NFL Week 14 Predictions

SUNDAY (NOON GAMES)

LIONS 31, vikes 23

Megatron, a.k.a. Calvin Johnson, puts the Fox NFL robot to shame in the Motor City today. Facing a dismal Vikings pass defense, Johnson hauls in eight receptions for 140 yards and a pair of touchdowns as Detroit extends its playoff hopes with a with at home.

BENGALS 14, texans 10

Quietly, coolly and calmly, the Texans are looking for its seventh consecutive victory. A team perennially known for its pourous defense, Houston enters its contest at Cincinnati with the league’s No. 1 defense. However, the team is unable to overcome key injuries (WR Andre Johnson and QB, Matt Schaub) today, as Andy Dalton, A.J. Green and the Bengals get the win.

saints 27, TITANS 17

Domed-home New Orleans would like to prove its toughness with a road win against the surging Tennessee Titans today. It will be a tall task, especially having to contain the NFL’s hottest running back (Chris Johnson), but Drew Brees and Co. get the job done and improve to 10-3.

eagles 17, FINS 14

Michael Vick returns to the field for Philadelphia today. But will he be ready against the mystifying Miami Dolphins (a team that is 4-1 in its past five games after beginning its season 0-7)? Vick plays well, but it’s Philadelphia’s defense –

keyed by CB Nnamdi Asomugha’s coverage of Miami WR Brandon Marshall – that particularly rises to the occasion as the Eagles triumph in South Beach.

JETS 23, chiefs 6

The Chiefs pulled off a shocking road upset in Chicago last week. Can they do it again? Not quite. No Tyler Palko-Dexter McCluster miracle today. The Jets win this game handily.

pats 27, SKINS 17

Washington was embarrassed at home last week against the Jets. So the Skins are looking to rebound for its home fans … The problem is, the Patriots are the team invading the nation’s capital today. Tom Brady continues his astounding season, Rob Gronkowski runs his touchdown total to 15 and New England marches to its fifth win

in a row.

PANTHERS 27, falcons 24

Super Cam has already doubled his team’s win total from last season. Newton makes it three wins in a row for Carolina today, as the Panthers earn the upset win and put a damper on Atlanta’s playoff hopes.

JAGS 20, bucs 17 (in OT)

The Jaguars looked lost and distraught last week in interim head coach Mel Tucker’s debut. Today, however, Jacksonville takes advantage of its star running back’s matchup against the league’s 29^th-ranked rush defense. Maurice Jones-Drew bowls through the Buccaneers defense and Tucker’s team emerges victorious in overtime.

RAVENS 38, colts 13

Ray Rice has a chance at history today, seeking his second straight 200-y

ard rushing day at home against the Colts. Baltimore wins big.

SUNDAY (LATE GAMES)

BRONCOS 17, bears 10

All Chris Carter does is catch touchdowns. All Tim Tebow does is wins games. Tebow’s lack of passing prowess could catch up to him next week against New England, but the Miracle Man does just enough to lead the Broncos past the wounded Bears today. Denver

wins its sixth straight.

CARDS 17, niners 14

Upset alert. Beanie Wells becomes the first opposing player earn a rushing touchdown against San Francisco this season, as the Cardinals follow its upset of the Cowboys last week with an impressive defeat of the 49ers today.

PACK 34, raiders 17

Oakland poses no match for the Pack today.

CHARGERS 38, bills 17

After a dominant win in Jacksonville last week, San Diego takes another big step towards salvaging a woeful season today. The Chargers score early and often in beating Buffalo to a pulp.

SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

giants 23, BOYS 20

Under the radar, Giants WR Victor Cruz could earn a Pro Bowl spot the way he’s playing. The second-year receiver out of Massachusetts adds to his 62 receptions, 1,076 receiving yards and 7 TDs tonight in Dallas, as the Giants improve to 3-0 against its archrival Cowboys in Jerry World.

MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

HAWKS 24, rams 10

Marshawn Lynch has been a wrecking ball for Seattle in recent weeks. So who’s to think the revolting Rams can stop him tomorrow night? Certainly not me. Seattle dispatches St. Louis and improves to 6-7.

NFL Week 13 Predictions

SUNDAY (EARLY GAMES)

VIKES 23, broncos 20

The Broncos have been on a roll in recent weeks – winning five of its past six games. The Vikings, meanwhile, have lost three straight and are mired in a dreadful season. The talk of the nation is Tim Tebow, but how about that Vikings quarterback? Christian Ponder looked pretty good last week in Atlanta, especially in the second half. Also, linebacker Chad Greenway played like a man possessed, amassing 16 tackles and stifling Falcons RB Michael Turner. Minnesota is without Adrian Peterson again. But with Ponder and Percy Harvin leading the offense, and Greenway and Jared Allen leading the defense, the Vikings oust Denver in dramatic fashion today.

BILLS 24, titans 20

Buffalo is starving for a victory. After coming oh so close last week at against the Jets, QB Ryan Fitzpatrick leads the Bills to a home win over the Titans today.

BEARS 20, chiefs 13

In a battle of two inexperienced quarterbacks and two mediocre defenses, Bears RB Matt Forte plays the role of difference-maker today. Chicago defeats the Chiefs by seven.

FINS 17, raiders 13

The Raiders march into Miami looking for its fourth straight win. Behind a revived defense, the Dolphins have been a very strong football team in recent weeks. The Fins defend their home turf and defeat Oakland for its fourth victory in five weeks.

PATRIOTS 34, colts 7

Dan Orlovsky takes over the reins at quarterback for the Colts today in New England. The move makes absolutely no difference. Tom Brady, Wes Welker and company lead the Patriots in steamrolling Indianapolis.

STEEL 23, bengals 17

Andy Dalton has brought new hope to the Cincinnati Bengals this season. The team is 7-4 and on the brink of a playoff bid as it travels to Pittsburgh today. However, Big Ben and the Steelers are too tough to handle. The Steel cages up the Bengals by six.

BUCS 27, panthers 24

Quarterback Josh Freeman (injury) yields to back-up Josh Johnson today in Tampa. Johnson steps up and delivers, as he and RB LeGarrette Blount lead the Buccaneers past the Panthers.

jets 20, SKINS 17

Shutdown corner Darelle Revis rebounds from a subpar outing last week against the Bills. The Jets beat its division rival Redskins by a field goal.

falcons 23, TEXANS 17

Atlanta’s No. 2 rush defense against the Texans’ No.1 rush offense makes for an intriguing battle today in Houston. Atlanta’s Matt Ryan against third-string quarterback Tyler Yates proves to be the difference, as the Falcons top the Texans by six.

SUNDAY (LATE GAMES)

ravens 23, BROWNS 6

The host Browns are no match for the Ravens today in Cleveland. Baltimore wins big.

pack 34, GIANTS 31

In an awesome shootout at New York this afternoon, Aaron Rodgers and the Packers prevail over Eli Manning’s Giants to go to 12-0.

boys 31, CARDS 17

The Cowboys are all over the Cardinals in the desert today. Tony Romo passes for 300-plus yards, as Dallas wins its fifth straight game.

niners 27, RAMS 10

San Francisco has been licking its chops to get on the field again after the team's Thanksgiving night loss at Baltimore. The Niners crush St. Louis at home today.

SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

SAINTS 38, lions 24

New Orleans’ trouncing of the Giants on Monday night served as a preview for its contest against Detroit tonight. Drew Brees and the Saints clobber the Lions at the Superdome.

MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

chargers 21, JAGUARS 14

Philip Rivers and Antonio Gates put an end to San Diego’s six game losing streak tomorrow night. The Chargers overcome a strong effort from Jacksonville RB Maurice Jones-Drew to defeat the Jags by a touchdown.

THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL (Dec. 1)

PREDICTION: eagles 21, HAWKS 17

It's the Battle of the Birds tonight in Seattle, as the Philadelphia Eagles fly cross-country to

face the Seahawks. Both teams are 4-7 and fighting for any shred off playoff hope they can possible grasp onto. Touted as Super Bowl contenders in the preseason, Philadalephia has been a colossal disappointment this season. The Eagles began its year 3-6, then lost its No. 1 quarterback, then lost its No. 1 receiver and last week found itself being booed heavily by its home fans in a 38-20 loss to New England. Seattle, meanwhile, has looked awful at times this season (i.e. 24-0 loss at Pittsburgh, 34-12 home loss to Cincinnati) but has pulled off some quality wins as well (Week 5 at New York Giants, Week 10 vs. Baltimore) ... It may be a lot of travel on a short week, but heading on

the road is the right remedy for Philadelphia right now. The Eagles top the Seahawks by four.

RESULT: HAWKS 31, eagles 14

Philly's pathetic season continues. The Seahawks lambasted the Eagles 31-14 on Seattle's CenturyLink Field last night. The tone of the game was set on Seattle's first drive, when Marshawn Lynch peddled through a plethora of Eagles defenders before breaking through for a 15-yard touchdown. Lynch added another touchdown a few minutes later and the route was on. Missed tackles on defense, four Vince Young interceptions and a shameful performance from should-be star wide receiver DeSean Jackson spelled doom for Philadelphia. Young's counterpart, Tavaris Jackson, was 13-for-16 for 190 yards and a touchdown. Lynch totaled 148 rushing yards.

Caledonia stomps Moose Lake, crowned Class 2A champions yet again

Nearly out of breath, Caledonia running back Connor McCormick savored the moment and dished out the praise after his team’s Class 2A championship victory Friday night at the Metrodome.

“It was like I was dreaming,” McCormick said, referring to his team’s key fourth quarter drive. “I see Teddy [Barthel, Caledonia’s hefty lineman] downfield and think, 'geez he’s fast.' It’s because of that heart and how they were able to keep going that I could keep going.”

The drive resulted in McCormick bursting his way to a 12-yard touchdown run to put fifth-ranked Caledonia up 20-0. The team tacked on seven more en route to an impressive 27-0 blanking of the mighty Moose Lake/Willow River Rebels.

It was the Warriors’ fourth state title in five years.

“It’s about gap control defense and 11 kids out there believing they can stop anything,” head coach Brent Schroeder said.

Schroeder could not say enough of his defense. The No. 2-ranked Rebels entered the game scoring a Class 2A-best 51.7 points per game. ML/WR features a fierce rushing attack, led by junior running back Jake Disterhaupt.

Disterhaupt rushed 2,242 yards this season, including 244 in his team’s state semifinal win last week. Yesterday, Caledonia defenders stifled Disterhaupt, bottling him up for 49 yards on 15 carries.

“It’s the best offense I’ve seen,” Schroeder said about Moose Lake. “They’ve been killing everybody, I haven’t slept for a week and a half.”

Led by senior linemen Travis Frank and Ted Barthel, the Warriors were up to the task. Beside Disterhaupt, ML/WR has two other 1,000-yard rushers – Josh Cisar and Chris Gassert. But none of the Rebels runners had much success Friday.

Instead, it was McCormick and Caledonia quarterback Kennan Bruening who dominated the ground game today.

The first half began rather slowly on both sides. Until, that is, Bruening fumbled on his own 37-yard line – one of three fumbles on the day for him. This set up ML/WR with an excellent opportunity to strike first.

But the Warriors defense stood strong as, with the Rebels facing third-and-six at the Caledonia 14, linebacker Austin Goergen stuffed Disterhaupt and teammate Alex Betz followed with a stop of Gassert on fourth down.

On the ensuing possession, Bruening redeemed himself – leading his team on a nine-play, 87-yard touchdown drive.

“We have some stud seniors on the right side, and our stud fullback and running back just went through the holes and I’d follow them,” said Bruening, who carried the ball six times for 65 yards on the drive.

Bruening then capitalized on his running prowess by lofting a 10-yard strike to WR Adam Drenckhahn, who easily beat his defender for the game’s first score.

The drive consumed 4:21 of game clock and finished one minute into the second quarter. From there, the Caledonia defense was at it again.

Disterhaupt rushed for nine yards on first down. But the Warriors stuffed ML/WR for no-gains on consecutive plays and followed the three-and-out with a blocked punt.

Senior Houston Halverson rejected the Rebels boot and Caledonia recovered on their opponents’ 13-yard line. However, the scoring opportunity went for naught, as a Goergen 30-yard field goal attempt went wide left.

Caledonia would tally another score five minutes later, when Drenckhahn made the offensive play of the game.

Bruening looked downfield to his left and lofted a pass for his senior receiver. The pass may have been a tad long, but Drenckhahn was able to extend his hands, tip the ball up and haul in the reception before tumbling toward the goal line.

McCormick followed with a one-yard plunge to make it 13-0 at halftime.

The second half featured more Caledonia defense. All game long the Warriors harassed ML/WR quarterback Tony Adamczak and his stable of running backs.

Adamczack completed just one pass, finishing 1-for-5 with two interceptions – he entered the game with only three interceptions all season.

On offense, it was a whole lot of McCormick, rushing behind his dominating offensive line that eventually wore out the Moose Lake defense.

“It’s our O Line getting a drive every single play,” McCormick said. “They don’t get tired, they keep

pushing and so do our fullbacks.”

Before long, Caledonia found itself crowned 2011 state champs.

After a raucous celebration with the team trophy, Schroeder spoke of what this year’s title meant to him and his team.

“Awesome,” he said. “It’s just a tribute to our kids, our coaches, how they work in the offseason, in the weight room and what a great community that we have behind us. I just want to thank everybody for all of that.”

** This game, the 2011 Class 2A Prep Bowl, occurred Friday, Nov. 26. I wrote this story for the Rochester Post-Bulletin. The photos used in this blog posting are AP photos provided by the Post-Bulletin. Descriptions of the photos, from top-to-bottom, are as follows: Caledonia RB Matt Peterson (30) leads his team in a post-game celebration. Caledonia QB Kennan Bruening carries the ball by a pair of Moose Lake-Willow River defenders on a first half run. Caledonia RB Connor McCormick rushes past a ML-WR defender en route to one of this three touchdowns in the game.

NFL Week 12 Predictions

SUNDAY (EARLY GAMES)

FALCONS 31, vikes 17

I’m sorry Purple Faithful, but this game looks hopeless. Atlanta’s awesome aerial attack versus a weak Minnesota secondary combined with Adrian Peterson’s absence spells doom for the Vikings today. Falcons QB Matt Ryan tops 300 yards as his team cruises to its seventh win of the season.

BENGALS 17, browns 10

It will be a battle of field position today at Cincinnati’s Paul Brown Stadium. Bengals QB Andy Dalton will miss his stellar rookie connection with A.J. Green, but RB Cedric Benson plows his way past the Browns in pacing the home team to victory.

bucs 24, TITANS 20

At 5-5, Tennessee desperately needs a win to keep its playoff hopes alive. Tampa Bay has underwhelmed this year and has lost its last four games. Today, however, the Buccaneers harness their talent and earn a road upset over the Titans.

panthers 23, COLTS 17

Oh how the Colts continue to miss Peyton Manning. Could Indianapolis go from perennial playoff contenders to joining the 2008 Lions as the only teams in NFL history to go 0-16? At this point, the answer is “yes.” After a deflating loss in Detroit last week, Cam Newton gears up for a paltry Colts pass defense as the Panthers surpass its win total from last season.

RAMS 20, cards 17 (in OT)

Two very mediocre teams meet in St. Louis today as the Rams host the Cardinals. Okay, maybe mediocre is too nice. In a game of little relevance, Steven Jackson gives those diehard Rams faithful who attend the game at the Edward Jones Dome something to cheer about. St. Louis tops Arizona as the teams even their records at 3-7.

JETS 17, bills 13

Rex Ryan may have a big mouth, but its Mark Sanchez who may be the scapegoat for the Jets falling well short of reaching its third consecutive conference title game this season. New York’s playoff hopes are in jeopardy, but the team’s sixth-ranked defense tames slumping Buffalo as the Jets squeak by the Bills today.

texans 17, JAGS 10

The 7-3 Texans look to put a huge stake toward its first division championship today in Jacksonville. The Jaguars (3-7) have struggled, but its defense poses a daunting task. Moreover, Houston starting QB Matt Schaub was put on season-ending IR after suffering a torn ligament against Tampa Bay two weeks ago. Back-up Matt Leinhart has yet to throw a pass this season, but he does have the NFL’s top defense, the AFC’s top running game and the return of star WR Andre Johnson on his side. Leinhart manages the game clock, limits his mistakes and hands off to Arian Foster as the Texans pick up the win.

SUNDAY (LATE GAMES)

RAIDERS 24, bears 17

Chicago picked up a big win last week against the Chargers. But the team also lost its quarterback. With Jay Cutler gone for the season and no prominent back-up plan, the Bears struggle in Oakland today. Unlikely heroes Carson Palmer and Michael Bush continue leading the Raiders toward the playoffs. Oakland beats the Bears.

HAWKS 23, skins 17

This game almost has the allure of today’s Rams-Cardinals game. The Seahawks scrape by the Skins on a ho-hum day in Seattle.

pats 27, EAGLES 17

Vince Young impressed in New York last week against the Giants. Not so much today. Building off its Monday Night blowout of the Chiefs, Tom Brady and his arsenal of passing weapons lead the Patriots past the Eagles in Philadelphia this afternoon.

CHARGERS 27, broncos 20

Denver’s defense has been very strong in recent weeks and Tim Tebow simply continues to win games. San Diego has underachieved and finds itself in the midst of a miserable five week losing streak. It’s hard to pick against the fortuitous Tebow, but Philip Rivers is due for a breakout game. The Chargers win at home.

SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

steel 23, CHIEFS 16

Pittsburgh is definitely the better team in the Sunday Night matchup this week. But the Chiefs can be very tough to beat at home. In a closely fought battle, Pittsburgh pulls away at the end and improves to 8-3.

MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

SAINTS 34, giants 20

The Saints return from its bye week revived and ready to make a serious playoff run. Drew Brees rifles through the Giants secondary in leading New Orleans to a comfortable win at home in the Superdome tomorrow night.

NFL Thanksgiving Day Predictions

Packers 31, LIONS 27

Improving to 7-3 after its 49-35 defeat of Carolina last week, Detroit looks like a playoff force again. Hosting its annual Turkey Day contest, the Lions take on Aaron Rodgers and the undefeated Packers. Green Bay showed some vulnerability last week against Tampa. So can the Lions exploit these weaknesses, pounce on the Pack and earn a huge win for its franchise? Close, but not quite. Anticipate a wildly entertaining contest featuring fabulous efforts by both teams, but the Super Bowl Champs survive with a late game touchdown drive.

BOYS 24, fins 13

Both teams enter this game playing fantastic football. Miami began its season with seven straight losses. Then suddenly, behind a staunch defense and outstanding play by QB Matt Moore, the Dolphins have won three straight by a collective score of 86-20. Dallas puts an end to this today. The Cowboys push its win streak to four, celebrating its Thanksgiving with a feast of the Fins.

RAVENS 20, niners 17

First-year coach Jim Harbaugh has his 49ers playing outstanding football. Under the management of Jim’s older brother, John Harbaugh, the Ravens have been strong but inconsistent. This epic battle of the brothers is a brutal bout fought tooth and nail. Led by lethal linebacker Patrick Willis, San Francisco brings its A-game across the country tonight. But Baltimore is too tough at home. RB Ray Rice leads the Ravens attack as the home team ekes out the win by a field goal.

NFL Week 11 Predictions

THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

PREDICTION: jets 23, BRONCOS 13

New York was embarrassed last week. The Broncos defeated Kansas City despite just two completed passes. Denver QB Tim Tebow, come hell (or maybe heaven, in this case) or high water, has been finding ways to win. Tebow might turn his magic into a couple more wins before Denver's season ends. Tonight, however, the ex-Gator finds himself lost in Revis Island. Meanwhile, Jets QB Mark Sanchez connects with his talented, 6-foot-5 touchdown target (Plaxico Burress) as the Jets soar past the Broncos at Mile High.

RESULT: BRONCOS 17, jets 13

Broncos cornerback Andre Goodman picked off an errant Sanchez pass and dashed in 26 yards for a game-tying touchdown late in the third quarter. The Jets would answer with a Nick Folk field goal. Then, once again, Tebow (who went 9-for-20 for 104 yards passing) worked his magic. The Miracle Man engineered a 95-yard game winning drive, culminated by his 20-yard touchdown scamper with 58 ticks left on the game clock. Broncos improved to 5-5, while the Jets fell to 5-5.

SUNDAY (EARLY GAMES)

VIKINGS 27, raiders 24

Perhaps I’m too much of a homer, but I’m going to pick the home Purple despite its despicable Monday Night performance six days ago in Green Bay. Losing Antoine Winfield for the season, Minnesota’s pass defense sunk a step lower by resigning Benny Sapp – the ex-Viking dumped by the 2-7 Dolphins earlier this season. Meanwhile, Raiders QB Carson Palmer is coming off a near-perfect performance in his team’s upset win at San Diego. Palmer picks apart the Vikings secondary today, but “All Day” Adrian Peterson paces the Purple offense just enough for his team to eke out a home victory.

Jags 17, BROWNS 13

Week by week, Jacksonville rookie QB Blaine Gabbert continues his gradual progression. He's also able to lean on a solid defense and his 5-foo-7 bulldozer RB Maurice Jones-Drew as the Jaguars top the Browns in Cleveland.

LIONS 30, panthers 27

Get ready for a shootout! Matthew Stafford rebounds from a rough outing last week in Chicago and outduels Cam Newton today as the Lions edge out the Panthers.

PACK 38, bucs 17

Uh-oh. This pick reminds me of my 34-13 Eagles over Cardinals prediction last week. However, the way Aaron Rodgers is playing somehow leaves me without a shred of doubt that his Packers win comfortably in this one.

bills 20, FINS 17

Buffalo QB Ryan Fitzpatrick connects for 100 yards and a touchdown with

WR Stevie Johnson as the Bills defeat their divisional foe Fins in Miami.

boys 27, SKINS 17

Cowboys RB Felix Jones returns from a nagging ankle injury that’s sidelined him since week six. The way rookie rusher DeMarco Murray has carried the ball, 607 rush yards on 75 carries since taking over as Dallas’ lead back, Jones merely adds a nice change-up to Murray’s

fastball. The Boys take out the Redskins in D.C. today to climb to 6-4.

RAVENS 20, Bengals 13

Facing the league’s top defense without standout WR A.J. Green proves to tall of a task for Andy Dalton and the Bengals. Ray Rice leads the Ravens ball control offense as Baltimore improves to 5-0 at home

SUNDAY (LATE GAMES)

RAMS 24, hawks 17

St. Louis slowly works to salvage a season that started 0-6. QB Sam Bradford's regained form from injury, the welcomed addition of WR Brandon Lloyd and continued solid production from RB Steven Jackson are too much for the Seahawks to handle. The Rams protect its home turf today, defeating Seattle by seven.

NINERS 27, cards 17

John Skelton looks like he just might be stealing Kevin Kolb’s job as Arizona’s starting QB. The Cardinals were spectacular in an impressive win at Philly last week, but Skelton and standout receiver Larry Fitzgerald aren’t enough today. The 49ers stunning season continues as San Francisco defeats Arizona and improves to 9-1.

FALCONS 31, titans 23

After a crushing overtime loss at home to the Saints last week, Atlanta doesn’t put itself in position to push its luck on fourth down behinds its own 30-yard line today. The Falcons topple the Titans by eight.

BEARS 27, chargers 24 (OT)

San Diego is in trouble, having lost four straight and its AFC West lead. Things get worse as the team travels to Chicago to face a hot Bears team. Philip Rivers, Vincent Jackson and the Chargers put for a spirited effort. But the Bolts fall short as Matt Forte and a resurgent Bears defense stave off San Diego in overtime.

SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

GIANTS 24, eagles 17

Philadelphia’s Vince Young gets his chance to back up his preseason “Dream Team” talk in New York tonight. Lacking WR Jeremy Maclin and practice with Philly’s first team offense, Young and LeSean McCoy aren’t enough to spearhead a win. Eli Manning came up short of a comeback win in San Francisco last week. Tonight, the Giants set the pace early and defeat the Eagles at home.

MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

PATS 27, chiefs 10

Kansas City has been playing lackluster football as of late. New England looked like Super Bowl contenders last week in blowing out the Jets in New York. Tom Brady has little trouble solving the Chiefs defense as the Pats pound KC at home.