Brendan Darr's Blog
NFL Weekend Preview: Teams That Need A Win And Games To Watch 
Posted on October 6, 2012 at 01:00 PM.
Who Needs A Win:
Every week, Matt and Brendan pick a team who needs a win. It’s begun comical to pick the Saints because of how obvious it is. With that in mind, here are their picks.
Brendan - Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers had the first bye week last week and only sit at 1-2 after four weeks of the season. That said, they could fall into trouble catching up not only in the division, but in the Wild Card chase if they fall to 1-3 this weekend against the Eagles.
The Eagles, and specifically Michael Vick, have turned the ball over with a high regularity so far this season and the Steelers should be able to capitalize off these turnovers. However, with Pittsburgh’s lack of a running game this season, the game will be on Ben Roethlisberger.
Unfortunately for Roethlisberger, the Eagles have one of the better secondary’s in the league and currently the Eagles are 6th best against the pass (not counting Indianapolis or Pittsburgh). Ultimately, the Steelers can’t afford another loss and need to keep up with Baltimore and Cincinnati.
Matt - Seattle Seahawks
At 2-2, the Seahawks have been inconsistent. In some weeks, their defense has looked great and pushed them to victory. Other times, like last week, the defense gave up too many crucial plays that mattered in an air-tight division race.
However, if there is someone playing for his job this week, it’s quarterback Russell Wilson.
Wilson has failed to live up to his preseason performance so far. Under Wilson, Seattle’s 523 passing yards are the lowest in the league. Also, according to ESPN, the team is last in red zone touchdown efficiency at 27.3 percent.
It helps the Seahawks have a viable back up in Matt Flynn.
“Matt's ready to play. We just don't know what's going to happen when he gets a lot of work. He might be all right, we don't know that, but we have not taken him there yet," Pete Carroll told ESPN. “But no, he's ready to play in every game and he's ready to go in the very next play if we need him.”
Not being able to pull out close games is normal for a young team like the Seahawks. However if Wilson wants to keep his job, he’ll have to make sure they get past the Carolina Panthers.
Four NFL Games To Watch:
Atlanta Falcons (4-0) at Washington Redskins (2-2)
Why to Watch:
One of the two remaining 4-0 teams heads to the nation’s capital to take on one of the most exciting rookies of the year. Unfortunately, the weather forecast seems to be ugly, but both teams have exciting running games as well. Defense will be optional in this matchup.
X Factor:
Matt - Robert Griffin III
Last week, Cam Newton was moderately successful against the Falcons’ defense. Putting up 215 yards passing for two touchdowns and rushing for 86 yards with one touchdown, Cam almost pulled off the upset.
This week, it’ll be up to RG3 if he can post similar numbers. RG3 has the speed and accuracy to give the Falcons fits, but unlike Newton, he’ll have to finish the job.
Brendan - Redskins Secondary
The Redskins are expecting to have Safety Brandon Merriweather is set to make his season debut this week after he re-injured his left knee in warm-ups last week during a collision with Wide Receiver Aldrick Robinson. The inclusion of Merriweather in the lineup won’t make this Redskins secondary elite, but it does add a guy with Pro Bowl-caliber experience to a secondary that was unfortunately starting DeJon Gomes for four games.
DeAngelo Hall and Josh Wilson will have their work cut out for them matching up against Roddy White and Julio Jones. If they can avoid giving up big plays this week that could help give the Redskins a chance.
Prediction:
Matt - It has been over a full calendar year since Washington won its last game at home. While RG3 will have a good game, the Falcons will be more prepared for a similar style of quarterback. Prediction: 27-16 Falcons
Brendan - If the weather were a little better I could see a shootout coming from this game, but I think the cold and rain will slow the offenses down. Prediction: 28-21 Falcons
Buffalo Bills (2-2) at San Francisco 49ers (3-1)
Why to Watch:
The Bills have one of the (shockingly) best offenses in the league through four games. Unfortunately, they head west to face the league’s best defense. In a matchup of strength vs. strength who will come out on top?
X Factor:
Matt – 49ers Consistency
Against the Jets, the 49ers’ offense flourished. They scored 34 points and had success in both running and throwing the ball. Buffalo’s defense so far has been terrible. Let’s see if the Niners can be consistent and have two solid offensive outings in a row.
Brendan - Carlos Rogers, San Francisco 49ers
If Rogers can shut down the Bills’ top receiving threat, Stevie Johnson, then Buffalo might struggle to move the ball down the field through the air. Since he left Washington, Rogers has been reborn in the San Francisco defense and will be counted on heavily on Sunday.
Prediction:
Matt – At home, the 49ers continue to roll and tie the NFC West for first. Prediction: 23-14 49ers
Brendan - San Francisco is very tough at home, as they are 9-2 in their last 11 home games (including the playoffs). I just don’t see Buffalo being able to score enough points to win this game. Prediction: 24-17 49ers
Denver Broncos (2-2) at New England Patriots (2-2)
Why to Watch:
I feel like we shouldn’t even have to tell you. (Hint: Brady vs. Manning)
X Factor:
Matt – Broncos’ defense
In their two games against New England last year, Denver’s defense gave up a total of 96 points to the Patriots. The Patriots’ spread constantly torched the defensive backs and there wasn’t nearly enough pressure to slow Tom Brady down. How bad was Denver’s defense against New England? Chad Ochocinco got his one and only touchdown of the year.
With a mostly new defensive backfield, Denver will have to do its absolute best to contain the Patriots.
Brendan - Broncos Running Game
The Patriots aren’t elite versus the run on defense, but they are in the top half of the league. In order to keep that Patriots offense off the field, the Broncos may find themselves trying to play keep-away from Brady and Co. Willis McGahee and whoever else John Fox feels like activating for the day and giving carries to will come in handy.
McGahee will obviously get the bulk of the carries, and Ronnie Hillman and Lance Ball should split the rest. Who knows, maybe Knowshon Moreno gets activated?
Prediction:
Matt - This is a big game for the Broncos. Not only do they have to avenge from last year’s defeats, they will have to at least take one of the two games on the road to not fall behind in their division. Starting slow would put the Broncos in a huge hole as well that they can’t afford to play catch up for a third game this season.
Aaron Hernandez was lethal last year in this match up and helps the Broncos that he could be out. Still, at home, Tom Brady and his squad could be too much too soon for the Broncos. Prediction: 31-27 Patriots
Brendan - It looks like weather could take its toll on this game as well. I’m going to go a little more conservative than Matt on this one. Prediction: 21-17 Patriots
Philadelphia Eagles (3-1) at Pittsburgh Steelers (1-2)
Why to Watch:
The Battle for the Keystone State features two of the most enigmatic quarterbacks in the league. Both Michael Vick and Ben Roethlisberger have faced their trials and tribulations, on and off the field, but both still bring something exciting to the table.
X Factor:
Matt – Returns of Steelers’ injured players
The Steelers getting back James Harrison, Rashard Mendanhall, and Troy Polamalu could be the game changer. Their defense let up an astonishing number to the struggling Raiders. Steelers fans better hope all their returning players are 100% healthy coming off a bye week.
Brendan - Jeremy Maclin, Philadelphia Eagles
When healthy, Maclin is one of the better complementary receivers in the league. He has the ability to work the underneath routes, and can break big plays. However, he isn’t always healthy, and this season is no different. If Maclin is 100% or anywhere near it, he could help break down the Steelers secondary.
Prediction:
Matt - I have a feeling the Steelers will rebound this week. Coming off the bye, the Steelers will be motivated to shut down Vick. As for the score…live by the sword/die by the sword, right? Prediction: 24-23 Steelers
Brendan - I don’t see the Steelers falling to 1-3, granted I also didn’t see the Saints falling to 0-1 and you see where they are now. Big Ben can win ugly games, and the return of the injured Steelers defensive players should force Vick in to more turnovers. Prediction: 14-10 Steelers
Follow Brendan (@BrendanDarr) and Matt (@MParas1432) on twitter.
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