NFL Week 9 Predictions: Can the Colts Survive the Return of Michael Vick?
The potential NFL picks Week 9 brings to the table is wrapped in some potentially thrilling clashes. From divisional rivals battling for first place to some intriguing upsets brewing across the country, there are exciting games across the board.
In Philadelphia, though, we have what could be the matchup of the week, as the Indianapolis Colts take on the Philadelphia Eagles. Philly sees quarterback Michael Vick return to its lineup after missing several weeks with a rib cartilage injury, and he gives the offense a huge boost.
Vick is still one of the most dynamic playmakers in football, and with Indianapolis' shoddy defense, it remains to be seen whether the Colts can contain him.
But Indy's got an offensive mismatch as well, as Philadelphia's defense has struggled to stop anyone in 2010. Can the Colts' offense keep up with the Eagles? Or will Vick be too much for them to handle?
Let's find out as we break down every matchup from a potentially thrilling weekend of football.
Chicago Bears @ Buffalo Bills, 1:00 P.M. EST, FOX
1 of 13
The Lowdown: The Bills try to nab their first win of the season against a Bears team that has slumped badly in recent weeks. Chicago tries to get its season back on track at the Rogers Centre in Toronto.
Why Chicago Will Win: The Bears offense has been stellar at times in 2010, and the Buffalo defense is extremely conducive to helping teams get back on track. Jay Cutler has the arm to beat the Bills over the top, and Matt Forte can slash over the middle to catch short throws as well. The defense should put a stop to the high-octane antics of Buffalo's offense in recent weeks.
Why Buffalo Will Win: The Bills' offense is better than it's been since Doug Flutie was under center. Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick is coming into his own, and he has the arm to make the Bears pay for their vulnerability deep. Buffalo's played almost everyone close in 2010, and that gives them a puncher's chance in this one.
Who’s the Pick: Chicago 24, Buffalo 21. The Bears escape the Rogers Centre with a victory, but it's going to be a lot closer than they'd like.
New England Patriots @ Cleveland Browns, 1:00 P.M. EST, CBS
2 of 13
The Lowdown: The Patriots look to continue their run of recent success when they head to the banks of Lake Erie to face the Browns. Cleveland's played most of its opponents hard, and they're not quite out of the playoff picture yet. They need an upset here to stay alive.
Why Cleveland Will Win: The Browns are capable of winning this game behind running back Peyton Hillis. Rookie quarterback Colt McCoy should find some success against a Patriots secondary that's been burned by almost everyone in the league, and the defense is good enough to keep them in it.
Why New England Will Win: The Patriots offense has been solid since trading wideout Randy Moss, led by quarterback Tom Brady. Talent-wise, this one isn't close; New England should win this going away. The running game is improving, and the defense is just good enough to give the Pats' offense enough of a cushion to work with.
Who’s the Pick: New England 31, Cleveland 21. The Browns just don't have enough talent to pull it out.
New Orleans Saints @ Carolina Panthers, 1:00 P.M. EST, FOX
3 of 13
The Lowdown: The Saints look to have rebounded from their early season struggles, knocking off a tough Steelers team in Week 8. But Carolina matches up well with New Orleans, and the Panthers' run game could help them snag the upset.
Why New Orleans Will Win: The Saints offense has enough weapons to drop 50 on the Panthers, run game or no run game. Drew Brees is fully capable of slicing and dicing the Carolina secondary all game long, and with no passing game to worry about, the Saints' defense can focus on shutting down the run.
Why Carolina Will Win: The Panthers have a strong run game, and New Orleans' defense struggles to stop ground-based offenses. If the defense can keep Brees reined in, they could stage the upset.
Who’s the Pick: New Orleans 35, Carolina 17. No way do the Panthers keep up with or beat the Saints this week. New Orleans' offense is clicking, and the defense is making progress.
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Arizona Cardinals @ Minnesota Vikings, 1:00 P.M. EST, FOX
4 of 13
The Lowdown: The Vikings look to salvage what's left of their season at home against the Cardinals. Minnesota had Super Bowl hopes coming into 2010, but a 2-5 start derailed those chances. The Cardinals are still in the playoff hunt at 3-4, but they've struggled offensively and defensively all season long.
Why Arizona Will Win: Minnesota's team is rattled right now, with quarterback Brett Favre beaten up and the Randy Moss era coming to an abrupt end. The Cardinals offense has weapons, like wideout Larry Fitzgerald and running back Beanie Wells. If the defense can keep Adrian Peterson hemmed in, they could snag a victory here.
Why Minnesota Will Win: Arizona's offense has been terrible against decent defensive teams, and their defense can't stop anyone. Peterson is perfectly healthy, and against the Cardinals defense, they don't need to throw the ball to win. The Vikings defense will abuse Max Hall and/or Derek Anderson all game long.
Who’s the Pick: Minnesota 27, Arizona 10.
San Diego Chargers @ Houston Texans, 1:00 P.M. EST, CBS
5 of 13
The Lowdown: San Diego looks to keep its momentum going after last week's win over Tennessee but gets a stern test in Houston. The Texans are trying to right the ship after last week's dispiriting loss to Indianapolis, and they have the weapons to do it.
Why San Diego Will Win: San Diego's offense is one of the league's best, and the Texans' defense is one of the league's worst, particularly against the pass. Philip Rivers will light up Houston's secondary, even if Antonio Gates plays this game on crutches. The Chargers defense is excellent and doesn't give up a ton of yards, even to explosive teams like the Texans.
Why Houston Will Win: San Diego's defense might be good, but there's a reason they're 3-5. Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson will abuse the Chargers' secondary, thanks to the balance brought to the offense by running back Arian Foster. If it turns into a shootout, Houston's offense is better than San Diego's.
Who’s the Pick: Houston 35, San Diego 28. The Chargers need some of their wideouts back, because with Gates' injury troubles, he can't do it alone anymore.
New York Jets @ Detroit Lions, 1:00 P.M. EST, CBS
6 of 13
The Lowdown: The Jets come into this matchup needing to make up a game in the AFC East to keep pace with the Patriots. But they'll get a stern test from a Detroit team whose offense is capable of blowing opponents out of Ford Field.
Why New York Will Win: The Jets' defense is capable of neutralizing the Lions offense, thanks to a top-ranked run defense and a pass defense getting back up to speed now that Darrelle Revis is healthy. The Lions' defense is atrocious, and New York should have no trouble scoring with running back LaDainian Tomlinson.
Why Detroit Will Win: The Jets' pass defense hasn't looked great for much of 2010, and with quarterback Matthew Stafford back under center, the Lions' offense is firing on all cylinders. The offense gives them a puncher's chance, and if the defense can keep them in the game, anything can happen.
Who’s the Pick: Detroit 24, New York Jets 21. The Lions score a major upset here, and the Jets fall further back in the AFC East.
Miami Dolphins @ Baltimore Ravens, 1:00 P.M. EST, CBS
7 of 13
The Lowdown: Miami has lost to three of the better teams in football this season but is still in the playoff hunt. A win would give them a massive boost. For Baltimore, this game could be the chance to jump into sole possession of first place in the AFC North.
Why Baltimore Will Win: The Ravens' offense is clicking right now, with Ray Rice racking up yards on the ground and Joe Flacco and Anquan Boldin developing a connection that's looked excellent all season long. The run defense can close down shop, and in Ed Reed's second game back from injury, the Ravens' secondary should be much improved. Miami's defense isn't as good as they seem, and the Flacco-Boldin combo will give the Dolphins fits.
Why Miami Will Win: The Dolphins' pass game is slowly coming together, and Baltimore has been lit up by opponents through the air on occasion this season. The run defense can lock down Rice, and the Ravens' other wideouts don't pose a serious threat. If running backs Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams find room to work, Miami could snag a win.
Who’s the Pick: Baltimore 31, Miami 21. Miami's defense can't contain Baltimore's offense, and the Dolphins just can't keep pace.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Atlanta Falcons, 1:00 P.M. EST, FOX
8 of 13
The Lowdown: The Buccaneers have been one of the NFL's surprises in 2010 and currently sit tied with Atlanta for the division crown. But Tampa's not getting much respect and needs a marquee win. For Atlanta, a win helps its case as the best team in the NFC right now and gives the Falcons sole possession of first in the NFC South.
Why Tampa Will Win: The Bucs offense looked pretty good last week, and the Falcons' pass defense is somewhat vulnerable. The defense does just enough to get victories and loves forcing turnovers. If the pass rush improves, they could easily knock off Atlanta. LeGarrette Blount's presence brings a much-needed balance offensively and makes them that much tougher to beat.
Why Atlanta Will Win: The Falcons' offense is balanced and clicking, and Tampa's defense has given up big plays all season long. The pass defense isn't awful, and the run defense has been solid all season. Talent-wise, this game is Atlanta's to lose, and the Falcons get a boost from playing at home.
Who’s the Pick: Atlanta 27, Tampa Bay 24. The Falcons are just a little too much for the Bucs, who don't have the talent to compete.
New York Giants @ Seattle Seahawks, 4:05 P.M. EST, FOX
9 of 13
The Lowdown: New York is the NFC's hottest team, having ripped off four straight wins after starting the season 1-2. A win helps keep them in front in the NFC East. For Seattle, a win keeps them in the driver's seat in the NFC West and helps gain them respect.
Why New York Will Win: On paper, this one shouldn't be close. The Giants are better offensively and defensively. Running back Ahmad Bradshaw should run wild on Seattle's defense, and quarterback Eli Manning should pick apart the secondary with ease. The Seahawks lack the offensive weapons to keep up with New York, and the Giants' defense has been formidable all year long.
Why Seattle Will Win: The Seahawks are a much different team at home than they are on the road, and the Giants are making a cross-country flight for this one. The Seahawks' defense is ball-hawking, and Manning is prone to throw interceptions.
Who’s the Pick: Seattle 21, New York Giants 20. Seattle scores a major upset at home in this one.
Kansas City Chiefs @ Oakland Raiders, 4:15 P.M. EST, CBS
10 of 13
The Lowdown: The Chiefs and Raiders are two of the most shocking teams in the NFL this season, and they sit 1-2 in the AFC West. This game will go a long way towards determining who wins the division.
Why Kansas City Will Win: The Chiefs play smashmouth football, and the Raiders' run defense is one of the most porous in all of football. Kansas City's defense can shut down Oakland's spotty pass game, and in a battle between running games, the Chiefs come out on top.
Why Oakland Will Win: Behind Darren McFadden and Michael Bush, Oakland's offense has been excellent in 2010. The Chiefs seem poised for a fall in this one and have yet to beat anyone of consequence.
Who’s the Pick: Kansas City 21, Oakland 14. The Chiefs' hot run continues behind running backs Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones.
Indianapolis Colts @ Philadelphia Eagles, 4:15 P.M. EST, CBS
11 of 13
The Lowdown: Can the Colts stop Michael Vick and LeSean McCoy? Can Philly's defense stop anyone? This one could be a gunfight and is arguably the most exciting matchup on the schedule.
Why Indianapolis Will Win: The Colts' defense has been solid against the pass in 2010, and their offense should have no trouble slicing and dicing the Eagles' high-risk, high-reward secondary. Quarterback Peyton Manning can make plays without his best wideouts, and if anyone is healthy, the run game will find success. Philly's offense can't keep up with Indy's if things turn into a shootout.
Why Philadelphia Will Win: The Eagles' offense is potent, particularly running the ball, and Indy's defense is banged up and soft against the run. If Philly's defense can get rolling, this one could be a laugher. The Eagles also get the benefit of playing at home, so you can expect Peyton and his new wideouts to have difficulty communicating. Vick will eviscerate the Colts' defense by himself, and McCoy is just icing on the cake.
Who’s the Pick: Indianapolis 35, Philadelphia 31. The Colts squeak out a win thanks to their offense.
Dallas Cowboys @ Green Bay Packers, 8:20 PM EST, NBC
12 of 13
The Lowdown: The Packers are looking to build their lead in the NFC North and get a Cowboys team that is reeling after a 1-6 start to 2010. Dallas looks to play spoiler, and they still have the talent to do it.
Why Dallas Will Win: The Packers are beaten up, and their offense isn't nearly as potent as it should be. The Dallas offense found some success with Jon Kitna last week, and if they get some help on the defensive side of the ball, they might pull the upset.
Why Green Bay Will Win: The Packers offense is still capable of lighting up the Cowboys' vulnerable secondary, and Green Bay's defense is one of the league's best. Dallas is reeling right now, and the chances of them pulling the upset at Lambeau Field are slim to none.
Who’s the Pick: Green Bay 35, Dallas 17. This one's a laugher. The Cowboys' downward spiral continues.
Pittsburgh Steelers @ Cincinnati Bengals, Monday, 8:30 P.M EST, ESPN
13 of 13
The Lowdown: The Bengals are reeling after four straight losses, and their defense has been decimated by injury. But the Bengals aren't out of the playoff picture yet, and a win puts them back in play in the AFC North. For the Steelers, a win helps them keep pace with Baltimore and rebound from a disappointing loss to New Orleans last week.
Why Pittsburgh Will Win: The Steelers are the better team in this one. Their defense will hound Carson Palmer all day, and their offense should blast through the Bengals' injury-depleted defense.
Why Cincinnati Will Win: The offense showed signs of life against Miami last week, and the Bengals are a tough out at home. Crazy things have happened throughout this rivalry's history, and we saw last week that the Steelers' offense isn't as potent as we thought.
Who’s the Pick: Cincinnati 24, Pittsburgh 21. The Bengals pull the shocker thanks to a pass defense that finds itself just in time.
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