What a season this is turning out to be. Last week the Vikings fell short against the Steelers who look like the championship defense they were last year. The Cowboys got a statement win over the Falcons and the Saints almost lost their first game against the Dolphins. This week there are a lot of lop-sided matchups, but those are sometimes the most interesting games to watch. We all know there is NO such thing as a "gimmie" in this league. The Big game this week is Brett Favre and the Vikings traveling to Green Bay to play his old team. Should be a great week of games, lets take a look at the picks:
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VS 
VS 
(2-4-0) (4-2-0)
POROPAT
The Seahawks have had strides of greatness over the season, but nothing spectacular. Their 2-4 record could be much worse but could just as easily be better. With Hasselbeck back in the lineup, they could pose a threat in this game. The Cowboys are coming of a huge win in Atlanta after a bye week, and next week head to Philly. Sounds like a trap game to me! Austin is coming a pair of career games against Atlanta and KC and should continue this against Seattle. Expect Nate Burleson to have a big game too tho, just a hunch. Remember now, this IS a trap game, so don't be surprised if Seattle comes out at the start as the better team.
Cowboys win, 33-24.
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RHOADES
The Cowboys come into this game after a very strong showing against Atlanta, while the Seahawks are an average team that is without OT Walter Jones for the rest of the year. Watch for Demarcus Ware to get 3 sacks against his backup, and wreak havoc on Matt Hasselback.
Cowboys win, 35-14
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VS 
(0-6-0) (1-5-0)
POROPAT
The Rams look horrible in every aspect of the game, except the run game. Steven Jackson is easily the best player on that team and it is such a shame to seem his skills continuously go to waste week after week on this team. I expect him to have a huge day today against the struggling Lions, however, the Lions haven't exactly been shut out in every game this season. Their team sure is struggling but they are on the verge of winning each game. No official news on Stafford yet, but I'm confident enough in Culpepper.
Lions win, 21-17.
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RHOADES
What a terrible game this will be. The Lions have won a game at home this year while the Rams haven’t won anything this year. Judging by that, I’m taking the Lions.
Lions win, 2-0.
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VS 
(2-4-0) (3-3-0)
POROPAT
The Dolphins won the first matchup in this series at Miami by unleashing the Wildcat to a new extent. They now head to New York and face a Jets team that has severely struggled as of late. Sanchez hasn't played well under pressure, and thats exactly what the Dolphins defense has been able to bring. I Like how the fins are being coached, i like the fins defensive schemes, i like the wildcat against this Jets defense, i like the Fins to win this game. Jets will struggle at least one more game this season.
Dolphins win, 34-24.
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RHOADES
This will be a very good rematch after the first game they played in which the Dolphins won. The Dolphins will try to run on the Jets in regular formations and wildcat. Mark Sanchez’s weak arm strength will be a concern if the weather is bad.
Dolphins win, 21-17
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VS 
(3-3-0) (6-0-0)
POROPAT
The 49ers may have gotten off to a great start. They may have found a new QB in Alex Smith. They even may have picked up by far the best WR in the draft this year and he's going to play this week. But the Colts have one thing the 49ers will never have, and never be able to compete against. Peyton Manning. Manning is having easily the best year of his career thus far and a team like the 49ers may seem like a trap game in this situation, but the Colts are veteran team and shouldn't fall into that hole.
Colts win, 30-20.
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RHOADES
The Colts have looked like a top 3 team this year, while the 49ers have looked terrible the last few weeks. If Peyton Manning is on fire like he has been, it will be too much for the 49ers to handle.
Colts win, 35-17.
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VS 
(1-6-0) (3-3-0)
POROPAT
The Browns look downright miserable. They can't really get anything started on offense and because of which, really don't have any upside in any way shape or form. The Bears haven't been playing great, but at least they know they have the players to do so. The Bears need to get back on track if they want ANY chance in a division title, they have fallen back too far to overcome yet another loss, especially with the Vikings and Packers facing off.
Bears win, 34-12.
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RHOADES
The Browns have not gotten any better since the first week of the season, when they were starting Brady Quinn. The Bears got slaughtered against the Bengals last week, but will use the Browns as a perfect rebound team.
Bears win, 31-10.
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**Upset Special**
VS 
(6-0-0) (3-3-0)
POROPAT
The Broncos haven't looked better since they won the Super Bowl with Elway. They are extremely well rounded and can even be explosive on both sides of the ball. They have proven to be one of the best teams in the AFC, but its hard to believe they can keep this streak going. The Ravens have struggled dropping their last 3 games. They need to get back on track, and what a statement game this would be if they won.
Ravens win, 28-26.
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RHOADES
The Broncos have proven that they are a legit team, while the Ravens, who started 3-0, have dropped to 3-3 and look more like a pretender at the moment. The Broncos defense should easily stop the Ravens offense and force the defense to score some points.
Broncos win, 14-10.
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VS 
(4-3-0) (3-4-0)
POROPAT
The Texans have improved to 4-3 despite losing a 21 point lead in the 4th quarter to the 49ers. Their offense is explosive but their pass defense is still lack luster at best. The Bills haven't really been playing well at all. They do have 8 interceptions in their last 2 games, but at least 6 of those should be accredited to Mark Sanchez and Jake Delhomme. Their offense seems to be working a little bit better with Fitzpatrick at the helm. I expect Owens to have his first big game of the season, but it won't be enough to stop the Texans.
Texans win, 28-17.
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RHOADES
Texans win, 24-14.
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VS 
(5-2-0) (3-2-0)
POROPAT
The Giants didn't look to great in their last two games. They have played two VERY high-powered offenses and have fallen flat in both games. They are having trouble on offense starting their running game and that is causing Eli Manning to have to much pressure in the backfield. On the flip side, their defense can't get pressure on the QB. They are bitting HARD on play actions and don't seem to be taking care f their job. If the Giants can fix that it should cause trouble for the Eagles. Philly did beat the Redskins, but thats not saying much. Especially considering that they left the horrible Washington Redskins in the game until late in the 4th quarter. The Eagles CAN be explosive but really looked miserable against the Eagles. This will be their second of the 3-in-a-row division game stretch. The Eagles haven't proved anything just yet, but they could with a win here.
Giants win, 24-17.
*Interesting fact: there is no sunday night game this weekend, and they also moved this game to 1pm from 4:15 both because the MLB World Series game 3 is being played Sunday night. New York Yankees head to Philly to play the Phillies. 2 New York-Philly match ups in one day.*
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RHOADES
The Giants have lost last 2 weeks in a row to two good teams. This week a third good team comes to play them but most likely without Brian Westbrook. The Giants offense has looked pretty bad lately, as has there defense but should be able to turn it around this week.
Giants win, 21-17
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VS 
(3-3-0) (0-6-0)
POROPAT
The Jaguars are one of my favortie low-profile teams this year. I feel like they are really flying under the radar with their team. They have the potential to put up big numbers with Sim-Walker and Garrad, and they did the last time they played the Titans, virtually dismantling them. I see a repeat performance in their future. This game should be a blow-out for the Jags, Vince Young or not.
Jags win, 34-14.
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RHOADES
This could be the first week that the Titans win, although Vince Young is starting. The Jaguars have been an inconsistent team as well, but have had some very impressive games from Maurice Jones Drew and Sims-Walker.
Jaguars win, 21-17.
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VS 
(2-4-0) (3-3-0)
POROPAT
The last time these two teams met it was much more of a battle than anyone expected. So much so, in fact, that people began to believe that the Raiders might actually have a good year. Clearly, that is not the case, but the outcome for the Chargers has really been symbolic of their season thus far. They have struggled severely already. The last 2 or so years they have started 2-3 but have never struggled like this. They desperately need to get back on track here, and desperate teams make for tough teams to beat.
Chargers win, 31-13.
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RHOADES
The Chargers will win this game because of Jamarcus Russell aka Worst QB Ever. Until he is gone, the Raiders will struggle, unless they win a fluke game like against the Eagles.
Chargers win, 24-9.
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**Game of The Week!**
VS 
(6-1-0) (4-2-0)
POROPAT
The Vikings are coming off a well-needed heart breaking loss against the Steelers. Some believe they have shown how they can be beaten, however I believe that they have shown themselves that they have to practice harder and be better. They will come off that loss hotter than ever. They should have both Barrian and Harvin back for this game, and they will be huge factors in the outcome of this game. The crowd will be LOUD and it should make for an exciting matchup.
Vikings win, 30-23.
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RHOADES
I don’t know if you’ve heard, but Brett Favre is going into Green Bay to play the Packers. The Packers have a good offense, and so do the Vikings and both have a good defense. But the Vikings have Adrian Peterson and the Packers don’t.
Vikings win, 21-17.
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VS 
(3-4-0) (4-2-0)
POROPAT
The Panthers are seriously struggling and considering a QB change. They aren't struggling with their run game, and in all honestly could probably win because of that. However, the 6-8 interceptions a game that Delhomme keeps letting up is never going to allow them to win. This game isn't all in his hands, but a blow-out would be. The Cardinals are coming off a huge win against the Giants and should prove a more than worthy opponent for this struggling Panthers team.
Cardinals win, 29-9.
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RHOADES
The Cardinals are a team on the rise, while the Panthers lost to the Bills. In the dome, Kurt Warner should be able to shred the Panthers defense, while try to contain the Panthers running game.
Cardinals win, 31-17.
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VS 
(4-2-0) (6-0-0)
POROPAT
The Falcons are coming off a upsetting loss from Dallas. They were sacked 5 times in that game and had 3 turnovers. They were only sacked 4 times in all of their other 5 games this season. The Saints are a time who can created that same turmoil and make complete plays when they get takeaways. Their offense is on a level like no other. This team is flat-out unstoppable.
Saints win, 39-23.
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RHOADES
The Saints are the best team in the NFL. They can score 50, comeback and win, stop other offenses, and make it look easy. If the Cowboys can score 37 on the Falcons, the Saints should put up 40+ points.
Saints win, 45- 24.
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Games We Differ:
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VS Poropat:
Rhoades:
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