Pigskin Prognostications, Week Eight

Hey! MSU won homecoming against a Divison I (AA) opponent! With MSU, people, that's not always a given. Plus, I'm pretty positive I'll win this week in fantasy football. I think I'll do well picking this week, too. Let's see:

Ravens 20, Raiders 9 - The Raiders seem to be improving, and they're bound to win another game this year, but not this week, as JaMarcus Russell hasn't shown that he's ready to put the team on his back like he'll have to against Baltimore, who's this season's (and last season's, too) best D against the run.

Panthers 27, Cardinals 17 - If the Panthers could stifle the Saints prolific offense, then I believe--especially since Arizona has to travel across the country--they'll do the same against the redbirds.

Buccaneers 24, Cowboys 13 - With Romo still sidelined, their top two corners out, and Joey Galloway returning for Tampa, the only way Dallas can win tomorrow is if they let Marion Barber tote the ball about forty times. He could do that, but he wouldn't be very effecient vs. the Tampa D, because, well, no one is.

Redskins 31, Lions 14 - Clinton Portis needs 120 yards to become only the second back in NFL history (the other being O.J. Simpson) to post 120-or-more yards rushing in five consecutive games twice in a career. There's a strong chance that Portis won't come close to reaching 120; no, there's a strong chance that he'll double it.

Bills 17, Dolphins 10 - If the Dolphins find a way to get up by ten or more in the first half, I believe they'll win this one. I don't think that'll happen, though, as Buffalo's D is stout, Trent Edwards is a winner, and Buffalo has great special teams (while Miami sports the worst special teams in the league).

Patriots 20, Rams 17 - This one should be close--if Stephen Jackson runs for the Rams; if he's out, then I don't think St. Louis has much of a chance, 'cause the strength of the Pats lies in their pass defense.

Chargers 31, Saints 30 - Both teams are coming off losses, both teams have had greatly disappointing seasons thus far, both are playing in unfamiliar territory (London), but the Saints recently lost Reggie Bush for a month, and just yesterday discovered that two of their players (McAllister & Smith) might soon be suspended for testing positive for steroids, and with all that extra baggage, I think New Orleans will be lagging on the field more than the bolts will.

Jets 899, Chiefs 2 - After the Jets lost to the Raiders last week, they'll be looking for some payback, and look who comes into town! The Chiefs are starting their third-string QB and their second-string RB, and the Jets have one of the best run defenses in the league. Turnover city, people.

Eagles 28, Falcons 12 - Philly's had a bye week to get Westbrook and Kevin Curtis healthier, but I don't think they'll need it, as I don't see them needing more than a couple of touchdowns against the Falcons. It's not that Atlanta's incapable of scoring--in fact, they've become quite the offensive powerhouse--it's just that rookie QB Matt Ryan--who's having a fantastic year for a rookie quarterback--will be facing Jim Johnson's defense for the first time. Ouch.

Jaguars 12, Browns 9 - Cleveland's defense has been getting tougher and tougher, and I don't foresee Jacksonville running roughshod over them as so many other forecaster's do; however, something's rotten in the state of Ohio (what with the Kellen Winslow staph stink), and it ain't just the Buckeyes' loss to Joe Pa yesterday.

Bengals 14, Texans 13 - The Bengals have improved lately, too; they've discovered their running game with Cedric Benson toting the rock, and Fitzpatrick is making much better decisions behind center. Their defense needs improving, and I think they'll find it versus Houston. Upset, this one. Smell it, I do. Clone Wars Commercials, I've seen.

Giants 24, Steelers 20 - Game of the day. Pittsburgh's deep-threat receiver Santonio Holmes was busted for pot a few days ago, and he's suspended for this game, and so are the Steelers' hope for winning, 'cause that's how you beat the Giants: loosen the coverage and run it up the gut. Only Cleveland--with Braylon Edwards stretching the Giants' D--has been able to do that to them this year.

49ers 2, Seahawks 0 - San Fran sports a new (interim) coach in Samurai Mike Singletary, and players almost always get up for a new coach in the middle of the season. Plus: Seattle stinks.

Titans 27, Colts 20 - Oh, my poor Colts; this looks like a potential blowout, 'cause Indy can't stop the run, and the Titans are the best running team in the NFL.