Waddle's World

Patriots at Ravens

The old "Any given Sunday" adage was given a workout last Sunday night as the Mighty Patriots looked very human in their win over the Eagles. This week they travel to Baltimore, and something tells me the Ravens are in for a monumental beating. The once mighty Ravens defense doesn't scare anyone anymore. They only thing they do well these days is stop the run….no problem, Tom Brady would love to drop back and throw it every down, especially since the Ravens no longer have a dominant pass rush and are soft in the secondary. And the 1 touchdown performance by Brady last week probably has him a little angry and inspired. As for that Patriot defense, trust me, Lightening wont strike twice, and Kyle Boller wont have an AJ Feeley type performance. Boller will crumble under the pressure and I say he's good for 3 interceptions. Its been a rough ride for Brian Billicks guys who are the proud owners of a 5 game losing streak. Make that 6. The Patriots will breeze to their 12 straight "W"

Bengals at Steelers

The Bengals travel to Pittsburgh this weekend to face the Steelers, and here's hoping the grounds crew has the Heinz Field sod replanted in time for kickoff.. In fact, IF the field is in similar shape, I say Roger Goddell should step in and postpone the game. With the billions of dollars being generated yearly by this great game, there is no reason to expose anyone to unsafe playing conditions. But I digress. Im gonna do something that may surprise you….Im gonna say some nice things about Marvin Lewis and the Cincinnati Bengals. After a 2 and 6 start, I fully expected the Bengals to lay down, but they came to play last week in a 35 - 6 thrashing of a pretty good Tennessee Titans team. A once porous Bengals run defense hasn't given up 100 yards on the ground in a month. If they keep that streak alive, they have a very good chance of coming away with a "W". But, Willie Parker has been their nemesis, rushing for more than 125 yards in 3 of the last 4 meetings with the Bengals. He has to get on track, as the Steelers oline is struggling to protect Big Ben. Rothelesberger has been sacked 16 times over the last 3 weeks. And it wont be a walk in the park for the Pittsburgh defense either. The trio of Henry, Houshmanzadeh and Johnson is as good as it gets. With all of that said, Im still picking the Steelers. They will find a way to scratch out a hard fought victory.

Broncos at Raiders

Think the Broncos were "kicking themselves" this week? You know what Im talking about, right? …Mike Shanahans silly decision to kick it to Devin Hester last week. A decision that cost him a "W" and a tie for first place in the AFC West. Not good….This week theyre in Oakland to face the 3 and 8 Raiders who actually won a game against a division opponent last week, a 20 -17 victory over the fading Chiefs. The Broncos will bounce back this week, they have to if they still have post season hopes and dreams. And despite, the gut wrenching loss in Chicago last week, they are still doing good things. The defense is improving week to week, Brandon Marshall is a super star to be, and Jay Cutler is playing the best football of his career. The Raiders are in a holding pattern, waiting for the Jamarcus Russell era to begin. In the mean time, Dante Cullpeper will be wearing Elvis Dumervill for 60 minutes on Sunday. The Broncos should win easily.

Jets at Dolphins

The 2 and 9 Jets visit the 0 and 11 Dolphins. Need I say more? Kellen Clemens has thrown just 3 touchdowns to 6 interceptions. John Beck is completing 50% of his passes. The Dolphins are 30th in run defense, the Jets are 31st. The Dolphins rank 27th in points allowed, yielding 25.2 points per game. The Jets rank 28th allowing 25.3 points per game. The Jets are 25th in passing offense, the Dolphins 26th. The Dolphins rank 24th in points scored, the Jets rank 26th. I could go on for days telling you how equally inept these two teams are. I'll take Kellen Clemens and Thomas Jones over John Beck and Patrick Cobbs. With little to no conviction in my voice, I say the Fins stay winless. I think the Jets win this one.

Lions at Vikings

A big NFC North tilt in the Metrodome this weekend as the 6 and 5 Lions visit the 5 and 6 Vikings. After 2 straight wins, the Vikings find themselves right back in the Wild Card race. A third straight "W" and they pull even with the Lions who are in a 3 game funk. This one will be decided upfront. The Lions continue to expose their quarterback to disaster, allowing 11 sacks the last 3 weeks, making it 47 for the season. Ironically, The Vikings are getting to quarterbacks more frequently as they've adopted a more aggressive, blitzing style. They will come after Jon Kitna from the opening snap, and they better get to him. The Vikings secondary is the week link of their defense, while the Lions receivers are the strength of their offense. Flip it around, and look for the Vikings to grind it out. Without or without rookie phenom Adrian Peterson, the Vikes can run the ball. Establishing the run early will take pressure off of Tavarus Jackson, whos actually been efficient the last few weeks. I say the Lions free fall continues. I like the Vikings at home.











Texans at Titans

The "tongue twister bowl" part 2 takes place this weekend in Tennessee as the Titans visit the Texans. Round one was a barnburner, as the Titans hung on for a 38-36 victory. After a quick start, the Titans have lost 3 straight and are fading fast in the AFC Wild Card race. What once was a strength is now a weakness. The Titans cant run the ball, and cant stop the run with Albert Haynesworth on the sidelines. That has led to Vince Young making bad decisions at crucial moments. The Texans are a handful now that their offense is getting healthy. Matt Shaub to Andre Johnson has been explosive. They should get the best of a Titans secondary that is average at best. Houston has secondary issues of their own, but Young is less likely to exploit their weaknesses. I like the Texans to win this one and officially end the Titans playoff hopes.



Chargers at Chiefs

The Chargers travel to Kansas City this weekend as they try and maintain their lead in the AFC West. The Chargers looked good thrashing a bad Ravens team last week at home. But, then again, they beat everyone at home, except these pesky Chiefs. The Chargers are 5 and 1 in San Diego, 1 and 4 away from home. And that pretty much sums up this horribly inconsistent team. When they're good, theyre terrific, when theyre bad, theyre horrific. Their 4 road loses are by an average of 14 points per game. But, that should change. When you compare rosters, the Chargers should have no problem with these Chiefs. Brodie Croyle is a mistake prone youngster, and Im guessing rookie Kolby Smith was more "lightening in a bottle", than the long term answer. The Chargers have to establish LT early and stick with him. He's averaging 20 carrries per game…..he needs 25 at least. Not only is he one of the leagues most dominant players, his involvement takes pressure off of his unreliable quarterback. If you can figure out Phillip Rivers, give me a holler. Im saying San Diego wins this one, but as always, Im preparing for a kick to my "prognostigating parts" by these Chargers.



Bucs at Saints

Another good one in the Superdome this weekend. Check that…..another IMPORTANT one in the Superdome, cuz with the Saints involved there are sure to be plenty of mistakes. The NFC Sout leading Bucaneers visit Drew Brees and his band of unpredictable teammates. The Saints are looking to cut the Bucs division lead in half, and stay in the NFC Wild Card race at the same time. Don't take much away from their win over the Panthers last week, that team is a lost cause. This is a much stiffer challenge as the Bucs play stifling defense and are very efficient on offense. Jeff Garcia is expected to play despite a sore back, and he and Joey Galloway should have a ton of success against the Saints 27th ranked pass defense. One of the most surprising stats of the year is the Saints Oline allowing just 8 sacks thru 11 games. Despite the protection, Brees is tied for the NFL lead with 15 interceptions. Thanks to little or no running game, Brees is being forced to do a lot on his own, and he's made a ton of bad decisions. I say the Bucs force even more mistakes. I like Tampa Bay on the road.



Browns at Cardinals

One of my favorite matchups of the weekend is the Browns visiting the Cardinals. Both are improving teams with young playmakers, and both should come ready to play. The Cardinals are looking to bounce back after a crushing loss to the lowly 49ers, where they gave one away, committing 4 turnovers and 10 penalties. It's a problem they've struggled with all season, ranking last in penalty yards and 24th in turnover margin. The Browns have similar issues, ranking 30th in penalty yards. That lack of discipline, and 2 potentially explosive offenses should turn this one into a shootout. The key for the Cardinals is protecting Kurt Warner. If given time, he should pick apart a bad Browns secondary that has allowed a league worst 25 touchdown passes. IF rushed, Warner is a fumble or interception waiting to happen. The Browns move the ball on everyone. With Derek Anderson and his group of receivers, these Browns are a threat from anywhere on the field. They are far from a finished product, but they've won 5 of their last 6 and are brimming with confidence. I like the Browns on the road.





Packers/Cowboys



The NFC game of the year takes place Thursday night at Texas Stadium as the 10 and 1 Cowboys host the 10 and 1 Packers. And Im here to break it down for ya. Let's start with the Quarterbacks…Raise your hand if you thought Brett Farve was washed up….Yeah, me too. Over 3300 yards and 22 touchdowns are impressive, but he's also protecting the football this year, throwing just 8 interceptions. And that has been the difference. Tony Romo's having a season himself. He has also thrown for more than 3000 yards, and 29 touchdowns, which leads the NFC . Both signalcallers have a ton of talent around them. Favre has a very underrated quartet of receivers in Greg Jennings, James Jones, Donald Driver and Donald Lee. Romo works with bigger names in Terrell Owens, Patrick Crayton and Jason Witten. Green Bay's running game has come to life in recent weeks with the emergence of Ryan Grant. Dallas has a more dangerous combo in Julius Jones and Marion Barber III. Overall, the Cowboys get the edge on offense. Defensively, the Cowboys give up fewer yards, but the Packers allow fewer points. I say the "D" is a draw. Special Teams are also a wash. Both Mason Crosby AND Nick Folk have been very dependable in the kicking game. Overall, I say this one lives up to the hype . Home field advantage and a slightly better roster tips the scales in the Cowboys favor. I like the Cowboys to win and move into the driver's seat in the NFC playoff picture .





Seahawks/Eagles Preview



An interesting NFC matchup this weekend in Philly,as the Eagles host the NFC West leading Seahawks. Both teams had thrilling finishes last week, Symbolic of their respective seasons. The Eagles lost a heartbreaker to the undefeated Patriots while the Seahawks miraculously survived in St. Louis after Gus Frerotte fumbled on the goal line. OK, maybe not miraculous when Gus Ferotte's involved, but thrilling none the less . Matt Hasselbeck will try to exploit an Eagles secondary that is all banged up and ranks 22nd against the pass. The Eagles will have a rougher go of it against the leagues 4th ranked scoring defense. The Seahawks allow just 17 points per Sunday and rely heavily on the big play. They'll be coming after A.J. Feeley, who was surprising good last week in New England. With McNabb banged up, Feeley is likely to get the start again this week. Expect him to rely heavily on Brian Westbrook who's accounted for nearly 1500 yards of total offense. Seattle allows less than 17 points per game. Im not really sure why the 5-6 Eagles are favored over the 7-4 Seahawks…. Seems a bit odd doesn't it? …I like the Eagles at home.



Jaguars/Colts

The AFC game of the week takes place in the RCA Dome as the Colts host the Jaguars. Both teams are coming off of lopsided victories. Indianapolis thumped the hapless Falcons on Thanksgiving night. Jacksonville waited until Sunday to dismantle the Bills. This one is a rematch of the week 7 Monday Nighter where the Colts beat Jacksonville 29-7 and knocked David Garrard out in the process. Garrard is back and better than ever. He still hasn't thrown an interception and his quarterback rating is an impressive 103, which just happens to be about 14 points higher than Peytons. Both have impressive running games. Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew take turns for the Jags, Joseph Adaiu handles the rushing duties all by himself for the Colts. Both teams will look to establish the run early and pick the right moment push the ball down field . QB ratings aside, Peyton Manning is much more equipped to air it out, as he leads the NFL's 4th-ranked offense. The Jags rank 28th in pass defense, allowing 247 yards per game. Manning is just about the last guy they want to see. Ive become a big fan of this Jacksonville squad but they're a bit overmatched in Indianapolis. The Jags keep it close but close doesn't get it done. I like the Colts to sweep the season series.

49ers/Panthers

It oughta be a dandy Sunday afternoon in Charlotte as the 3-8 49ers take on the 4-7 Panthers. The news keeps getting better for the niners. First, they're on fire. Their one-game win streak matches their season's best. Second, they play at Bank of America Stadium, where the Panthers haven't won a game since last November. Im out of sarcasm, which means its time for a little realism. The 49ers are dead last in the league in just about offensive category, and their defense is the worst that big money can buy. Listen, these Panthers aren't much better. The quarterback disaster has neutered their offense and the defense has been one of the leagues biggest disappointment. It's been a nightmare season for both of these teams, but someone has to win, right? Im guessing the Panthers win their first home game of the season.

Bills/Redskins

The Redskins will be playing with heavy hearts this weekend as they host the Buffalo Bills. The entire Redskins family is dealing with the shocking death of Pro Bowl Safety, Sean Taylor. As difficult as it is, the game will go on…And The Redskins will keep it very simple. Clinton Portis is the focal point of the Redskins 6th ranked running game. A steady diet of Portis will help open up the play-ction pass for Jason Campbell, who's making strides over the last several eeks. . As for the Bills, you know how much respect I have for Dick Jauron and what he has done with these Bills, but they've run out of gas. Over the course of a 16 game season, eventually, an average team will be exposed. The 92 points given up the last two weeks is exhibit A. Jauron goes back to rookie Trent Edwards trying to jumpstart the league's 29th ranked scoring offense. With limited talent in that offensive huddle, it doesn't matter much who's under center. The Redskins will put aside the off--field tragedy for 3 hours and play hard out of respect for their fallen teammate.. I like Washington at home.





Rams/Falcons



Another doozy this weekend in the Georgia Dome as the 3-8 Falcons host the 2-9 Rams. Isn't every game at the Georgia Dome a doozy?! Both teams are coming off bad losses but we've gotten used to that, haven't we. We'll start with the Rams but I promise to make it quick because this game has all the appeal of high fever. With all due respect, this is a team that has been decimated by injuries all season long. But the facts are the facts: They don't score. And they certainly can't stop anyone from scoring. Sure, if Marc Bulger can go, it's a significant upgrade from Gus Frerotte, but we won't hold our breath for that to happen. As for the Falcons, the offense is awful and the defense is bad as well. What gives? Nothing really! The game is in St Louis, so I gues I'll go with the home team. I like the Rams in this one.