NFL - Week Three predictions

Another week into the season and coach Jim Zorn has his first win as a head coach, in thrilling fashion too. Meanwhile, rookie safety Chris Horton looked good on the field, reminding some of the late Sean Taylor. A disputed call gave Denver a victory over San Diego as the Broncos went for two in the closing seconds instead of kicking the extra point to tie the game. Who does that? The Vikings are now 0-2 and the Packers are 2-0. And Matt Cassel knocked off Brett Favre's Jets, showing he is a suitable starter in place of the injured Tom Brady.

On the SCO pick front, experience seems to be playing no role. The only returning expert, Anshul, finds himself in last place despite a solid 9-6 week. On the other end, Kevin has taken the lead at 22-9 but Jon and Sean and close on his heels. Who knows what another week of NFL action will bring? Experts, to your positions!

Standings:

	This week	Season total
Anshul	9-6	17-14
Jon	9-6	19-12
Kevin	12-3	22-9
Sean	8-7	18-13

Sunday September 21, 2008

Kansas City Chiefs (0-2) at Atlanta Falcons (1-1)

Anshul	Jon	Kevin	Sean
Atlanta	Atlanta	Atlanta	Atlanta

Anshul says:
So Atlanta isn't exactly elite quality yet, but the Chiefs are still struggling to get back to being a .500 team. Atlanta seems to be capable of getting back to that point for the first time since the Michael Vick era and a win over Kansas City should help their cause.

Jon says:
If your football organization loses to the Oakland Raiders, something is severely wrong. Even if their running back ran for 164 yards, this is no excuse. Kansas City, step aside to a similarly positioned (soon to be 2-1) Atlanta team.

Kevin says:
Both teams are playing after disappointing losses against teams that they could have beaten. The Falcons' offense literally died last week - quarterback Matt Ryan threw two interceptions and the offense had to settle for three points three times. The Chiefs also threw two interceptions and let rookie Darren McFadden run for an astounding 164 yards. This week goes to the Falcons because they just seem better in the offensive red zone. Plus, they're at home.

Sean says:
I know the Chiefs are fighting for redemption, but given the fact that the Chiefs are traveling to the belly of the beast not on top of their game, they might need to fight for respect.

Oakland Raiders (1-1) at Buffalo Bills (2-0)

Anshul	Jon	Kevin	Sean
Buffalo	Buffalo	Buffalo	Buffalo

Anshul says:
Oakland has shown that they can run the ball, but the question still remains in the passing game. Second-year quarterback JaMarcus Russell has yet to prove himself as a number one overall pick, whereas Bills quarterback Trent Edwards has proven himself this season. The Bills should be able to unleash an air assault on the Raiders.

Jon says:
Oakland did not have stiff competition last week. While Buffalo is 2-0 for the first time in five years, their running game will be inferior to the Raiders. Buffalo's record is a testament to mostly luck and good fortune against Seattle and Jacksonville and Oakland is demonstrating elite rushing capabilities. Buffalo will win at home, hopefully.

Kevin says:
The Bills had a close one against the Jaguars last week, but were able to shut them down nine of 11 times on third down. The Raiders took the Chiefs after holding them to only 55 rushing yards. However, even a potent McFadden coming off of an amazing game can't stop the Bills this time, who have a pretty decent arm in Edwards.

Sean says:
I'm going to go out on a limb here and say Oakland will take this one - just kidding.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-1) at Chicago Bears (1-1)

Anshul	Jon	Kevin	Sean
Chicago	Chicago	Chicago	Tampa Bay

Anshul says:
Despite a loss last week, the Bears have still looked good this season. Quarterback Kyle Orton is not a dynamic playmaker, but he can manage a game and not make mistakes, something the Bears desperately need.

Jon says:
People seem to have forgotten that Tampa Bay had the best defense last year. Brian Griese and the Buccaneers' offense is producing at a slow rate, but still getting the job done, scoring at least 20 points in both matches. The ever-so-unpredictable element of the Chicago special teams will be a huge factor in this defensive battle. Because such blocked punts can turn a game around, Chicago will take this one.

Kevin says:
The Bears broke my heart last week when the Panthers came from behind in the fourth quarter. The Buccaneers had a surprisingly good game at home against the Falcons. I have faith that the Bears can put this one away this time.

Sean says:
In honor of "Talk like a Pirate Day" on September 19th, I predict that the Buccaneers will fly out, guns blazing, and sail to victory.

Carolina Panthers (2-0) at Minnesota Vikings (0-2)

Anshul	Jon	Kevin	Sean
Carolina	Carolina	Minnesota	Carolina

Anshul says:
The Vikings still haven't shown they can throw the ball and teams are stacking the box to protect against Adrian Peterson. Meanwhile the Panthers are 2-0 and with receiver Steve Smith returning from his suspension, the Panthers are in good position to have a great season.

Jon says:
Way to go, Carolina. With Tarvaris Jackson out with a knee injury and only Peterson to back up the Vikings, Carolina will stop Minnesota and move on to the next week without problems.

Kevin says:
Both the Panthers and Vikings had very close games last week as their games were decided by only three points. The Vikings have a strong core, despite their misleading 0-2 record. It would be terrible if Vikings fans worldwide were let down again this week.

Sean says:
Carolina looks to be on a roll. The Vikings are plagued by injuries. Unless 2 + 2 = 5, then the Panthers will prevail.

Miami Dolphins (0-2) at New England Patriots (2-0)

Anshul	Jon	Kevin	Sean
New England	New England	New England	New England

Anshul says:
Miami actually has the better quarterback, but the Patriots still have the better team. Their defense is still just as potent and the offensive weapons they have, even at running back, are just too much for the Dolphins.

Jon says:
Chad Pennington still throws as far as a middle-schooler! The Miami organization has embarrassment mounting when they could not even compete with Arizona. New England cannot lose.

Kevin says:
If this is a repeat of last year's game, I'd laugh pretty hard. Except this year, the Patriots are a lot worse and the Dolphins are a lot better. Hey, no more Jason Taylor versus Tom Brady in this club. HOLLA!

Sean says:
Oh Bill Parcells - why did you leave before telling us your divine plan? Supporting the Dolphins is a distraction at best and treason at worst. Why did you leave for a worse team? WHY!?! This one regrettably goes to the Patriots.

Cincinnati Bengals (0-2) at New York Giants (2-0)

Anshul	Jon	Kevin	Sean
New York	New York	New York	New York

Anshul says:
The New York football Giants are showing fans around the league why they are the defending champions. After winning their first two games in blowout fashion, expect another largely one-sided game against a Bengal team that is under-performing on all sides of the ball.

Jon says:
G-Men all the way.

Kevin says:
This is probably the blowout of the week. The Bengals have proven that their defense lacks enormously. They're getting pretty close to proving that their offense also lacks enormously. On the other hand, the Giants look better every week. No contest.

Sean says:
The Giants are on fire until Dallas extinguishes them. But until then they are a ni-unstoppable.

Houston Texans (0-1) at Tennessee Titans (2-0)

Anshul	Jon	Kevin	Sean
Tennessee	Tennessee	Tennessee	Tennessee

Anshul says:
The Titans' defense is looking better than ever and looks to be in great position to shut down the Texans while their running game and special teams help rack up points.

Jon says:
Kerry Collins's selection of permanent quarterback (permanent as long as Vince Young is out due to self-pity) may be a jinxing of the success the Titans have enjoyed against pushovers Jacksonville and Cincinatti. Still, the Texans will now take an insult to an injury of devastating Hurricane Ike in this loss. Anshul, the Titans' defense has ALWAYS looked great, just for the record.

Kevin says:
Okay, I lied. This is the true blowout of the week. Even an oddly placed bye week thanks to Hurricane Ike won't help the Texans rest up to take on the Titans. The Titans have a great running game against the Texans' battered rush defense.

Sean says:
Despite the fact that this is going to be the true blowout, the all-star Young might sit out this game to heal his sprained left knee. No matter, this Titan's stellar defense will carry the team to victory.

Arizona Cardinals (2-0) at Washington Redskins (1-1)

Anshul	Jon	Kevin	Sean
Washington	Arizona	Washington	Arizona

Anshul says:
Rookie strong safety Chris Horton stepped up big last week. Could he be the replacement we need for the late 21? Regardless, last week the Skins' offense was clicking and hopefully it will keep getting better.

Jon says:
I cannot be fickle. Every Redskins fan who shouts "Going to the Superbowl," every time they win a game just pains me. Santana Moss and Jason Campbell were destined to be an amazing duo, but Arizona is a huge force to be reckoned with. Beating both San Francisco and Miami (and I never thought I would say this), Kurt Warner is looking good - putting up four touchdowns and over 500 yards! The Skins' look good, nevertheless, but watch out for Edgerrin James in the backfield.

Kevin says:
I told you Campbell could connect as long as Jason Taylor put pressure on the quarterback. And boy, they worked really well. I probably shouldn't put too much faith in Campbell's somewhat inconsistent tendencies after one game, but he looked pretty good aside from that complete misthrow in the first quarter. I love the Redskins.

Sean says:
Well, I'm a bit of a sadist too Jon. Everytime a Redskins fan shouts "We're going to the Superbowl" a part of me wants them to do well and get so close only to not win. Call me crazy, but I'm thinking the Cardinals will take this away.

New Orleans Saints (1-1) at Denver Broncos (2-0)

Anshul	Jon	Kevin	Sean
Denver	Denver	Denver	Denver

Anshul says:
The Skins exploited the Saints' weak secondary and a pass-happy team like the Broncos with a strong-armed quarterback in Jay Cutler should do much of the same. Reggie Bush is starting to look better, but the Saints won't be able to put enough points on the board to cover for their poor defense.

Jon says:
The Broncos came away with the last-minute win against San Diego. No disrespect to the Chargers, who fought so hard to lose by one point, but Cutler has over 650 yards passing. The only thing the Broncos are missing is a presence in the defense and a solid runner, rather than a split Hall/Young duo.

Kevin says:
Man, these two teams had clinch games last week too. In an amazing 39-38 victory, Cutler threw an amazing four touchdowns with only one interception. Drew Brees on the other hand, well, had a so-so game against the amazing Redskins. This should be a fun one to watch.

Sean says:
"The amazing Redskins" my foot. No matter, the Saints-Redskins game was for the Saints to lose. Denver is coming into this game strong and Cutler will be stronger.

Detroit Lions (0-2) at San Francisco 49ers (1-1)

Anshul	Jon	Kevin	Sean
San Francisco	San Francisco	San Francisco	San Francisco

Anshul says:
Does anybody really care about this game? I feel sorry for receiver Calvin Johnson, a great talent stuck on a terrible team.

Jon says:
Detroit, maybe you should sit down, I've got something to talk about. Listen; when John Kitna throws four interceptions and Kevin Jones rushes for only 40 yards, I cannot entertain you as an organization. My deepest apologies, Jonathan Kesten.

Kevin says:
Just wow. The Lions have a pretty terrible defense. The Niners won a great overtime game against the Seahawks. Just with pure momentum on the other side, Kitna's Lions will lose. It doesn't even matter how good Johnson is.

Sean says:
I think this game deserves a sad song on the world's smallest violin - I'm also thinking the 49ers for the win.

St. Louis Rams (0-2) at Seattle Seahawks (0-2)

Anshul	Jon	Kevin	Sean
Seattle	Seattle	Seattle	Seattle

Anshul says:
In the past two seasons, these teams have been expected to do great. But after poor starts this season, there is not a lot of hope left unless they can seriously turn it on. Seattle hasn't looked good but they've looked better than the Rams. Maybe Jim Zorn was more important than Seattle thought.

Jon says:
Anshul is right. Seattle is missing something and his name could be Jim Zorn, or a dominant offensive line. Either way, St. Louis will do nothing of importance.

Kevin says:
I really do not want either of these teams to win. I'm pretty sure the Rams were blown in their game against the Giants. In the end, it doesn't matter how badly Matt Hasselbeck throws - Julius Jones will take it ALL, THE, WAY.

Sean says:
Argh. The Rams are terrible. The Seahawks somehow lost to the 49ers. I am disappointed with both of these teams but Seattle is clearly better.

Cleveland Browns (0-2) at Baltimore Ravens (1-0)

Anshul	Jon	Kevin	Sean
Baltimore	Baltimore	Cleveland	Cleveland

Anshul says:
The Browns' story ended last year and hasn't started yet this season. This game features one of the league's best defenses against one of the league's worst, and with a poor secondary in the Browns, the Ravens should finally be able to get a passing game going.

Jon says:
I laugh when I see Brady Quinn jerseys. He is the biggest hope for this football team and he has not even taken a snap in a real game. Sorrow and another rebuilding year for the Browns - to my personal dismay and to all Cleveland fans out there. Funny joke Kevin, but seriously, Halito Ngata and the Baltimore D is stellar.

Kevin says:
That may have been the lowest-scoring game for the Browns all season. I'm very disappointed with Derek Anderson's offensive output. We'll see if he plays better or if the Browns will just have to pick up Tom Brady after he gets dropped from the Patriots this season. Just kidding.

Sean says:
Ha, "Offensive output." Kevin, do you read what you write? You make it sound as if Anderson is farting. Though I find your written "output offensive" I agree - Cleveland can and will do better.

Jacksonville Jaguars (0-2) at Indianapolis Colts (1-1)

Anshul	Jon	Kevin	Sean
Indianapolis	Indianapolis	Jacksonville	Indianapolis

Anshul says:
Both these teams were in the playoffs last season and many expected them to return this season. But with sub-par performances thus far, especially from Indianapolis quarterback Peyton Manning, neither looks to be in good position right now. The Jags have looked worse on both sides of the ball, so this game goes to the Colts.

Jon says:
The AFC South for once is no longer looking strong for either of these teams. Still, someone must be second place to the awesome Titans. It's really a shame that when the Colts are at their weakest, so are the Jaguars (a team that has viciously looked for a win against this powerhouse team). Really - a shame. Joseph Addai needs to rush for more than 20 yards (is that annoying for Manning, or what?) and Manning will be more careful in the pocket.

Kevin says:
The Colts should have lost last week to the Vikings, just based on their measly ten yards of rushing (not per play, but per game). The Jaguars, well, couldn't close out the game. In a game of upsets, who knows? The Colts are fundamentally better, but I just have a bad feeling about this...

Sean says:
I know Kevin's fantasy team is failing, so in an act of goodwill after mocking him I say Manning and the Colts will begin the long road to redemption.

Pittsburgh Steelers (2-0) at Philadelphia Eagles (1-1)

Anshul	Jon	Kevin	Sean
Philadelphia	Philadelphia	Pittsburgh	Pittsburgh

Anshul says:
A clash of two rival cities gets even better this season as both these teams are playing great football. The Eagles hung in there with the Cowboys before losing in the closing minutes, showing a great balanced offense and a great defense. Meanwhile, quarterback Donovan McNabb looks like he is finally back to his old self, giving the Eagles the edge in this game.

Jon says:
Wow. I was stunned by McNabb's performance against Dallas. He ripped that secondary apart and made it look so smooth. I have high faith in Brian Westbrook and McNabb in this Pennsylvania battle. If you look at the Steelers record and think, "Wow, they've got to be the best team in the AFC (considering no Patriots or Chargers)," you are mislead. They have beaten two pushovers in Cleveland and Houston.

Kevin says:
This is a really great matchup. The Steelers have one of the best defenses in the league, keeping the Browns to only six points last week. The Eagles, on the other hand, have proven that they have a very capable offense in Westbrook, McNabb and DeSean Jackson. Their offense is currently ranked at first for passing yards, second for total points and third for total yards. Although statistics favor the Eagles, I have a feeling that they'll be upset this week.

Sean says:
THE THRILLER IN THE BIG P.A.! East vs. West! 412 vs. 215! How many more hype cliches can I throw out here!?! I have great faith in the Steelers this time. I smell fear in the city of Brotherly Love.

Dallas Cowboys (2-0) at Green Bay Packers (2-0)

Anshul	Jon	Kevin	Sean
Dallas	Green Bay	Green Bay	Dallas

Anshul says:
Last season this match-up was between an aged Hall of Fame quarterback and a rising young star. Now this game features two young quarterbacks, but Tony Romo has already proven himself in this league while A-Rodg is still trying to silence his critics and fill Brett Favre's huge shoes.

Jon says:
Because this one is at Green Bay, this makes things difficult to call. It seems like most of Dallas' highlights come from Texas Stadium. From here, all T.O. can go is down. I must pick against Dallas and give the go-ahead to Green Bay and A-Rodg (I like that) who is putting up the numbers despite a shaky GB defense. I will be watching this one.

Kevin says:
Matchup of the heavens, kinda, not really. I'm really looking forward to Rodgers turning into the next Brady. Also, T.O. needs something to be mad about this week - the failure of his team.

Sean says:
T.O. is amazing. Romo outdid McNabb. Yes, Dallas played rather sloppily last game but they are a powerhouse (kind of like the state of Texas).
As I have stated before: DALLAS. ALL DAY, EVERYDAY.

Monday, September 22, 2008

New York Jets (1-1) at San Diego Chargers (0-2)

Anshul	Jon	Kevin	Sean
San Diego	San Diego	San Diego	San Diego

Anshul says:
The Chargers can't start 0-3, it's just not possible.

Jon says:
The Chargers have had terrible luck with New York. But I agree with you guys, but only because Laverneous Coles and Mike Nugent (yes, the kicker is very important) are out with injuries! That's the only reason. I wish I could believe in the Favre Magic, but his age makes it too far-fetched.

Kevin says:
Let me guess: L.T. will actually have a game, despite the toe injury. Favre will start bawling after this week's loss to the Chargers. "Don't make me change my mind, I won't live to see another day, I swear it's true!" Wait, those lyrics are taken completely out of context, but they make perfect sense in this context! "Cause you're hot then you're cold!"

Sean says:
L.T. is facing the Jets to win gloriously and chew bubble gum - he's all out of bubble gum.