Mattie T’s Week 8 Predictions of the 2007 NFL Season

Gonna keep this short also since i was dealing with computer problems for a good majority of the week.

Week 7: 11-3

Overall: 69-34 (.670)

(6-0) Indianapolis vs. (4-2) Carolina

Could very well be a trap game for the Colts with a huge showdown looming next weekend against New England. However, i think that Tony Dungy’s team will remain focused & put this scrappy Panthers team (who has started 3 different quarterbacks so far this season) away in the 2nd half.
Mattie T’s Prediction:

(4-2) Detroit vs. (3-4) Chicago

I know the Bears want some revenge over the embarassing 34 point fourth quarter they allowed to these same Lions back in Week 4 at Detroit. I wouldn’t be surprised if Kevin Jones has a big game on what suddenly looks to be a shaky Chicago run defense. But in the end, the Bears’ defensive front four will be pressuring Jon Kitna all day, who is prone to making quite a few mistakes. Plus to mention that Detroit has been absolutely terrible this season on the road, being outscored 90-24 over their last 2 losses away from Ford Field.
Mattie T’s Prediction:

(4-2) Pittsburgh vs. (2-4) Cincinnati

The Bengals’ defense is a mess right now & the Steelers still have to be mad about their play during their Sunday night loss to Denver. Things might get ugly for the home team here.

Mattie T’s Prediction:

(5-2) N.Y. Giants vs. (0-7) Miami

I hope the London faithful that will attend Sunday’s game at Wembley Stadium aren’t too disappointed if the Giants put this game away at halftime. With no Zach Thomas on defense, Brandon Jacobs could have himself a career day rushing.

Mattie T’s Prediction:

(2-4) Philadelphia vs. (2-4) Minnesota

Minus the Detroit game, Philadephia is only averaging 12 PPG offensively & have scored a total of 2 touchdowns over their first 3 road games. I think Minnesota is better than what their record shows, since all 4 of their losses were by 10 points or less. Donovan McNabb might be unbeaten against the Vikings for his career, but that will change on Sunday.

Mattie T’s Prediction:

(3-3) Cleveland vs. (0-7) St. Louis

This is one of the few games i think the Rams can win. Dating back to November of 2006, the Browns have lost their last 5 road games & have allowed 30 PPG in 2 road games this season. It’s clear to see that the Rams have played better at home this season despite the winless record (losing margin at home is 6 PPG) compared to on the road (losing margin on road is 23.8 PPG).

Having Steven Jackson back should help tremendously also.

Mattie T’s Prediction:

(2-4) Oakland vs. (4-2) Tennessee

The Titans were able to pull off a wild win last weekend in Houston in which they blew a 25 point 4th quarter lead before Kerry Collins’ final drive led to a game-winning FG by Rob Bironas, who set an NFL record with 8 successful attempts in a single game.

This week shouldn’t provide too much drama against an Oakland defense that cannot stop the run. Pound the ball with LenDale White early & often and the results will be very good.

Mattie T’s Prediction:

(2-4) Buffalo vs. (1-6) N.Y. Jets

Now that Trent Edwards has officially been named the starter, he will try to lead the Bills a step closer towards the .500 mark after an 0-3 start. The Jets have been very disappointing this season, with their only win coming against a Miami team that is still seeking its’ 1st victory of 2007.

Whatever magic that Eric Mangini & the Jets had from their playoff run in 2006 is gone & so is their season after Sunday.

Mattie T’s Prediction:

(3-4) Houston vs. (3-3) San Diego

The Chargers’ offense is starting to click at the right time (69 points over last 2 games, both wins) & will face a Texans’ defense that has allowed 75 points over their last 2 games (both losses.) This one could get ugly folks.

Mattie T’s Prediction:

(4-2) Jacksonville vs. (4-3) Tampa Bay

What are Jacksonville’s chances to win this game? Injured QB David Garrard has no interceptions in 148 pass attempts. Backup & Week 7 starter Quinn Gray managed to throw 2 interceptions in just 24 pass attempts. However, the Jaguars’ defense has held opponents to just 10.5 PPG on the road this season while the Buccaneers’ have seen their weekly point totals at home dwindle in all 3 games.

This one should be a close low-scoring contest & whoever scores the 1st touchdown will most likely win the game.

Mattie T’s Prediction:

(4-2) Washington vs. (7-0) New England

This could also be a trap game for New England, but Washington does not have the type of offense that is built for shootouts. The Patriots also do a great job of shutting down the opposing team’s tight end which is bad news for Chris Cooley, who is tied among Jason Witten for the NFC lead in touchdowns among tight ends.

Mattie T’s Prediction:

(2-4) New Orleans vs. (2-4) San Francisco

Despite their Week 6 win over Seattle, the Saints’ defense has allowed 29.7 PPG this season on the road.

I think that former Saint Michael Lewis will come back to haunt his old team on Sunday in what looks to be a close game. But the return of Alex Smith should help tremendously & provide a “break-out” offensive performance from the 49ers.

Mattie T’s Prediction:

(5-1) Green Bay vs. (3-3) Denver

Even though the Packers are coming off a bye week, Brett Favre & the team has not fared historically very well on Monday night.

Favre hasn’t won a Monday night game since September of 2004 (5 straight losses) & has never won a game in Denver despite playing in his 17th NFL season.

The Broncos impressed me by putting up a season-high 31 points against Pittsburgh’s stingy defense (allowing just 13 PPG, leads NFL) & forcing Ben Roethlisberger into some mistakes despite missing their entire starting secondary in Champ Bailey & Dre Bly.

Denver’s Monday night dominance (have won 10 of last 13 MNF home apperances) at Invesco Field will continue this week.

Mattie T’s Prediction:

Am off to Eastern Illinois University early tomorrow morning, so i hope everyone has a great weekend!

Until then,

Mattie T

Sports Writer for BMS Radio Chicago

www.BMSRadio.com

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