Jones at 6'1"), and should have trouble matching up against 6'5" Vincent Jackson, 6'4" Antonio Gates, and 6'5" Malcolm Floyd. Should be a good one. I'm gonna give the Bolts the edge though. Chargers win 28-24.
Patriots @ Colts-I know the Ravens and Browns are the Monday Night game, but something tells me this is the actual "Game of the Week." It's almost foolish to try to predict this one. I'm throwing all the stats out the window because when these two teams play each other, none of that stuff matters. Peyton gets rid of the ball so fast; the younger defenders on the Pats will have no idea where he's going with it and the veteran players will be too slow to get to it. 44 is the combined age of the Colts starting rookie cornerbacks and you know Randy Moss has gotta be licking his lips thinking about that. The Colts can talk about the great job Melvin Bullitt's done filling in, but he's no Bob Sanders. There's a very real chance that Brady can and will pick apart that secondary. The best shot the Colts have is to keep constant pressure on the Tinman with Mathis and Freeney. I'd certainly love to be wrong about this one because it kills me to say this. The Pats win the aerial assault 38-31.
Here's two more quick freebies for you...
Cowboys @ Packers
-The Packers just aren't very good at football. I can't wait to see what The Matador (Daryn Colledge) has in store for this week. I say he only "Ole's!" himself into allowing Demarcus Ware to get four sacks. The Packers defense could definitely stop Tony Romo, but that would involve a pass rush -- something else they don't have. Woodson will shut down Roy Williams while Al Harrass gives up 350 yards to Kilometers Austin. If you see me on Sunday, punch me in the face because I'd prefer that to watching this game. (Note: If you actually see me on Sunday, please don't punch me in the face -- that's the meal-ticket.) Cowboys win 45-(-6) -- don't worry, we'll find a way.
-I'm feeling a little clairvoyant today. I keep getting these images in my head about this game. I see Frank Gore having a big day -- maybe 104 rushing yards and a touchdown. I see Matt Forte somehow running the ball worse than he usually does. I think he'll have 20 carries for only 41 yards with no touchdowns. Lastly, I see Jay Cutler... Wow, do I see Jay Cutler. I see four...no...FIVE interceptions! The last one coming at a crucial point in the game, perhaps the last play of the game in the endzone?? I don't know. These visions just seem so real and clear to me. Call me Nostradamus, but I think the Niners win this one 10-6.
Boy, it always starts out short and just keeps getting longer -- (that's what she said, I know). No Sleepers or Worries this week because the games are just that terrible. I mean, what would you like me to say? Yes, Chris Johnson is a good start against the Bills. I think you'll be alright starting Brees against the Rams, but you might want to reconsider Jamal Lewis against the Ravens. Enjoy Weak 10...
-Dave
PS - About that Forte picture, you'd be amazed what the internet can come up with when you search pictures for "Matt Forte Sucks." Although I do realize it's inaccurate. Surely he's still averaging 3.4 ypc, but the line about the one touchdown must have come before his big two-touchdown game against the Browns.
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