Week 8 Preview

Denver Broncos at Baltimore Ravens

The first of many, great games this week. The undefeated 6-0 Broncos go into Baltimore; to take on a shell socked 3-3 Ravens team. After starting the season 3-0, the Ravens went into last week’s bye at .500. The concerning thing about this fact is that they are now 2 games back, it what looks like being a very competitive division. They therefore will really need this win, against a very impressive Broncos team. The Broncos have been all about defence this year, and their most impressive player has been outside linebacker Elvis Dumervil. He has already racked up a huge 10 sacks and 2 forced fumbles this year. These stats have helped the Broncos become one of the top defences in the league, 1st in points against (11) and 2nd in yards against (262.5). You may think this would be a battle of 2 great defences, the only problem, is the usually solid Ravens D, has been quite weak, especially against the pass. The Broncos main strength is not the pass, although with WR Brandon Marshall, and the not spectacular, but very reliable QB Kyle Orton, they may take advantage of this weakness. Look out for Ray Rice and Joe Flacco to get this uncharacteristically good Ravens offence some points – if they can keep Dumervil out. Going to be an interesting, and hard to predict game.

Lee’s Prediction: Broncos 17 Ravens 21

Houston Texans at Buffalo Bills

The 4 – 3 Texans, travel to western New York to play the 3 – 4 Bills. QB Trent Edwards is still out for the Bills, so Ryan Fitzpatrick will get the start. This should be exciting to watch as the 3rd best passing attack of the Texans, takes on the Bills defence, who have 13 INT’s this year. A problem for Houston is the injury to star WR Andre Johnson. Johnson received a bruised lung last week, and they are not sure whether he will play. The Bills offence is pretty poor, and I don’t think they will be able to score enough points to stay in this game. Houston need to get the running game going with Steve Slaton, to keep the ball out of the reach of the play making Bills secondary. The Bills are also the worst team in the NFL, against the run.

Lee’s Prediction: Texans 17 Bills 10

Cleveland Browns at Chicago Bears

The 3 – 3 Bears need to win against the poor 1 – 6 Browns at Soldier Field. Jay Cutler has played well so far in Chicago; he has had his problems though, with INT’s. He has yet to throw an INT at Soldier Field though. RB Matt Forte has yet to rediscover last years form for the Bears. I believe this will be the week he gets back to his best though against the 31st ranked rush defence. The Browns are a poor offensive and defensive team. Kick returner Josh Cribbs is their best weapon. They will lose many games this year and this is defiantly one of them.

Lee’s Prediction: Browns 3 Bears 21

Seattle Seahawks at Dallas Cowboys

The 4 – 2 Cowboys, at home again this week, take on the 2 – 4 Seahawks. The Cowboys are coming off a very good win last week, and are starting to look very good. The Cowboys have alot of talent on their roster, and if everyone plays as they should, they will be very dangerous. WR Miles Austin has had huge games this season, and the Seahawks are not great at defending the pass. Seattle QB Matt Hasslebeck has been sacked 7 times this season, they also had backup QB Wallace sacked 8 times. This shows the Seahawks have offensive line problems. Not good when Demarcus Ware and co are around. I believe the Cowboys get a big win here.

Lee’s Prediction: Cowboys 24 Seahawks 13

Miami Dolphins at New York Jets

The 4 - 3 Jets welcome the 2 – 4 Dolphins to Giants stadium, with revenge on their minds. Still fresh in the minds of the Jets players and coaches will be the sight of Ronnie Brown, running in for a game winning TD, in the final seconds of the game, just 3 weeks ago at Dolphins Stadium. Not to mention, the game in week 17 last year, when the Dolphins won in New York, to take the AFC East title and their place in the playoffs. Rex Ryan, has made sure that the Jets aren’t the only team to be really up for this rivalry game. Since the off season, he has continually bad mouthed the Dolphins and their tactics - most notably, Channing Crowder and the wildcat formation. This week, he also added a ‘boo hoo’ statement, when asked about the injury to Dolphins CB Will Allen. This will be a bad tempered game. The main keys to this game will be if the Jets can stop the wildcat, and if the Dolphins can pressure rookie QB Mark Sanchez into making mistakes. I know that the Dolphins can bring pressure, and Sanchez has thrown 10 INT’s this season. Rex Ryan did stop the wildcat last season when he was coaching in Baltimore, but the Jets D is not as talented as the Ravens D was. I believe may Dolphins will get a BIG rivalry win.

Lee’s Prediction: Dolphins 24 Jets 20

San Francisco 49’ers at Indianapolis Colts

The Colts have quietly, but impressively, marched to a 6 – 0 start. The 49’ers looked very good early on this year, but the last few weeks have dropped to 3 – 3. Alex Smith will get the start this week, after leading the 49’ers back (falling just short), against the Texans last Sunday. To be honest, I don’t think this will make any difference. The Colts offence is 2nd in points scored, 4th in total yards and are the NFL’s number 1 passing team. That is down to number 18, Peyton Manning. He is having an amazing season 1,880 yards and 15 TD’s. This game would have looked alot better if it were a couple of weeks ago, but the Colts will have to much here.

Lee’s Prediction: 49’ers 10 Colts 24

New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles

The suddenly shaky New York Giants (5 – 2) and the unproven Eagles (4 – 2) clash in a very important divisional game. The Giants, who raced to a 5 – 0 start (against really bad teams) have since lost their last 2 games against the Saints and the Cardinals (good teams). This has started to raise questions about the Giants ability to play in big games. Their offense has being performing well 27.9 points and 391.3 yards per game. Their defence has done well against the pass, but surprisingly bad against the run. This may not be as bigger worry against the Eagles this week, as it looks like they will be without star RB Brian Westbrook, who was knocked out in Mondays win against the Redskins. The Giants will have to be wary of big play WR DeSean Jackson, who can make a play from many different situations. Also Michael Vick is yet to make a real impression on a game out of the wildcat formation, will this be that game? I think this game will be very competitive, but ultimately, the Giants should have too much, and prove they can win against decent teams.

Lee’s Prediction: Giants 27 Eagles 24

St. Louis Rams at Detroit Lions

This game, should be very interesting, for all the wrong reasons. The 0 – 7 terrible Rams travel to Detroit, to play the not much better 1 – 5 Lions. These are clearly 2 of the worst teams in the NFL, and 2 of the teams competing for the unwanted number 1 pick in next year’s draft. Detroit’s number 1 pick from last year, QB Matthew Stafford, is practicing again, and may be fit to start the game. Star WR Calvin Johnson has missed practice most of the week with a knee injury. The best offensive weapon in this game comes in the form of St. Louis RB Steven Jackson. He is 3rd in rushing yards in the NFL, but amazingly still hasn’t scored a TD this season. I think he gets that this Sunday. I believe this game is really hard to call as both teams are as bad as each other. I think though with Jackson, and the fact they don’t want to join the Lions with a 0 – 16 record, the Rams will be fired up, and will get their 1st win of the year.

Lee’s Prediction: Rams 10 Lions 7

Oakland Raiders at San Diego Chargers

This divisional game is huge for both teams. The 3 – 3 Chargers hope to try and keep the pressure on Denver as they host the 2 – 5 Raiders. The Raiders pulled JaMarcus Russell from the game last week after 3 turnovers in the first half. Apparently though he will start on Sunday, I have one question, WHY??? He has been abysmal this year, and his attitude after last weeks game was very poor. When asked to comment on the Raiders poor start to the year, he replied “I don’t think it’s me, I really don’t.” I’m sorry JaMarcus, it is YOU!! San Diego seems to have a poor start to the season every year, and still go on to win the division. I’m not saying they will win the AFC West, but they will win this game.

Raiders 3 Chargers 21

Jacksonville Jaguars at Tennessee Titans

The 3 -3 Jags travel to Tennessee to face the 0 – 6 Titans, in a battle of the bottom 2 clubs, in the AFC South. The Titans decided this week to take a look at their supposed franchise QB of the future, Vince Young. This shows you that this team, who were supposed to be Superbowl challengers this year, are now writing off their season. This will affect them in one of two ways. They may play without pressure, not worry about making mistakes, go out and just play. This may lead to wins. It may affect them in the opposite way though, and make some players throw in the towel. If this happens, it will be a long, hard season. Tennessee is quite strong against the run which is Jacksonville’s main strength. I believe that the start of Vince Young, and the explosive play of RB Chris Johnson, will get the Titans their first win of the year. I am far from certain of this though.

Jaguars 14 Titans 21

Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers

There is only one real story here – Brett Farve. For the first time he will suit up at Lambeau, to play against the Packers. What kind of reaction will he get?? How will his nerves hold up?? How will he handle the pressure?? All these questions will be answered on Sunday – and I can’t wait. One thing you need to consider here though is that there will also be alot of pressure on Green Bay QB Aaron Rodgers. He is the man that took Farve’s job, and in the 1st meeting, Farve got the better of him in a 30 – 23 win. He will want to put on a show, especially in front of his home fans. The only way he will be able to do this though, is if the Packer offensive line can keep Jared Allen and co from sacking him. This has been a problem for Green Bay this season. This game has massive implications on the divison as the 4 – 2 Packers cannot afford to lose any more ground to the 6 – 1 Vikings.

Lee’s Prediction: Vikings 28 Packers 24

Carolina Panthers at Arizona Cardinals

This is a huge game for the 2 – 4 Carolina Panthers. Not only did the 4 – 2 Cardinals go to Carolina and embarrass the Panthers in the first round of last years playoffs, but that game was the start of the really poor run of form for under pressure QB Jake Delhomme. The Cardinals got 5 INTs from Delhomme that night; he also now has 13 INTs this year. You would think the Panthers would consider benching Delhomme, but to be honest, I don’t think they have anyone to put in. Who knows anything about backup QB Matt Moore? The Cardinals defence seems to be getting better and better with every game. They were really good last week against the Giants. We all know how good their passing attack is, but now with Chris ‘Beenie’ Wells, the rookie from Ohio State; they look to have found a run game. They should have way to much here.

Lee’s Prediction: Panthers 10 Cardinals 24

Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints

Monday Night Football is a huge NFC South matchup. Division leading Saints (6 – 0) host the 4 – 2 Falcons. The Falcons will feel if they lose this game; it will be a long way back to win the division title. Both QB’s in this game are very good and playing well. Both teams have good running games and also have stud WR’s and TE’s. I think we might be in for a bit of a shootout. I think the difference maker here is the veteran in the Saints secondary Darren Sharper. He is always liable to come up with a big play, a momentum changing play, which can win a game. Against a young QB, I believe the Saints will get the ‘W’, and go 7 – 0.

Lee’s Prediction: Falcons 28 Saints 38

Power Rankings after week 7

1. New Orleans Saints (6-0)
2. Indianapolis Colts (6-0)
3. Denver Broncos (6-0)
4. Minnesota Vikings (6-1)
5. Cincinnati Bengals (5-2)
6. New England Patriots (5- 2)
7. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2)
8. Arizona Cardinals (4-2)
9. New York Giants (5-2)
10. Dallas Cowboys (4-2)
11. Atlanta Falcons (4-2)
12. Green Bay Packers (4-2)
13. Philadelphia Eagles (4-2)
14. New York Jets (4-3)
15. Houston Texans (4-3)
16. Baltimore Ravens (3-3)
17. San Diego Chargers (3-3)
18. Chicago Bears (3-3)
19. San Francisco 49'ers (3-3)
20. Buffalo Bills (3-4)
21. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-3)
22. Miami Dolphins (2-4)
23. Seattle Seahawks (2-4)
24. Carolina Panthers (2-4)
25. Detroit Lions (1-5)
26. Washington Redskins (2-5)
27. Oakland Raiders (2-5)
28. Kansas City Chiefs (1-6)
29. Cleveland Browns (1-6)
30. Tennessee Titans (0-6)
31. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-7)
32. St. Louis Rams (0-7)

If you agree, disagree, or have any questions get in touch - nflgbview@googlemail.com. Or leave a comment!

Week 7 Review

Packers 31 Browns 3 This game was exactly what we all expected. The fairly decent Packers absolutely demolished a very poor Browns team. Demolished a slightly harsh phrase? They outgained them 460yrds : 139yrds. I stand by my comment. Aaron Rodgers managed to not get sacked in this game, but, what did the Browns do?? Ryan Grant looked back to form as he ran for 148 and a TD. Big win for the Packers, in a tough division. Cleveland – Oh dear!

49’ers 21 Texans 24
Well, my prediction for this game was pretty well off the mark. I felt that the 49’ers, coming off a bye week, and after letting their fans down badly against Atlanta before that, would come out strong, and take an early lead. By half time, thanks to TD’s from Steve Slaton (x2) and Owen Daniels, the Texans led 21 – 0. Coach Singletary decided to pull QB Shaun Hill from the game, and replace him with Alex Smith. Smith seemed to make the difference as the 49’ers rallied and cut the deficit to 24 – 21. In the last minute though, Smith threw a pick to Eugene Wilson to seal the win. Frank Gore failed to impress in his return, rushing for just 32 yards. Making his debut, rookie Michael Crabtree caught 5 balls. What will happen at QB for the 49’ers now?? I think they should stick with Smith. He and Crabtree could drastically improve this passing attack. The tight ends for both teams had a big day. San Fran’s Davis : 93 yards, 3 TDs. Houston’s Daniels: 123 yards, 1 TD. Big win for the Texans, it’s the first time they have had a winning record since 2007

Chargers 37 Chiefs 7
So, a huge game for the Chargers, and they get a huge win to improve to 3 – 3 in their chase of 6 – 0 Denver. I said in my preview of this game that the Chiefs are a struggling team, the proved that in this game. Matt Cassel threw for just 97 yards, and Larry Johnson ran for just 49 yards (3.1yrds/rush). What has happened to L.J. Since the game Johnson has been on the internet bad mouthing his coaches, I think we may see Jamaal Charles taking over the number 1 RB role in Kansas before too long. For the Chargers, Rivers had his usual huge game, but L.T struggled yet again. Is L.T an ageing back whose best days are behind him? Vincent Jackson came up with some huge plays for the Chargers, are they back in the AFC West division hunt?

Colts 42 Rams 6

Well heres a shock, NOT!! The Colts improve to 6 – 0 against, in my opinion, the worst team in football. Manning threw for 235 yards and 3 TD’s. Addai rushed for 64 yards and one TD, Brown for 58 yards (including a 45 yard scamper), and Reggie Wayne caught 7 balls for 83 yards and a TD. The only surprise here – the Rams managed to get 6 points, How?

Vikings 17 Steelers 27

This defiantly lived up to its billing (by you voters) to be the Game of the week. It had everything, defence, big pass plays, a kick return, and late drama. The game was 13 – 10 Steelers going into the 4th, then it got lively. Firstly Lamar Woodley scooped up a Farve fumble, and took it 77 yards back to the house. As the Steelers thought they had the game wrapped up, Percy Harvin takes the Steelers kick off back 88 yards for a TD. The Vikings then got the ball back and drove to the Steelers 19 yard line with 1:15 on the clock, looking for the game winning TD. Farve dropped back, tried to throw the screen to Chester Taylor who, inexplicably, allowed it to pass threw his hands and it was picked off by Keyaron Fox. He then took the ball back 82 yards for the sealing TD for Pittsburgh. What drama! After all this late drama it would be easy to blame this loss on Vikings QB Brett Farve. I though disagree with this. Farve threw for 334 yards, and the pick at the end was on Chester Taylor (if only Peterson had been in the game). The main surprise to me was the performance of the Steelers O line, only allowing 3 sacks, none of which to Jared Allen. The Steelers defence on the other hand looked like the old Steelers, 4 sacks, and held AD to only 69 yards. Important win for the Steelers, think they are back??

Bills 20 Panthers 9 Well this game didn’t turn out to be as bad as I thought it might be. The Bills did have to go without injured QB Trent Edwards, but starting in his place Ryan Fitzpatrick did ok. He threw for 123 yards and a touchdown. The Panthers QB Jake Delhomme, was awful again, throwing 3 picks (2 of which to Bills rookie safety Jairus Byrd) and 0 TD’s. The Panthers obviously don’t believe in their backup QB much, or else surely, Delhomme would have been out by now. He has thrown for 13 INT’s this season. I believe he single handily cost Carolina this game, as the outgained the Bills (425 – 167), DeAngelo Williams got it going 139 yards and a TD), and even Steve Smith (99 yards) had a big game. All these factors should have given the Panthers the win. But the excellent Bills secondary and Delhomme’s poor display, gave the now 3 – 4 Bills, a big win on the road.

Jets 38 Raiders 0
The Jets comfortably (and expectedly) broke their 3 game losing streak against another terrible football team. Sanchez got back on track – 143 yards 1 TD, but his opposite QB finally got pulled out of a game. JaMarcus Russell, who has been shocking for most of the season, finally was replaced by Bruce Gradkowski after turning the ball over 3 times in the first half. Jets RB Leon Washington broke his leg in this game and will be out for the rest of the season. This will be a huge loss for the Jets as he has made a number of huge plays for them this season. Shonn Greene will be the guy who takes over from Washington. He rushed for 144 yards, alongside Thomas Jones who got 121 yards. They won’t be playing the Raiders every week though.

Bears 10 Bengals 45
Well, I thought the Bengals would win, I thought Benson would have a good day, but wow they did so much more than that. Benson, against the team that released him, rushed for 189 yards and a TD. That means he rushed for 154 more yards in this game, than the whole Bears roster did. Think he proved his point? The other player I thought would benefit from Bensons dominance was Chad Ochocinco. He had 10 catches, for 118 yards and 2 TD’s. The Bears could not get there run game going in this game and even though Jay Cutler again had a decent day 251 yards 1 TD, he again threw 3 INT’s. Jay needs to be more consistent if the Bears are going to challenge Green Bay and Minnesota in the NFC North.

Falcons 21 Cowboys 37
This was a BIG win for the Cowboys. After other results this weekend they are now right back in the hunt in the NFC East (arguably the best division in football). Romo had a big day for the Cowboys 311 yards 3 TD’s, and newly crowned starter Miles Austin had a huge day – again. He caught 6 balls for 171 yards and 2 TD’s. He looks like he’s going to be really useful to the Cowboys, as they battle the Giants for supremacy in the East. Matt Ryan played just ok for the Falcons. His 198 yards and 2 TD’s were somewhat cancelled out by his 2 INT’s and 4 sacks. This was a disappointing game for the falcons, but they must dust themselves down for next weeks massive game out in New Orleans.

Saints 46 Dolphins 34
What an exciting game this was. I was really excited just before the end of the 2nd quarter as my Dolphins had a 24 – 3 lead over one of the best teams this year. I do believe thought that Drew Brees 1 yard TD run with a minute and a half left before half time, was the momentum changer. If there was any doubt in that, that was taken away as Darren Sharper intercepted Chad Henne, one minute into the second half, and took it back for a TD. The score was now cut to 24 – 17, in a matter of 3 minutes. The Dolphins managed to trade TD’s and actually gain a field goal making the score 34 – 24 going into the 3rd quarter. In the fourth quarter the Saints got 2 TD’s early, added a field goal and had a 6 point lead. As Henne was trying to piece together a two minute drive to win the game, his pass was picked off by Tracy Porter, he sealed the game with a 54 yard return. This was hard luck for the Dolphins, but the impressive Saints march on to 6 – 0.

Cardinals 24 Giants 17
This was a big shock to me, and virtually everyone who watches the NFL. The Cardinals managed to get alot of pressure onto Eli Manning, and forced 3 INT’s. This was a really big factor in the win. Another factor was Chris ‘ Beenie’ Wells. He managed to get solid yardage against a mean defence, and made the Cardinals running game look half decent, for once. The Giants will be very disappointed with this loss, as it opens up the whole division. They where 5 – 0 just two weeks ago, now with the Cowboys and Eagles at 4 – 2, the division is on.

Eagles 27 Redskins 17
The Eagles bounced back from a devastating loss in Oakland last week. They responded perfectly by getting a 14 – 0 lead in the first quarter. By half time the score was 27 – 10, and with the complete inability of the Redskins offence this year, the game was over. Another major concern for under pressure head coach Jim Zorn is the loss of Chris Cooley, to what looks like a season ending injury. At 2 – 5, after spending the money they did last season, how long till Zorn is out of Washington? Eagles are now right back in the race in the exciting NFC East.

Leave your comments, do you agree, disagree. Let me know!!

Pats 35 Buccs 7

Well people, I hope you all enjoyed the spectacle of the Wembley game, I know I did. The game itself though, sadly, turned out exactly the way I expected it to, a complete miss match. From the very first possession it was clear that the Patriots were in a different league to the Buccs.

The pre-game activities included, Toni Braxton and Kathryn Jenkins singing the respective anthems, a performance by Calvin Harris, and celebrity captains Vernon Kay and Joe Calzaghe. Not to mention the Buccaneer cheerleaders and the firework show as the host Buccs came on to the field. All this made sure that the excitement and anticipation for the game was extremely high. The Buccs won the toss, and chose to receive.

After a couple of decent runs by Cadillac Williams, Josh Johnson went to the air, only to be picked off by Pats safety Brandon Meriweather. He took the ball back to put the Pats up 7 - 0, before Tom Brady and the offence had even been out on to the field. The Buccs got the ball back, only for Johnson to complete another pass – to Pats Meriweather again!! Brady came out, found Moss for a big gain, before Welker went in on a screen. Pats up 14 – 0 and the Buccs looking lost.

Brady’s next possession ended with a great pick by Buccs safety Tanard Jackson. Tampa could not get anything going offensively as it was 3 and out after 3 and out. Brady found Aiken, he broke a tackle, and it was 21 – 0 Pats, this is getting slightly embarrassing.

On the next possession though, Johnson finally found his rhythm, finding Antonio Bryant twice, once for a TD. 21 – 7, bit more respectable at half time.

The second half was not a half of football worth remembering. Laurence Maroneys TD run was the only highlight, as both teams realised the game was over. Both teams allowed their backup QB’s into the game late in the fourth. The question now is, after Tampa’s bye next week, which Josh will be starting at QB – Johnson or last year’s 1st round draft pick Freeman?

The game as a whole was a complete success, as the UK fans proved once again, they are worthy of regular season games on these shores. Talk is that we may have more than one game per year in the not so distant future. Also there have again been rumours of a London based franchise, playing in the NFL. How good would that be?

Lee’s Prediction Pats 38 Buccs 10 : Correct winner, and pretty close to that score!

Week 7 Preview

Green Bay Packers at Cleveland Browns

The 3 – 2 Packers travel to the dog pound, to take on the 1 – 5 Browns. The Packers need to take a win here to try and hold off the Bears and try to keep tracks on the Vikings. Derek Anderson is now starting again ahead of supposed star of the future Brady Quinn, but the Browns are still awful. In fact the only way that the Browns can score any points in my opinion is through kick returner Josh Cribbs. Not helping this, a lot of the Browns squad have come down with the flu this week. The Packers need to prove that they can protect Aaron Rodgers. The Packers QB has been sacked 25 times so far this season. The Packers though will have way too much for the Browns

Lee’s Prediction: Packers 24 Browns 6

San Francisco 49ers at Houston Texans

The division leading 3 – 2 49ers go to 3 – 3 Texans. Frank Gore returns and rookie hotshot WR Michael Crabtree makes his first start for the 49ers. Matt Schaub leads the NFL with 1810 yards and 14 TD’s. The 49ers let down in their last game (45 – 10 loss at home to Atlanta), coming off a bye, you have to think that their hardnosed coach Singletary is going to have them ready for this one. Although in Houston, only one winner for me.

Lee’s Prediction: Texans 10 49ers 17

San Diego Chargers at Kansa City Chiefs

The struggling 1 – 5 Chiefs host the 2 – 3 Chargers. This divisional game is a huge game for the Chargers. They are in real trouble as the Broncos are now 6 – 0 at the top of the division, so if the Chargers fail here, their playoff hopes maybe over. Philip Rivers is playing well for the Chargers and last week we saw signs that LT may be back. Matt Cassel is proving that surrounding talent is needed to be a good QB, after his great season in New England last year. I have no idea what’s happening with Larry Johnson, 2.7 yards/carry and 0 TD’s. These are unbelievable stats for this former star player.

Lee’s Prediction: Chargers 13 Chiefs 3

Indianapolis Colts at St Louis Rams

The 0 – 6 Rams against the 5 – 0 Colts. Need I say anymore? The undefeated Colts with Payton Manning, Addai, Reggie Wayne and co are going to steam roll over the Rams who are in the bottom 6 teams in the NFL in all defensive stats. Job done!

Lee’s Prediction: Colts 35 Rams 3

Minnesota Vikings at Pittsburgh Steelers

The Vikings (6 – 0) travel to the Steelers (4 – 2). This has the makings of the best game of the week. The Steelers look to be in a dogfight in the AFC north, and really need to get the W here at home. The word is that Rashard Mendenhall has taken the RB position from fast Willie why he’s been injured. Big Ben has been playing really well this year throwing for 10 TD’s, but this in its self shows the Steelers are not playing the way they like. The run first team, are having to throw more than they would like. The problem with throwing the football on the Vikings is they have a train trying to knock you over as you throw. Jared Allen has 7.5 sacks already this year, and I can see the stirring celebration happening more than once. Brett Farve and AD have the Vikings offence playing really well, 2nd in the league scoring 31.5 points/game. The fact it’s in Pittsburgh makes this close, but i only see one winner.

Lee’s Prediction: Vikings 30 Steelers 24

Buffalo Bills at Carolina Panthers

This may be a bad game. The 2 – 3 Panthers against the 2 – 4 Bills. What’s happened in Carolina? One of the best rushing teams in the NFL last year has been really poor (until last week) which really annoys me as I took DeAngelo Williams in the first round in my fantasy draft this year. Also, where is Steve Smith? Still no TD’s yet this season. The Bills maybe without QB Trent Edwards. They do have a good pass defence, which may shut down Steve Smith for another week, but the running game should be enough for Carolina

Lee’s Prediction: Bills 6 Panthers 13

New York Jets at Oakland Raiders

The 3 – 3 Jets travel to California to play the 2 – 3 Raiders. The Jets started 3 – 0, then lose 3 in a row. I do believe though that Sanchez and the Defence get back to their best against a very poor Raiders team. Somehow, with JaMarcus Russell (2 TDs 6 INTs) at QB the raiders have won 2 games. They won’t win this one, against this swarming Jets D.

Lees Prediction: Jets 17 Raiders 3

Chicago Bears at Cincinnati Bengals

4 – 2 division leading Bengals welcome 3 – 2 Bears. One name for you, Cedric Benson. If you can start him up in fantasy this week, DO IT!! Released by the Bears the rejuvenated Benson will make it his personal mission to destroy them. Jay Cutler has been playing pretty well for the Bears, apart from red zone turnovers. But the lack of a genuine number one WR threat and the struggling Matt Forte will catch up with them. Look for Ochocinco to do well in the play action game when the Bears load up against Benson

Lee’s Prediction: Bears 13 Bengals 17

Atlanta Falcons at Dallas Cowboys

3 – 2 Cowboys go to 4 – 1 Falcons. A good game install here, important to both in their pursuit of the playoffs. Miles Austin is now going to start ahead of Patrick Crayton, a good job to, after his 250 game last week. Barber and Choice are both running at 5.1 yards/carry for the Cowboys, which is impressive. The Falcons offense is also impressive with Matt Ryan, Michael ‘the burner’ Turner, Gonzalez and Roddy White. I can see they will put up points, but the Cowboys, at home, are desperate for this win.

Lee’s prediction: Falcons 27 Cowboys 31

New Orleans Saints at Miami Dolphins

My 2 – 3 Dolphins host the undefeated 5 – 0 Saints. The high powered passing Saints against the wildcat top rushing Dolphins. This should be a good game to watch. The Saints though do have the 5th rank defence against the run, while Miami has the 18th rank defence against the pass. Sadly I believe this will be the difference and my Dolphins will fall to 2 – 4. Hope I got this on wrong!

Saints 21 Dolphins 14

Arizona Cardinals at New York Giants

The Sunday late game is the 5 – 1 Giants and the 3 – 2 Cardinals. We all know what the Cardinals are, they throw the ball. Kurt Warner has 1441 yards and 8 TD’s, but their running game is 31st in the NFL. This could be seen as a huge advantage for them as the Giants really struggled last week against the pass first Saints. I believe that the Giants defensive line is going to pin back their ears and get after Warner. Also the Giants are number 1 in the NFL against the pass. Think I’ve made up my mind.

Lee’s prediction: Cardinals 14 Giants 21

Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Redskins

Monday night football!! Eagles (3 – 2) go into Washington to play the 2 – 4 Redskins. Washington head coach Jim Zorn has had the play calling duties taken off him this week, and must be worrying for his job. Eagles last week, somehow, lost to the Raiders. This divisional game is really important for both teams. The Eagles defence is a solid defence, especially against the pass, and I believe they will get ahead early, and their defence will grind this one out for them.

Lee’s Prediction: Eagles 14 Redskins 10

Wembley International Series

So the waiting is almost over!! Its Friday UK fans, two days before the Tampa Bay Buccaneers come over to these shores and make Wembley their home for the visit of the New England Patriots. I don't know about you, but it seems an awefully long time since we witnessed that great shootout last year, and I can't wait any longer!!

The Buccs arrive on these shores after a horriable 0 - 6 start to the season. There losses include games against Buffalo, Washington and Carolina, who have been far from powerhouse franchises this year. That has to be worrying to the Buccaneer faithful as their 4 - 2 opponent Patriots have beaten teams like Atlanta and Baltimore, not to mention the 59 - 0 drubbing of the Titans last week. So the game, it has to be said, looks slightly one-sided. The Buccs are 27th in points scored this year (14.8), and 29th in points conceded (28.0). Not excellent, going against Brady and co who are 7th in points scored (27.2) and 3rd in points conceded (15.2). One bright spot for the Buccs is that the Pats are definatly a pass first team, and the Buccs best phase of the game is pass defence, but i may be cluching at straws.

The mighty Tom Brady is certainly going to be one of the highlights of the weekend for the Wembley crowd. Coming off last season, where he got injured in the opener, it was a worry how he would return. But Brady has answered all of his critics this season, especially last week (although against the Titans), by throwing for 287.3 yrds/game and 12 tds.

The Buccs are less than sure about the play of their QB. Josh Johnson is likely to get the start at Wembley on Sunday. Unlike Brady he has thrown more interceptions than tds (5 and 3) and only 105.8 yrds/gm. I aren't making this out to be much of a contest am I!!!

Sadly that is what I believe, I believe the Patriots are going to win this one and win it big. Bill Belichick doesn't often show any oppenent mercy and I can see them running up the score

Lees Prediction Buccs 10 Pats 38