Graham and I disagreed on four games this week, and I took three of them to narrow the gap again. Graham’s strong showing in the difficult early weeks means he still has a lead for now.

A slightly different format this week, let’s take a look at what we got right and wrong…

What we got right

Chicago Bears @ San Francisco 49ers
We both called the 49ers to beat the struggling Bears.

Cincinatti Bengals @ Pittsburgh Steelers

A – “I’m going with the Bengals here”

The Bengals are here to stay, and have now swept division rival Steelers and Ravens and beaten the Browns to be 5-0 in the AFC North. They have the Raiders, Browns and Lions up next and surely the post-season beckoning.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Miami Dolphins

A – “I can’t look past the Dolphins here”
G – “Expect a Miami win here”

So we were perhaps a little bit lucky, but the dolphins did indeed have enough to edge past the Bucs.

Detroit Lions @ Minnesota Vikings
Yeah yeah. Everyone called this one right.

Buffalo Bills @ Tennessee Titans

A – Like Graham, I think this could be close. But the Titans’ recent form and confidence that has bought will get them by the Bills.
G – I think the Bills could pull something off here, but I am not confident enough to back them. Titans win for me.

It was close until the 4th quarter at least.

Denver Broncos @ Washington Redskins

A – “I fancy the ‘Skins here, and it’s not just fan-blindness (probably). The Broncos are struggling to score and after a strong start are faltering slightly.”

Oh yeah.

G – “Quick! Get the fan blindness specs out. There is no way the Skins will hold the Broncos back.”

Oh no.

Kansas City Chiefs @ Oakland Raiders

A – “Chiefs to win a barnstormer!”
G – “The Raiders are used to losing at home and that’s good because I think they are heading for another loss this week.”

After a promising 1st quarter, this game bogged down. The second half saw a total of three – count ‘em! – points scored.

Seattle Seahawks @ Arizona Cardinals

A – “I do think it’ll be closer than is expected. Cards to win.”
G – “I am going with the Cards here.”

The Cards had enough in the final stretch here, outscoring the Seahawks 21-3 in the second half.

Dallas Cowboys @ Green Bay Packers

A – “I’m picking Green Bay. I just don’t fancy the Cowboys to get it done here”

Yay!

G – “I am going to pick the Cowboys.”

Boo!

Philadelphia Eagles @ San Diego Chargers

A – “You can never write off the Chargers, but I think the Eagles will sneak by them.”

Boo!

G – “I am going with the home advantage for the Chargers”

Yay!

New England Patriots @ Indianapolis Colts

A – “Colts win, but a strong Pats’ showing.”
G – “I have to go with the Colts just taking it.”

The Pats were just 2 yards from wrapping this game up, and it was a brave call that will be remembered as not working by Belicheck to go for it. Looking at how easily the Pats’ D was being carved up in the second half, you can understand the call… but still, it led to a loss.

Baltimore Ravens @ Cleveland Browns
We both called this one right, like so many others did.

What we got wrong

Atlanta Falcons @ Carolina Panthers

A – “I think the Falcons will have enough, but it should be a close one.”
G – “I’ll pick the Falcons, but not by any margin.”

So the Panthers are improving more quickly than we though, and Matt Ryan is struggling. Worth keeping an eye on these two

Jacksonville Jaguars @ New York Jets

A – “The Jets have lost two straight at home, but think they’ll stop that run here.”
G – “The Jets will be too much for the Jags this week. Jets win for me.”

Not a bad call, but it wasn’t to be. Some astute play-calling at the end of the game from the Jags.

What we got right, but also wrong

New Orleans Saints @ St. Louis Rams
We got the result right (Saints’ win) but…

A – “Saints to cruise to a win.”
G – “The Rams are coming off of a win….oh hold on it was against the Lions. Who are they facing this week….oh the Saints. I’ll stop writing now.”

Yeah, not so much.

Image Credit: Thanks to hoosierbug