Week 8 of the NFL season, and the playoff picture is starting to take form. We're slowly beginning to see who's a contender and who's a pretender. We've got a few good games going this week. Let's dive right in.
Carolina @ Tampa Bay
- Tampa Bay is clearly struggling. I wouldn't be surprised if Schiano was fired after this season. Freeman may have started off bad, but he was a solid QB for that team. Glennon is decent, but he doesn't have the intangibles. The Panthers are looking pretty good. Cam is putting up great numbers like he usually does, but this time he's got a defense that can close out games. The Panthers 3rd ranked defense has been a bright spot for this team. They're 2nd in the league in opposing points per game and TD's per game behind Kansas City. Their secondary is beatable, but their 4-3 technique is quite effective. Revis and Steve Smith should be interesting to watch as well. But the Panthers are 3-3 and with that defense being led by Cam Newton, I don't see them losing this game. The Bucs struggles are gonna continue especially with Doug Martin out giving the reigns to rookie RB Mike James.
Prediction: Panthers defeat Buccaneers
San Francisco @ Jacksonville
- That "trap" game didn't work out too well against San Diego. The Jaguars are struggling. They are trying, but they just can't seem to get anything going. And now in come the Niners that have won, now, 3 straight, looking for 4. Everything points to the Jaguars getting destroyed. The Niners have a great defense that has gotten better and they have Kaepernick that run the ball and effectively throw it down the field. They dismantled a Titans team that was playing good Football up until that point. Henne and Blackmon have been important to this team's passing game, but they're going up against a Juggernaut of a team.
Prediction: Niners defeat Jaguars
Cleveland @ Kansas City
- The Browns just continue to crumble. First, they get rid of Colt McCoy, then get rid of Trent Richardson, then they start winning some games with Hoyer at QB, then he goes down, they lose 2 straight and are now considering trading their best receiver in Josh Gordon. And now they have to face the last undefeated team left in Football, the Kansas City Chiefs. You can come up with all the stories you want, saying Alex Smith isn't good, or they haven't played anybody, but they're 7-0. They beat Dallas, they beat Tennessee (who at that time was playing good Football) and won a close game against the top defense in the league in Houston. That defensive line is absolutely nasty, leading the league in sacks, TD's per game, and red zone percentage, and Alex Smith is doing just what he has to do, and take care of the ball with 7 TD's to 4 INT's. Smith is an efficient passer and has become quite mobile in the pocket making plays with his feet.
- The Browns are now struggling to move the ball consistently. Wheeden had 149 yards passing against Green Bay, and barely cracked 100 yards rushing. Facing this defense on the road is quite a challenge and I don't think Cleveland can get it done. They can't match KC's defensive energy, but they do have the playmakers on offense to try to get something going. Wheeden needs time, and KC is the best in the league at getting to the QB. We know what KC can do on defense, but at times their offense has been consistent. But I believe one can balance out the other. If one side has an off day, count on the other to pick up slack. Kansas City has the most balanced team across the board; the efficient, mistake free, Quarterback, the dominant running and game and physically imposing defense. There's a reason they're 7-0 and, soon to be, 8-0.
Prediction: Chiefs defeat Browns
Miami @ New England
- At point of the season, the Dolphins looked to be playoff contenders until they played New Orleans. Ever since that game, they never could seem to get going. Their offense hasn't been consistent. Tannehill has struggled as of late throwing just 194 yards against Buffalo despite tossing 3 TD's. Their defense will need to shape up with Gronk back in the New England lineup. The Patriots come in 5-2 after losing in OT to the Jets. This will be a better matchup for them. The Dolphins pass rush isn't as ferocious as the Jets pass rush, so Brady will have some time to make some plays down the field and spread the field with Gronk back in there.
Miami's offense needs to start aggressive and force the issue throwing the ball down field and using the running game. They're second in Red Zone Scoring%. I think Miami can contend with The Patriots, but I don't see them winning this game. I think New England's offense will exploit some holes in Miami's coverage and have consistency in the passing game. The Patriots' defense is ranked 18th, but their defensive energy at home is great. Miami leads the league in sacks allowed and the Patriots' pass rush will have success getting to Tannehill. I think New England will rebound and Miami will lose their 3rd straight.
Prediction: Patriots defeat Dolphins
Buffalo @ New Orleans
- Thad Lewis has been such a spark to the Bills adding a new dynamic to this offense. He's a good pocket passer and dangerous once he gets into the open field and starts making plays with his feet. Their running attack with Spiller and Jackson are dangerous when it comes to finishing the play. But they have a tough test playing in the Superdome against New Orleans. The Saints come in allowing 15 sacks on the season against the Bills who rank 8th in sacks per game and 1st in passes picked off per game. Brees and the Saints have good ball security and love to execute those little screen plays in the flat against blitz packages knowing there will be open space down the field.
- This game will be close if Buffalo's offensive line can step up against the Saints defensive line. The Saints are 6th in sacks per game averaging 4 sacks in their last 3 games. My point is, the Saints defensive line isn't as fast and furious as KC, but they can bring pressure and rattle the Quarterback and make bad throws. The Saints' defensive line have been surprising this year with their ability to get to the QB and hurry bad throws. Thad Lewis will either get a rude awakening, or have a breakout game against an 11th ranked pass defense. Even if, they're playing in the SuperDome where Brees barely loses. With Payton back, the Saints are back to the level we know they can play at. I admire the resilient Bills, but I've got the Saints.
Prediction: Saints defeat Bills
Dallas @ Detroit
- THIS is gonna be a good one. The last time these teams met, Detroit came back IN Dallas down 27-3 and won 34-30. Dez has shooting his mouth off during the week saying he can match Megatron catch for catch. I don't think Dez is a scrub by any means, but he is no Megatron. He may have better YAC and breakaway speed, but he doesn't have the body control and ability to go up and get the ball like Calvin. When Dez can catch a TD pass in triple coverage, with guys literally draped all over him, then we can this conversation. Megatron has the height and upper body strength to make those kinds of plays look easy. He did it against Dallas in that last meeting and against Cincinnati just last week. Calvin is just bigger and stronger. It's laughably unfair when you think about it. My top 3 receivers right now; Megatron, AJ Green, Dez.
- Then again, Dez is going up against a 31st ranked pass defense, so I could see where his confidence comes from. The receiving matchup between AJ and Megatron last week was special to watch and this matchup between Dez and Megatron will be interesting. The Dallas defense is ranked 29th as well, so Stafford will have some success in the passing game. The Lions aren't exactly one dimensional. Fuaria has come alive in the passing game and Stafford has other weapons he can utilize as well. As for Dallas, Terrance Williams and Cole Beasley have emerged as playmakers on offense with Randle filling in nicely for Demarco Murray.
- Dallas has looked good so far this season and this will be quite a test going on the road against a strong Detroit Lions team. They're going to have try and contain that running game as well. When all is said and done, Dallas, on paper, may have the better team, but I think Detroit can matchup with Dallas well and have some consistency moving the ball. I believe Dallas will start aggressively and get Dez involved early to back up his talk. That Dallas pass rush will get to Stafford early on, but the Lions have the composure and make the necessary adjustments to get the win. I have Dallas winning the NFC East, but not this game.
Prediction: Lions defeat Cowboys
New York @ Philadelphia
- It's now official that Michael Vick is going to play this Sunday. That offense looked extremely horrid against Dallas. Foles, looked good against Tampa Bay, but stank it up against Dallas. The Eagles offense managed to score just 3 points. Barkley, in relief, came in and threw 3 INT's. With Vick back, that offense may actually have a little life to it. The Giants are excited coming off their first win against a struggling Vikings team with a QB that just got signed to that team. The last time these teams met, the Giants got embarrassed at home by Foles & Co. The Eagles are still Dead Last in pass defense. The Giants have new life, but can they carry over that momentum? Their pass rush needs to contain Vick in the pocket. The Eagles offensive line still isn't very good giving up 3 sacks against Dallas.
- The Eagles defensive energy may have new life at home, but the Giants now have a win and the pressure is off. I expect them to play a little better than they were in the beginning of the season. The Giants need to crank up the pressure of their defensive line. They're in the bottom when it comes to sacks per game. This is gonna be a lot closer than people think. I believe Dallas beating Philly was the first of many. After that kind of game, only one team can go up, while the other goes down. The Giants are going to play a new kind of energy now. They have to take care of the ball, have some consistency, and contain Vick through the air and on the ground. I got the Giants.
Prediction: Giants defeat Eagles
Pittsburgh @ Oakland
- Coming into this game, Big Ben is 0-2 in the last two games played in Oakland. I believe the Raiders have Big Ben's number heading into this one. Big Ben had 384 yards passing and 4 TD's in that game last season and still lost. It's easy to say the Raiders have the advantage because of that, but The Steelers definitely have new life winning two straight. Their defense is playing better and Big Ben and his offense have found some sort of rhythm. Ben did have only 190 yards against the Ravens last week. He's still struggling to find some consistency with ball movement and running game.
- While we're on running, the Steelers will need to have an answer for Terrelle Pryor. Not only can run outside the pocket and make plays, but he's an efficient passer as well. But Pittsburgh normally has performed well against running quarterbacks. Pittsburgh's offensive line still can use some work, and the Raiders defensive line is decent enough. The Raiders have beaten Pittsburgh 3 out of the last 4 times, but like I said before, I think Pittsburgh is on a hot streak right now and is looking to make some headway and get back in the AFC North race.
Prediction: Steelers defeat Raiders
New York @ Cincinnati
- This should a tough battle between two stingy defenses. The Bengals front 7 seven is no nonsense and are good pressuring the quarterback. The Jets come in with their 3rd ranked defense coming off a huge win against New England at Home and face the Bengals who are undefeated at Home. The Jets haven't faced a defense just as good as theirs yet, with the exception of maybe Tennessee. The Bengals don't generate a lot of sacks, but they're great at rushing the passer and forcing bad throws. Geno has been efficient. He's had some mistakes, but he's very efficient, good at extending plays, and can throw some absolute lasers in tight windows when the time calls for it.
- But Geno could have some success in the passing game. The Bengals have a 24th ranked pass defense where Geno could excel and make some plays through the air. The Jets secondary is beatable and now that Dalton is beginning to get it going, making some more throws down the field, and AJ Green is getting more involved, this Bengals team will be hard to beat. Dalton has more weapons and a stout running game led by Green-Ellis. The Bengals have won some close games and lead their division. I don't believe the Jets can carry this momentum over. The Bengals are flying under the radar playing some damn good Football. Their offense is consistent and their defense can get to the passer, albeit suffering with a lack of secondary play. I got the Bengals in this one.
Prediction: Bengals defeat Jets
Atlanta @ Arizona
- The Falcons are coming off a strong win against Tampa Bay and go on the road to face Arizona. The Cardinals had such potential, but they're just so inconsistent. Their defense is still solid and can force some pressure, but with Atlanta's 23rd ranked pass defense, I expect Palmer to have a good game and stay consistent through the passing game, but going up against Matt Ryan and Co. will be quite difficult. Even without Roddy and Julio, Ryan can spread the ball around to other weapons. He has Harry Douglas, Tony Gonzalez, or can just dump the ball off to Rodgers or Snelling with Jackson still out. He's got lots of other receivers he can use to get involved and implement into the offense. The Cardinals are tough at Home, and Atlanta lost the last time they played Arizona and Ryan threw 5 picks against that defense. They're gonna be all over Ryan, but I believe the Falcons can get it done. They need to win to get back in the NFC South hunt.
Prediction: Falcons defeat Cardinals
Washington @ Denver
- We saw a great game out in Indianapolis with the Colts and that energy at Home, they were able to end the unbeaten streak of the Denver Broncos. Proud of my team with the pressure they got on Manning with a few sacks and a pick. People will point out Manning's mistakes, but disregard the fact that his defense gave up 39 points and his offensive line was horrid most of the night. And now Peyton comes home against another NFC East team. They've blown out Philly and New York and went down to the wire with Dallas. What Denver is good at it stuffing the run with their top ranked rush defense. The Redskins thrive on the running. Using the read option with RG3 and running the ball with Morris and Helu Jr. It's pretty much like their game against the Eagles and you saw how that turned out.
- Ever since the Dallas game, Denver's defense has shown to be exploitable if you can find the holes in their coverage. Their lack of pass rush gives the QB time to make those kinds of throws. Griffin and his team found new life making plays against Chicago. The Broncos pass rush will have to get pressure on RG3 because if he scrambles and buys time, he can be very effective. Peyton Manning will have a bounce back game. The Redskins secondary is beatable. Look at what Josh McCown did to them in Cutler's absence. Manning will light them up, no question, but the question can Denver's defense bounce back and contain RG3. You have to score a lot of points to beat Denver. I think the Redskins will have success early, but get shut down later on. Denver is gonna bounce back.
Prediction: Broncos defeat Redskins
Green Bay @ Minnesota
- The injury bug keep on hitting the Packers with Finley going down last week. But even with all the injuries, they can still depend on Rodgers to spread the ball around and get everyone involved. His best deep threat left is Jordy Nelson. If he gets hurt, then Green Bay is in serious trouble. But they're fine for right now. The Vikings are still trying to find out what to do with themselves. Freeman was wildly inaccurate in his first game with a team he just signed with and now Ponder is back on the starting job. Ponder clearly hasn't looked the same without Harvin in the slot. I'm just surprised they haven't gotten Greg Jennings more involved in the passing game. He can be a solid deep threat if used right. Peterson is the only consistent piece on this team.
- I think even in Minnesota, the Packers will have success in the passing game effectively throwing the ball down field against Minnesota's 27th ranked defense. Their run defense needs to stay disciplined to stop Peterson after what he did to them in 2 games last season. Even if Ponder puts up good numbers, it'll take a lot to beat the Packers. The Vikings clearly aren't the team they were last season, and even with injuries, and Aaron Rodgers led Packers team will get the win.
Prediction: Packers defeat Vikings
Seattle @ St. Louis
- Kellen Clemens makes his start against the Seattle Seahawks and their defense. Clemens isn't horrible as a Quarterback, but he is serviceable. He's got a tough test going up against this defense. The Seahawks Defense hit hard, 3rd in the league in sacks, and 2nd in interceptions. St. Louis is lucky they aren't playing in Seattle. The Rams were actually doing fine this season with the Dallas game being the only exception as they were horrible all around in that game. The Rams defense will have their hands full with Russell Wilson. Wilson is flying under the radar with his QB play this season. Now that he's running more, he's not gonna put up amazing passing numbers, but he's been playing really well. He adds such a dynamic to the offense. He can make plays outside with his feet and he's very effective throwing the ball. His ball delivery and pass release just gets better with each game.
- And then you have to contend with his weapons and Marshawn Lynch and his power running taking down players with him as he runs the ball. The Rams defensive line will have to be aggressive and get to Wilson. The Cardinals had some success with that against Seattle last week. The Rams offensive line needs to buy Clemens some time to make things happen. The Rams come into this game allowing 18 sacks all season. The Rams defense can probably slow down Seattle's offense, but not for the whole game. Across the board, the Seahawks are a better, more dominant team on both sides of the ball.
Prediction: Seahawks defeat Rams
Enjoy The Games!
Read. Comment. Share.
By: Gerald "Showstopper" Prophete
No comments:
Post a Comment