NFL Divisional Round Picks

AFC Games: 

Denver Broncos at New England Patriots 

Tom Brady will attempt to win his first playoff game since 2007.

One play. That’s all it took for the Broncos to beat the Steelers last week. One 80 yard pass by Tim Tebow to Demaryius Thomas to win in overtime. Now, after beating an injury riddled Steelers squad, the Broncos travel to Foxborough to face Tom Brady and the Patriots. Brady led his team to a 13-3 record, including a win over the Broncos in Week 15. Brady has had yet another fantastic season, also breaking Dan Marino’s single season passing record, with 5,235 yards. Tight end Rob Gronkowski also scored the most touchdowns by a tight end in a single season. 

The Pick: The last time these two teams played each other, the Patriots snapped the Broncos six game winning streak, and led the Broncos into a three game losing streak. The Broncos have the momentum, but the Patriots have an elite quarterback and great receiving corps. If the Broncos can get to Brady they may have a shot, but if Tebow played like he did against the Patriots in Week 15, the Broncos could have a problem. 

Patriots over Broncos 

Houston Texans at Baltimore Ravens 

Arian Foster wil try to keep the momentum going for the Texans. 

Arian Foster vs. Ray Rice. T.J Yates vs. Joe Flacco. The Texans defense vs. The Ravens defense. There are countless different exciting matchups in this game. The Texans come into this game after beating the Bengals 31-10 last week. The Texans are making their first playoff appearance in franchise history. This game is Joe Flacco’s first playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. Ravens fans are praying that he will play his heart out in this matchup. 

The Pick: Rice finished with more yards and more touchdowns then Foster did in the regular season.However, Foster had a fantastic game last week, rushing for 153 yards. This game will be a game of running and defense. The play of each quarterback will be key. Flacco will want to prove to Ravens fans that he belongs in Baltimore. Because of this, he will edge TJ Yates, and lead his team to the AFC championship. 

Ravens over Texans

NFC Games: 

New York Giants at Green Bay Packers 

Eli Manning leads possibly the hottest team in football into Lambeau Field on Sunday. The Giants demolished the Falcons 24-2 last week, led by Jason Pierre-Paul, Osi Umenyiora, and Justin Tuck. The Packers meanwhile had a bye week. The Packers, last season’s champs cruised to a 15-1 record this season. Aaron Rodgers had a great year for the Packers, as did receiver Jordy Nelson, who scored 15 touchdowns. The Packers defense however, has been a struggle all season. 

The Pick: If the Giants can get to Rodgers like they did to Matt Ryan, the Giants could win. However, if Aaron Rodgers can throw to his receivers, the Giants could be in for a long night. The Packers’ running game has struggled, while the Giants’ combination of Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw flourished last week. This game will be close, but if Jason Pierre-Paul, and the rest of the Giants line pressure Rodgers, the Giants will upset. But if Rodgers scrambles enough, and can get the ball to Nelson and Jennings, the Packers will prevail. 

Packers over Giants 

New Orleans Saints at San Francisco 49ers 

Drew Brees is on fire. Last week, he threw for 466 yards and three touchdowns, as he led his Saints to victory. Brees has broken the single season passing record, and is attempting to lead his team back to the Super Bowl. Their next test is in San Francisco to play the 49ers. The 49ers are led by their fantastic defense which allows just 14 points per game. They allow 230 yards passing, and an NFL low 77 yards rushing. Pierre Thomas and Darren Sproles won’t be much of a factor in this game. On offense though, the 49ers have struggled. They finished 26^th in the NFL with 23 points per game. 

The Pick: It’s the NFL’s second best offense going head to head against the NFL’s second best defense. Of course, it’s also the NFL’s 13^th best defense, going against the 26^th best offense. The Saints have the edge in offense, and their defense is better than the 49ers offense. Alex Smith will do his best, but he can only lead his 49ers so far. Expect the 49ers to contend next year as well. 

Saints over 49ers 

NFL Wildcard Round Picks

Tim Tebow will have some trouble overcoming the fantastic Pittsburgh Defense.

After 17 weeks of regular season games, the NFL has finally reached the playoffs. Throughout the seasons there were countless surprises. The Philadelphia Eagles, despite all of their star power, won just  8 games. The Broncos surprised everyone and somehow won their division. Marvin Lewis led his Bengals to the playoffs, one of three AFC North teams to reach the next stage. 

2011 was the year of the passer. Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers led their team’s to the playoffs despite having some of the worst defenses in football.  Drew Brees beat Dan Marino’s record for passing yards in the season. Brady broke the record as well. 

AFC Games: 

Cincinnati Bengals at Houston Texans 

Andy Dalton has done what was once impossible. He has led a Bengals team, without both Chad Ochocinco and Carson Palmer to the playoffs. With the exception of Cam Newton, Dalton has been the best rookie quarterback this season. Dalton threw for 3,398 yards, and 20 touchdowns. Dalton is going into the wildcard round after a loss to division rival Baltimore. The Texans made the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. The team finished with a 10-6 record. Three of those wins came without all-star quarterback Matt Schaub. Unfortunately, three of those losses came without Schaub as well. With rookie T.J Yates starting, the Texans could have a problem. Fortunately, the Texans have running back Arian Foster. Foster finished with 1,224 yards on the ground, good for fifth in the league.  The Texans defense is great, they allow just 17.4 points per game. 

The Pick: Both the Texans and Bengals have overcome obstacles to reach the playoffs.  However, the Bengals failed to beat a playoff team. They went 0-7 against playoff teams , including losing both games to the Steelers and Ravens. In the Texans’ five games against playoff teams, they went 2-3. One of their two wins was against the Bengals. Texans over Bengals 

Pittsburgh Steelers at Denver Broncos 

People doubted him, but he somehow won games. In one game he passed for less yardage then the running back ran, yet he still won. Then, the Patriots came to town. The Patriots tore at Tebow, scoring 41 points against he and his Broncos. After the Patriots game, the Broncos lost their next two games, and skidded into the playoffs only after the Raiders lost. The Steelers, despite all of their injuries, had a fantastic 12-4 season. Ben Roethlisberger will most likely play in this game, but if he doesn’t, the Broncos could have a chance to win. 

The Pick: The Steelers have the best defense in football, allowing just 14 points per game. The Broncos are allowing 24 points per game. If Antonio Brown and Mike Wallace break out, the Broncos are in for a long game. 

Steelers over Broncos

NFC Games: 

Detroit Lions at New Orleans Saints 

Single season passing leader Drew Brees will try to lead his team over the Lions.

The Lions had the tools to make the playoffs. But they were also cursed. The last time the team won all four of their preseason games, they went 0-16. Matthew Stafford was determined to change that. And he did. He led the Lions to a 10-6 record. With the help of his receiver Megatron, Stafford passed for 5,038 yards and 41 touchdowns. Calvin Johnson had a  great season of his own. He caught 96 balls for 1,681 yards and 16 touchdowns. The Saints finished the season 13-3. They also ended the year on an eight game winning streak. Drew Brees set the record for most passing yards in a season for the Saints. Against playoff teams, the Saints were 4-1, losing only to the Packers. The Saints allow 21 points per game, compared to the Lions’ 24. Expect Brees to take advantage of the Lions' poor defense, and throw the ball constantly.

The Pick: The Saints come into this game having won their last eight games. The Lions come into this matchup with a record of 3-2 in their last five games. This will be a passing heavy matchup, but expect Brees to come with the victory. 

Saints over Lions 

New York Giants at Atlanta Falcons 

Tom Coughlin loves Dallas. With his team in the midst of a four game losing streak, Coughlin’s team traveled to Dallas. Eli Manning passed for 400 yards and led his team to a 37-34 victory, that began the Giants’ road to the playoffs. Then, with their playoff hopes on the line, the Cowboys came to Metlife Stadium and lost 31-14. Because of that win, the Giants clinched the playoffs. The Falcons arrived in the playoffs a different way. Led by quarterback Matt Ryan and receivers Julio Jones and Roddy White, the Falcons finished 10-6. The Falcons have a so-so defense, allowing 22 points per game. The Falcons have a potent offense, though not as potent as the Giants, who average 385 yards compared to the Falcons’ 376. 

The Pick: This game will come down to the running game. Which running back will show up, Michael Turner or Ahmad Bradshaw? Whichever running back runs for more yardage will most likely win the game. Eli Manning will do as much as he can, but Turner and Matt Ryan will lead the Falcons to the next round. 

Falcons over Giants

Week 17 Picks

Eli Manning needs to lead the Giants to a victory against the Cowboys this week.

Happy New Year everybody! As we welcome in 2012, the NFL enters its last week of regular season play. All of the games will be played on Sunday. And now, the last picks of the 2011 season! 

Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers 

Normally, the Lions would be out of the playoffs, and playing for solely pride. This year, the Lions are playing in a true rivalry with the Packers. The Packers are no longer undefeated. These teams can rest their starters, but each knows this game is important. The Lions will try to beat the Packers after losing 27-15 in Week 12. As great as the Lions have played this season, it will be extremely unlikely. 

Packers over Lions 

Tennessee Titans at Houston Texans 

This is a must win game for the Titans. If the Titans win, they have a chance of being in the playoffs. However, the Titans face AFC South rival Texans. The Texans allow just 17 points per game. The Titans will try to intercept as many of rookie T.J. Yates’ passes as they can. This could be difficult. It could be difficult for the Titans to make the playoffs as well. Texans over Titans 

Indianapolis Colts at Jacksonville Jaguars 

The Colts are hot. Two wins in a row, and Peyton Manning still hasn’t played a down. Dan Orlovsky has led the Colts after taking the place of the injured Curtis Painter. The Jaguars have not had the best season either. In Week 10, the Jaguars beat the Colts 17-3. That Colts team was 0-10, and had no hope. In stepped Orlovsky, who has taken this team in a new direction. The Colts should end the season on a three game win streak.

Colts over Jaguars 

New York Jets at Miami Dolphins 

The Jets need to win this week. The Jets were expected to unseat the Patriots this season, but could not. Now, against the struggling Dolphins, the team must win to reach the wildcard round. The Dolphins have been disappointing as well. Don’t expect them to beat Rex Ryan’s Jets. They will be playing their hearts out. On both offense and defense. 

Jets over Dolphins 

Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings 

With Adrian Peterson on injured reserve, there will be an even bigger obstacle for the Vikings. The Vikings now have an even dimmer opportunity to beat the Bears, who are without quarterback Jay Cutler. The Bears will look back on the season that wasn’t. The Bears will be happy to end their five game losing streak, though. Bears over Vikings 

New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills 

The Pats will try to achieve home field advantage in the playoffs by beating the Bills. The Bills beat the Patriots this season, 34-31. Since that victory, the Bills’ playoff hopes have vanished. They have gone 3-9 since that victory. The Patriots have 10-2, and have cruised to a number one seed. The Patriots will beat the Bills, and receive home field advantage. 

Patriots over Bills 

Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints 

Cam Newton will end his fantastic rookie season against the Saints. Newton threw for 224 yards and two touchdowns. The Panthers lost because of a Drew Brees touchdown with 0:50 left on the clock. Brees broke Dan Marino’s single season record for passing yards last week. The Saints could clinch a first round bye, with this victory and a 49ers loss. Sean Payton wants that bye. 

Saints over Panthers 

Washington Redskins at Philadelphia Eagles 

One more game. One more game, and the Eagles’ nightmare of a season comes to an end against the lowly Redskins. The Eagles, with their countless free agent signings, will miss the playoffs. The Redskins who were unable to find a consistent quarterback, will miss the playoffs as well. The Eagles should beat the Redskins, and reach a .500 record to end this nightmare. 

Eagles over Redskins 

San Francisco 49ers at St. Louis Rams 

What can Harbaugh do for you? Jim Harbaugh has come to the 49ers and has completely remade the team. If the 49ers beat the Rams tomorrow, the 49ers will clinch a first round bye. It will be Alex Smith’s first playoff appearance. The Rams are hoping the Draft lottery will come in their favor. If it does, they will draft Andrew Luck. What will happen to Sam Bradford? Good question. 

49ers over Rams 

Seattle Seahawks at Arizona Cardinals 

Apparently, the Cardinals needed rest. Since their bye week, the Cardinals have gone 6-4, compared to 1-4 before it. The Seahawks have gone 5-5 since their bye week. These two teams are playing for .500 records, and for second place in the NFC West. The Seahawks won the first meeting, but expect this game to be closer. Still, Marshawn Lynch could take advantage of the 120 rushing yards allowed by the Cardinals defense. 

Seahawks over Cardinals 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Atlanta Falcons 

Yikes! The Bucs have lost nine games in a row. Yes, nine games in a row. Don’t expect that streak to end against the Falcons. The Falcons have clinched the playoffs, led by quarterback Matt Ryan. The Buccaneers still have a chance though. They beat the Falcons 16-13 this season. The win against the Falcons was one of their four wins. The Falcons have learned from that loss, and at home, should be tough to beat. 

Falcons over Buccaneers 

Baltimore Ravens at Cincinnati Bengals 

Andy Dalton has led the Bengals to a 9-6 record thus far. If he leads the Bengals to a win over the Ravens, he and his squad could be in the playoffs for the first time since the Carson Palmer injury. The Ravens could clinch a first round bye, with another victory over their division rival. The Bengals should upset the Ravens to sneak into the wildcard round. Bengals over Ravens 

Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns 

The Browns are in the middle of a five game losing streak. With Seneca Wallace starting, the prospects of a win are even dimmer. The Steelers could clinch a first round bye with a win and a Ravens loss. The Browns are hoping for some luck in beating the Steelers, but that won’t happen. 

Steelers over Browns 

Kanas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos 

The Chiefs. The only team to beat the Packers, aren't even in the playoffs. The Denver Broncos, were having some luck with Tim Tebow. Then came the Patriots. The Patriots demolished Tebow and the rest of the Broncos team, 41-23. The Broncos can clinch the AFC West with a win. The Broncos should continue riding the luck of Tebow to cruise to a  victory over the Chiefs. 

Broncos over Chiefs 

San Diego Chargers at Oakland Raiders 

This is a must win game for the Raiders. If the Raiders are able to win, they have a better chance of making the playoffs. The Chargers have had an extremely disappointing season. If they lose this game, they will finish the season below .500. Led by Carson Palmer, the Raiders have turned it around this season. An 8-8 season will be a failure. 

Raiders over Chargers 

Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants

With Tony Romo questionable, the Cowboys are forced to turn to Stephen McGee.

Winner takes all. Whoever wins this game will go to the playoffs as the NFC East champion. Loser goes home. The last meeting was a victory by the Giants because of a blocked field goal. The Cowboys may have some trouble, as quarterback Tony Romo is questionable. With Stephen McGee starting, the Giants should take full advantage. Better luck next year Cowboys! 

Giants over Cowboys 

Week 14 Picks: Last Week 11-4

New England Patriots at Washington Redskins

The Patriots' offense have been rolling of late, though the defense has been a problem. It almost cost the Pats a victory last week. The Redskins still have quarterback troubles, that are still unsolved. The Patriots should beat the Skins in this one. Shanahan will have more work to do next year. 
Patriots over Redskins 

Indianapolis Colts at Baltimore Ravens 

The Colts almost won. Coming back from a 31-3 deficit, to lose 31-24 to the team’s big time rival, the Patriots. Unfortunately, almost only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades. Not in football. The Colts still have not won this season, though there has been close games. Sadly, the losing streak won’t end in Baltimore. Ray Rice has scored 3 touchdowns in his last three games, and against the terrible Colts rushing defense, he should add more TD’s. 

Ravens over Colts 

Atlanta Falcons at Carolina Panthers 

This is the first meeting this season between these two NFC South rivals. Each of these teams have young, all-star quarterbacks. Unfortunately, for the Panthers, Cam Newton has struggled to find any receivers to compliment Steve Smith. Matt Ryan has had plenty of receivers to choose from. Michael Turner, Julio Jones, and Roddy White. The variety of receivers will be the difference in this matchup. Falcons over Panthers 

Houston Texans at Cincinnati Bengals 

Even with T.J. Yates playing quarterback, the Texans found out a way to beat the Falcons last week. He could have a tough time this week. The Bengals are allowing a modest 20 points per game. The team allows less passing yards per game then the Falcons did, 210 compared to 239. Andy Dalton will have an extremely difficult time against the terrific Texans defense, which is only allowing 16 points per game. If he could do it against the Falcons, then Yates should be able to upset the Bengals, and reassure his place in the NFL. Texans over Bengals 

Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions 

With AP questionable, the Vikings have to add yet another thing to a list of things to worry about. The Vikings have struggled a lot this season. The team has lost four in a row, and will most likely extend to five in a row. The Lions are also in a losing streak, but it will come to an end on Sunday. After what Tebow did to the Vikings last week, expect Stafford to throw 350 yards. Lions over Vikings 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Jacksonville Jaguars 

Josh Freeman is expected to play for the Bucs, who after a win over the Saints in Week 6, have failed to win a game. This is Freeman’s chance to end his team’s losing streak. LeGarrette Blount will contribute as much he can to the cause as well. The Jaguars offense is terrible, only scoring 13 points per game. Maurice Jones-Drew will try all he can. But when you score only 13 points, you can't expect to win many games. Buccaneers over Jaguars 

Philadelphia Eagles at Miami Dolphins 

The Eagles’ dreams are just about gone. Vince Young’s proclamation now looks stupid. Vick and the rest of his squad will try to beat the Dolphins. The Dolphins demolished the Raiders 34-7 last week. The Dolphins have been doing well in the past five games, losing just once. Still, LeSean McCoy could run his team to a much needed victory. Unfortunately for him, the Dolphins defense only allows 18 points. Wait ‘till next year Eagles fans. Dolphins over Eagles 

Kansas City Chiefs at New York Jets 

The Chiefs have gone from an 0-3 team, to a 4-3 team, and now currently to a 5-7 record. The team lost its two main skill players, Matt Cassel and Jamaal Charles to injuries. Tyler Palko has gone 1-2 in his games this season. The Jets have won two games in a row, and are pushing for an AFC wildcard spot. The Jets defense has been solid this season, but not as good as it has been in previous years. The Jets don’t have much to worry about. The Chiefs only score 13 points per game. Jets over Chiefs

New Orleans Saints at Tennessee Titans 

Drew Brees is on the verge of beating Dan Marino’s single season passing yard record. Brees only needs 1,053 yards to beat Marino’s record. If you checked your math right, if Brees averages 262.3 yards per game he should break that record by the end of the season. The Titans, don’t have much to show for at the “Q”. At the running back, Chris Johnson is finally starting to break out of his shell, with two straight 100+ yard games. The Saints allow 114 yards rushing per game and 22 points. Johnson could have a tough time. Saints over Titans 

San Francisco 49ers at Arizona Cardinals

For the second week in a row, the 49ers take on a pathetic division rival. The Cardinals should be even easier than the Rams were last week. Alex Smith and Frank Gore should score plenty on a team that allows 22 points each game, and 250 passing yards.  Kevin Kolb still hasn’t panned out to be the player that the Cardinals envisioned when he was signed this offseason. Maybe Beanie Wells will have some magic. 49ers over Rams 

Chicago Bears at Denver Broncos 

Forte and Cutler are out, what’s there to look forward to in this game for the Bears? The Chicago Bears get to see Tebow Tebowing! Other than that, not much else exciting is likely to happen to the Bears. Tebow continues to lead the Broncos on a winning path, extending the team’s winning streak to five games last week, and is trying to help the Broncos make a late play-off push.  Make it six games in a row after this week. Broncos over Bears 

Oakland Raiders at Green Bay Packers

The Raiders were demolished last week against Miami. It will be extremely hard for a team that allows 25 points per game to beat the Packers. Aaron Rodgers has a full slate of receivers to catch the ball, and looks unstoppable this year. The Packers will win this game, to be 13-0. Three games closer to perfection. Six games away from the Superbowl. Packers over Raiders 

Buffalo Bills at San Diego Chargers 

The Chargers are one of, if not the most disappointing teams this season. Phil Rivers & Co. somehow managed to get a victory last week. The Bills started out as one of the more surprising teams, but have lost five in a row recently. Both of these teams are struggling this year, and it will come down to the performance of the quarterback. In this case, Rivers should lead his team to victory.  Chargers over Bills 

St. Louis Rams at Seattle Seahawks 

Another pathetic NFC West division game. Marshawn Lynch is carrying the ball so well, that Tarvaris Jackson shouldn’t have to pass. Against the Rams atrocious run defense, Jackson may even have a chance to run the ball. The Seahawks are allowing 20 points per game, while the Rams are allowing 24. As bad as the Seahawks have been this season, the Rams have been worse. Much worse.  The Rams for some Kurt Warner-like figure to come back and play quarterback. Not gonna happen. 
Seahawks over Rams 

Week 13 Picks: Last Week 12-4

Tennessee Titans at Buffalo Bills 

Chris Johnson, could he be back? After a great game last week, can he finally demonstrate why he received that huge contract this past offseason? He will have a good opportunity this week. He faces a Bills defense which allows 25.5 points per game. The Bills had a promising start to the year, but now are in a four game funk. Will they snap it? Unlikely. Titans over Bills 

Kansas City Chiefs at Chicago Bears 

The Bears must be disappointed. Losing a game last week which would have been easy to win... If Jay Cutler had not been injured. The Chiefs’ primary quarterback is injured as well. Matt Cassel. The team is forced to go withTyler Palko. Kyle Orton was signed to back him up. Orton could start instead of Palko on Sunday. The Bears have the edge in this one, with the great Matt Forte running for them. Bears over Chiefs 

Atlanta Falcons at Houston Texans 

Now both Texans quarterbacks named Matt are gone. First, all-star Matt Schaub is injured for the season, and last week, after just one half of quarterbacking; Leinart is done. These injuries forced an unproven rookie, T.J Yates to step in to play. The Falcons meanwhile, have Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, and Julio Jones. Despite allowing just 16 points per game, the Texans have no proven quarterback. That could be a problem. Falcons over Texans 

Oakland Raiders at Miami Dolphins 

The Raiders beat the Bears last week, and as a result of that, the Dolphins should be easy.  Carson Palmer is beginning to settle into a groove for the Raiders. The Raiders are riding a three game winning streak and in first place, while the Dolphins are in dead last in the AFC East. The Dolphins have Reggie Bush. Bush is trying to prove himself as a quality NFL running back. He might have a good game, but his team won’t. 

Raiders over Dolphins 

Denver Broncos at Minnesota Vikings 

Tim Tebow keeps on doing it. Doing what? No one knows. Tebow is hated for not being a “true” quarterback. No matter, he’s been getting the job done for the Broncos. The Vikings have lost three in a row, and look as though they have no hope this season.  Could Christian Ponder use of some of Tebow’s magic? Yes. Will he be able to? Nope. 

Broncos over Vikings 

Indianapolis Colts at New England Patriots 

Probably one of the best NFL rivalries in recent years. There have been countless close finishes between these two teams. This year? Expect a blowout by the Pats. The Colts don’t have Manning. No way that the team can win. The Pats? The Patriots are doing well. They have Brady, Welker, and others. This should be an easy game for the AFC East leaders. Patriots over Colts 

Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers 

Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers are in a deadlock with the Ravens for first in the AFC North. The Bengals have made an impressive run this season as well. The team is led by one of the most surprising rookies this season. Andy Dalton. The last time these two teams played each other, the Bengals lost 24-17. Dalton and A.J Green look to avenge this loss. Two great defenses playing against each other, whoever has the better quarterback will usually win. We all know who that is. 

Steelers over Bengals 

Carolina Panthers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers 

Cam Newton will try to help his Panthers beat the team’s division rival. Josh Freeman is having a solid season of his own for the Bucs. The Bucs need to improve on defensive side. The team is allowing 26.5 points per game. Cam Newton should be able do well in this one. An upset is likely in this game.    

Panthers over Buccaneers 

New York Jets at Washington Redskins 

The second place Jets take on a struggling Redskins squad. The Redskins (still) do not have a quarterback, and may already be thinking about next season. Why you may ask? The Redskins could be a team that acquires Peyton Manning; that is if the Colts were to draft Andrew Luck. The Jets’ fantastic defense should lead them to victory in this matchup. 

Jets over Redskins 

Baltimore Ravens at Cincinnati Bengals 

These two teams played each other a few weeks ago. The result? The Ravens winning it. The Bengals will have a hard time avenging that loss. Ray Rice, Flacco, and the defense should beat the Bengals. Dalton will have a hard time in this game. 

Ravens over Bengals 

Dallas Cowboys at Arizona Cardinals 

The NFC East leading Cowboys take on Kevin Kolb. Kolb is finally starting for the Cardinals again. Larry Fitz should benefit from Kolb starting. DeMarco Murray should continue his streak of great rushing games. The Cardinals rushing defense allows an astonishing average of 123.5 rushing yards per game. Tony Romo should be comfortable against the Cardinals as well. Cowboys over Cardinals 

St. Louis Rams at San Francisco 49ers 

The 49ers are one of the NFL’s most surprising teams this season. The team’s defense is fantastic. Opposing teams have just scored 14 points per game against the team. The same cannot be said about the Rams. The team is one of many trying to get Andrew Luck. A 2-9 team beating a 9-2 team?Not likely. 

49ers over Rams 

Detroit Lions at New Orleans Saints 

Drew Brees and Jimmy Graham take on Matthew Stafford and Brandon Pettigrew. The Lions, who after starting the season out well, have struggled a bit of late. Both of these teams are having trouble on defense. Because of that, expect numerous points from both teams. Kevin Smith will look to be a factor in the rushing game for the Lions. Drew Brees is a better quarterback than Stafford, which will probably determine the factor of this game. Saints over Lions 

San Diego Chargers at Jacksonville Jaguars

The Chargers are in the middle of a six game funk. The Jaguars recently fired the team’s longtime coach; Jack Del Rio. Norv Turner is probably next. The Chargers are allowing 25 points per game. This is not the same Chargers team that once had Luis Castillo and Shawne Merriman on the same defense. That Chargers team has moved on.  The Jaguars have a great defense, only allowing only 18 points per game. But... The Jaguars have a terrible offense, averaging only 12 points per game. Ouch. Scoring less than your allowing. Ouch.  Phil Rivers should be able to squeak out a victory to bring the end of a disappointing season. Chargers over Jaguars