Last week I was 4-2, please see the results article from earlier in the week.
1. New England vs. Indianapolis
The best regular season game ever? We will find out tomorrow. This is the third straight season the Colts have begun the season 7-0 and they have beaten the Patriots the last three games including last year's AFC title game. Colts WR Marvin Harrison will either sit the game out or see limited action tomorrow because of a previously suffered knee injury. The key for the Colts will be TE Dallas Clark who abused the Patriots in the AFC title game last year for 137 yards on 6 catches. While this year's Colts defense led by a healthy SS Bob Sanders, is actually good, only allowing 15 points per game they have not seen a team like these Patriots who are averaging 41 points per game. These are not the same Patriots the Colts beat last year, this year Tom Brady has gotten a major upgrade at WR: a rejuvenated Randy Moss, speedster Donte Stallworth and slippery slot WR Wes Welker have been uncoverable by opponents. Tom Brady is on a better pace then Peyton Manning's TD record season and still has his detractors, who point out that Brady has played 5 of his 8 games against teams ranked 21st or worse in pass defense allowing TDs. Indy is ranked #1 in passing yards allowed (165 ypg) and TDs allowed (5), Washington who had only allowed 5 passing TDs prior to the 3 Brady threw last were no match for the Pats 52-7 beating. I think the Patriots need to jump out to an early lead like they did in the AFC title game, but finish the game in the 2nd half. It will be interesting to see how the Patriots respond to their toughest challenge of the season, as they have not faced any adversity yet this season. PICK: Patriots
2. San Diego vs. Minnesota
After a less then stellar start, SD has won 3 games in a row. The Vikings have relied on rookie RB Adrian Peterson and the running game because of their lack of a pass attack. The Chargers are ranked 7th against the run and hope the have DT Jamal Williams back this week to help clog the running lanes and force Minny to try and throw the ball. Vikings WR Troy Williamson (all speed, no hands) will miss this game for personal reasons. The Vikings have the 2nd rated rush defense in the league but with the addition of WR Chris Chambers, the Bolts can turn to the air if they can't get LT going. PICK: Chargers
3. Washington vs. NY Jets
The Redskins have a lot to prove after the Patriots embarrassed them last week. The Jets (1-7) have lost 5 straight and have given the starting QB job to 2nd year player Kellen Clemens. Clemens has shown promise in his other appearances this year but the Redskins D should be able to overwhelm Clemens and force mistakes. The Jets come in with the 29th ranked Defense, so look for Washington to rebound. PICK: Redskins
4. Green Bay vs. Kansas City
The Packers come off the short week of preparation after beating the Broncos in OT on Monday and they get face a KC team coming off their bye at home. The Chiefs have the #10 ranked pass defense and will look to limit the production of QB Brett Favre and force the Packers to rely on RB Ryan Grant, who will be starting his first career game. KC will look to win the their 6th consecutive meeting between the 2 teams. PICK: Chiefs
5. Dallas vs. Philadelphia
T.O. returns to Philly, this would be a huge story if we didn't have the Colts/Pats game hogging all the attention, and we know how T.O. doesn't like to be ignored. Dallas is coming off their bye and will try to feed the ball to T.O. The Eagles have underachieved all season as QB McNabb has tried to return from last year's knee injury. Also this week the Eagles and coach Andy Reid have had to deal with the legal trouble concerning Reid's sons and the criticism of him and his wife as parents, as well as his ability to remain an NFL head coach under these circumstances. QB Tony Romo will thank Cowboys owner Jerry Jones by bringing home this divisional win on the road.
PICK: Cowboys
6. Baltimore vs. Pittsburgh
Baltimore is coming off their bye week and will have QB Steve McNair back after missing two games. These teams are #1 and #2 in total yards allowed and will look to limit both star RBs Willis McGahee and Willie Parker. Look for the place kickers to decide this game. I'm going with the home team. PICK: Steelers
check back next week to see the results.
