- After the NBA score that New Orleans put up on Indianapolis last week, they should feel embarrassed. I believe they'll come out as a different team this week to protect whatever pride they have left. Houston hasn't ran away with AFC South just yet, so watch for Indy to play well in a division game. However, Chris Johnson should have a break out performance against the Colts below average run defense. This game will be close, but Tennessee pulls it out at home.
- Prediction: Tennessee 27-20
Cincinnati (-3) over Seattle
Jacksonville (+9) vs. Houston
- Unlike Indianapolis, Jacksonville played their best game of the year against Baltimore. They'll come out with more confidence this week against a solid Houston team. Houston will once again be without star receiver Andre Johnson and their offense will suffer without him. With Andre out, Arian Foster will be the difference. This guy keeps putting up crazy rushing and receiving numbers that look a lot like LT circa 2001. He'll be the difference, book it.
- Prediction: Houston 20-14
Buffalo (-5.5) over Washington
Carolina (-3.5) vs. Minnesota
- The Cam Newton show will continue against the banged up secondary of the Minnesota Vikings. Aaron Rodgers completed his first 14 passes against the Vikings last week and although you shouldn't expect that greatness from Newton, he will have his share of passing yards. Cam Newton continues to impress me with his ability to throw the ball and extend the play. This game and his team are on his shoulders the rest of the way out.
- Prediction: Carolina 31-21
San Francisco (-9) over Cleveland
New Orleans (-13.5) vs. St. Louis
- The New Orleans Saints ran the Phoenix Suns offense last weekend in Indianapolis scoring 62 points with Sean Payton's high tempo play calling. It was the first game Sean Payton called from the press box due to his leg injury and it wouldn't be a bad idea for him to stay up there forever. I may have went too far saying forever, but he called a damn good game. Conversely, the Rams are on the other end of the winning spectrum and are in complete disarray. I partly blame that on injuries to Sam Bradford and Steven Jackson, but the defense continuously underachieves each week. No chance the Rams cover with AJ Feeley at the helm.
- Prediction: New Orleans 45-13
Baltimore (-12.5) vs. Arizona
- I have no idea why, but Joe Flacco plays so much more confident at home than on the road. The modern day Jekyll and Hyde has just one loss in the last two years at M&T Bank Stadium and that was a 13-10 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers last winter. Arizona played well against the Steelers but their pass defense let Roethlisberger have a field day with Mike Wallace and the gang. Flacco redeems himself at home, like always.
- Prediction: Baltimore 31-13
New York Giants (-9.5) over Miami
Denver (+3) vs. Detroit
- A 3 point spread is eye opening for two teams with drastically different records. Las Vegas and the oddsmakers know something we all don't and have Denver keeping this game close. Mile High will be excited to see Tebow for the first time this season and I think Tebow will give the crowd something to cheer. The guy is a pure winner, plain and simple. Matt Stafford and the Lions seem to be descending a little bit. If Stafford's ankle is any factor in this game, they will lose this game because they're already a one dimensional team with no running game. Moreover, the Lions always start slow on the road, so watch for Denver to jump out to an early lead. Tebow does it again.
- Prediction: Denver 24-20
Kansas City (+3.5) over San Diego
Pittsburgh (+3) vs. New England
- If you haven't read our preview to this game, now would be the time to scroll down the page.
- Prediction: Pittsburgh 35-31
Philadelphia (-3.5) over Dallas
