Baltimore at San Diego
The Ravens looked very impressive on offense last week, especially Quarterback Joe Flacco. Tight End Todd Heap may have a big game, since Zach Miller shredded them down the seam last week. Their special teams have to play better, though. They allowed a punt to be blocked and returned for a score, and gave up a couple of big returns.
San Diego appeared sluggish last week, until the final few minutes where Quarterback Philip Rivers led two long touchdown drives to close out the game. They have significant injuries on offense. Already, Center Nick Hardwick and Running Back LaDanian Tomlinson are out this week, and Tackle Ryan McNeil is hobbled by an ankle injury. Darren Sproles will start, but I think he'll do more damage as return man than as a running back.
I think the injuries will cause San Diego's offense to sputter, and I the Ravens to steal this one from the Chargers. Final score: 20-6 Baltimore.
Cleveland at Denver
The Browns defense was shredded last week by Minnesota's running game, so they're secondary wasn't tested much. On offense, Running Back Jamal Lewis showed flashes of his Baltimore days, and ran the ball with authority against a very good run defense. I suspect he'll have a nice day against Denver. Quarterback Brady Quinn needs to air the ball out some more, because as the game last week progressed Minnesota's safeties crept closer and closer to the line of scrimmage, which limited Lewis's effectiveness.
Denver's offense was very bland last week, until the bounce from Cincinnati took place. I think receivers Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal should have solid games against this defense, especially if they crowd the line to stop runners Knowshawn Moreno and Correll Buckhalter.
I think this game has the potential to become ugly, Denver's offensive talent wins out. Final score: 16-7 Denver.
New York Giants at Dallas
This is the game of the week. Two NFC East rivals dueling it out on national television in Cowboys owner Jerry Jones's new stadium. The Giants have a very solid running game, and have the ability to control the clock, and keep the ball away from the Dallas offense. Their defense has suffered a lot injuries in the secondary, and could be in trouble if Safety Kenny Phillips is unable to play. However, Defensive Ends Justin Tuck and Osi Uemeyora are two of the best in the game, and can pressure the quarterback to hide any flaws on the back end.
For the Cowboys, Linebacker DeMarcus Ware is an absolute stud and can create mismatch problems for any of the Giant offensive linemen. Also, Giants quarterback Eli Manning tends to throw off of his back foot when he's pressured. This could lead to some interceptions if Ware maintains constant pressure. If Phillips doesn't play, Quarterback Tony Romo could have a field day against this injury depleted secondary.
With all the emotion heading into this game on Dallas's side, it's hard to pick against the Cowboys. If anyone can beat them, its the Giants. I just don't see it. 24-13 Dallas.
Indianapolis at Miami
For the final game of the week, its Quarterback Peyton Manning against the Miami defense. It should be a good matchup. Manning and Wide Receiver Reggie Wayne had a big day last week against Jacksonville. However, the Jaguars shut down their running game, and Miami could do the same, because they have a more talented front seven. I could see Dallas Clark having a good game, because the Dolphins had trouble against Tony Gonzalez last week.
Miami needs to get its offense going, as they missed a couple of big throws to Wide Receiver Ted Ginn, Jr. last week, one in which would have been a touchdown. The Jaguars ran the ball effectively against the Colts, and I can see the same this week for the Dolphins.
Other than Wayne's huge day last week, the Colts offense look anemic. If Miami can cut down on their turnovers they should win this in a close one. Final score: 17-16 Miami.
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