NFL Week Eight predictions

It's the beginning of the end for Pia. I see it now. Last week was just the beginning as she lost ground. Amazingly, Phil was the best last week, even though as a group we unanimously picked six games wrong. There are a couple of real tough games this week, including Denver versus Indy in a matchup with playoff implications. Abe makes his return to the picks and looks to gain ground from his last-place standing, which is highly unlikely. Check it out for yourself"

Overall

Last Week

Sunday, October 29, 2006

Arizona Cardinals (1-6) at Green Bay Packers (2-4)

Josh says: Arizona is in free fall mode. Denny Green blew up after an epic Monday night meltdown, and last week the Cards lost to the lowly Raiders. At Lambeau, I just don't see how they can win.

Abe says: Brett Favre is still a fiery gunslinger, and Matt Leinart is a rookie who has done all he can to win but his teammates have let him down three weeks in a row. Perhaps Arizona coach Dennis Green's decision to fire his offensive coordinator was a stupid one"the Cards couldn't even muster 10 points against Oakland, maybe the worst team in the league.

Pia says: Any team that loses to the Oakland Raiders has no hope left for them. Here is to consecutive loss number seven, Arizona. Brett Favre and the Packers can look to catch another break and hold out some hope for salvaging their season.

Phil says: With Dennis Green taking over the offensive play calling last week the high-powered Cardinal offense floundered against the Raiders. At home Favre will score enough points against the shaky Cardinals D to ensure Green regrets taking over the reins.

Atlanta Falcons (4-2) at Cincinnati Bengals (4-2)

Josh says: Mike Vick can pass?! I don't believe it. Cincy can run and pass with the best in the league, and I'm really looking forward to Chad Johnson versus DeAngelo Hall. I got Cincy in a close one.

Abe says: T.J. Whosyomomma is an emerging star, and Bengals' safety Dexter Jackson has never lost when his team plays Mike Vick. Contain, contain, contain Mr. Vick.

Pia says: Falcons QB Michael Vick can go back to his rushing ways this week, as the first-ranked Atlanta run-offense goes against Cincinnati's 25th ranked rush-defense. But even if that doesn't work out, Vick showed us last week that he can do the whole throwing thing too, completing 18-30 passes for 232 yards and 4 touchdowns last week against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Phil says: The Bengals are back on track with their big win last week over the Panthers. If they can contain Vick and Dunn, unquestionable a difficult task their secondary will shut down Crumpler leaving Vick only Corner backs to throw to.

Baltimore Ravens (4-2) at New Orleans Saints (5-1)

Josh says: At home, the Saints have been dominant, and they continue their domination this week, against one of the top teams in the league. Reggie "Showstoppin" Bush gets big numbers as the Ravens have trouble adjusting to him lining up as a wideout.

Abe says: Ravens fans, listen to me, your team is one of the most overrated in the NFL this year. Until the Ravens beat a solid team (like the Saints) I will not endorse them as a playoff-worthy franchise.

Pia says: Both teams are coming off byes and both have good records after seven weeks of play. Yet Baltimore's offense is struggling, as evident by coach Brian Billick's firing of offensive coordinator Jim Fassel last week, and has lost the last two games. New Orleans, on the other hand, looks like it can't be slowed, especially with its boisterous fans in the Superdome.

Phil says: The Saints will protect their house.

Houston Texans (2-4) at Tennessee Titans (1-5)

Josh says: In a battle of sucky teams, the less sucky wins. Houston actually had an impressive win last week against Jacksonville. Maybe they could put together their first back to back wins in"forever?

Abe says: Ew.

Pia says: Ooh. Drama. A star at University of Texas, hometown favorite Vince Young could have gone to the Houston Texans, who instead passed up on him for DE Mario Williams. Since, Young has gotten the starting job, and his first NFL win, with the Tennessee Titans. In Sunday's showdown, it looks like Young and his Titans will come up on top.

Phil says: Wali Lundy may finally face a defense even he can run past and with the chemistry between Carr and Ander Johnson it appears we have the making of an offense.

Jacksonville Jaguars (3-3) at Philadelphia Eagles (4-3)

Josh says: Jacksonville is beat up, and Philly needs to reassert their NFC East dominance. They rebound from two tough losses and beat the Jags.

Abe says: Whether it's Byron Leftwich or David Garrard at QB for the Jags this week, I just have a funny feeling the Jags will get back to early-season form and shut down the Eagles' offense. Philly is feeling shocked after Matt "Flukest Kicker in History" Bryant sent them home with a loss last week.

Pia says: Both these teams must be embarrassed after being on the losing end of major upsets last week. Jacksonville lost to the previously 1-4 Houston Texans and Philadelphia to the previously 1-4 Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Yet with a mean, green, Hulk-like McNabb disappointed with his team's performance, the Eagles should defeat the inconsistent Jaguars.

Phil says: I hope Jags kicks another last second over the Eagles but I just don't see it. But honestly tell me the look on Donovan's face when Matt Bryant's 62 yard kick flew through the up-rights.

Seattle Seahawks (4-2) at Kansas City Chiefs (3-3)

Josh says: Seattle is struggling, and Kansas City is on its way up. Seattle will be without Shaun Alexander and Matt Hasselbeck. With Seneca Wallace starting at quarterback, Kansas City could, for one week at least, have a good secondary.

Abe says: I nearly changed this pick when I heard that Brodie Croyle might get the start at QB for the Chiefs, but when I see a whole bunch of backups on one side and a fella like Larry Johnson on the other, it's an easier decision.

Pia says: The battle of the backups! Even with their third-string quarterback likely to play, the Chiefs still look like a better choice that the battered NFC Champion Seahawks (who are playing without their starting quarterback, running back or wide receiver).

Phil says: Without half their receiving core quarterback and running back it will be a miracle if they don't get shut out.

San Francisco 49ers (2-4) at Chicago Bears (6-0)

Josh says: The Bears are some kind of mean. Fryfest here.

Abe says: If you want in-depth analysis of this game, look elsewhere. Bears gon' get it.

Pia says: The Bear's bye last week should have given them time to contemplate why they almost lost to the Arizona Cardinals the week before. With their holes fixed now, they should have no trouble with the 2-4 San Francisco 49ers.

Phil says: Coming off the bye the Bears won't just out class the 49ers but probably embarrass them.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-4) at New York Giants (4-2)

Josh says: In the battle of the Barber's Freaky Tiki beats Ronde the touchdown machine. Each had excellent performances last week, and look to carry their teams on their backs again. Could be awkward if Ronde makes Tiki fumble or if Tiki trucks Ronde.

Abe says: I wonder if Tiki and Ronde ever switched places in life and fooled people. You know, like on SisterSister or FullHouse? Yeah, that would be cool.

Pia says: With their defense banged up, the Giants are going to have to rely on QB Eli Manning, RB Tiki Barber and the rest of the offense to do their job. That shouldn't be too hard against the Tampa Bay defense that ranks 27th in total defense and 30th in the rush.

Phil says: Dude how can you pick against a team that can kick a 62 yarder.

St. Louis Rams (4-2) at San Diego Chargers (4-2)

Josh says: Whether or not Merriman is on 'roids, the Chargers are better than the Rams.

Abe says: I was tempted to go with the Rams, just to be different, but I have real faith in San Diego this year. Young Phil Rivers is looking like a beast, as is his backfield mate LT, and Antonio Gates is almost as good in real life as he is in Madden07.

Pia says: San Diego's star running back LaDainian Tomlinson should have a chance to shine this week against St. Louis's weak rushing defense. On the other hand, the Rams surprising stellar offense will be faced with a challenge from the tough San Diego defense. Steroid scandals aside San Diego looks like it has the upper hand.

Phil says: How did the Chargers lose to the Chiefs? Can't say I saw that coming.

Indianapolis Colts (6-0) at Denver Broncos (5-1)

Josh says: Game of the week, without a doubt. At the Mile High, Denver's D shuts down the Colts' offense. Offense sells tickets but defense wins games. This game should prove that point.

Abe says: You can break down the stats, matchups and intricacies of this game for hours, but for me the pick comes down to two key words: "at Denver."

Pia says: Peyton Manning and the Colts may be 6-0, but their schedule so far has been against teams with fairly weak defenses. On Sunday they'll be on the road against the league's best defense, a team that also happen to have a 5-1 record. The Broncos look to give the Colts their first loss.

Phil says: The Broncos at home will end the Colts run towards perfection.

New York Jets (4-3) at Cleveland Browns (1-5)

Josh says: It's amazing that the Jets have a winning record. Cleveland can only dream about four wins. I got the J-E-T-S.

Abe says: If you've never heard the name Leon Washington, you will this week. The kid's got wheels.

Pia says: The Jets are excited about the possibility to surpass their win total from last year and improve to a 5-3 record on Sunday. It shouldn't be too hard for them as the take on the struggling 1-5 Browns.

Phil says: The Jets continue to impress me.

Pittsburgh Steelers (2-4) at Oakland Raiders (1-5)

Josh says: A must win road game for Pittsburgh, they should get it done, even though Ben Roethlisberger is turning out to be softer than Art Shell's flab.

Abe says: No one could have ever predicted the Super Bowl champion Steelers would be 2-4 going into this week. Luckily for the unlucky boys from Pitt, the Raiders are next on the schedule. The sad part of this from my view is that the lowly Raiders have just one less win than the Redskins. Oh, god"

Pia says: After last week's disappointing overtime loss to the Falcons, the Steelers look to rebound against the disappointing Raiders.

Phil says: The Raiders surprised everyone by actually winning. That shouldn't be happening again any time soon.

Dallas Cowboys (3-3) at Carolina Panthers (4-3)

Josh says: Carolina has the cooler uniforms and therefore is destined for victory.

Abe says: Tony Romo" Tony Romo" Tony Romo" Tony Romo"

Pia says: New Dallas QB Tony Romo might have more hope than the ailing Drew Bledsoe but it isn't likely that he's going to win in his first NFL start, especially against a strong Panthers team.

Phil says: Steve Smith is so fast.

Monday, October 30, 2006

New England Patriots (5-1) at Minnesota Vikings (4-2)

Josh says: I'm ready for some football, a Monday night party. New England is the best franchise of all time. Minnesota + love boat =NFL disgrace.

Abe says: Tom Brady is a stud. Period.

Pia says: With Tom Brady finally settling in with his flock of new receivers, the Patriots look to making the playoffs once again this year, after missing them last season. Minnesota is also beginning to look strong (beating the Seattle Seahawks last week) yet still has some work to do on its offense.

Phil says: Here is my upset pick. Chester Taylor will control the clock and keep Brady off the field.