NFL WEEK 9 PREVIEW, PICKS, AND STATS

The best team in the NFL was idle last week, but the Green Bay Packers remain the team to beat this season. The Packers (7-0) are back in action this weekend and they will travel to play the San Diego Chargers (4-3). Despite being on their bye week, the Packers remain at the top od ESPN's power rankings.

The Packers are not part of the game of the week though. It belongs to the Baltimore Ravens (5-2) and the Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2). Not only is this one of football's best rivalries, this game is also for the division lead. And if that wasn't enough, Pittsburgh traveled to Baltimore in week one of the season and the Steelers were handled 35-7. Many people believed that the Ravens ran the score up on Pittsburgh in the win. It was said revenge will come and the time is this weekend when the Ravens travel to Heinz Field in Pittsburgh.

The Steelers have looked impressive in their 4 game winning streak that includes wins over New England and Tennesse. The Steeler defense is now ranked 2nd in the NFL in total yards. Pittsburgh is running the ball much better and the team has shown improvement with each week that passes.

For Baltimore, the Ravens have the number one ranked defense in the NFL. They forced 7 turnovers in that first game at the beginning of the season, but that performance will be almost impossible to match. The Raven offense has sputtered out over the last two games. They only managed 7 points against Jacksonville and it took a 2nd half comeback to beat Arizona last week. The Ravens rushed for 170 yards against the Steelers in their first game this season. Ray Rice has to be able to pound the ground game. Baltimore has to be able to run the ball against Pittsburgh if they want to win. They need to keep Flacco in the shotgun offense. He is more comfortable that way.

Baltimore and Pittsburgh always play physical games. This game is going to be a step above their normal play. This is the game to watch. The Steelers have revenge on the mind and Baltimore will look to sweep their division foe.

Pittsburgh 23 Baltimore 20

NEW YORK GIANTS (5-2) vs. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (5-2)

The Patriots are coming off a loss at Pittsburgh and the Giants are coming off a narrow escape at home against Miami. New England is tough at home and you better believe this team will be ready to go. For the Giants, Eli Manning has had a good run so far half way through the season, but the Giants have been inconsistent, something you can't do against Tom Brady and the Patriots. The Patriot secondary is dead last in the league. Manning should be able to take advantage of this weakness. The Giants are capable of getting pressure on Brady with their front four also. But even with all that, and taking consideration how good New England is at home, I have to take New England. I believe they can hold New York to field goals and allow Tom Brady to work his magic.

New England 28 New York 27

CINCINNATTI BENGALS (5-2) vs. TENNESSEE TITANS (4-3)

The Bengals are on a four game winning streak coming into this road contest with the Tennessee Titans. Cincinnati has been led by a great defense, consistent play, and two rookies on offense. I am quite impressed with Andy Dalton and his play. He has played better on the road, stat wise that is. The Titans are on and off. Chris Johnson is averaging under 3 yards a carry and they haven't managed the game well. They are coming off a 27-10 win after being blown out the previous two games. The Bengals are coming off the bye. This pits two solid defenses and two offenses that are trying to avoid mistakes. This will be a close one.

Cincinnati 16 Tennessee 15

ATLANTA FALCONS (4-3) vs. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (0-8)

The Falcons have won 2 straight and 3 of their last 4. The Colts have seemed to lose what little confidence they gained a month ago. The Falcons seem like they are beginning to hit their mid-season stride as the Colts are trying to fight for that first win. The Colts have played competitive at home, but they will not find a win this game. The Falcons are getting better each week and the Colts have been outscored 89-17 in the last two games.

Atlanta 31 Indianapolis 14

TAMPA BAY BUCANEERS (4-3) vs. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (5-3)

If one thing can be said about this game, you can bet your bottom dollar the Saints will be ready to play after their loss to St. Louis. The Bucs won their home meeting against the Saints 26-20 back in early October. The Saints play tough in the dome and I expect nothing different. The Bucs get LaGarrette Blount back but their defense is ranked 29th in total defense. I like the Saint offense in this one.

New Orleans 34 Tampa Bay 24

CLEVELAND BROWNS (3-4) vs. HOUSTON TEXANS (5-3)

The Browns defense keeps them competitive, but their offense just can't move the ball when needed. Houston should be able to move the ball just enough to pick up a win. Houston's defense is ranked 3rd and Cleveland's defense is ranked fourth. The key is the weapons for the Texans. Matt Schuab and Arian Foster. Foster will be dangerous running and in the passing game. He may give this solid defense fits come Sunday.

Houston 31 Cleveland 13

NEW YORK JETS (4-3) vs. BUFFALO BILLS (5-2)

This is a big test for the Buffalo Bills. We are still trying to consider if the Bills are the real deal. They could easily be 7-0 at this point. They face a Jets team that has won 2 straight and are coming off their bye week. Buffalo is 4-0 at home and this has become a tough place to play. The Jets have struggled to run the ball and in the passing game as well. The Buffalo defense was impressive last week against Washington. I believe this will be a close game and I like Buffalo at home.

Buffalo 24 New York Jets 20

CHICAGO BEARS (4-3) vs. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (3-4)

The Bears have won two straight and they are coming off their bye week and the Eagles have won 2 straight also, including an impressive 34-7 win over Dallas. Philadelphia seems to be clicking on all cylinders right now, but Chicago has looked equally impressive. Philadelphia is at home. The Bears are 1-2 on the road this season. I believe this could be a coin flip game, but I like the momentum of Philadelphia more then Chicago.

Philadelphia 27 Chicago 21

MIAMI DOLPHINS (0-7) vs. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (4-3)

After 3 straight losses and season ending stars going down, the Chiefs have won 4 straight games. Miami continues to be competitive despite their record. The Chiefs are hot and they are playing at home. Miami just has way too many issues to deal with. They struggle on offense and defense. They are not consistent and the Chiefs find ways to win.

Kansas City 20 Miami 14

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (6-1) vs. WASHINGTON REDSKINS (3-4)

The 49ers have won 5 straight and they are 3-0 on the road this season. The Redskins have dropped 3 straight games and have issues on offense. They didn't manage a point last week against Buffalo. The 49er defense is much better then the Buffalo's defense and I look for a low output by the Redskins.

San Francisco 28 Washington 6

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (2-5) vs. DALLAS COWBOYS (3-4)

The Cowboys are coming off their worst performance of the season, a 34-7 beating from Philadelphia. Likewise, so is Seattle, a 34-12 drumming from the Bengals. Dallas is 2-1 at home this season and they are a more quality team. Seattle is just 1-3 on the road and will be 1-4 after this game. Dallas should be back on track with a win here.

Dallas 33 Seattle 17

DENVER BRONCOS (2-5) vs. OAKLAND RAIDERS (4-3)

The Tim Tebow era didn't start out the way they expected last week. Oakland is coming off a much needed bye so Carson Palmer now has had time to study the playbook. I watched Palmer play at Cincinnati and he cost the Bengals plenty of games. I get this feeling here. But none the less, Oakland's running game should do quite well. It will be interesting to see if Tebow can bounce back from last weekends mess.

Oakland 24 Denver 15

ST LOUIS RAMS (1-6) vs. ARIZONA CARDINALS (1-6)

If one thing is for certain in this game, someone moves to third place in the division with a win, possibly tied for second. It has been a disappointing season for both these teams. The Rams are coming off a very impressive win over the Saints. But for Arizona, they have lost 6 straight games. I do believe this is the week that they snap the streak. They are at home and they are due.

Arizona 20 St. Louis 17

GREEN BAY PACKERS (7-0) vs. SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (4-3)

The Packers are coming off a bye, which probably makes them better then they were and the Chargers are in trouble. Philip Rivers has had an off year and Aaron Rodgers is the best quarterback in the league. I don't even think this Charger defense will be able to stop Rodgers. This team may be one of the top teams in NFL history when they are done. Green Bay is that good.

Green Bay 30 San Diego 20