Mattie T’s Week 15 Predictions of the 2007 NFL Season

Since the Thursday Night game has already been played, ill omit it from this week’s predictions. Was going to pick Denver by the way, if anyone was interested in knowing.

Week 14: 12-4

Overall: 124-68 (.646)

(5-8) Cincinnati vs. (3-10) San Francisco

This is a game that i feel the 49ers can win. Shaun Hill didn’t look too bad last week while filling in for the injured Trent Dilfer (concussion), who will miss Saturday’s game. Frank Gore has an opportunity tonight to provide his 1st breakout performance all season in front of the home fans against a bad Cincinnati run defense. If Trent Dilfer was starting this game, i’d say that San Francisco has no chance of winning. But Hill will give them a shot at the upset just as long as he limits his number of mistakes.

Mattie T’s Prediction:

(9-4) Seattle vs. (5-8) Carolina

Carolina has had no pass rush all season, so look for Matt Hasselbeck & the Seahawks offense to have another big day offensively. Seattle’s defense seems to be improving every week, so they should be able to tee off on Vinny Testaverde early & often on Sunday.

Mattie T’s Prediction:  

(7-6) Buffalo vs. (8-5) Cleveland

Huge, huge game that will affect the AFC Wild Card picture. A snowstorm is expected for this game, which could shut down Cleveland’s explosive offense. But can the Bills shut down Jamal Lewis? My feeling is no, so the Browns should prevail in a close game.

Mattie T’s Prediction:

(7-6) Tennessee vs. (4-9) Kansas City

Despite losing 4 out of their last 5 games, Tennessee is still in the AFC Wild Card race. This is a must-win game against a Kansas City team that has lost 6 consecutive games.

Lendale White should be able to have a huge game against a porous Chiefs run defense &  the Titans will get a much-needed win to stay in the playoff hunt.

Mattie T’s Prediction: 

(4-9) Baltimore vs. (0-13) Miami

I know the Ravens have to be very upset about their embarassing blowout loss last week to the Colts on Sunday Night Football. Miami on the other hand, will take a win any way they can get it. But Baltimore is great at stopping the run & will bring tons of pressure at Cleo Lemon, who reclaimed the starting quarterback job from John Beck earlier this week. But you know what? The ‘72 Dolphins will be in attendance today in connection with their 35 year reunion. I feel that Miami will play some inspired football & finally get that 1st win of the season. Time for an upset special!

Mattie T’s Prediction:

(3-10) N.Y. Jets vs. (13-0) New England

It’s time for Spygate Part II. Heavy rain & snow is expected for today’s game, but will this shut down New England’s high-powered offense? One thing the Patriots should do today is get their run game going more, because they’ll need it in the playoffs in close games with a 1st down needed to seal the deal. I look for Laurence Maroney to be a little more active than usual today, and of course you can always expect Tom Brady to have a big game. He’s done it against just about every team he’s faced this season.

Mattie T’s Prediction:

(6-7) Arizona vs. (6-7) New Orleans

Huge, huge game concering the NFC Wild Card picture. But the Cardinals are banged up at WR & the Saints have to be still reeling on the way they lost their last home game against Tampa Bay. Look for Drew Brees to have a big game through the air & keep the Saints in the playoff picture.

Mattie T’s Prediction:

(9-4) Jacksonville vs. (9-4) Pittsburgh

Could be a future playoff preview today at Heinz Field. Field conditions might be nasty, so look for the Steelers to run the ball plenty with Willie Parker against a Jaguars defensive front four that is pretty banged up. Troy Polamalu’s return is a huge boost to Pittsburgh’s secondary with the playoffs quickly approaching.

Mattie T’s Prediction:

(11-2) Green Bay vs. (3-10) St. Louis

Might turn into a shootout with Marc Bulger in there, but Green Bay’s solid run defense should be able to contain Steven Jackson. Look for another huge day out of Ryan Grant, who has been one of the NFL’s biggest surprises this season.

Mattie T’s Prediction:

(3-10) Atlanta vs. (8-5) Tampa Bay

The big question here is how will the Falcons play just days after the stunning resignation by Bobby Petrino? Many players are still peeved by Petrino’s move & should play with some extra emotion today. But it won’t be enough to beat a Tampa Bay team that is looking to get a step closer to clinching the NFC South.

Mattie T’s Prediction:

(11-2) Indianapolis vs. (4-9) Oakland

Even though the Colts are banged up, they shouldn’t have any problems beating the Raiders. As everyone knows, Oakland’s run defense has been terrible all season long. Joseph Addai will wreak havoc today & look for Indianapolis to put a lot of points up on the scoreboard.

Mattie T’s Prediction:

(5-8) Philadelphia vs. (12-1) Dallas

The Cowboys embarassed the Eagles earlier this season on prime time & Sunday’s game should be no different. Philadelphia might put their attention on shutting down T.O., similiar to what Detroit did last week. But Jason Witten is having the best season of his career & will feed off the extra attention that Owens should receive.

Mattie T’s Prediction:

(6-7) Detroit vs. (8-5) San Diego

Detroit’s shocking last-second loss to Dallas may have seriously put a blow in their playoff hopes. San Diego saved their season with an impressive comeback win against Tennessee, but will head into Sunday’s game without Shawne Merriman. Look for a lot of LaDainian Tomlinson today to take some pressure off an injured Philip Rivers, who heroically re-entered last week’s game with an ankle injury to lead the Chargers to a come-from-behind victory.

Mattie T’s Prediction:

(6-7) Washington vs. (9-4) N.Y. Giants

Todd Collins did a remarkable job last week against Chicago, but now he has to face the NFL’s top team in sacks & will struggle to get adequate protection from his O-line.  Plaxico Burress provided his best game of the season last week despite an ankle injury & should have his way against a shaky Redskins secondary.

Mattie T’s Prediction:  

(5-8) Chicago vs. (7-6) Minnesota

The Vikings hold their own fate in the NFC Wild Card race & have a healthy Adrian Peterson back for the stretch run. That should be more than enough to beat a Bears team who will have their 3rd different starting quarterback behind center & a run game that has been close to non-existant this season.

Mattie T’s Prediction: 

Until then,

Mattie T

Sports Writer for BMS Radio Chicago

www.BMSRadio.com

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