Critic Al’s Football Week 8 Pick ‘Em
Game of the Week: Vikings at Packers
Here we go again. It’s another Packers-Vikings game, but this time, they’re playing it at Brett Favre’s old stomping grounds. I don’t need to tell you that this is a revenge game. I think that was well covered the last time around. Let’s get down to the real issue at hand.
Vikings at Packers
Aaron Rodgers has statistically been a better quarterback in the last two years than Brett Favre. Just look at their numbers. He’s got more touchdowns, more passing yards and a better quarterback rating in the time since Favre exiled himself from Green Bay.
The difference is, Rodgers has led Green Bay to a middling 10-12 record since Favre left, while greybeard is 15-8 with the Jets and Vikings. Rodgers won’t be sticking around in Green Bay with that kind of record. In fact, another year or two of missing the playoffs, and you can bet that the good people of Green Bay will start to get restless.
But beyond all the Favre-stuff, Minnesota is a far superior team. Favre has had an impact with them, no doubt, but nothing has changed with the Vikings since earlier in the year. They still boast a stellar defense and the best tailback in the league.
The Packers can’t protect their quarterback, and they’re not great at defending the run. The only edge Green Bay has is their excellent pass defense. So unless they plan on picking off Favre three or four times, I’m not sure how they can win this one. And if they keep piling up the losses, it’s only going to get more and more dire for Mr. Rodgers.
Seattle at Dallas (-9.5)
Dallas isn’t great or anything, but at least they’re occasionally good. I can’t think of one thing the Seahawks are doing well right now. And to make matters worse, they’re down to a fourth-string left tackle. And that poor bozo has to protect his QB from DeMarcus Ware. If Matt Hasselbeck is still in one piece by the end of the game, Seattle should consider itself lucky. Cowboys win this one.
Houston (-3) at Buffalo
I picked against Houston last week, and they surprised me. I’ll learn my lesson and choose the Texans and their No. 3 passing attack this week. Then again, Buffalo is such a mess right now, there’s a chance Houston could have won it with David Carr under center … well, I won’t go that far. But Texans win this one.
St. Louis at Detroit
I want to call this the ‘Sam Bradford Bowl’, but Detroit already has a quarterback and I’m not so sure Bradford will be the No. 1 pick in April. And while both of these terrible teams should be atop the draft order by the end of the season, I’ve actually seen more fight out of St. Louis than Detroit. I’ll go with the Rams to win the “Ndamukong Suh Bowl.”
Denver at Baltimore (-3)
If I told you this game featured one Top 5 offense and one Top 5 defense, you’d pick the Ravens to have the defense, right? Well prepare to be shocked, Sally May, because it’s the Broncos that have the better defense. Still, it looks like these teams are evenly matched, but I’ll go with Denver in a win that continues to make the Jay Cutler trade look worse and worse for Chicago.
New York Giants (-1) at Philadelphia
These NFC East games are usually toss ups, and it’s hard to know who really has the advantage here. Neither the Giants nor the Eagles have been especially impressive in the last two weeks, but Philly once again has to manage without the brittle Brian Westbrook. I’ll give the Giants the nod here, but I expect another slugfest.
Miami at New York Jets (-3)
I like this game. It’s got two up-and-coming teams who are both trying to nip at the heels of New England in the AFC East. At first I’d say Miami has the edge because of their running game, but it’s actually the Jets who lead the league in rushing yards. I’ll go with my gut and pick the Jets in a close one, meaning Mark Sanchez might not have time for a hot dog.
Cleveland at Chicago (-13)
Chicago isn’t looking too pretty right now, and a loss to the Browns would officially make this season a disaster. But while the Bears have been pretty inconsistent, they haven’t been nearly as bad as the Browns in any respect. So unless Jay Cutler throws three interceptions and his defense gives up 30 points, I’ll go with the Bears.
San Francisco at Indianapolis (-13)
I like what Mike Singletary is doing, and San Fran just might make the playoffs in a weak NFC West, but no way do they beat the Colts in Indy. Peyton Manning has been too good this season to let an upstart team like the 49ers sneak up on him.
Jacksonville at Tennessee (-3)
If Tennessee is going to win a game this year, it’ll be against the Jaguars, right? Not so fast. Jacksonville rolled the Titans four weeks ago back when Kerry Collins was less than terrible. I think David Garrard has been too good lately, and unless the Titans’ defense suddenly re-discovers itself, I don’t see the emotionally-fragile Vince Young having enough guts to overcome the Jags. Jacksonville wins.
Oakland at San Diego (-16.5)
I was shocked when the Raiders almost stole one from the Chargers earlier this year. But look at them now…Oakland has been a walking disaster, and San Diego is hanging around in all of its games despite losing three of them. The Chargers are still showing signs of life, and I can’t say the same for the boys in Oakland.
Carolina at Arizona (-10)
Arizona hasn’t been great this year, but that’s about how they played in 2008 before getting hot in the playoffs. But luckily for these guys, Carolina is a mess right now and Jake Delhomme is aging before our very eyes for about the 50th time I can remember. Cardinals take this one.
Atlanta at New Orleans (-10)
Atlanta routed the Bears a few weeks ago, but they’ve shown some inconsistency lately. Meanwhile, New Orleans’ march to a perfect season is in full gear, and as usual, it’s nearly impossible for teams to keep up with them in the Superdome. I think Atlanta will be on top of its game, but New Orleans wins this one.
Week 7 results: 8 – 5
Season: 64-39 (.621)
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Past Predictions: Week 2 / Week 3 / Week 4 / Week 5 / Week 6 / Week 7
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