Have your say on all the week's big stories in the NFL, plus take part in our Pick Six predictions game
Welcome back to the NFL Talkboard. Most of you will know the drill by now, but for those who don't, this is a dedicated space where people can talk about American football. Every week I will post the games for our Pick Six predictions competition and if there's time one or two talking points as well. The blog will then stay open over the weekend, allowing everyone ? myself included ? to keep chatting about the games as they happen and afterwards on Sunday and Monday.
Normal service resumed in Indy
Peyton Manning's slump is over. That, at least, is the verdict of ESPN, the Indianapolis Star, CBS Sports and just about any other news outlet you care to read this morning. Personally I'm not sure ? was it ever a slump in the first place, or just a good quarterback finding himself in a position where, with his team so banged up, he was being placed under even more unreasonable pressure than usual to carry the team and force passes? He also got the help last night of a couple of big defensive penalties on both of his team's first two scoring drives. Anyway, the Colts will finish top of the AFC South if they win the rest of their games. That's no sure thing, mind.
This weekend's games
And now for the Pick Six. Let's hear a nice loud "hip, hip" for DowFC, who got all six picks right, but please save your "hooray" for RobbyBobson, who not only nailed every pick but also catapulted himself to the top of our overall leaderboard in the process. Full standings below the line. Here are this week's games:
Oakland Raiders @ Jacksonville Jaguars
Just when you thought you understood the order of things, the Raiders go and destroy the San Diego Chargers on their own turf. The Jaguars, despite what their record says, are a worse team than the Chargers (they lead the AFC South, yet have given up more points than they have scored). Both teams can run the ball and neither team is very good at stopping the run. Both teams are also very capable of shooting themselves in the foot ? the Jaguars with turnovers (they average 2.2 per game, fourth highest in the league) and the Raiders through penalties (they were flagged 13 times for 105 yards against the Chargers). In many ways they're very similar. But the Jags are at home, so ...
Jaguars to win
Cleveland Browns @ Buffalo Bills
The Bills lost their way in Minnesota last week, but of their previous three games they had won two and lost the third only because of dropped touchdown passes. The Browns, meanwhile, won in Miami, but only after getting a lot of help from the self-destructing Dolphins. They are a significantly worse team with Jake Delhomme under center than Colt McCoy, but forecasts of snow and winds of up to 30mph play into their hands. Both teams will have to run the ball first and foremost, and Peyton Hillis should find places to go against the league's worst rush defence.
Browns to win
New York Giants @ Minnesota Vikings
Despite Tarvaris Jackson getting the job done last week, the Vikings are expected to start Brett Favre again at quarterback. How long he lasts is anyone's guess. Whoever the signal caller is, the Vikings will need to cut back on the turnovers if they are to continue their strong start under Leslie Frazier, because the Giants will not be as forgiving as the Bills were last week. Minnesota will also need to find a way to slow down Brandon Jacobs, since the Giants are 9-1 over the course of his career when he goes over 100 yards. I think they can.
Vikings to win
New England Patriots @ Chicago Bears
Superstitions aside, this has the potential to be the game of the week. A lot of people have a hard time buying into this Bears team, but they are now 9-3 and more bad weather forecasts bode well for them here. The league's second-ranked run defence will like their chances against the Patriots' so-so rushing attack. I know the rules around here and I won't pick against the Pats, but sooner or later they are going to have to lose a game that we're picking. Right?
Patriots to win
Denver Broncos @ Arizona Cardinals
Yeah, you know I love to throw a stinker in there to keep things interesting. At time of writing the Cardinals look like they're going to hand over the reins to another rookie quarterback ? John Skelton, a man so famous at his own training facility that people keep confusing him with the tight end Jim Dray. Over on the other side, the pressure is building on the new interim head coach Eric Studesville to give Tim Tebow some playing time. If he resists, I think the Broncos will win. If he throws Tebow in, it's anybody's guess.
Broncos to win
Philadelphia Eagles @ Dallas Cowboys
These two may be at opposite ends of the standings, but don't expect a one-sided game. Divisional games in the NFC East always have their own dynamic and the Cowboys beat the Eagles three times last season. Dallas have also won three of their last four games and in the last three quarterback Jon Kitna has completed over 71% of his passes. Under Jason Garrett Dallas are playing like the team everyone expected them to be this year. But I'm just not sure their pass rush is strong enough to keep Michael Vick off balance.
Eagles to win
Malin Akerman Melissa Joan Hart Bianca Kajlich Giulianna Ramirez
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