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ruminations on sports and other complexities of the universe

--from Eric and Adam

October 1, 2010

Week 4 Pick-Down

MatchupAdam's Pick Eric's Pick
49ers at Falcons
Falcons
Falcons
Ravens at Steelers
Steelers
Ravens
Bengals at Browns
Bengals
Bengals
Broncos at Titans
Titans
Titans
Panthers at Saints
Saints
Saints
Lions at Packers
Packers
Packers
Seahawks at Rams
Rams
Rams
Jets at Bills
Jets
Jets
Texans at Raiders
Texans
Texans
Colts at Jaguars
Colts
Colts
Redskins at Eagles
Eagles
Eagles
Cardinals at Chargers
Chargers
Chargers
Bears at Giants
Bears
Bears
Patriots at Dolphins
Dolphins
Patriots




Adam
Eric
Week 3 Record
6-10
10-6
Season Standings
22-26
26-22

Bye Weeks: Buccaneers, Chiefs, Cowboys, Vikings

To see how the "Experts" stack up: http://espn.go.com/nfl/picks

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The predictions here come from Adam and correspond to his picks.

San Francisco 49ers at Atlanta Falcons 
Yeah.  OK.  I get it.  My team stinks.  And since I am losing the pickoff to Eric, I better straighten up and fly right.  The Falcons are coming home after a huge road win in New Orleans, and though they might be ripe for a letdown, it's a bit early in the season for that.  Matt Ryan and company should be able to outscore the 49ers easily as San Fran averages only twelve points a game.
Prediction: Falcons 27 – 49ers 13

Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers
I cannot wait for this game.  It should be full of bone-jarring goodness with two Super Bowl hopefuls battling it out.  I had my doubts about the Steelers without Ben Roethlisberger, but they have proved that they can win with anyone under center.  Playing at home, I give the edge to the Steelers.  They have the better defense and the Ravens' offense just hasn't developed a rhythm yet.
Prediction: Steelers 16 – Ravens 13

Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns
I think this could be a lot closer than people would anticipate.  The Browns battled the Ravens well last week and the Bengals offense has yet to take flight.  Still, I think the running game of Cincy and their punishing defense will do just enough.
Prediction: Bengals 20 – Browns 17

Denver Broncos at Tennessee Titans
The Broncos are a better team than I thought they would be.  Kyle Orton was terrific last week against the Colts but just couldn't get the ball in the end zone enough.  Denver's defense flies to the football and plays pretty well as a unit.  However, they are short a few playmakers on offense and I think they will struggle to slow down Chris Johnson.  The Titans secondary is also very talented and could have a few surprises for Orton.
Prediction: Titans 24 – Broncos 21

Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints
Carolina picked the wrong time to go to New Orleans as the Saints come off a home loss to a divisional opponent.  I think the running game of the Panthers can keep this contest close for two or three quarters, but as Ron Jaworski would say, "Points come out of the passing game.  You must have EXPLOSIVE plays."  The Saints will be more explosive on Sunday.
Prediction: Saints 28 – Panthers 17

Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers 
To me, last Monday night was a good loss for the Packers (if such a thing exists).  They didn't finish drives, they didn't run the ball, they were poor in pass protection, awful in special teams, and were penalized eighteen times.  Yet with all that, they still nearly won. Green Bay should now be supremely motivated to go out this week and play some good football.  We haven't seen Green Bay's "A" game yet this year, and I think with the Lions coming to town, it's time for the Pack to roll.
Prediction: Packers 37 – Lions 13

Seattle Seahwaks at St. Louis Rams
I can't get a read on either team yet, but neither is all that good.  Ah, what the hell.
Prediction: Rams 20 – Seahawks 19

New York Jets at Buffalo Bills
This is a good chance for the Jets to pad their record and get off to a nice start.  The Bills played better last week against the Patriots, but the Jets are a really bad matchup for Buffalo's awful offensive line.  The Bills' secondary could give Sanchez some issues, but not nearly enough.
Prediction: Jets 24 – Bills 10

Houston Texans at Oakland Raiders
Oakland could easily be 2-1, but they aren't, and after this week they will be 1-3.
Prediction: Texans 30 – Raiders 17

Indianapolis Colts at Jacksonville Jaguars
Easiest pick of the week.
Prediction: Colts 31 – Jaguars 14

Washington Redskins at Philadelphia Eagles 
This really interesting game has so much going on.  Vick versus McNabb in Donovan's return to Philly.  Who has the edge, Andy Reid or McNabb?  I think it will ultimately come down to the fact that Philly has more offensive playmakers and will be playing at home. But honestly, anything could happen in this game.
Prediction: Eagles 31 – Redskins 27

Arizona Cardinals at San Diego Chargers
Derek Anderson versus Phillip Rivers, I have my pick.
Prediction: Chargers 27 – Cardinals 14

Chicago Bears at New York Giants
The Bears are 3-0, and this game will likely determine whether or not people think Chicago is "for real."  I think the fact that this is a nationally televised game will keep the Bears amped and prevent any chance of a letdown.  I would go with the Giants if their defense was playing up to its potential, especially facing the turnover-prone Jay Cutler, but the Giants have been awful on defense. Also, New York's offensive line will struggle with Julius Peppers, Brian Urlacher, Lance Briggs, and the rest of Chicago's front seven.
Prediction: Bears 27 – Giants 24

New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins get another primetime football game and will be anxious to prove themselves on a national stage.  The Patriots have no pass rush and will struggle stopping the Dolphins rushing attack.  I think Tom Brady, Randy Moss, and Wes Welker will be good, but not good enough in this interesting matchup.
Prediction: Dolphins 24 – Patriots 23

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