NFL Teams That Will Ride Home Field Advantage to an Upset

The NFL is a peculiar league in that any team can win on any given Sunday. It's true when they say America loves the underdog. 

We have several exciting matchups on the board. A rematch of the 2011 NFC Conference Championship game anyone?

How about the undefeated Houston Texans facing off against a desperate 2-3 Green Bay Packers? 

Will Tim Tebow get his first start? 

How about the unusual amount of season-ending injuries that have occurred thus far?

The point: anything can happen in the NFL. 

Maybe I am saying this to soften the blow on some of my upset picks. Either way, we'll find out this Sunday. 

Without further ado, here are three home teams who will pull out an upset:

Minnesota Vikings vs. Washington Redskins

With or without Robert Griffin III, the Redskins will ride the arm of one of their rookie quarterbacks. 

Rex Grossman may get the start, but I suspect coach Mike Shanahan will go with rookie quarterback Kirk Cousins if fellow rookie Robert Griffin III sits out. 

According to reports, however, RGIII is expected to play against the Minnesota Vikings this Sunday. If true, I expect the Redskins to win comfortably. 

Looking at the statistics, the Vikings have the Redskins beat in key defensive categories.

Defensively, the Vikings are ranked sixth against the rush and seventh in total defense. 

The Redskins have been putrid at times on the defensive side, especially against the pass.

Injuries have mounted for the Redskins, but their play on defense is inexcusable. Nevertheless, the Redskins have survived, mainly because of RGIII's brilliance. 

At home, RGIII has been phenomenal. Can the Vikings' offense keep up with Redskins' offense on the road?

While I love the improved play of quarterback Christian Ponder, my bets are on the home team. 

Washington Redskins 31, Minnesota Vikings 21

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns

Despite adding key pieces in the draft, the Cleveland Browns are still the team we all love to hate. 

At 0-5, the Browns are still looking for their first win of the regular season. They may in fact get their first win this Sunday against an inconsistent Cincinnati Bengals team. 

The Browns were close against the New York Giants in Week 5, before Eli Manning and Victor Cruz lit up the skies. Don't forget that Ahmad Bradshaw single-handedly ran for 200 yards rushing—if it wasn't pathetic enough for the Browns. 

The Browns' 27th ranked rushing defense will have an easier time against a non-existent Bengals running attack, however.  

Still, I expect a shootout in this game. Brandon Weeden showed progress last week, and I expect him to build on that performance this week against the Bengals at home.  

Cleveland Browns 31, Cincinnati Bengals 27

New England Patriots vs. Seattle Seahawks

The New England Patriots will try to take their explosive aerial attack on the road against a stingy Seahawks defense. 

Tom Brady and this New England Patriots offense have been firing on all cylinders, especially in the last two games. 

This has always been a high powered passing attack, but what has caught headlines is the Patriots' run game. 

Stevan Ridley and Brandon Bolden have turned into a formidable duo for the Patriots. Ridley is ranked fifth in rushing, while Bolden is averaging 5.6 yards per carry. 

This scary Patriots offense will now face an even scarier Seahawks defense. 

The Seahawks—and the NFC West in general—have dominated on defense. We all know about the San Francisco 49ers, but the Seahawks are making a name for themselves in 2012. 

Despite a subpar offense, the Seahawks are ranked fourth against the pass and first in total defense. 

So, the Patriots must run the ball?

That wouldn't be a good idea. The Seahawks are ranked fourth against the run. 

I haven't even mentioned how good the Seahawks play at home. 

Go with the Seahawks for the upset. 

Seattle Seahawks 17, New England Patriots 14