Welcoming the Pope to Philly
Last Week: 14-2
Season: 33-15
After starting the season 12-4, I slipped to 7-9 in Week 2, amidst a spate of upsets (you can look around; most experts got their clocks cleaned that week). I entitled last week’s column “The Bounce Back Week,” casting my lot with several road teams. 14-2 speaks for itself.
I’m 1-0 this week, thanks to the Ravens’ dramatically getting off the winless schneid on Thursday with an OT win in Pittsburgh. Read on; I'm counting on the road teams again this week.
Sunday
Jets at Dolphins (In London)
Really, the only advantage that the Dolphins might have had in this game, home field advantage, is essentially nullified. Miami is underperforming on both sides of the ball; I’m not surprised by the offence, but the defence has been truly disappointing. The Jets’ defence has played extremely well; they should have no trouble shutting down the Dolphins, meaning that, mercifully, Ryan Fitzpatrick shouldn't have to do too much. Winner: Jets
Jaguars at Colts
Though it’s tempting to look at this one as a gimme, based on their performances thus far, these teams are more closely matched than one might think. I was sorely tempted to take the Jags for the upset, and with talk of Andrew Luck not playing after missing practice due to a shoulder injury, the temptation has proven too strong. Winner: Jaguars
Giants at Bills
Giants fans hoping to see the other half of their high-powered WR tandem were disappointed to hear that there’s no timeline for Victor Cruz’s return to action. I’d give the Giants a better chance with a healthy Cruz in the lineup. The Bills’ defence is tough, and their offence, particularly QB Tyrod Taylor, have played well thus far. Winner: Bills
Panthers at Buccaneers
The Panthers are grinding out wins, and should be up to the task against an inferior Bucs team, particularly Tampa’s overmatched QB. Winner: Panthers
Eagles (Visitors)
The Eagles were lucky to win last week. I still haven’t seen anything from their offence that even remotely impresses me. They’re facing a team with a good defence and a strong running game, in what is expected to be wet weather. The Eagles should lose a close one. Winner: Home Team
Raiders at Bears
I put my faith in Carr and Co. last week in Cleveland, and they delivered. I’m doing it again against another bad team. Winner: Raiders
Texans at Falcons
This is a tricky one. Arian Foster is practising, and might play. Julio Jones isn’t practising. Jones and Foster; will they or won’t they? The healthy presence of either, or both, or neither is a pretty vital piece of information. I’m not particularly thrilled with this pick, but I don’t have much faith in the Texans’ offence without Foster. Winner: Falcons
Chiefs at Bengals
The Chiefs’ defence looks good on paper, but in reality, they’ve been disappointing, giving up an average of almost 30 points per game. In Cincinnati, against the Bengals’ potent and balanced offence, that’s not nearly good enough. Winner: Bengals
Browns at Chargers
San Diego got thumped in Minnesota last week. There’s nothing like a visit from the Browns to help get things back on track. Winner: Chargers
Packers at 49ers
This game should definitely be in contention for greatest margin of victory this week. Green Bay has bad memories of Kaepernick running wild on them a couple of seasons ago. Aaron Rodgers holds grudges. Winner: Packers
Rams at Cardinals
By now it should be painfully obvious how important Carson Palmer is to the fortunes of the Cardinals. That’s what makes me so anxious about games like this one, where he’ll be facing a fierce pass rush. This is a game that the Cards should win easily, but it’s one of those games where their season is literally in the balance every time Palmer drops back to pass. Winner: Cardinals
Vikings at Broncos
The Vikings’ offensive philosophy has quickly morphed back to the way it’s been for years; feed Adrian Peterson. A one-dimensional offence won’t be enough against a top-notch Denver D. Winner: Broncos
Cowboys at Saints
However limited the Cowboys might be on offence, their defence continues to play well, unlike the Saints, who don’t do anything well, even at home. Winner: Cowboys
Monday Night
Lions at Seahawks
The Lions have played down to expectations so far. They’re no match for the Seahawks on any field, and have no chance in Seattle. Winner: Seahawks