………..

Dolphins    @     Panthers                        8:15

(4-5)                        (4-5)                           NFL Network

Preview:  Both teams here are desperate to get back to .500   Incredibly both had 0-3 starts.  However I get the sense these teams are going in different directions.  Miami will have to move forward as lead RB Ronnie Brown is out for the season.  Replacing the best weapon on offense will be difficult, especially the redzone wildcat.  The pressure lies in Chad Henne to get vertical, and veteran Ricky Williams to carry the load.  Carolina on the other hand, have looked very good, and were starting to see glimpses of last years success. Strong running by DeAngelo Williams and J. Stewart has stabilized the offense, but the improved play of Jake Delhomme has this team on the winning side.  As long as Delhomme continues to protect the ball, the Panthers will grind out a victory.

Panthers -3.5                                            Prediction: Panthers 27 – 16

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Redskins    @      Cowboys                    1:00

(3-6)                        (6-3)                           FOX

Preview:  Coming off a disappointing loss at Green Bay, the Cowboys hope to restart their offense.  The Redskins defense has been good a times but face a tough challenge on the road where they are 0-4 this season.  If Romo can get his team out in front early, expect the running tandem of Barber and Jones to wear down the Skins defensive front.

Cowboys -9.5                                            Prediction: Cowboys 24 – 16

…..   ..

Browns      @      Lions                        1:00

(1-8)                   (1-8)                            CBS

Preview:  Believe it or not this game holds importance. It likely will determine who gets first overall pick this coming April. Both teams head in with just a single win, in what will be a snoozer. There are early concerns the upcoming Thanksgiving Day game will also be blacked out.  Brady Quinn gets the nod for the Browns, and really has to have success vs this pathetic Lions D.  Every week opposing QBs have had career days against the Lions, while Brady may not make his career he certainly could break it with another poor showing.

Lions -3.5                                           Prediction: Lions 20 – 13

. .. . .

49ers     @       Packers                    1:00

(4-5)                      (5-4)                       FOX

Preview:  Last week’s surprise win against the Cowboys probably saved the Packers’ season, for now anyways. If they can find a similar effort on defense, the 49erswill be in trouble trying to keep up with Aaron Rodgers.  As amazing as Frank Gore is, he cannot do it alone.  NinerAlex Smith must show why he was a #1 pick. (Rodgers was next Qb taken at #24)  The Packers have beaten the 49ers 6 straight and 11 of the last 12 matchups.

Packers  -6.5                                      Prediction: Packers 27 – 17

. . ….

Bills      @       Jaguars                       1:00

(3-6)                  (5-4)                            CBS

Preview:  New head coach Perry Fewell takes over for the dispatched Dick Jauron.  Hard to imagine anything positive will come from the coaching change, as the Bills offense has been awful. The QB play of either Edwards or Fitzpatrick has left much to be desired.  Look for Jones-Drew to run,run,run all over this weak Bills run defense.  Rookie Jarius Byrd has 8 INTs, and may cause problems for David Garrard.  Jacksonville has been a little shaky at home, failing to cover in each of their 4 games.

Jaguars  -8.5                                       Prediction: Jaguars 31 – 16

..     .  .

Steelers     @      Chiefs                         1:00

(6-3)                     (2-7)                             CBS

Preview:  Pittsburgh comes in after a poor showing against division rival Cincinnati. This will be a big bounce back game for Big Ben and the Steelers.  Last week, the playcalling was inexplicable, as Rashard Mendenhall was held to 12 carries.  That will not happen this weekend, especially if the Steelers are up early.  Chiefs QB Matt Cassell faced this Pittsburgh defense a year ago, his worst of his breakout season. The Steel Hurtin’ tormented Cassell for two INTs and five sacks, in a 33-10 romp over the Patriots. Interestingly the Steelers have not lost to a losing team in almost three years. Conversely, in the same time the Chiefs have not beat a team with a winning record.

Steelers  -10.5                                        Prediction: Steelers 31 – 10

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Seahawks    @     Vikings                       1:00

(3-6)                       (8-1)                            FOX

Preview:  Minnesota continues to look the team to beat in the NFC.  Balance on offense and constant pressure on defense makes the Vikings the most complete team.  They continue to roll through the soft part of their schedule. The Seahawks have had major problems on the road this season. They are 0-4 and have lost all 4 by double digits. Including playoffs, Brett Favre has now extended his consecutive starts streak to a remarkable 300 games.

Vikings  -10.5                                               Prediction: Vikings 31 - 13

…     .

Saints      @      Bucs                             1:00

(9-0)                 (1-8)                                 FOX

Preview:  This matchup features the NFL leading offense(36.8 per game) against the second worst defense (28.5 per game).  This game really serves only one purpose.  A chance for Drew Brees to pad the stats to fantasy junkies delight.

Saints  -11.5                                            Prediction: Saints 37 -13

..         

Falcons     @      Giants                           1:00

(5-4)                     (5-4)                               FOX

Preview:  The Falcons will be hurting without Michael Turner (sprained ankle)   That puts a lot of pressure on QB Matt Ryan, who doesn’t seem to enjoy the same success away from home. The Giants come off the bye reeling, losers of 4 straight.  This game presents itself huge, as both teams have set their sights on the wildcard, and this will be a tiebreaker.  The Giants are 5-15 all-time after the bye week.

Giants  -6.5                                             Prediction:  Falcons 23 – 20

…..

Colts     @      Ravens                           1:00

(9-0)                (5-4)                               CBS

Preview:  The Colts come off an emotional win after the comeback versus the Patriots.  Peyton Manning as always, cooly led the offense down the field for the game winning TD.  Indianapolis remains undefeated and face a Ravens team they’ve enjoyed much success against.  The Colts have won 6 straight against the Ravens, where Payton has thrown for 11 TDs and 65% and 250 yards per game.  The last two were particularly gruesome with Indy outscoring them 75-23.

Colts  -2.5                                             Prediction:  Colts 24-17

……….

..   …

Cards      @       Rams                         4:00

(6-3)                  (1-8)                             FOX

Preview:  The Cardinals go on the road to face divisional foe St.Louis.  The Rams played well last week vs the Saints, but again will find themselves overmatched.  Warner has too many weapons, and the Rams are hard pressed to keep up on offense.  Rookie Chris Wells is averaging over 5 yards a carry to balance Warner’s aerial attack. The Cards win easy.

Cards  -9.5                                             Prediction: Cards  30 – 13

……….

……..

Bengals    @      Raiders                          4:15

(7-2)                    (2-7)                                CBS

Preview:  The Bengals sit atop the AFC North after narrowly beating Pittsburgh again.  Their next three games are against OAK,CLE,DET.  This might be a let down spot for the Bengals after emotional wins vs the Ravens and Steelers.  The Raiders have been brutal all year and things don’t get any easier as they turn around and face the Cowboys on Thanksgiving Day.

Bengals  -9.5                                            Prediction: Bengals 20- 13

.

…….     .

Chargers     @      Broncos                       4:15

(6-3)                         (6-3)                           CBS

Preview:  AFC West title is on the line here as the streaking Chargers face the Broncos. These teams are going in opposite directions.  Its deja vu all over again for the Broncos, who squandered a 3 game lead, late last season. At home they have an opportunity to go back up by 2 games. Philip Rivers is willing his team to victory and quietly is having a great season.

Chargers  -3                                              Prediction:  Chargers 30 – 23

…… …

Jets     @      Patriots                        4:15

(4-5)                (6-3)                            FOX

Preview:  Bill BeliCheat was second guessed all week, after last week’s disappointing loss to the Colts.  The Patriots are too smart and savvy to give into the distractions. They hope to get another shot to avenge the Colts, but for now they must avenge the earlier loss to the Jets. Rex Ryan blitzed over 40 times against Brady and kept him off his rhythm, as Brady was still regaining his form in week 2.  Look for the Patriots to come out firing, and put this game away early in the 2nd half.

Patriots  -10.5                                     Prediction: Patriots 37 – 17

….  .………….

Eagles     @      Bears                             8:15

(5-4)                  (4-5)                                NBC

Preview:  Jay Cutler looks to get back on track Sunday Night, where he has struggled more so in primetime. Last week he threw 5 INTs, three in the redzone.  The Eagles have struggled themselves, but do have a remedy as they face a weak Bears pass defense.  It’s hard to predict which team shows up for either side.  I’ll stick with the home dog.

Eagles  -2.5                                             Prediction: Bears 27-24

…… ..

…  ……

Titans     @      Texans                           8:30

(3-6)                   (5-4)                              ESPN/TSN

Preview:  Tennessee has put their horrible start behind them, and are playing inspired football. Three consecutive victories has tempered all the negativity that surrounded this football team.  Most of the credit goes to RB Chris Johnson. He is tearing through holes and is enjoying the increased carries.  Vince Young has also been a steadying presence behind centre.  Houston comes off the bye to a rare Monday Night home game.  Perfect opportunity to show the world you’re ready to be a threat in the AFC.

Texans  -4.5                                           Prediction: Titans 31 – 27

If you like Favorites ….. go with the Steelers, Vikings, Patriots, Colts

If you like Dogs ….. go with Falcons, Titans, Bears

Last Week:  9-6            Overall 28-13