This week's big mathups, plus: the first edition of "Lysol Picks The Winners!"
1. Carolina at Baltimore.
This is a tough one. Baltimore only won six games last season, but all of them were at home. Ray Lewis is a tough guy to play on his own turf, apparently. McAlister vs. Steve Smith may decide this, but another big question is whether DeShaun Foster can carry the load for a full game by himself. He is literally the only back they have that is healthy. But I think Carolina needs this one more, and they won't let Baltimore get in the end zone. Matt Stover carries them as far as he can. Carolina 13, Baltimore 12.
2. New York Giants at Atlanta. Atlanta is on their home track, and if John Abraham plays they may be too tough for the Giants. Look on the other side: Atlanta has a couple of banged up lineman. If they take out Vick ... oh wait, Matt Schaub is a better passer. They would be trading a perpetual running threat for a pocket passer. Either way, Atlanta beats New York. Atlanta 23, N.Y. Giants 16.
3. Philadelphia at New Orleans. Somebody commented on my last article that I should have Philly higher. Well, this is the game that they earn it. I don't see New Orleans being able to get much going against Philly offensively, and they won't be able to hold them to under thirty. The Saints' weakness is their run defense, and that means a lot will ride on Brian Westbrook. But if Philly doesn't win ... Philadelphia 30, New Orleans 17.
4. Seattle at St. Louis. As a Niners fan, I wish they could both lose. I'm torn: The Niners have a better chance of catching St. Louis, but a loss by Seattle increases the value of St Louis' sole loss versus the Niners. St Louis is winning the battle of turnovers, Seattle's second best wide receiver is hurt, their running back and left guard out. I don't trust a team that's leading receiver is Darrell Jackson. Stephen Jackson gets 150 yards and St. Louis eeks out an ugly, turnover ridden game that has Seattle committng at least three of them. St. Louis 37, Seattle 31.
5. Kansas City at Pittsburgh. I checked Pittsburgh's schedule and they have four games that they should win and at least five that quite frankly, they should lose. That leaves them 5-8 with three games in the swing: this one, Atlanta and New Orleans. If they want to get in the playoffs they have to win these swing games and at least one or two of the hard ones against playoff opponents that would crush the Steelers that have shown up so far. Kansas City is limping (we may see quite a bit of Dee Brown this weekend) and Damon Huard faces an intimidating defense that is better than any other he's faced as a starter. Steelers get a defensive touchdown that proves to be the difference. Pittsburgh 20, Kansas City 17.
1. Carolina at Baltimore.
This is a tough one. Baltimore only won six games last season, but all of them were at home. Ray Lewis is a tough guy to play on his own turf, apparently. McAlister vs. Steve Smith may decide this, but another big question is whether DeShaun Foster can carry the load for a full game by himself. He is literally the only back they have that is healthy. But I think Carolina needs this one more, and they won't let Baltimore get in the end zone. Matt Stover carries them as far as he can. Carolina 13, Baltimore 12.
2. New York Giants at Atlanta. Atlanta is on their home track, and if John Abraham plays they may be too tough for the Giants. Look on the other side: Atlanta has a couple of banged up lineman. If they take out Vick ... oh wait, Matt Schaub is a better passer. They would be trading a perpetual running threat for a pocket passer. Either way, Atlanta beats New York. Atlanta 23, N.Y. Giants 16.
3. Philadelphia at New Orleans. Somebody commented on my last article that I should have Philly higher. Well, this is the game that they earn it. I don't see New Orleans being able to get much going against Philly offensively, and they won't be able to hold them to under thirty. The Saints' weakness is their run defense, and that means a lot will ride on Brian Westbrook. But if Philly doesn't win ... Philadelphia 30, New Orleans 17.
4. Seattle at St. Louis. As a Niners fan, I wish they could both lose. I'm torn: The Niners have a better chance of catching St. Louis, but a loss by Seattle increases the value of St Louis' sole loss versus the Niners. St Louis is winning the battle of turnovers, Seattle's second best wide receiver is hurt, their running back and left guard out. I don't trust a team that's leading receiver is Darrell Jackson. Stephen Jackson gets 150 yards and St. Louis eeks out an ugly, turnover ridden game that has Seattle committng at least three of them. St. Louis 37, Seattle 31.
5. Kansas City at Pittsburgh. I checked Pittsburgh's schedule and they have four games that they should win and at least five that quite frankly, they should lose. That leaves them 5-8 with three games in the swing: this one, Atlanta and New Orleans. If they want to get in the playoffs they have to win these swing games and at least one or two of the hard ones against playoff opponents that would crush the Steelers that have shown up so far. Kansas City is limping (we may see quite a bit of Dee Brown this weekend) and Damon Huard faces an intimidating defense that is better than any other he's faced as a starter. Steelers get a defensive touchdown that proves to be the difference. Pittsburgh 20, Kansas City 17.
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