NFL Week 12 Predictions

!Upset
*Big Game
**Game of the Week


**Green Bay Packers (10-0) v.s. Detroit Lions (7-3) (GB -6.5, O/U 48)

Calvin Johnson

     The Packers face one of their toughest tests remaining today on Thanksgiving against the Lions. I think the Lions at the very least need to come out flying and show the Packers that they can play with them. I like the Lions defense to step up today along with Matthew Stafford not turning the ball over on offense. Aaron Rodgers and the Packers come back late, but its not enough as the Lions win their first Thanksgiving game since 2003.
Detroit 31-26!
Spread: Detroit
O/U: Over


Miami Dolphins (3-7) v.s. Dallas Cowboys (6-4) (DAL -6.5, O/U 43.5)
     The Dolphins come into Dallas on a 3 game win streak. Unfortunately for the 'Fins, the Cowboys are on a tear of their own. I think the Cowboys can slice up the Dolphins weak secondary with ease today. Miami will hang around, but I don't see them beating Dallas.

Ed Reed

Dallas 27-17
Spread: Dallas
O/U: Over


*San Francisco 49ers (9-1) v.s. Baltimore Ravens (7-3) (BAL -3.5, O/U 38.5)
    In the Harbaugh Bowl, this game will be decided about which offense steps up. I know the 49ers are 9-1, but Alex Smith hasn't been in a game quite like this magnitude against a legitimate defense on the road at night. We'll see how the 49ers handle the Ravens tonight in what will be a true test for them. I also think this is a test for the Ravens; they haven't exactly been consistent this year, but tonight, I think their defense will step up and their offense will do just enough to win.
Baltimore 17-10
Spread: Baltimore
O/U: Under


Minnesota Vikings (2-8) v.s. Atlanta Falcons (6-4) (ATL -10, O/U 44)

Cedric Benson

     To put this game simply, the Vikings are 2-8 and they will be without Adrian Peterson today. So I like Atlanta to win, but I still think their offense will struggle against a decent Minnesota defense. Atlanta moves to 7-4.
Atlanta 24-10
Spread: Atlanta 
O/U: Under


Cleveland Browns (4-6) v.s. Cincinnati Bengals (6-4) (CIN -7, O/U 37.5)
     It's obvious that Cleveland has had trouble scoring against every team this year. So how are they going to score against Cincinnati today? I don't know, they'll have to find a way to manufacture points, but either way, I like Andy Dalton to protect the ball and have a nice day leading the Bengals offense as Cincinnati moves to 7-4.
Cincinnati 24-14
Spread: Cincinnati
O/U: Over


Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-6) v.s. Tennessee Titans (5-5) (TEN -4, O/U 43.5)

LeGarrette Blount

     Tampa Bay really showed that they are capable of playing like the 10-6 team they were last year when they went into Green Bay and played right with them until the end. Tampa Bay is back to moving in the right direction which is why I think they will take that into Tennessee and have their most impressive performance of the year to move to 5-6.
Tampa Bay 28-17!
Spread: Tampa Bay 
O/U: Over


Carolina Panthers (2-8) v.s. Indianapolis Colts (0-10) (CAR -4, O/U 47)
     If Carolina is going to win today, they will need their defense to step up. Time is running out for the Colts to get a win and unfortunately for them, they will have to wait another week. Cam Newton limits his turnovers, the Panthers get the win.
Carolina 27-13
Spread: Carolina
O/U: Under


Arizona Cardinals (3-7) v.s. St. Louis Rams (2-8) (STL -3, O/U 40)
     The Rams lost to the Cardinals a few weeks ago on a walk off, 99 yard punt return by Patrick Peterson. Not much separates these two teams, but I think the difference is that the Cardinals are a little bit less banged up than the Rams. I'll take the Cardinals in a close one because I can't see the Rams scoring enough points.

Plaxico Burress

Arizona 24-20!
Spread: Arizona
O/U: Over


Buffalo Bills (5-5) v.s. New York Jets (5-5) (NYJ -10, O/U 42)
     I feel bad for the Bills, I really do. In a season full of much optimism, they are fading and fading fast. The only chance the Bills have in this game is if they slow down the Jets offense. The Jets have had a lot of success against the Bills and ultimately, I don't see that changing today.
New York 20-13
Spread: Buffalo
O/U: Under


Houston Texans (7-3) v.s. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-7) (HOU -7, O/U 37)

Julius Peppers

     Matt Lineart makes his debut for the Texans today and he will go up against the third ranked defense in the NFL. If the Jaguars stop the run, they should be very competitive in this game. The Texans have a very good defense as well, but I think the Jaguars will score just enough points to pull the upset today.
Jacksonville 19-17!
Spread: Jacksonville
O/U: Under



*Chicago Bears (7-3) v.s. Oakland Raiders (6-4) (OAK -3, O/U 41.5)
     This might be the most interesting matchup of week 12. The Bears will be without Jay Cutler for the rest of 2011 and Caleb Hanie steps in. Hanie will need to certainly do his part, but the Bears defense needs to step up because you can't expect Hanie to do exactly what Jay Cutler has been doing over the past couple weeks. The Raiders have been playing great ever since Carson Palmer took over at quarterback, but in today's matchup, the Raiders will be without many players including Darren McFadden, Jacoby Ford and many others including Richard Seymour who are questionable. I think the Bears defense makes a statement, showing that they can win without Cutler as the Bears go into the Black Hole and get the victory.
Chicago 23-20!
Spread: Chicago
O/U: Over


Washington Redskins (3-7) v.s. Seattle Seahawks (4-6) (SEA -3, O/U 37.5)
     Even though the Redskins have lost six games in a row, they really played well last week against Dallas. It won't be easy heading across the country to take on Seattle, but if you look at Seattle this season, they usually have laid eggs after getting a win. I know they have won two in a row, but Seattle will have trouble offensively going up against a pretty good Washington defense. I'll take the Redskins in the upset.

Kyle Arrington

Washington 23-12
Spread: Washington
O/U: Under


*New England Patriots (7-3) v.s. Philadelphia Eagles (4-6) (NE -4, O/U 51)
     Injuries play on a big factor in this matchup in Philadelphia. The Patriots are banged up in the secondary, while the Eagles will be without Michael Vick and Jeremy Maclin for the second week in a row along with Nmandi Asomguha potentially being out with a knee injury. The Eagles ability to get after the quarterback with Jason Babin and Trent Cole could pose problems for a Patriots offense that doesn't react well when Brady is uncomfortable, but I don't see too many problems because I don't see the Eagles matching up well with Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. The Patriots defense, which has been playing very well of late, keeps the Eagles in check as the Patriots move to 8-3.
New England 35-17
Spread: New England 
O/U: Over

Eric Weddle

*Denver Broncos (5-5) v.s. San Diego Chargers (4-6) (SD -6, O/U 42)
     Tim Tebow and the Broncos aren't going into San Diego, against a team that has lost 5 games in a row and is desperate to stay alive in the AFC West race, and winning right? Well, I don't know. You never want to doubt Tebow, but it seems like even Tebow won't be able to keep up with a Chargers offense that seems to be hitting its stride right at the right time. As long as Phillip Rivers doesn't turn the ball over, I like the Chargers today against the Broncos.
San Diego 27-22
Spread: Denver
O/U: Over


Pittsburgh Steelers (7-3) v.s. Kansas City Chiefs (4-6) (PIT -11, O/U 40)
     I don't think this is a gimme' game whatsoever for the Steelers. The Chiefs have enough of a defense to hang around in this game. We'll see who starts at quarterback for the Chiefs, but if the Chiefs can't muster more than 3 points against the Patriots defense, how can they fare well against the Steelers defense?
Pittsburgh 27-7
Spread: Pittsburgh
O/U: Under


*New York Giants (6-4) v.s. New Orleans Saints (7-3) (NO -7, O/U 51)

Lance Moore and the Saints

     What a great matchup on Monday Night. The Giants need this game to keep up with the Cowboys and the Saints could use this game to further themselves from the Falcons and Buccaneers. I usually don't ever take a road team against the Saints especially in a night game, but the Giants defense has been playing very well of late. I really want to take the Giants, but I'll stick with the Saints simply because their offense should be able to score with not a ton of trouble as well as them being at home.
New Orleans 27-23
Spread: New York
O/U: Under


Last Week: 9-5
Season: 108-52
Last Week Against Spread: 6-8
Season: 91-69
Last Week Upsets: 1-2
Season: 14-16
Last Week Over/Under: 6-8
Season: 42-42
Last Week Big Games: 3-2
Season: 38-17
Last Week Big Games Against Spread: 2-3
Season: 35-20
Last Week Game of the Week: 1-0
Season: 8-3
Last Week Game of the Week Against Spread: 1-0
Season: 6-5

NHL Realignment

     Obviously things are out of whack with the Winnipeg Jets in the Southeast Division. Here are some things to consider regarding realignment. You want to make things easier regarding travel distance, proximity to cities and keeping rivalries and historic match-ups in tact. Here is what I would have for divisions.

American
East
Boston Bruins
New York Rangers
Montreal Canadiens
Buffalo Sabres
Ottawa Senators


Central
Philadelphia Flyers
New Jersey Devils
New York Islanders
Washington Capitals
Carolina Hurricanes


West
San Jose Sharks
Los Angeles Kings
Anaheim Ducks
Phoenix Coyotes
Colorado Avalanche


National
East
Detroit Red Wings
Pittsburgh Penguins
Toronto Maple Leafs
Chicago Blackhawks 
Columbus Blue Jackets


South
Tampa Bay Lightning
Florida Panthers
Nashville Predators
St. Louis Blues
Dallas Stars


West
Vancouver Canucks
Edmonton Oilers
Calgary Flames
Winnipeg Jets
Minnesota Wild


     The schedule format will look as follows. Teams play their division opponents 5 times, alternating each year which team you play three times at home and three times on the road. You play your conference opponents 3 times, alternating each year which team you play at home twice and away twice. Then you play your out of conference opponents twice each year, once at home and once on the road. 


     The only change I would make to the regular season is to eliminate this point system. The point system is bizarre. In the NBA, you don't get a half a victory if you lose in overtime. In the NFL, you don't get a point for losing on a field goal in overtime. In the MLB, you don't get a point if you take the game into 11 innings. The NHL standings will work like all the other leagues work, with wins and losses; no points. This will make the games much more intense, especially in the overtimes and shoot outs knowing that you don't get anything for losing. 


     The playoffs would work pretty much the same way except for a minor tweak. The three division winners will be the top three seeds as usual, but one minor change will be that each division has at least one other team in the playoffs. I don't like the possibility that one division has four playoff teams because I think if you can't even finish in the top three in your division, you shouldn't make the playoffs. The rest of the playoffs would work the same way, seeds 4-8 being determined by record. 

NFL Week 11 Predictions

!Upset
*Big Game
**Game of the Week

Darrelle Revis

*New York Jets (5-4) v.s. Denver Broncos (4-5) (NYJ -3, O/U 38)
     It could be very likely that the Jets have a let down game after their disappointing loss to New England. I think though that the Jets defense will step up and do just enough to beat Tim Tebow and the Broncos.
New York 24-17
Spread: New York
O/U: Over


Jacksonville Jaguars (3-6) v.s. Cleveland Browns (3-6) (JAC -1, O/U 34)
     This game will be very low scoring. Neither of these teams have good quarterbacks who make plays consistently. Even though Jacksonville has the better defense and the best play maker on the field in Maurice Jones-Drew, Cleveland has had some bad luck this season and will finally have some things go their way. Colt McCoy has a nice day as Cleveland gets the win.
Cleveland 17-14!
Spread: Cleveland 
O/U: Under


Carolina Panthers (2-7) v.s. Detroit Lions (6-3) (DET -7, O/U 48)

Charles Woodson

     The Lions have lost three out of four and this week needs to be the week that the Lions get back on track before they face the Packers on Thanksgiving. The Panthers are reeling as well as their offense does not look nearly as prolific as it did early on in the season. I think the Lions d-line will get after Cam Newton, making him struggle as the Lions notch the W.
Detroit 27-14
Spread: Detroit
O/U: Under


Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-5) v.s. Green Bay Packers (9-0) (GB -15, O/U 49)
     Warren Sapp and Derrick Brooks aren't lining up on the defensive side of the ball for the Bucs anymore. The Buccaneers have problems everywhere they look. I don't see the Packers losing and I don't expect this game to be close.
Green Bay 31-13
Spread: Green Bay 
O/U: Under


Buffalo Bills (5-4) v.s. Miami Dolphins (2-7) (MIA -3, O/U 43.5)

Christian Ponder

     You can tell how everyone is hopping off the Bills bandwagon with Miami being favored today. I smell a statement win coming from Buffalo with Ryan Fitzpatrick getting back on track as well as a dominant performance by the Bills defense.
Buffalo 42-7!
Spread: Buffalo
O/U: Over


Oakland Raiders (5-4) v.s. Minnesota Vikings (2-7) (OAK -1. O/U 45.5)
     Carson Palmer and the Raiders can really make a statement with a win over Minnesota today. Some things concern me however for the silver and black. They will be without key players Darren McFadden, Richard Seymour and Jacoby Ford while the Vikings are looking to rebound after being dismantled by Green Bay. Christian Ponder has shown flashes of being a very good quarterback in the future. I think he breaks out today as Minnesota defeats the Raiders.
Minnesota 31-20
Spread: Minnesota 
O/U: Over


*Dallas Cowboys (5-4) v.s. Washington Redskins (3-6) (DAL -8, O/U 42)
     The Cowboys had their fair share of problems scoring against the 'Skins earlier this year, but this is a different Cowboys team and a different Redskins team. I think the Redskins will be competitive in this game, but I like the balance the Cowboys have now and with their defense, I don't see the Cowboys losing this one today.

Ray Rice

Dallas 21-13
Spread: Washington
O/U: Under


**Cincinnati Bengals (6-3) v.s. Baltimore Ravens (6-3) (BAL -7, O/U 45)
     I expect this game to be very low scoring. Both teams have impact players on the sidelines today, most notably A.J. Green for the Bengals and potentially Ray Lewis for the Ravens. I think the Ravens will be able to run the ball very well with Ray Rice and their defense will keep Andy Dalton in check. The Ravens edge the Bengals to move to 7-3.
Baltimore 17-12
Spread: Cincinnati
O/U: Under


Seattle Seahawks (3-6) v.s. St. Louis Rams (2-7) (STL -3, O/U 39)

Sam Bradford

     If the Rams run the ball like they have done in their two victories, St. Louis will finish the season strong with 5-7 wins. I see them running the ball with Steven Jackson very effectively to set up Sam Bradford and the Rams passing attack. The Seahawks will have a let down game after their win against Baltimore last week and fall to St. Louis.
St. Louis 24-10
Spread: St. Louis
O/U: Under


Arizona Cardinals (3-6) v.s. San Francisco 49ers (8-1) (SF -10, O/U 41)
     This 49ers team is too well coached and are too high to have a letdown at home, right? I think so, but that doesn't mean John Skelton, Larry Fitzgerald and the Cardinals won't give the 49ers a game. San Francisco wins the turnover battle in the end as they edge the Cardinals at the Stick to move to 9-1.
San Francisco 23-20
Spread: Arizona
O/U: Over


*Tennessee Titans (5-4) v.s. Atlanta Falcons (5-4) (ATL -7, O/U 44)

Matt Forte

     The Falcons had a devastating loss last week but I think they are poised to bounce back this week against the Titans. The Titans are by no means a stellar team and the Falcons should be able to control the game if they protect the ball offensively. Tennessee will hang around, but the Falcons will move to 6-4.
Atlanta 26-20
Spread: Tennessee
O/U: Over


*San Diego Chargers (4-5) v.s. Chicago Bears (6-3) (CHI -4, O/U 46)
     This game is very interesting. San Diego is desperate for a win and even though they play in a weak AFC West, they don't want to fall behind two games. I think if San Diego can't bring pressure, they will have a long day trying to stop Matt Forte and the Chicago offense. I also think it is paramount that Phillip Rivers protects the ball. In a high scoring affair, Chicago outscores San Diego to move to 7-3.
Chicago 34-30
Spread: San Diego
O/U: Over


*Philadelphia Eagles (3-6) v.s. New York Giants (6-3) (NYG -6, O/U 45)
     Vince Young gets the start in the Meadowlands against a Giants team that has confused the likes of Tom Brady in the 2011 season. The Giants will dial up the defense tonight, Eli Manning will throw two touchdowns passes as the Giants move to 7-3, sending the Eagles to 3-7.

Andre Carter

New York 29-10
Spread: New York
O/U: Under


Kansas City Chiefs (4-5) v.s. New England Patriots (6-3) (NE -16, O/U 46.5)
     With Tyler Palko making his first start and the Patriots defense gaining more and more confidence, I don't see the Chiefs being able to hang around with Tom Brady and the prolific Patriots attack. Patriots, big.
New England 38-3
Spread: New England
O/U: Under


Last Week: 7-9
Season: 99-47
Last Week Against Spread: 8-8
Season: 85-61
Last Week Upsets: 2-4
Season: 13-14
Last Week Over/Under: 10-6
Season: 36-34
Last Week Big Games: 3-2
Season: 35-15
Last Week Big Games Against Spread: 3-2
Season: 33-17
Last Week Game of the Week: 1-0
Season: 7-3
Last Week Game of the Week Against Spread: 1-0
Season: 5-5

Where the BCS and Heisman Race Stands as of November 20

     Three of the top five and four of the top seven teams were stunned over the past two days. We're now left with BCS madness. Let's look at what went down this weekend. Oklahoma State was shocked by Iowa State and this didn't come as a huge surprise to me. Oklahoma State was a pretender all along and it was only a matter of time before their offense didn't come through like it always has been this year.
     The next upset took place in Eugene, Oregon. When is the last time Oregon lost at home? I can't remember, but Matt Barkley and co. dominated most of that game and staved off a late comeback by Oregon to grab the win. Oregon is all but out of the BCS National Title talk and USC showed that they are for real. On a side note, Matt Barkley played so well that some debate has taken place at least in my mind that he might actually be better than Andrew Luck.
     The final upset of the night took place in Waco, Texas where RGIII outscored Landry Jones, Blake Bell and Oklahoma to give Oklahoma their second loss and eliminate their chances of going to the BCS Title Game.
    So where do we stand now? LSU is obviously number 1, Alabama moves up to 2 and now who is number 3? Arkansas? Arkansas is a very good team, but to be number 3 at this point means things really are out of whack. Arkansas was dismantled by Alabama earlier this year and they have barely beaten teams like Texas A&M, Ole Miss and Vanderbilt. Arkansas is good, but they shouldn't be this close to the BCS National Title conversation. After the top 3 SEC teams, who is 4th now? With number 4 Oregon losing, number 5 Oklahoma losing, number 6 Arkansas moving up to 3, number 7 Clemson losing, it leaves Virginia Tech as the most suitable team to be number 4. Is Virginia Tech really the 4th best team in the nation? They were destroyed by Clemson at home in their only loss and they have scraped by teams such as East Carolina, North Carolina and Duke for god sakes. I'll try to sort out the mess, here are my rankings for the top 20 heading into next week.

1 LSU 11-0
2 Alabama 10-1
3 Arkansas 10-1
4 Oklahoma State 10-1 
5 Virginia Tech 10-1
6 Oregon 9-2
7 Stanford 10-1
8 Oklahoma 8-2
9 Houston 11-0
10 Boise State 9-1
11 South Carolina 9-2
12 Kansas State 9-2
13 Georgia 9-2
14 Michigan State 9-2
15 Michigan 9-2
16 Baylor 7-3
17 Wisconsin 9-2
18 Clemson 9-2
19 TCU 9-2
20 Penn State 9-2 

     Now lets talk about the Heisman race. Brandon Weeden of Oklahoma State is done after their loss to Iowa State. LaMichael James is out after Oregon lost their second game as he was a non-factor. There is also no hope for Landry Jones, as he was outmatched by Robert Griffin III. So who is still alive in the race? (in no particular order)
Robert Griffin III, QB Baylor
Trent Richardson, RB Alabama 
Andrew Luck, QB Stanford
Case Keenum, QB Houston


     In my opinion, you can only make a case for two of these guys to win. Robert Griffin III, even though his team is only 7-3, has been the most outstanding and most exciting player in college football this year. Without him, Baylor is 3-7 not 7-3. He has had Heisman performances and has had produced highlight reel plays all year. The other candidate who deserves a chance to win is Trent Richardson. He has been a workhorse back all year for the Tide, and even though they lost to LSU, Richardson still had a gritty, workmanlike game. As of now, you have to give the award to Griffin. Similar to the way Tim Tebow won the Heisman, Griffin has been the most exciting player most of the year and in what should be a pretty close race, Griffin edges Richardson for the Heisman if he finishes strong. Here is the way I would fill out my ballot.

1 Robert Griffin III, QB Baylor
2 Trent Richardson, RB Alabama
3 Kellen Moore, QB Boise State - It's not his fault that their field goal kickers can't get it done. Kellen Moore has been one of the greatest quarterbacks in college football history and it is a shame he won't win it this year because given the fact that Boise has a weak defense, Moore must lead Boise State each week and put up high point totals every week.
4 Andrew Luck, QB Stanford - Luck should not be given any first place votes. He didn't perform well in Stanford's biggest game and in fact, he really hasn't had that impressive of a season for what he is hyped up to be. He seems to go 20-30, throw for 230 yards, throw 2 touchdowns and throw a pick in each game. Yeah, it's very good and he should get some second, third and fourth place votes for Heisman, but no one should be giving Luck first place votes.
5 Case Keenum, QB Houston - You can't take much away from the year he has had, I don't care if their  schedule has been weak, he deserves some credit.

     Now, here are my predictions for the rest of the way in College Football.
Week 13
- LSU beats Arkansas at home 24-16, heading into the SEC Championship with a 12-0 record
- Houston is upset at Tulsa to ruin hopes of an undefeated season
- Alabama beats Auburn in the Iron Bowl to finish the season 11-1 as they await their BCS fate
- South Carolina beats Clemson in the Battle for South Carolina
- Georgia defeats Georgia Tech to head into the SEC Championship at 10-2
- Michigan blows out Ohio State 32-16 to end losing streak to OSU
- Wisconsin dismantles Penn State 31-10 to finish 10-2

Week 14
- Oklahoma State bounces back and beats Oklahoma to win the Big 12
- Virginia Tech runs past Clemson to win the ACC
- Wisconsin extracts revenge and beats Michigan State to win the Big Ten
- Oregon blows out UCLA to win Pac-12
- LSU edges past Georgia 26-17 to win SEC and head to BCS National Title game

BCS Bowl Predictions
Rose
Oregon v.s. Wisconsin
Oregon 48-31


Fiesta
Oklahoma State v.s. Michigan
Oklahoma State 41-24


Sugar
Stanford v.s. Boise State
Boise State 38-34


Orange
Rutgers v.s. Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech 27-17


BCS National Title Game
LSU v.s. Alabama
Alabama 20-16

College Football- Week 12 Predictions

1 LSU v.s. Ole Miss
LSU 24-3


Cincinnati v.s. Rutgers
Rutgers 24-21


Virginia v.s. 25 Florida State
Florida State 31-14


21 Penn State v.s. Ohio State 
Ohio State 30-10


5 Oklahoma v.s. 22 Baylor
Baylor 37-33


16 Nebraska v.s. 18 Michigan
Michigan 27-21


Game of the Week
18 USC v.s. 4 Oregon
     Oregon re-entered the BCS chase with their win last week at Stanford. It won't be easy tonight against USC, but Oregon will certainly be able to score and given the fact that they are at home, you can't bet against Oregon tonight.
Oregon 38-27


Last Week: 6-3
Season: 49-32
Game of the Week: 6-5

NFL Week 10 Predictions

!Upset
*Big Game
**Game of the Week


Oakland Raiders (4-4) v.s. San Diego Chargers (4-4) (SD -6, O/U 48) 
     Sooner or later the Chargers need to snap out of this losing streak. They look primed to do so on Thursday night. We'll see how Carson Palmer does in his second start and we'll see how the Raiders run the ball without Darren McFadden. For some reason, I don't think it will be easy for the Chargers, but they will find a way to get it done at home.
San Diego 27-23

Roddy White

Spread: Oakland
O/U: Over


*New Orleans Saints (6-3) v.s. Atlanta Falcons (5-3) (NO -1, O/U 50)
     This is a key game for the NFC South and the winner of this game will get the inside track to the division title. New Orleans gives up a lot of points and they haven't played very well on the road this year. Well, Atlanta is scoring more points lately and Atlanta is at home in this one. Also, Atlanta is the healthier team while New Orleans will be without defensive leader Jonathan Vilma. I like Atlanta to get a key home victory to grab first place in the NFC South.
Atlanta 27-21!
Spread: Atlanta 
O/U: Under


*Pittsburgh Steelers (6-3) v.s. Cincinnati Bengals (6-2) (PIT -3, O/U 41) 

Carlos Dunlap

     The Cincinnati Bengals are quiet 6-2 as they welcome the Steelers into town. Pittsburgh is coming off of a last second defeat that would've done them wonders in terms of winning the AFC North but now they must retool against Cincinnati. The Bengals are outstanding at stopping the run, which means this game will come down to how much success Ben Roethlisberger can have throwing the ball. I also think that Pittsburgh is at a major disadvantage with LaMarr Woodley being out along with other key defensive players not being at 100 percent. I think Cincinnati wins in a tight ball game, withstanding a late minute attempt at victory by Ben Roethlisberger.
Cincinnati 17-15!
Spread: Cincinnati 
O/U: Under


St. Louis Rams (1-7) v.s. Cleveland Browns (3-5) (CLE -3, O/U 37)
     I think that this game will be low scoring because both of these offenses are anemic. I'll give Cleveland the advantage because they are outstanding at defending the pass, meaning Sam Bradford will struggle. Cleveland is probably as bad of a 3-5 team as you can get, but they'll get a win today over a weak St. Louis team.
Cleveland 20-13
Spread: Cleveland
O/U: Under


*Buffalo Bills (5-3) v.s. Dallas Cowboys (4-4) (DAL -6, O/U 48)

DeMarco Murray

     It's now or never for the Cowboys, who desperately need a big win. Buffalo is still very much in the thick of the AFC playoff race and a win would do them wonders. Dallas will be without key weapons today like Miles Austin and Felix Jones, but I like the way Dallas is running the football. I like the offense to torch the Bills while Fred Jackson, Ryan Fitzpatrick and co. can't keep up with the scoring.
Dallas 35-24
Spread: Dallas
O/U: Over


Jacksonville Jaguars (2-6) v.s. Indianapolis Colts (0-9) (JAC -3, O/U 37.5)
     Sooner or later the Colts will have to get a win, right? Today may be the day. Indianapolis can't let an offense like Jacksonville score that many points today and I think Curtis Painter and the offense will get going. Indianapolis gets their first win today in overtime over Jacksonville.
Indianapolis 20-17 OT!
Spread: Indianapolis
O/U: Under


Denver Broncos (3-5) v.s. Kansas City Chiefs (4-4) (KC -4, O/U 41.5)

Brandon Flowers

     Will Tebow win another road game? He might. Denver is running the ball really well and over the last few seasons, they have scored a lot of points against KC. The problem is that so has Kansas City. I'll take Kansas City to bounce back after a dismal loss to Miami and edge out Denver to take over first place in the AFC West.
Kansas City 27-20
Spread: Kansas City
O/U: Over


Washington Redskins (3-5) v.s. Miami Dolphins (1-7) (MIA -4, O/U 37.5)
     In this rematch of Super Bowls VII and XVII, these teams are nowhere near the caliber they once were in those glory days. Washington is scoring a mere ten points per game with John Beck at quarterback and with no Santana Moss today, I don't see them putting up more than 17. Miami is playing great football and I expect them to continue that by winning today at home.
Miami 23-13
Spread: Miami
O/U: Under


Arizona Cardinals (2-6) v.s. Philadelphia Eagles (3-5) (PHI -14, O/U 46.5)
      Just when you think the "dream team "Eagles are going to get it together, they lose Monday Night at home to the Bears. Well this is obviously a must win and given the fact that the Cardinals will be without Kevin Kolb at quarterback, the Eagles will win easily.
Philadelphia 38-10
Spread: Philadelphia 

Josh Freeman

O/U: Over


Houston Texans (6-3) v.s. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-4) (HOU -4, O/U 46)
     If the Texans keep playing at a high level on defense, they should stifle Josh Freeman into some turnovers. But I think after a string of good wins to put the Texans in a comfortable lead in the AFC South, they will have a let down in Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers play well and limit Arian Foster and the Houston offense to under 24 points. No Andre Johnson for the Texans will hurt them in the end as Tampa gets the victory at home.
Tampa Bay 27-20!
Spread: Tampa Bay
O/U: Over


Tennessee Titans (4-4) v.s. Carolina Panthers (2-6) (CAR -4, O/U 47)
     The Titans's defense has been declining of late and they continue to struggle offensively. This is good news for the explosive Panthers who should be able to dial up the defense while putting up some points on offense. Carolina gets everything going today at home to beat the Titans.
Carolina 34-7

Earl Thomas

Spread: Carolina
O/U: Under


Baltimore Ravens (6-2) v.s. Seattle Seahawks (2-6) (BAL -7, O/U 41)
     The Ravens are coming off a huge win at Pittsburgh last Sunday Night. It has been typical of the Ravens to have a let down after big wins. We saw in week one after the Ravens beat the Steelers, they came back and were dominated by the Titans. The Ravens will come back this week after traveling across the country to Seattle and lose a tight game on a last second field goal.
Seattle 24-21
Spread: Seattle
O/U: Over


*Detroit Lions (6-2) v.s. Chicago Bears (5-3) (CHI -3, O/U 43.5)

Brian Urlacher

     The Bears are rolling since their Monday Night defeat against the Lions a month ago. The Lions aren't quite as hot and they will truly be tested on the road in Chicago today. In a game with many factors, I think this game comes down to which team brings the most pressure to the quarterback forcing the most mistakes. I see the Bears doing a better job protecting Jay Cutler, allowing Matt Forte and the Bears offense to get going. I see Matthew Stafford struggling as the Bears walk away with the victory.
Chicago 28-22
Spread: Chicago
O/U: Over


*New York Giants (6-2) v.s. San Francisco 49ers (7-1) (SF -4, O/U 42.5)
     What a big time matchup we have in San Francisco. The big matchup in this game will be how do the Giants, with their weak run defense, go about stopping Frank Gore. If the Giants contain Frank Gore, they will have the 49ers offense struggling. If that happens, the Giants have a great chance at winning. I think it's not easy for teams to travel cross country after such a big win like the Giants are about to do. Also, the injuries to Hakeem Nicks and Ahmad Bradshaw will catch up to the Giants as the 49ers move to 8-1.
San Francisco 24-16
Spread: San Francisco 
O/U: Under

Tom Brady

**New England Patriots (5-3) v.s. New York Jets (5-3) (NYJ -1, O/U 47.5)
     What a big one we have in the Meadowlands tonight. The Patriots are coming off two straight losses while the Jets haven't lost since their loss to the Patriots in October. Some keys will be if the Jets can slow down BenJarvus Green-Ellis and the Patriots running attack. If the Jets do that, they will continue to bring pressure on Tom Brady which will disrupt their passing game. My other key is whether or not the Patriots can play the kind of defense they played against the Giants last week. I think the Patriots defense steps up while Tom Brady throws for three touchdown passes as the Patriots come out of the Meadowlands with a statement win.
New England 31-16!
Spread: New England 
O/U: Under

Greg Jennings

Minnesota Vikings (2-6) v.s. Green Bay Packers (8-0) (GB -14, O/U 51)
     This game won't be a cake walk for the Packers. I know they're at home and I know that they're 8-0. But the Vikings played right with them a few weeks ago. Obviously the Vikings will need to figure out a better way of containing Aaron Rodgers, but the Packers must figure out how to stop Adrian Peterson. I like the Packers in a close game because when these two rivals meet, neither one of them is going to want to get embarrassed on Monday Night Football.
Green Bay 28-24
Spread: Minnesota
O/U: Over


Last Week: 8-6
Season: 92-38
Last Week Against Spread: 9-5 
Season: 77-53 
Last Week Upsets: 3-2 
Season: 11-10
Last Week Over/Under: 6-8 
Season: 25-28
Last Week Big Games: 1-4 
Season: 32-13 
Last Week Big Games Against Spread: 2-3 
Season: 30-15 
Last Week Game of the Week: 1-0
Season: 6-3
Last Week Game of the Week Against Spread: 1-0
Season: 4-5

College Football- Week 11 Predictions

24 Michigan v.s. Illinois
Michigan 34-21


2 Oklahoma State v.s. Texas Tech
Texas Tech 45-29


Florida State v.s. Miami
Florida State 27-24


16 Texas v.s. Missouri 
Missouri 38-31


Texas A&M v.s. 14 Kansas State
Kansas State 31-27


17 Michigan State v.s. Iowa 
Iowa 20-17


20 Auburn v.s. 15 Georgia
Georgia 38-24


19 Nebraska v.s. 12 Penn State
Nebraska 27-10


Game of the Week
7 Oregon v.s. 4 Stanford
     There are two big keys in today's game. One, will Darren Thomas be consistent enough to put a ton of points on the board to match Andrew Luck and the Stanford offense. The second key is if Oregon can stop the running game of Stanford, which can certainly set up play action passing with Andrew Luck. I see Oregon putting up some points, but Stanford will run, pass and dictate the control of the game, eventually making a big defensive play late to seal the game.
Stanford 41-33


Last Week: 3-3
Season: 43-29
Game of the Week: 6-4