Onto the late game predictions as I left it really late to write and wanted the early games posted before kick off!
Baltimore (6-2) @ Seattle (2-6)
It's safe to say Tavaris Jackson has not performed the way Pete Carroll had expected him to. He and Sidney Rice both play despite injuries this week, but neither have set the world alight. The Seahawks need a big improvemt, and against the Ravens they will find it difficult. Joe Flacco and Ray Rice are tearing teams up, and should go right through the wide open Seattle defence. I can't see anything but an away win in this one.
Prediction: Baltimore 38 Seattle 6
Detroit (6-2) @ Chicago (5-3)
Effectively these two are fighting it out for second in the NFC North and a likely wildcard slot. Detroit have been a surprise package this year, with Matt Stafford finally looking like the 1st rounder that he was, and their defence, with Ndamukong Suh leading the way, have been absolute monsters. If Stafford can continue to connect with Calvin "Megatron" Johnson, and the defence can continue to dominate, I can't see how Jay Cutler and his Bears offence can break them down. The Lions defence is made for quarterbacks like Jay Cutler. Expect to see him sacked at least five times and the Lions to silence Soldier Field.
Prediction: Detroit 34 Chicago 13
New York Giants (6-2) @ San Francisco (7-1)
Possibly the pick of this weeks matchups, as two of the form teams in the league go head to head at Candlestick. The Giants are on a three game winning streak, lead by Eli Manning finding the form that won the Giants the Superbowl in the 2007 season. The 49ers have already won the same amount of games it took Seattle to win the NFC West last season and barring a spectacular collapse, look like shoo-ins for the playoffs. The combination of Alex Smith at quarterback and Frank Gore at tailback have hooked up for 16 touchdowns and I expect more tonight. While both teams are in great form, I see the 49ers using home advantage to win the shootout.
Prediction: New York Giants 34 San Francisco 38
New England (5-3) @ New York Jets (5-3)
The Patriots have lost their last two games, which is almost unheard of in the Tom Brady era. They travel to the Meadowlands to face Mark Sanchez and their divisional rivals the Jets, in what could be a back and forth game, if their recent matchups have been anything to go by. The teams have identical records so far this season, and with the Bills also going well in the AFC East, it's important to get a win here. If the Patriots can get Wes Welker into the game, the Jets defence may struggle. That said, however, the Patriots defence has been shaky so far, and having waived Albert Haynesworth this week, they'll be looking at a new lineup. The outcome of this match depends on what Mark Sanchez shows up. He likes playing the Patriots, and I fancy the Jets to stun the Patriots into their third straight loss.
Prediction: New England 14 New York Jets 17
Minnesota (2-6) @ Green Bay (8-0)
The Monday night game sees the undefeated Packers welcome the catastrophic Vikings to Lambreu. The Vikings have been abysmal so far, with only running back Adrian Peterson showing any signs of quality. Rookie quarterback Christian Ponder, who replaced the atrocious Donovon McNabb in week 6 has shown signs of promise, but there's just no way that the Vikings can handle Green Bay's offence. Aaron Rodgers has been immense so far this season, hooking up with every receiver he throws to. The Packers are light years ahead of the Vikings, but the Vikings pride won't allow them to get blown out. Expect them to give it a good go, but the Packers to come out on top.
Prediction: Minnesota 17 Green Bay 34
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