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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Friday, December 4, 2009

NFL: This week's predictions


By Cam Inman
Contra Costa Times

It’s that time of the week to solve your curiosities beyond Tiger Woods’ secrets. Such as, will the Raiders go down as easy an Orlando fire hydrant, or will the 49ers again hold their ground like a neighbor’s oak tree?

In a perfect world, the following Week 13 picks would result in a 16-0 record. If they don’t, please erase all messages pertaining to these regretful transgressions and/or prognostications.
STEELERS 26, RAIDERS 10: The only billboard that can irk Al Davis is the familiar one portraying his Raiders with fewer points than their opponent in the final score. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin goes 1-for-1 on his vow that his club will “unleash hell here in December.” Freezing temperatures were predicted for game time in hell, or Pittsburgh, if you prefer.
49ERS 23, SEAHAWKS 20: For the third time in four years, the 49ers prevail at Qwest Field, setting up a “Monday Night Football” showdown next week vs. the Arizona Cardinals. Rather than risk predictability, the 49ers send their passing game back into the closet and Frank Gore into the forefront.

SAINTS 29, REDSKINS 13: The Saints defense (league-best 22 interceptions) might be the only one capable of matching the Saints offense (league-best 45 touchdowns). Their unbeaten record survives this letdown game in the wake of routing New England.
FALCONS 27, EAGLES 26: Michael Vick’s return to the Georgia Dome is overshadowed by the unlikely heroism from Falcons starter Chris Redman, who wins a second straight week in place of the injured Matt Ryan.
COLTS 26, TITANS 10: Anyone knows a 20-game regular-season win streak (the Colts’) will trump a puny, five-game win streak (the Titans’). Vince Young’s career revival takes a one-week hiatus for this trip to Indy.
BENGALS 27, LIONS 16: The Bengals (no relation to Tiger Woods) notch their 55th win under Marvin Lewis, tying him with Paul Brown for second-most in Bengals history behind Sam Wyche (64). Those 55 wins since 2002 are more than double the Raiders’ total (27).
BRONCOS 20, CHIEFS 16: This is the Broncos’ second straight win, but don’t go crazy and expect them to end the season with a matching bookend to their 6-0 start. OK, go crazy, at least until they lose next week at Indy.
CHARGERS 29, BROWNS 14: Injury-laced linebacker Shawne Merriman should tour Cleveland’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame next door while the Chargers’ win streak easily reaches seven. Browns fans at least can scoreboard watching and handicap the race for the No. 1 overall draft pick
PANTHERS 21, BUCCANEERS 17: Quarterback Matt Moore gives the Panthers a glimpse at a future without Jake Delhomme (broken middle finger). You’ll have to wait another month, however, to get a look at Bill Cowher as the Panthers’ next coach.
TEXANS 29, JAGUARS 26: After three straight heartbreaking losses, the Texans use their pass-happy offense to seize on the Jaguars’ dodgy defense. So begins another December in which the Texans will win enough to tease fans for next season.
BEARS 23, RAMS 16: Is Lovie Smith coaching for his job in Chicago? He shouldn’t be, but this win will help his cause anyhow. The reliable Rams lose for a 21st time in 22 games.
PATRIOTS 23, DOLPHINS 20: After crying “uncle” on the national stage Monday at New Orleans, the Patriots regain some respect at Miami and close in on another AFC East title.
COWBOYS 34, GIANTS 17: Maybe a post-Thanksgiving jaunt to Las Vegas is indeed what Tony Romo needed to shake his and the Cowboys’ traditional December dive.
VIKINGS 35, CARDINALS 14: Yep, same lopsided score as last season’s matchup in Arizona, only this time Brett Favre is throwing the four touchdown passes instead of Tarvaris Jackson.
RAVENS 20, PACKERS 7: For the second time in four weeks, the Ravens unleash a punishing defense to post a road win on “Monday Night Football.”

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LAST WEEK: 11-5.
OVERALL: 113-63