JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
Each week I'll give a brief preview of every game. I'll make my picks and keep a running tally as the season progresses to see how well (or terrible) I'm doing. Anyone who would like to email me their picks is more than welcome. For all those interested in submitting their picks, please email patrick.mckenna@afncr.af.mil by Sunday at noon.
Green Bay @ Detroit - Unfortunately, it appears the Lions may be without Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson for their Thanksgiving Day showdown versus the Packers. Without them, the Lions offense will struggle to move the ball.
Pick: Packers
Oakland @ Dallas - While the Raiders played well in their victory over Cincinnati last week, the Bengals were playing without their leading rusher. Dallas is coming off two lousy offensive showings in a row. Look for Romo and company to get on the same page and play well.
Pick: Cowboys
New York Giants @ Denver - The Broncos are in a free fall after starting the season 6-0. The Giants are simply healthier than Denver and, unless Orton has a big game, the Giants should take this one on the road.
Pick: Giants
Tampa Bay @ Atlanta - Buccaneers rookie Josh Freeman has shown some great poise and will be able to throw the ball against Atlanta's average defense. Atlanta will be missing stud running back Michael Turner again. But if backup Jason Snelling plays as well as he did last week, they'll have enough of a running game to keep Tampa's defense honest.
Pick: Falcons
Miami @ Buffalo - Nobody could blame the Dolphins if they folded after losing Ronnie Brown, but instead they handed the reigns to Ricky Williams and they haven't missed a beat. The Dolphins need to run the ball well to win and they should be able to against Buffalo's pathetic rush defense.
Pick: Dolphins
Cleveland @ Cincinnati - The Bengals are coming off an embarrassing loss to the Raiders and need to win this game. They've swept their division thus far and they will get back on track this week.
Pick: Bengals
Carolina @ New York Jets - The Jets' Mark Sanchez is throwing interceptions left and right recently, and the Jets defense is simply getting worn down by being on the field so much. The Jets defense should force at least a couple turnovers out of Jake Delhomme, which will be the difference.
Pick: Jets
Washington @ Philadelphia - The Redskins certainly have the edge on defense, but their offense is letting them down. With the loss of Ladell Betts to injury, the Redskins will be starting their third string running back. The Eagles offense is balanced enough to score a couple touchdowns against the Redskins defense.
Pick: Eagles
Indianapolis @ Houston - The Colts are certainly capable of lighting up the scoreboard as they did when they defeated the Patriots, but they can also grind out an ugly win as they did last week versus the Ravens. Look for this game to be a tight contest with the difference coming down to a key 4th quarter Texans turnover.
Pick: Colts
Seattle @ St. Louis - The Rams do have the best offensive player in this game in Steven Jackson, but that's all they have. They'll be without Marc Bulger, and the Seahawks will be able to load the box to stop Jackson.
Pick: Seahawks
Kansas City @ San Diego - The Chargers are playing as well as any team in the conference and this game should be a walk in the park for them. Look for Philip Rivers to have a huge game and the Chargers defense to make Matt Cassel miserable all day long.
Pick: Chargers
Jacksonville @ San Francisco - The 49ers defense has struggled lately, and is coming off a loss to Green Bay in which they surrendered 129 rushing yards to Ryan Grant. If they think they can play that kind of rush defense against Maurice Jones Drew and win, they're delusional.
Pick: Jaguars
Arizona @ Tennessee - The question is, how effective will Kurt Warner be? If he can play, the Cardinals should be able to beat the Titans. If Matt Leinart starts, the edge goes to Tennessee. Kurt Warner should tough it out and start this game.
Pick: Cardinals
Chicago @ Minnesota - The Vikings are playing at an elite level both offensively and defensively. Jared Allen will be in Jay Cutler's face all game and the Vikings will not have much trouble scoring on the Bears. The Vikings can pretty much lock up their division with a win.
Pick: Vikings
Pittsburgh @ Baltimore - The Ravens will benefit from the Steelers missing their defense's heart and soul Troy Polamalu. The Ravens are a little healthier, playing at home and simply more desperate for a win. They have the edge.
Pick: Ravens
New England @ New Orleans - The keys to this game are the health of Reggie Bush and how much pressure the Patriots defense can put on Drew Brees. If this game was being played in New England, the edge would go to New England, but the Saints will have their home crowd behind them.
Pick: Saints