Mattie T’s Week 8 NFL Predictions

Justice League Update….

Thanks to huge performances by Dwyane Bowe (81 yards & 2 TD’s), Billy Cundiff (3 FG’s & 4 PAT’s made) & Kansas City’s defense (1 sack, 2 interceptions, 1 fumble recovery & 1 defensive touchdown), i was able to defeat DaRuckus 62-47 & open up a 2-game lead in the division.

This week i am a 7-point favorite against Show Me Your TD’s, which could come down to Monday Night as we’ll have 2 players going from each side. Should be fun!!!

Week 7: 8-6

Overall: 61-43 (.587)

Bills/Chiefs:

Buffalo nearlly pulled off a stunner against Baltimore in Week 7, but wound up losing 34-31 in overtime.

They will have a tough time trying to stop the Chiefs’ top-ranked rushing attack of Jamaal Charles & Thomas Jones, as the Bills currently sport a 32nd-ranked run defense.

Buffalo has a fairly decent secondary (9th in pass defense), but they have also given up 3 touchdowns in each of their last 4 games, all losses.

This could definitely turn into a shootout, but look for Kansas City to remain unbeaten at home.

Mattie T’s Pick: Kansas City

Panthers/Rams:

Even with their heartbreaking Week 7 loss to Tampa Bay, St. Louis is in position to reach the .500 mark with a win on Sunday against Carolina.

They will definitely have some inspiration, as Isaac Bruce will have his #80 jersey retired in a special pre-game ceremony.

It looks as if Steven Jackson (finger) will be ready to go & should have big success against the Panthers’ 24th-ranked run defense.

Carolina won’t be so fortunate, as DeAngelo Williams (averaging 176 yards in 2 games vs. St. Louis) will miss Sunday’s game with a foot injury.

I think this will be close, but the Rams win & improve to 4-0 at home this season.

Mattie T’s Pick: St. Louis

Broncos/49ers:

The NFL goes overseas to London, as the Wembley Stadium faithful won’t be blessed with an exciting matchup this year.

Frank Gore could go off against a Broncos’ run defense that gave up 328 yards in Week 7 during their loss to Oakland, but Denver may decide to stack the box & make former Heisman winning quarterback Troy Smith beat them, as he’ll start on Sunday for the first time in over 3 years.

Brandon Lloyd could wind up as a hero on Sunday, as he’s currently ranked 2nd in the NFL with 709 yards receiving & will go up against his former team.

Close game, but i think Denver will win here.

Mattie T’s Pick: Denver

Redskins/Lions:

After taking 7 weeks off due to a shoulder injury, Matthew Stafford is ready to return to action on Sunday against Washington.

He’ll try to exploit a Redskins defense that produced 6 takeaways during their Week 7 win over Chicago.

Detroit’s defense is a tad bit better than people think, and that will be the difference in a close Lions home win.

Mattie T’s Pick: Detroit

Packers/Jets:

Interesting matchup here, as the last two quarterbacks to take over for Brett Favre (Aaron Rodgers & Mark Sanchez) hook up from Jets Stadium on Sunday.

Green Bay has done a great job forcing takeaways this season, but New York also happens to be one of the most strongest turnover-free offenses in the league.

Dustin Keller could be the man to watch, as Green Bay has had some trouble this season defending the tight end.

LaDainian Tomlinson will take this game over down the stretch, as the Jets win to keep presure on New England.

Mattie T’s Pick: N.Y. Jets

Dolphins/Bengals:

Odd season for Miami so far, as they shoot for their 4th straight road win on Sunday…while being 0-3 at home!

Dolphins will definitely play with some anger following an extremely controversial challenge late into their Week 7 loss against Pittsburgh that didn’t award them a fumble after Ben Roethlisberger coughed it up at the goal line.

Brandon Marshall even said that he was “disgusted” with his teammates’ bickering over the non-call.

Cincinnati needs a win here to pull within 2 games of Baltimore & could do it if they contain Chad Henne.

In 3 road games this season, Henne has completed 60% of his passes for 527 yards, 3 touchdowns & 1 interception.

Both of the Bengals’ home games have been decided by 5 points or less, so expect the same here as Cincinnati pulls out a close win.

Mattie T’s Pick: Cincinnati

Jaguars/Cowboys:

Cowboys begin life without Tony Romo on Sunday with 38-year old veteran Jon Kitna, who’s been decent against Jacksonville with a 57.5% completion rate, 3 touchdowns & 3 interceptions (74.0 rating) in 3 career games.

Dallas will have to account for Aaron Kampman, as his 5.5 career sacks against Kitna is the most against any NFL quarterback.

Kitna should post solid numbers against the Jaguars’ 30th-ranked defense, as it will be good enough to lead the Cowboys to a much-needed home win.

Mattie T’s Pick: Dallas

Titans/Chargers:

San Diego received good news on Friday, as Vincent Jackson signed a 1-year tender sheet & will be eligible to play starting November 28th.

Despite having the NFL’s top-ranked offense & defense, the Chargers have struggled with turnovers & poor special teams play.

San Diego has won 7 straight in this series, but will look to slow down Kenny Britt after his amazing performance last weekend with 7 catches for 225 yards.

Close game, but Philip Rivers will burn the Titans’ secondary for a few big plays to provide the difference, as the Chargers win a close one.

Mattie T’s Pick: San Diego

Buccaneers/Cardinals:

Josh Freeman is quietly earning praise among his NFL peers, as he led Tampa Bay to a last-second comeback win over St. Louis in Week 7.

This could turn into a shootout with two bad run defenses squaring off, as Freeman looks to attack Arizona’s 21st-ranked secondary.

Kellen Winslow could have himself a nice game here, as he’s just 9 catches away from becoming the Buccaneers’ all-time pass catcher at the tight end position.

Close game, but the new “black” jerseys won’t save the Cardinals in their first home loss of the season.

Mattie T’s Pick: Tampa Bay

Vikings/Patriots:

Despite two left ankle fractures, Brett Favre plans to make his 292nd consecutive start on Sunday in New England.

Randy Moss returns to Foxboro just weeks after being traded by the Patriots & will try to ruin Tom Brady’s 24th consecutive home win, which is the 2nd highest total in league history.

Brady has torched Minnesota career-wise with a 2-0 record, while he’s thrown for 7 touchdowns & just 1 interception.

New England will try to slow down Adrian Peterson with their 9th ranked run defense, as he’s 2nd in the NFL with 684 yards rushing.

This should be good, but Favre’s critical late mistake costs Vikings yet another “winnable” game.

Mattie T’s Pick: New England

Seahawks/Raiders:

Mike Williams looks to continue his comeback season on Sunday, as he’s had 32 receptions over his first 6 games this year compared to just 7 (same amount of games played) for Oakland.

Seattle’s defense will be ready to shut down Darren McFadden, as they are only allowing 3.3 yards-per-carry, which is the 2nd lowest mark in the NFL.

It’s been almost 2 full years since the Raiders have won back-to-back games, and i believe that trend will continue on Sunday.

Mattie T’s Pick: Seattle

Steelers/Saints:

New Orleans is hoping that Chris Ivory & his 5.5 yards-per-carry average will be able to move the ball against Pittsburgh’s top-ranked run defense.

Ben Roethlisberger needs just 139 yards passing on Sunday to become just the 2nd Steelers quarterback to surpass 20,000 yards, with the other being Terry Bradshaw.

Pittsburgh does have a suspect secondary (24th ranked), so look for Drew Brees to air it out quite often here.

Steelers proved last week that they’re beatable, so i think the Saints will get a much-needed home win in prime-time.

Mattie T’s Pick: New Orleans

Texans/Colts:

The Colts have major issues regarding their wideouts heading into Monday night’s game, as Reggie Wayne (hamstring), Pierre Garcon (hamstring) & Anthony Gonzalez (ankle) are all questionable.

If Wayne does play, he needs 1 more touchdown reception from Peyton Manning to become Indianapolis’ 2nd biggest QB-to-WR duo (63 touchdowns).

Arian Foster will be in the spotlight after he gashed Indianapolis for 233 yards in Week 1 & will have his left tackle Duane Brown back after serving a 4-game suspension.

I don’t think Manning will be able to torch Houston’s 32nd ranked secondary with several backup wideouts, so i like for the Texans to win a big AFC South matchup.

Mattie T’s Pick: Houston