Oakland have already defeated San Diego on the Thursday night game in week 10. Over Sunday and Monday, the other 30 teams are all in action this week. Here's my thoughts on what will go down.
Arizona (2-6) @ Philadelphia (3-5)
The Cardinals have been pretty shocking all year, their only wins coming against fellow basement dwellers Carolina and St Louis. Kevin Kolb hasn't lit up the team the way they hoped he would, but rookie cornerback/punt returner Patrick Peterson, their 1st round draft pick has been a revelation. Over in Philly, though, the so called "Dream Team" at the Eagles has faltered badly. Michael Vick hasn't shown the form he did last year, and their defence is a shambles. The late loss to Chicago last Monday will have hurt the Eagles, but at home against a barren offence, I see them scraping a victory.
Prediction: Arizona 10 Philadelphia 16
Buffalo (5-3) @ Dallas (4-4)
The Bills have been a real surprise package this season, with quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick putting up some really good numbers. But for all the good they've had, their losses have been pretty bad. The Cowboys have been hit and miss at best. Tony Romo has put up heroic numbers, but has also thrown 7 interceptions. Missing star receiver Miles Austin, it would be easy to write the Cowboys off in this fixture, but the partisan crowd at Jerryworld, and Romo finally at 100%, should see them with just enough.
Prediction: Buffalo 24 Dallas 27
Denver (3-5) @ Kansas City (4-4)
This AFC West divisional clash sees two of the worst offences in the league go head to head. A good win at Oakland last week will have done wonders for the confidence of Tim Tebow and the Broncos offence though, but despite Tebow showing signs of improvement, how will he cope with a defence - while admittedly shaky - featuring the monster that is Tamba Hali. Speaking of Hali, he is key to the Chiefs success. Mat Cassel has shown no signs of being anything other than a decent backup quarterback, and needs to improve big time. The winners here will be in a good spot in a weak division, and I fancy the Chiefs to stop Tebow and pick up the win in a low scoring game.
Prediction: Denver 9 Kansas City 13
Jacksonville (2-6) @ Indianapolis (0-9)
Peyton Manning was basically the Colts entire team. They have been shocking this season. Curtis Painter has shown taht while he was fine as Manning's backup, he doesn't have what it takes to be an NFL starter. Jacksonville, right enough aren't much better. The Jaguars are playing rookie quarterback Blaine Gabbert, who, while a hight first round pick, doesn't look quite ready to be leading an NFL team. I feel for the fans in this game's TV market. The Jags will pick up the win on account of being slightly less terrible than the Colts.
Prediction: Jacksonville 24 Indianapolis 20
Pittsburgh (6-3) @ Cincinatti (6-2)
The AFC North has been extremely open so far this year and this should be an excellent matchup between two teams in good form. The Steelers will be furious after losing at home to Baltimore last week, and Roethlisberger and the boys will be looking to bounce back. The Bengals have bounced back from the loss of Carson Palmer with the rookie quarterback and receiver team of Andy Dalton and AJ Green. Riding a five game winning streak, they'll be confident of knocking off their more fancied divisional rivals. I see a tight game, with Troy Polamalu's treatment of Dalton being key. If they can keep the Red Rocket in check, the Steelers should sneak it. If they can't, the Bengals could make a big case for the playoffs.
Prediction: Pittsburgh 27 Cincinatti 31
New Orleans (6-3) @ Atlanta (5-3)
The Saints have been pretty erratic this season so far. With coach Sean Payton still sitting in the booth after his knee injury, Drew Brees has been under a lot of pressure, and thrown an uncharacteristic 11 interceptions. But with an almost full offensive complement to pick from, both the Saints' passing and running games are looking good. The Falcons haven't come close to matching their form from last season, with Matt Ryan struggling against the pass rush much more than before. With the Saints' excellent record at the Georgia Dome considered, I see them winning and making their claim to win the division pretty strong before their bye week.
Prediction: New Orleans 34 Atlanta 20
Tennessee (4-4) @ Carolina (2-6)
Matt Hasselbeck has struggled to find a rhythm in Nashville this season, but hasn't been helped by star running back Chris Johnson being as poor as he's ever been. With highly touted rookie Jake Locker waiting in the wings, Hasselbeck will be looing for improvement. Despite the Panthers being 2-6, #1 draft pick Cam Newton has been brilliant, with 11 passing touchdowns and 7 rushing touchdowns, as well as putting together a good partnership with receiver Steve Smith. The Titans have struggled badly on the road, and I fancy Cam and the Panthers to win this one.
Prediction: Tennessee 13 Carolina 24
Houston (6-3) @ Tampa Bay (4-4)
The Texans have taken the lead in what has turned out to be a weak division with relative ease. Quarterback Matt Schaub has played wekk without being spectacular, and the ball has been spread well in the backfield. The Buccaneers have been all over the place and have lost their last two games badly. With Josh Freeman not 100% fit, and the virtually untested Josh Johnson as his only backup, I fancy the Texans to win comfortbaly.
Prediction: Houston 34 Tampa Bay 10
St Louis (1-7) @ Cleveland (3-5)
St Louis broke their duck a fortnight ago with an unexpected victory against New Orleans. Then promptly lost to Arizona the next week. Sam Bradford is more than likely still out, and in AJ Feeley, they really don't have a viable backup. The Browns have fared little better than the Rams though, and have the 29th ranked offence in the league. Don't expect a lot of scoring, but do expect the Browns to win.
Prediction: St Louis 10 Cleveland 16
Washington (3-5) @ Miami (1-7)
Rex Grossman is back as starting quarterback for the Redskins after being benched for the last few games. Whether this can turn the fortunes of the ailing team round is anyone's guess. With Tim Hightower also faltering, their whole offence is on shaky ground. Since the Dolphins replaced Chad Henne with Matt Moore at quarterback, there have been signs of improvement, especially from running back Reggie Bush. The home crowd at Sun Life are probably only one loss away from turning on their team, and for that reason I feel the Dolphins will win. But only just.
Prediction: Washington 13 Miami 14
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