Week four in the NFL gave us some great games and as far as our picks went the tables turned. Tony went from worst to first, posting a 3-1 week four record after I stomped all over him for having a poor week three. Duds went .500 when his Sunday and Monday night upsets let him down for a 2-2 week while I was only able to salvage one game of the four, retaking my thrown in the cellar.
This week doesn’t showcase many interesting match ups with games like Oakland at the Giants, Philly in Tampa Bay and Pittsburgh invading Detroit. We did find a few that merit some insight, though, and will also be debuting a fourth contributor for analysis this week. You all know him as our trusty Steelers writer, Mr. Pat McGuire.
Enough with the introductions, on to the picks…
New England @ Denver
Pat McGuire-NFL Game of the Week. Much-anticipated match-up not only by players but also by coaches. It is a similar father/son battle, leaving Belichick wishing he should have not taught the young McDaniels so many tricks of his trade. I wish to bow my vote to the Broncos, with Marshall leading the way with a 100-yard plus game.
Dudley French-I still don’t believe in the broncos, even with last weeks win against Dallas. Teacher dominates pupil in this one, Pats by 14.
Tony Bozma- Big Hoody vs. Little Hoody. Teacher vs. Student. Old vs. Young. Yep, Patriots win.
Wes French- I don’t like Josh McDaniels. Not real fond of Bill Belichek. A lot of people will say McD knows too much about the Pats for this game to get out of hand. I think it does exactly that. Patriots, BIG.
Cincinnati @ Baltimore
PM-The Bengals are hanging tough in the division, but not tough enough against Flacco and his boys. Rookie heroics seem to be an assumption of the past as Flacco continues to control and lead the Ravens in the victory column more often than not. Bengals are still to hit-and-miss to place a vote for them.
DF-The Ravens at home will pass and run at will. The defense will be plenty tough enough, probably chipping in a score or two of their own. Ravens by 17
TB-I don’t buy into the Bengals just yet, especially against a solid Ravens team that are coming off a loss that really pissed them off. Ravens win by 10.
WF- Call me crazy, but I like Cincy on the road. Baltimore has blown up a few bad teams and won a big road game(@ SD), but I think the Bengals want it more. Give me Palmer and the gang for the upset of the week.
Atlanta @ San Francisco
PM-Crabtree isn’t on the field quite yet and with the QB situation still lingering within the 49er organization, despite the 3-1 start, the Falcons still have momentum on their side. Atlanta and Matt Ryan are coming off a bye week well rested and ready to back into action as the Falcons win by thee touchdowns.
DF-This will be the best game of the week. I like Atlanta only for their running game. Atlanta takes it on the road in a close one.
TB-The Matt Ryan/Tony Gonzalez connection will shine here, even against a 49ers defense that has been outstanding. Falcons win this game by a touchdown.
WF- Matt Ryan faces a true test a long way from home this week. The Falcons offense is well rested coming off a bye, but the 49ers defense is near the top of the league for good reason. Matt Ryan, meet Patrick Willis. 49ers in come from behind fashion at home.
Houston @ Arizona
PM-Kurt Warner is banged up and the Texans are off to a decent start to the season. I fully expected Steve Slaton to get his wheels back and roll over the Arizona defense in this one. Slaton runs for 125 yards as the Texans win by a touchdown.
DF-If the cards are going to return to form they must PERFORM like we have seen before. I believe they’ll do it home. The passing game will prevail. Take the Cards.
TB-I hate this game. It has no appeal. I’ll go with the Cardinals because I have to pick someone and I like Kurt Warner more than Matt “I don’t know who I want to be when I grow up” Schaub.
WF- They should just announce this game for what it is and call it the Andre Johnsons at the Larry Fitzgeralds. Each receiver will have an historic day, combining for over 450 yards receiving, each over 200 on their own. I like Houston to get the win because they’ll throw a touch down as time expires, winning 52-49.
Last Week
TB 3-1
DF 2-2
WF 1-3
Season
WF 5-3
TB 5-3
DF 5-3
PM N/A
