NFL Games Of The Weekend: Clash of the Titans

You probably are already aware that there are some marquee match-ups with huge playoff implications.  New York and Carolina face off at The Meadowlands, and Pittsburgh travels to Tennessee to try and extend its impressive three-game win streak that has seen them take down three 9-5 teams in a row.

New York vs. Carolina:

Of the two match-ups, this has greater potential to be a close, grind it out game.  While the Giants are struggling and the Panthers are rolling, the two teams are so alike in their gameplan it should prove to be a great game.

The Giants are getting a huge element of their offense back, Brandon Jacobs.  While he is listed as 'questionable' to play, his return to practice Thursday afternoon suggests otherwise. Expect a return to dominance for this offense, as they are not only getting their best weapon back, but their confidence as well.

Ignore the fact that the Giants have not won a home game in December since 2005.  In 2007 they played the eventual 16-0 Patriots, and the Redskins in a game that saw winds comparable to those in the Eagles game this season.  In 2006 they played the Eagles and Saints, both Division Champions that season. 

Combine that with the fact that the 2008 Giants are a different team, and although they have not done well the past two weeks, they are still 11-3 and play with more confidence than in years past.

Carolina was my pick to represent the NFC this preseason and it's looking like I'll be right with the way they are running the football.  They have one of the most underrated defenses in the league (10th overall, 6th scoring) and are playing their best football. 

That being said, I predict a Giants victory this weekend.  The Panthers are a horrendous road team, and have not beaten a team with a winning record on the road.  Jake Delhomme has played questionably all season on the road, even against lowly Oakland.  If the Giants' offense returns to form (which I expect them to), they will pull away in this game.

X-Factor:

Brandon Jacobs.  His return to the Giants' offense is monumental.  He brings a level of confidence that is not measurable on the stat sheet.  I predict a Giants victory 23-17.

Pittsburgh vs. Tennessee:

While most are saying this is going to be a defensive battle and the second best match-up this weekend, I am not of that opinion (give me Dallas-Baltimore). 

Tennessee has too many problems on defense to contend in this game, even though they are playing at home.  Since 2004, the Titans are 3-13 in games that Albert Haynesworth misses; expect nothing less this weekend.  Their entire defense depends on the play of that monster, and it showed against the Texans this last weekend.

When Albert Haynesworth was helped off the field, Steve Slaton began licking his chops.  He torched the Titans defense on the final drive of the game to put it away, and I couldn't help but notice how average the Titans are without the big fella.

On the flip-side, Pittsburgh is coming into Tennessee bursting with confidence.  They have won three straight against New England, Dallas, and Baltimore, all teams with 9-5 records.  No team has had a more impressive three game streak this season.

'Big' Ben Roethlisberger has shown several times this season that when he is called upon to will his team to victory, he will step up to the plate nearly every time.  He has led two straight fourth quarter come from behind drives to win or tie and is carrying the offense on his back.

X-Factor

Willie Parker.  He is key for the Steelers in this game, as they will be unable to stop the run.  I say he goes off for 100+ and the Steelers win 23-10.