Tim Tebow inexplicably lead the Broncos to yet another win over the hapless Jets on Thursday night, leaving both teams with 5-5 records with six weeks to go. 24 teams play today, before New England host Kansas City on ESPN on Monday night. Houston, Indianapolis, New Orleans and Pittsburgh are finally on their byes, so there are 13 games left to look at this week, starting with the 7 6pm kick offs.
Carolina (2-7) at Detroit (6-3)
Cam Newton came down to earth with a bang against Tennessee last week, but the number 1 draft pick can still be pleased with how his season is going, especially in his partnership with wideout Steve Smith. Their tight end tandem of Greg Olsen and Jeremy Shockey has been a big part of the Panthers season, but with Shockey listed as doubtful for the game, expect the Panthers to struggle. Matt Stafford had a nightmare in Chicago last weekend, as he threw 4 interceptions, two of which were returned for touchdowns. The Lions defence also had a poor week, registering only two sacks on Jay Cutler, one of the most sacked quarterbacks in the league. The Lions will turn it around this week ahead of the Thanksgiving visit of Green Bay.
Prediction: Carolina 17 Detroit 24
Oakland (5-4) at Minnesota (2-7)
Carson Palmer has now played 3 times for the Raiders and thrown 5 touchdowns. He's also thrown 7 interceptions, but only one of them came in last Thursday's impressive win over the Chargers, and Palmer looks to be a man finding his form again after a long layoff. The extra four days rest that the Raiders have had over their opponents could also be a factor. The Vikings were demolished at Green Bay on Monday night, as Adrian Peterson was mostly shackled, and Christian Ponder managed to post only average numbers. The Raiders defence should be easier to penetrate than the Packers' and Peterson should enjoy coming up against the league's 25th ranked rush defence. With the Vikings fans being notoriously loyal, the noise inside the Metrodome could intimidate Palmer, and I'm going for the Vikings to spring an upset.
Prediction: Oakland 24 Minnesota 27
Dallas (5-4) at Washington (3-6)
The Cowboys have been lead by Tony Romo to two consecutive wins, and the quarterback is gaining confidence with every game. Miles Austin is still missing, and is a big loss at receiver, but Jason Witten and Dez Bryant have stepped up to the plate in his absence and are putting up fantastic numbers. The Redskins great start was derailed by the Cowboys in week 3, and since then they have managed only one win. Currently on a five game losing streak, and Mike Shanahan seemingly unable to decide who his best quarterback is, expect the Redskins slide to continue as the Cowboys put up big numbers.
Prediction: Dallas 34 Washington 10
Buffalo (5-4) at Miami (2-7)
The Bills' great start to the season has hit a wobbly patch of late, and the team are currently on a two game losing streak. In Fred Jackson however, they have a running back with game changing abilities. Averaging well over 100 yards per game, and with six touchdowns to his name, Jackson, alongside quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick have created a formidable Bills offence. The first time in many years that's been able to be said. Miami finally won at home against Washington last week, and have another game at Sun Life to look forward to this week. The switch from Chad Henne to Matt Moore at quarterback has worked like a dream, and the emergence of Reggie Bush in the last few weeks - 2 touchdowns against the Redskins - has been impressive. Expect a tight game, but Miami to fall just short of a second consecutive home win.
Prediction: Buffalo 24 Miami 23
Jacksonville (3-6) at Cleveland (3-6)
Put it this way, I'm not expecting a classic. The Jaguars have the worst offence in the league, and the Browns have the 30th. Blaine Gabbert is yet to show that he merited a first round draft selection, and against the Browns' number 1 ranked pass defence, he is unlikely to show it here. Colt McCoy's yards per game has been poor, but he does have ten touchdowns to his name. The Jaguars do have the 5th best passing defence though, and I expect a defensive battle, where the first touchdown will be key. I give the edge to the Browns, purely due to McCoy's ability to throw a good pass even when having a shocker.
Prediction: Jacksonville 6 Cleveland 10
Cincinnati (6-3) at Baltimore (6-3)
The AFC North is extremely tight, and the winner of this game will go joint top with the on bye week Steelers. The Bengals had a tough loss to said Steelers last week, but 14 touchdown rookie Andy Dalton still looked strong. Perhaps the most worrying point of their loss last week was the injury to rookie receiver AJ Green, who has become Dalton's number 1 route. Green is listed as doubtful, which could lead to problems for the Cincinnati offence. The Ravens had a hard to take loss to Seattle a week ago, in a confused offence which saw running back Ray Rice actually throw a touchdown pass. Rice has stuttered this season, and teh Ravens defence is looking shaky. Their home advantage should see them win, but don't be surprised if the Bengals can pull it off.
Prediction: Cincinnati 20 Baltimore 24
Tampa Bay (4-5) at Green Bay (9-0)
The Buccaneers travel to Lambeau as the most inconsitent team in the NFL. They were crushed at home by the Texans last week, and it became wildly apprent exactly why they have the 31st ranked defence in the league. Quarterback Josh Freeman can still throw a good pass, but with AJ Hawk and Clay Matthews charging at him, the "Babyface Assassin" may crumble. Aaron Rodgers has 28 touchdown passes already this season, and against the Bucs defence can look to add another 4 or 5 to that tally. The Packers are quite simply going to destroy Tampa Bay here, and continue their unbeaten season.
Prediction: Tampa Bay 7 Green Bay 52
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