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 25, 2012 at 12:55 PM.

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Minnesota Vikings (6-4) vs. Chicago Bears (7-3)

X-Factor:

Matt � QB Jay Cutler, Chicago Bears

To say the Bears have missed Jay Cutler is an understatement. In the last one and half games he�s missed, the Bears� offense looked absolutely atrocious. Jason Campbell was brought into be a service back up, but looks to have blown a huge opportunity for himself to become the starter somewhere else next year.

Now in a crucial division game, how much of a difference will Cutler make against the Vikings?

Brendan - DE Jared Allen, Minnesota Vikings

Allen was probable for the game, but looks like he'll be able to go. That's a huge sigh of relief from the Vikings organization knowing that Allen gets to go up against this, at times, terrible offensive line for the Bears. Allen should have a field day if he is anywhere near 100%.

Predictions:

Matt � With Cutler�s return and Percy Harvin being out again for the Vikings, it�s hard to see the Bears falling in a tie for third place in the NFC North. Cutler and Marshall have been explosive this year. Expect the magic to rekindle on Sunday. Prediction: 24-13 Bears

Brendan - The Bears defense is just relentless, despite what we all saw against the 49ers. Chicago will attack Christian Ponder and load the box against Adrian Peterson. Without Percy Harvin this seems like an impossible task. Prediction: 21-10 Bears

Atlanta Falcons (9-1) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-4)

X-Factor:

Matt � Falcons� run defense

Last week, the Cardinals� LaRod Stepehens-Howling ran for 127 yards against a mediocre Falcons� run defense. The Falcons� defense, which is ranked 25th in the league, is giving up an average of 5 yards per carry. This week they face, Tampa Bay�s Doug Martin �averaging 5.1 yards per carry.

The Bucs are on fire, in large part to Martin. If the Falcons want to prove to 10-1, they�ll have to shut the rookie running back down.

Brendan - Falcons Receivers

Tampa Bay's offense has come alive in the last six weeks, and the Bucs can now beat you through the air or on the ground. The Falcons rushing offense has been on life support for weeks. It'll take a big game from Roddy White, Julio Jones, Harry Douglas and Tony Gonzalez to give the Falcons a good chance to win on the road.

Predictions:

Matt � This is a huge game for Tampa Bay. The NFC�s wild card spots are up for grabs and their 5-1 run has made them the hottest team in the NFL. I think they pull off the upset over the Falcons. Prediction: 26-23 Buccaneers

Brendan - This has the potential to be a shootout, and I think that's what we are all hoping for. The Bucs traded away CB Aqib Talib at the trade deadline and will not have Eric Wright's services today. A big day should be expected from the Falcons offense in a bounce-back game after last week's ugly performance. Prediction: 35-34 Falcons

San Francisco 49ers (7-2-1) at New Orleans Saints (5-5)

X-Factor:

Matt � Whoever is the starting QB for the 49ers

As of this writing, it�s still exactly unknown on who will be the San Francisco 49ers� quarterback when they face the New Orleans Saints.

Colin Kaepernick was the surprise of the week last week when he torched the Bears� defense for 243 yards and two touchdowns. However, Alex Smith was on a streak himself before getting hurt against the Rams. It�ll be interesting to see who will get the playing time going forward

Luckily, either QB will be going up against the worst defense in the NFL. (UPDATE: Kaepernick will be the starter)

Brendan - 49ers Secondary

They will be on high alert all day trying to control the Saints passing game. In last year's playoff game, the Saints were able to find passing lanes and Drew Brees picked them apart, but couldn't find a way to win. Will Brees, an obvious MVP candidate, be able to do what he couldn't last year?

The 49ers secondary doesn't get nearly enough credit, but it's difficult when you have the league's best defensive player in LB Patrick Willis and best pass-rusher in DE/OLB Aldon Smith. Carlos Rogers will see a lot of Marques Colston, but the rest of the secondary will have to really step up.

Predictions:

Matt � While Keapernick looked great against the Bears, he could be a one-week wonder. The Saints� are 5-1 in their last six and should not be ignored, but their streak comes to an end against the 49ers. Prediction: 28-17 49ers

Brendan - Kaepernick is an intriguing weapon at quarterback, but in New Orleans it's tough to bet on a guy making his second career start. Drew Brees and the Saints take another step towards the playoffs. Prediction: 31-30 Saints

Green Bay Packers (7-3) at New York Giants (6-4)

X-Factor:

Matt � Eli Manning and the November Curse

Can Eli Manning and the Giants overcome their November woes against the Green Bay Packers? In November, Manning has thrown for only 340 yards with zero touchdowns and three interceptions. The two time Superbowl winning quarterback will have to step up to prevent his team from dropping three straight.

Brendan - WR Jordy Nelson, Green Bay Packers

Nelson is finally healthy after a month of will-he-or-won't-he be healthy thanks to a nagging ankle injury. Nelson is the deep threat this Packers offense has been missing. Randall Cobb has been filling in admirably, and James Jones has been consistent all year, but the dynamic Nelson provides cannot be understated.

Predictions:

Matt � Coming off a bye week, the Giants will be re-energized. This will be the game that Manning gets his groove back, along with wide receiver Victor Cruz. Cruz has also struggled on the year with crucial drops. Not today. 21-17 Giants

Brendan - No Charles Woodson might be a problem for the Packers, especially if Manning can get his groove back. Unfortunately, Rodgers gets Nelson back fully healthy, and I think that's a greater gain for the Packers than the loss of Woodson. Prediction: 24-20 Packers