Fifth Down, Week Sixteen

Really late this week, but--hey--I can be forgiven this week, right? Right. My original predictions in italics:

Colts 26, Jaguars 12 - Win. Colts have been keeping the games close until the fourth, and I don't believe that'll change this week. Actual score: Colts 31, Jaguars 24

Cowboys 14, Ravens 9 - Loss. Even though the final score doesn't reflect it, Baltimore's D rose to the occasion in spectacular fashion. Actual score: Ravens 33, Cowboys 24

Bengals 19, Browns 9 - Win. Cincinnatti actually shut out an opponent. Actual score: Bengals 14, Browns 0

Lions 20, Saints 19 - Loss. I think Brees might have read all those predictions--including the one from yours truly--stating that this game would be the one that would keep Detroit from going winless. Actual score: Saints 42, Lions 7

Dolphins 21, Chiefs 19 - Win. Miami's been keeping their games close, too, and I don't believe this week'll be any different. In fact, KC will probably find some way to lose this one in the last two minutes. They've done so at least four times this year already. Actual score: Dolphins 38, Chiefs 31

Patriots 31, Cardinals 17 - Win. I have a feeling that Warner's going to throw a couple of picks more than Cassel, and that we could see a repeat of the Jets/Cardinals game. Actual score: Patriots 47, Cardinals 7

49ers 24, Rams 12 - Win. Samurai Mike's swordsmen have to win this one--and maybe next week's--for him to have a chance at retaiing his job next year. Actual score: 49ers 17, Rams 16

Steelers 14, Titans 13 - Loss. Haynesworth and Vanden Bosch were out, and Tennessee just kept on pushing back the O-line. Tremendous game from their defense. Actual score: Titans 31, Steelers 14

Buccaneers 24, Chargers 13 - Loss. San Diego doesn't have to run with the way Rivers has been playing lately. The lad is on fire. Actual score: Chargers 41, Buccaneers 24

Broncos 21, Bills 12 - Loss. This game, Buffalo decided to let the other team choke. Actual score: Bills 30, Broncos 23

Texans 28, Raiders 6 - Loss. Who knew?. Actual score: Raiders 27, Texans 16

Jets 31, Seahawks 12 - Loss. Hopefully, for Jets fans out there, Farve got the choke game out of his system with this one. Actual score: Seahawks 13, Jets 3

Falcons 24, Vikings 20 - Win. Three words: Pat. Williams. Out. Actual score: Falcons 24, Vikings 17

Eagles 27, Redskins 10 - Loss. Again: who knew? Actual score: Redskins 10, Eagles 3

Panthers 17, Giants 13 - Loss. I've heard numerous people stating that even though they lost, Carolina played a great game in this one. Great game? They gave up over three-hundred-yards rushing! How is that great by any stretch of the imagination? Actual score: Giants 34, Panthers 28

Bears 27, Packers 21 - Win. Orton maid the plays when it mattered. Actual score: Bears 20, Packers 17