Wellness

[gardenman]

The first game this week is Carolina at Atlanta. Atlanta should win, but Cam Newton and the Panthers have been a big surprise to me this year. This game is likely to be very close and I wouldn't be stunned to see Carolina win.

Next up is Indianapolis against Cincinnatti. If Indy wants to do anything other than get that first overall pick in the draft, now would be a good time to start playing. They've got the talent to beat the Bengals, but I'm just not sure they have the heart right now. Andy Dalton's doing a decent job as a rookie quarterback for the Bengals. I almost have to think the Bengals will win this game at home.

San Francisco goes to Detroit to play the Lions. I expect to see the Lions win this game. The Lions are on a roll and playing in that dome is never easy for a visiting team.

Saint Louis travels to Green Bay. Green Bay's been looking a little less solid lately, but I expect them to win this game.

Buffalo goes to play the Giants. Buffalo's on a roll and the Giants are coming off a bad loss to Seattle. I think that loss will motivate the Giants to play hard this week. (If they don't play hard, then you could see a Giant collapse in the second half of the season.) As much as I hate to say it, I expect the Giants to eke out a close win. (I really, really, really want the Giants to lose though.)

Jacksonville goes to Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh should win this one, but Jacksonville might be able to keep it pretty close.

Philadelphia goes to Washington. It's been an interesting week in Philly. The press and many of the more vocal fans have been calling for the coaches' heads, but the team seems to be rallying around the coaching staff and vowing to play better. (Truthfully it's been little things in each game that have been killing the Eagles.) NFC East games are always close and hard fought, so I don't expect this to be a blowout no matter what, but I've got a good feeling heading into this week that the breaks will finally start going the Eagles' way. Jarrad Page, one of our safeties who whiffed on a bunch of tackles last week has been benched, so hopefully that will solve some of the tackling/hitting issues that have popped up and the Eagles will get this thing turned around. I thnk the Eagles will win a close game.

Houston goes to Baltimore. Injuries are starting to take a big toll on Houston. I've got to give the edge to Baltimore this week.

Cleveland goes to Oakland. Both teams are improving, but I think Cleveland has farther to go yet. I'll give the edge to the Radiers here.

Dallas goes to New England. Dallas is getting healthier and is coming off a bye where they've had two weeks to prepare to face the Patriots, but I don't think they have an answer to how to contain Tom Brady and Wes Welker. That's a deadly duo and I just don't think the Cowboys match up well against them. I think the Patriots will win this game.

New Orleans goes to Tampa Bay. The Saints are another team that's looking more mortal as the season goes on. I'm thinking this will be a close game, but the Saints will pull out the win.

Minnesota goes to Chicago for the Sunday night game. Which disappointing quarterback will play the best? McNabb in his younger days played his best in the big, nationally televised games and he's a native of Chicago. Jay Cutler doesn't really impress me all that much. I think this game comes down to whether Devin Hester, or Adrian Petersen has the biggest game. I'm giving the edge to Chicago since they're playing at home.

And the Monday Night Game is the Dolphins at the Jets. the Jets really need to win and I think they will. They really can't afford to lose this game.