The Hail Mary - Week 8

When Monday Night Football moved to ESPN it was to signal the end of the Monday Night game being the premiere game of the week. That title was supposed to shift to Sunday Night Football. However, through 8 weeks of the season ESPN has been getting some very good games for Monday nights. That is no different this week as the Indianapolis Colts travel to Tennessee to take on the Titans. A loss for the Colts and their stranglehold on the AFC South will be finished, a win and all those "The Colts are back!" stories will be copy and pasted from 2 weeks ago.

Games That I Will Be Watching

Washington (5-2) at Detroit (0-6)

Washington's string of cupcakes ends this weekend. A loss here would be completely unacceptable and a letdown wouldn't be the excuse. After overlooking the Rams two weeks ago the Redskins should know to not overlook anyone. Since they are incapable of blowing anyone out the Lions will keep this relatively close.

Prediction: Washington 28, Detroit 21

New York Giants (5-1) at Pittsburgh (5-1)

Really looking forward to this one. Two physical and exceptional teams going head to head. At first I was leaning Pittsburgh but the more I think about it the more I believe that Pittsburgh's offensive line will be incapable of slowing down the Giants pass rush.

Prediction: New York Giants 21, Pittsburgh 18

Indianapolis (3-3) at Tennessee (6-0)

People are trying to downgrade the Titans 6-0 start by saying they haven't played anyone. I don't buy that, the Titans offense won't scare anyone but their defense will. People keep waiting for the Colts of old to show up but I don't see it happening this year. Titans take the AFC South with this win.

Prediction: Tennessee 20, Indianapolis 14

The Rest of Week 8

Tampa Bay (5-2) at Dallas (4-3)

This my stone cold lock of the week. Brad Johnson is going to get pulverized by the menacing Buccaneers pass rush and Jeff Garcia's play will make all Bucs fans gay (happy of course).

Prediction: Tampa Bay 27, Dallas 17

Buffalo (5-1) at Miami (2-4)

The "Wildcat" offense cooled considerably last week and after a 2 week hiatus the Dolphins are back to being lousy.

Prediction: Buffalo 16, Miami 13

St. Louis (2-4) at New England (4-2)

It can't be denied, Rams interim coach Jim Haslett has definitely made a difference these last two games. I think the Rams hang with Patriots but fall in the end.

Prediction: New England 24, St. Louis 20

San Diego (3-4) at New Orleans (3-4)

This game is in London and hopefully the pitch will be in better shape this year for the footballers. The Chargers better mark Drew Brees or they will be saying "bollocks" and "oy" on the way home to San Diego.

Prediction: San Diego 31, New Orleans 24

Kansas City (1-5) at New York Jets (3-3)

I can't even tell if Kansas City is trying anymore. I called Brett Favre to give him advice on how to beat the Chiefs. It was simple, I told him, show up.

Prediction: New York Jets 24, Kansas City 10

Atlanta (4-2) at Philadelphia (3-3)

Atlanta still can't get any respect, they are 5 point underdogs despite having the better record. However, I guess Vegas isn't too far off.

Prediction: Philadelphia 26, Atlanta 22

Arizona (4-2) at Carolina (5-2)

Let's see, Arizona hates traveling to the other side of the country. Carolina is 4-0 at home, pretty easy pick.

Prediction: Carolina 31, Arizona 17

Oakland (2-4) at Baltimore (3-3)

Joe Flacco has 2 TDs and 7 INTs, good thing the Ravens defense is so good.

Prediction: Baltimore 21, Oakland 3

Cincinnati (0-7) at Houston (2-4)

Hey, maybe I wasn't so far off on Houston being my sleeper team this year. Cincinnati better start winning if they are going to hit my projection of them winning 4 games this year. Oh and Chad Johnson, I am starting you this weekend, try to score a TD and not wait until I bench you, thanks.

Prediction: Houston 26, Cincinnati 13

Cleveland (2-4) at Jacksonville (3-3)

Old AFC Central rivals reunite. Jacksonville has gotten through the tough portion of the schedule, now they start to resemble the team I expected to see this year.

Prediction: Jacksonville 19, Cleveland 16

Seattle (1-5) at San Francisco (2-5)

Former 49ers coach Mike Nolan had to go. I was happy to see the team replace him with Hall of Famer Mike Singletary. I really think he can motivate this team and hopefully get the defense to start performing. The Niners will play inspired football and sweep the season series with the Seahawks.

Prediction: San Francisco 20, Seattle 13

Last Week: 10-4
Overall: 34-21

Bonus:

Local soccer team Ron Burgundy earned a huge 1-0 victory over Division 3 rival Brass Monkey on Tuesday night in front of a standing room only crowd of 10. Despite many saves by the Brass Monkey keeper as well as the post, Burgundy persevered and eventually earned a penalty kick. Drew Verbel beat the goalie and now Burgundy sits 4 points ahead of Monkey for 1st place. Burgundy's next game is Monday night against Purple Cobras, whom they tied 1-1 earlier this year.