NFL Weekend Preview: Games Of The Week - Brendan Darr's Blog

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Brendan Darr's Blog

NFL Weekend Preview: Games Of The Week Stuck

Posted on November 18, 2012 at 12:41 PM.

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Philadelphia Eagles (3-6) at Washington Redskins (3-6)

Why To Watch: Well it isn't always easy to endorse two teams that are 3-6 as "must-watch", but these two have been on the path of imploding all season. So surely there should be some fireworks in this one.

X-Factor:

Matt � QB Nick Foles, Philadelphia Eagles

Eagles fans are getting what they want in Nick Foles finally starting. The keys were handed over to Foles after Vick suffered a concussion in a loss to Dallas. Foles played well, but crucial turnovers again played a role in their defeat.

Foles is the definition of an X Factor as we won�t know how much more or less he gives his team a chance to win.

Brendan - Redskins Returning Injured Starters

This week the Redskins get back Pierre Garcon (who is active this week) at receiver and Brandon Merriweather is set to make his season debut this week at Safety.

The addition of Merriweather -- a two-time pro bowler -- in the secondary allows the Redskins to sit Reed Doughty and let him focus on Special Teams, where he is much more effective. Garcon, meanwhile, will see his first action since September and should add a dynamic the offense has been missing without him.

Predictions:

Matt � The Redskins are coming off a bye week and the Eagles are still in free fall. Prediction: 20-16 Redskins

Brendan - As a Redskins fan this is one of those Jessie Spano's games -- I'm so excited, I'm so scared. However, as an unbiased observer, this game has all the makings of an Eagles victory. Two stats jump out: 1) The Redskins are 0-8 against their last eights games against rookie Quarterbacks. 2) The Redskins lost to the Panthers. So number two isn't so much a stat as a fact, but you get the point. Prediction: 38-34 Eagles

Indianapolis Colts (6-3) at New England Patriots (6-3)

Why To Watch: In a year when the late games on Sunday have been disappointing, this weekend is the exception to the rule. All three games are entertaining, but this is the only game between two teams with a winning record. Plus, the present vs. the future in Brady and Luck, like we should need to remind you.

X-Factor:

Matt - QB Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts

How will the rookie handle his biggest test of the season? Luck has done some incredible things this season, but Tom Brady will be out to crush the Colts� secondary just like he did against Denver when Tim Tebow was generating buzz. Can the rookie keep up?

Brendan - RB Stevan Ridley, New England Patriots

In a weird way, the loss of Brandon Bolden should strengthen the Patriots, and getting more carries for their true workhorse (Ridley) should help the team. Ridley has been excellent this season when given the majority of the carries.

The problem there has been he hasn't always gotten the majority of the carries, having to constantly split with Bolden and Danny Woodhead. Ridley now has his position defined as "The Guy" and Woodhead will be the situational back.

Predictions:

Matt � Too much, too soon for an inexperienced Colts team. They�ll be competitive early and end up drowning late. Prediction: 31-21 Patriots

Brendan - I agree with Matt, and despite saying this was a must win for the Colts in our "Who Needs A Win" segment, I can't help but think the Patriots will dominate this game. I hope it is closer for all of you watching at home. Prediction: 35-24 Patriots

Baltimore Ravens (7-2) at Pittsburgh Steelers (6-3)

Why to Watch: You're a fan of either of these teams, or you're a fan of defense. Or you have a fantasy football match-up riding on the game. Sunday Night Football is always must-see TV in my mind, and a huge match-up between bitter rivals cannot be missed.

X-Factor:

Matt � RB Rashard Mendenhall, Pittsburgh Steelers

Rashard Mendenhall is finally healthy and expected to start on Sunday Night Football. When he initially returned against the Titans, Mendenhall had 99 total offensive yards. If he can exploit a 26th ranked run defense, Mendenhall should be able to help out replacement QB Byron Leftwich.

Brendan - Ravens Rush Defense

The Ravens have had one of the best defenses in the NFL for the last decade and a half. Now, not so much. Facing Byron Leftwich shouldn't scare anyone in the purple and black tonight, and the key will stopping the Steelers rushing game.

The Ravens have struggled, at times, against the run this year and with the return of Mendenhall things will not get any easier. It will take a big game from Leftwich to defeat this team, but the Ravens have to be sure they don't let both of them hurt them.

Predictions:

Matt � I like Joe Flacco to have a big game on the road. While Flacco has been up and down this year, his last four games against the Steelers have been impressive. Leftwich will impress, but the Steelers won�t be able to catch up after falling behind early. Prediction: 23-14 Ravens

Brendan - The Ravens aren't a good road team, and it appears no team has lost a home game in Heinz Field since Bane blew it up. Something will have to give, and at the moment I would bet on the Steelers to be the team to give. Torrey Smith and Anquan Boldin will be Pittsburgh's reckoning on Sunday Night Football. Prediction: 28-17 Ravens

Chicago Bears (7-2) at San Francisco 49ers (6-2-1)

Why to Watch: To see if the 49ers can tie another game! Kidding, of course. Another defensive match-up in primetime. For those of you into defense -- the over-40 crowd -- enjoy, this must be an early Christmas gift for you.

X-Factor:

Matt � Matt Forte

Forte and the running game need to get going against a top rated defense. The Texans shut Forte down and held him to 39 yards rushing on 16 carries. Forte will need to do much better against San Francisco, especially with Jason Campbell starting instead of Jay Cutler.

Brendan - CB Carlos Rogers, San Francisco 49ers

Rogers will likely get a lot of Brandon Marshall on Monday night, and after his corrective surgery to fix his vision he's been one of the better corners in the league and will need to be against Marshall.

Despite seeing double-coverage or help over the top constantly, Marshall is still performing. Maybe it is because Cutler see's him as his only option, but Marshall is still putting up big numbers in a mediocre offense.

Predictions:

Matt � The Bears have struggled offensively and will do so against a 49ers team on the road. I picked them to beat Houston last week, but I learned my lesson. Prediction: 7-3 49ers

Brendan - Low ratings outside of San Francisco and Chicago. Oh, not those type's of predictions? A defensive game, and one that will be won by the more disciplined team. Brandon Marshall will have a decent game one way or the other, so he isn't a huge factor in the win, but if Vernon Davis can do something special, finally, the 49ers should win. Prediction: 16-12 49ers