NFL Week 15 2009 Predictions

After getting last night’s game right (just). Let’s see how we’re gonna fare this weekend.

Saturday 19th December

Dallas Cowboys @ New Orleans Saints
A – The Saints and the Colts are both just three games from 16-0. The Saints have the Bucs and the Panthers after this and must surely fancy their chances. As we’ve said before: when they’re not good they’ve been lucky, and that’s a winning combination.
The Cowboys are chasing a wild-card spot in a time that has proved difficult for them recently. I can see them giving the Saints a close game, but think New Orleans will be one game closer to being unbeaten.

C – I want the Saints to go 16-0, so for that reason alone i am picking them to win this week! If the Saints D can shut down the Cowboys running game and put a bit of pressure on Romo then the game is there for the taking.

G -I really want to Siants to go unbeaten now. In fact if they went on to win the Superbowl that would make them the second recent London visitors to be touched by the magic

Sunday 20th December

New England Patriots @ Buffalo Bills
A – The Bills are still struggling to score. They’ve only scored over 20 points three times, including two wins when they scored over 30. They’re not giving up a lot of points, but that’s a product of their schedule and they’ve been solidly beaten in some games.
The Patriots are clinging onto the AFC East ahead of Miami and although the Dolphins have a tougher run in, the Pats will be looking to win out. Personally, I think one win will do it as I don’t fancy the ‘Fins against the Titans, but I’m looking to see a strong Patriots team play into January – Pats to win.

C – I echo what Andrew said really. The Bills are struggling to score but difficult to break down. Even their running defence has improved greatly and they’ve played well against some good backs. I think the Pats will slowly grind away and come home with the win though.

G -These could end up being a great game. The Patriots have had a little trouble away from home and this could be a game where they come unstuck. However, I feel strongly enough to give the pick to the Bills. Pats win.

San Francisco 49ers @ Philadelphia Eagles
A – Oh man, this is a hard one. The Eagles are coming off a mammoth game against the Giants last week which has put them ahead in the NFC East. But they gave up a lot of points whilst doing so. Given that I rate the Giants’ offence a fair bit higher than the 49ers, I think the Eagles will be soaring here.
The 49ers close out the season with the Lions and the Rams after this game, but as winnable as those games are, 8-8 will be the end of their season.

C – The Eagles have had some very good games this year. The defence started well but lately it has gone a bit awol. They’re scoring big numbers, but letting in big numbers too. I think the 49ers defence is tough, and pacey. Maclin is out so that’s a big deep threat gone. If they can hold out and watch out for McNabbs huge arm then i reckon their offence could put up some decent points against their defence. 49ers win.

G -If the 49ers were at home I would be picking them here. However, away from home they have not been the same team. Eagles for me.

Miami Dolphins @ Tennessee Titans
A – Sorry Graham, but as I mentioned above I just don’t fancy the Dolphins in this matchup. In fact, I think their post-season hopes all but die with a loss here.

C – The Titans are still going strong. It was a shame Vince Young limped off after that massive 44yd run last week, but here’s hoping he can start against the Dolphins. Miamis passing game has improved as of late, and i think they’ll need it against this hard hitting Titans defence. That said, i still think the Titans and Chris Johnson will get the job done. Tennessee win.

G -Miami have proved that it is not just the passing game that is getting better as the season goes on. As with the Patriots this is another game that they CAN win. I am going against the tide here with a Dolphins win.

Houston Texans @ St. Louis Rams
A – We actually called the Texans correctly last week! And now heading to St. Louis, I have to fancy them again to rack up an efficient win.

C -It’s about time the Texans got rolling again. A monster 1st half performance by Schaub showed just what they can do when they keep things simple. I think the injury to his left shoulder could be a blessing. He’s not holding on to the ball too long, and he’s throwing accurately but patiently. Exactly what he needs to do. The ground game has been laughable most of the season, i’m interested to see if Arian Foster gets the nod this week though. He didn’t set the world alight last week, but he seems to be next in line for the experiment. Nothing much can be said about the Rams as i don’t see them offering up anything to discuss, it has been a terrible season for them. Houston to add to this misery.

G -Houston should win this, but then I have said that many times this season so far. Could this be the upset of the week? Maybe, but I still have to pick the Texans here.

Atlanta Falcons @ New York Jets
A – Atlanta to win here.

C – I can’t see past the Falcons here. I don’t see it being ‘the match to watch’ though.

G – The Jets are getting hard to call, and come into this game as favourite. I think the guys are right though, Atlanta will swoop a win…….did you see what I did there?

Chicago Bears @ Baltimore Ravens
A – The clash of the under-achievers. The Bears will be happy to write off this season and think about what they can accomplish next.
The Ravens are still in the mix for a wildcard spot, and a strong finish could see it coming their way as I think they’re a better team than everyone else at 7-6. I also think they’re better than the Bears, so see them taking this one and setting up a great matchup with the Steelers next week.

C – This is a must win game for us, and i think we’ll get it. As Andrew said, the Bears have had a bad year in their eyes and they don’t really have anything to play for. We are still up there pushing for a Wild Card spot so i should think we will have the determination to get the win.

G – This is another one which could end in an upset. Ravens to win though.

Cleveland Browns @ Kansas City Chiefs
A – Which team is worse? I guess that’s what this comes down to. Both have had flashes this season, but neither will have many memories of the 2009 season to cling to.
I fancy the Chiefs to edge a close game.

C – The Randy Lerner connection in me is saying ‘Browns!!!’, so that’s who i’m plumping for. I think it will be a pretty close game, but i think Quinn will prove to be the better QB on the day.

G – Well Craig predicted a Browns victory which non of us saw last week. I have to go with his Browns knowledge here (I think he is a secret fan) and back the Browns.

Arizona Cardinals @ Detroit Lions
A – Cardinals to win big.

C – The Cardinals suffered another blip in their season. The offence just didn’t work at all last week. 7 turnovers is unacceptable at this level, and this time of the season. I do think that they will do everything they can this week to try to forget about it though. I’m going for a Cardinals win.

G -Cardinals win, but not quite as big as Andrew says.

Cincinnati Bengals @ San Diego
A – Man, another tough one. The Bengals need just one win to book a post-season spot, and that would be cathartic for the club right now. The Chargers though… despite the emotion and sentiment, I think the Chargers will have enough here.

C – A very tough one. Very sad news today about Chris Henry. I suspect the Bengals will come into this game all guns a blazin’. However, i do think the Chargers will prove too much for them. They have been very impressive this season and i think they’ve finally found their groove. It will be tough to stop them. Chargers win.

G -I really hope that the Bengals prove me wrong and win this one for Chris. Very sad news. Chargers win.

Oakland Raiders @ Denver Broncos
A – The Broncos are still keeping tabs on the Chargers in the West. At one point it looked like the wheels were coming off completely but they’ve kept it together and a lot of credit goes to the rookie coach.
The Raiders have had some good wins this season (well, one or two) but have generally stunk. There aren’t many teams I think they can beat in an even fight, so the Broncos get the nod here.

C – I’d say this should be a close game, but a part of me thinks the Broncos will run away with it. Definitely a Broncos win though.

G – Who know what the Raiders are going to give us? While we know the Raiders can do great things, they don’t do them often enough. Broncos win.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Seattle Seahawks
A – Tricky one. The Bucs have been steadily improving all year and the Seahawks haven’t really. However, Qwest Field is a hell of a place to go and win. Especially for a young QB. I think the ‘Hawks will edge this one.

C -Tampa Bay all the way. I’ve said it before, but the Seahawks are shocking this term. Tampa have been playing well, they still need to get some balance however, but i think they’ll see off Seattle.

G -I got it so wrong with Tampa last weekend (yes, I do admit it sometimes). I have to go with the Seahawks this week.

Green Bay Packers @ Pittsburgh Steelers
A – This is the hardest game to predict. Going on form (Packers great. Steelers terrible) then it should be an easy one to call, but the Steelers are a team that on their day can beat anyone. But it does seem that that day isn’t happening much this season.
In the end, I think the Steelers are due a win. I wish it wasn’t so, as I like Green Bay, but I think the Steelers will take this one.

C – Interesting points there from Andrew. I do disagree however. Whilst the Steelers can beat anyone on their day, so can the Packers. With the Packers on their current form and with them pushing for the 1st spot in the divison, i can see them getting the win.

G -I am going with the Packers. It could be a great game this one, lets hope for some action. Green Bay win.

Minnesota Vikings @ Carolina Panthers
A – Got to be the Vikings here. The Panthers have been a real disappointment to me this season, and there must be a shake-up coming post-season.
Vikings to win.

C -Vikings to win. They had a below par game last week definitely, but they should be too strong for the Panthers in all honesty.

G – I have quite enjoyed watching the Panthers this season, though if I was a fan I might not be saying that. Vikings win.

Monday 21st December

New York Giants @ Washington Redskins
A – I really don’t like predicting games like this: my team, in what could well be close. The Redskins are playing hard, and competing for 60 minutes (or more) every week. Despite the early few weeks, I think we’ve learned a lot about the players recently. To the point that I think we’ll miss him next year. The Giants will be looking to stay in touch, but come into this game far from the unbeatable team of the last time we played them and I really fancy our chances.
I’ve changed my mind several times whilst making this post, but in the end: they’re my team! Redskins to win.

C – This will indeed be a close game to call. The Skins started slow and have begun to play well. The Giants started well and then slowed down. Going off current morale and the way they’re playing i’d have to say the Skins should edge this close encounter. HOWEVER, seeing what the Giants can do on their day i have to say i reckon they will come into this game knowing they need a win to keep up with the rest of the play off challengers. So sorry Andrew, but i’m going for a Giants win.

G -The Skins have brought me in some nice outsider picks recently, but there is more to them than lucky wins. If the field goals are on traget then expect a close battle. I think the Redskins will come out on top.

	Andrew	Graham	Craig		Offical MAC Prediction
Indianapolis Colts @ Jacksonville Jaguars
Dallas Cowboys @ New Orleans Saints
New England Patriots @ Buffalo Bills
San Francisco 49ers @ Philadelphia Eagles
Miami Dolphins @ Tennessee Titans
Houston Texans @ St. Louis Rams
Atlanta Falcons @ New York Jets
Chicago Bears @ Baltimore Ravens
Cleveland Browns @ Kansas City Chiefs
Arizona Cardinals @ Detroit Lions
Cincinnati Bengals @ San Diego
Oakland Raiders @ Denver Broncos
Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Seattle Seahawks
Green Bay Packers @ Pittsburgh Steelers
Minnesota Vikings @ Carolina Panthers
New York Giants @ Washington Redskins

Image Credit: Casey Lynn