REDSKINS @ BUCS
These two teams are very similar. Both have good defenses, strong running games, diminutive yet explosive #1 WRs and quarterbacks that are asked to manage the game. The Tampa Bay defense is slightly better against the run (3.5 ypc vs. the Redskins’ 3.9) and against the pass (183 yards per game vs. the Redskins’ 193). Otherwise, Clinton Portis isn’t much better than Cadillac Williams while Santana Moss and Joey Galloway are pretty much a wash. I think the game will come down to the play of the young Bucs QB, Chris Simms. If he plays well enough on third down, the Bucs will have the edge and home field advantage should carry them to a win.
JAGS @ PATS
They’re baaaack. A lot of pundits wrote off the defending champs when they lost their whole defensive backfield to injuries. They still aren’t good against the pass (231 yards a game with 25 pass TDs allowed), but the Pats’ front seven are back, assuming Teddy Bruschi can play through a calf injury – he’s currently listed as questionable. If he doesn’t play, Jacksonville’s chances of winning go up dramatically. The Jaguars are a very solid team, with a good defense, a good running game and an efficient passing game. Byron Leftwich may return to the starting lineup, but if he doesn’t, David Garrard has proven he can get the team wins. I think the key is the Pats defense. If they can put up a fight on the ground and (especially) through the air, then New England has the advantage.
PANTHERS @ GIANTS
This one might be a shootout. The Giants D is banged up while their offense, when healthy, can put up some serious points. It all depends on how conservative each team is offensively. Carolina QB Jake Delhomme and WR Steve Smith shouldn’t have any problem carving up a Giants defense that is 6th worst against the pass. The Giants are also without MLB Antonio Pierce; the last time they played a good team (WAS in Week 16), they gave up 156 yards on the ground. With all due respect to the Steelers, I think the Panthers are the road team that has the best chance to win this weekend.
STEELERS @ CINCINNATI
This game will be decided when the Bengals have the ball. If they can move the ball consistently and score against a very good Pittsburgh defense, they should win the game. This is one of those games where everything points to a Steeler win, but for some reason I think the Bengals will be victorious. I know, I know, defense wins championships, but I’m having visions of big games from Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh and the Cincinnati passing game.
