Cram Session (Bowl Edition) - Week 2

First off, Merry Christmas everyone! Time for week 2 of college football's bowl season and the quality of games picks up considerably. I will be closely watching Notre Dame take on Hawaii in the appropriately named Hawaii Bowl on Christmas Eve. Some other big name teams that will be in action this week include Miami, California, Florida State, Wisconsin, etc. Plus, the best game of the week is tonight in the Poinsettia Bowl as #9 and undefeated Boise State faces their toughest challenge of the season against #11 TCU.

Poinsettia Bowl - December 23

#9 Boise State (12-0) vs. #11 TCU (10-2)

Boise State finished undefeated in the regular season for the second time in three seasons. Two years ago they famously shocked Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl. No BCS bowl for the Broncos this time around but a win over a 10 win TCU team would certainly legitimize Boise State as a great team. TCU's losses came to #1 Oklahoma and unbeaten Utah so they will be providing a stern test. Sorry Boise but I don't think you guys are as good as your record indicates, the undefeated dream ends now.

Prediction: TCU 28, Boise State 26

Hawaii Bowl - December 24

Hawaii (7-6) vs. Notre Dame (6-6)

If Notre Dame is ever going to end their bowl losing streak of 15 years this is the time to do it. Notre Dame has usually been outmatched in their bowl games as they have been invited to some bowls that they only really received invitations for because of name recognition. However, this year they are in a lousy bowl and they are playing a team they should certainly be better then. They will be essentially playing a road game but that still will be no excuse for a loss. I'm biased but I believe the streak finally ends here, and I get to experience a Notre Dame bowl win for the first time in 15 years.

Prediction: Notre Dame 31, Hawaii 20

Motor City Bowl - December 26

Florida Atlantic (6-6) at Central Michigan (8-4)

Florida Atlantic recovered from a 1-5 start to earn bowl eligibility. If these teams don't combine for at least 70 points I will be shocked. The name value may not be much but if you like shootouts this should be a fun game to watch.

Prediction: Central Michigan 48, Florida Atlantic 31

Meineke Car Care Bowl - December 27

West Virginia (8-4) vs. North Carolina (8-4)

This should be another good game. Both teams spent various parts of the season in the Top 25, plus this is Mountaineers QB Pat White's last game. I think White will go out in style.

Prediction: West Virginia 27, North Carolina 19

Champs Sports Bowl - December 27

Wisconsin (7-5) vs. Florida State (8-4)

Wisconsin had Rose Bowl aspirations at the beginning of the year but a poor start squelched those dreams. They recovered at the end of the season and come into this game winners of 3 straight. Apparently the Seminoles kept everything on the up and up this exam year and won't be missing a third of their team like last year. I expect a close one with the Seminoles winning with a late field goal.

Prediction: Florida State 20, Wisconsin 17

Emerald Bowl - December 27

Miami (7-5) vs. California (8-4)

Miami fans sure talked a lot of trash when they were 7-3 and ranked. There was no room on the bandwagon, yada yada yada. Well Miami stinks again and I look forward to them getting stomped by the Golden Bears in this one.

Prediction: California 35, Miami 17

Independence Bowl - December 28

Northern Illinois (6-6) vs. Louisiana Tech (7-5)

The once somewhat mighty Independence Bowl has definitely fallen. Northern Illinois is bowling after winning just 2 games last year., while Louisiana Tech comes into the game having won 4 of their last 5 games.

Prediction: Louisiana Tech 35, Northern Illinois 27

Papajohns.com Bowl - December 29

North Carolina State (6-6) vs. Rutgers (7-5)

This game should really be called the Recovery Bowl. NC State was 2-6 but is bowling after winning their final 4 games. Rutgers started 1-5, but has caught fire winning 6 in a row. Something will have to give. I believe in the Scarlet Knights more than I do in the Wolfpack.

Prediction: Rutgers 38, North Carolina State 34

Alamo Bowl - December 29

#21 Missouri (9-4) vs. #23 Northwestern (9-3)

Missouri comes into this game losers of 2 straight to end what has to be considered a disappointing regular season. Northwestern exceeded all expectations and is thrilled to be in this game. I could certainly see the Wildcats winning but I think Tigers QB Chase Daniel is going to will the Tigers to victory.

Prediction: Missouri 41, Northwestern 27

Bowl Record

Last Week: 2-3

Overall Record

140-56

The Week That Was

An absolutely epic, classic game last night between the New York Giants and the Carolina Panthers. The game had a playoff feel to it with both teams knowing that a win would secure them home field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs. Panthers RB DeAngelo Williams had 4 rushing TDs for the second time this season, while for the Giants, Derrick Ward exploded for 215 yards rushing. The Panthers blew a 21-10 lead but still had a chance to win it at the end of regulation. However, kicker John Kasay missed a 50 yarder, taking the game to overtime. Both teams traded possessions and then the Giants rammed it down the Panthers throats, winning 34-28. The Panthers went from being a field goal away from home field advantage to now facing the possibility of starting the playoffs on the road as a wild card team.

In the home field battle in the AFC the Titans clobbered the Steelers in the second half and won 31-14. I don't put too much stock in this one and still consider the Steelers the better team. When these teams meet in the AFC playoffs (calling them now to both make the AFC Championship) Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger will have do a much better job of holding on to the ball. The Titans decided to desecrate some Terrible Towels after the game, probably not the best idea.

I attended the Redskins scintillating 10-3 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles yesterday. It was good to see the Redskins win and maybe save Jim Zorn's job. The offense is beyond abysmal but the defense was amazing. Jason Taylor should go on the radio and say he stinks more often, as he had 2 sacks and a key forced fumble which led to the Skins only TD. Despite the win the Redskins were eliminated from playoff contention with the Falcons win over the Vikings.

The bowl season kicked off in college football, no huge games, the biggest news was Arizona upsetting #16 BYU.

In the NBA, the Boston Celtics continue to roll, now winners of 18 in a row. In a rematch of last year's NBA finals the Celtics travel to LA to face the Lakers. The Lakers have suffered their first losing streak of the season, dropping back to back games at Miami and Orlando in heartbreaking fashion. The Chicago Bulls continue to play .500 ball and sit at 13-14, while the less said about the Washington Wizards the better.

The George Mason Patriots defeated my safety school, Radford at home to improve to 7-2. The Patriots host the Tulane Green Wave tonight. North Carolina continues their unbeaten march, as they destroyed Evansville and Valparaiso this past week.

The Hail Mary - Week 16

The Carolina Panthers often go overlooked. Despite making 3 NFC Championships in their 12 year existence, and one Super Bowl, they don't get much mainstream attention. They also have one of the best WR's in the game in the man you see to your right, Steve Smith. That lack of attention will change this weekend. The Panthers are in the marquee Sunday Night game against the New York Giants. The winner will clinch home field advantage throughout the playoffs. If the Panthers can win this game against a strugg a ling Giants team, they will be the favorites to represent the NFC in Super Bowl XLIII.

Games That I Will Be Watching

Indianapolis (10-4) at Jacksonville (5-9)

The Colts continue to streak through the easy part of their schedule and have won 7 in a row. The Jaguars showed they have some life left with a home win over the sliding Packers. The Jags always play the Colts tough and I think they will show up ready to play in this one. It won't be enough.

Prediction: Indianapolis 27, Jacksonville 21

Baltimore (9-5) at Dallas (9-5)

Huge Saturday Night game in what will likely be the last game ever played in Texas Stadium. (A quick tangent, major props to the NFL schedule makers this year as they have created a schedule with a ton of important, meaningful games to close out the year. Sure some of it is luck but foresight has a little bit to do with it) The Ravens are coming off a heartbreaking loss to the Steelers, while the Cowboys put all the drama behind them and manhandled the Giants. Both teams are in must win situations if they want to make the playoffs. Much like the Steelers last week, the Cowboys are just a little bit better than the Ravens.

Prediction: Dallas 24, Baltimore 14

Arizona (8-6) at New England (9-5)

Arizona has nothing to play for with the NFC West already clinched, but the Patriots have everything to play for as they are in a 3 team dog fight for the AFC East title. Arizona stinks on the East coast.

Prediction: New England 28, Arizona 17

Pittsburgh (11-3) at Tennessee (12-2)

The AFC also has a game between teams vying for home field advantage. If the Titans win they clinch home field, if the Steelers win they would just have to beat the sorry Browns next week to clinch home field. The Titans are banged up on defense where they will be missing Albert Haynesworth and Kyle Vandenbosch (Go Huskers!). The Steelers are my Super Bowl favorites right now, the schedule they have played against this year has been absolutely brutal and they have been up to the challenge. They do it again here.

Prediction: Pittsburgh 16, Tennessee 10

Philadelphia (8-5-1) at Washington (7-7)

I must be a sucker for punishment as I will be attending this one. The game is nothing more than a pride game for the Skins, following their horrendous loss to the Bengals that I fortunately missed. The Eagles were left for dead 3 weeks ago but now are one of the hottest teams in the NFL. I believe the Skins will come ready to play, but the offense is atrocious and the Eagles are the better team right now. Hard to believe it wasn't long ago that Skins fans were excited that they were getting their last 3 division games at home. Looks like they will finish that string 0-3.

Prediction: Philadelphia 20, Washington 17

Carolina (11-3) at New York Giants (11-3)

So maybe Plaxico Burress was a little more important than everyone else thought? The Giants have looked like garbage on offense the last 2 weeks while the Panthers are playing excellent football. I have come around on Carolina and I think they will pull off the road upset.

Prediction: Carolina 24, New York Giants 20

Green Bay (5-9) at Chicago (8-6)

I hate the Packers. As a Niners fan the Packers were the cause of many horrible memories for me in the 90s. Shame on me for picking them the past 4 weeks and them losing every single one of those games. Unfortunately, I will be cheering for them to win this one, as the Vikings need a Bears loss. I'm picking you to lose Packers, do what you have been doing so well this year, underwhelm.

Prediction: Chicago 28, Green Bay 24

Rest of Week 16

Cincinnati (2-11-1) at Cleveland (4-10)

Awful, awful game.

Prediction: Cincinnati 3, Cleveland 2

New Orleans (7-7) at Detroit (0-14)

This could be a game I regret not having the guts to pick the upset, kinda like last week's Houston/Tennessee game.

Prediction: New Orleans 31, Detroit 28

Miami (9-5) at Kansas City (2-12)

Sure the Dolphins schedule the past month has been ridiculously easy, but to win 9 games after winning 1 the year before is miraculous.

Prediction: Miami 19, Kansas City 15

San Francisco (5-9) at St. Louis (2-12)

7-9 is a distinct possibility for the Niners which to me should ensure Mike Singletary gets the interim tag removed from his label. Hey Chris Berman, should the Rams still make Jim Haslett their coach? That 2-8 record is amazing.

Prediction: San Francisco 21, St. Louis 13

San Diego (6-8) at Tampa Bay (9-5)

This game was deemed unworthyy of its original prime time slot but still has huge playoff implications. The Chargers are clinging to hopes of winning the AFC West, while the Bucs need to stop a 2 game slide to ensure they will make the playoffs.

Prediction: Tampa Bay 27, San Diego 14

New York Jets (9-5) at Seattle (3-11)

The Jets have been awful on the West coast this year, and the Seahawks are still playing hard for lame duck coach Mike Holmgren so signs point to a Seattle upset. I think the Jets break the conventional wisdom here.

Prediction: New York Jets 20, Seattle 17

Houston (7-7) at Oakland (3-11)

The Texans are getting hot at the end of the season and living up to the team I expected them to be. The goal now is to have their first over .500 season in franchise history.

Prediction: Houston 31, Oakland 19

Buffalo (6-8) at Denver (8-6)

This is the type of game Denver could blow but the Bills have been so bad recently I will give the Broncos the benefit of the doubt in this one.

Prediction: Denver 29, Buffalo 24

Atlanta (9-5) at Minnesota (9-5)

Tavaris Jackson shocked everyone with his 4 TD performance at Arizona. It is still unknown whether he will start this one. This will be a tough one, especially with Pat Williams out with an injury, which might allow Michael Turner to run all over the Vikings. I think the Metrodome atmosphere will affect the seemingly unflappable Matt Ryan and allow the Vikings to avoid another late season collapse.

Prediction: Minnesota 18, Atlanta 14

The next Hail Mary will be posted on Friday, December 26.

Last Week: 11-5
Overall: 114-62-1

Cram Session (Bowl Edition) - Week 1

The importance of bowl season has certainly diminished over the years. Not only with the creation of the BCS, which finally allowed #1 to play #2 basically making only one game truly matter, but also because what once was a somewhat exclusive club of teams that were invited to bowls has ballooned to almost any school getting an invitation. However, some of the games that are created by the bowls are intriguing and games you won't ever see normally. That really isn't the case with the games I will be previewing this week but as the weeks move on the games will start to get better and better.

I will not be including sponsor names in the titles of the bowls. Firstly, they aren't giving me any money so why should I give them free advertising? Secondly, I think it is silly and miss the days of it just being the Fiesta Bowl rather than the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl. Some bowls have no regular names and are just corporate names so my hands will be tied on those unfortunately.

Eaglebank Bowl - December 20

Wake Forest (7-5) vs. Navy (8-4)

This is the first ever Eaglebank Bowl and it will be played at RFK Stadium. Bowls usually try to avoid rematches but Navy was pretty much guaranteed a spot in this bowl as far back as October and with the way the ACC played out the Eaglebank Bowl had no choice but to take Wake Forest. Navy upset Wake Forest in the first meeting at Wake Forest, winning 24-17. Wake Forest began the season with aspirations of winning the ACC, rather than playing in the first bowl game of the season. All signs point to Navy in this one, but beating a team twice in one year is tough and that will give the Demon Deacons the edge.

Prediction: Wake Forest 34, Navy 31

New Mexico Bowl - December 20

Colorado State (6-6) vs. Fresno State (7-5)

The Rams won their last two games of the season to earn bowl eligibility while the Bulldogs of Fresno State started the year in the Top 25 and faded in WAC play.

Prediction: Fresno State 41, Colorado State 24

St. Petersburg Bowl - December 20

Memphis (6-6) vs. South Florida (7-5)

Memphis recovered from an 0-3 start to earn bowl eligibilty while the Bulls come into this bowl losers of 4 of their last 5 games. South Florida was embarrassed in the Sun Bowl last year, and in order to avoid that feeling again I believe they will be motivated in this one.

Prediction: South Florida 28, Memphis 17

Las Vegas Bowl - December 20

#16 BYU (10-2) vs. Arizona (7-5)

Arizona coach Mike Stoops finally got Arizona to a bowl game, their first since the 1998 season. Unfortunately they have to play BYU from the Mountain West Conference. The Mountain West owned the Pac-10 throughout the regular season and that trend will conntinue in Sin City.

Prediction: BYU 45, Arizona 28

New Orleans Bowl - December 21

Southern Mississippi (6-6) vs. Troy (8-4)

Some of you may be wondering who the heck is Troy? Troy is actually pretty good. They led LSU 31-3 in Baton Rouge before completely collapsing and losing 40-31. Southern Mississippi was 2-6 but won their last 4 games to sneak into a bowl. They are a hot team coming into this one but Troy is better.

Prediction: Troy 35, Southern Mississippi 28

Last Week: 3-3
Overall: 138-53

The next Cram Session will be posted December 23rd where I will have predictions for all of the bowl games for that week. See you then.

The Hail Mary - Week 15

The Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens have produced quite the rivalry since the Ravens inception in the mid 90's. The Ravens previous incarnation, the original Cleveland Browns, had a huge rivalry with the Steelers and despite moving states, and changing their name the rivalry has stuck. Not only will personal pride be at stake in their meeting in Baltimore this weekend but also the AFC North title. If the Steelers win they clinch the AFC North and would be on the fast track to a first round bye. However, if the Ravens win then the two teams will be tied for first with 2 games to go.

There are a ton of good games this weekend, let's get into it.

Games That I Will Be Watching

New Orleans (7-6) at Chicago (7-6)

Huge Thursday night game. The Bears need a win to stay in the NFC North race and keep their outside wild card chances alive. The Saints need a win to keep their wild card chances alive. New Orleans won at home against Atlanta to get themselves back in the playoff mix, but winning on the road has been a challenge for them. Bad weather in Chicago, means Bears win.

Prediction: Chicago 24, New Orleans 17

Washington (7-6) at Cincinnati (1-11-1)

The Redskins must run the table to make the playoffs. They had to do the same thing in the 2005 and 2007 seasons. Who knows if this current version has it in them or not but they should certainly beat the Bengals. The Skins are hurting on the offensive line, the team is in turmoil with Clinton Portis butting heads with Jim Zorn, but come on, it's the Bengals they're playing.

Prediction: Washington 21, Cincinnati 14

Buffalo (6-7) at New York Jets (8-5)

Not sure if Trent Edwards or JP Losman is starting for the Bills in this one but it doesn't really matter, the Bills stink. Jets are in a dogfight with the Patriots and Dolphins for the AFC East and have to win this game.

Prediction: New York Jets 31, Buffalo 14

Pittsburgh (10-3) at Baltimore (9-4)

The Steelers have struggled in Baltimore, losing there for five straight years. I think this year will be different because the Steelers defense will make life pretty miserable for Joe Flacco. The Steelers are just a little better and that will show on Sunday.

Prediction: Pittsburgh 17, Baltimore 10

New York Giants (11-2) at Dallas (8-5)

Both teams are coming off disappointing losses last week, although the Giants still clinched the NFC East. The Cowboys are clinging to the final playoff spot but have a brutal December schedule. I have gone back and forth on this one but I believe the Giants simply had an off week against the Eagles and will be back to the team we have seen pretty much all year.

Prediction: New York Giants 27, Dallas 23

Cleveland (4-9) at Philadelphia (7-5-1)

Left for dead by everyone, including their fans, back to back impressive wins have the Eagles back in the playoff race. The Eagles get one last easy one before they finish off the year against the Redskins and Cowboys.

Prediction: Philadelphia 34, Cleveland 14

Rest of Week 15

Tampa Bay (9-4) at Atlanta (8-5)

Another huge game takes place in the NFC South. Both home teams won the intra-division games last week and taught me to stick with the home team.

Prediction: Atlanta 28, Tampa Bay 17

Seattle (2-11) at St. Louis (2-11)

The loser will have sole possession of last place in the NFC West. Feel the excitement!

Prediction: Seattle 21, St. Louis 19

San Francisco (5-8) at Miami (8-5)

This will be a tough one for me to follow. Mike Singletary is doing a fantastic job in San Francisco and while the Niners should see how the team finishes up these last 3 weeks all signs are showing that Singletary is the right man for the job. The Dolphins control their own destiny, if they win out they win the AFC East, which would be an amazing turnaround from 1-15 a season ago.

Prediction: Miami 19, San Francisco 17

Detroit (0-13) at Indianapolis (9-4)

Detroit's best chance for a win went away last week. 0-16 is looking probable.

Prediction: Indianapolis 38, Detroit 17

San Diego (5-8) at Kansas City (2-11)

The Chiefs are 2-11 but they have been competitive all year. 3 of the Chargers 5 wins have come against the Chiefs and Raiders.

Prediction: San Diego 27, Kansas City 24

Green Bay (5-8) at Jacksonville (4-9)

Two very disappointing teams. I keep picking Green Bay, they keep losing. I will go with them here just because it seems obvious that the Jaguars have quit on Jack Del Rio.

Prediction: Green Bay 28, Jacksonville 27

Tennessee (12-1) at Houston (6-7)

Houston has won 3 in a row and this will definitely be a tough one for the Titans. I'm too much of a wuss to pick the upset.

Prediction: Tennessee 34, Houston 31

Minnesota (8-5) at Arizona (8-5)

It sounds like the Vikings will be without QB Gus Frerotte for this one, meaning outcast Tavaris Jackson will get the start. I didn't like the Vikings chances in this one even with the possibility of Frerotte starting, like them even less with Jackson.

Prediction: Arizona 27, Minnesota 14

Denver (8-5) at Carolina (10-3)

Hey, I finally got a Denver prediction right! However, I have missed on the Panthers two weeks in a row. This is the kind of game Denver has been apt to win this year but I think the Panthers finish off an undefeated season at home.

Prediction: Carolina 28, Denver 22

New England (8-5) at Oakland (3-10)

There is a slight chance New England QB Matt Cassel won't play after the death of his father. However, if he were to play, the Raiders are the team to do it against (think Brett Favre).

Prediction: New England 24, Oakland 12

Last Week: 10-6
Overall: 103-57-1

The Week That Was

I was wrong, the media actually got one right and the Florida Gators, even without dual threat Percy Harvin defeated Alabama for the SEC Championship and a berth in the BCS Championship game. They will meet the #1 Oklahoma Sooners, who for the fifth straight game put up over 60 points. Some may say that the system is flawed but what can't be denied is that the championship game should be a high scoring, entertaining affair. Unless of course Oklahoma chokes on the big stage as they have been known to do in recent years.

The other bowl games were announced last night. Notre Dame will have a chance to end their 15 year bowl losing streak when they travel to Hawaii on Christmas Eve to take on Hawaii in the Hawaii Bowl (I probably just set the record for use of Hawaii in one sentence). Hawaii finished 7-6 and although it will be a road game for the Irish there is no reason why they shouldn't end the streak this year.

Nebraska will play on January 1st in the Gator Bowl against Clemson. Happy that they drew the Tigers rather than Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, whose offense I thought could torch the Huskers. I think Nebraska can definitely beat Clemson and cap Bo Pelini's first year off in style.

As for Cram Session, I will be picking every bowl game. The first Bowl edition of Cram Session will be posted on Wednesday, December 17, then another the 23rd, the 30th, and the last Cram Session will be January 7th where I will predict the national championship game.

The Redskins lost to the Ravens and fell to 7-6. For the Redskins to make the playoffs they have to win their last 3 games, then hope for the Falcons, Cowboys, and Eagles to all stumble. Not looking too good. People in Washington all want to jump off a bridge, the same people who 2 months ago were printing Super Bowl tickets. The Redskins are a decent team, nothing more, nothing less, wish people in DC would get some perspective.

The Tar Heels of North Carolina are still undefeated after giving sorry Michigan State another ACC beatdown. I really believe this team can go undefeated. George Mason went 1-1 this week, winning their first conference game on the road at Drexel Saturday. They are currently 6-2 and get two weeks off for exams.

The Hail Mary - Week 14

Two storied franchises meet head to head in the game of the week as the Dallas Cowboys travel to Pittsburgh to take on the Steelers. The result of this game will have huge implications on the playoff races in both conferences no matter who wins or loses. Are the Cowboys really back to their early season dominance or have they feasted on poor competition? Are the Steelers truly an elite team, that will take care of business at home? We find out Sunday.

I will be lucky enough to be at my Dad's on Sunday so I will get a chance to have a look at every game with the NFL Sunday Ticket.

Games That I Will Be Watching

Oakland (3-9) at San Diego (4-8)

A game like this won't convince anyone that they are missing out on what is one of the best networks on TV, the NFL Network. Won't watch this from beginning to end but will check in on it. The Chargers are bad, but for Norv Turner's sake they better not be bad enough to lose at home to the Raiders.

Prediction: San Diego 24, Oakland 13

Jacksonville (4-8) at Chicago (6-6)

From what little I saw of Jacksvonille's Monday night game at Houston showed me how pathetic the Jags are this year. They have mailed it in, and the Bears have been handed a gift by the NFL, with their suspension of Kevin and Pat Williams of the Vikings.

Prediction: Chicago 27, Jacksonville 20

Minnesota (7-5) at Detroit (0-12)

This game makes me nervous. Not only because the Williams' will likely not play (as of this writing they are appealing their suspensions through the courts) but also because the last time the Lions started 0-12 they ended their futility at home against the Vikings. It won't and can't happen this time.

Prediction: Minnesota 24, Detroit 19

Houston (5-7) at Green Bay (5-7)

The Packers pretty much have to run the table to have any chance of making the playoffs. The Texans playoff hopes are done but they have won 5 of 8 since an 0-4 start. They make a game out of it, but I will go with the Pack.

Prediction: Green Bay 31, Houston 28

Cleveland (4-8) at Tennessee (11-1)

Cleveland is down to third string QB Ken Dorsey. This has blowout written all over it.

Prediction: Tennessee 28, Cleveland 7

Cincinnati (1-10-1) at Indianapolis (8-4)

The Colts have a real shot of heading into the playoffs on a 9 game winning streak.

Prediction: Indianapolis 34, Cincinnati 14

Atlanta (8-4) at New Orleans (6-6)

Cowboys and Redskins fans will have a close eye on this one. The Saints were also hit with suspensions due to this illegal diuretic incident, hampering what already wasn't a very good defense.

Prediction: Atlanta 28, New Orleans 24

Philadelphia (6-5-1) at New York Giants (11-1)

Philadelphia's one week love affair with Donovan McNabb will end after a poor performance for him at the Meadowlands. The Giants have proven they don't need Plaxico Burress and that they can handle any and all distractions.

Prediction: New York Giants 24, Philadelphia 10

Kansas City (2-10) at Denver (7-5)

I should just give up on trying to predict Broncos games. They never go the way I think they will. I think they will win this one so most likely they will play like garbage at home again.

Prediction: Denver 28, Kansas City 22

Miami (7-5) at Buffalo (6-6)

Miami gets to avoid frigid Buffalo and instead play in a dome in Canada. The Bills may have to start the pathetic JP Losman, the Dolphins miracle season will continue to get better and better.

Prediction: Miami 20, Buffalo 13

New York Jets (8-4) at San Francisco (4-8)

The 49ers are still mathematically alive in the NFC West race! Unfortunately, that will end after this week.

Prediction: New York Jets 27, San Francisco 21

New England (7-5) at Seattle (2-10)

Originally the Sunday Night game, this was flexed out by Washington at Baltimore. Thank goodness.

Prediction: New England 34, Seattle 17

St. Louis (2-10) at Arizona (7-5)

RB Tim Hightower has had one good game since replacing Edgerrin James as the starter. It was against the Rams.

Prediction: Arizona 37, St. Louis 20

Dallas (8-4) at Pittsburgh (9-3)

This is a really hard game to predict. Homefield advantage isn't what it used to be in the NFL so throw that out. I believe the Steelers will get pressure on Tony Romo but that he will be able to evade it enough to avoid getting injured. Dallas get's the ball last and wins.

Prediction: Dallas 20, Pittsburgh 19

Washington (7-5) at Baltimore (8-4)

A must win game for the Redskins and it couldn't be a worse matchup for them. Their offense has stunk for about a month and now they get to play one of the best defenses in the game. The Giants showed that the Ravens can be run on, but the Giants are also much better than the Skins. Clinton Portis is banged up and will be held in check. The Redskins only hope is their defense can blitz the heck out of Joe Flacco and force turnovers. This isn't your father's Ravens though, as they now have a capable offense to match that defense. Ravens win.

Prediction: Baltimore 21, Washington 15

Tampa Bay (9-3) at Carolina (9-3)

First place in the NFC South is on the line in this Monday Night game. One of my readers, Matt Pinto, is a huge Carolina fan and was distraught at me labeling the Panthers as frauds. Credit to Carolina, they went into Green Bay and won. Matt, you should probably stop reading at this point though. The Panthers benefited from playing a team with a defense that is going downhill fast. The Bucs defense will magnify the struggles that Jake Delhomme has been having lately and contain RBs Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams.

Prediction: Tampa Bay 24, Carolina 23

Last Week: 9-7
Overall: 93-51-1