New York Giants (8-5) @ Atlanta Falcons (11-2)
This game could be the first of two meetings between these sides this year as both look to be playoff bound and they could meet again at some stage in the post season. They met last year in the playoffs and the Giants picked up a dominant win. The Giants seem to have the edge over the Falcons and have won the last four in the series. New York started the season well and looked to be running away with the NFC East but they had a bad run of results which has allowed Washington and Dallas back into the race for the division. The Falcons have guaranteed themselves a playoff place and regardless of Sunday's results will still hold the NFC's number one seed. They have a great record but the performances have been poor in recent weeks and they will need to improve if they want to give Matt Ryan his first victory in a playoff game. Both sides will prioritise the passing game but the Giants have the better backup if they need to resort to their running game.
Prediction - I like this match up for the Giants and think they will get the win.
Green Bay Packers (9-4) @ Chicago Bears (8-5)
I've been looking forward to this one for a while now. Recent results have gone against the Bears but they have a chance to get themselves equal with the Packers on Sunday. A Bears win at Soldier Field would leave both sides at 9-5 with just two games to go. Both sides should win in week 16 which would mean the Packers would have to go to Minnesota in week 17 and win as long as the Bears win in Detroit. A Bears win would be the best result for the neutral and would lead to an exciting finale. If the Packers win it would secure the NFC North and a guaranteed home game in the playoffs. The Bears would be right in the mix of the wildcard race at 8-6 and would have work to do to secure a playoff place. Two of the most important players in this game are listed as questionable. The Bears need Jay Cutler to play but he left last weeks game with a neck injury and might not be available. In most recent meetings between these teams the best player on the field has been Green Bay linebacker, Clay Matthews. Matthews has a hamstring injury and is also doubtful for this game. He would be a big loss for the Packers as he usually spends this game lying on top of Jay Cutler after yet another sack.
Prediction - If Cutler plays and Matthews doesn't the Bears have a chance but I don't think it will work out for the Bears and the Packers will get the win to clinch the division.
Washington Redskins (7-6) @ Cleveland Browns (5-8)
This game will depend on the availability of the Washington Redskins rookie quarterback, Robert Griffin III. RG3 left Sunday's win over the Ravens late on with a knee injury but thankfully it was nothing too serious and he will be back this season, although there are question marks over his status for this game. At present he is listed as questionable and it seems like the decision will be left until Sunday. The Redskins are on a four game winning streakand it has lifted them into the playoff race but they really do need RG3 to be at his best to keep the run going. The Browns are in the middle of their own winning streak and have won three in a row. It's too late for the playoffs but I do think there could be a bright future in Cleveland within the next few years. The Redskins lead the NFL in rushing and should be able to pick up yards against a Browns defense that ranks 18th against the run. The Redskins are good against the run, ranking 8th in the league but they will have their hands full with Trent Richardson. The Redskins big weakness is on pass defense and they rank 31st. The Browns are 18th in passing and can exploit the Redskins in this area.
Prediction - It's very hard to make a call on this one without knowing RG3's status. I suspect he is struggling and if he plays, he won't be at full strength so I'm going for a Browns win.
Minnesota Vikings (7-6) @ St Louis Rams (6-6-1)
The Vikings head to St Louis on Sunday needing a win to keep their playoff hopes alive. The Vikings have got themselves into this position thanks to a fantastic season from star running-back, Adrian Peterson. Peterson is just 160 yards away from his career best and with three games remaining he will be looking beyond his personal best and he will be aiming to get as close to the all-time record as he can. The Rams still have an outside chance of the playoffs but they can settle for no less than three wins. Even that probably won't be enough but the Rams will at least try to push their rivals as far as they can. The Vikings are all about the running game and they rank 32nd in passing. Their Rams defense are 13th against the run so I would expect Adrian Peterson to have another big day. The Rams will also try to run the ball and will be hoping Steven Jackson can play. He is listed as probable but will more than likely play.
Prediction - I think Adrian Peterson will lead the Vikings to a big road win and keep their playoff dream alive.
Jacksonville Jaguars (2-11) @ Miami Dolphins (5-8)
Miami and Jacksonville meet on Sunday in a game that means little more than local bragging rights and next years draft order. The Jags have had a bad year and will have an early pick in the 2013 draft. The Dolphins were in with a chance of the playoffs but they have hit a bad run and are no longer in contention. They won three in a row which got them to 4-3 for the season but they have won just one of their six games since then and it has killed off their playoff hopes. Both sides are a bit away from being serious contenders and early draft picks should help in the future.
Prediction - The Dolphins should have enough to pick up the win.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-7) @ New Orleans Saints (5-8)
This game between two NFC South rivals had the potential to be a cracker a few weeks ago but both teams have hit bad form and neither will be in this years playoffs. Tampa Bay look like a team on the up. I'm a fan of Josh Freeman and after a slow start, he finally found his form. He has linked up well with Vincent Jackson in recent weeks, who on his day, is one of the best receivers in the league. Doug Martin has also had a great year and if he can improve on his rookie season, he will be a huge asset to the Bucs. This season was always going to be tough for the Saints in the aftermath of Bountygate. They have a lot of good players though and I expect them to be competitive again next year. I like the match ups in this one. The Saints are 2nd in passing and the Bucs are 32nd in pass defense. The Bucs are 13th in passing and 12th in rushing. The Saints defense are 30th against the pass and 32nd against the run. The Bucs are 1st against the run and the Saints are 26th in rushing so it looks like the Saints will have to rely on the pass.
Prediction - This game should be high scoring but I think the Bucs are the all round better team and will win.
Denver Broncos (10-3) @ Baltimore Ravens (9-4)
A few weeks ago this looked like a must win game for the Broncos to give themselves an outside chance of a top two seed and a bye in the first round of the playoffs. The Broncos have kept winning and their streak now stands at eight wins in a row. The Ravens have lost their last two games and it leaves them needing a win here to have any chance of getting the number two seed. In my opinion, the Broncos are the real deal. They were a good side last year and won a playoff game before eventually falling to the New England Patriots in the divisional round of the playoffs. They have made a huge upgrade at quarterback by replacing Tim Tebow with Peyton Manning and right now it looks as though it may be the difference between a good team and a potential Superbowl winning team. The Ravens have not impressed me. They are 9-4 but six of those nine wins have been by a touchdown or less. They deserve credit for winning a lot of tight games but they could so easily have gone the other way. The opponents in those tight wins weren't always good sides either, with the Chiefs, the Browns and the Chargers all taking them the distance.
Prediction - The Broncos have a good defense and should find it easier to stop the Ravens than the Ravens will find it to stop Peyton Manning and the Broncos passing game. Denver will win this one.
Indianapolis Colts (9-4) @ Houston Texans (11-2)
This game will go a long way in deciding who will win the AFC South and guarantee themselves at least one home playoff game. A Texans win on Sunday would guarantee the division and would take them a step closer to the AFC's number one seed. The Colts have had a great year and I don't think there was many people outside Indianapolis who predicted they would be 9-4 at this stage of the season. The Colts have embraced new quarterback, Andrew Luck and the team seem to have a great spirit about them which I imagine has come about due to Coach Pagano's illness. Thankfully Pagano is on the mend and he will be delighted that the Colts are doing him proud. The Texans are 11-2 for the year but their form has dropped in recent weeks. They started off very well and were blowing out everything in front of them but they haven't looked as good since their big win over Baltimore in week 7. If the Texans rediscover their early season form they are Superbowl contenders, if not, then they will not get past the Patriots or Broncos in the AFC.
Prediction - The Texans will clinch the division with a win over the Colts.
Seattle Seahawks (8-5) @ Buffalo Bills (5-8)
The Seahawks head to Toronto to face the Buffalo Bills who look like missing out on the playoffs for the 13th year in a row. The Seahawks on the other hand have a great chance of a playoff place and might still be able to win the division. A win here and a 49ers defeat in New England would leave the Seahawks and the 49ers on nine wins each. The teams meet in Seattle next week and the NFC West would be very much up for grabs. The Seahawks have one of the best defenses in the league and their biggest challenge on Sunday will be stopping the Bills running game. The Bills are 6th in rushing and could be even higher if they decided to go with CJ Spiller instead of splitting carries between him and Fred Jackson. Spiller has 6.6 yards per carry and Jackson has 3.8 yards per carry. The Bills defence will also have to deal with a good running game. The Seahawks are 4th in rushing and Marshawn Lynch has been having a great year. He has ran for 1266 yards this season which is 2nd in the league.
Prediction - The Seahawks will take another step closer to the playoffs with a win in Toronto.
Detroit Lions (4-9) @ Arizona Cardinals (4-9)
Arizona have set an NFL record by becoming the first team to lose nine games in a row after a 4-0 start to the season. Things don't look like improving either if last weeks 58-0 defeat in Seattle is anything to go by. Quarterback, Kevin Kolb has been placed on injured reserve and I would be surprised if they win any of their remaining games. The Lions have been a huge disappointment. They have drafted well in recent years and I thought this would be the year that they moved up the next level and became a serious competitor in the NFC. It hasn't materialised though and they are heading towards another top ten draft pick. The Cardinals offense is very poor and the only thing they do well is turnovers. The Lions lead the NFL in passing but when required Mikel Leshoure is capable of carrying the offense. He might have to do it this week as the Cards are 5th in pass defense and 30th in run defense so it may be in the Lions best interests to try to win this one on the ground.
Prediction - The Lions will extend Arizona's misery to ten defeats in a row.
Carolina Panthers (4-9) @ San Diego Chargers (5-8)
Neither of these teams will be in the playoffs this year but they have both shown glimpses of being good teams. They have both lacked the consistency required to be a playoff contender though. The Panthers have had good wins against potential playoff teams, like Washington and Atlanta but defeats to teams like Kansas City has cost them. The Chargers had a big win last week over the Steelers but the damage had already been done with the seven defeats in eight games that went before it. I expect this to be Norv Turner's last year in charge and if the rumours are true, Andy Reid could be heading to San Diego next year.
Prediction - I think the Chargers are a better team if both play to their potential and they will win this one.
Pittsburgh Steelers (7-6) @ Dallas Cowboys (7-6)
The Steelers and the Cowboys face off in Dallas on Sunday in a game both sides need to win. Both sides are just outside the playoffs as things stand and can't afford many slip ups if they are to push on and clinch a spot in the post season. The Steelers were in the sixth seed in the AFC until the Bengals beat the Eagles in Philadelphia on Thursday. A win would put them back in a playoff spot ahead of a meeting between the two in Pittsburgh next week. The Cowboys are 7-6 and just a game behind the Giants in the NFC East. They are also just one win behind the Bears and Seahawks in the wildcard race. Both sides will look to pass the ball, with the Cowboys ranked 3rd and the Steelers ranked 11th. Pittsburgh's numbers have suffered a little due to Ben Roethlisberger's injury and they should be higher. Both sides also have decent pass defenses, with the Steelers the best in the league and the Cowboys ranked 10th. It promises to be a tight game and neither side will find it easy to get the win.
Prediction - I trust Roethlisberger more than I trust Tony Romo so I will side with the Steelers.
Kansas City Chiefs (2-11) @ Oakland Raiders (3-10)
This battle between the AFC West's weakest teams will play a big part in deciding the order of the 2013 draft. These two will be picking early and as things stand, they would both be picking in the top three. Obviously one of them will pick up a win on Sunday which could change the order but I can't see either of them winning their week 16 or week 17 fixtures so they should still be in the first few picks. I expect the Chiefs to have a good day on the ground. They rank 5th in rushing and the Raiders are 26th on the ground. If the Chiefs can take care of the ball, there's no reason why they can't pick up a win against an Oakland team who have been struggling this year. The Chiefs have the worst record in the league but I don't think they are the worst team in the league. Their numbers are pretty good in all areas except turnovers. They have turned the ball over 33 times this year and their defense has only forced 11 turnovers so their differential stands at -22 which is tied with the Eagles as the worst in the league.
Prediction - I'm going to take a punt on the Chiefs having a turnover free day and getting the win.
San Francisco 49ers (9-3-1) @ New England Patriots (10-3)
The television companies haven't always got it right this year but on this occasion they are bang on the money. This game will be shown nationally on Sunday Night Football and it looks like being an absolute cracker. These two are polar opposites in terms of style. Sometimes it ruins games but on this occasion I think it will make it one not to be missed. The Pats are an explosive offense and although they will try to pass first, they can also give the ball to Stevan Ridley and attack on the ground. The 49ers are a run first offense and rank 2nd in the league behind the Washington Redskins. Frank Gore and Kendall Hunter were doing a good job. Hunter has since gone down with a bad ankle sprain and the 49ers seem to have changed styles in recent weeks. Since Alex Smith got injured against the Rams in week 10, they have gone with Colin Kaepernick at quarterback. He has had his good moments but I don't think he is the man for the job. I believe if it's not broke, don't fix it. The 49ers offense was fine but Kaepernick is a mobile quarterback and the style of play has changed because of it. The 49ers are still run heavy but Kaepernick is taking carries away from Frank Gore and his passing isn't as good as Alex Smith's so in my opinion, the 49ers are worse off because of it.
Prediction - The Patriots will get another comfortable win over a potential Superbowl rival.
Showing posts with label Sunday Night Football. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sunday Night Football. Show all posts
Friday, 14 December 2012
Sunday, 2 December 2012
NFL WEEK 13 PREVIEW AND PREDICTIONS
Jacksonville Jaguars (2-9) @ Buffalo Bills (4-7)
Despite having one of the worst records in the NFL there is a bit of a feel good factor around the Jacksonville Jaguars at the moment. Since Chad Henne has come in they have took the Houston Texans to overtime and followed it up with a win over the Tennessee Titans. Sometimes a change at quarterback can provide a team with a boost and it has certainly helped the Jags. Having said that, in the long term, I don't think Chad Henne is the answer and a few good games doesn't make him a good quarterback. He was poor in his time at Miami and I can't see him maintaining this form for long. The Bills have had a disappointing year. I expected more from them but they have struggled and the playoffs look to be beyond them. The one positive has been the form of running-back, CJ Spiller. Spiller has had an excellent year and is averaging an outstanding, 6.7 yards per carry. The Jags are 29th in run defense and I wouldn't be surprised if Spiller has another big day.
Prediction - Whilst the Jags have looked better in recent weeks, I think the match ups suit the Bills better and it will be a home win.
Seattle Seahawks (6-5) @ Chicago Bears (8-3)
The Bears host the Seattle Seahawks in a big game for both sides and one that will effect the NFC playoff picture. The Seahawks still have a chance of a wildcard spot and for the Bears it could mean the difference in winning the division or settling for a wildcard. The Seahawks look like losing their starting corner backs, Brandon Browner and Richard Sherman after they violated the NFL's policy on performance enhancing drugs. They are appealing the decision though so both will be available for the trip to Chicago. Both sides have injuries to key players but most are listed as probable so should make it. The teams are remarkably similar in their style and the match ups are quite intriguing. They rank 31st and 32nd in passing and in pass defense they are 3rd and 6th so the game should be decided on the ground. In run defense the Bears are 8th and the Seahawks are 12th. The Bears running game is 10th and the Seahawks are 8th. The match ups are very tight and it should lead to a close game.
Prediction - It's a tough call but the one thing that makes up my mind is the Bears are 5-1 at home and the Seahawks are 1-5 on the road so I will have to side with the Chicago Bears.
Indianapolis Colts (7-4) @ Detroit Lions (4-7)
Way back in September when I wrote my NFL Season Preview ( http://gjsportsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/nfl-2012-season-preview.html ), I may have been looking at this as a game between a 7-4 team and a 4-7 team but it wouldn't have been the Lions at 4-7. I predicted the Lions would reach the playoffs after a 12-4 year and I had the Colts struggling along to finish 7-9. Sometimes you have to accept you were wrong and in this occasion I have to admit I got these two wrong by quite a bit. The Colts have been very good to reach 7-4 and are doing Coach Pagano proud. They are in pole position in the AFC wildcard race and another two or three wins should secure their place. The Lions have had a disappointing year and have lost a lot of close games. Only one of their seven defeats came by a margin of more than one score but ultimately it doesn't matter how close the games are and it's only wins and losses that count. The Lions lead the league in passing and the Colts are 7th. In pass defense the Lions are 12th and the Colts are 19th. In rushing, the Colts rank 17th and the Lions are 24th. In run defense the Colts are 20th and the Lions are 22nd.
Prediction - This looks like being a very good game and I think the Lions could edge it.
Minnesota Vikings (6-5) @ Green Bay Packers (7-4)
The Vikings and Packers meet in a game that will go a long way in deciding the outcome of the NFC North title. The Bears lead at the moment with an 8-3 record but they still have to play both of these sides so the divisional title is still very much in the balance. These two will also meet again in week 17 so the NFC North race should go right to the wire. Both sides have long injury lists and a few key players could miss out. Clay Matthews has already been ruled out and could be joined by Donald Driver who is listed as questionable. The Vikings injury list includes Percy Harvin, Kyle Rudolph, Adrian Peterson and Jared Allen. Harvin is questionable and the rest are probable. If the Vikings are going to get a result in Green Bay they will need as many of those to play as possible. The Packers will trust in Aaron Rodgers to win them the game in the air. Rodgers is one of the best quarterbacks in the league and he should be able to put points on the board. The Vikings will aim to win the game on the ground and that plan will rely heavily on Adrian Peterson's availability.
Prediction - This should be one of the best games of the weekend and I think the Packers should be able to pick up the win.
Houston Texans (10-1) @ Tennessee Titans (4-7)
The 10-1, Houston Texans travel to Tennessee to take on the Titan's in an AFC South clash. The Titans look to be done for the year at 4-7 but the Texans can guarantee themselves a playoff spot with a win on the road. The Texans have a long injury list and have looked tired in recent weeks. Once they guarantee the playoffs and seal a bye in the first round of the playoffs I expect to see them rest a few players and come back fresh in the playoffs. The Titans will attempt to win the game on the ground. Chris Johnson had a bad start to the season but he has picked up over 100 yards from scrimmage in each of his last six games. The Texans are as close to the complete team as you can get. They have a great defense and a very good running game. Their passing game has a lot of potential too. Matt Schaub is a good quarterback and Andre Johnson is in the elite bracket of receivers.
Prediction - The Texans should get a win here and guarantee themselves at least a wildcard place in the playoffs.
Carolina Panthers (3-8) @ Kansas City Chiefs (1-10)
This game will be very difficult for both sides after the sad news regarding Chiefs linebacker, Jovan Belcher. I'm not going to comment too much on it as I am not well enough informed to know what happened but I am deeply saddened at the tragic loss of two young lives and my heart goes out to the baby who has been left orphaned. On the game, both sides have had bad years and the outcome will only effect the top of the 2013 draft board. Both sides will be looking to next year already and making plans on how they can improve. I wouldn't be surprised if either side changes their coach at the end of the season as both sides have underachieved. The Chiefs will try to run the ball and although the Panthers have a more balanced offense they will most likely favour the run too.
Prediction - I thought the Chiefs might have a chance of winning this one but I can't see their players minds being on the game considering the tragic circumstances and will go for a Panthers win.
San Francisco 49ers (8-2-1) @ St Louis Rams (4-6-1)
These two played out a tie in week 10 in San Francisco and this looks like being another close game. The 49ers are a much stronger side but the Rams matched them in the last game and will no doubt make things difficult for them this week again. The 49ers look to be playoff bound and should be able to clinch the divisional title and possibly even a first round bye if they can maintain their current number two seed. The Rams are 4-6-1 and if they are to have any chance of reaching the playoffs, need to win this one. The teams are quite similar in style and if anything the Rams remind me of a diet version of the 49ers. They want to play the game in the same way but they just don't quite have the right players yet and aren't at the level the 49ers are. They are both run heavy and rely on their defense to win them games. The Rams are still a work in progress though but they have a good blueprint to follow in the San Francisco 49ers.
Prediction - The 49ers will get the win.
New England Patriots (8-3) @ Miami Dolphins (5-6)
The Pats are on the verge of clinching the AFC East and would do so with a win over the Miami Dolphins. The Pats have won the AFC East for the last three years in a row and regardless of whether it's tomorrow or not, they will win it for the fourth time in a row this year. The Pats have come to form at just the right time and after a 3-3 start, they have now own five in a row and are chasing the Baltimore Ravens in the race for a bye in the first round of the playoffs. Technically they are two games behind the Ravens as they lost to them in week 3 so they will face a tough task to get a bye. The Dolphins are currently outside the wildcard spots in the AFC but they are only one win behind the Steelers who are currently in the sixth seed so they are definitely not out of the playoff race. The Dolphins will aim to run the ball on the Pats but this New England team are different to any in recent seasons. The recent sides have all had Tom Brady at quarterback but this side has a running game too. Stevan Ridley has been in excellent form and needs just 61 more yards to reach 1000 rushing yards for the season. The Pats can pass or run and the Dolphins will find it hard to deal with them.
Prediction - The one weakness this Pats team has is their pass defense but I just can't see the Dolphins exploiting it. Pats win.
Arizona Cardinals (4-7) @ New York Jets (4-7)
This will not be one for the purists. Both teams have had poor seasons with little to cheer. The Cardinals had a great start, winning their first four games but they have now lost seven in a row and they will be wondering where that next win is going to come from. The Jets have had a bad year too and look set to miss the playoffs for the second year in a row. The pressure is mounting on Rex Ryan and I think unless he benches Mark Sanchez, he will be unemployed in the not so distant future. The Cardinals have had quarterback issues and once Kevin Kolb got injured, they haven't been the same again. Kolb is far from the best quarterback in the league but he suits the Cardinals offense and he was getting it done for them. The Jets will look to run the ball and let their defense do the rest. Their defense should be good enough to stop an offense that is averaging just 292 yards per game. Neither side are good at defending the run and this game could come down to whoever's rushers have a better day.
Prediction - I don't see the Cardinals slide ending this week, Jets to get the win.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-5) @ Denver Broncos (8-3)
Week 13 is full of big games and this is another one of them. The Broncos can win the division with a victory and the Bucs need the win to keep themselves in the race for an NFC wildcard spot. Denver have won six in a row after a 2-3 start and it's almost as if Peyton Manning has been here all his life. In the first few weeks of the season everyone had an opinion on Peyton Manning. He was finished, his arm was weak etc. The only opinion these same people are giving now is whether or not Manning is worthy of another MVP. The Bucs also have a player who will have to be considered when the awards are being handed out at the end of the year. Doug Martin will surely have to be considered in the race for Offensive Rookie of the Year. Martin has already ran for 1050 yards and 9 touchdowns. He has also caught 29 passes for 332 yards and a touchdown. Robert Griffin III and Andrew Luck are the favourites for the title but Martin has been exceptional and will surely merit consideration at the very least. The Broncos are 5th in passing and have a strong defense. They are 5th in pass defense and 9th against the run. The Bucs are 13th in passing and 11th in rushing. Their run defense is 1st in the league but their pass defense is 32nd.
Prediction - Peyton Manning against the 32nd pass defense in the league? The Broncos can't lose this one.
Cleveland Browns (3-8) @ Oakland Raiders (3-8)
The Browns and the Raiders meet in Oakland on Sunday in a game that will have implications for the 2013 NFL draft. These sides won't make the playoffs and at this stage it's purely about planning for the future. The Browns have made a few good moves in recent seasons and have some good young talent on the roster. Brandon Weeden, Trent Richardson and Joe Haden are all young players who could have big futures in the game. Another good draft and the Browns could pick up a few extra wins and push towards a playoff spot. The Raiders don't have as bright a future. They have had a habit in recent years of trading away their draft picks and it doesn't bode well for the future. Having said that when they have used their draft picks they haven't usually get that right either. In recent seasons they have made their picks only to see the team behind them pick Aaron Rodgers, Larry Fitzgerald, Calvin Johnson and CJ Spiller. If the Raiders had picked those four they would be a Superbowl challenger every year. The match ups in this one show that the defenses should be able to get on top but the big difference is Oakland's passing game. The Raiders are 8th in passing and the Browns are 21st in pass defense. If Carson Palmer can keep the ball in the hands of his own receivers, the Raiders could get the win.
Prediction - I'm putting my faith in Carson Palmer and going for a Raiders win.
Cincinnati Bengals (6-5) @ San Diego Chargers (4-7)
The Bengals go to San Diego and know they need to win to keep their playoff hopes alive. They are just outside the playoffs at the moment based on their head to head record with the Pittsburgh Steelers so they need to keep winning to overtake them. The Chargers got off to a good start, winning three of their first four games but they have gone 1-6 since then and their playoff hopes are hanging on by a thread. At present they are two games behind the wildcard spot but they still have to play the Steelers who currently hold the six seed and their last three games are against the Panthers, the Jets and the Raiders, who are a combined 10-23 for the year so the playoffs are certainly not out of their reach. The Bengals are a better team offensively and are averaging 359 yards compared to the Chargers 324 yards per game. The defenses are both giving up 334 yards per game.
Prediction - The Chargers are better in run defense which won't help them when Andy Dalton starts throwing to AJ Green and I think the Bengals will get the win.
Pittsburgh Steelers (6-5) @ Baltimore Ravens (9-2)
The Steelers and Ravens meet again just a fortnight after their last meeting and once again the Steelers will be without their franchise quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger. Charlie Batch will be the quarterback and he had a bad game last week, throwing for just 199 yards and 3 interceptions. The Steelers should have Troy Polamalu back from injury which will be a big boost for them. In the last game the Steelers defense done a good job but they didn't get much help from their offense and the Ravens got the win. The Steelers defense is giving up just 257 yards per game and will make things difficult for a Ravens offense which is averaging 349 yards per game. The Steelers have had to change their style in recent weeks since Roethlisberger's injury. They were pass heavy but are having to go with more running plays now. The running game has been hit and miss all year. It started badly but has improved but I don't think it will be at it's full potential until they decide who their first choice rusher is.
Prediction - I can't see the Steelers going to Baltimore without Big Ben and getting the win, Ravens win.
Philadelphia Eagles (3-8) @ Dallas Cowboys (5-6)
What are the television companies playing at? One week after two losing teams played on Monday Night Football, Sunday Night Football now has a battle of the two worst teams in the NFC East. I am pretty sure the national television audience does not want to see this game. Of the fourteen games being played today, I wouldn't even have this game in the top ten. I'm an Eagles fan too so imagine how the neutrals must be feeling about it. Dallas won comfortably in Philly in week 10 and the Eagles have got even worse since then. This week they are without Michael Vick, LeSean McCoy and DeSean Jackson who have been their best three players on offense in recent years. The younger players will get more game time and it will help for next season when the Eagles will hopefully have a new coaching setup. The Cowboys need to start winning again as they have a difficult schedule remaining and need to win games like this one. The only way the Eagles win this is if Tony Romo goes into an interception frenzy and hands the win to the Eagles.
Prediction - The Cowboys will get their season back on track with a win.
Despite having one of the worst records in the NFL there is a bit of a feel good factor around the Jacksonville Jaguars at the moment. Since Chad Henne has come in they have took the Houston Texans to overtime and followed it up with a win over the Tennessee Titans. Sometimes a change at quarterback can provide a team with a boost and it has certainly helped the Jags. Having said that, in the long term, I don't think Chad Henne is the answer and a few good games doesn't make him a good quarterback. He was poor in his time at Miami and I can't see him maintaining this form for long. The Bills have had a disappointing year. I expected more from them but they have struggled and the playoffs look to be beyond them. The one positive has been the form of running-back, CJ Spiller. Spiller has had an excellent year and is averaging an outstanding, 6.7 yards per carry. The Jags are 29th in run defense and I wouldn't be surprised if Spiller has another big day.
Prediction - Whilst the Jags have looked better in recent weeks, I think the match ups suit the Bills better and it will be a home win.
Seattle Seahawks (6-5) @ Chicago Bears (8-3)
The Bears host the Seattle Seahawks in a big game for both sides and one that will effect the NFC playoff picture. The Seahawks still have a chance of a wildcard spot and for the Bears it could mean the difference in winning the division or settling for a wildcard. The Seahawks look like losing their starting corner backs, Brandon Browner and Richard Sherman after they violated the NFL's policy on performance enhancing drugs. They are appealing the decision though so both will be available for the trip to Chicago. Both sides have injuries to key players but most are listed as probable so should make it. The teams are remarkably similar in their style and the match ups are quite intriguing. They rank 31st and 32nd in passing and in pass defense they are 3rd and 6th so the game should be decided on the ground. In run defense the Bears are 8th and the Seahawks are 12th. The Bears running game is 10th and the Seahawks are 8th. The match ups are very tight and it should lead to a close game.
Prediction - It's a tough call but the one thing that makes up my mind is the Bears are 5-1 at home and the Seahawks are 1-5 on the road so I will have to side with the Chicago Bears.
Indianapolis Colts (7-4) @ Detroit Lions (4-7)
Way back in September when I wrote my NFL Season Preview ( http://gjsportsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/nfl-2012-season-preview.html ), I may have been looking at this as a game between a 7-4 team and a 4-7 team but it wouldn't have been the Lions at 4-7. I predicted the Lions would reach the playoffs after a 12-4 year and I had the Colts struggling along to finish 7-9. Sometimes you have to accept you were wrong and in this occasion I have to admit I got these two wrong by quite a bit. The Colts have been very good to reach 7-4 and are doing Coach Pagano proud. They are in pole position in the AFC wildcard race and another two or three wins should secure their place. The Lions have had a disappointing year and have lost a lot of close games. Only one of their seven defeats came by a margin of more than one score but ultimately it doesn't matter how close the games are and it's only wins and losses that count. The Lions lead the league in passing and the Colts are 7th. In pass defense the Lions are 12th and the Colts are 19th. In rushing, the Colts rank 17th and the Lions are 24th. In run defense the Colts are 20th and the Lions are 22nd.
Prediction - This looks like being a very good game and I think the Lions could edge it.
Minnesota Vikings (6-5) @ Green Bay Packers (7-4)
The Vikings and Packers meet in a game that will go a long way in deciding the outcome of the NFC North title. The Bears lead at the moment with an 8-3 record but they still have to play both of these sides so the divisional title is still very much in the balance. These two will also meet again in week 17 so the NFC North race should go right to the wire. Both sides have long injury lists and a few key players could miss out. Clay Matthews has already been ruled out and could be joined by Donald Driver who is listed as questionable. The Vikings injury list includes Percy Harvin, Kyle Rudolph, Adrian Peterson and Jared Allen. Harvin is questionable and the rest are probable. If the Vikings are going to get a result in Green Bay they will need as many of those to play as possible. The Packers will trust in Aaron Rodgers to win them the game in the air. Rodgers is one of the best quarterbacks in the league and he should be able to put points on the board. The Vikings will aim to win the game on the ground and that plan will rely heavily on Adrian Peterson's availability.
Prediction - This should be one of the best games of the weekend and I think the Packers should be able to pick up the win.
Houston Texans (10-1) @ Tennessee Titans (4-7)
The 10-1, Houston Texans travel to Tennessee to take on the Titan's in an AFC South clash. The Titans look to be done for the year at 4-7 but the Texans can guarantee themselves a playoff spot with a win on the road. The Texans have a long injury list and have looked tired in recent weeks. Once they guarantee the playoffs and seal a bye in the first round of the playoffs I expect to see them rest a few players and come back fresh in the playoffs. The Titans will attempt to win the game on the ground. Chris Johnson had a bad start to the season but he has picked up over 100 yards from scrimmage in each of his last six games. The Texans are as close to the complete team as you can get. They have a great defense and a very good running game. Their passing game has a lot of potential too. Matt Schaub is a good quarterback and Andre Johnson is in the elite bracket of receivers.
Prediction - The Texans should get a win here and guarantee themselves at least a wildcard place in the playoffs.
Carolina Panthers (3-8) @ Kansas City Chiefs (1-10)
This game will be very difficult for both sides after the sad news regarding Chiefs linebacker, Jovan Belcher. I'm not going to comment too much on it as I am not well enough informed to know what happened but I am deeply saddened at the tragic loss of two young lives and my heart goes out to the baby who has been left orphaned. On the game, both sides have had bad years and the outcome will only effect the top of the 2013 draft board. Both sides will be looking to next year already and making plans on how they can improve. I wouldn't be surprised if either side changes their coach at the end of the season as both sides have underachieved. The Chiefs will try to run the ball and although the Panthers have a more balanced offense they will most likely favour the run too.
Prediction - I thought the Chiefs might have a chance of winning this one but I can't see their players minds being on the game considering the tragic circumstances and will go for a Panthers win.
San Francisco 49ers (8-2-1) @ St Louis Rams (4-6-1)
These two played out a tie in week 10 in San Francisco and this looks like being another close game. The 49ers are a much stronger side but the Rams matched them in the last game and will no doubt make things difficult for them this week again. The 49ers look to be playoff bound and should be able to clinch the divisional title and possibly even a first round bye if they can maintain their current number two seed. The Rams are 4-6-1 and if they are to have any chance of reaching the playoffs, need to win this one. The teams are quite similar in style and if anything the Rams remind me of a diet version of the 49ers. They want to play the game in the same way but they just don't quite have the right players yet and aren't at the level the 49ers are. They are both run heavy and rely on their defense to win them games. The Rams are still a work in progress though but they have a good blueprint to follow in the San Francisco 49ers.
Prediction - The 49ers will get the win.
New England Patriots (8-3) @ Miami Dolphins (5-6)
The Pats are on the verge of clinching the AFC East and would do so with a win over the Miami Dolphins. The Pats have won the AFC East for the last three years in a row and regardless of whether it's tomorrow or not, they will win it for the fourth time in a row this year. The Pats have come to form at just the right time and after a 3-3 start, they have now own five in a row and are chasing the Baltimore Ravens in the race for a bye in the first round of the playoffs. Technically they are two games behind the Ravens as they lost to them in week 3 so they will face a tough task to get a bye. The Dolphins are currently outside the wildcard spots in the AFC but they are only one win behind the Steelers who are currently in the sixth seed so they are definitely not out of the playoff race. The Dolphins will aim to run the ball on the Pats but this New England team are different to any in recent seasons. The recent sides have all had Tom Brady at quarterback but this side has a running game too. Stevan Ridley has been in excellent form and needs just 61 more yards to reach 1000 rushing yards for the season. The Pats can pass or run and the Dolphins will find it hard to deal with them.
Prediction - The one weakness this Pats team has is their pass defense but I just can't see the Dolphins exploiting it. Pats win.
Arizona Cardinals (4-7) @ New York Jets (4-7)
This will not be one for the purists. Both teams have had poor seasons with little to cheer. The Cardinals had a great start, winning their first four games but they have now lost seven in a row and they will be wondering where that next win is going to come from. The Jets have had a bad year too and look set to miss the playoffs for the second year in a row. The pressure is mounting on Rex Ryan and I think unless he benches Mark Sanchez, he will be unemployed in the not so distant future. The Cardinals have had quarterback issues and once Kevin Kolb got injured, they haven't been the same again. Kolb is far from the best quarterback in the league but he suits the Cardinals offense and he was getting it done for them. The Jets will look to run the ball and let their defense do the rest. Their defense should be good enough to stop an offense that is averaging just 292 yards per game. Neither side are good at defending the run and this game could come down to whoever's rushers have a better day.
Prediction - I don't see the Cardinals slide ending this week, Jets to get the win.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-5) @ Denver Broncos (8-3)
Week 13 is full of big games and this is another one of them. The Broncos can win the division with a victory and the Bucs need the win to keep themselves in the race for an NFC wildcard spot. Denver have won six in a row after a 2-3 start and it's almost as if Peyton Manning has been here all his life. In the first few weeks of the season everyone had an opinion on Peyton Manning. He was finished, his arm was weak etc. The only opinion these same people are giving now is whether or not Manning is worthy of another MVP. The Bucs also have a player who will have to be considered when the awards are being handed out at the end of the year. Doug Martin will surely have to be considered in the race for Offensive Rookie of the Year. Martin has already ran for 1050 yards and 9 touchdowns. He has also caught 29 passes for 332 yards and a touchdown. Robert Griffin III and Andrew Luck are the favourites for the title but Martin has been exceptional and will surely merit consideration at the very least. The Broncos are 5th in passing and have a strong defense. They are 5th in pass defense and 9th against the run. The Bucs are 13th in passing and 11th in rushing. Their run defense is 1st in the league but their pass defense is 32nd.
Prediction - Peyton Manning against the 32nd pass defense in the league? The Broncos can't lose this one.
Cleveland Browns (3-8) @ Oakland Raiders (3-8)
The Browns and the Raiders meet in Oakland on Sunday in a game that will have implications for the 2013 NFL draft. These sides won't make the playoffs and at this stage it's purely about planning for the future. The Browns have made a few good moves in recent seasons and have some good young talent on the roster. Brandon Weeden, Trent Richardson and Joe Haden are all young players who could have big futures in the game. Another good draft and the Browns could pick up a few extra wins and push towards a playoff spot. The Raiders don't have as bright a future. They have had a habit in recent years of trading away their draft picks and it doesn't bode well for the future. Having said that when they have used their draft picks they haven't usually get that right either. In recent seasons they have made their picks only to see the team behind them pick Aaron Rodgers, Larry Fitzgerald, Calvin Johnson and CJ Spiller. If the Raiders had picked those four they would be a Superbowl challenger every year. The match ups in this one show that the defenses should be able to get on top but the big difference is Oakland's passing game. The Raiders are 8th in passing and the Browns are 21st in pass defense. If Carson Palmer can keep the ball in the hands of his own receivers, the Raiders could get the win.
Prediction - I'm putting my faith in Carson Palmer and going for a Raiders win.
Cincinnati Bengals (6-5) @ San Diego Chargers (4-7)
The Bengals go to San Diego and know they need to win to keep their playoff hopes alive. They are just outside the playoffs at the moment based on their head to head record with the Pittsburgh Steelers so they need to keep winning to overtake them. The Chargers got off to a good start, winning three of their first four games but they have gone 1-6 since then and their playoff hopes are hanging on by a thread. At present they are two games behind the wildcard spot but they still have to play the Steelers who currently hold the six seed and their last three games are against the Panthers, the Jets and the Raiders, who are a combined 10-23 for the year so the playoffs are certainly not out of their reach. The Bengals are a better team offensively and are averaging 359 yards compared to the Chargers 324 yards per game. The defenses are both giving up 334 yards per game.
Prediction - The Chargers are better in run defense which won't help them when Andy Dalton starts throwing to AJ Green and I think the Bengals will get the win.
Pittsburgh Steelers (6-5) @ Baltimore Ravens (9-2)
The Steelers and Ravens meet again just a fortnight after their last meeting and once again the Steelers will be without their franchise quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger. Charlie Batch will be the quarterback and he had a bad game last week, throwing for just 199 yards and 3 interceptions. The Steelers should have Troy Polamalu back from injury which will be a big boost for them. In the last game the Steelers defense done a good job but they didn't get much help from their offense and the Ravens got the win. The Steelers defense is giving up just 257 yards per game and will make things difficult for a Ravens offense which is averaging 349 yards per game. The Steelers have had to change their style in recent weeks since Roethlisberger's injury. They were pass heavy but are having to go with more running plays now. The running game has been hit and miss all year. It started badly but has improved but I don't think it will be at it's full potential until they decide who their first choice rusher is.
Prediction - I can't see the Steelers going to Baltimore without Big Ben and getting the win, Ravens win.
Philadelphia Eagles (3-8) @ Dallas Cowboys (5-6)
What are the television companies playing at? One week after two losing teams played on Monday Night Football, Sunday Night Football now has a battle of the two worst teams in the NFC East. I am pretty sure the national television audience does not want to see this game. Of the fourteen games being played today, I wouldn't even have this game in the top ten. I'm an Eagles fan too so imagine how the neutrals must be feeling about it. Dallas won comfortably in Philly in week 10 and the Eagles have got even worse since then. This week they are without Michael Vick, LeSean McCoy and DeSean Jackson who have been their best three players on offense in recent years. The younger players will get more game time and it will help for next season when the Eagles will hopefully have a new coaching setup. The Cowboys need to start winning again as they have a difficult schedule remaining and need to win games like this one. The only way the Eagles win this is if Tony Romo goes into an interception frenzy and hands the win to the Eagles.
Prediction - The Cowboys will get their season back on track with a win.
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