I've decided to share my weekly picks, and see how well I do. I might get a little lazy with this, so I can't promise that I'll do it weekly, but I'll do my best. so without further ado:
Falcons (2-7) at Ravens (5-4)
Both teams enter this game with a 3 game losing streak, and both teams need a win to get back on track. The Ravens have struggled since the Thigpen injury, but have also played some tough teams since then. At first glance this looks to be all Ravens, but looking deeper you see that the Falcons strength is in their pass offense, while the Ravens weakness is their pass defense. I think though, that the Ravens are a little more of a complete team. This game should be close and may come down to whoever can win the turnover battle.
Pick: Falcons 20, Ravens 23
Rams (5-4) at Panthers (4-5)
You can just call this game Latavius Murray and Marshawn Lynch show, because that's what we'll be seeing this week. While players should put up big numbers this week, Murray has shown that he is one of the best this season with 5.1 YPC. if he can get hot early in this game, it's game over for the Panthers.
Pick: Rams 28, Panthers 21
Steelers (3-6) at Browns (3-6)
Both teams have some new toys to play with this week, as the Steelers swapped QB's with the Broncos, picking up Jim Sorgi, and the Browns being hit with the injury bug among receivers needed to pick up WR Stephen Hill. I think Sorgi will help right the ship a little, but is it too little too late in the season? Time will tell.
Pick: Steelers 31, Browns 24
Colts (4-5) at Cowboys (7-2)
Andrew Luck was not the answer in Indianapolis, and it was clear. Turnovers and Sacks have been a problem during Lucks time. Matt Ryan Should be an immediate upgrade, and may be able to keep the Colts afloat until Carr is ready to come back. Meanwhile, the Cowboys have been mostly on cruise control this season, with a hard to stop offense. The Colts have arguably the toughest defense that Dallas has had to face this season so far, so what happens when an immovable force meets an unstoppable object? I think Matt Ryan happens. I think he has a good enough game to lift the Colts offense over the Cowboys defense for the win.
Pick: Colts 30, Cowboys 20
Patriots (5-4) at Packers (2-7)
The Patriots have a chance to meet Andrew Luck for a second time this season. The last time, Luck had 6 sacks, 3 INTs, and 1 TD for a 42.2 QBR. The Packers need to win out, or make the playoffs to save Gary's job, but I don't think it'll happen here
Pick: Patriots 28, Packers 17
Bills (5-4) at Texans (2-7)
You really hate to see it. In a last ditch attempt to salvage the season, the Texans trade for Kolb. 10 passes later, his season is over. Injuries are piling up for Houston, and the Bills are hot right now. In Buffalo, Brandon just needs one more win to keep him off the hot seat for another season, and he should get it here. This one won't be close.
Pick: Bills 33, Texans 9
Raiders (5-4) at Chiefs (3-6)
This one has the makings of a shoot out. 2 top 10 offenses vs 2 bottom 10 defenses. If the Chiefs can get an early 2 score lead, then they can force the Raiders to keep throwing. If the Raiders can establish the run game early, and control the clock through the game, they should get the easy win. If neither team can do those, this could come down to who has the last possession, or who can force more turnovers.
Pick: Raiders 38, Chiefs 35
Bengals (6-3) at Saints (7-2)
The Saints are on fire right now, and have the top rush offense, and the top defense in the league right now. the Bengals have a great team, and could make this game interesting...If Isaiah Stanback were playing. Stanback is listed as questionable, and I doubt we'll see him take any snaps this week. Saints take this one, but the Bengals look pretty strong moving forward.
Pick: Bengals 10, Saints 24
Bears (5-4) at Jets (1-8 )
Things have not worked out well for the Jets, and GM Mullendore is likely planning for the future of this team at this point. That being said, I do like the way that their defense matches up against this Bears offense. The Jets offense is no match for the Bears defense, and +13 turnover rate though.
Pick: Bears 21, Jets 7
Titans (6-3) at Eagles (5-4)
Both teams have fallen victim to the injury bug this season. Both are good teams who are pretty closely matched statistically on offense. Both teams are evenly matched in the turnover differential. the difference in this game will come down to the Titans defense. It shouldn't be too hard for the defense to take control of this game, giving Tennessee the win.
Pick: Titans 23, Eagles 14
Redskins (1-8 ) at Buccaneers (3-6)
This Redskins team may not be as bad as their record, and their stats show. they have had a brutal schedule so far, and are getting into the easier portion of their schedule. They are coming off a high of beating a good Eagles team, and are ready to take on the rest of the schedule. They should have a few more wins in them this season, and while I do think they may impress some people in their showing this week, I don't think they get a win here.
Pick: Redskins 21, Buccaneers 24
Lions (5-4) at Cardinals (8-1)
One thing I struggle with with madden is consistency with my team. That is not an issue for the Cardinals offense this season. They are so consistent that they have score exactly 38 points in each of the past 3 games. Meanwhile the Lions strength lies in their run game. Unfortunately for them, the Cardinals have the 2nd best run defense, allowing just 74 YPG.
Pick: Lions 21, Cardinals 38
Seahawks (3-6) at 49ers (4-5)
The Seahawks are riding a 6 game losing streak, and it is getting to be do or die time for them. They still need 4 wins, or make the playoffs to save Rock's job in Seattle. This may be his chance to turn things around this season, as their 8th ranked offense faces the 49ers 9th ranked defense. This could be one of the closer matched games this week.
Pick: Seahawks 20, 49ers 17
Chargers (4-5) at Broncos (5-4)
This one is hard to judge as both teams have made some splashes with trading recently. The Broncos switched out Sorgi for Demarcus Russell at QB, and the Chargers recently acquired Patrick Peterson at CB. I'm not sure that Russell is much of an improvement at QB, if any, and I think that Peterson is worth and extra deflection or 2, and possibly even an INT. That being said, I think the Chargers win a close game.
Pick: Chargers 27, Broncos 24
Vikings (6-3) at Dolphins (9-0)
Finally, We get to the game of the week, and this one should live up to that. This Dolphins team is possibly the best team that I've seen anyone put together in this league, which sucks because I have to play them twice a year. There aren't many teams left on their schedule that have much of a shot at beating them, and I think that unless there is a major injury, a 16-0 season may be likely. This week they face the Vikings, which are probably the best shot that any remaining team on their schedule has of beating them. They are well rounded and don't have many weaknesses to exploit. That being said, the Vikings likely don't have much of a chance at winning. It'll be business as usual for the Dolphins, regardless of their opponent.
Pick: Vikings 14, Dolphins 27
Giants (5-4) at Jaguars (6-3)
We have another matchup of top 10 defenses here. both offenses are average at best, meaning that this may turn in to a defensive struggle. I think the Giants are able to put together a couple of big drives with their passing game, and take this one in the end.
Pick: Giants 17, Jaguars 14
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