Justin Davidson:
The New York Jets have put their faith in a quarterback whose arm is about to fall off. Chad Pennington has lost that luster he had for, oh, eight games last season, and last week’s beat down by the Chiefs proved just that. The Dolphins will run all over the gangrene and give those whiny Jets fans something to really cry about.
Miami 28, Jets 13
Alex Schwartz:
This week’s Game of the Week features the still-playoff-bound New York Football Giants against the heart-warming road show that is the New Orleans Saints. Expect to see Deuce McAllister put up some decent numbers, but be prepared for a strong Giants defensive line to limit the bleeding. RBs Tiki Barber and Brandon Jacobs should wreak havoc on the Saints defense, and look for Eli Manning to throw for 200+ yards and a score.
Giants 31, New Orleans 21
Derek Winters:
As you know, last week the Rams lost to the 49ers, because the Rams failed multiple times to score a touchdown in the first half and had Mike Martz’s Chris Weber-like clock management. However, this week puts former Rams QB Kurt Warner and his even more famous wife, Brenda, back against his old team. Warner will be powered by his faith, while the whole entire St. Louis region will be powered by its deep dislike of Brenda.
Rams 34, Arizona 24
Jordan Katz:
A rematch of epic Super Bowl XXXVIII, this is the Panthers’ chance to prove they can return to glory. But…I bet they won’t. DT Kris Jenkins is out for the year…again, and, let’s face it-the Patriots are way too good to get burned by a lower tier team like the Panthers. I fully expect the lack of Jenkins to enable Pats RB Cory Dillon to pound the run down Carolina’s collective throat. It’s too bad for Panthers fans that their state wasn’t demolished by a natural disaster; football teams seem to play better when that happens.
New England 30, Carolina 17
Joe Ciolli:
Both teams will try to bounce back from disappointing opening week losses this weekend. The Packers will be without stud receiver Javon Walker, so look for them to struggle offensively while the Browns pull out the upset. Then, after the game, previously feuding teammates Walker and painkiller expert Brett Favre can take Walker’s pills together and mourn the fact that they lost to the equivalent of a bad ACC team.
Cleveland 17, Green Bay 5
Scott Kaufman-Ross:
Tampa Bay looks to ride the momentum of last week’s win against Minnesota as they take on the Buffalo Bills. The Bills defense was extremely impressive last week, holding the Texans to just seven points. However, the offense struggled to get into the end zone, which will be a taller task against a tough Buccaneers defense. This week will tell us if the Bills are ready to contend, or if they are still a year away. I think the young guns get it done this week, and watch J.P. Losman begin to shine.
Bills 21, Bucs 17