Predictions Gallore
Week 3
Carolina over Tampa Bay **
Jon Gruden and Chris Simms may have garnered the presidential treatment and knowledge, but this team seems to have faded quickly over the offseason. Cadillac Williams has yet to show a strong game and has had a nagging injury that has hurt production. Look for the Carolina defense to emerge victorius in this one as they allude to their former selves.
Chicago over Minnesota *
I guess this is my most surprising pick. People have to be saying, "Did you not see Chester Taylor these past two weeks?" The truth is, I have been too busy watching the most dominant defense in Chicago at work. And hell, throw in the fact that Rex Grossman has the highest rating in the league, and I have no reason to think Minnesota should impress me enough to think otherwise.
Pittsburgh over Cincinnati *
A very tough pick. Being a Bengal fan of 12 years consists of patience and knowing when you'll lose. The game is at Pittsburgh, which I believe will be something good for the Steelers. They need the home crowd behind "Big" Ben and now they have it. Pro bowler, Shayne Graham will have a tough time kicking in the unpredictable winds on the river and with this game most assuredly to be a close one, he could be the final factor in their loss.
Detroit over Green Bay **
Brett Favre may have shown how he can beat the Saints up early last week. But, he also has shown how quickly he can lose the lead and give the Saints an impressive 2-0 start. Green Bay and Detroit are two teams who would have trouble playing Hofstra. One of the big factors, Ahman Green has been hurting this week and Najeh Davenport and Samkon Gado are gone.
Indianapolis over Jacksonville *
This isn't upset week by no means. And even though Jacksonville beating Indy wouldn't be a total upset, this is still Indianapolis we're talking about. Peyton Manning at full health with an A+ receiving corps looks better than a B team Stellers with a hurting Roethlisberger. Rashean Mathis won't see the ball twice this game, unless it is being shot by him toward Marvin Harrisson's hands in the endzone.
New York over Buffalo ***
This was a tough call. New York has shown a sturdy offense and that Pennington is looking well. They also beat up New England in a close loss. (But so did Buffalo a week earlier.) The teams in this division are all starting to look like they have a chance. But, when it comes down to "Who will crumble first?", I have to believe JP Losman is ahead of Pennington here.
Miami over Tennessee ***
This is just what the doctor prescribed Daunte Culpepper. Playing a team that has a quarterback who captured a 1.3 QB rating after 2 weeks. Kerry Collins still may be able to start in the NFL... but I think the Texans already have a quarterback.
Washington over Houston***
I was smart enough at the start of the season to know that Washington being the big team this year was a myth. We saw this in 2001, Danny Snyder buys up free agency, makes some big moves... and then Washington bites dust. However, they may find victory aginst the woeful Texans. Houston lost their starting left tackle (Charles Spencer) this week and are having troubles running the ball. Washington is fortunate enough to be getting Clinton Portis back.
Baltimore over Cleveland ***
Unfortunately the week of Cincinnati's away game against Pittsburgh, an undefeated Baltimore team will battle a weakling Cleveland team. Yet, I don't give this game 4 stars for Baltimore. Charlie Frye is developing better each pass, Reuben Droughns is due to break out, and Jamal Lewis's days of 300 yard games against Cleveland are well past. If you pick an upset this week, this is it. If you want to play it safe, go Baltimore for a smooth ride to victory.
New York over Seattle **
This would be a sure New York thing, had they not have 3 receivers and Jeremy Shockey listed as probable for the game Sunday. Seattle has had trouble in their opening two games and this will be their first big test of the year. Eli Manning will show up, step up to the plate, and knock one deep Peyton style.
Philadelphia over San Francisco ****
If Philly wants to be taken seriousley as a playoff contender this year, they have to prove they can beat the little teams first. Donovan McNabb has been a steal for fantasy owners everywhere, but with a revamped Nolan defense, San Francisco is looking to show how the Niners do things on coast.
Arizona over St. Louis **
Arizona should shine brighter than the sun in July this game. Kurt Warner is pumped to play the lack luster secondary the Rams offer. Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin can have career days with a well strategized offense this week. St.Louis impressed the world with an opneing win versus Denver, but field goals aren't going to be good enough to beat this offense.
Denver over New England ***
These two teams are easily two of the most over rated teams this year. Jake Plummer never had an arm, so why credit him with one? It was never the offensive scheme of Gary Kubiak, they were good runners. And The defense has Champ Bailey... that's it. Im well aware that John Lynch graces this team, but he is only affective when he actually catches a receiver or runner. I also know of that dangerous linebacking squad, but they just seemed more impressive last year. Fortunately, they are playing the equally over rated Patriots. New England struggled the opening two weeks against Buffalo and New York. Also, I'm surprised if Tom Brady knows any of his receivers yet as Troy Brown is their only return this year. The lack of chemistry and the deteriorating defense will be their downfall and make Denver look like football Gods again.
Note: If Corey Dillon left Cincinnati in an uproar playing behind Rudi Johnson, why isn't he threatened by Laurence Maroney? Maybe he has realised his value in the NFL is about as high as Ki-Jana Carter's or Napolean Kaufman's.
Atlanta over New Orleans *
This is the most surprising match up of 2-0's this week. The only thing that keeps me guessing about the winner is this is the Saints triumphant return home to a raging cajun crowd. The Saints lack what every other 2-0 team possesse on both sides of the ball. Their only hope may be that Morten Andersen breaks a hip and leaves the Falcons with Michael "Miss 'em all" Koenan kicking.



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