Mark’s Picks of the Week! NFL Game Picks for Week 16 (no point spread)

♣My Picks for Week 16:♣

THU, DEC 18
Indianapolis at Jacksonville

My Pick: Indianapolis.

Indy Has just been to much of a good team over the past 5 years for me to pick against them in December

SAT, DEC 20

Baltimore at Dallas

My pick: Baltimore

Dallas has over achieved, and they played a sorry Giants defense last week. Romo will have at least 2 Interceptions which maybe all Baltimore needs as they apply pressure with their smash mouth running game. I predict at least two passes for Joe Flacco that will be over 35+ yards since Dallas will have to keep 8 in the box.

SUN, DEC 21

Cincinnati at Cleveland

My Pick: Cincinatti

Cleveland has already lost this game with who they have starting at QB. Cincinnati has played to well of late, and Cedric Benson looks like he has find a home! Benson is a possible start if your season has not expired and you need a RB!

San Francisco at St. Louis

My Pick: San Fransico 49ers.

I don’t think they 49ers have to really do anything to win this game. St Louis usually will just get in their own way and work to lose a ball game. I know Singletary has his team under control and he won’t make the mistakes that will allow this sorry excuse for a club beat him. There are no individuals on Mike’s team but thats a lesson that will eventually turn this squad into a Championship contender. Also S. Hill has been playing very well, so don’t be surprised if he throws 2-4 TD passes!

New Orleans at Detroit

My Pick: Detroit

I believe that every dog has it’s day in the sun, and when you look at Detroit you just got to believe some day it will happen. I don’t believe that the Saints should lose this game, but lets just say I believe that the “angels are on the field this week” and give the Loins a early Christmas present. Calvin has a huge game, and Stewart scores!

Pittsburgh at Tennessee

My Pick: Tennessee

This is by far the toughest call of the week. Pittsburgh has a historic defense, yet they struggle to put up any points on offense. As of late Big Ben has look like Tiny Tim with his merger attempts at producing offense. Also the Steelers cannot run the football, yet due to the injury of Hanyesworth you never can tell how this defense will manage without the star DT. I am going to give the advantage to the home team in this one because of the fact that they have fast RB’s and Big RB’s and maybe with the right mix they will be able to tire out the Pittsburgh D and score atleast 1 TD. Either way its going to be a great game!

Miami at Kansas City

My Pick: Miami

KC has been playing better of late, but they still are KC. With the way Joey Porter has been leading this Miami Defense you should expect several sacks and rushed pass attempts which will inevitably end in Miami being victorious!

Arizona at New England

My Pick: New England

My reason is simple. After we look at this game your going say, “I think they wanted it more” (joke)

(But True)
San Diego at Tampa Bay

My Pick: Tampa Bay

Seriously, Did you see Antonio Bryant the last two weeks? This guy has looked so good, he should get a endorsement deal with Elmers for that One Hand grab. Also, I am feeling the reemergence of the superstar Caddy this week, and I doubt San Diego can stop it. This San Diego team is over-rated straight up and they just aren’t going to be tough enough to play against Tampa Bay in their own house. Expect to see light showers and lots of cannon fire on Sunday!
Houston at Oakland

My Pick: Houston

All Hail Steve Slaton, the boy legend that came from WVU and into our NFL Highlight films. This guy is the Total Package. This could potentially be a good game but I doubt the Oakland QB who hasn’t earned the respect of me saying his name, will be able to handle Mario “Mad Dog” Williams up in his grill. Andre Johnson is a top flight kind of guy and should have a pretty good game, yet he will be matched up with Nnamdi Asomugha, who may have the he size and speed to present him a challenge. I am pretty sure on this one though, Houston comes up on top and some Oakland Raiders fans will go out and stab someone!

Buffalo at Denver

Denver:

Buffalo seems to have packed it in. But we will see. Denver may have some issues with protecting Cutler due to Marcus Shroud, but if they play the outside and edges they should slice through this Defense. They have such speed at the RB position it will look ridiculous. The bills always have a chance when Marshawn Plays so we will see. This is the kind of guy that can will and try so hard it motivates his team to win.

NY Jets at Seattle

My Pick Jets

Brett Farve will get it done. Seattle is a joke and he would love nothing more than to say good bye to his old coach by slapping another L on his resume!

Atlanta at Minnesota

My Pick: Atlanta

They are just the better team, and Tavaris Jackson is not the answer.
Philadelphia at Washington

My Pick: Philadelphia

Donovan McNabb has been playing very well recently and with a healthy Westbrook the Redskins could be in for some real trouble. Since it is a divisional game it could still be a close game, but don’t be surprised if this one turns ugly early!
Carolina at NY Giants

MON, DEC 22
Green Bay at Chicago

NFL Game Picks for Week 12 (no point spread)

Thursday, Nov. 20

Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers, 8:15 p.m.

My Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers

This should be a lock for the Pittsburgh Steelers. This team has been playing way below average the entire season. The Steelers recent success has been due to its dominate defense. Pittsburgh is awful offensively, and are struggling to run the ball. I would not be surprised at all, if the Bengals pull out a win on this struggling Steelers team, because the Bengals are explosive and if they can put points up they may be able to take the struggling Steelers Offense out. Also the Bengals have a reemerging RB in Cedric Benson. I can’t pick against the Steelers in Hines Field however against this rival team. STEELERS WIN!

Sunday, Nov. 23

Houston Texans at Cleveland Browns, 1:00 p.m.

My Pick: Texans

Cleveland with have their hands full this week from a defensive standpoint. They will have to deal with the Rookie sensation Steve Slaton, whom is one of the fastest RB in the league. I feel to combat Slaton’s raw speed they may gameplan to leave more defenders in the box or even have a player shadow him, which will in turn leave Owen Daneils as well as Andre Johnson with more room to make the big play. Sorry Brady Quinn I don’t think Sunday is your day. Rogers should be ineffective on Slaton, because The Texans should and will test the edges of this Cleveland Defense. The Texans have lost a lot of close ones this season and their record is really not representative of their talent. I give this game to Houston without any doubts.

Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons, 1:00 p.m.

My Pick: Atlanta Falcons

After last weeks performance how could you pick against these guys. They are at home, they are rolling over teams with “After Burner” Turner leading the way. Carolina had a great week last week, and have 2 top teir atheletes at RB, but I believe the better line in this one will be the Atlanta falcons. They should win the war on both sides of the field. I realize that the Panthers have a great D-line, but this week in ATL it sure won’t look like it. I am doing the dirty bird all night long as the Falcons win.

San Francisco 49ers at Dallas Cowboys, 1:00 p.m.

My Pick: Dallas Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys have a lot to prove after they have looks like a bunch of children among men. Tony Romo is back in the saddle of the cowboys offense, and Jerry Jones must be happy he has the greatest team in the history of the league on paper. Dallas should roll over the 49ers, but if Mike Singletary message is starting to take, we could be in for a great game. The 49ers best chance at success is being more physical then the soft cowboys team. If he lets Frank Gore punch the cowboys Defense in the mouth for at least 28 carries they will have their best chance to win. If you play tougher than the cowboys they usually fold. I will be rooting for Mike Singletary’s 49ers but this game should be all Dallas all day !
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Detroit Lions, 1:00 p.m.

My Pick: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers have already won this game. Thier will be no need to even predict it’s outcome because it has already happened. The Headline read, “Bucs win big and Jump-start the Caddy”

Buffalo Bills at Kansas City Chiefs, 1:00 p.m.

My Pick: Kansas City Chiefs

With the improving play of Thigpen, and Bradley the chiefs offense have more ability to score. Buffalo laid a egg on Monday night, and have a shorter week to prepare for this road game. I believe that KC will have their work cut out for them, because they may get dominated by the Bill’s defensive line. I however am going to go with the hotter team at the moment, who just so happens to be the home team. Trust me this might be the new KC masterpiece.
New York Jets at Tennessee Titans, 1:00 p.m.

My Pick: Tennessee Titans

This will be the best game of the week without a doubt. Anytime a team makes it to week 12 during the NFL season, while remaining undefeated, everyone has an interest in them. The Titans have been so successful because of their attitude. The Titans are a tough team that will wear you down as the game goes on with their tenacious defense and their violent rushing attack.  If the Jets can contain their rushing attack due to the acquisition of superstar tackle Chris Jenkins, they may have a shot. They Jets however cannot turn the ball over if they really want to have a chance so Brett Farve is going to need to be extra careful. I don’t believe the Jets will be able to run on this D-line so expect Brett to have to make some plays. This is why I don’t see the Jets pulling out the win.Defensively the Jets should be able to stop the Titans Offense yet I think the Jets offense is going to get mauled. Expect a multi interception game for Farve. Regardless the ending still is the same Titans win.

Chicago Bears at St. Louis Rams, 1:00 p.m.

My Pick: Chicago Bears

Da Bears Da Bears Da Bears Da Bears. Mike Ditka knows that Forte goes nutz this week and the Rams waive the white flag by the 3rd quarter.

Minnesota Vikings at Jacksonville Jaguars, 1:00 p.m.

My Pick: Minnesota Vikings

The only reason that Minnesota wins this game is because they will man handle the Jags on the defensive side of the ball by winning the battle in the trenches. The Jags are a very bad team, when their Rushing attack is shut down and they are forced to pass. Expect to see this in Week 12. The Jags are living proof how different a team can be when you are missing key lineman. They were a top team in the NFL last year and now look at them. Minnesota wins in Florida. oh yeah, wouldn’t it be great to see Tavares Jackson again?

New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins, 1:00 p.m.

My Pick: Miami Dolphins

Honestly this is Bill’s game to win or lose. He controls the outcome. The Dolphins are not as good of a team unit as the Patriots and I might be picking with my heart on this one and not my brain. The Dolphins I feel are ready to jump the hurdle of the Patriots this year and this is the week. I don’t have any idea on how this could pan out, but expect Joey Porter to be involved on defense at making some huge momentum impacting hits and some turnovers. Rickey and Ronnie will have a tough time running but maybe they together will be able to wear down that good D-line that the Patriots have. I wonder how many times the Patriots are going to film, “The Wildcat Formation” during Dolphins team practice? Haha, screw cheaters I’ll take the FInS!!

(Isn’t it ironic that before “spy-gate” was leaked Bill was winning a lot more games than his is now?)

Philadelphia Eagles at Baltimore Ravens, 1 p.m.

My Pick: Eagles

This game is going to be ugly, with both Offenses struggling. Expect a good amount of pressure to be placed on Joe Flacco and for that reason we may see more rushes called that normal. Ray Rice could become a big factor in this game. Regardless the eagles are in a must win situation, and now that Mcnabb knows that you can tie, maybe they will finish this one up before the final whistle. Don’t expect many rushing yards for Westbrook because the Ravens are not going to let another 100 yard rusher for a while, you just know Ray Lewis is still pissed about last weeks GMEN game.

Oakland Raiders at Denver Broncos, 4:05 p.m.

My Pick: Denver Broncos

Yeah if they loose, I think Shanahan should retire!

Washington Redskins at Seattle Seahawks, 4:15 p.m.

My Pick: Washington Redskins

After blowing a game against the cowboys last week, they can not  afford to screw this game up. Expect Zorn to be on the top of his game. They will not allow themselves to lose this game, and will stop at nothing to win. The Redskins defense will produce at least 2 turnovers in this game, that’s a guarantee. We all know that Seattle is one of the hardest places to play in for opposing teams, so expect silent counts and less shotgun formations and no empty sets for the Redskins. Clinton Portis literally will be the game breaker for the skins this week. Skins win in a close game in Seattle.

New York Giants at Arizona Cardinals, 4:15 p.m.

My Pick:New York Giants

The New York Giants have a history of ending QB’s careers, and I would not be surprised to see Kurt hold on the ball 1 second to long in this game. Kurt has not gone against a team that can rush the passer as well as the Giants can, and it has showed in his statistics. Expect the Superbowl Champs to dominate the Cardinals from the first whistle physically. They will pound the Cardinals back into their nests, sending them migrating home for the rest of the winter. Giants Win, and Kurt gets hit. Hit a lot.

Indianapolis Colts at San Diego Chargers, 8:15 p.m.

My Pick: Indianapolis Colts

The Colts are finally healthy and are playing up to their potential.  This San Diego team is over rated in my book and I refuse to take them as a real contender. They have top tier players whom look great on paper still have yet to prove that they win big games as a team. I just don’t think will be able to pull out the W this week. The Colts are just the better team, and come Sunday night everyone will see it. Peyton cuts up the charges and scores 2+ TD’s. Colts win.

Monday, Nov. 24

Green Bay Packers at New Orleans Saints, 8:30 p.m.

My Pick: Green Bay Packers

This should be a really excited game, involving Drew Brees dropping back for over 50 to 60 attempts. I have a pretty good feeling that the Packer’s Rushing attack will be the thing that wins this game. Ryan Grant will have a big day pounding and punishing Saints defenders. Expect a great & Exciting game, but still this game should end with the Pack on top.

Early Surprise Teams set to do Battle in Week 2 – Chicago Bears at Carolina Panthers

Early Surprise Teams set to do Battle in Week 2 – Chicago Bears at Carolina Panthers

By Alex V

This is a matchup that intrigues me deeply. Both the Bears and the Panthers pulled of rather huge week one upsets against Super Bowl contenders while playing on the road. The Bears did it with their usual run-oriented, turnover free passing offense, and ball-hawking defense that brought them success back when they reached the Super Bowl. The Panthers on the other hand blew a nine point lead in the fourth quarter, and still managed to come back and win in the last second of the game.

I really like this matchup, because there are two possible after-thoughts once the game is over. One of these squads should inevitably win, barring a rare tie. But the game could end up being sloppy where despite bad play, one of the teams had to end the week 2-0. On the other hand, if the winner of the game can play well, or even great, then the January chatter begins to amount. Let’s look at how each team succeeded this weekend.

The Bears have Kyle Orton who didn’t do great, but didn’t do bad either. He finished his game with an 83.4 quarterback rating, completed 13 of 21 passes for a 61.9% completion rate with a more-than commendable 7.1 yards per pass average and 150 total yards. The main facet that got the bears their win on offense was the veteran type performance of Matt Forte. He finished the game with a workhorse load of 23 carries, 123 yards, and a rather gaudy 5.3 yards per carry and one touchdown. Forte managed these stats against a defense that got back Bob Sanders and usually tends to stack the line against teams who do not present a formidable passing threat with him in the line-up (I hesitate to mention the return of Dwight Freeney as he operates mainly as a pass rusher).

As for Jake Delhomme, he finished the night with 247 yards, one touchdown, went 23 of 41 (which culminated in a not so substantial 6 yard per pass average) with a QB rating of 82.1. His running game came in the form of Deangelo Hall (18 carries, 86 yards, and 4.8 per carry) and Jonathan Stewart (10 carries, 53 yards, and 5.3 per carry).

The most notable factor in the Bears’ victory was how they were able to hold Indianapolis to 13 points. On the other hand, the Panthers who faced an opponent with just as much offensive potency in the Chargers, still gave up 24 points, which is just around the average a team like San Diego should get. In hindsight though, the Panthers have comeback ability, which they showed versus the Chargers, whereas the Bears usual strategy is to have the victory in hand by the start of the 4th quarter if possible.

So, in conclusion, the Bears should be the favorite to win, as they played well throughout their entire game, and the Panthers blundered, but managed to eke out a win in literally the waning seconds of their game. As long as the Bears can prevent the big play as they did against the Colts, and not falter anywhere down the stretch, they should come out on top. However, regardless of coming out the victor in this week’s matchup, the winner must display a continued consistency in what they do to earn the respect of NFL fans, columnists, and analysts alike, even if one should remain undefeated.

NFL Game Picks for Week 2 (no point spread)

Week 2 NFL PICKS

Composed by Mark M (12-4)

COLTS AT VIKINGS
My Pick: Colts

GIANTS AT RAMS
My Pick: Giants

BILLS AT JAGUARS:

My Pick: Jaguars

RAVENS AT TEXANS
My Pick: Ravens

PATRIOTS AT JETS
My Pick: Patriots

PACKERS AT LIONS
My Pick: Packers

TITANS AT BENGALS
My Pick: Titans

RAIDERS AT CHIEFS
My Pick: Chiefs

SAINTS AT REDSKINS
My Pick: Redskins

BEARS AT PANTHERS
My Pick: Bears

FALCONS AT BUCCANEERS
My Pick: Buccaneers

DOLPHINS AT CARDINALS
My Pick: Dolphins

STEELERS AT BROWNS
My Pick: Steelers

EAGLES AT COWBOYS
My Pick: Eagles

CHARGERS AT BRONCOS
My Pick: Broncos

49ERS AT SEAHAWKS
Pick: Seahawks

There they are. I know there are a few upsets but I really believe is this how it is going to pan out for week 2 of the NFL’s 2008 season. Please post back if there is anything you really don’t like and want to debate.