Top Shelf Games: Talent-rich, highly competitive and aged in oak barrels... spiritually speaking
Houston Texans at Chicago Bears (-1)
You really couldn't ask for a much better matchup than this Sunday night clash between the league's only 7 - 1 teams. It's an incredibly tough call too. Both teams live by the run and by stingy, opportunistic defense. Also of interest, both teams have had very manageable schedules against lesser teams to date and their sole losses have been to Green Bay. Hmmm... On a whim, when I think of the matchup between J.J. Watt and Jay Cutler, I have to go Texans.
There are times when you have to throw rationality out the window and just root for your team. This is one of those times. The Falcons are as of yet undefeated and have proven themselves to be contenders in blowouts and close games, at home and on the road through consistent effort and minimal mistakes. The Saints owe a ton of gratitude to the Eagles this past week for making the New Orleans defense look serviceable in the pass rush and in the red zone. But if there's a time for the Saints to have a shining moment during an otherwise forgettable season, it's at home against the high-flying arch nemesis Falcons. Sweet Breesus, I need a rosary.
Detroit Lions (-2) at Minnesota Vikings
Is this a wild card preview? I probably spent more time analyzing this matchup than I should have, but it sure is an interesting one. Obviously, the Lions rule the air while the Vikings rule the ground. Both have defensive pockets of goodness. And while Minnesota won in Round 1 in Detroit, statistically they were outplayed. It'll still be tough for the Lions to win in the Metrodome, but their offense still looks like it's on the way up while the Vikings' defense has struggled as of late.
Dallas Cowboys (-1) at Philadelphia Eagles
Suggestion: With all of the bone-headed plays and nerve-jangling mistakes bound to happen during this game, Lincoln Field should just pipe in "Yakety Sax" on a loop for 3 hours. Even so, this NFC East rumble shouldn't even be close. If the Saints defense could sack Michael Vick 7 times, just imagine what Demarcus Ware will do.
Well Drink Games: They may surprise you from time to time without all the high expectations
Indianapolis Colts (-3.5) at Jacksonville Jaguars
Do not adjust your computer screen, this is the first time the Jaguars have made it into a realm other than House Punch this season on my blog. But it's only because this is a great test for the Colts to show that they can work hard on the road on a short week and take a huge step toward a playoff berth. It'll be tough with the travel and with the Colts' struggles away from home, but how can you say no to Andrew Luck and Chuck Pagano these days?
San Diego Chargers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-3)
The Bucs aren't exactly out of the woods now that the Chargers will have two weeks of legendary Doug "Muscle Hamster" Martin tape to sort through, but he's looking pretty darn unstoppable if you ask me. Two other things should scare San Diego fans: 1) that they have an early East Coast game here; and 2) they've only beaten teams that are a collective 7 - 17 on the year.
Tennessee Titans at Miami Dolphins (-6)
It'll be interesting if Jake Locker gets off the bench this weekend in Miami, but it won't be enough to stop the Titans' defensive bleeding against the capable Ryan Tannehill and Reggie Bush, who may not be on track to top the league in rushing but is definitely having a career year.
New York Giants (-4) at Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals are about to get their second dose of Mannings in as many weeks. I think this will be a fairly close game since Cincy desperately needs a win to stay in playoff contention while New York has a comfortable minimum 2-game lead in its division regardless of the outcome. Still, the Giants just have that X-Factor in competitive willpower that I haven't seen yet from the Bengals. Advantage, Eli.
New York Jets at Seattle Seahawks (-6.5)
For everything I loathe about Rex Ryan's incessant yammering, I have to give him credit for always acting as though the Jets have no reason to feel intimidated by anyone even if they're walking into the lion's jaws. And you can count on that latter part when Mark Sanchez (or Tebow?!?!?!) gets to face Seattle's secondary in the Emerald City this weekend. And how about that Russell Wilson? He's really starting to hit his stride with confidence.
St. Louis Rams at San Francisco 49ers (-11.5)
The 49ers are about to enter a telling stretch of the schedule that features the limelight-stealing Bears defense and three away games against the dangerous Saints, Patriots and Seahawks. They should handle the Rams at home just fine like they did last year, but I'm hopeful that Jeff Fisher has also used his bye week well in prepping for an uphill battle at Candlestick Park.
House Punch Games: Most likely to be lop-sided, sloppy and/or otherwise painful to digest
Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots (-11)
The last time these two teams met, the Patriots scored 52 points. At home and after a bye, Bill Belichick may end up resting Tom Brady by the middle of the third quarter.
Oakland Raiders at Baltimore Ravens (-7.5)
I can only hope the Ravens are tithing for the scheduling gods who gave them this kind of lull in the schedule. Following the loss Ladarius Webb and Ray Lewis for the season and getting blown out by the Texans, Baltimore has gotten a bye week and the opportunity to play back-to-back games against Cleveland and Oakland. That all ends in Week 11 with a Chargers-on-Steelers sandwich and then the Broncos and Giants in December. So John Harbaugh knows how important this game is, and the Ravens should get to 7 - 2 before the real fun begins.
Denver Broncos (-3.5) at Carolina Panthers
John Fox catches me as the kind of guy who enjoys vengeance. He should have it in a big way when Peyton & co. go to Charlotte on Sunday, but then again, he really should be thanking the Panthers for letting him have the last laugh in Denver.
If I don't get this Pittsburgh Steelers pick right, I am going to eat a Terrible Towel.
So How's My Pickin'?
Last Week's Record: 10 - 4
Season Record: 84 - 48
Dear Lady Blitz,
ReplyDeleteDue to some tactical trades I've made recently (notably giving up the consistently decent Seahawks D for the explosive Matt Forte, and sacrificing the evergreen Stevan Ridley for Mike Williams and Steve Johnson), I've got another conundrum this week on who to start and who to bench. If you could pick two of the following five to start, who would you choose? Ahmad Bradshaw (ever slightly injured), Sidney Rice (way better at holding onto passes than Golden Tate), Mike Williams (Doug Martin might get tired?), Brandon Lloyd (I feel like picking him is like picking a Saints receiver who isn't Colston), and Steve Johnson (Buffalo has to score something?). Help me, Tom Cruise. Use your witchcraft.
Hugs and kisses,
Arian Nation
Ms. Nation--
ReplyDeleteFirst I think it serves your reputation and mine to remind our readers that your sign-off tag is in reference to Houston Texans running back Arian Foster. Just sayin'. Secondly, you've got a really interesting conundrum here since I see risks and rewards for each of your fantasy candidates. I can solidly say that 1) Brandon Lloyd looks to be a good choice - Buffalo is pretty awful in pass defense and points allowed, so Tom Brady will distribute the wealth generously at home on Sunday. I also like the way Tampa is playing right now and San Diego could look rough on an early East Coast outing Sunday, so 2) Mike Williams has a lot of circumstances in his favor. For the third choice, it's between these two for me: Sydney Rice could have a big day since Russell Wilson is looking better and better and always puts up a few TDs at home. OR Ahmad Bradshaw could have a good outing in Cincy despite the injuries since their defense is even more so-so than the Jets. I'd call that one at game time once you know more about the injury status.
Lurvs,
Lady B
Whoops-- totally read that wrong the first time and thought you had three choices...
ReplyDelete