Week 10 NFL Preview
Each Friday I will preview a few games to take place over the weekend. I will borrow a phrase from Gregg Easterbrook of ESPN: “All predictions wrong or your money back.”
Buffalo Bills (3-5) at Tennessee Titans (2-6)
I have one rule when I decide which team will win a game: Never, ever, pick for OR against the Buffalo Bills, ever. You never know what team will show up. Will it be the team that intercepted 6 passes and was run over for over 300 yards against the Jets, but won in overtime? Or the team that blows an 11 point lead with 4 minutes to play against the Patriots?
Since I have to, I’m going with the Bills here. People will cite Tennessee’s league-leading rushing attack against the Bills’ last place rushing defense. But don’t forget how often coaches overthink themselves. Jeff Fisher will let Vince Young throw the ball more than he should, and the Bills will set up their anemic offense with some solid field position. The Bills are 3-0 under Jauron after their bye week.
Detroit Lions (1-7) at Minnesota Vikings (7-1)
Minnesota’s only loss this year was at the defending champion Steelers, arguably because of a blown call by the refs for a phantom tripping penalty. Favre is a little banged up, and will probably hand the ball off to Taylor and Peterson more often than not. Detroit is better than last year, but it’s not too hard to accomplish that feat. This game will be closer than people think, but in the end, the Vikings will walk away with the win.
Cincinnati Bengals (6-2) at Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2)
The Bengals won the first meeting between these two teams, but that is irrelevant at this point. The Steelers are two field goals away from being undefeated, and the Bengals are one fluky tipped ball away from being 7-1. This game isn’t getting the attention is deserves, and I’m kind of sad it’s on at the same time as the Bills game (I have my priorities).
The Steelers are coming off a short week after beating Denver on MNF, while the Bengals just steamrolled the Baltimore Ravens for the season sweep. This game will be close until the final snap, where I predict whoever has the ball last will kick one (or miss one) through the uprights (or wide right). My money is on the Bengals, but only because of the extra day of prep.
New England Patriots (6-2) at Indianapolis Colts (8-0)
This is the one everyone is talking about. The debate between Brady and Manning will continue for eternity, but I’m gonna end it right now: Manning is the better QB, hands down. Brady might have the edge in Super Bowl rings, but look at his supporting cast. I’m not talking about receivers or running backs. I’m talking about defense. Manning has never had a dominant defense. Brady was lost last year, and the Patriots still went 11-5. Do you think the Colts would do the same?
With that said, the Colts win this one by at least two touchdowns. The Colt’s defense is much better this year than they have been in the past and will slow the Patriot’s attack enough for Manning to show the world why he should win a record fourth MVP award.
Baltimore Ravens (4-4) at Cleveland Browns (1-7)
Cleveland has won only 2 of their last 15 games, both against the Bills. Baltimore will gain back a lot of their lost pride on Monday Night Football and stomp the Browns into submission. Get ready for a bloodbath.
Related posts:
