Last weekend was another strong one for me, with a 3-0 sweep. A perfect weekend brings me six weekends closer to a .500 record. Right now I’m sitting at 16-22. Here’s to another great weekend of football!
New York Jets (6-7) at Carolina Panthers (9-4): Both teams need this win desperately if they want to continue playing into January. It’s hard to believe that the Jets are still in the playoff hunt considering how their season has been going. If it wasn’t for their stout defense this would be a three-win team. The Panther’s on the other-hand are a slight surprise too. Everyone knew in August they had a lot of weapons on offense with Cam Newton and Co. but I don’t think many people saw this start coming.
In this game, I’m going with the home team; the Carolina Panthers. The Jets, and especially their rookie quarterback Geno Smith, are a completely different team on the road. Not to mention the Panthers will be looking to bounce back in this game after laying an egg in New Orleans last week. Look for this to be a blowout. Panthers: 38-14
Cincinnati Bengals (9-4) at Pittsburgh Steelers (5-8): Boy, the Bengals are favored on the road in December in Pittsburgh. That must not sit well for Steelers fans. If the Steelers want any hope of keeping their small playoff hopes alive they need to win Sunday. Sadly, I just don’t see it.
These Bengals are a sneaky good team, and my dark horse to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl in February. I love what Andy Dalton and A.J. Green are doing together this season and with a week Pittsburgh secondary, expect success from these two Sunday. This one will be close, because all AFC North battles are, but I like the Bengals chances. Bengals: 27-17
Baltimore Ravens (7-6) at Detroit Lions (7-6): Both of these teams are desperate for a win right now. The Lions are sitting at the top of their division but with the same record as the Chicago Bears, while the Ravens are one of three teams with seven wins fighting for the last wild card spot. Now is not a time to lose for either team.
In this game I’m going with the Lions. Both of these teams are pretty even, however I don’t know if anyone on the Ravens can cover Detroit wide receiver Calvin Johnson. Ravens safety Matt Elam came out this week and called Megatron “old,” which is not something you want to call a player of Johnson’s caliber. He’ll be sure to make Elam eat his words Sunday. I wouldn’t be surprise if Johnson records 200 yards receiving and a couple touchdowns. Lions: 31-24
