Quick NFL Predictions: Eli Manning Flusters Big D
By Erik Lambert
Sep 8, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws in the pocket in the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Week 7 should offer a host of tough games. Here are some quick NFL predictions for every contest.
Atlanta Falcons at Baltimore Ravens
While Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons still smart from getting beat down at home, Joe Flacco has the Baltimore Ravens rolling after posting 48 points in Week 6. The Ravens are a more complete team and they’re at home. It’s not a hard sell.
Result: ATL 20, BAL 31
Minnesota Vikings at Buffalo Bills
It’s not a great sign when the Minnesota Vikings can’t run the ball and now can’t protect Teddy Bridgewater. The Buffalo Bills have their own issues but they have a solid pass rush and a quarterback in Kyle Orton who should be able to navigate them through this one.
Result: MIN 17, BUF 23
Miami Dolphins at Chicago Bears
Losing at home is a trend that needs to stop for the Chicago Bears, and they know it. They host a Miami Dolphins team fresh off a dispiriting collapse at home against Green Bay. Jay Cutler won’t be perfect, but with help from Matt Forte will finally get a W at Soldier Field.
Result: MIA 14, CHI 21
New Orleans Saints at Detroit Lions
Calvin Johnson is hurt but really its been the defense that has driven the Detroit Lions of late. They return home against a New Orleans Saints team that is terrible on the road and has few answers for why their own defense is struggling so much.
Result: NO 13, DET 30
Carolina Panthers at Green Bay Packers
The good news? Cam Newton looks healthy for the Carolina Panthers. The bad news? Their defense hasn’t been the same without Greg Hardy and now they must go into Lambeau Field to face Aaron Rodgers and that explosive Green Bay Packers offense.
Result: CAR 26, GB 35
Cincinnati Bengals at Indianapolis Colts
Andrew Luck doesn’t have to make any apologies. His Indianapolis Colts are in firm command of the AFC South. Meanwhile the Cincinnati Bengals seem to have lost their identity on defense and also don’t have their best player in A.J. Green. Not a good mix.
Result: CIN 23, IND 27
Cleveland Browns at Jacksonville Jaguars
At some point a couple of wins will come but the Jacksonville Jaguars still aren’t playing with any sort of consistency. Expect the Cleveland Browns to run it right down their throat and use a couple turnovers from Blake Borltes to seal their fifth victory.
Result: CLE 28, JAX 17
Seattle Seahawks at St. Louis Rams
Losing at home to Dallas has created some questions about the world champion Seattle Seahawks. They need a bounce-back win in the worst way. Enter the St. Louis Rams who haven’t been able to finish games for weeks despite strong starts.
Result: SEA 24, STL 10
Tennessee Titans at Washington Redskins
Two teams at the bottom of the barrel. Both have issues at quarterback It should be an ugly affair at times. The Washington Redskins are at home and boast a good pass rush. That should be enough to get a win over a highly erratic Tennessee Titans team.
Result: TEN 20, WSH 24
Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers
After what happened last week in Oakland, it’s not a good idea to simply write this off as a San Diego Chargers cake walk. The Kansas City Chiefs are a tougher team than their record says, and their defense should give Philip Rivers plenty of problems all game.
Result: KC 21, SD 23
New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys
At 5-1, the Dallas Cowboys have the look of a contender but they really haven’t gotten into the NFC East games yet. Eli Manning and the New York Giants will love being the first test, and despite their ugly game in Philly, will sneak up to surprise their old nemesis.
Result: NYG 31, DAL 27
Arizona Cardinals at Oakland Raiders
Bruce Arians has done a great job navigating the Arizona Cardinals to 4-1 but the injuries are really starting to catch up to his team. On top of that, Derek Carr seems to be coming into his own for the Oakland Raiders. Look for him to lead the improbable upset.
Result: ARI 21, OAK 24
San Francisco 49ers at Denver Broncos
Toughness and resiliency have kept the San Francisco 49ers on track of late but they may run into a brick wall here. Patrick Willis is out along with the other big defensive names. Peyton Manning is at home for the Denver Broncos and now has a defense.
Result: SF 24, DEN 34
Houston Texans at Pittsburgh Steelers
They almost pulled off the comeback last Thursday Night but the Houston Texans have bounced back from losses before. The Pittsburgh Steelers are all out of sorts lately and don’t respond well to physical games like they used to. Return of Jadeveon Clowney could be huge here.
Result: HOU 25, PIT 20
Stay tuned this weekend to see how these NFL predictions play out.