Mparas1432's Blog
Detroit Lions (1-3) at Philadelphia Eagles (3-2)
Why to watch
Both of these teams have high expectations placed upon them. The Eagles look to keep their lead in the NFC East and want to rebound after last week’s lost to the Steelers. For the Lions, the team is coming off a bye week after a disappointing 1-3 start. Which team will break out in this NFC matchup?
X-Factor:
Brendan - Detroit Running Game
At some point, someone from this group is going to take the lead running back spot. Mikel Leshoure is the starter, for now, but who knows with Jahvid Best on his way back next week. For this week against the Eagles, the Lions are going to have to establish some sort of rushing attack to not make the offense as one-dimensional as it has been so far. Whether it is Leshoure, Kevin Smith or Joique Bell, someone is going to have to do something on the ground.
Or they can just keep throwing 50 times a game and see how it works out.
Matt – Lions Defense
The Lions front seven has barely forced any turnovers with only three on the season. With the Eagles giving the ball away 14 times this season, the Lions will have to capitalize on their opportunity.
Prediction:
Brendan - The Lions defense has been underachieving all year and the Eagles offense has been turning the ball over with regularity. Something has to give. I’m actually going to pick the upset and go with the Lions. I just think this is the week the Lions put it all together on offense. Prediction: 28-27 Lions
Matt – I like the Lions as well. Coming off a bye week, I think the Suh and the defense line will finally be able to apply pressure and get to Michael Vick. 27-21 Lions
Dallas Cowboys (2-2) at Baltimore Ravens (4-1)
Why to watch
Both of these teams have the potential to be one of the best teams in football. However so far, they've struggled in areas that they shouldn't. The Ravens finally seem vulnerable on defense, while the Cowboys have failed to run the ball at all with Demarco Murray. Let’s see if either team can fix their flaws in this match up.
X-Factor:
Brendan - RB DeMarco Murray, Dallas Cowboys
Murray has struggled since the season opener having not gone over 50 yards rushing since then. With a Ravens defense that is giving up 118 yards on the ground per game, Murray should be able to take advantage. If Murray has a big day, and can keep Joe Flacco and the Ravens offense off the field, the Cowboys could pull off the upset.
Matt – Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys
Romo had an awful week against the Chicago Bears. If he can manipulate the Ravens’ secondary, a lot of pressure will be taken off his back. He’ll need help from his teammates, but they won’t win if Romo throws another five interceptions.
Prediction:
Brendan - Joe Flacco ran what looked like the Oregon offense in the preseason, but has yet to live up to that hype. The Cowboys secondary is one of the best in the NFL and can shut down opposing quarterbacks. With that in mind, I’m actually going to pick the Cowboys to win behind Murray and the pass defense. Prediction: 21-17 Cowboys
Matt – At home, it’s hard to pick against the Ravens. While Tony Romo won’t have another five interception game, Dallas will be stopped when needed. 27-17 Ravens
New York Giants (3-2) at San Francisco 49ers (4-1)
Why to watch
A rematch of last year’s NFC championship game, the Giants once again are looking to beat the 49ers at home. The 49ers are much improved on offense this year, but the Giants are finding a rhythm with three wins in a row. Who will prevail?
X-Factor:
Brendan - Giants Receivers Not Named Victor Cruz
Will Hakeem Nicks be healthy enough to go? He’s listed as questionable, but seems optimistic to play this weekend. If he’s able to go that will be a huge boost for the Giants. If Nicks isn’t able to go, Ramses Barden, Dominek Hixon and Rueben Randle will have to step up in his place.
Matt – Hakeem Nicks, New York Giants
Nicks seems most likely to play this weekend and the Giants could use him. When he has played, Nicks has put up 14 catches for 237 yards in two games . Nicks is the definition of an X-Factor this week. The Giants success could rely heavily on him.
Predictions:
Brendan - The Giants beat the 49ers in San Francisco last year in the playoffs, so a win this weekend wouldn’t be a shock. The Giants are going to find it nearly impossible to run on this Niners defense, so Eli Manning is going to have to have a big day. Unfortunately, he may not have enough magic to pull this one out. Predictions: 23-20 49ers
Matt - On the road and down in the final two minutes, Eli Manning leads a game winning drive.
26-24 Giants
Green Bay Packers (2-3) at Houston Texans (5-0)
Why to watch
With the Texans being the only undefeated team, let’s see if their defense holds up against Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. The Packers so far have been a bit of a letdown, while the Texans looked poised to play in February. Can the Packers upset the best team in the NFL?
X-Factor:
Brendan - QB Matt Schaub, Houston Texans
Arian Foster gets a lot of credit for the success of the Texans offense, but some forget Schaub was a back-to-back 4,000 yard passer. Schaub will need a big day through the air as the Packers are pretty stout against the run.
Matt – Andre Johnson, Houston Texans
If there is an incomplete part of the Houston Texans, it’s that Andre Johnson hasn't exploded like in years past. Johnson, 31, has dealt with injuries in years past and could be exiting his prime. Schaub and Johnson were a lethal combination in years past and if they can recapture the magic Sunday, the Texans will be even more dangerous going forward.
Predictions:
Matt – The Packers are on the verge of being dysfunctional. Their offensive line has been absolutely awful and outside the locker room there have been plenty of distractions. They’re still capable of turning their season around, but it won’t be enough. 26-20 Texans
Brendan - The loss of Brian Cushing will sting for the Texans defense pretty hard this week. It will be their first game without him, and he was a huge part of this defense. I think Aaron Rodgers can find ways to exploit this defenses weaknesses and lead the Packers to victory. Prediction: 27-24 Packers
Mparas1432
21
67 Forum Posts
53 Blog Entries
78 News/Blog Comments
0 Reader Score Votes
0 Friends
0 Chalkboard Messages
0 Screenshots
0 Videos
146,354 Arena Visits
Mparas1432's Blog Categories
Mparas1432's Screenshots (0)
Mparas1432 does not have any albums to display.
Mparas1432's Friends
Recent Visitors
The last 10 visitor(s) to this Arena were:
Mparas1432's Arena has had 146,354 visits
- CarryTheWeight
- Dave Pearson
- DeermaPam
- hbupmo2ts1
- ij3sj85c8p
- ob078i39u4
- PH1LLYSFINEST13
- PilGof
- toadn5
- Vska
Mparas1432's Arena has had 146,354 visits
Working...
LIVE STREAM >>