If Chris Johnson can't run against the Colts this week, the Titans should demand a refund. The 0-7 Colts, who lost by 55 points last week, have clearly zeroed in on Andrew Luck. Chris Johnson better be able to improve on his 2.9 yards per carry average against a team who has completely folded in hopes of nabbing Peyton Manning`s successor in the 2012 Draft. Even so, I can`t pick the Titans to cover an 8.5 point spread.
Pick - Colts (+8.5)
Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans (-10)
Did the Jags prove they were a dominant defence last week? Or was the Ravens offence just terrible? A bit of both. Despite very little star power, The Jags defence ranks 6th overall and is certainly a challenge for any NFL offence (besides Green Bay, that is). In addition to their defence, their running game, led by all-pro running back Maurice Jones-Drew, is 10th in the league. Despite their woes passing the ball, a good defence and a good running game is the recipe to prevent blowouts. Jags lose but cover.
Pick - Jaguars (+10)Minnesota Vikings at Carolina Panthers (-3.5)
Despite the combined 3-11 record, this game should be fun to watch. Not only does it showcase two first round QBs from the 2011 NFL Draft, but a fantastic matchup between the league's best passrusher, Jared Allen and the league's (second) best rushing QB, Cam Newton. While Allen`s chances of lasso-ing Cam are uncertain, you can bet on Adrian Peterson continuing his bull-ish rushing attack.With what finally looks to be stability at QB in Christian Ponder, Peterson will keep the Vikings in every game. I expect them to keep this game close, and possibly steal it on the road.
Pick - Vikings (+3.5)
New Orleans Saints at St Louis Rams (+14)
The Saints showed no mercy last week in their destruction of the Colts, 62-7. This week, they get another Andrew Luck candidate as they take on the hapless Rams. The Saints will run up the score again and Brees will improve on his pace in overtaking Dan Marino`s season passing mark of 5,084 yards.
Pick - Saints (-14)
Arizona Cardinals at Baltimore Ravens (-13)
As if the Kolb-led Cardinals offence couldn't get worse, Beanie Wells is out Sunday as they travel to Baltimore to take on the Ravens, who are pissed. Not only do the Ravens have the top defence in the NFL, they are seething after their embarrassing loss to the Jags on national TV. Despite Flacco`s horrendous play Monday night, he`ll have success against the 28th ranked Cards pass defence. The Ravens need to be ready for the Steelers next week, what better way then to beat up on team ran by their former offensive coordinator, Ken Whisenhunt. Ravens by destruction.
Pick - Ravens (-13)
Miami Dolphins at New York Giants (-10)
Finally, my pick for the Andrew Luck sweepstakes, the Miami Dolphins. Tony Sparano is doing the best he can to get fired, but still can`t even accomplish that. The Giants are trying to win, the Dolphins shouldn`t bother. It'll be another embarrassing trip to the Meadowlands for Miami.
Pick - Giants (-10)
Washington Redskins at Buffalo Bills (-6)
There`s a reason why it took John Beck four years to earn (more or less by default) another start in the NFL, he stinks. The Bills, off a bye, are too dynamic and balanced on offence and their opportunistic defence will turn a few of the many Beck mistakes into costly turnovers.
Pick - Bills (-6)
Detroit Lions at Denver Broncos
With Stafford`s status uncertain for Sunday, both the line and pick for this game is hard to determine. However, the Lions are a good team with a chip on their shoulder while the Broncos were euphoric with just a come from behind win last week against the winless Dolphins. Lions win, and I`ll take them wherever the line is. Tim Tebow, meet Ndamukong Suh. If you cant find a cheap line, take it.
Pick - Lions
New England Patriots at Pittsburgh Steelers (+3.5)
The only can`t-miss game of the Week 8 NFL afternoon schedule; It`s always big when the Pats travel to Steeltown. With a win, Tom Brady and Bill Belichick will become the all-time winningest Head Coach-Quarterback combination, passing Dan Marino and Don Shula. Despite no championships on the line, the old adage always applies, and the Steelers have the better defence. The deep ball of Roethlisberger and the speedy Steeler receivers will cause problems for the Patriots on defence. I expect a high scoring, down to the wire tilt, decided by a field goal. Steelers cover, Marino and Shula may bask in the glory for yet another week.Cleveland Browns at San Francisco 49ers (-9)
6 points against the Seahawks? Not going to cut it at Candlestick.
Pick - 49ers (-9)
Cincinnati Bengals at Seattle Seahawks (+3)
Seattle is a very tough place to play. The Seahwaks have the 3rd best NFC home winning percentage since their inception into the league. I expect Andy Dalton and the Bengals offence to struggle in this game. However, with Tarvaris Jackson probable to return behind Seahawk center, the Bengals defence, ranked second in league, will feast. The Bengals will win a tight one but I don't recommend tuning in to this snoozer.
Pick - Bengals (-3)
Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles (-3.5)
Despite being short-changed last weekend with the Saints laugher over the Colts, NBC certainly has the big ticket this weekend with major NFC East implications on the line. Michael Vick, Tony Romo, LeSean McCoy, DeMarco Murray, DeSean Jackson, Dez Bryant. You won't find many fantasy rosters better than this lineup. In addition to the star power, the NFL's top rushing attack in the Eagles will go head to head with the league's top run defence. I see Michael Vick stepping, embracing the national spotlight and leading the Eagles to a game-winning drive late in the 4th. However, it'll be too close of a game and won by a field goal. Cowboys cover.
Pick - Dallas (+3.5)
Check Back for my MNF Pick in The Morning After - Week 7 NFL Report, Monday morning. Enjoy the weekend.
Season Record - (an improved) 15-21-2
For more NFL picks and opinions, follow me @kidcuthy
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