NFL Week Ten predictions: Grant carries Pack to win over ‘Boys

Last week: 9-4

Season total: 87-42

Chicago at San Francisco

Both squads bring their A-game. Jay Cutler and Matt Forte turn loose a couple of big plays late to break away.

Bears 30, Niners 28

Detroit at Minnesota

This one turns into the Percy Harvin Expo early on.

Vikings 38, Lions 17

Denver at Washington

Upset special: the Redskins, able to contain the Broncos struggling rushing attack, rattle Kyle Orton and contain Brandon Marshall. 

Redskins 20, Broncos 17

Update: Considering the Clinton Portis concussion, I think Denver wins, 17-13.

Atlanta at Carolina

Tough to call. Both teams are looking to come back from tough losses to New Orleans. Carolina is trying to cure DeAngelo Williams of the dropsies. In the end I’ll go with the more bruising running back and psychologically-stable QB.

Falcons 27, Panthers 20

Tampa Bay at Miami

The Bucs are coming off a big win against Green Bay, while the Dolphins attempt to bounce back from a loss against New England. The Bucs’ D was able to pin its ears back and fly at (and into) Aaron Rodgers last week, but they won’t have the same liberty against Miami’s Wildcat.

Dolphins 24, Bucs 13

Jacksonville at New York Jets

This is going to be a season of what-ifs for the Jets, whose defense has felt the loss of larger than life DT Kris Jenkins. Maurice Jones-Drew shreds them, and frustration begins to set in the Big Apple.

Jags 24, Jets 20

New Orleans at St. Louis

This puts the easy in Big Easy.

Saints 49, Rams 14

Buffalo at Tennessee

This Tennessee game-plan of Vince Young doing just enough through the air to keep defenses from sitting on Chris Johnson is working just fine. It’s unlikely, but what if Tennessee actually does run the table the rest of the way? They would have to be the most dramatic playoff entry in recent memory. But let’s not get carried away.

Titans 31, Bills 16

Cincinnati at Pittsburgh

Hold the mustard Ochocinco. Mike Tomlin’s team isn’t losing such a crucial divisional game on their home turf in November. Cedric Benson meets reality.

Steelers 31, Bengals 17

Kansas City at Oakland

A lot of dysfunction on the field (and sidelines) for this one.

Chiefs 24, Raiders 23

Dallas at Green Bay

A lot of attention is going to New England-Indy and Cincy-Pittsburgh, but this battle in the Upper Midwest will have much to say about the outcome of the NFC East and North. The Packers can’t afford to fall another game behind Minnesota, plain and simple, while Dallas is trying to establish itself atop the East and in the highest echelon of teams league-wide. Expect a Green Bay effort to hold off the Dallas rush with a lot of Ryan Grant stunt runs. 

Packers 30, Cowboys 27

Seattle at Arizona

There is simply no way the Seattle secondary is going to contain Fitz and Co.

Cardinals 35, Seahawks 17

Philadelphia at San Diego

Two of the hottest teams in the league. Two offenses with plenty of weapons. I’ll go with the stronger defense to make a couple more plays down the stretch.

Eagles 28, Chargers 24

New England at Indianapolis

The Colts secondary is depleted. Peyton depletes all secondaries. The Colts will get more pressure on Tom Brady than the Pats can send to Peyton.

Colts 35, Patriots 31

Baltimore at Cleveland

Brady Quinn is back. It’s Monday Night in Cleveland. The Ravens get caught looking ahead just enough to make this game.

Ravens 27, Browns 23

NFL Week Nine preview: Saints, Colts remain unbeaten

Last week: 7-6

Season total: 78-38

Falcons 27, Redskins 16

Cardinals 28, Bears 23

Ravens 31, Bengals 20

Colts 35, Texans 31

Jaguars 24, Chiefs 20

Patriots 30, Dolphins 17

Packers 34, Buccaneers 9

Saints 31, Panthers 21

Seahawks 24, Lions 21

Giants 30, Chargers 27

Titans 27, 49ers 23

Eagles 24, Cowboys 19

Steelers 28, Broncos 27

NFL Week Seven preview: Bears and Chargers rebound from last week

Last week’s picks: 8-6

Season total: 61-29

 

Chicago at Cincinnati

The Bears rebound from a tough loss last week and continue to Cincy’s reality check after their fluke of a start.

Bears 30, Bengals 24

 

Green Bay at Cleveland

The Browns lost their leading tackler, D’Qwell Jackson, for the year. Theirs is not a defense that can afford such losses.

Packers 30, Browns 9

 

San Diego at Kansas City

It’s win-or-be-fired in San Diego. 

Chargers 24, Chiefs 20

 

Indianapolis at St. Louis

Another week, another spectacle from Peyton.

Colts 41, Rams 6

 

Minnesota at Pittsburgh

Adrian Peterson is held off long enough for the Steelers to get by the undefeated Vikes at home.

Steelers 20, Vikings 17

 

New England at Tampa Bay

There’s probably some pressure on the Patriots to keep their starters on the field for the NFL’s showcase game in London. You know what that means for the Bucs.

New England 45, Tampa Bay 0

 

San Francisco at Houston

The Texans offense is finding their stride.

Texans 24, 49ers 20

 

New York Jets at Oakland

There’s no way they win two in a row.

Jets 31, Oakland 6

 

New Orleans at Miami

The Dolphins have to be wondering what could have been had they signed Drew Brees and not Daunte Culpepper in free agency a few years back. This game will be a painful reminder.

Saints 38, Dolphins 17

 

Buffalo at Carolina

Should be a quick game, seeing as both teams run so much more effectively than they pass.

Bills 24, Panthers 20

 

Atlanta at Dallas

Can’t see the Cowboys winning against a team that plays so well in all three phases of the game.

Falcons 34, Cowboys 24

 

Arizona at New York Giants

The Cards won a game in Jacksonville earlier this year, but their struggles on the East Coast are well-documented. 

Giants 30, Cardinals 27

 

Philadelphia at Washington

Bingo.

Eagles 31, Redskins 13

 

Last week’s picks (which I failed to post here until now):

Houston 27, Cincinnati 20

Green Bay 37, Detroit 20

St. Louis 24, Jacksonville 23

Minnesota 30, Baltimore 24

New Orleans 34, New York Giants 20

Pittsburgh 27, Cleveland 13

Carolina 24, Tampa Bay 10

Kansas City 17, Washington 14

Philadelphia 28, Oakland 6

Seattle 30, Arizona 20

New England 26, Tennessee 19

New York Jets 23, Buffalo 12

Chicago 31, Atlanta 27

San Diego 26, Denver 20

NFL Week Five preview: the clock strikes midnight on Bengals, Broncos

Last week’s picks: 8-6

Season total: 42-20

 

Cleveland at Buffalo

Fred Jackson gets his, but the Browns defense keeps Buffalo from giving any reason to have our popcorn ready, notching their first win of the year.

Browns 20, Bills 19

 

Pittsburgh at Detroit

The Lions make a showing in this one, but the Steelers are able to establish pressure on Matthew Stafford and force him into some costly errors.

Steelers 27, Lions 23

 

Dallas at Kansas City

Minus Roy Williams and Felix Jones, the Cowboys lean on MB3 and Jason Witten, and they don’t disappoint.

Cowboys 24, Chiefs 16

 

Minnesota at St. Louis

Letdown game? Not against the hapless Rams.

Vikings 31, Rams 0

 

Oakland at New York Giants

Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw go wild, combining for 300 yards and three scores.

Giants 41, Raiders 9

 

Tampa Bay at Philadelphia

This is not a good time to be playing against Donovan McNabb, who will be out to remind everyone why he, not Kevin Kolb or Michel Vick, is the guy in Philly.

Eagles 34, Bucs 14

 

Washington at Carolina

In a showdown of embattled quarterbacks, Jason Campbell prevails. By default.

Redskins 20, Panthers 17

 

Cincinnati at Baltimore

And the fluke ends.

Ravens 30, Bengals 17

 

New England at Denver

And another fluke ends.

Patriots 17, Broncos 9

 

Houston at Arizona

The Texans’ front seven get to Kurt Warner early and often.

Texans 27, Cardinals 23

 

Atlanta at San Francisco

The only thing that seems certain about this one is that it will come down to wire and be hard fought.

Falcons 20, 49ers 17

 

Jacksonville at Seattle

It pays to have Matt Hasselbeck back in the lineup.

Seahawks 30, Jags 24

 

Indianapolis at Tennessee

Peyton Manning has another MVP-type game. Another best-quarterback-of-all-time-type game.

Colts 31, Titans 27

 

New York Jets at Miami

Jerricho Cotchery is listed as questionable for this game. His presence, and health, will be a huge factor in the outcome. With an extra day-plus of rest for the Monday night game, I’ll assume he toughs it out.

Jets 27, Dolphins 20

NFL Week Four preview: Brees gives Jets first loss, Rodgers gets revenge

Last week’s picks: 12-4

Season total: 34-14

 

Detroit at Chicago

The winning streak ends here. Matt Forte pours it on in this one — 120 yards and two scores.

Bears 28, Lions 13

 

Cincinnati at Cleveland

Two years ago, Derek Anderson came was brought in as starter in a home game against the Bungles and went on to throw for 328 yards and five TDs in a 58-48 win. The difference between then and now? Jamal Lewis’ health, an offensive weapon at tight end, and Braylon Edwards playing respectable football.

Bengals 28, Browns 20

 

Seattle at Indianapolis

Indy’s offensive firepower is too much for a Seattle defense that is fighting the injury bug. The Hawks will make a game of it, though.

Colts  23, Seahawks 16

 

New York Giants at Kansas City

Matt Cassel eats grass all afternoon. Eli pads the stats.

Giants 34, Chiefs 6

 

Baltimore at New England

Such a tough game to call. The Ravens shut down the run, forcing Tom Brady to beat them in the air, and he can’t get it done.

Ravens 17, Patriots 16

 

Tampa Bay at Washington

Jim Zorn and Jason Campbell live to see another day.

Redskins 24, Bucs 10

 

Tennessee at Jacksonville

Guess which team is hungrier for a win. The Titans reel in that elusive first “W” with a steady, balanced offensive game.

Titans 27, Jags 19

 

Oakland at Houston

The Texans know they need to win their winnable games to hang with Indy in the AFC South. They come out firing on all cylinders in this one.

Texans 35, Raiders 7

 

Dallas at Denver

The Broncos are who we used to think they were.

Cowboys 24, Broncos 17

 

Buffalo at Miami

Might’ve called for Miami pulling the upset before the Chad Pennington injury. It’s not happening now, but it’s also not going to be a “get your popcorn ready” effort by the Bills, either, who win by default.

Bills 21, Miami 7

 

New York Jets at New Orleans

Game of the week between the NFL’s two hottest teams. The Revis Effect has kept receivers like Randy Moss and Andre Johnson very quiet against the Jets, but that doesn’t stop Drew Brees, who is an equal-opportunity passer if there ever was one. Saints march in this one.

Saints 37, Jets 21

 

St. Louis at San Francisco

Rams sneak up on Niners with two deep passes and something — I don’t know what, but something — on special teams.

Rams 17, 49ers 16

 

San Diego at Pittsburgh

Philip Rivers takes advantage of that Troy Polamalu-shaped hole in the Pittsburgh defense quite a few times, but James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley show signs of life and force Rivers to blow it in the final minutes.

Steelers 23, Chargers 20

 

Green Bay at Minnesota

This is my big pick of the week: not only does Green Bay win, but they play with poise to the point of near-perfection and crush — yes, crush — the Vikes on their field on national television. Redemption is green and gold.

Packers 38, Vikings  16

My pitiful Browns…

Thanks to Eddie Bevens for finding this. Even as a Browns fan I love it.

NFL Week Three preview: Pats strike back while Jets and Chargers win close

Last week’s picks: 9-7

Season total: 22-10

Best pick of last week: predicting the Giants by two with a go-ahead score “at the very end.” Called it.

 

Washington at Detroit

There’s a lot of buzz around the possibility of the Lions snapping their long losing streak here. But the Redskins will show that they’re better than the team that only narrowly defeated St. Louis last week. Jason Campbell shows signs of life in the form of 250 yards and two scores, while Matthew Stafford makes some rookie mistakes down the stretch.

Redskins 24, Lions 19

 

Green Bay at St. Louis

The Packers can’t block a pass rush, but the Rams don’t have a pass rush. Logic would carry that Aaron Rodgers might have time to set his feet for more than five passes in this one.

Packers 31, Rams 16

 

San Francisco at Minnesota

It’s conceivable that the Niners could come into Minnesota, dominate time-of-possession with the run game (which is a formidable game plan when you’re not facing Peyton Manning…) and sneak out with a win. Willis and the San Fran linebackers will rattle the Vikes offense, but Frank Gore will have greater struggles against Sota’s front seven.

Vikings 23, 49ers 17

 

Atlanta at New England

I’d so love to see the Falcons take this one, but the Pats have a lot more to lose here and are going to come out angry. 

Patriots 35, Falcons 24

 

Tennessee at New York Jets

Battle of the backs in this one, as Chris Johnson and Leon Washington trade off big plays in the short passing game. This one is going to come down to the final drive. Rex Ryan’s defense flusters the old vet Kerry Collins into a mistake in crunch time.

Jets 23, Titans 21

 

Kansas City at Philadelphia

Matt Cassel is not Drew Brees. Philadelphia comes on the field with an eight-quarterback formation, and somewhere Jon Gruden is crouched in front of a TV wetting himself.

Eagles 34, Chiefs 10

 

New York Giants at Tampa Bay

Who would’ve thought that the Giants were going to be a pass-first team this year? 

Giants 35, Bucs 14

 

Cleveland at Baltimore

Must-see TV if there ever was such a thing…

Ravens 27, Browns 13

 

Jacksonville at Houston

Matt Schaub to Andre Johnson. Matt Schaub to Andre Johnson. Matt Schaub to Andre Johnson.

Texans 31, Jags 17

 

New Orleans at Buffalo

At the behest of 31 clubs, Roger Goodell appears at the Ralph during halftime and offers Drew Brees the 2009 MVP award on the condition that Brees relents on his assault of all NFL defenses.

Saints 42, Bills 28

 

Pittsburgh at Cincinnati

The Steelers continue to struggle with the run, making this a bit more exciting, but they make enough plays to avoid a tailspin after last week’s loss to Chicago. Santonio Holmes and Heath Miller come up with big stat games.

Steelers 20, Bengals 15

 

Miami at San Diego

The Fins, through a series of running plays, field goals, and onside kicks, control the ball for all 60 minutes of this game, sending Philip Rivers into his greatest infantile tantrum of all time. Or the Chargers will on some big Darren Sproles runs. Either way.

Chargers 24, Dolphins 23

 

Denver at Oakland

The Broncos fail to win a third straight game with an entirely inept offense. 

Raiders 16, Broncos 13

 

Chicago at Seattle

Matt Forte finally gets going. He and Greg Olsen have big days to sneak by Seattle on the road.

Bears 30, Seahawks 24

 

Indianapolis at Arizona

Should be fun watching the ball get flicked all over the field in this one. Indianapolis wins on a couple of slow, methodical drives in the second half. Vintage Peyton.

Colts 26, Cardinals 20

 

Carolina at Dallas

Tony Romo’s redemption.

Cowboys 27, Panthers 20

 

 

 

 

NFL Week Two preview: Bengals implode, Browns explode

Last week’s picks: 13-3

Season: 13-3

Carolina at Atlanta

Carolina’s passing game is in shambles, as Jake Delhomme continues to reel from last year’s playoff meltdown. DeAngelo Williams hasn’t shown he can win games on his own when teams bring eight men into the box.

Falcons 24, Panthers 10

 

Minnesota at Detroit

The NFC North race is going to be far too tight for me to believe that Minnesota is overlooking this game and coming into Ford Field on cruise-control. The Lions might continue to move the ball as they did last week against the Saints, but it won’t be enough. Don’t be surprised if, in keeping Adrian Peterson fresh for the long haul, if the Vikes ask Brett Favre to throw 35 times in this contest.

Vikings 34, Lions 17

 

Cincinnati at Green Bay

Instead of requiring home games to be blacked out on television for markets in which the stadium tickets didn’t sell out, the NFL should punish the fans by making them watch the Bengals.

Packers 38, Bengals 6

 

St. Louis at Washington

Jim Zorn and Jason Campbell need greater job security. Playing the Rams can help that.

Redskins 30, Rams 20

 

Arizona at Jacksonville

Have the Cardinals — or any West Coast team, for that matter — learned how to win in the Eastern Time Zone? Kurt Warner didn’t come back to Arizona to sit at home in January. He knows that falling to 0-2 dramatically increases the chances of that. Bombs are going to fly.

Arizona 35, Jacksonville 16

Houston at Tennessee

Both teams are coming in trying to rebound from opening-week losses, though the Titans have to be feeling better about their situation, knowing they went on the road and took the defending Super Bowl champs to overtime. Chris Johnson is the fourth-quarter difference in this game.

Titans 28, Texans 17

 

Oakland at Kansas City

This is one of the tougher games to call, seeing as the Chiefs’ offense and Raiders’ defense did much to surprise and impress this past week. So I’m going with the team that had an extra day to rest and prepare.

Chiefs 24, Raiders 20

 

New England at New York Jets

Will the Pats’ green linebacking crew know what to make of Leon Washington, after getting toyed with by Fred Jackson on Monday night? I think not.

Jets 27, Patriots 24

 

New Orleans at Philadelphia

Donovan McNabb’s injury, regardless of whether he attempts to tough it out Sunday, really hurts Philly’s shot of racking up enough points to keep up with Drew Brees and the Saints’ factory o’ points.

Saints 34, Eagles 16

 

Pittsburgh at Chicago

So much of this has to do with how the Bears respond to last week’s loss to the Pack in the final minute, as well as the loss of defensive captain Brian Urlacher, who’s out after season-ending wrist surgery. For a second straight week, the Bears front office is going to learn what a mistake they made by not wrangling a top-flight receiver this past offseason.

Steelers 23, Bears 20

 

Cleveland at Denver

This qualifies as an upset, especially how I see it going down — Brady Quinn finding a rhythm and putting up 300 yards passing in the Mile High city.

Browns 34, Broncos 13

 

Baltimore at San Diego

The Chargers are going to need to get their act together after near-humiliation against the Raiders. LT will continue to take his good old time proving to us he’s not dead after turning 30, but Philip Rivers will rescue the game through the air.

Chargers 23, Ravens 22

 

Seattle at San Francisco

This matchup boasts a much higher quality of football than it did a year ago. Expect the Hawks to make the difference in their passing game, continuing to utilize explosive tight end John Carlson.

Seahawks 28, 49ers 20

 

Tampa Bay at Buffalo

The Bills come back from Monday night’s heartbreaker to take a definitive win in the Ralph. Look for plenty of deep shots to Lee Evans in this one.

Bills 31, Bucs 20

 

New York Giants at Dallas

Jerry Jones unveils his new digs, which means there’s going to be a ton of excitement as well as pressure on this Cowboys team. Expect Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs to play big in this one, and the Giants will squeak one out at the very end.

Giants 26, Cowboys 24

 

Indianapolis at Miami

In the christening of Pierre Garcon, Austin Collie, and the recently-signed Hank Baskett, the Colts show that they can survive without Anthony Gonzalez. One of the young guys will go for at least eight catches and 100 yards. 

Colts 28, Dolphins 19

NFL Week One preview: Saints march and Bolts strike in opening week blowouts

Tennessee at Pittsburgh

While the Steelers hope to fight a letdown in effort following their Super Bowl season, the Titans come in with much to prove after last year’s disappointing early playoff exit. The keys to this game are whether Tennessee can get Chris Johnson free in isolation (look for a lot of passes to the flat) and maintain defensive pressure up front without former coordinator Jim Schwartz calling the shots.

Titans 23, Steelers 20

Miami at Atlanta

In a battle of two of last year’s overachievers, expect to see the Falcons to ride  heavy dose of Michael Turner, milking the clock and winning conservatively.

Falcons 31, Dolphins 17

Denver at Cincinnati 

It seems unfair to the rest of the league that someone is going to get credit for winning this game. In actuality this will be about which pitiful team does less to lose. 

Bengals 30, Broncos 20

Minnesota at Cleveland

While the Browns might be keeping their starting quarterback a secret, their chances of winning this one are anything but.

Vikings 31, Browns 13

Jacksonville at Indianapolis

The post-Tony Dungy era begins with Peyton Manning lighting up a division rival for 300 yards and three scores.

Colts 34, Jaguars 16

Detroit at New Orleans

The Lions will get some wins this year, but not this week. Even with the running game still in disarray, the Saints bring in an improved defense to the ‘09 season. And Drew Brees is still Drew Brees.

Saints 38, Lions 16

Dallas at Tampa Bay

The season of decision is on for Wade Phillips and Tony Romo. This week, at least, they respond to the call.

Cowboys 42, Bucs 9

Philadelphia at Carolina

Though the Michael Vick Experiment is on hiatus for a couple weeks, my preseason title pick will show plenty of flash against a Panthers club that is in for a downward spiral this year.

Eagles 34, Panthers 14

Kansas City at Baltimore

The Chiefs will be a far better team in a month than they are right now. Tough losses like this will help to get them there.

Ravens 28, Chiefs 13

New York Jets at Houston

Mark Sanchez, meet Mario Williams. The Jets will have enough firepower to make this a game, but the Texans’ offense is becoming impossible for defenses to contain. 

Texans 27, Jets 24

Washington at New York Giants

With New York being so depleted at receiver, the Skins will be able to stack the box against the heavy-hitting Brandon Jacobs. Then again, unless Jason Campbell plays with a lot more poise than he did last year, the Giants can do the same against Washington’s run-game.

Giants 20, Redskins 19

San Francisco at Arizona

Everything about the Cardinals’ preseason says they’re in for a huge fallback after the exciting playoff journey last year. Singletary and troops pull the upset to open the year.

49ers 24, Cardinals 23

St. Louis at Seattle

The Rams could very well be without Marc Bulger for this one. But if he’s available, would it even matter? The “Hass-to-Housh” connection will be played up big in this one.

Seahawks 30, Rams 7

Chicago at Green Bay

This should be the game of the week as these long-time rivals each have high expectations for the year. Expect a higher scoring game than the typical NFC North crawl of the last few years.

Packers 34, Bears 30

Buffalo at New England

It doesn’t matter if the Bills are running a Pop Warner offense or some concoction from Mike Martz’s woodshed, this is all about the return of Tom Brady and New England’s return to dominance.

Patriots 44, Bills 16

San Diego at Oakland

The Chargers can start looking ahead to Week Two.

Chargers 30, Raiders 10

Tressel, Paterno return respect to Big Ten: 2009 NCAA preview

National championship: Ohio State over Florida

Rose Bowl: Penn State over California

Fiesta Bowl: Notre Dame over Texas

Sugar Bowl: Oklahoma State over Ole Miss

Orange Bowl: Georgia Tech over West Virginia

 

Teams on brink of BCS: Oregon, Utah, Oklahoma

 

Defeating USC at the Horseshoe and an otherwise-undefeated Penn State team in Happy Valley, Jim Tressel and his Buckeyes coast through the rest of their schedule and give the BCS voters no choice but to show some love to the Big Ten. Learning to trust his explosive quarterback Terrelle Pryor and not keep the play-calling so close to his sweater vest, Tressel delivers a second title to Columbus in a game much like the Buckeyes’ shocking defeat of Miami in the 2002 Fiesta Bowl.