Baltimore Ravens (+3) At Tennesee Titans — Saturday 4:30 PM Eastern CBS
As much as I love the Titans running game (led by rookie Chris Johnson and usually finished in the endzone by Lendale White) which ranks near the top in the NFL with over 137 yards per game. The Titans defense also has kept them in games all year giving up a stingy 14.6 points per game for 2nd best in the NFL. Only problem I see with the Titans is weakness at quarterback as Kerry Collins whose 80.2 rating performance this year hasne’t been terrible but definitely will be tested as the Ravens load up against the run and dare Collins to try and beat them. The Ravens D ranks right behind the Titans in points allowed (15.3) but has gotten better and better as this year has progressed and this sets up to be a nice defensive battle. I also think the Ravens offense is a little more well rounded than the Titans despite a rook at QB but as we saw last week I expect Ray Lewis and Ed Reed to be making the biggest plays in this game.
Arizona Cardinals At Carolina Panthers (-9.5) — Saturday 8:15 PM Eastern Fox
Despite a surprise appearance made last week by the Cardinals defense I see the party ending pretty quickly for the Cards in what I hope to be a high scoring and exciting game tomorrow night. The Cards 28th ranked defense definitely flexed their muscles last week at home to clip the Falcon’s wings but I don’t see Steve Smith and his 7th highest ranked offense i the NFL being slowed down at this game. While the Cards do have some great weapons to counter the Panthers D has been overlooked greatly this year as they have quietly all year been pretty solid. They aren’t the Titans or Ravens but this D is pretty solid ranking 12th in the leage giving up less than 3 touchdowns per game and should be able to do enough to let the Panthers offense win this game by at least ten points.
Philadelphia Eagles (+3) At New York Giants — Sunday 1:00 PM Eastern Fox
Despite how the Giants trounced my picks last year in the playoffs (I picked against them every game) I still don’t see the Giants as the juggernaut that the spread feels they are. They are a solid team and this should be a great battle but I like the Eagles chances for the outright win, but especially a cover or push. The Giants split the season series against the Eagles winning 36 to 31 in Philly, but losing 20 to 14 at home so this should be a close, hard fought game until the end. I see both teams having very capable defenses and running games so I surmise this game will end up being Eli Manning versus Donovan McNabb. Whoever has the better game will put his team over the top this Sunday.
San Diego Chargers At Pittsbugh Steelers (-6) – Sunday 4:45 PM Eastern CBS
Its hard for me to stay objective on this game as I don’t like Norv Turner and I hate Philip Rivers but I look at this good Chargers offense going up against the best defense in the NFL at home in some possible nasty weather. Throw an injured and ineffective LT into the mix and I’m not too concerned about Big Ben’s struggles this year and also Mike Tomlin’s sometimes bad decision making. I see the offense doing just enough to win this game by about a touchdown. If they were not at home I’d probably go against them but I see this Steeler defense dominating the Chargers if we have some messy weather, but even in just normal cold weather I like their chances.