Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Another week, another set of my predictions and scores for this weeks games. So I don’t have to specify which games matter for the Bucs below I will tell you right now. The only games that matter for the Bucs are Thursday Night’s game between the Vikings and the Cardinals (we want the Cardinals to win), Carolina to beat Atlanta (doesn’t matter to much but might as well get them knocked out), Seahawks to lose to the Ravens (not likely but this would be an amazing upset to watch if your a Bucs fan), Dallas to beat Green Bay (you never know with Dallas back in the division race), and obviously the most important Bucs over Saints! Alright here are my predictions!
VIKINGS vs. CARDINALS
21-10 Cardinals
I think Cardinals knock off the Vikings somewhat easily Thursday Night while picking off Bridgewater a couple times. Barring a Buccaneer win, this will bring the Vikings within a game of the Bucs for the wild card.
BILLS vs. EAGLES
27-24 Bills
Ryan Matthews returns and finally gets his shot leading the team in carries, and will show Chip Kelly why he should have been the running back the whole time. Speaking of Chip Kelly, Lesean McCoy doesn’t like him too much and will show how bad this game with 150 all purpose yards and 2 TDs.
49ers vs. BROWNS
24-7 49ers
No team is worse than the Browns right now who just want this season to end already. Manziel will start but still isn’t good or focused.
LIONS vs. RAMS
24-9 Lions
Detroit has been playing better as of late and the Rams are on a 5 game losing streak. Case Keenum won’t change much at QB and it will give nothing but field goals for St.Louis.
SAINTS vs. BUCCANEERS
31-21 Buccaneers
I see the Bucs being able to score a bunch this game with Jameis having one of his better statistical days of the season. Martin will get his too. Not having Kwon will hurt the defense, especially against the run which shouldn’t matter too much this game with Mark Ingram out. Although the Saints will find their way into the end zone a few times, it won’t be as much as the Buccaneers in front of their home crowd. With a win this week, it will bring Tampa’s division record to 4-1 which will show that we are a force to be reckoned with in this division for years to come.
TITANS vs. JETS
27-13 Jets
Brandon Marshall has been fantastic this season for the Jets and should continue his dominance against the Titans. Mariota has been doing well but this is assuming Revis is on the field, and with him this Jets D is dangerous and should contain him pretty well.
STEELERS vs. BENGALS
28-27 Steelers
Steelers are showing why they should be known as the best offense in the NFL when Roethlisberger is healthy. No matter who they face, Ben and Brown will do damage and no team can shut them down. Bengals offense is no slouch either with Dalton having a career year but they will fall just short of taking down the Steelers.
COLTS vs. JAGUARS
17-13 Colts
Another week without Luck will leave Hasselbeck starting for the Colts once again. I think he can handle the reigns for one more game and show why every team should not take having a good backup QB lightly as he has kept them in the division lead.
CHARGERS vs. CHIEFS
24-7 Chiefs
No team is more improved than the Chiefs who have found a new life on defense. They have been playing lights out lately and the Chargers just don’t have enough weapons to make anything happen on offense against them.
REDSKINS vs. BEARS
17-14 Redskins
Redskins are still fighting for the NFC Least division title so they will come out swinging against a Bears team who just doesn’t have much to play for. Cutler should hook-up with Jeffrey for a couple scores but other than that there won’t be much life for the Bears.
FALCONS vs. PANTHERS
37-10 Panthers
I picked the Saints to beat the Panthers last week and almost was right but this week will be much different. Not many teams have been worse than the Falcons lately and after losing to the Bucs they might just be depleted for this game against the undefeated Panthers. A lot of children will be getting some footballs from Cam this week at Carolina.
SEAHAWKS vs. RAVENS
27-3 Seahawks
I would love nothing more than to be wrong on this pick as it would put the Bucs in charge of the wild card but lets be honest, its a long shot. The Seahawks look like last years team and the Ravens are running out of bodies to put on offense which doesn’t bode well going against a Seattle defense who is getting back into form.
RAIDERS vs. BRONCOS
24-13 Broncos
Denver fans couldn’t be much happier to watch Osweiler look like a legit NFL QB game in and game out. I think he is for real and will keep this Denver team #1 in the AFC for a little bit longer.
COWBOYS vs. PACKERS
24-20 Packers
Another game I wish would go the other way. If this game was at Dallas I might have picked them since they do still have life in the NFL’s worst division but in Lambeu where Rodgers is always red hot I just can’t picture him losing. I just hope that Hail Mary doesn’t get the Packers rolling again.
PATRIOTS vs. TEXANS
24-14 Patriots
The Patriots injuries are finally starting to effect this team and Tom Brady but they should get Gronk back this week and him and Brady alone should be able to take down a Houston team that really only has one player on their entire offense who is any good.
GIANTS vs. DOLPHINS
21-19 Dolphins
I see Lamar Miller having a breakout game in this one with about 125 all purpose yards and a touchdown. ODB will still get his but I don’t think it will be enough to take down Miami in this Monday night battle.
Sorry for ruining the NFL games for all the fans out there. Looking forward to another great Sunday filled with good football and a Buccaneers win!