NFL week eight: predictions and wags (Update)
Nothing like posting your predictions as the 1 o’clock games are being started.
San Francisco 49ers versus Denver Broncos – Neither of these teams thought they would be comfortable in the cellar at the beginning of the season. They both had high expectations. The Denver Broncos started off like gangbusters last year, then petered out. The San Francisco 49ers did the exact opposite. Mike Singletary stabilized the team in the middle of the season. Neither team has found its stride. Although we love watching the skill positions, football is about those guys like Alex Smith, who’s had an up-and-down season, and is out for the 49ers. They are going to go to start rookie Troy Smith at quarterback, in the trenches. In this game, I’m leaning towards the Denver Broncos.
Dallas Cowboys versus Jacksonville Jaguars – There a lot of things ailing the Dallas Cowboys and the Jacksonville Jaguars. They can’t seem to execute. They don’t seem to be very good in the trenches. There’s been a lot of discussion about the Cowboys’ ineptitude this week. I’ve been talking about the Dallas Cowboys and the need to change some things since last year. With Tony Romo out, John Kitna will start. In order for the Cowboys to win, they need to dominate the line of scrimmage and they need to run the ball. If John Kitna throws the ball more than 20-25 times, the Cowboys will lose. If the Cowboys cannot control the line of scrimmage, look for Maurice Jones-Drew to be doing that little dance of his in the end zone several times today. I’m giving a slight edge to the Cowboys… because.
Miami Dolphins versus Cincinnati Bengals – in my opinion, the Miami Dolphins are better than they appear. If they could just improve production from their quarterback, the Dolphins could slide into one of those upper-tier football teams. Their defense is solid but can give big plays. The Dolphins need the offense to be more productive. While Cincinnati’s offense continues to struggle (why can’t they run the ball better?), their defense is heading south. I’m picking the Miami Dolphins.
Matt Cassell
Buffalo Bills versus Kansas City Chiefs – Are the Kansas City Chiefs for real? This week will not answer that question. Although the Buffalo Bills are playing better, the Kansas City Chiefs have too much talent on both sides of the ball to lose this game. The Chiefs are playing with confidence and enthusiasm. Look for the Chiefs to win big.
Washington Redskins versus the Detroit Lions – week after week, Donovan McNabb is finding a way to win. His play has been inconsistent yet somehow the Redskins have been in every game. Look for Donovan the find a way to push and pull the Redskins to victory.
Carolina Panthers versus St. Louis Rams – this game is simply a toss-up. All of the early praise for the St. Louis Rams has died down to dull murmur. The Carolina Panthers are suffering from a lack of quarterback production. It is sad to have Steve Smith, one of the best receivers in the league, and not have a quarterback. (Larry Fitzgerald suffers the same fate.) I lean slightly towards the Rams.
Green Bay Packers versus New York Jets – This is one of those games in which I wish everybody were healthy. This is one of the best match-ups this week has to offer. If everyone were healthy, this game would be fabulous to watch. Now, the Green Bay Packers come limping in without their complete supply receivers. The New York Jets are one of the best teams in the league and they have a chance to show off their talent to the nation once again. I look for the Jets to be physical and run the ball effectively against the Green Bay Packers. I’m picking the Jets.
Late games
Tennessee Titans versus San Diego Chargers – I’m sorry, Tennessee has never looked all that good but somehow they figure out how to win. The exact opposite is the San Diego Chargers. They really look good on paper. Vince Young is back. I’m going with the Tennessee Titans.
Minnesota Vikings versus New England Patriots – One team is playing pretty good football and the other team isn’t. Forget about whether Brett Favre will play or not – he will play. Unless the patriots turn over the ball, they should win this game easily.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers versus Arizona Cardinals – Arizona desperately needs a quarterback. Tampa Bay believes they have a quarterback in Josh Freeman. Tampa Bay has been playing pretty well on both sides of the ball. I look for Tampa Bay to win this one. (I’m still not sold on Josh Freeman.)
Seattle Seahawks versus Oakland Raiders – this is the definition of a toss-up. The Seahawks have exceeded expectations. The Oakland Raiders have played up and down football. At times they look great and at other times they look pitiful. I believe this game will hinge on which Oakland Raiders team shows up. I’m giving a slight edge to the Seahawks because they seem to be heading in the right direction.
Pittsburgh Steelers versus New Orleans Saints – New Orleans just isn’t playing very well. Their offense is clicking. Their defense, one of the keys last year, is not creating turnovers. The Steelers are going to run the ball. There’s no reason to believe that the New Orleans Saints can stop the run. I look for the Steelers to win this one.
Monday Night
Houston Texans versus Indianapolis Colts – Now, this is going to be a good game. Houston always plays well against Indianapolis. Peyton Manning has some significant issues on his offense. Dallas Clark is out for the rest of the season. The Indianapolis defense was completely unable to stop Adrian Foster, who ran for over 200 yards. I look for Houston to try to pound the ball and keep it away from Peyton Manning. In spite of injuries, I think the Colts will figure out a way to win at home. I just can’t see them listen to the Texans twice in one year.
Update: in case you’re wondering, the Dallas Cowboys have no defense. David Garrard (13 of 14 for 209 yards and 3 TDs in the 3rd quarter) has looked like Peyton Manning with precision passing. Stick a fork in them. The Dallas Cowboys are done.
