Like Insider Access said, with the first bye week comes an odd number of games, so I will be picking the late games as usual along with the Monday Nighter. Here's my picks:CINCINNATI 23, JACKSONVILLE 17
The Bengals came away with an upset win against the Bills last week, and now they will try to repeat that success against the lowly Jaguars. Andy Dalton still looks shaky in the pocket, but at least he has looked better than Blaine Gabbert. At this point, none of these quarterbacks are ready for the big stage, but at least they are trying to look the part.
The Bengals came away with an upset win against the Bills last week, and now they will try to repeat that success against the lowly Jaguars. Andy Dalton still looks shaky in the pocket, but at least he has looked better than Blaine Gabbert. At this point, none of these quarterbacks are ready for the big stage, but at least they are trying to look the part.
OAKLAND 27, HOUSTON 20
An intriguing matchup between two surprise teams, Houston will look to take their potent rushing attack against Oakland's own dangerous running game. The loss of Andre Johnson cannot be underestimated, and undoubtedly Houston will struggle without their best player. Perhaps Houston's defense will be able to step up against Oakland, but I believe the Raiders have the talent and will power to take this game from Houston. The mantra of "Just Win, Baby" will be a strong rallying cry for this Raiders team on a mission.
An intriguing matchup between two surprise teams, Houston will look to take their potent rushing attack against Oakland's own dangerous running game. The loss of Andre Johnson cannot be underestimated, and undoubtedly Houston will struggle without their best player. Perhaps Houston's defense will be able to step up against Oakland, but I believe the Raiders have the talent and will power to take this game from Houston. The mantra of "Just Win, Baby" will be a strong rallying cry for this Raiders team on a mission.
TAMPA BAY 27, SAN FRANCISCO 30
A battle between two up and coming teams could show if San Francisco can really contend with stronger opponents in the NFC. Although Tampa is coming off a close win against the hapless but hopeful Colts, the Bucs are a dangerous team. They won't let Alex Smith make big plays like Painter did, but the 49ers are a more balanced team, who has all the confidence in the world after a come-from-behind win in Philly.
A battle between two up and coming teams could show if San Francisco can really contend with stronger opponents in the NFC. Although Tampa is coming off a close win against the hapless but hopeful Colts, the Bucs are a dangerous team. They won't let Alex Smith make big plays like Painter did, but the 49ers are a more balanced team, who has all the confidence in the world after a come-from-behind win in Philly.
SAN DIEGO 27, DENVER 17
When will the Tim Tebow experience officially begin? Surely Broncos fans have seen enough to assume their team won't be a factor much this season. The Chargers have been mildly surprising this year, due to their early season success. Could this be the year they get over the hump? Well, first they must take care of their division foes, including the Broncos. The Broncos have kept close against the Raiders and Titans (and at least managed 23 against the Pack), but look for the Chargers to stay determined this game.
When will the Tim Tebow experience officially begin? Surely Broncos fans have seen enough to assume their team won't be a factor much this season. The Chargers have been mildly surprising this year, due to their early season success. Could this be the year they get over the hump? Well, first they must take care of their division foes, including the Broncos. The Broncos have kept close against the Raiders and Titans (and at least managed 23 against the Pack), but look for the Chargers to stay determined this game.
NEW YORK JETS 27, NEW ENGLAND 34
Always a tough divisional matchup, the Patriots-Jets pregame bickering has been unusually quiet this year. Sure, Rex Ryan has been humbled by his team's 2-2 start, and may need this win to keep in the division race with the Patriots and Buffalo. The Patriots enter as a slight favorite, but look for them to harass Sanchez much in the same way Baltimore did. The Patriots may not have the personnel that Baltimore does, but Belichick will surely find a way to use his defense creatively. Plus, the offense is led by Tom Brady. 'Nuff said.
Always a tough divisional matchup, the Patriots-Jets pregame bickering has been unusually quiet this year. Sure, Rex Ryan has been humbled by his team's 2-2 start, and may need this win to keep in the division race with the Patriots and Buffalo. The Patriots enter as a slight favorite, but look for them to harass Sanchez much in the same way Baltimore did. The Patriots may not have the personnel that Baltimore does, but Belichick will surely find a way to use his defense creatively. Plus, the offense is led by Tom Brady. 'Nuff said.
GREEN BAY 35, ATLANTA 27
A matchup of last year's NFC Divisional playoff game is all too familiar. But this time, Atlanta isn't the favorite. Green Bay has been unstoppable this season, and there's no reason to think that they will slow down any time soon. Atlanta struggled to keep in front of a pesky Seahawks club, and with the Packers being an all-around stout franchise, the Falcons may stand little chance. If anything, Atlanta has already dealt another club with high aspirations (the Eagles) a devastating blow. But Green Bay is certainly not Philly...the Pack is the real Dream Team.
A matchup of last year's NFC Divisional playoff game is all too familiar. But this time, Atlanta isn't the favorite. Green Bay has been unstoppable this season, and there's no reason to think that they will slow down any time soon. Atlanta struggled to keep in front of a pesky Seahawks club, and with the Packers being an all-around stout franchise, the Falcons may stand little chance. If anything, Atlanta has already dealt another club with high aspirations (the Eagles) a devastating blow. But Green Bay is certainly not Philly...the Pack is the real Dream Team.
CHICAGO 24, DETROIT 30
Monday Night Football returns to the Motor City for the first time in years, despite the Hank Williams Jr. controversy that has recently surrounded it. Lions fans are ecstatic, and surely the team is ready as well to take the big stage. But are they really? The Lions narrowly escaped a blunder in Dallas with an epic comeback, and staged one the week before against Minnesota. With Detroit falling behind early in both contests, look for them to play with some ferocity at home on Monday night. Detroit surely has a lot of weight on their shoulders to perform for the home crowd, and the Bears will look to ruin what could be the best night of Detroit football in a decade. My heart says the Lions, but my gut says the Bears...just to make things interesting, I'll go with the former this time.
Monday Night Football returns to the Motor City for the first time in years, despite the Hank Williams Jr. controversy that has recently surrounded it. Lions fans are ecstatic, and surely the team is ready as well to take the big stage. But are they really? The Lions narrowly escaped a blunder in Dallas with an epic comeback, and staged one the week before against Minnesota. With Detroit falling behind early in both contests, look for them to play with some ferocity at home on Monday night. Detroit surely has a lot of weight on their shoulders to perform for the home crowd, and the Bears will look to ruin what could be the best night of Detroit football in a decade. My heart says the Lions, but my gut says the Bears...just to make things interesting, I'll go with the former this time.
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