Week 9 Bold Predictions

The crazy 2010 NFL season of upsets continued in week 8 with the Green Bay Packers, New Orleans Saints, Miami Dolphins and the Detroit Lions all winning. Just as we think the season has been solidified another team proves us all wrong.  So as we head into week 9 we will attempt to pick the winners and upsets as we see them!

Indianapolis Colts (5-2) at Philadelphia Eagles (4-3): The 2010 season hasn’t been a typical 7-0 Colts start as in years past. The AFC Super Bowl representative has been plagued by injuries and they’re in the unfamiliar territory of facing adversity early in the season. The Colts have struggled to get their running game consistent this year and at the same time opponents have exposed the defense averaging 133-yards on the ground. They will be in big trouble if Eagles QB Michael Vick is able to use his speed on the battered Colts defense. For the Colts to win they need to contain Vick and hope he will chose to pass more often than run. But Vick will elect to run  and there will be a rabbit lose in Philly and the Eagles will win 31-14. Vick will complete 18 of 28 passes for 245-yards, 1 touchdown, 9 rushes for 72-yards and 2 rushing touchdowns. Colt 2010 first round pick, TE Brody Eldridge, more than likely will not play as his rookie season has been filled with injuries.

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Miami Dolphins (4-3) at Baltimore Ravens (5-2): The Dolphins have accomplished the very rare feat  being undefeated on the road and winless at home as they head into Baltimore to play the Ravens. The Ravens are coming off a bye week and have to be a little irked after their lackluster performance in week 7 where they barely beat the NFL’s worst team, the Buffalo Bills. They have been a minor disappointment as many seen them as Super Bowl contenders prior to the season starting. However as the season has progressed their once dominate defense has turned into an average unit and if you combine an average defense with an average offense you have an average team. The Dolphins have been great on the road this year and last week they held a potent Cincinnati Bengals offense to only 14 points. The Dolphins will win 21-10 with QB Chad Henne completing 17 of 25 pass attempts for 230-yards and one touchdown.

Oakland Raiders (4-4) at Kansas City Chiefs (5-2): The Raiders have outscored opponents 92-13 in the last two weeks and they look to carry that momentum into Kansas City. Both the Raiders and the Chiefs the ability to run the ball as they are ranked 1(Chiefs)  and 2(Raiders) in the NFL in that category. This game will not be decided on the ground,  but by the team who can make the big play in the air. The team who can do that will pull away from the fight with the victory. Raiders QB Jason Campbell is fresh off two solid weeks with 204 and 310-yards, look for him to continue this against the Chiefs.  The Raiders will beat the Chiefs 21-7 and QB Campbell will have 217-yards in the air with 1 touchdown.

New York Giants (5-2) at Seattle Seahawks (4-3): The Seahawks rank towards the bottom in almost every offensive and defensive category but still maintain a 4-3 record. Look for the Seahawks luck to run out as they host the NFL’s hottest team the New York Giants this weekend. The Giants have done nearly everything right in the last four weeks and have a 4-0 record to show for it. I predict a blow out for the Giants and a reality check for the Seahawks. Look for 2009 first round draft pick WR Hakeem Nicks to have a huge day with 8 catches for 110-yards and 2 touchdowns as the Giants beat the Seahawks 48-10.