Week 8 predictions
Sunday 1:00
Arizona Cardinals 13-33 Baltimore Ravens
Last week was a blip. I’ve been pretty vocal about the Ravens’ chances this year, and I still am confident that they will go deep into the playoffs. I also said last week that the Arizona D is terrible, and Flacco, Rice and co. will take advantage of that, this could be a real reaction.
Minnesota Vikings 24-23 Carolina Panthers
Cam needs to start winning games, and fast. But the Vikings today are a wholly different proposition to what they were three weeks ago, Christian Ponder had an impressive debut in a tight loss to the undefeated Green Bay Packers, and Adrian Peterson has found his stride again. Too close to call, so I’ll go with the better defense, and that has Jared Allen in it.
Jacksonville Jaguars 17-30 Houston Texans
How good were the Jags on defense Monday? As good as they won’t be on Sunday. Matt Schaub may have Andre Johnson back, and that will be more than enough, not to mention a very much in form Arian Foster. A sharp fall for Jacksonville.
Miami Dolphins 13-45 New York Giants
This could be the blowout of the week. I fully expect Eli Manning and Ahmad Bradshaw to rack up 500 yards between them. Daniel Thomas will likely be the Dolphins’ only resistance, but he’ll have to have the best day of his life for the ‘Phins to have any chance at all.
New Orleans Saints 38-20 St Louis Rams
This should be a comfortable victory for the second week running for Drew Brees and co. despite the excellent addition of Brandon Lloyd to the Rams’ weaponry. Steven Jackson could decide how close the Rams get to the Saints, but that’s all it will be, damaged limitation.
Indianapolis Colts 16 -20 Tennessee Titans
The Colts got a real shock last week, just as they thought they were getting better, the Saints blew them away. It could be a good thing, as they go to Tennessee, with Chris Johnson looking to finally breakout. The Colts have to go back to basics by stopping the run, and if they can do that, they could have a chance. I’m just not sure that they can.
Sunday 4:05
Washington Redskins 14-27 Buffalo Bills
With the Bills coming off a bye week and the Skins coming off a week with two massive injuries (Hightower & Moss) I can’t see anything but a Buffalo win here. At least there will be less Shanahanigans with your fantasy running backs this week.
Detroit Lions 25-17 Denver Broncos
This one could be all about how fit Matt Stafford is against Tebow, sorry Denver. If he is ready to go, he and Megatron will be too much for the Denver defense. But Tebow will give it a good go.
Sunday 4:15
New England Patriots 30-27 Pittsburgh Steelers
Belichick off a bye week is usually pretty good, but another trip to Heinz field is not going to be easy. If the Steelers’ defense is as old and past it as people are eluding to, then it will show here, but I don’t think it will do. Brady will have to play well as Big Ben is going to take some shots downfield, and when I say some, I mean a lot. Up in the air this one, a bit like the ball will be.
Cincinnati Bengals 20-15 Seattle Seahawks
The Bengals defense has really shocked me this year, and their offense has been 100% better than I thought it would be too. The Seahawks have also made improvements, but they may come too late for this game. Look for AJ Green to have a nice day.
Cleveland Browns 16 -27 San Francisco 49’ers
The 49’ers have been this season’s surprise package and their fantastic start continues here, the Browns just won’t be able to rack up enough points to beat Jim Harbaugh’s men at home.
Sunday 8:20
Dallas Cowboys 37 -33 Philadelphia Eagles
Romo’s explosive offense vs Vick’s explosive offense. Dallas’ shaky defense vs Philly’s shaky defense. This is a toss-up of a shootout, and could come down to who wants it more. The Cowboys’ run defense is better than Philadelphia’s and on that basis; I’ll bank on the side that can run the ball better, and DeMarco Murray looks simply awesome.
Monday 8:30
San Diego Chargers 30-19 Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City have been quietly getting on with business after the season ending injury to Jamaal Charles, and Jackie Battle has proved an able replacement. As for San Diego, their defeat to the New York Jets will hurt, and expect a reaction this week. Philip Rivers has not hit form yet, but there’s a pretty good chance he will do it here.
