AFC North Preview and NFL Sunday Predictions
By Mel Payne
October 21, 2012; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals middle linebacker Rey Maualuga (58) warms up before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-US PRESSWIRE
AFC North
The Browns are on a much needed bye this week, so let’s check out the rest of the division.
Cincinnati Bengals vs New York Giants
Though the Bengals will put up a fight, I look for Eli to find his stride against the Bengals. Both teams have been on a downward skid and the reality is anything can happen in this game. It will be a close one, but I am picking the Giants in this one.
Giants 23, Bengals 21
Baltimore Ravens vs Oakland Raiders
The Raiders are 0-7 in their last seven trips to the Eastern Time Zone and the Ravens are almost an impossible feat at home. This game should be a no brainer, but not everything is always how it looks. Palmer has been playing some of his best ball in the last couple of weeks. I look for it to be a close one in Maryland.
Raiders 17, Ravens 13
Pittsburgh Steelers vs Kansas City Chiefs – Monday Night Football
Kansas City may be the worst team in the NFL right now. They just keep digging their hole deeper and deeper. This week, I think the Steelers will grab a shovel and help them along their way. Pittsburgh has been getting back to their old selves and Todd Haley has been waiting for this day to smash the team that let him go just a year ago. This one is going to be fun one on Monday night if you like touchdowns.
Steelers 42, Chiefs 13
Around the NFL
Peyton will keep his team rolling on Sunday.
Broncos 24, Panthers 17
Titans and Dolphins are a toss-up. Jake Locker is returning for Tennessee, but Miami’s defense has the tools to stop him.
Dolphins 17, Titans 10
Lions and Vikings should be a good divisional showdown with both teams having something to prove.
Vikings 23, Lions 20
Brady has never lost to Buffalo at home and he won’t this week either.
Patriots 42, Bills 21
The Falcons and Saints used to be the matchup to watch, but the Saints have struggled this year. However, Atlanta is getting settled into this undefeated thing. Never rest on the underdog.
Saints 27, Falcons 24
The Buccaneers have been hot lately and have the most dynamic running back in the league right now.
Bucs 27, Chargers 20
The Jets are going to Seattle where Russell Wilson has never lost, well technically anyway.
Seahawks 20, Jets 6
The Cowboys and Eagles will be a showdown of the overrateds. Who is more overrated?
Eagles 20, Cowboys 17
The 49ers will keep rolling right over the Rams.
49ers 31, Rams 14
Sunday Night Football looks like it might be the game of the year. The team with the least amount of errors will rise to the top.
Bears 23, Houston 20