Hopefully a New Season

I've been trying to avoid all this lockout talk. I just don't like listening to it and have pushed the thought of a canceled or postponed 2011 season far back to the nether regions of my brain. Instead, I have decided to start working on a 2011-12 preview for the upcoming season WHICH WILL BEGIN ON TIME. Please try not to tell me different, I simply won't listen.

Anyway, one thing I noticed in my prep work was that I was missing a printable season schedule, which is usually my tool in examining the upcoming season and figuring out who is going to win how many games. Therefore, without further delay, exactly that: a printable schedule for the NFL 2011 - 2012 season. You're welcome.

NFL Printable 2011 Schedule

NFL Predictions Part VIII: AFC West

It could be a year of change in the AFC West. On the way out are two perennial playoff contenders and rising is a team who has been at the bottom the past few years. One thing is for sure, the west is not the place to be a football fan right now. Both the NFC and the AFC West are arguably the two weakest divisions in football. Wait a minute... no argument. So how is the AFC West gonna turn out, well maybe a little like this.

1. San Diego Chargers 10-6
2. Kansas City Chiefs 7-9
3. Denver Broncos 5-11
4. Oakland Raiders 3-13

The Chargers may be able to keep themselves above water a little while longer before they start losing their grip. LT is out and a new running back has a lot on his shoulders. The Chargers drafted Ryan Mathews out of Fresno State to replace Tomlinson and they better hope he succeeds, especially for the first few games. Dealing with a suspension to Vincent Jackson, Philip Rivers is at a loss for his prime receiver. Floyd will hopefully step up and catch some balls, but there is definitely gonna be a need for some decent runs. After all, by beefing up their offense in the draft they forgot to address their blaring problem at defense. I still see the Chargers making the playoffs in a weak West division.

NFL Predictions Part VII: AFC South

I don't like Peyton Manning. I have respect for his ability, both on the field and as an actor in commercials, but both him and his brother have cause the New England Patriots some hard times as of late. I don't mind Flacco and the Ravens for some reason, even though they knocked the Pats out last year... it's just that smug little look on Peyton's face. Ask Bill Simmons, he knows what I'm talking about. However, despite this dislike, I do believe the Colts and Manning are one of the most talented teams out there. Peyton lead the Colts to a fantastic season in the first year in a while without Tony Dungy on the sidelines. Jim Caldwell seemed to fill in quite nicely and I see big things for the future of the Colts even without Dungy. So... here is how I see the AFC South shaping up.

1. Indianapolis Colts 15-1
2. Houston Texans 9-7
3. Tennessee Titans 8-8
4. Jacksonville Jaguars 6-10

Sure it's boring saying that Indy is going to have another near-perfect season, only losing a couple of games, but hasn't Manning proved yet that that's highly possible year in and year out. He's still got Reggie Wayne to catch the ball, an aging Addai might be replaced by the young Donald Brown to keep the ball moving, and the defense puts up stops when it needs to, which is not even a worry really since Peyton can get the ball and perform a two-minute drill at any point in the game. Just look at their game against the Dolphins last year in which they won 27-23. The Colts had possession of the ball for just 14:58 (compared to Miami's 45:07), but still managed to win the game, achieving an offensive DVOA (if you read Football Outsiders) of 98%! An incredible number. The Colts are simply one of those teams that has what it takes to win.

NFL Predictions Part VI: AFC North

So it all starts tomorrow and after this I only have two divisions left, including one which I believe will have a Super Bowl XLV champ, and the other a pinnacle of mediocrity and disappointment. But until then I have the AFC North, which has two teams which I believe are capable of making a push for the Lombardi trophy. One of those teams made it to the AFC Championship last year, the other one the Super Bowl the previous year. Both are poised to make moves and this is how I see the AFC North ending up.

1. Baltimore Ravens 11-5
2. Pittsburgh Steelers 10-6
3. Cincinnati Bengals 8-8
4. Cleveland Browns 4-12

The Ravens had a hell of a year last year, both offensively and defensively. They won games when it counted, but also managed to lose them too. They won by huge margins, and lost close games on bad mistakes, including several errors to the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Championship. Everyone gets bounces and Baltimore was on the wrong end of a lot of them in 2009. They lacked consistency, the ability to get big points in the red zone, and a higher tier wide receiver for Flacco to throw at. Well, now Flacco is a year more experienced and the Ravens have picked up both Anquan Boldin and TJ Houshmandzadeh. Will this solve a few problems? I think so; and if it does look for the Ravens to be back in the postseason again this season.

NFL Predictions Part V: AFC East

I like my Pats' chances this year. Brady is healthy again, and I doubt their defense is going to have as sloppy a year as 2009. For Belichick, the defense was not as expected. Hopefully it was one of those transitional years and New England will be back on top of the AFC East, at least hopefully for me. They will have some tough competition though and everyone is definitely wondering what Mark Sanchez will do in his sophomore year. I drafted him in my fantasy football pool last year with my last pick overall and was pleasantly rewarded with a decent backup QB near the end of the seaosn. More importantly though is how the Jets' defense will compare to last year's stellar effort. We shall see, and I see the AFC East ending up something like this:

1. New England Patriots 13-3
2. NY Jets 9-7
3. Miami Dolphins 8-8
4. Buffalo Bills 4-12

Like I said, I really think New England will have their shit together on defense this year. Not only that but I believe the offensive linemen may have taken a year to mature and will also improve in 2010. Belichick always has an ability to find talent in the draft at all spots and that's why this Patriots team has been somehwat of a dynasty over the past decade. They should continue on this season, getting right back on track after an embarrassing loss to the Ravens in the playoffs last year. The only problem is, they might have problems with Baltimore again in the playoffs, and I think they're going to have an even bigger problem facing the Colts and Peyton again, which I'm sure will be a highly possible postseason scenario. For now though, look for the Pats' offense to remain one of the best in the league and have your fingers crossed that the defense can improve.

NFL Predictions Part IV: NFC West

I just couldn't help but post a pic of Glen Coffee, who after a lengthy career with the 49ers totaling 14 games, has retired from football at the old age of 23. So long Coffee, it was a wonderful time. The loss shouldn't be too burdening for the 49ers however, who's schedule this season is the 25th hardest in the league, and who are poised to win the NFC West now that the Cardinals have lost Warner and will be relying on Derek Anderson to throw the ball to Fitzgerald and co. By how much will they win the division? Here's my look at the NFC West.

1. San Francisco 49ers 11-5
2. Arizona Cardinals 7-9
3. Seattle Seahawks 5-11
4. St. Louis Rams 2-14

So maybe the 49ers don't win 11 games, highly possible, I could be overshooting that number by a win or two, but the point is that the 49ers have one of those schedules that might allow them to do it. Now that the Cardinals' offense has taken a huge hit, two extra wins against Arizona are highly possible. San Fran could in fact easily sweep their divisional games, going 6-0 in the NFC West, regardless of matches against other teams. Their defense improved massively last year, one of the top 3 in the NFL, and their offense kept getting better as 2009 moved along. I mean, it still all comes down to whether Alex Smith is ready to become the franchise QB or not, but this is definitely the season for San Fran to make moves. They have to do it now before the Rams start getting better.

NFL Predictions Part III: NFC South

Matt Ryan. That's right, Matt Ryan. It seems like only yesterday a hell-bent New Orleans team took over the reigns as NFC South champs, led by Drew Brees and his all-over-the-field, mutli-receiver attack. Well it should be a short lived life at the top for Brees and company. This young Atlanta team is ready to make moves and has the playoffs in sight this season, even if it is only wildcard weekend this year. Here's what I see in the NFC South:

1. New Orleans Saints 11-5
2. Atlanta Falcons 11-5
3. Carolina Panthers 6-10
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 3-13

The Saints put up amazing numbers last year, scoring 510 points over the course of the season, best in the league and 40 points ahead of second place Minnesota, but the big difference last year was their defense. They managed to score 5 touchdowns and accumulate 652 yards off interceptions alone. This statistic alone should raise some eyebrows as something like this is quite difficult to repeat. I still see them winning a bunch of games based on the strength of Drew Brees and his receiving core, but they will have a tough battle for the NFC South title with Atlanta getting better each year. At 11-5 I can still see them making the playoffs, ousting a Dallas team that is declining at a much faster rate, but to repeat as Super Bowl champs? Unlikely.

NFL Predictions Part II: NFC North

While Favre Watch 2010 managed to steal some of the spotlight away from the NBA/WWE free agency extravaganza and its eventual hatred (kinda like when Richard won Survivor), a lot of people were asking the same question: 'what will happen to the NFC North without Brett?' Well, we won't have to answer that question this year as Favre returns to the Vikings for another two games against his beloved Packers. At least for Green Bay fans this may turn out to be sweet revenge as Aaron Rodgers is poised to be this year's top quarterback (yep, over Drew Brees) and the Pack seem bound for the playoffs yet again and, dare I say, Super Bowl XLV.  Here's how I see the NFC North finishing up in a Favrian world.

1. Green Bay Packers 13-3
2. Minnesota Vikings 10-6
3. Chicago Bears 6-10
4. Detroit Lions 2-14

I really think Aaron Rodgers has the tools to lead Green Bay to a great season this year. Greg Jennings had a bit of an off year last year, where aged veteran Donald Driver seemed to pick up the slack when necessary, but don't expect his numbers to be that low again. Jennings came up big several times in 2009, including catching for 130 yards in the highest scoring postseason game of all time. I also see young tight end Jarmichael Finley, a third round draft pick from 2008, becoming a key target for Rodgers. The main issue will be keeping some of its defensive momentum from 2009. I don't see a repeat of the numbers they put up last year, but if they maintain near those levels, the offense should provide the balance that delivers a thirteen win team.

NFL Predictions Part I: NFC East

As I said at the end of the Super Bowl last year, more than a little bit inebriated, "Peyton is going to go for blood next year, Colts over Packers in 2011." I don't know if those were the exact words, but they get the point across: Indianapolis will beat Green Bay in Super Bowl XLV. What will happen elsewhere? Well I'm not quite sure, but I'll try my best this week by outlining how I think each division will turn out. Here goes, starting with the NFC East.

1. Philadelphia Eagles 11-5
2. Dallas Cowboys 10-6
3. Washington Redskins 9-7
4. NY Giants 8-8

OK, so having the Eagles place first in the NFC East might be putting too much faith in Kolb, but really, a lot of the pieces are already in place for Kolb to step into McNabb's shoes and continue the Eagles' postseason adventures. I'm not sure how far this team will make it under the helm of Kolb, but with a receiving core that includes DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin, he should be able to make out just fine. Sure they lost Westbrook, who had minimal carries last year anyway, but the addition of Mike Bell should fill in their goal-line gap quite nicely. Also, with a defense that will be building on a solid season in 2009, with the addition of defensive end Brandon Graham and safety Nate Allen, the Eagles seem to have somewhat covered their asses in key areas of poor performance last year. Graham was named co-MVP for the Big Ten conference in 2009 and was a finalist for the FBS Hendricks Award, losing out to Jerry Hughes of TCU. Allen should also fit in quite nicely in a team in need of a decent secondary. Any way you look at it, the Eagles should come out on top of McNabb's new team.

Oh Happy Day!

And so the Saints covered the spread...

Not a bad record for the playoffs. Either way you slice it, I went 7-4. Both in picking the winners and covering the spread. Plus, my prediction for Super Bowl champions at the end of last season came true. Let me gamble again and predict the 2011 game:

Colts vs. Packers*

Colts win. Manning won't let another year slip through his fingers.

*My pick of the Packers is based on the assumption that Favre will not be returning. Please also beware of a Saints repeat and the Titans

Makin That Quarterback Money!

With his contract up next year, this season's MVP is looking for a raise. Peyton, by meeting playing time incentives set in his initial contract, has null and voided the final two years of his already healthy salary. What does this mean? Well, Peyton stands to make a shitload of money. His deal this summer, which will be orchestrated by agent Tom Condon, should be the largest in NFL history, worth probably in the ballpark of $18 million a year. So what does this mean around the league? Well, Condon is smiling because one of his other client's contract also expires next season... Drew Brees.

Brees stands to make nearly as much as Manning will, getting a raise from his current $10 million a year salary. Both of these contracts will clearly surpass that of the current highest-paid quarterback, Carson Palmer, who now makes an average $16.17 million a season.  Condon already negotiated a huge deal for Peyton's brother Eli last year, getting him a six-year, $97.5 million dollar contract, and stands to set the benchmark for what star quarterbacks should be paid.  All this is key because next season, Tom Brady also becomes a free agent and will also be after a monster deal, much like Peyton's and Drew's.  Unfortunately, Condon, you're not Brady's agent as well...  Too bad, but you're going to have to let someone else roll in the money for a bit.

Super Bowl Extravaganza!!

We've been blessed with some great Super Bowls the past few years.  Last year's battle between Pittsburgh and Arizona will go down in history as one of the best of all time.  Eli's last minute efforts against an undefeated Patriots' squad was heart-breaking, but awesome to watch.  Even the halftime shows have been great, with Prince and the Boss both providing spectacular entertainment.  Will we be so lucky this year?  I think so.  I think the Saints will cover, lead for a big chunk of the game, and Peyton will win in spectacular fashion in the final plays (there's my pick, Saints (+6) over Colts).  Of course, I would love New Orleans to win more than anything.  I've never been a Colts' fan and would love to see them crumble at the hands of Brees and the crew, but in all honesty, it's looked the Colts' year.  They look like New England back in 2008, only I think they'll be able to finish things off properly.

With all this talk surrounding the big game, however, I'm reminded that it really isn't my favorite day of the season.  There's so much build-up and so often the game is a letdown, that I've gotten used to kind of brushing the day off as a day for non-football fans to watch football.  Factor in the week off between the conference championships and the Bowl, and I tend to lose a bit of momentum after steadily watching for nineteen straight weeks.  So what are my favorite days?  Well, I would probably have to rate them something like this:

NFL Mock Draft Part 4

Just as a side note: once I finish the first round (I'll try to have that done today), I'll archive all the picks under the first part. That way you can reference the entire thing in one post so you can prove just how off I was. Anyway, continuing on.

16. San Fransisco

Earl Thomas, CB/FS, Texas

San Fran will have a little bit of room to play around with two picks in the first round, and since they don't really need a lot of help up front on defense and their offensive line should be bolstered with an OT taken with their earlier pick, they could stretch down for someone useful in their secondary. Taylor Mays could also be picked here, but his stock has dropped quite a bit over the past year and Thomas has climbed. Anything could happen here, the 49ers have options.


17. Tennessee Titans

Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, Florida State

There's no question what the Titans will be after with this pick, and it'll probably come down to who the Tennessee organization thinks is the best defensive end left in the draft. Dunlap and Griffen have lost a lot of steam lately, while Pierre-Paul is looking like one of the premium ends in the draft. The Titans could decide otherwise, but you can be certain that a DE will be grabbed to make up for their poor pass-rush performance last year.


18. Pittsburgh Steelers

Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa

Pittsburgh's got a pretty strong team as it is and they have a few future-building options here. They could go after Taylor Mays, as they do need help at safety down the road, or they can prepare for Colon's free agency two years down the road when he'll be asking for a gigantic contract and have Bulaga sitting and waiting to take the spot. As far as offensive tackles go, Bulaga is one of the best in the draft and may go earlier if Oakland or San Fran decide on him.

Browns after Vick?

Sorry, just read an article about the Browns' hunt for a quarterback and Michael Vick was mentioned as one of the possibilities. Could not contain the emotions associated with having Vick play for the Dawg Pound. Had to say something...

NFL Mock Draft Part 3

11. Jacksonville Jaguars

Tim Tebow, QB, Florida

Although Tebow might not be the best pick at this spot, even if he has come around at the Senior Bowl, the Jaguars need him if they want to stay in Florida. It's sad that the growth of a team is not always what's best, especially when on the verge of relocation. Right now the Jags need a high-profile pick, and grabbing Tebow, already a big name in Florida, will help out their situation. I'm still leery as to whether or not Tebow's game will translate to the NFL. I think on a team like Miami that will run a wildcat offense consistently, he will be a great fit. That's if he can stay healthy, the kid isn't afraid of contact but has to remember to protect his arm.


12. Miami Dolphins

Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee

I think if the Fins have a shot at McClain they will be happy to take him over Williams, but their main priority this draft is definitely defense. There are other options here for sure, Dunlap, Griffen, Morgan (a stretch), or Odrick, who is making some waves at the Senior Bowl, but Williams is a good replacement for Ferguson, who is getting up there in years. I don't see the Dolphins going for a wide receiver here, like Golden Tate, but these things do happen.


13. San Fransisco 49ers

Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma

This pick simply fills a need the 49ers have, and the other options here are iffy. San Fran doesn't need a lot of help at running back, so top RB prospect Spiller will probably fall down to the Seahawks. The 49ers may also pick one of the many defensive ends still left, like Dunlap or Griffen, or maybe even cornerback Earl Thomas, but with San Fran's need for a right tackle, Willimas will be difficult to pass up and hope he's still around for the sixteenth pick.

NFL Mock Draft Part 2

6. Seattle Seahawks

Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma

If Clausen goes to the Redskins, Seattle could be looking at Bradford as their option at quarterback. Carroll will be in his first draft at the helm of the Seahawks and will look to start building his team around the position. Even with tons of talent still available, it will be hard for him to pass on either Clausen or Bradford. Tebow's too big of a gamble at this high of a pick; after his performance in the Senior Bowl, he looks like he needs a bit of work on his passing game. Haden, Morgan, and McClain, or one of the many offensive tackles still on the board: Williams, Davis, or Campbell, are still all valid options, as are any of the guys who slip down to sixth if Bradford goes earlier. There are option, it just all comes down to how St. Louis decides to start everything off.


7. Cleveland Browns

Joe Haden, CB, Florida

Haden seems like a good score for the Browns, as the fifth-overall ranked college player should slip a few spots due to teams filling their needs. I was really happy with the way the Browns finished up the season this year, finishing with 4 straight wins and close losses against the Chargers and the Bengals the weeks prior. They still need a lot of work but stretching for a quarterback at this juncture would prove fruitless. They'll need to build a defense and Haden seems like a good pick. They'll just need to grab a franchise quarterback at some point down the road before they're ready to make the Dog Pound excited for a trip to the postseason. Haden is the premium cornerback available in the draft, and he'll fill that position for the Browns for years to come, but it's still up in the air as to whether Brady Quinn can really fill out the role.


8. Oakland Raiders

Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers

With the top quarterbacks off the board, Oakland will try to build around the position by protecting what they do have. Davis is probably the best option here, although Campbell may also be in consideration if Davis is already gone. With the mess in Oakland, no player is going to have an impact right away, but Al Davis would be smart to grab a premium left tackle. There are a few other ways to go, McClain, Dunlap, and Griffen for example, but Davis has improved a lot and seems like the most NFL-ready of the remaining left tackles. Players to avoid: Derrick Morgan and Taylor Mays. Their stocks have been dropping and although the Raiders need help on defense, Dunlap or Griffen would be better picks in my opinion.

NFL Mock Draft

What an exciting draft year! With a new CBA looming and a possible rookie cap, we're seeing a lot of players entering the draft early, and it seems like there's plenty of talent to go around. Ndamukong Suh is pretty much the best player in the draft, but will he go number 1? I'm gonna try to lay it out as much as I can so you all have a little more knowledge for the big day.


1. St. Louis Rams

Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska

GM Billy Devaney has been heard saying he's a little afraid of taking a defensive tackle as the number one pick, especially when the Rams are in such need of a quarterback. My opinion is either they realize the game-changing ability of Suh and take him in the number 1 slot, or trade a few spots down to allow Tampa Bay to grab the coveted AP player of the year and twice-over defensive player of the year. They don't want to trade down any lower than fourth however, as the Redskins are definitely going to grab a QB and the Rams will want the choice between Clausen and Bradford. There is a slim chance that a trade down will be too tough to orchestrate and the Rams will realize that their need for a quarterback is greater than anything else at the moment, in which case I see them taking Clausen, but I highly doubt it. one thing's for sure, the Lions are hoping the Rams pass on this guy.


2. Detroit Lions

Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma

Rated slightly below Suh, McCoy offers another viable defensive tackle option if the Rams take Ndamunkong. The team that really loses out the most is Tampa, who really needs a defensive tackle on their line. Both Detroit and Tampa Bay were pitiful in the sack department last season, and both will be hoping that St. Louis opts for the quarterback option. Either way, I don't see Detroit going with any other position than a defensive tackle, leaving safety Eric Berry on the board. Safeties never go in the top three picks, but that could be changed in the minds of some GMs after watching Pittsburgh crumble this season without Polamalu. Berry could sneak into the top three, especially if both defensive tackles are gone.


3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Russel Okung, OT, Oklahoma State

Tampa Bay will have two options at this point, and neither one is the ideal situation. They really fucked things up at the end of the year by winning two meaningless games against the Saints and the Seahawks. Now instead of drafting a franchise defensive tackle, they'll be stuck with the option of offensive tackle Russel Okung or safety Eric Berry. Safeties aren't usually drafted this high, and although Berry might sneak in at this pick, chances are Tampa will go with Okung to protect the young Josh Freeman. Freeman took over at the end of the season last year and had some bright moments. Give him some more time in the pocket and you might see some more results.

What The Hell Is This Shit?

C'mon Prince. You can do better than that...



Prince's Vikings Song

NFL Conference Championship Picks

Colts (-8) over Jets

Well the Ravens finally met their end at the hand of the Colts, and I can do nothing but applaud an Indianapolis team that had incredible drive both on defense and offense. Baltimore actually stood strong, holding the Colts to just 20 points, not an insurmountable amount, but the real kudos go to a Colts' defense that hustled over the entire field, covering both the run game and the passing game. Even Reed's interception was foiled by an adamant Garcon who forced a fumble, giving Indy the ball back. This Indy team was just looking too good. So will they be able to beat the surpising Jets...

Last week I knew that these youngins were gonna give the Chargers a hard time, but a victory was unexpected. Kaeding should be taking some time off from kicking a football this offseason and kicking himself instead, missing all three field goal attempts including shorter ones from 36 and 40 yards, but San Diego was just unable to get anything going at all. Jackson and gates combined for 204 of Rivers' 298 passing yards, but neither were able to reach the end zone. With only 61 combined rushing yards between the entire offense, San Diego just couldn't find a balanced attack, a criticism of them all season.

Now the Jets have to face the team with the best record in the AFC that seems set on winning it all this year. Ironically, by sitting all their starters against the Jets in week 16, Indy allowed New York to make the playoffs and now face them in the conference championship. This time around though there will be no letting up and with a tenacious defense and Manning at the helm, a team that only made it into the red zone once last week (Sanchez scored a 2 yard touchdown, which left them 1/1, 100% conversion in the red zone, not bad!) has a very slim chance of winning this game. I would like to think it's gonna be a close game, as there have been so few of those this postseason, but honestly, this might be another blowout. I think I'll have to wait until the Superbowl for another nailbiter.

NFL Picks Divisional Round

3-1. Not a bad start. OK, so I guess I underestimated the Jets but c'mon, did anyone else put as much faith in Warner as I did? Well I think he might meet his match this week against the Saints, and I'm still not sure the Jets have really proven themselves fully, so what will the divisional round have in store? Here's what I think:

Saints (-7) over Cardinals

This should be a tough one for the Saints, especially if Warner has another outing like last week, but Darren Sharper is one of the top defensive players of the year and he should have something to prove. Combine that with Brees' hell-of-a-season (ignoring the last few games played once a playoff spot had been secured) and the Saints should be able to put up a few more stops than the Packers and still score as many points. I'm not 100% sure if New Orleans will cover the spread, but for the outright win I'm taking the Saints. Sorry Warner, I have faith in you, but very little in your team's defense.

Ravens (+7) over Colts

I'm gonna continue on with my love of Baltimore, especially when you give them a 7 point spread. That being said, if anyone can beat the Colts right now, I truly believe it's the Ravens, and I think they will. Ray Rice has been a beast as of late, and although Flacco had an off game, he's capable of throwing for 200+ yards (threw for 256 against the Colts in week 11). The question is does he need to have a great game when playing against a mediocre Colts' run defense? My one worry is pairing Manning up against a weakened Ravens' secondary. Their defense shone last week against New England, but let's be honest, Indianapolis is a tougher challenge. This could be a nail-biter, and Baltimore's record in those games this season is not stellar, but I still like them as the upset.

Cowboys (+3) over Vikings

Remember a few weeks back when Favre and Childress had that little spat? Well it really screwed things up as far as team-building goes, and since then the Vikings haven't been doing so hot. They still have a great team, great receiving, great run game... but are all those pieces going to fall together again for this game? It's gonna be tough especially when facing the hottest team in the NFL right now. Dallas has dominated the past few weeks and going up against a flawed Minnesota secondary that supplies multiple targets for Romo could be the death of the Vikings. I don't see Dallas slowing down anytime soon, and if they get another strong performance from guys like Felix Jones and Roy Williams, this could be another big victory for the Cowboys and Romo's reputation.

Jets (+8) over Chargers

Let me start by saying that I'm not jumping on the Jets' bandwagon, I actually think the Chargers are gonna win this one, but the Jets are looking fantastic right now. This game is going to be a lot closer than I originally thought, looking at the numbers and the matchups, but I still think Rivers and Jackson are going to be too much for New York to handle. I also like the dual rushing/receiving threat of Sproles to cause some trouble for the Jets. All things considered, New York is going to need another superhero-style performance from their defense. It's going to have stand tough against the Chargers' passing game and Sanchez will have to have another stellar game, which is very possible headed back home to southern California. San Diego has had some close games, and this should be another one, but I think they should be able to pull out a victory.