NFL Week 16 Pigskin Predictions

SATURDAY
LIONS 31, falcons 27
Megatron pounds out 110 yards and a touchdown to lead Detroit to a Saturday night win in its den.

Vikings K Blair Walsh

SUNDAY (NOON)
vikes 23, TEXANS 20
It’s more Adrian Peterson and more Blair Walsh for the Vikings in Houston today. Much like last week in St. Louis, the sensational running back and strong-booted rookie kicker lead their team to upset its opponent on their home floors. The Vikes wrangle up the Texans for a big-time win.

saints 34, BOYS 30
The Cowboys have played some solid football of late. But, on the whole, this team is the definition of hot and cold. Dallas is due to lose and although the Saints are out of the playoff hunt, Drew Brees is always a tough competitor. Saints win by four.

PACK 27, titans 16
The Titans and Jake Locker hang tough in Packerland, but the better team still wins in the end.

colts 24, CHIEFS 10

Andrew Luck continues leading the Colts ascent into the playoffs. Amazing, just one year after 2-14.

Bills 17, FINS 13

(Snore) There’s basically one reason to watch this game: C.J. Spiller. The talented Bills back is bound to gain 100 yards on the ground. Okay, there might be two reasons; Fins RB Reggie Bush can be entertaining too. But the team from upstate New York gets the win in South Beach.


Jets QB Greg McElroy

JETS 14, chargers 13

Greg McElroy exposes the many flaws off Mark Sanchez. Don’t get me wrong. The Jets are still not a very good team. But the ex-‘Bama helmsman gives them a better chance to win. On the other side of this matchup, San Diego is in shambles. The Big Apple tops the Bolts.

Skins 24, EAGLES 20

RG III continues to lead the Redskins ascent into the playoffs. DC wins in Philly.

STEEL 23, bengals 17

Big Ben is armed to throw some bombs over the Bengals. Cincinnati is playing for its playoff life on its home turf, but Pittsburgh shows it still has a wicked defense and is still has a better squad than it’s AFC North rival.

Rams 24, BUCS 21

Tampa is hitting the skids. St. Louis, despite dashing its playoff chances last week against the Vikes, still has more pluck than the Bucs. The Rams have the edge is this one.

PANTHERS 27, raiders 16

Cam Newton is coming back to life. The Raiders? Well, they woke up for a 15-nil shutout of the Chiefs last week. Unfortunately beating the Chiefs is like beating a dead fish this year. Oakland goes into Carolina and leaves as loses of seven of its last eight. 

Pats 34, JAGS 24

New England picks up right where it left off in the second half of its game last Sunday night against the Niner – lighting up NFL scoreboards. The Pats drop the Jags by 10.

SUNDAY (LATE)

BRONCOS 17, browns 10

Bears DE Julius Peppers (Right)

The Browns are boring, but they know how to hang tough – against the good teams and bad. Peyton’s Magical Mystery Comeback Tour keeps trucking along, as Denver marches on to its tenth win in a row.
Bears 20, CARDS 16
Ryan Lindley, meet Julius Peppers. After making ridicule of its 7-1 start, Chicago salvages its playoff hopes by defeating Arizona.

RAVENS 27, giants 24

Rambling Ray Rice pummels past the mighty G-Men’s front four, as his Ravens upend New York in Baltimore.

SNF

HAWKS 20, niners 17

Seahawks QB Russell Wilson

Ah, the game of the week … Two of the league’s most exciting young quarterbacks square off in primetime tomorrow night. Russell Wilson, especially. The stealth Seahawks rookie has led his team to back-to-back 50-point-plus performances these past two weeks. This week, Wilson and the Hawks come down from its cloud, but not so far that it can’t beat the Niners. In a nip-and-tuck, bruising battle in Seattle, Wilson keeps on rolling. The Seahawks win by a field goal.





NFL Week 14 Pigskin Predictions

THURSDAY

broncos 31, RAIDERS 13

Vikings RB Adrian Peterson

Peyton beats pathetic … Broncos beat Raiders.

SUNDAY NOON

VIKES 20, bears 17

Adrian rolls his 100-yard rush streak up to seven games, as the Vikings beat the Bears at home.

Rams 21, BILLS 17

Buffalo plays as cold as its weather, as the dome-homed Rams brave frigid temps and pull out the upset on the road.

Boys 27, BENGALS 17

Teams teetering the playoff line square off in Cincinnati today, where the Bengals host the Cowboys. Despite the off-field drama, the Dallas D steps up big. Boys CB Morris Claiborne blankets Cincy WR A.J. Green en route to a crucial win

Chiefs 17, BROWNS 13

Kansas City (2-10) rides its emotional victory over Carolina last week into Cleveland today, where the Browns (4-8) are eying a third straight win. The Chiefs are not very good, but three straight for the Browns? Not gonna happen. Chiefs win again.

Colts QB Andrew Luck

COLTS 34, titans 17

Indianapolis flies home following a nailbiting 35-33 comeback win last week in Detroit. Hosting the woeful Titans, victory comes much easier for Andrew Luck and the Colts today. Indy wins big.

STEEL 17, chargers 13

The Chargers bolt into Pittsburgh today, losers of seven of its past eight games. Sorry, Chargers fans. Make that eight out of nine.

BUCS 24, eagles 20

Tampa Bay (6-6) keeps its playoff boat afloat, topping the struggling Eagles by four.

SKINS 27, ravens 24 (in OT)

Robert Griffin III’s exciting streak of quarterback play extends again today, leading the Redskins over the Ravens for its fourth straight win.

Falcons 34, PANTHERS 24

Atlanta tunes up against the Panthers on the road today, notching the win in hopes of hosting NFC victims all playoffs long.

JAGS 24, jets 17

Which passing offense is worse? The Christian Ponder-led Vikings or the Mark Sanchez-led Jets? Statistically it’s Minnesota. But the Jets don’t have the benefit of Adrian Peterson. Rex’s Jets lose in Jacksonville today.

SUNDAY LATE

NINERS 27, fins 6

49ers DE Aldon Smith

The NFL’s 28^th-ranked offense travels coast-to-coast to face the League’s No. 2 defense today in San Francisco. The matchup proves dreadful for Miami, as the 49ers strike fast and sink the Dophins by three scores.

GIANTS 34, saints 27

If the Giants hope to keep an edge on the Cowboys and Redskins, they need to win at home today. Facing the 5-7 New Orleans, New York rises to the challenge, dousing the Saints’ playoffs shot en route to running its record to 8-5.

HAWKS 24, cards 7

The Cardinals are hopeless. Seattle is playoff bound. Seahawks win big.

SNF

PACK 34, lions 30

In an exciting air affair in Green Bay tonight, the Lions’ take a lead into the final frame but find a way to lose (again).

Patriots QB Tom Brady

MNF

PATS 31, texans 23

New England’s passing attack is on fire, while Houston’s pass defense has been frigid. While the one-loss Texans are obviously a team on the rise, they’re not quite ready to take the baton from the Patriots. Tom Brady throws for 300 yards and four touchdowns, as New England surges toward the playoffs with its seventh straight win

NFL Week 13 Pigskin Predictions

THURSDAY

FALCONS over saints

Atlanta finally takes a firm step over its NFC South archrival and predecessor. After losing 11 of its past 13 matchups against the Saints, including Nov. 11 in New Orleans, in one fell swoop the Falcons (10-1) defeat the 2010 Super Bowl champions Thursday night and take a firm step toward claiming its first team title in the franchise’s 46-year existence. In a back-and-forth shootout, the Dirty Birds defeat Drew Brees’ fleet by four and to improve to improve to 11-1 and send the Saints (5-6) playoff hopes out of sight.

PREDICTION: FALCONS 35, saints 31

Packers WR Greg Jennings

NOON GAMES

PACK over vikes

As much as I’d love, love, to take my Vikings in this one, I just can’t. The Packers look vulnerable after being obliterated last Sunday in New York. Injuries have hit the Pack so hard, that even Aaron Rodgers couldn’t save them. However, Rodgers gets a familiar friend back this week (top wide-out Greg Jennings, healthy with the fresh scent of Old Spice after missing seven games with a groin injury) and faces a passing-deficient foe that will not be able to keep up with him.  Minnesota, despite another big day from Adrian Peterson, struggles through more poor passes and even poorer drops, loses to its border state rival and loses a crucial game in regard to its playoff potential. Green Bay outlasts the Vikes by six.

PREDICTION: PACKERS 30, vikings 24

jags over BILLS

The Jaguars win back-to-back games? Nooo-ooh! … Yes. Not that Chad Henne’s going to lead Jacksonville to promise land anytime soon, but he may have put an abrupt end to Blaine Gabbert’s disappointing young quarterback career as a Jag a la Colt McCoy in Cleveland. In 25 games, Gabbert, Jacksonville’s 1^st round pick (10^th overall) in 2011, has thrown just 21 touchdowns (to 17 picks), averaged a mere 155 passing yards per game (including 5.6 yards per attempt) with a 53.8% completion rate. Henne’s no superstar. But the 32-year-old vet’s certainly proving he gives his team far more hope than Gabbert. Connecting for scores with wide-out weapons Cecil Shorts and Justin Blackmon, Henne’s Jaguars (2-9) upset the 4-7 Bills in upstate New York today.

PREDICTION: jaguars 31, BILLS 27

Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch

hawks over BEARS

Despite the dominance over the Vikings last week, the Bears appear a bit overrated in my eyes. Seattle, coming off a disappointing performance in Miami last week, returns to its typically stout form today. Marshawn Lynch returns to Beast Mode, shedding off tacklers for 130 yards and a touchdown, as the Seahawks help keep its (and several other teams’) postseason hopes alive with a sterling victory over the Bears in Chicago.

PREDICTION: seahawks 24, BEARS 17

LIONS over colts

As an underdog fan, oh would I like to see the Cols (7-4) make the playoffs. Picture it: Led by rookie QB Andrew Luck, Indianapolis rebounds from a 2-14 season, reaches the playoffs, where the team possibly gets paired up to play a first-round matchup against Peyton Manning and the Broncos. Oh what drama that would be! … But to do so, the Colts must prove to be a better team on the road. Detroit, coming off a Thanksgiving robbery by Justin Forsett and the Texans, is out to prove its mettle for its devoted home fans today. The Lions top Indy by a ten.

PREDICTION: LIONS 31, colts 21

Texans RB Arian Foster

texans over TITANS

--> Arian Foster distances himself from his AFC rushing title competitors, running roughshot over the Titans as his Texans cruise to an easy 24-point victory in Tennessee

PREDICTION: Texans 34, TITANS 10

panthers over CHIEFS

Just when you think Kansas City’s season couldn’t get any worse. After a home loss to Denver last Sunday drops them to 1-10, the team experiences a startling tragedy Saturday and has to try to galvanize itself for a noon game today against the Panthers. As much as the Chiefs would love to give its home fans something positive to grab onto today; the lack of talent is one thing, the tragedy is another and too much to overcome this soon. In a game at Kansas City’s Arrowhead Stadium today where the outcome matters very little, Carolina defeats the despondent Chiefs by seven.

PREDICTION: panthers 20, CHIEFS 13

RAMS over niners

Upset city! Yes, I’m taking the Rams today. The Rams … Colin Kaepernick mania has taken top billing over the NFL globe these past couple of weeks. After a throttling of the Bears at home Nov. 19, followed by a convincing win against the then-red-hot Saints in New Orleans, the 25-year-old Milwaukee, Wisconsin native has suddenly inherited the heart of a stout San Francisco team built for a Super Bowl run. Since taking the reins, Kaepernick had a  11-for-17, 117-yard performance rallying the 49ers to a tie in Week 11, composed a spectacular 133.1 QB rating in a Monday Night matchup against Chicago and engineered a 31-21 victory in a game dubbed as Fox’s national game-of-the-week last Sunday in the Superdome. On top of that, there’s the intrigue with Kaepernick innocently replacing the unflashy-yet-steady Alex Smith at the helm of a team Smith led to a 13-3 record and NFC championship game last season and a 6-2 start to this season. So there’s good reason behind this Kaepernick craze … But the heat gets tempered today in St. Louis. The last time the 4-6-1 Rams were playing on its home turf, the team suffered an embarrassing 14-point defeat at the hands of the woeful New York Jets. While the playoffs are well out of range for St. Louis, the Rams are out for redemption from that Jets loss and from its Week 11 tie with the Niners in San Francisco. Today, Rams linebacker James Laurinaitis leads the team’s D, while Sam Bradford and Steven Jackson pace the O as St. Louis ekes out an exciting upset over Kaepenick’s clan on its Edward Jones Dome floor.

PREDICTION: RAMS 23, 49ers 20

pats over FINS

With touchdowns on its first two drives, the Patriots set the tone for an overwhelming defeat of the Dolphins in south Florida today. Ryan Tannehill, meet Tom Brady. The Sun Life Stadium sprinklers will not be enough for a Miami win today. New England wins big.

PREDICTION: patriots 38, DOLPHINS 17

Jets RB Shonn Greene

JETS over cards

If the Thanksgiving night massacre wasn’t enough for Jets’ fans to stomach, imagine how they’ll feel if third-string QB Ryan Lindley leads struggling Arizona to a win on their team’s home turf … While it’s still a miserable season, Jets fans should not have to face added embarrassment today. A strong rushing performance from Shonn Greene complements another pedantic Mark Sanchez effort as New York manages to stave off a lackluster fight from the Cardinals to “earn” the victory.

PREDICTION: JETS 17, cardinals 10

LATE GAMES

BRONCOS over bucs

Denver’s favored by nine in this game. It makes sense. Peyton Manning – who’s not only a comeback player of the year frontrunner, but also an MVP candidate – is facing the NFL’s last-ranked pass defense on his home field. But don’t discount the Bucs’ chance at an upset. Rookie Doug Martin has revived a Tampa rushing attack that ranked 30^th last season and quarterback Josh Freeman has reprised his 2010 form. In a back-and-forth thriller of a game this afternoon, Manning’s Broncos emerge in overtime.

PREDICTION: BRONCOS 27, buccaneers 24 (in OT)

RAIDERS over browns

Yawn ... Wake me up when it’s over. Someone has to win this battle of 3-8 teams. Oh, the Raiders are playing at home? Sure, why not them then.

PREDICTION: RAIDERS 16, browns 10

Chargers WR Malcom Floyd

CHARGERS over Bengals

Cincinnati’s down three points facing a 4^th-and-29 late in the game today at San Diego. What hysterical hilarity would ensue if they reproduced the succession Baltimore’s Ray Rice experienced in the same stadium last Sunday? That would be crazy. If this game is a close as I expect it to be, that same scenario could very well present itself. At 4-7, San Diego is a far cry from the playoffs, but Philip Rivers connects with Malcom Floyd for two touchdowns and his defense holds up enough to avoid a consecutive week of dubious dysfunction as the Bolts beat the Bengals.

PREDICTION: CHARGERS 24, bengals 20

RAVENS over steel

The Steelers just aren’t the Steelers without Ben Roethlisberger. And with Big Ben (shoulder, ribs) out again, this typically exciting rivalry game will be far from it today.

PREDICTION: RAVENS 23, steelers 10

SNF

BOYS over eagles

Philadelphia is on the brink of many things … and none of them are good. Facing its eighth straight loss, the Eagles prepare to wrangle the Cowboys in Big D. While the Boys have been underwhelming at home in recent weeks, Philly simply stinks right now. Dallas should be ready to romp.

PREDICTION: COWBOYS 24, eagles 17

MNF

giants over SKINS

Giants WR Hakeem Nicks

Is RGIII ready for primetime? The answer is an emphatic, yes. Robert Griffin the third appears to have been born for primetime. And he proved as much with his Thanksgiving feast of Dallas defensive backs 10 days ago. On tap tomorrow is the 7-4 Giants fresh off a dominant Sunday night performance against the Packers last week. This one should be a spectacle. Expect for Griffin to put on a dazzling display for his Redskins fans tomorrow night in DC. However, in what’s sure to be an impressive quarterback showdown, Eli Manning tosses a late-game touchdown to Hakeem Nicks as the Giants emerge with the win in the end.

PREDCITION: giants 27, REDSKINS 24

Week 11 NFL Pigskin Predictions

NOON GAMES

FALCONS over cards

Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez

Atlanta’s gonna rock Arizona today. The Falcons return to their beloved Georgia Dome nest after falling for its first time this season last week at New Orleans. The Cardinals, meanwhile, have lost five in a row and an offense that resembles the strength of a cardboard box. Atlanta wins handily.
PREDICTION: FALCONS 31, cards 10


BOYS over browns

This game is a must-win for Dallas if it wants to make the playoffs. The Cowboys are only 1-2 at home this season, but that playoff carrot combined with a meager opponent lead to a win and a .500 record for Big D.
 

PREDICTION: COWBOYS 27, browns 10

pack over LIONS
Much like the Cowboys, the Lions will need a home win today any shot at the playoffs. And, they certainly have the offense to do so. Detroit QB Matthew Stafford throws for 300 yards and 3 TDs today, connect with Calvin Johnson for two of those scores. But Packers’ Aaron Rodgers is just a little more hot than Stafford, other any other quarterback in the league right now, and Discount Double-Check gives Green Bay the edge in a highly entertaining shootout.

PREDICTION: PACK 34, LIONS 30



Chiefs RB Jamal Charles

CHIEFS over bengals

Having lost six straight games and seeking its first home win, Kansas City is poised to pull an upset today. Chiefs running back Jamal Charles picks apart a mediocre Cincinnati run defense, bursting for a 150 yards and two scores to lead his team by the Bengals.

PREDICTION: CHIEFS 20, bengals 16


RAMS over jets

Stephen Jackson turned in a warrior-like performance in San Francisco last week. This week, against a far weaker rush defense, he picks up his game another notch. Jackson, combined with St. Louis’ impressive possession receiver Danny Amendola, leads the host Rams past the sinking Jets today.  

PREDICTION: RAMS 24, jets 14



Eagles QB Nick Foles

eagles over SKINS

With Michael Vick out, Eagles quarterback Nick Foles gets his chance to make a name for himself today. And facing a porous Redskins pass defense helps his cause. Foles passes for a pair of touchdowns as Philadelphia downs the Skins in DC.

PREDICTION: eagles 27, SKINS 20


bucs over PANTHERS

Whether it be lack of confidence, lack of receivers, or both, Cam Newton is clearly not lived up to his Super Cam trademark. Tampa Bay has a hot quarterback, an impressive rookie running back and legitimate playoff homes. The Bucs defeat the Panthers in Carolina today, raising its record to 6-4 with its fifth win in six games.

PREDICTION: bucs, 27, PANTHERS 20

TEXANS over jags
This game – between an 8-1 home team and a 1-8 visitor – is definitely a poor matchup on paper. It’s also a poor matchup on the field. The Texans stomp the Jags in south Texas today.

PREDICTION: TEXANS 37, jags 6

Saints TE Jimmy Graham

LATE GAMES

saints over RAIDERS

New Orleans hopes to turn its 0-4 record into a playoff berth. Riding its hot offense and improving defense, the Saints take another step toward doing so today. Drew Brees airs it out once again, as he and star tight end Jimmy Graham lead their team to a road win in Oakland.

PREDICTION: saints 34, RAIDERS 24 

BRONCOS over chargers

The Broncos are currently favored by nine to win this game. But this rivalry game will be closer than many expect. At home today, Denver sneaks by San Diego in overtime.

PREDICTION: BRONCOS 27, chargers 24 (in OT)

PATS over colts
An intriguing matchup takes place in New England this afternoon, where the 6-3 Colts take on the 6-3 Patriots. For a team that was 2-14 a year ago, Indy has been quite an endearing success story this season. In an exciting game between a highly-acclaimed veteran quarterback and a super sensational rookie quarterback, Tom Brady and his team’s home-field advantage sway the decision over Andrew Luck and the Colts in the end.

PREDICTION: PATS 34, colts 31


SNF

STEELERS over ravens

Pittsburgh’s stable of running backs are rounding back into good health. And with Ben Roethlisberger out, this comes at just the right time. The Steelers D pins down the Ravens, while its RB trio of Rashard Mendenhall, Isaac Redman and Jonathan Dwyer lead the O, as host Pittsburgh ekes out an important win against archrival Baltimore.


PREDICTION: STEELERS 16, ravens 13

MNF
NINERS over bears


49ers QB Colin Kaepernick

Jason Campbell versus Colin Kaepernick. Which backup is better? The key in this game will be Kapernick against the pick-happy Bears. Colin keeps the turnovers at a minimum while handing the ball to Frank Gore to pace the 49ers past the Bears at home tomorrow night.

PREDICTION: NINERS 20, bears 17

 

NFL Week Eight Pigskin Predictions

THURSDAY
VIKES over bucs
Jerome Simpson catches his first touchdown pass of the season and Christian Ponder throws for 250 yards and two touchdowns, as the Purple pillage the Buccaneers at home.

PREDICTION: VIKES 27, bucs 20 [RESULT: bucs 35, vikes 16]



Bears RB Matt Forte

SUNDAY (NOON)

BEARS over panthers
Panthers quarterback Cam Newton has been overcome by a bounty of scrutiny and despair this year. The despondent second-year quarterback has appeared flustered and self-doubtful. Could this be the week he pulls it together? Newton takes a step forward this week, but it comes in a losing effort. Despite 300 yards combined passing and rushing from its quarterback, Carolina (1-5) comes up short against the superior team in Chicago today. A big day from Matt Forte leads the Bears to a four-point win and a 6-1 record for the season.


PREDICTION: BEARS 24, panthers 20

Chargers over BROWNS

Cleveland’s era of ineptitude reeks back the late-1980s. The Pittsburgh Pirates of the NFL have had three winning seasons in the past 22 seasons – a combined record of 108-203. It’s a two decade-plus era of disgust amounting to 34.7%. The Browns are hoping to climb out of this gaping hole on the arm of its 29-year-old, 1^st round draft pick Brandon Weeden. Without a lot of weapons surrounding him, Weeden has played well. But the team still stinks. Following a bye week after a miserable three-pick fourth quarter performance against Denver, single-handedly causing his team a loss, Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers welcomes a trip to north Cleveland today. Rivers feeds off the league’s 28^th-ranked pass defense, throwing for 300 yards and three touchdowns as San Diego downs the Browns by 10.

PREDICTION: chargers 27, BROWNS 17

LIONS over hawks

Detroit’s high-octane offense of last season appears to have a flat tire thus far in 2012. Needing a boost from its running game, Mikel Leshoure carries the ball 20 times for 80 yards, complementing Matthew Stafford and the Lions passing game en route to an impressive defeat of the 4-3 Seahawks at home.

PREDICTION: LIONS 24, hawks 17

Packers WR Randall Cobb

PACK over jags

Fantasy owners, get your Randall Cobb and James Jones into your lineups! Heck, maybe even picking up 37-year old Donald Driver is a good idea. Missing his top two weapons (WRs Greg Jennings and Jordy Nelson), a hot Aaron Rodgers uses all second-hands on deck to pounce on the 1-5 Jaguars today. Green Bay wins this game with ease.

PREDICTION: PACKERS 27, jags 6

colts over TITANS

Andrew Luck dices up a porous Titans pass defense as the Colts get road victory No. 1 today in Tennessee.

PREDICTION: colts 28, TITANS 20

pats over RAMS

Tom Brady shows the Queen of England who’s the King of New England. Brady connects with his favorite target Wes Welker 10 times to lead the Patriots past the Rams at London’s Wembley Stadium.

PREDICTION: pats 30, RAMS 17 (in London)

JETS over fins

AFC East division foes beat up each other defensively, as the teams struggle to find any offense. In the end, the Jets top the Dolphins on a late-game pick-six.

PREDICTION: JETS 17, fins 10 

Eagles QB Michael Vick

EAGLES over falcons

Disgusted by turnovers but not discouraged by his confidence as a quarterback, Michael Vick plays with conviction today against the 6-0 Falcons. Philadelphia WR Jeremy Maclin finds rhythm with his embattled quarterback today, as Vick connects with him for 8 catches, a hundred yards and a score. The Falcons become the league’s lone undefeated team no longer, as the Eagles edge Atlanta by three.

PREDICTION: EAGLES 27, falcons 24

STEEL over skins

Much like pitching phenom Stephen Strasburg has breathed new hope into the Nationals, Robert Griffin III has revitalized football in the nation’s capital. The Redkins of recent years could not compete with the perennial playoff-bound Steelers, especially in Pittsburgh. Today, Griffin and company give the Steel Curtain a strong test. But the NFL’s No. 1 defense gives little crease to Griffin’s rushing holes and passing airways today. Conversely, Griffin’s counterpart Ben torches a week Washington secondary. Ben Roethlisberger passes for 300 yards and two touchdowns to lead Pittsburgh to victory.

PREDICTION: STEEL 24, skins 20

 

SUNDAY (LATE)

CHIEFS over raiders

Kansas City and Oakland make it evident that they are the two inferior teams of the AFC West. In a game rife with turnovers, the Chiefs eke out an overtime win over the Raiders. 

PREDICTION: CHIEFS 23, raiders 20 (in OT)
 

Cowboys QB Tony Romo

BOYS over giants

The Cowboys entered the season with high expectations (well, aren’t they always high in Dallas?). Through six games, however, the team has been the epitome of mediocrity. Despite the disappointments, however, Jerry’s Boys could suddenly vault into the NFC elite with a sweep of the Super Bowl champ Giants this afternoon. New York may be the NFL’s hottest team right now, barging into this showdown on a three-game winning streak. But today, constantly-scrutinized Tony Romo throws for 300 yards and leads Dallas (3-3) past Eli Manning and the G-Men.

PREDICTION: BOYS 27, giants 20 

SNF

saints over BRONCOS
Can the once 0-4 Saints recover in time to save its playoff hopes? It’s a long climb out of that pitfall, but if anyone can do it it’s Drew Brees. Facing a daunting challenge against a resurgent Peyton Manning in Denver will be difficult, especially for New Orleans’ 27^th-ranked passing defense. This Sunday Night showdown promises plenty of fireworks, as Brees’s bunch upsets Manning’s Broncos at Mile High.

PREDICTION: saints 31, BRONCOS 27

49ers RB Frank Gore

MNF

niners over CARDS
The reeling Cardinals try to rally its troops and keep its once-4-0 record over .500 at home in primetime tomorrow night. But victories against San Francisco are hard to come by and the 49ers enter this game fresh after 10 days rest. Frisco’s bruising running back Frank Gore continues to cruise following his 131-yard performance Oct. 18 against Seattle, as the Niners dispatch Arizona in desert.

PREDICTION: niners 17, CARDS 13

Bye teams: Buffalo, Cincinnati, Baltimore, Houston

NFL Week Seven Pigskin Predictions

Thursday

NINERS over hawks

In a staunch defensive battle on the west coast, San Francisco survives the Seahawks on a late-game TD run by Frank Gore.

PREDICTION: NINERS 17, hawks 10 [RESULT: NINERS 13, hawks 6]

Vikings RB Adrian Peterson

Sunday (NOON)

VIKES over cards

It’s Adrian Peterson all day long. The Vikings All-Pro running back goes for 120 yards and two TDs to lead his team past the Cardinals.

PREDICTION: VIKES 24, cards 17

BILLS over titans

Buffalo intercepts Matt Hasselbeck three times, including one for a touchdown. Running back Fred Jackson finds the end zone for another Bills touchdown, as his team topples the Titans at home.

PREDICTION: BILLS 23, titans 17

Colts QB Andrew Luck

COLTS over browns

After an ugly showing last week, Andrew Luck makes certain his team bounces back at home against the lowly Browns.

PREDICTION: COLTS 31, browns 17

pack over RAMS

Despite its loss to the Dolphins last week, the 3-3 Rams have shown they’ve become a much-improved team this season. Meanwhile, Aaron Rodgers and his 15-1 team from last year have already tripled that loss total. But after trouncing the Texans the Pack appears to be back on track. Green Bay survives a tough road challenge and climbs over .500 for its first time of the season.

PREDICTION: pack 30, RAMS 24

GIANTS over redskins

Washington D.C. football fans have begun to think RG III is the greatest thing since sliced bread. While it appears the rookie quarterback is bringing the Redskins back to relevance, a victory against the Giants in New York is just too tough to handle.

PREDICTION: GIANTS 26, skins 17

Saints over BUCS

With its abysmal defense the Saints managed to start the season 0-4, and this includes a home loss to the 1-5 Chiefs. It’s been ugly, to say the least. But despite the disarray, New Orleans gets it done against the Bucs today and earns its first the road win of the season.

PREDICTION: saints 27, BUCS 20

Boys over PANTHERS

Cowboys TE Jason Witten

Facing the fate of a 2-4 start, the Cowboys take its show on the road today at Carolina. Quarterback Tony Romo steps up and finds his safety valve, tight end Jason Witten, and leads his team to victory and back into contention against its challenging NFC East division.

PREDICTION: boys 23, PANTHERS 17

TEXANS over ravens

Playing without its leader Ray Lewis today, the Ravens are wounded to say the least. It doesn’t help to have to play a tough Texans team reeling from embarrassment of a blowout home loss last week in the limelight of Sunday night. Out to prove they’re better than that, Houston holds onto home field advantage and ekes out a four point win.

PREDICTION: TEXANS 24, ravens 20

SUNDAY (LATE)

RAIDERS over jags

The 1-4 Jaguars enter Oakland (also 1-4) today averaging an abysmal 241.2 yards of offense per game. Well-rested from its bye week, Jacksonville gives its all today. But its all just quite isn’t good enough. The Jags fall to the Raiders in overtime.

PREDICTION: RAIDERS 23, jags 20 (in OT)

PATS over jets

This game is no contest. A loss in Seattle last week has raised some credibility concerns in New England, Today, however, the Patriots start strong and finish strong against division rival New York, defeating the Jets in blowout fashion.

PREDICTION: PATS 31, jets 13

Steelers MLB James Harrison (92)

SNF

steel over BENGALS

Pittsburgh holds a disappointing record of 2-3, with all three losses coming on the road. This week, well, they’re on the road again. The Steelers are in Cincinnati to face A.J. Green and the Bengals. Green leads the NFL in yards receiving. He’s also caught touchdowns in five straight games and his total of six ranks second in that category – Green Bay’s James Jones, believe it or not, ranks first with seven. But the Steelers defense is able to rattle Green and Bengals QB Andy Dalton today. Pittsburgh’s four-time Pro Bowl linebacker James Harrison picks up two sacks today, leading his team to that elusive first road win.

PREDICTION: steel 24, BENGALS 17

MNF

ions over BEARS

It’s been a disappointing season for Detroit quarterback Matthew Stafford. The NFL’s number one overall draft pick in 2009 threw 41 touchdowns and lifted the Lions out of anonymity and into the playoffs last year. Through five games this year, he’s thrown for 4 TDs and ranks 24^th in QB rating (at 79.2). Thus, traveling to 4-1 Chicago tomorrow, Detroit is a seven-point underdog … The task appears too heavy; the Bears rank fourth in pass defense and first in interceptions – with 13. But last week was a turning point for Stafford. After a rough three quarters, he threw two touchdowns in the fourth quarter and rallied his team to an improbable comeback win Philadelphia. Maintaining that momentum, Stafford connects with top target Calvin Johnson and the Lions upset the Bears under the bright lights of Monday Night.

PREDICTION: lions 27, BEARS 24

Bye teams: Atlanta, Denver, Kansas City, Miami, Philadelphia, San Diego

NFL Week Six Pigskin Predictions

THURSDAY
steelers over TITANS
Coming off a 30-7 drubbing at Minnesota last week, the Titans (1-4) get roughed up again and continue to tumble toward the bottom of the AFC ranks. Ben Roethlisberger throws for 300 yards and two touchdowns as Pittsburgh cruises past Tennessee in Nashville.

PREDICTION: steelers 27, TITANS 17 [RESULT: TITANS 26, steelers 23]

SUNDAY (NOON)
FALCONS over raiders

Falcons QB Matt Ryan (right)

In clichéd terms, this contest could be considered a "trap game" for the Falcons. Undefeated Atlanta hosts 1-3 Oakland this afternoon at the Georgia Dome. Pitted against league's 30th-ranked defense, the Falcons hang tough and do not fold. "Matty Ice" and his arsenal of weapons stay hot, as the home team trounces its cross-coast opponent by two touches.

PREDICTION: FALCONS 34, raiders 20

bengals over BROWNS
Cincinnati lost at home to the Dolphins last week. Not good. The Browns have shown signs of respectability (i.e. building a 14-0 lead against the Giants at New York last week). But the Browns still bumble more than the Bengals. A.J. Green extends his touchdown-scoring streak to five games as Cincinnati scratches out the victory.

PREDICTION: bengals 20, BROWNS 16

Rams RB Steven Jackson

rams over FINS
Stephen Jackson finally appears to be at full health. The Rams back rushes past the 100-yard mark for the first time this season as his Rams quietly improve to 4-2.

PREDICTION: rams 17, FINS 13

colts over JETS
The Andrew Luck show takes its exhibit to the Big Apple this afternoon to play the Jets. New York continues to find it difficult to win without a quality quarterback. Luck's Colts pull the upset over Mark Sanchez, Tim Tebow or whoever else might be at the helm for the host Jets today.

PREDICTION: colts 24, JETS 20

Eagles QB Michael Vick

EAGLES over lions
Michael Vicks gets his turnover woes under control as his Eagles fly by the Lions in Philly.

PREDICTION: EAGLES 31, lions 24
 
BUCS over chiefs
A battle of one-win teams takes place in Tampa Bay today, where the Buccaneers entertain the visiting Kansas City Chiefs. Who wins? Who cares? I guess the Bucs fans might. And today they're able to witness that win. The home team stops its three-game skid, topping the Chiefs by six.

Ravens K Justin Tucker

PREDICTION: BUCS 23, chiefs 17

RAVENS over boys
Dallas brings its "A" game to Baltimore this afternoon ... but, its not quite enough. Rookie kicker Justin Tucker boots a 48-yard game-winner in overtime, as the Ravens stave off a rugged effort from the Cowboys to win its 11th straight home game.

PREDICTION: RAVENS 20, boys 17 (in OT)

SUNDAY (LATE)

vikes over SKINS

Vikings WR Percy Harvin (right)

Minnesota continues to look more like a contender than a pretender. Led by a vastly improved secondary, the Vikings continue to shine on defense. On offense, early MVP candidate Percy Harvin continues to evade and deliver crushing blows to oncoming tacklers. As a team, the Purple defeat the Redskins in DC today and up its record to 5-1.

PREDICTION: vikes 27, SKINS 17

CARDS over bills

Arizona bounces back from its ugly 17-3 loss last week in St. Louis, defeating the struggling Bills in the desert today.

PREDICTION: CARDS 20, bills 17

Pats over HAWKS

In a hostile atmosphere at CenturyLink Field in Seattle this afternoon, Tom Brady and the Patriots pass the Seahawks’ test and improve to 4-2.

PREDICTION: pats 27, HAWKS 20

49ers RB Frank Gore (center)

NINERS over giants

The game of the week takes place in San Francisco today, in a rematch battle of last year’s NFC Championship game. San Francisco enters its contest against the Giants having won its previous two games by a combined score of 79-3. While it can’t expect to carry over that level of dominance against New York, the 49ers are able to exact revenge on the Super Bowl champs. Running back Frank Gore pounds the rock for 100 yards and two scores, pacing the host Niners past the G-Men.

PREDICTION: NINERS 21, giants 17

SNF

TEXANS over pack

A remedy to cure the struggling Packers is not a date with the 5-0 Texans in Houston. Without a decent running back and its number one receiver, the AFC’s number one defense is too tough for Green Bay to handle. Houston wins by four.

PREDICTION: TEXANS 24, pack 20

MNF

broncos over CHARGERS

Peyton Manning wins a shootout over his AFC West counterpart Philip Rivers tomorrow night in San Diego. The Broncos win by three to even its record at 3-3 and pull into a division-lead tie with the Chargers.

PREDICTION: broncos 27, CHARGERS 24

Bye teams: Chicago, New Orleans, Carolina, Jacksonville