NFL Week 11

[cabbageboy 0]

The usual, here are the games for the weekend with predictions and all that good stuff.

 

Sunday 1:00:

 

Minnesota (4-5) at Miami (3-6): Dolphins are on a jobber roll and the Vikings are struggling lately. I think the Dolphins keep it going and win this in narrow fashion by 4.

 

Chicago (8-1) at NY Jets (5-4): Bears cruised past the Giants and now the Jets get a crack. I think it might end up slightly closer but the Bears will win this by at least 10.

 

Atlanta (5-4) at Baltimore (7-2): Falcons are reeling right now and Vick isn't playing real well. The Ravens keep somehow winning games at the end, so they should keep the Falcons in turmoil. Ravens by 6.

 

Pittsburgh (3-6) at Cleveland (3-6): Steelers may end up in a similar jobber run like the Dolphins. For some reason I can't see the Browns winning this even at home. Steelers by 7.

 

Buffalo (3-6) at Houston (3-6): What a bleh matchup. I'll go ahead and take the Texans if for no other reason than it is in Houston. Texans by 3.

 

Oakland (2-7) at Kansas City (5-4): Raiders have been trying hard lately despite what Moss says, but I doubt they win at Arrowhead. Chiefs should win this by 13.

 

Tennessee (2-7) at Philadelphia (5-4): Eagles got back on track this past week and they should continue rolling against the crappy Titans. Eagles by 17.

 

New England (6-3) at Green Bay (4-5): Okay, Packers have been playing better lately and the Pats are struggling. That said, I can't see the Pats dropping 3 straight. NE by 3. Have Favre and Brady played against each other before?

 

St. Louis (4-5) at Carolina (5-4): A matchup of relative mediocrity. The Panthers are hard to figure out, but for some reason I think the Rams finally get a solid road win. STL by 7.

 

Cincinnati (4-5) at New Orleans (6-3): Are the Saints finally starting to struggle? Perhaps but not as much as Cincy. Saints should keep the Bengals reeling and win here by 4.

 

Washington (3-6) at Tampa Bay (2-7): Hard to believe this was a playoff matchup. Since this is Jason Campbell's first start who knows what to expect but I'll go with the Bucs at home by 7.

 

4:00:

 

Seattle (6-3) at San Francisco (4-5): Seattle seems more lucky than good thus far, but they do get Hasselbeck and Alexander back. That said, I have a hunch on this one and will go with the Niners in an upset by 3 to get to a shocking .500.

 

Detroit (2-7) at Arizona (1-8): Oh God, what is THIS? I don't really care who wins this hideous matchup, mostly feel sorry for the fans watching it. Cardinals get that 2nd win 17-14.

 

Indianapolis (9-0) at Dallas (5-4): Looking forward to this one. The Cowboys could possibly hand the Colts that first loss, but for some reason I can't see it. Colts by 6.

 

8:15:

 

San Diego (7-2) at Denver (7-2): This is a total tossup and a great game for the Sunday night NBC game. Since it's in Denver I'll take the Broncos by 3, but the Chargers will pay them back in the rematch.

 

Monday 8:30:

 

NY Giants (6-3) at Jacksonville (5-4): Jags are such a hard team to figure out. Giants can't afford to go on a losing streak with the Eagles and Cowboys lurking, so I think they will win this by hook or crook. Giants by 4.

[Guest Felonies!]

Minnesota @ Miami: Here's a game I do not want to watch. Miami is going to try their damnedest to run the table, the Vikes are sputtering, Fins by 10.

 

Chicago @ NY Jets: This reminds me of the Vikings game: hostile environment against a team that is above-average in every facet. It'll be fairly close. Bears by 4.

 

Atlanta @ Baltimore: Statement game from the Falcons as Vick miraculously lights up the Ravens defense and pulls out a win. Falcons by 10.

 

Pittsburgh @ Cleveland: You gotta pull for those beleaguered Browns, but I think the Steelers are going to eat them alive. Steelers by 21.

 

Buffalo @ Houston: Bills need to get back on track if they even want to be a longshot. Bills by 3.

 

Oakland @ Kansas City: There's some fight in these Raiders yet, but since a lot of their close call with Denver was predicated on interceptions, I don't think they're going to make that same impact on a run-oriented team like KC. Chiefs win by 13.

 

Tennessee @ Philadelphia: I still don't think the Eagles are a threat, but they should beat the woeful Titans. Eagles by 14.

 

New England @ Green Bay: Brett Favre is starting to look pretty good here, and the Patriots have been struggling. You know what? Packers by 2. I think they pull this one off.

 

St. Louis @ Carolina: Panthers are rolling again and the Rams are sputtering. STEVE SMITH STEVE SMITH STEVE SMITH is gonna torch these guys at home. Panthers by 17.

 

Cincinnati @ New Orleans: High-scoring high-karma affair here: there's no way a bunch of criminals takes advantage of New Orleans this time around. Saints by 3.

 

Washington @ Tampa Bay: Does it matter? Buccaneers by 7, though.

 

Seattle @ San Francisco: I have a similar hunch that there's going to be an upset at Candlestick. 49ers by 1 on a late field goal.

 

Detroit @ Arizona: America loses. Oh and Detroit scores more points than Arizona, because Dennis Green is never going to win another fucking game with this team.

 

Indianapolis @ Dallas: Dallas is spotty. The Colts will roll past them by like 13.

 

San Diego @ America's Team: They can't outscore Rivers and Tomlinson this time. Chargers by 7.

 

NY Giants @ Jacksonville: Jacksonville is such an ESPN's Game team, by the way. Giants by 3.

[CanadianChris 0]

Just for shits and giggles, since I can't pick worth a damn this season:

 

Minnesota at Miami: Both teams look like they're headed back toward where everyone thought they'd be before the season started. Dolphins 23, Vikings 10.

 

Chicago at NY Jets: Should be interesting, but the Bears are clearly better on both sides of the ball. Bears 31, Jets 20.

 

Atlanta at Baltimore: Why the hell does every coach in Atlanta suddenly think Vick is the next Dan Marino? If they stick with that game plan, they're getting slaughtered. Ravens 27, Falcons 6.

 

Pittsburgh at Cleveland: I think this will be closer than people might think. Steelers 20, Browns 17.

 

Buffalo at Houston: Letdown from the Indy game + going on the road = another Buffalo loss. Texans 21, Bills 13.

 

Oakland at Kansas City: This should be pretty unwatchable. Chiefs 16, Raiders 3.

 

Tennessee at Philadelphia: The Eagles need a win here and get it. Eagles 27, Titans 13.

 

New England at Green Bay: Until it actually happens, I can't see the Pats losing three in a row, especially when they're playing a team they should beat. Patriots 28, Packers 17.

 

St. Louis at Carolina: Damned if I know. I guess I'll pick against St. Louis on the road. Panthers 24, Rams 16.

 

Cincinnati at New Orleans: New Orleans could use a win, but this is pretty much the season for Cincinnati. However, I don't think they'll get the road win here. Saints 33, Bengals 31.

 

Washington at Tampa Bay: Zzzzzzzzzzzzz. Uh...Bucs 14, Redskins 10. Bucs will score both their TDs on pick sixes off the new guy.

 

Seattle at San Francisco: The Niners usually play well at home. I'm calling the upset...49ers 24, Seahawks 23.

 

Detroit at Arizona: Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz, part deux. Lions 34, Cardinals 14.

 

Indianapolis at Dallas: The '72 Dolphins are sweating. They deserve it, bunch of miserable bitter old men. Oh, the pick...Colts 27, Cowboys 17.

 

San Diego vs. Denver: I'm a bit scared about this game, but I'll take my boys at home. Broncos 34, Chargers 31 on a last-second Elam field goal.

 

NY Giants at Jacksonville: Who knows? I sure don't. Giants 27, Jaguars 21.

[Black Lushus 0]

Do you guys realize the Broncos are on in primetime this Sunday, then they're on AGAIN in Primetime on Thursday? This is really getting outta hand!

[USC Wuz Robbed! 0]

Do you guys realize the Broncos are on in primetime this Sunday, then they're on AGAIN in Primetime on Thursday? This is really getting outta hand!

 

But at least they face the "fun" San Diego Chargers this time. They'll carry Denver to a watchable game.

[Cheech Tremendous 0]

Now that Vinny Testaverde has signed with the Patriots, I can't see anyone beating them the rest of the year

[Red Baron 0]

Is there some rule that Denver must be on TV.

[MrRant 0]

Have the 49ers all of a sudden morphed into a good team? I've seen some sparks but that is about it. The Seahawks have played well IMO for what they have had.

[CanadianChris 0]

Is there some rule that Denver must be on TV.

Just lucky, I guess.

[Red Baron 0]

Have the 49ers all of a sudden morphed into a good team? I've seen some sparks but that is about it. The Seahawks have played well IMO for what they have had.

 

I think that the Seahawks will destroy the niners, with a weak O-Line they have, don't be surprised if Alex A. Smith gets sacked about six times Sunday afternoon.

[Timmy8271 0]

Ah what the hell, I'll try:

 

Sunday 1:00:

 

Minnesota (4-5) at Miami (3-6): Miami seems to be on some sort of roll and The Vikings don't look so good. Therefore Miami by 5.

 

Chicago (8-1) at NY Jets (5-4): It all depends on Grossman. If he's on his game, This will be a blowout, If not, Jets might win it. I say Bears by 7.

 

Atlanta (5-4) at Baltimore (7-2): If Vick and the Falcons can't beat the Browns, What makes anyone think he can beat the Ravens D, Ravens by 10.

 

Pittsburgh (3-6) at Cleveland (3-6): If the Steelers can have a big showing here, It will prove they might be better. Steelers by 14.

 

Buffalo (3-6) at Houston (3-6): I could care less but I'll pick Houston by 3.

 

Oakland (2-7) at Kansas City (5-4): Like the Steelers game, This game will prove if Kansas City is the real deal to me. chiefs by 21.

 

Tennessee (2-7) at Philadelphia (5-4): Well It's in Philly so I see them scoring a lot of points. Eagles by 14.

 

New England (6-3) at Green Bay (4-5): Patriots will end Farve's winning streak and sneak a win by 3.

 

St. Louis (4-5) at Carolina (5-4): If this was in St. Louis, I might think the Rams would win. However, The Panthers really need to prove themselves here. Panthers by 7.

 

Cincinnati (4-5) at New Orleans (6-3): Bengals are really struggling now so I say Saints by 14.

 

Washington (3-6) at Tampa Bay (2-7): Bucs by 3.

 

4:00:

 

Seattle (6-3) at San Francisco (4-5): Since they get all there starters back, Seahawks will roll with a 14 point victory.

 

Detroit (2-7) at Arizona (1-8): Cardinals by 6.

 

Indianapolis (9-0) at Dallas (5-4): Colts by 3.

 

8:15:

 

San Diego (7-2) at Denver (7-2): Finally, A game that looks good. I say Chargers by 7.

 

Monday 8:30:

 

NY Giants (6-3) at Jacksonville (5-4): Jags will be out for vengeance after sunday's embarrassment. Jags by 7.

[Guest Princess Leena]

I hate to say that I wish Indy-Dallas was the Sunday night game this week.

[MarvinisaLunatic 0]

I was hoping the Ravens game would be on Sun Night cause I wont get to see it as the FOX station here will probably show the damn Redskins game.

 

It should be an interesting game.

[Timmy8271 0]

I thought I read somewhere they changed the Colts/Cowboys to sunday night? Some kind of rule NBC has for sunday night football?

[KingPK 0]

After having their newly resodded field torn up again after one week, the Patriots are switching to Field Turf in the middle of the season. It will be ready for the Bears game in two weeks.

 

I thought there was some NFL rule against altering the playing surface during the season, but I guess they got special permission from the league to do it.

[tominator89 0]

Portis is done for the season

 

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2662253

[Guest]

After having their newly resodded field torn up again after one week, the Patriots are switching to Field Turf in the middle of the season. It will be ready for the Bears game in two weeks.

 

I thought there was some NFL rule against altering the playing surface during the season, but I guess they got special permission from the league to do it.

From someone who has played on FieldTurf, it is the greatest invention in the history of football playing surfaces.

[NoCalMike 0]

As a Skins fan, it sucks to see Portis go down for the season, especially with the rookie coming in to start, but Betts is a capable backup and Duckett will be good on short yardage and goal line situations, and honestly, it is better that Portis sit down and get healthy for next year, then trying to play through injuries that could worsen his situation for the future.

 

Redskins vs. Bucs.....Jason Campbell gets his first start against a Defense that plays a good Cover 2. The Redskins have the weapons on offense to beat a Cover 2, namely SPEED at the WR Position. With Brunell in there, it would seem nearly impossible to get the ball delivered downfield to the WRs, but with Campbell in there, the Deep Vertical passes needed to beat a Cover 2 seem more likely to happen. I will say that Campbell comes out of this game with a poor stat line, but he makes the few deep throws needed, to beat another poor offensive team, and that gets the fans excited for the future....

 

Skins 17

Bucs 13

[Guest Vitamin X]

It's interesting to see that people are actually having some confidence in Green Bay beating New England this week. After watching what Tom Brady did to Minnesota, I could only fear something worse for what had been one of the league's worst pass defenses at the beginning of the season; they're slowly getting better.

 

I've been telling people that everyone has been far too quick to dismiss the Packers as completely out of the playoff hunt, but aside from their disastrous Week 1 game, they've played well and are really coming together as the season is going on. I don't know what the hell happened to the Pats last week against the Jets, but that made me quite hopeful for a chance against them at Lambeau, considering that the Jets and Packers are basically the same kind of team (young, unproven head coach leads a team with few veterans but a lot of young talent that had severely bad luck and coaching last season). Green Bay has a nicely balanced offense now to pick up the slack if one aspect isn't working, as evidenced by the passing game kicking into high gear when Green was held to 55 yards on 22 carries. I don't know if New England's defense is as good as it used to be, and they don't have any receivers that scare me enough to make plays outside of maybe Chad Jackson, like they used to when they had Deion Branch and Bethel Johnson.

 

If Green Bay manages to win either of their next two games though, and especially if Favre has a big part in doing it, expect the ESPN hype machine to kick up into "THE PACK IS BACK!" mode despite the fact we'll only be .500 and probably a ways out of the wildcard race with all the good teams in the NFC.

 

Sadly enough, I have to work on Sunday so I can't watch the game, but maybe I'd be better off anyways if the game turns into a Tom Brady exhibition. Speaking of which..

Have Favre and Brady played against each other before?

Yes, in 2002, Mike Sherman's best year as Packers head coach. They played at Foxboro against the then-world champion Patriots and won 28-10 in the midst of an 8-game winning streak. This season was infamous as the year the "Frozen Tundra" magic was lost in the playoffs to asshole Michael Vick and the Falcons.

[alfdogg 0]

I thought I read somewhere they changed the Colts/Cowboys to sunday night? Some kind of rule NBC has for sunday night football?

That was for the Colts/Eagles game later in the year.

[Open the Muggy Gate 0]

The NBC game is just NBC using their power to get the best game they can get for the week. And I don't see a better one than the Denver defense vs. God Tomlinson

[devo 0]

 

Looks like I'm going to the sports bar again this week. I had hoped Bears/Jets would be locally telecast.

[Guest Agent of Oblivion]

I love these maps, because some of the shit just seems geographically weird. Like why the hell does Hawaii get New Orleans/Cinnci? Seattle/San Francisco is spotted all east of the Mississippi.

[sfaJack 0]

Yeah, part of Alaska get NO-Cincy, yet the rest of it gets GB-NE? Minnesota-Miami in a little corner of Montana?

[CanadianChris 0]

Seattle/San Francisco is spotted all east of the Mississippi.

Those are all local markets that can't show a game in the early timeslot because their team is playing over on the other network.

[2GOLD 0]

Poor Philly, stuck with Seattle vs San Fran.

And who did Arizona piss off to not get the late game on the 19th?

 

Ah nevermind, I just realized they are getting Detriot/Arizona.

[devo 0]

How are the borders determined, anyway? By zip code?

[Red Baron 0]

I get to see Seattle this Sunday.

 

Boo-yah!

[MarvinisaLunatic 0]

We got a local fox station this year and I was hoping that they'd be able to show the occasional FOX televised Ravens game, but..no..damn 3-6 Redskins vs 2-7 Buccaneers..yeehaw. I do not understand NFL tv market decisions.

[Guest pinnacleofallthingsmanly]

I don't see the Ravens winning this weekend. The Titans gave the Ravens all they could handle and the Titans aren't even that good. The Falcons can do everything the Titans can do, but they can do it better.

 

I think Cincinnatti is going to beat the Saints on the road. If they don't, they can chalk this season up as a loss.

 

I have the Chargers beating the Broncos on the raod as well. After what they did to the Bengals on the road last wekend, the Chargers must have their balls hanging down to the floor. That type of win can give you confidence, or a big ego. We'll see which one they got.

 

The Colts should beat the hell out of the cowboys, but I remember Plexico Burress making the Colts DBs look like midgets. I think that secondary can be exploited and Bledsoe being benched actually gives the Cowboys a sliver of a chance. I think the Colts will win because they can do alot of little things right. I also am going to go out on a limb and predict that the Colts run the table this season. They came close last year but couldn't decide whether they wanted to rest people or go undefeated. Since they rested people and still lost in the playoffs, I think they keep their foot on the gas and don't let up this time.

 

The Giants might suffer a huge letdown in Jacksonville. Those injuries are a killer for the Giants and they're going to need their defense to show up for this game. They let Rex Grossman pick them apart last week and they were trying to strip the ball instead of make tackles. It was working for a little while, but we know what happened in that game.