New Orleans at Philadelphia:
The Saints feature the best passing game in the NFL, behind quarterback Drew Brees throwing to receivers Marques Colston, Lance Moore, Devery Henderson, and Robert Meacham, and Tight End Jeremy Shockey. Also, they boast a solid running game with Mike Bell and Reggie Bush. Starter Pierre Thomas may enter this game, but will have limited touches coming off a knee injury. Their weaknesses lie in their defense, as they gave up a lot of points to a rebuilt Detroit team. They have the potential to get into many shoot outs.
The Eagles strengths are their passing game, which tends to be in the top ten on an annual basis. However, they are most likely starting backup Kevin Kolb. In his limited action, he's left a lot to be desired. Running back Brian Westbrook is a stud, and can cause matchup problems with linebackers and safeties. The loss of Middle Linebacker Stew Bradley is going to hurt them this week. He's tough against the running game, and athletic enough to defend Tight Ends.
This is going to be a closer game than most think, but there are two points in favor to New Orleans. First, Shockey has killed the Eagles when he was a member of the Giants. Without Bradley, I think he'll have a big game. Second, McNabb's injury and Kolb starting could make a potential shoot out a recipe for disaster. I think the Eagles Defense limits the Brees show to 24 points, but Kolb doesn't seem ready for prime time. I hope that's not the case, but the evidence points to the contrary. Final score: 24-17 Saints.
Carolina at Atlanta
The Panthers have a lot to play for this week. It's a division game, and quarterback Jake Delhomme has played terribly in his previous two games. His job is on the line, and he has to get the ball to star Wide Receiver Steve Smith. Carolina's main strength is their running game behind DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart.
Atlanta's running game burned the Panthers the last time they played. I believe Running Back Michael Turner scored four touchdowns the last time they played. Their defense had a big game against Miami last week, another team predicated against the run.
This game has the makings of a blowout. However, I suspect Delhomme to play for his job and the team to rally around him. In the end, I think the Falcons have too much talent for the Panthers to overcome. Final score: 21-13 Falcons.
Minnesota at Detroit
This is another divisional game. The Vikings have the best running back in the NFL in Adrian Peterson, a talented offensive line, and a defensive line loaded with Pro Bowlers. Rookie Percy Harvin can wreak havoc, by causing matchup problems all over the field. Future Hall of Famer Brett Favre is at the controls of the quarterback position. If he isn't under pressure, he typically doesn't force the ball down the field- leading to the game-altering interceptions. The secondary is the weak link to the defense, even though it wasn't exploited last week in Cleveland.
The Lions are a team in rebuilding mode, but they gave up 45 points last week. As good as the Saints are, they allowed 6 touchdown passes. This team does have good players in wide Receiver Calvin Johnson and Running Back Kevin Smith.
This game should be a blowout, but there should be signs of improvement from rookie Matthew Stafford. Final score: 35-10 Minnesota.
Cincinnati at Green Bay
The Bengals have a talented offensive group. Carson Palmer is another week removed from his ankle sprain. Wide Receiver Chad Ochocinco looked very solid last week against Denver. The big question is how will they respond following the heartbreaking loss last week? I think they have some holes in the secondary that could be exploited.
The Packers are led by talented Quarterback Aaron Rodgers. He had a very nice game against the Bears. Greg Jennings could have a big game leading this deep group of receivers. Running Back Ryan Grant needs to get going to unleash the passing game.
The Packers should win this game handily, but I can see Cincinnati make a game out of this. final core: 28-17 Green Bay.
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