Denver at Houston: The winner of this battle of 6-7 teams keeps their
outside shot at the playoffs alive. The Andre Johnson versus Champ Bailey
matchup should be a great one. Look for the Broncos' Jay Cutler to be the
difference. Pick: Denver
Cincinnati at San Francisco: This is the matchup I've been waiting for
all season! There just has to be something better to do on a late fall afternoon
on the left coast. For the record, I like the Bengals in this critical
battle. Pick: Cincinnati
New York Jets at New England: Do I really need to give detailed
reasons for this one? Look for Coach Bill and his Boys from Beantown to go for
the jugular at home in this one. Pick: New England
Baltimore at Miami: I would have to say that Sunday's game at home
versus the Ravens is the Dolphins' last chance to get off the snide. But
after last week's effort, I don't much care for their chances. Pick:
Baltimore
Buffalo at Cleveland: I'm not going to miss this one. The winner
will take a giant step in the direction of the AFC wildcard game. Both offenses
are in high gear, but the difference in this one might will be 73,200 rabid
dogs. Pick: Cleveland
Tennessee at Kansas City: After last Sunday's disaster versus the
Chargers, the 7-6 Titans are not about to let this one slip through their grasp.
The 4-9 Chiefs, on the other hand, just want this nightmare to come to an end.
Pick: Tennessee
Atlanta at Tampa Bay: At the conclusion of the '06 season, the Falcons
made two critical errors: they chose the wrong QB to lead the franchise and
hired the biggest fraud in NFL history to coach them. This week, Tampa Bay will
help them complete the trifecta. Pick: Tampa Bay
Jacksonville at Pittsburgh: The Steelers are just too tough to beat on
their home turf. After giving Brady plenty of time to locate receivers downfield
last week, don't expect to see a repeat performance this week versus the always
dangerous Jaguars. Pick: Pittsburgh
Packers running back Ryan Grant.
Jonathan Daniel |
Green Bay at St. Louis: Best wishes to hospitalized Rams owner Georgia
Frontiere, a very decent woman. Coach Scott Linehan will return next season for
the Rams, but don't look for any "win one for the Gipper" type of
victory this week versus the Packers. Pick: Green Bay
Arizona at New Orleans: Which Saints squad will show up this week
against the Cardinals? Regarding their slim playoff chances, they better
hope it's the one that convincingly defeated the Falcons last Monday evening.
Pick: New Orleans
Seattle at Carolina: The Seahawks are on a roll, but even on their
home turf, I give the depleted Panthers little to no chance to pull an upset.
Marcus Trufant is fast developing into the league's premier pass defender. Pick:
Seattle
Indianapolis at Oakland: With little fanfare, the Colts this Sunday
will notch their 12th victory of the season versus the improving but critically
overmatched Oakland Raiders. Reggie Wayne has put up All-Pro type numbers during
the 2007 season. Pick: Indianapolis
Detroit at San Diego: Look for the Chargers to clinch the AFC West
title this week against a fading Lions squad -- which after a great start, has
lost five straight contests. Do you think a 6-10 finish might signal the end of
the pitiful Matt Millen era? Pick: San Diego
Philadelphia at Dallas: This Cowboys-Eagles matchup features two clubs
heading in distinctly different directions. Let's hope that Jeff Lurie, who
earlier this year gave coach Andy Reid the proverbial vote of confidence, stands
by his word. Pick: Dallas
Washington at New York Giants: With Jason Campbell at the helm, I
would have liked the Skins chances. But I believe his season-ending injury
put an end to any Redskins playoff chances. A win this week guarantees the
Giants a trip to the NFC wildcard round. Pick: New York
Chicago at Minnesota: Kyle Orton will try and de-rail a Vikings squad
that has won four straight games. The Bears have not officially been
eliminated, but just don't have the offensive weapons to match the high-flying
Vikings. Pick: Minnesota