Week 9: Sink or Swim

 

 

(4-2-1) Pittsburgh Steelers v (4-4) Baltimore Ravens

This is what this game is about. We are beyond the halfway mark, and this is a game that could decide which team make the playoffs, and which team watch from the couch. This is a critical game for both teams, and probably more so the Ravens.

 Ravens

 Steelers

 

(4-3) Chicago Bears v (2-6) Buffalo Bills

Is there really any need to have a discussion about this game, the Bears should win this game. Losing a game they suppose to win will likely boot them from playoff contention. I don’t see that happening though.

 Bears

 Bears

 

(3-4) Tampa Bay Buccaneers v (5-2) Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers have a home game against a division rival that have been on a down slope. This is the kind of game that can catch folks slipping. The Buccaneers may not look like a threat, but they are a play or two away from being in the mix of this division race. The Cardiac Cats are going to have to put this game away early and take control of that clock, if they are wanting to be in position to take the division away from the Saints.

 Panthers

 Panthers

 

(7-1) Kansas City Chiefs v (2-5-1) Cleveland Browns

The Browns just fired their head coach, and they know they are not playing for a playoff spot. These next games for them will be to build upon the next season. This is the kind of rally that can spark a few upsets. I wouldn’t be surprised if Cleveland gave Kansas City fits early in the game.

 Chiefs

 Chiefs

 

(3-5) New York Jets v (4-4) Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins are 4-4, almost surprising given the way they started the season. Yet they will play the Jets, who are building around Sam Darnold. A few weeks ago, I would have said this would have been a no-brainer. I would have taken the Dolphins without hesitation. But now I am hesitating.

 Dolphins

 Dolphins

 

(3-4) Detroit Lions v (4-3-1) Minnesota Vikings

Every week we ask which Lions team we are going to get. And depending on which team shows up determine how the game will go. That dominate Lions team can compete and beat almost any team in the NFL. But that is not the team that shows up every week. And because of that, it makes weekly picks a challenge. So the question is which Lions team we think will show up this Sunday?

 I am taking the Lions.

 Vikings

 

(3-4) Atlanta Falcons v (5-2) Washington Redskins

The Atlanta Falcons will travel on the road to Washington. Injuries have plagued that Falcon defense, to which Washington should be able to exploit. But Atlanta still have a receiving corps that could be a match up nightmare. Unfortunately that has not worked out well for them this year. A rally here could be what Atlanta needs to get back in this division race.

 Redskins

 Redskins

 

(5-3) Houston Texans v (3-5) Denver Broncos

The Texans have been the bright spot of the NFL this year. To watch them turn this thing around like they did has been amazing. But this may be the game that break their winning streak. The Broncos are not slouches, having played the Chiefs to a couple of close games. So you know the Broncos have the weapons to give this Texans fits.

 Texans

 Texans

 

(5-2) Los Angeles Chargers v (4-3) Seattle Seahawks

If this game was on the road, I would have easily taken the Chargers. But that 12th Man continue to be the difference maker in favor of the Seahawks. If the Chargers can remain discipline enough to overcome that Seattle crowd, they should walk out of Seattle with the win.

 Chargers

 Chargers

 

Game of the Week: (8-0) Los Angeles Rams v (6-1) New Orleans Saints

I have been talking about for weeks how the Saints were the more dangerous football team in the NFC, despite the Rams having the better record. Now we are going to see if that is the case. The Rams travel to “The Big Easy” looking to stay undefeated.

 Saints

 Saints

 

Sunday Night Game: (3-3-1) Green Bay Packers v (6-2) New England Patriots

Aaron Rodgers v Tom Brady, some had these teams picked to meet in Atlanta this year. And with the way Green Bay started week 1, you could not help but wonder. Now Green Bay have to win this game if they hope to keep their playoff hopes alive. A tall task as Green Bay will have to get this win on the road against the New England Patriots.

 Patriots

 Patriots

 

Monday Night Game: (3-4) Tennessee Titans v (3-4) Dallas Cowboys

Dallas will get to try out their newly acquired weapon, Amari Cooper, against the Tennessee Titans. These two teams have a storied history, as the Titans were once the Houston Oilers. We get to see if the gamble of giving up a first round pick will pay off for Dallas.

 Cowboys

 Cowboys