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 December 16, 2012 at 12:10 PM.

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Indianapolis Colts (9-4) at Houston Texans (11-2)

X-Factor:

Matt � QB Matt Schuab, Houston Texans

Schuab has the chance to bounce back from an awful game last week, but the question is �will he?� Against the Patriots, Schuab threw for 232 yards and one interception. The ninth year quarterback failed to throw a touchdown pass and failed to convert on key third downs.

In fact in other key games this year, Schuab hasn�t played particularly well. He had similar stats in a blowout loss to the Packers (232 yards, 0 TDs, 2 INTs) and even was mediocre at Chicago (95 yards, 1 TD, and 2 INTs in albeit horrid conditions).
However, Schuab has looked great at times against good teams (Denver, Baltimore). It would be inaccurate to say he can�t do that. He needs to be that Schuab against the Colts this week.

Brendan - WR T.Y. Hilton, Indianapolis Colts

While the Texans defense tries to key in on stopping Reggie Wayne with Jonathan Joseph, that will leave Hilton with a more favorable matchup. Joseph did a good job on staying with Wes Welker last week, and subsequently, Brandon Lloyd had the better night.

It will be up to Hilton to be the deep threat in the game and try and get over the top of the Houston secondary. Hilton will also play a big part in the return game, if given the chance.

Predictions:

Matt- My gut is saying Colts, but I�ll remain level headed and take the Texans. Prediction: 27-24 Texans

Brendan - Like Matt, I want to believe the Colts can do some of the things the Patriots did to the Texans on Monday night. While Andrew Luck is supremely talented, he's not Brady... yet. Prediction: 24-21 Texans

Denver Broncos (10-3) at Baltimore Ravens (9-4)

X-Factor:

Matt � Jim Caldwell, Ravens new offensive coordinator

Despite losing two games in a row and having a mediocre offense, it still came as a shock when John Harbaugh let go Offensive Coordinator Cam Cameron this late into the season. With Caldwell at the helm, how much difference will he make in the Baltimore offense?

Caldwell knows Peyton fairly well, which could also help the already good Baltimore defense. Who knows how well Caldwell will succeed, but that�s what makes him a true x-factor.

Brendan - QB Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens

To reiterate what Matt said, the Ravens are revamping their offense and using Caldwell, a first-time play-caller, to do it. Caldwell wasn't the one calling the plays for Peyton Manning when he was coach, and now with 3 games to go he is expected to make miracles happen with Joe Flacco.

Flacco will to remain level-headed and try not to do too much. Von Miller will have a bulls-eye on Flacco all day, and it will be up to him to get rid of the ball on time, which has been a problem at times this year.

Predictions:

Matt � Even losing two games in a row, the Ravens are the best team Denver has faced since their loss to New England. This will be a true measure of how this Denver team can compete. The answer? 30-17 Broncos. Manning is back if you still doubt him.

Brendan - This game screams Broncos blowout, but Baltimore plays much better at home in front of a sea of purple camo and terrible accents -- even without Ray Lewis. Ravens pull the upset, Old Bay for all! Prediction - 31-27 Ravens

Pittsburgh Steelers (7-6) at Dallas Cowboys (7-6)

X-Factor:

Matt � QB Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys

We�re still waiting for that December Tony Romo collapse, right? If Romo wins this week they might as well change the lines to the Night Before Christmas to accurately describe our anticipation.

��Twas the Night before Football, when all through December/we were waiting for Tony Romo/to be that **** QB we remember�

The thing is Romo�s been clutch in December this season. In the Cowboys� two victories, Romo has thrown for 571 yards with four touchdowns to just one interception.

Let�s see if the Steelers can bring out the Tony that we all know.

Brendan - Steelers Rushing Attack

It's been much easier this year to run on the Cowboys than it is to throw. With that said, the Steelers haven't exactly been lighting the world on fire on the ground -- they're 25th in the league in rushing.

With Rashard Mendenhall suspended it will be up to Jonathan Dwyer to lead the attack, but Isaac Redman will see some touches as well. Between the two of them they will have to exploit the vulnerable Cowboys front seven.

Predictions:

Matt � Even with Dez Bryant�s broken finger, Dallas will win this game. The Steelers showed they can play awful against teams like the Chargers and the Chiefs. This is a crucial game for both teams, but it will be Dallas who comes out on top. 31-27 Cowboys

Brendan - So you're telling me the Cowboys have Tony Romo and the Steelers have the top-ranked pass defense? Game, blouses. Prediction: 28-24 Steelers

San Francisco 49ers (9-3-1) at New England Patriots (10-3)

X-Factor:

Matt � RB Frank Gore, San Francisco 49ers

Frank Gore is eighth in the league with yards per carry at 4.9, while the Patriots are a top ten rushing defense. The Patriots have only allowed a 3.9 yards per carry average this season, much better than their allowance of 4.6 YPC last season. How effective will Gore be in this game?

Brendan - TE Aaron Hernandez, New England Patriots

I debated going with Stevan Ridley for what seems like the fifteenth consecutive week when picking the Patriots, but if Hernandez has a big game, the Patriots can expect to win. However, if he's held in check, not so much.

We all know about the 49ers defense, and it is easier to throw on them than it is to run on them. Without Gronk, a heavy load will remain on Hernandez' plate. The 49ers don't give up much to tight ends, and Ridley will have tough sledding on the ground, so Hernandez will need to come up big for the Patriots to win.

Predictions:

Matt - The Patriots are Vegas� favorite at the moment to win the Superbowl. Brady has been playing out of his mind regardless of not having Aaron Hernandez and Robert Gronkowski healthy at the same time. Brandon Lloyd hasn�t produced as well as expected, but that doesn�t stop the Brady-Welker connection from being successful. Neither do the Niners. 21-14 Patriots

Brendan - I actually see this being a higher scoring game. With the Patriots being the Patriots, and their defense strong against the run, but not so much against the pass (in terms of yards), I could see Colin Kaepernick having a big night through the air. However, we all know it won't be enough. Prediction : 38-31 Patriots