NFL 2013: Week 9 Predictions
We may only be half way through the season, but it is never too early to talk about the playoffs. Let's face it, some teams are bound for the playoffs, while others -- two teams in Florida not named the Miami Dolphins come to mind -- would be lucky to make a BCS bowl game.
I decided to group the 32 teams in the NFL into six categories based on their performance thus far this season. Teams in the first category have the best chance of making the playoffs, the teams in the last category have the lowest chance of making the playoffs and so on. My picks for Week 9 will follow.
Lombardi Contenders
Kansas City Chiefs (8-0)
Denver Broncos (7-1)
Seattle Seahawks (7-1)
New Orleans Saints (6-1)
San Francisco (6-2)
Cincinnati Bengals (6-2)
New England Patriots (6-2)
Indianapolis Colts (5-2)
Green Bay Packers (5-2)
These are the teams that I feel after eight weeks have the best chance to hoist the Lombardi Trophy in February. However, that could change in the second half of the season. One of these teams could suffer a major injury or even go on a losing streak that keeps them out of the playoffs altogether. It's the NFL and anything can happen. I predicted a Seattle/Denver Super Bowl back in September and I'm sticking with my pick. After watching what the Bengals have done the last four weeks, however, they have as good a chance as any of the teams listed above.
Looking to make a run...
Detroit Lions (5-3)
Carolina Panthers (4-3)
San Diego Chargers (4-3)
Chicago Bears (4-3)
Baltimore Ravens (3-4)
Can you say, wild card? Although the division title is not out of reach, more than likely if any of the teams listed above are to make the playoffs it will probably be via the wild card. From the Lions to the Ravens, these teams have looked great at times this season, but each of them have had a game where you scratch your head and wonder how in the world they lost that game. Consistency will be the key for these five teams in the second half. If they can consistently play well, week in and week out, they'll make the playoffs. If not, they'll be at home on the couch watching TV in January.
Not in it, but not out of it...
Miami Dolphins (3-4)
Arizona Cardinals (4-4)
Tennessee Titans (3-4)
Buffalo Bills (3-5)
Oakland Raiders (3-4)
NY Jets (4-4)
Cleveland Browns (3-5)
St. Louis Rams (3-5)
All of these teams are at or below .500 and are looking up a pretty good team in each of their respective divisions. Being half way through the season, these eight teams aren't out of it by any means, but they need to win some games here soon. To reach the playoffs in the NFL, a team usually has to get to at least nine wins, sometimes even ten to just get a wild card spot. That means that all of them need to win four or five games in the second half of the season. It doesn't seem like a lot, but winning a game in the NFL is one of the hardest things to do in sports.
C'mon NFC East!
Dallas Cowboys (4-4)
Philadelphia Eagles (3-5)
Washington Redskins (2-5)
NY Giants (2-6)
The NFC East use to be one of the best divisions in football, not anymore. One of these teams will win the division, but neither of them deserves it. The Cowboys, Giants, Redskins and Eagles have all been disappointments this season and as of right now, none of them are worthy of being named NFC East division champions. I think Dallas has the best chance right now to win the division, but with the way the season is going anyone could walk away with the title and will probably do so with a .500 record or worse.
Playoff contenders to complete disasters...
Atlanta Falcons (2-5)
Houston Texans (2-5)
Pittsburgh Steelers (2-5)
Coming into 2013, you could argue and that Houston and Atlanta were two of the favorites to reach the Super Bowl. Both were coming of division championships and both won a playoff game last season. The Falcons were just one game away from the Super Bowl before the San Francisco 49ers came back to win the NFC Championship in Atlanta. As for the Steelers, they have been the definition of consistency. Pittsburgh seems to be in it every single season since the "Steel Curtain" back in the 1970's. Now, after seven games, all three look like they need to rebuild in order to return to where they once were.
Playing for 2014...
Minnesota Vikings (1-6)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-7)
Jacksonville Jaguars (0-8)
The problem with these teams is that neither of them have a franchise quarterback. In the NFL, you need a franchise quarterback in order to win, especially if you want to a Super Bowl. Until Tampa Bay, Jacksonville and Minnesota find that franchise quarterback, they won't be winning very many games.
Week 9 Picks (Home team in CAPS)
Bengals over DOLPHINS: Isn't it fitting that Bengals orange and black will take the field on Halloween night? I doubt that was the NFL's intention when the schedule was made, nonetheless, the Dolphins were probably frighten this week when they looked at the Bengals film against the Jets. Cincinnati scored 49 points and dominated the Jets in every facet of the game. Quarterback Andy Dalton was sensational once again throwing for 325 yards and five touchdowns, four of which to WR Marvin Jones. Over the past three games -- all Bengals wins -- Dalton has thrown for 1,034 yards and 11 touchdowns while completing 66.3% of his passes. "Holy Crap!"
Although the Bengals won their game against the Jets by 40 points, they were hit hard by injuries, especially on defense. Safety Taylor Mays was lost for the season with a dislocated shoulder, linebacker Rey Maualuga suffered a concussion and an MCL sprain and will be out 3-4 weeks. Maualuga's replacement, Michael Boley, was also injured along with defensive end Wallace Gilberry. The injuries didn't stop on the offensive side of the ball. Tackle Andrew Whitworth tweaked a knee and receiver Mohammed Sanu suffered a shoulder injury. Both players along with Boley and Gilberry are questionable for Halloween night against the Dolphins.
Despite the injuries, if Andy Dalton continues to play like he has the past three weeks then the Bengals will win this game. Andy is playing the best football of his young career and if he can sustain this type of play along with the play of the Cincinnati defense, then the Bengals might just have one of the best teams in the league. One capable of winning the Super Bowl. Bengals 27, Dolphins 14.
Kansas City over BUFFALO: As long as the Chiefs don't look two weeks ahead to their matchup with the Denver Broncos, they will win this game and stay undefeated.
DALLAS over Minnesota: The Cowboys may have one of the worst defenses in the NFL -- see Calvin Johnson's 329 yards receiving last week -- but the good news is they don't face Megatron this week. Dallas gets the win over a bad Minnesota team.
ST. LOUIS over Tennessee: The Rams defense was impressive last week against the Seahawks giving up only 14 points and 139 yards of offense while sacking QB Russell Wilson seven times. Tennessee has the better team, but I think the St. Louis defense will have another great performance that will lead to a win.
New Orleans over NY JETS: Geno Smith and the Jets performance against the Bengals last week was in one word, appalling. If the Jets play as bad as they did last week then Drew Brees and the Saints might score 60.
San Diego over WASHINGTON: It looked like the Redskins were going to pull the upset and hand Peyton Manning and the Broncos their second loss of the season last Sunday, but allowing 31 points in the fourth quarter ended any chance of an upset. Washington is not having the season that everyone thought they would have after last year's success and I'm afraid they will suffer another loss this Sunday against the Chargers.
CAROLINA over Atlanta: I keep picking the Falcons to win, but they just aren't the same football team as they were a year ago. Carolina wins.
OAKLAND over Philadelphia: Michael Vick is hurt again, so Nick Foles will be starting at quarterback for the Eagles after missing last week's game with a concussion. The Raiders may be 3-4, but they are tough to be beat at home and I think they'll win on Sunday.
SEATTLE over Tampa Bay: Seattle struggled Monday night against St. Louis, but they walked out of there with the one thing that matters, a win. The Seahawks now return home where they have the greatest home field advantage in the NFL, so good luck to Greg Schiano and the winless Buccaneers.
Baltimore over CLEVELAND: Both of these teams need a win to try and keep up with not only the Bengals, but keep pace in the wild card race as well. Cleveland played pretty well in Kansas City last week and I think they will give Baltimore a game. The Ravens, however, will prevail in a close one.
NEW ENGLAND over Pittsburgh: It's been a rough year for the Steelers and things won't get any easier as the travel to Foxborough to take on the Patriots. Pittsburgh will give New England a game, but the Patriots should get the win.
Indianapolis over HOUSTON: Case Keenum, not Matt Schaub, will be lining up under center Sunday night against the Colts. Schaub says he is ready to play after been injured with a knee injury, but the Texans are going with Keenum which basically means one thing, they are throwing in the towel.
GREEN BAY over Chicago: This would be a great game if Bears' QB Jay Cutler were playing, but he's not. Even with a depleted receiving core, Aaron Rodgers and the Packers will win on Monday night.
Bye: Denver, Detroit, NY Giants, Arizona, San Francisco, Jacksonville
Last Week: 10-3
Overall: 81-39
I decided to group the 32 teams in the NFL into six categories based on their performance thus far this season. Teams in the first category have the best chance of making the playoffs, the teams in the last category have the lowest chance of making the playoffs and so on. My picks for Week 9 will follow.
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| Alex Smith and Andy Reid have turned things around in Kansas City. (USA TODAY Sports Images) |
Lombardi Contenders
Kansas City Chiefs (8-0)
Denver Broncos (7-1)
Seattle Seahawks (7-1)
New Orleans Saints (6-1)
San Francisco (6-2)
Cincinnati Bengals (6-2)
New England Patriots (6-2)
Indianapolis Colts (5-2)
Green Bay Packers (5-2)
These are the teams that I feel after eight weeks have the best chance to hoist the Lombardi Trophy in February. However, that could change in the second half of the season. One of these teams could suffer a major injury or even go on a losing streak that keeps them out of the playoffs altogether. It's the NFL and anything can happen. I predicted a Seattle/Denver Super Bowl back in September and I'm sticking with my pick. After watching what the Bengals have done the last four weeks, however, they have as good a chance as any of the teams listed above.
Looking to make a run...
Detroit Lions (5-3)
Carolina Panthers (4-3)
San Diego Chargers (4-3)
Chicago Bears (4-3)
Baltimore Ravens (3-4)
Can you say, wild card? Although the division title is not out of reach, more than likely if any of the teams listed above are to make the playoffs it will probably be via the wild card. From the Lions to the Ravens, these teams have looked great at times this season, but each of them have had a game where you scratch your head and wonder how in the world they lost that game. Consistency will be the key for these five teams in the second half. If they can consistently play well, week in and week out, they'll make the playoffs. If not, they'll be at home on the couch watching TV in January.
 |
| Ryan Tannehill has to play well if the Miami Dolphins are to make the playoffs. (Matt Sullivan/SB Nation) |
Not in it, but not out of it...
Miami Dolphins (3-4)
Arizona Cardinals (4-4)
Tennessee Titans (3-4)
Buffalo Bills (3-5)
Oakland Raiders (3-4)
NY Jets (4-4)
Cleveland Browns (3-5)
St. Louis Rams (3-5)
All of these teams are at or below .500 and are looking up a pretty good team in each of their respective divisions. Being half way through the season, these eight teams aren't out of it by any means, but they need to win some games here soon. To reach the playoffs in the NFL, a team usually has to get to at least nine wins, sometimes even ten to just get a wild card spot. That means that all of them need to win four or five games in the second half of the season. It doesn't seem like a lot, but winning a game in the NFL is one of the hardest things to do in sports.
C'mon NFC East!
Dallas Cowboys (4-4)
Philadelphia Eagles (3-5)
Washington Redskins (2-5)
NY Giants (2-6)
The NFC East use to be one of the best divisions in football, not anymore. One of these teams will win the division, but neither of them deserves it. The Cowboys, Giants, Redskins and Eagles have all been disappointments this season and as of right now, none of them are worthy of being named NFC East division champions. I think Dallas has the best chance right now to win the division, but with the way the season is going anyone could walk away with the title and will probably do so with a .500 record or worse.
Playoff contenders to complete disasters...
Atlanta Falcons (2-5)
Houston Texans (2-5)
Pittsburgh Steelers (2-5)
Coming into 2013, you could argue and that Houston and Atlanta were two of the favorites to reach the Super Bowl. Both were coming of division championships and both won a playoff game last season. The Falcons were just one game away from the Super Bowl before the San Francisco 49ers came back to win the NFC Championship in Atlanta. As for the Steelers, they have been the definition of consistency. Pittsburgh seems to be in it every single season since the "Steel Curtain" back in the 1970's. Now, after seven games, all three look like they need to rebuild in order to return to where they once were.
Playing for 2014...
Minnesota Vikings (1-6)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-7)
Jacksonville Jaguars (0-8)
The problem with these teams is that neither of them have a franchise quarterback. In the NFL, you need a franchise quarterback in order to win, especially if you want to a Super Bowl. Until Tampa Bay, Jacksonville and Minnesota find that franchise quarterback, they won't be winning very many games.
Week 9 Picks (Home team in CAPS)
Bengals over DOLPHINS: Isn't it fitting that Bengals orange and black will take the field on Halloween night? I doubt that was the NFL's intention when the schedule was made, nonetheless, the Dolphins were probably frighten this week when they looked at the Bengals film against the Jets. Cincinnati scored 49 points and dominated the Jets in every facet of the game. Quarterback Andy Dalton was sensational once again throwing for 325 yards and five touchdowns, four of which to WR Marvin Jones. Over the past three games -- all Bengals wins -- Dalton has thrown for 1,034 yards and 11 touchdowns while completing 66.3% of his passes. "Holy Crap!"
 |
| Marvin Jones was on the receiving end of four of Andy Dalton's five touchdowns passes against the Jets. (David Kohl/AP) |
Although the Bengals won their game against the Jets by 40 points, they were hit hard by injuries, especially on defense. Safety Taylor Mays was lost for the season with a dislocated shoulder, linebacker Rey Maualuga suffered a concussion and an MCL sprain and will be out 3-4 weeks. Maualuga's replacement, Michael Boley, was also injured along with defensive end Wallace Gilberry. The injuries didn't stop on the offensive side of the ball. Tackle Andrew Whitworth tweaked a knee and receiver Mohammed Sanu suffered a shoulder injury. Both players along with Boley and Gilberry are questionable for Halloween night against the Dolphins.
Despite the injuries, if Andy Dalton continues to play like he has the past three weeks then the Bengals will win this game. Andy is playing the best football of his young career and if he can sustain this type of play along with the play of the Cincinnati defense, then the Bengals might just have one of the best teams in the league. One capable of winning the Super Bowl. Bengals 27, Dolphins 14.
Kansas City over BUFFALO: As long as the Chiefs don't look two weeks ahead to their matchup with the Denver Broncos, they will win this game and stay undefeated.
DALLAS over Minnesota: The Cowboys may have one of the worst defenses in the NFL -- see Calvin Johnson's 329 yards receiving last week -- but the good news is they don't face Megatron this week. Dallas gets the win over a bad Minnesota team.
ST. LOUIS over Tennessee: The Rams defense was impressive last week against the Seahawks giving up only 14 points and 139 yards of offense while sacking QB Russell Wilson seven times. Tennessee has the better team, but I think the St. Louis defense will have another great performance that will lead to a win.
New Orleans over NY JETS: Geno Smith and the Jets performance against the Bengals last week was in one word, appalling. If the Jets play as bad as they did last week then Drew Brees and the Saints might score 60.
San Diego over WASHINGTON: It looked like the Redskins were going to pull the upset and hand Peyton Manning and the Broncos their second loss of the season last Sunday, but allowing 31 points in the fourth quarter ended any chance of an upset. Washington is not having the season that everyone thought they would have after last year's success and I'm afraid they will suffer another loss this Sunday against the Chargers.
CAROLINA over Atlanta: I keep picking the Falcons to win, but they just aren't the same football team as they were a year ago. Carolina wins.
OAKLAND over Philadelphia: Michael Vick is hurt again, so Nick Foles will be starting at quarterback for the Eagles after missing last week's game with a concussion. The Raiders may be 3-4, but they are tough to be beat at home and I think they'll win on Sunday.
SEATTLE over Tampa Bay: Seattle struggled Monday night against St. Louis, but they walked out of there with the one thing that matters, a win. The Seahawks now return home where they have the greatest home field advantage in the NFL, so good luck to Greg Schiano and the winless Buccaneers.
Baltimore over CLEVELAND: Both of these teams need a win to try and keep up with not only the Bengals, but keep pace in the wild card race as well. Cleveland played pretty well in Kansas City last week and I think they will give Baltimore a game. The Ravens, however, will prevail in a close one.
NEW ENGLAND over Pittsburgh: It's been a rough year for the Steelers and things won't get any easier as the travel to Foxborough to take on the Patriots. Pittsburgh will give New England a game, but the Patriots should get the win.
Indianapolis over HOUSTON: Case Keenum, not Matt Schaub, will be lining up under center Sunday night against the Colts. Schaub says he is ready to play after been injured with a knee injury, but the Texans are going with Keenum which basically means one thing, they are throwing in the towel.
GREEN BAY over Chicago: This would be a great game if Bears' QB Jay Cutler were playing, but he's not. Even with a depleted receiving core, Aaron Rodgers and the Packers will win on Monday night.
Bye: Denver, Detroit, NY Giants, Arizona, San Francisco, Jacksonville
Last Week: 10-3
Overall: 81-39
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