CRYSTAL BALL VISIONS WEEK 9

After a 9-4 week last week, I move to 77 – 43. I will take it this year with Atlanta, Pittsburgh, Tampa, NY Giants and Houston being such epic fails this season. Hard to believe we are heading into the second half of the season. Let’s see what I see this week shall we?

Cincinnati @ Miami – The Bengals are rolling and the Dolphins are reeling. Everything is setting up for a blowout, right? I don’t think so. Miami is trying to stop the bleeding and at home is the best place. Miami will make this a good game, but I think Cincinnati is too good. Bengals are set to put a strangle hold on the AFC North.  Bengals 24 – Dolphins 20.

Atlanta @ Carolina – Carolina is getting a lot of love. They are playing well, but have beaten teams who had not won or had won one game at the time of their victory.  That said, Atlanta is terrible. The took a shellacking at the hands of Arizona and Carolina is right on par with the Cardinals. I like Cam Newton and the Panthers this week. Panthers 27 – Falcons 17.

Minnesota @ Dallas – After letting the Lions off the hook last week, the Cowboys have to make up for it. The Vikings are what the doctor ordered. They will give up some points to Minnesota, but Tony Romo will make Dez happy this week: and Jerry Jones for that matter. Cowboys 36 – Vikings 24

New Orleans @ NY Jets – After the pasting put on them last week, the Jets’ defense should be embarrassed. Too bad Drew Brees is coming to town. The ride is winding down for the Jets and Rex Ryan won’t have much to smile about after this one. The Saints defense is surprisingly stingy this year and their offense is on another plane of existence. Saints 38 – Jets 17.

Tennessee @ St. Louis – The Cards lost the World Series, and the Rams lost Sam Bradford and a close one against Seattle. Tennessee is coming off a bye and gets an easier visit to the NFC West.  Could the Rams upset the Titans? Sure they can, but I don’t think they will. Titans 23 – Rams 18.

Kansas City @ Buffalo – This game is very interesting. Do I think the Chiefs go undefeated? No, and Buffalo has a scrappy team who plays tough. Charles is a bit banged up and Dwayne Bowe has disappeared. Still, the Chiefs’ defense is superb, and the banged up Buffalo offense is struggling. I think this one is close, but I have to take KC. Chiefs 27 – Bills 21.

San Diego @ Washington – The Chargers are coming off a bye and the ‘Skins are coming off being shell-shocked by Denver after it looked like they had them on the ropes. Washington’s defense is porous – 29^th overall. Rivers is back to his old form and will exploit Washington’s weaknesses. RGIII will get his share, but he isn’t near the player we saw last year. The Redskins don’t seem as happy this year and the pressure is mounting. Chargers 34 – Redskins 24.

Philadelphia @ Oakland – The Raiders are home again after beating Pittsburgh and the Eagles make the trek West.  Philly’s loss to the Giants last week proved Matt Barkley isn’t the answer. Fortunately they get Foles back this week. The Raiders pose problems in all facets of the game offensively with McFadden and Pryor and Denarius Moore. The Eagles can’t stop anybody. I like Oakland in this contest or maybe I just don’t like the Eagles. Raiders 23 – Eagles 20.

Tampa Bay @ Seattle – I can’t sugar coat this one. Seattle got away with one against St. Louis and they are a much better team than what their last game showed. Tampa is a mess and Greg Schiano will not last the season in my mind. The Seahawks defense will smother the Bucs and Mike Glennon. Wilson will guide them with plenty of BeastMode. Seahawks 31 – Buccaneers 16.

Baltimore @ Cleveland – This could be the toughest game to pick. Cleveland has been on a downturn since winning three straight and the Ravens are coming off a bye.  Jason Campbell is the starter now and Josh Gordon is so very dangerous. Baltimore is coming off a loss to Pittsburgh and needs to rebound.  This will be a close and very important game.  Ravens 20 – Browns 17.

Pittsburgh @ New England – Once everyone thought Pittsburgh would win a game and get back into it, they fail miserably. New England, although shaky and unspectacular, are winning. Brady’s offense isn’t what we’ve come to expect this year, but at 6-2 who will argue? Steelers’ O-line is horrendous and Ben is jumpier than a rabbit in a dog pound. Patriots 27 – Steelers 20.

Indianapolis @ Houston – This is a dangerous game for the Colts. We all know the problems on the Houston offense, but they still have the #1 total defense. That hasn’t seemed to matter to the Colts this year. They are physical and talented. Luck is a winner and unlike Houston,  there is no doubt in Indy who the quarterback is. Colts 32 – Texans 24.

Chicago @ Green Bay – The Bears have a lot of injuries. None more important than Jay Cutler. His absence will not be filled easily and the Bears’ defense is lacking as well. Aaron Rodgers has the Pack clicking and they can really grab hold of the division with a win here. They are tough in Lambeau and I think they take down the Bears. Packers 31 – Bears 20.

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