Miselis Edition: Week Nine NFL Predictions
Here are week nine NFL predictions, Miselis style. Note: These predictions are not based on the spread, but simply as to who will win the game.
As the NFL season hits the second Sunday in November, we have some intriguing division matchups, along with a few must win games this weekend. Before the predictions starts, here are my automatics:
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One of the more crucial match ups of NFC teams, this needs to be a must win for both sides. Arizona comes into Chicago with a disappointed loss over Carolina. Six turnovers for Warner? Chicago enters Soldier Field with a win over the Browns, but is still in need of a win with the NFC playoff race getting tougher.
The Bears defense held the lowly Browns to six points last game, even with Cutler not playing to his potential. Warner will need to put his last game behind him, and enters a hostile environment in Chicago. Devin Hester will need to be Cutler's man against a Cardinals team that is one of the best against the run. Anquan Boldin will need to have a solid game as well, in order for Fitzgerald to avoid double teams.
Final Verdict: The Cardinals are the favorite for many heading into the game, but with the game at Chicago, the Bears are a difficult team to beat on their turf.
Prediction: Chicago 24 Arizona 23
Baltimore @ Cincinnati 1.00 PM on CBS
Just about a month ago, the Cincinnati Bengals shocked the Ravens in Baltimore within the final seconds. Coming off a huge victory over no longer undefeated Denver, the Ravens head to Paul Brown Stadium to face a rested Bengals team. The defense was much improved for the Ravens, and will have to continue that success against Carson Palmer, who has been most successful against Baltimore.
Rookie Laudarius Webb was a factor through special teams, along on the defensive side against the fast Denver receivers. He will need the same impact in tomorrow’s matchup. Maybe this point means nothing, but is it interesting that the Bengals two losses have come at home against teams with winning records.
Joe Flacco is poised for a better game, as stats show he is much better on the road.
Cedric Benson, who had a field day against Baltimore in the first meeting, will have to continue the success if Cinci has a chance. Carson Palmer should have a pretty good day, but will the Ravens defense make careless mistakes in the final minutes like they did last time?
Final Verdict: Another must win game for the Ravens. They know how much a win against a tough division opponent is, and for now, they get the nod.
Prediction: Baltimore 24 Cincinnati 21
Houston @ Indianapolis 1.00 PM on CBS
A division rivalry renewed. The two best teams in the AFC South face off, with what should be a high scoring affair. Indianapolis avoids the upset against San Francisco, but has faced the injury bug this week in the secondary indefinitely, specifically Bob Sanders.
Matt Schuabb and Andre Johnson will certainly have a big connection, with the Colts secondary depleted. However, who’s to say Peyton Manning won't be successful against a young defense like the Texans?
Dallas Clark will need to be a factor as he normally is, specifically a touchdown reception to lay the pressure off of Reggie Wayne.
Final Verdict: I really want to pick the upset here, but knowing Peyton Manning, he can overcome anything in the regular season.
Prediction: Indianapolis 28 Houston 27
Miami @ New England 1.00 PM CBS
The Dolphins come to face New England for the first time this season, coming off their win against the New York Jets. Miami was able to use the Wildcat effectively against New England, which will need to continue this time around.
Tom Brady and company come off the bye week, and had two weeks to prepare for the new improved Dolphins.
Ronnie Brown will need to bounce back after the game against the New York Jets.
The game should be within a ten-point range, yet Randy Moss and Wes Welker are facing two rookie corners. Is trouble bound to happen?
Final Verdict: With Brady being undefeated after the bye week, and the Patriots at home, I'll give New England the advantage.
Prediction: New England 26 Miami 14
Tennessee @ San Francisco 4.15 CBS
Vince Young and the Titans head into San Francisco after winning their first game last week against Jacksonville. On the other side, the 49ers came close of pulling the upset to Indy, but did not have enough offense to do so.
The key match up to watch will be Vince Young against one of the better defenseman in the league, Patrick Willis. Young was solid in his first start last week, but he is facing a 49ers defense that held the Colts to 18 points.
The Titans are one of the worst teams against the pass, which bold well for quarterback Alex Smith.
Final Verdict: Being the disciplinarian Mike Singletary is, it will be tough for the 49ers to lose three straight games. For that, I give them the edge at home.
Prediction: San Francisco 23 Tennessee 13
Former first round draft picks Philip Rivers and Eli Manning face off in a showdown in the Meadowlands. Both teams could use the win, especially the Giants, who have lost three straight to good teams.
Each team’s biggest weakness has been the secondary, which will aid to Rivers and Manning's success.
The difference? The line on both sides of the ball. The Chargers offensive line has been hurt by the injury bug, and is going up against one of the best defensive lines in football. On the other end, the Giants line is one of the better cores in the league, and the Chargers defense has trouble of getting to the quarterback.
Final Verdict: The Giants will not lose their fourth straight game, especially at home. Giants get the victory
Prediction: New York 28 San Diego 20
Dallas @ Philadelphia 8.20 PM on NBC
The clash of the top teams in the NFC East hits Sunday night football. With two convincing wins last week, the Cowboys and Eagles fight for first place supremacy.
Each team has a strength heading into the game. For the Cowboys, it shall be the defensive line, facing an Eagles offensive line that has trouble when facing great deals of pressure.
The Eagles offensive weapons get a slight edge over the Cowboys secondary, which can be vulnerable at times. The game is also taking place at Lincoln Financial Field, also in favor of the Eagles.
Final Verdict: One of the top games of the weekend, the Eagles get the victory being at home with the crowd being a great factor.
Prediction: Philadelphia 28 Dallas 23
Pittsburgh @ Denver 8.30 on ESPN
The NFL week will end with a classic match of two of the top teams in the AFC. The Broncos, coming off their first loss in Baltimore, return home to face another AFC North team: the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Pittsburgh will follow in the footsteps of what their rival did last week: Stop the run, and force Kyle Orton to beat them down the field. For the Broncos, receivers Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal will need to bounce back after being shut down last week.
How shall the Broncos rebound against a Steelers offense that can be potent like the Ravens were last week?
Final Verdict: Both teams have tough schedules ahead, but the Steelers defense will do enough to hold down Denver for another week.
Prediction: Pittsburgh 27 Denver 16
Matt Miselis is an NFL writer for BleacherReport.com. He is also a Baltimore Ravens writer for FanHuddle.com.
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