Contact: mharmon2570@gmail.com
  Backyard Banter
  • Home
  • Backyard Banter Podcast
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 54: Kyle Crabbs - Build my own chair at the table
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 53: James Koh - Divorce the information from emotion
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 52: Will Brinson - That's how it'll have to be
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 51: Charles McDonald - Not an escape from reality
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 50: What you've learned - For you, by you
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 49: Jourdan Rodrigue - Let's see what you think then
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 48: Justin Twell - Long process to come back
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 47: Justin Lonero - It's time to relearn life
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 46: Scott Bischoff - Life presented the greatest challenge possible
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 45: Al Zeidenfeld - Little steps along the way
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 44: Jason Romano - Just a different dream
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 43: Matt Harmon - But here we are (Season 1 finale)
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 42: Gregg Rosenthal - I have to make it work or else
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 41: Jon Moore - Determiner of what I want
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 40: Uncle Chaps - Just have fun with it
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 39: Bob Harris - The best addiction I've ever had
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 38: Scott Fish - Everybody working together to make this big
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 37: Jene Bramel - Ask the questions you want answered
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 36: Mike Tagliere - Never going to leave this candy store
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 35: Ben Cummins - Starting at ground zero
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 34: Field Yates - It's the nature of what we do
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 33: Chris Heil - I gave it everything I had
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 32: Sal Stefanile - Just make them notice you
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 31: Adam Levitan - Accept an alternate lifestyle
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 30: Matthew Freedman - It's not built for everyone
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 29: George Kritikos - If your heart's not in it people notice
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 28: Marcas Grant - Certainly never expected this
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 27: Steve Palazzolo - I understand the questions that come
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 26: Matt Miller - To build bridges not burn them
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 25: Graham Barfield - A human game played by humans
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 24: Pat Daugherty - I just said yes to everything
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 23: Eric Galko - There's always work to be done
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 22: TJ Hernandez - In some roundabout way
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 21: Alex Gelhar - Homework for the rest of your life
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 20: The Fantasy Footballers - Because we were fans
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 19: Jessica Kleinschmidt - The scariest person you deal with is yourself
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 18: Evan Silva - A willingness to work hard
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 17: Jeff Risdon - It's hard to be in the middle
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 16: Cecil Lammey - Because I didn't ask for anything
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 15: Patrick Claybon - If you shine people will see you
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 14: Denny Carter - People want to know you
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 13: Adam Rank - Honestly just don't go away
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 12: Adam Pfeifer - Being happy is doing this
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 11: Mark Schofield - You get one drive in this life
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 10: Liz Loza - Ride the horse in the direction it's going
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 9: Matthew Berry - I've done it without being negative to anyone
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 8: Matt Franciscovich - Persistence is a huge deal
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 7: Matt Williamson - I got lucky, but I made my own luck
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 6: Eric Stoner - Passions are best left as hobbies
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 5: Josh Norris - You don't have to have an opinion on everything
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 4: Rumford Johnny - Elevate somebody or get out of their way
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast episode 3: JJ Zachariason - No one cares because you're not established
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast episode 2: Matt Waldman - Popular doesn't necessarily make it good
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast episode 1 - Sigmund Bloom
  • Fantasy Hipsters
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 28: We''l see you in a bit.
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 27: "Ehhh how about you people relax with that one"
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 26: Mail Satchel - Davante Adams debate & "friends of the show"
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 25: NFL Network's Top 100 Players This or That
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 24: Mail Satchel - Surviving without Charlie and Tight Ends to Watch
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 23: Jeremy Maclin reaction, news recap and did Harmon pull off that hat?
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 22: Mail satchel - WE ARE THE PODCAST OF THE PEOPLE
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 21: Reception Perception review of sleepers, breakouts and surprises
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 20: Evan Silva destroys our MFL10 hopes and dreams
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 19: Mail satchel - Will Brandon Marshall thrive with the Giants in 2017?
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 18: We Are Pretty Mad
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 17: Mail satchel - Rompers, clean eating and the 2007 NFL Draft class
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 16: NFL depth chart breakdowns and being sick of bad Eddie Lacy jokes
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 15: Mail satchel - Drafting too many rookies, breakouts and bell-cow RBs
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 14: French press vs. pour over coffee & mock draft review with James Koh
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 13: Mail satchel - Los Angeles Chargers the hipster's team of 2017?
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 12: NFL Draft rookie fits and a cast iron running back with Matt Waldman
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 11: NFL Draft preview and drumset vomit with Josh Norris of Rotoworld
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast Episode 10: Mail satchel - Dynasty debate, bad impressions and hipster bands
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 9: Perfect Prospect Parings — identifying NFL fits for draft prospects
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 8: Corey Davis, DeVante Parker and what to drink at your draft
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 7: Carlos Hyde, Laquon Treadwell and NFL Draft rookie big board part 3
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 6: Valuing Jordan Howard for 2017 and NFL Draft rookie big board part 2
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 5: NFL Draft rookie top-12 big board and in-depth beer interview
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 4: Kaepernick saga, Harmon shaves his beard and Franchise gets roasted
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast Episode 3: Eddie Lacy, Free Agency, music & beer and picking best QB roommate
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 2: Early Free Agency Fallout, Combine Standouts & Mailbag
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 1: NFL Scouting Combine preview and washed vets
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast: Teaser episode introduction
  • Reception Perception: 2017
    • Reception Perception: Investigating any correlation between the results and draft prospect age
  • The 2016 Reception Perception Project
    • Reception Perception: 11 flags planted for the 2016 season
    • Reception Perception: Nelson Agholor can bounce-back in Doug Pederson's offense
    • Reception Perception: Improved technician Donte Moncrief is set to explode in 2016
    • Reception Perception: Only one concern can hold Sammy Watkins back from his ceiling
    • Reception Perception: Bruce Ellington has a chance to flash this season with the 49ers
    • Reception Perception: Albert Wilson and the Diary of a Truther
    • Reception Perception: Willie Snead built an impressive resume we must not ignore
    • Reception Perception: Welcome the ascending Tyler Lockett to rarified status
    • Reception Perception: Kamar Aiken is the answer to the Ravens receiver riddle
    • Reception Perception: DeSean Jackson and Josh Doctson make the Washington wide receivers a strength
    • Reception Perception: Browns make a refreshing first pick in Corey Coleman
    • Reception Perception: The fruitless search for fatal flaws with Laquon Treadwell
    • Reception Perception: Why there will never be a cumulative or overall grade
    • Reception Perception: The changing variables for Torrey Smith point to a rebound
    • Reception Perception: 2016 media appearances
    • Reception Perception: Rashard Higgins - never tell me the odds
    • Reception Perception: Keyarris Garrett is a unicorn in this draft class
    • Reception Perception: Malcolm Mitchell is a top-10 receiver in the 2016 NFL Draft
    • Reception Perception: 2016 NFL draft prospects results
    • Reception Perception: Golden Tate won't be able to replace Calvin Johnson
    • Reception Perception: Jeff Janis, trump cards and sorting through the noise
    • Reception Perception: Top-four college receiver primer
  • The 2015 Reception Perception Project
    • Reception Perception Based Media Appearances
    • Reception Perception: Steve Johnson is the Surest Sleeper Around
    • Reception Perception: Target and Contested Catch Data for Sophomore WRs
    • Reception Perception: Success Rate vs. Coverage Scores for the Sophomore Wide Receivers
    • Reception Perception: Why we Must Consider the Entire Range of Outcomes for Sammy Watkins
    • Reception Perception: Data Results from Year 1
    • Reception Perception: Scanning Through the Dolphins Receiving Corps for Fantasy Answers
    • Reception Perception: Allen Robinson is Quietly on the Precipice of a Massive Breakout
    • Reception Perception: Michael Crabtree is Exactly What the Raiders’ Passing Game Needs
    • Reception Perception: Justin Hunter and Wisely Shopping the Clearance Bins
    • Reception Perception: How Kevin White Began His Ascension to the Top
    • Reception Perception: Sammie Coates Falls Along a Dangerous Archetype
    • Reception Perception: A Video Rundown of the Data
    • Reception Perception: New Browns Receiver Dwayne Bowe Bring Value to a Depleted Pass Game
    • Reception Perception: Expectations and an Odd Coupling Doomed Mike Wallace in Miami
    • Reception Perception: Andre Johnson Still has Plenty Left to Offer the Colts
    • Reception Perception: Randall Cobb Made the Right Call Sticking With the Packers
    • Reception Perception: Where Do We Go From Here, Percy Harvin?
    • Reception Perception: Devin Smith and The Value of a Trump Card (FBG)
    • Reception Perception: The Siren Song of Dorial Green-Beckham (FBG)
    • Reception Perception: Impending Free Agent Michael Crabtree
    • Reception Perception: Amari Cooper Under the Microscope (FBG)
    • Reception Perception: Sammy Watkins and Cordarrelle Patterson
  • Matt Harmon's in-season film review blog
  • Bio Page
  • Harmon's Fantasy Football Tiered Rankings
  • The Backyard Banter Quarterback Typology
  • Analyzing the Landing Spots for the First Round Wide Recievers
  • Reception Perception
    • Reception Perception: Cordarrelle Patterson and a Developing Story
    • Reception Perception: Jordy Nelson and Mastering the Little Things
  • Ramblings
    • Rebuilding a broken house: losing weight, changing my lifestyle and never looking back
    • Fighting through negativity bias and a wide receiver's drops
    • Saying Goodbye to Dixie
    • The #FreeAustinTice Campaign
    • My Reaction to Adrian Peterson and The Cycle of Abuse
    • Steve Smith: A Lesson in the Dangers of Emotional Football
    • The Arizona Cardinals Will Make the Playoffs
    • The Redskins Better Not Blow This Thing Up
    • The Commodification of NFL Players
    • Digging Deeper: Why Josh Freeman Failed with the Buccaneers
    • The Fall of Aaron Hernandez and the Patriot Way
    • Washington Redskins Injury Concerns
    • Carolina Panther's Draft Bungles
    • Stubbornness the Silent Coaching Killer
  • The Fantasy Gameplan Podcast
  • Draft Class Jersey Number Grades
  • The Eye in the Sky
    • The Eye in the Sky: The St. Louis Rams Should Commit to Sam Bradford for 2014
    • The Eye in the Sky: Why the Cardinals Struggle Against Tight Ends
    • The Eye in the Sky: Uncovering a Diamond in the Rough, Mike Brown
    • The Eye in the Sky: Uncovering a Diamond in the Rough, Brandon Bostick
    • The Eye in the Sky: E.J. Manuel's Improvement All-22 Breakdown
    • The Eye in the Sky: Why Defending the Colts Offense is too Easy All-22 Breakdown
    • The Eye in the Sky: Picking Apart the Jets Defense All-22 Breakdown
    • Eye in the Sky: Texans vs. Chiefs (Week Seven) All-22 Breakdown
    • The Eye in the Sky: Redskins vs. Cowboys (Week Six) All-22 Breakdown
    • The Eye in the Sky: Panthers vs. Cardinals (Week Five) All-22 Breakdown
    • The Eye in the Sky: Colts vs. Seahawks (Week Five)
  • 2014 Free Agent Profiles
    • Josh McCown Free Agent Profile
    • Jason Hatcher Free Agent Profile
    • Jarius Byrd Free Agent Profile
    • T.J. Ward Free Agent Profile
    • Lamarr Houston Free Agent Profile
    • Darrelle Revis Free Agent Profile
    • Eric Decker Free Agent Profile
    • Jared Veldheer Free Agent Profile
    • DeMarcus Ware Free Agent Profile
    • Tyson Jackson Free Agent Profile
    • Jon Asamoah Free Agent Profile
    • Michael Johnson Free Agent Profile
    • Brandon Albert Free Agent Profile
    • Louis Delmas Free Agent Profile
    • Red Bryant Free Agent Profile
    • John Carlson Free Agent Profile
    • D'Qwell Jackson Free Agent Profile
  • BYOB Forums (Bring Your Own Banter)
  • 2014 NFL Free Agency Position Breakdowns
    • 2014 Quarterback Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Running Back Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Fullback Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Wide Receiver Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Tight End Free Agent Rankings
    • 2014 Offensive Tackle Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Offensive Guard Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Offensive Center Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Interior Defensive Lineman Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Edge Player Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Linebacker Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Cornerback Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Safety Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Specialist Free Agent Breakdown
  • 2014 NFL Draft Content
    • 2014 NFL Draft Tiered Prospect Big Board (Top 75)
    • 2014 Tiered Colored Position Board
    • 2014 NFL Draft Tiered Prospect Big Board (Top 32)
    • 2014 NFL Draft Top 10 Quarterback Ranking
    • 2014 NFL Draft Running Back Top 10 Ranking
    • 2014 NFL Mock Draft--Post Free Agency
    • 2014 NFL Mock Draft--Pre Free Agency
    • 2014 NFL Draft Wide Receiver Top 10 Ranking
  • Sunday Mornin' Comin' Down
    • April 27th Sunday Morning Coming Down
    • April 13th Sunday Morning Coming Down
    • April 6th Sunday Morning Coming Down
    • March 30th Sunday Morning Coming Down
  • 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Seventeen 2013 Power Rankings
    • Week Sixteen 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Fifteen 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Fourteen 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Thirteen 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Twelve 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Eleven 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Ten 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Nine 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Eight 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Seven 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Six 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Five 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Four 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Three 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Two 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • 2013 Season Preview Edition/Week One
  • 2013 Weekly NFL Previews
    • Super Bowl Preview
    • Playoffs- Conference Championship Round NFL Preview
    • Playoffs- Divisional Round NFL Preview
    • Playoffs- Wildcard Round NFL Preview
    • Week Sixteen NFL Preview
    • Week Fifteen NFL Preview
    • Week Fourteen NFL Preview
    • Week Thirteen NFL Preview
    • Week Twelve Picks
    • Week Eleven Picks
    • Week Ten Picks
    • Week Nine Picks
    • Week Eight Picks
    • Week Seven Picks
    • Week Six Picks
    • Week Five Picks
    • Week Four Picks
    • Week Three Picks
    • Week Two Picks
    • Week One Picks
  • Week in Review 2013
    • Playoffs- Wildcard Round in Review
    • Week Seventeen in Review
    • Week Sixteen in Review
    • Week Fifteen in Review
    • Week Fourteen in Review
    • Week Thirteen in Review
    • Week Twelve in Review
    • Week Eleven in Review
    • Week Ten in Review
    • Week Nine in Review
    • Week Eight in Review
    • Week Seven in Review
    • Week Six in Review
    • Week Five in Review
    • Week Four in Review
    • Week Three in Review
    • Week Two in Review
    • Week One in Review
  • 2013 Team Record Predictions
    • AFC Record Predictions
    • NFC Record Predictions
  • Rapid Reactions
    • Rapid Reactions Heading into Week Eleven
    • Rapid Reactions Heading into Week Ten
    • Rapid Reactions Heading into Week Nine
    • Rapid Reactions Heading into Week Eight
    • Rapid Reactions Heading into Week Seven
    • Rapid Reactions Heading into Week Six
    • Rapid Reactions Heading into Week Five
    • Rapid Reactions Heading into Week Four
    • Rapid Reactions Heading into Week Three
  • The 2013 All-Surprise Teams
    • AFC 2013 All-Surprise Team
    • NFC 2013 All-Surprise Team
  • NFL Player Rankings (2013)
    • Top 10 NFL Quarterback Rankings
    • Top 10 NFL Running Back Rankings
    • Top 10 NFL Wide Receiver Rankings
    • Top 10 NFL Tight End Rankings
    • Top 10 Offensive Linemen Rankings
    • Top 10 NFL Defensive Lineman Rankings
  • 2013 Season Archives
    • How to Fix 'em (2013 Offseason) >
      • Kansas City Chiefs
      • Jacksonville Jaguars
      • Oakland Raiders
      • Philadelphia Eagles
      • Detroit Lions
      • Cleveland Browns
      • Arizona Cardinals
      • Buffalo Bills
      • New York Jets
      • Tennessee Titans
      • San Diego Chargers
      • Miami Dolphins
      • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
  • 2012 Season Archives
    • The Backyard Banter 2012 Season Awards
    • Fantasy Football Corner >
      • Week Twelve Fantasy Football Tips
      • Week Eleven Fantasy Football Tips
      • Week Ten Fantasy Football Tips
      • Week Nine Fantasy Football Rankings and Tips
      • Week Eight Fantasy Football Rankings and Tips
    • Untitled
    • NFL Power Rankings (2012) >
      • Championship Round
      • Divisional Round
      • Wild Card Round
      • Week 17
      • Week 16
      • Week 7
      • Week 6
      • Week 5
      • Week 4
      • Week 3
      • Week 2
      • Week 1
      • Season Preview Edition 8/18
    • My Weekly NFL Picks (2012) >
      • Super Bowl Pick
      • Championship Round
      • Divisional Round
      • Wild Card Round
      • Week 17 Picks
      • Week 16 Picks
    • Week in Review (2012) >
      • The Super Bowl
      • Divisional Round
      • Wild Card Round
      • Week 17
      • Week 16
      • Week 5
      • Week 4
      • Week 3
      • Week 2
      • Week 1

Week Nine NFL Picks (2013)

By: Matt Harmon 

Thursday Night Game:

Cincinnati Bengals (6-2) at Miami Dolphins (3-4)
Matchup to Watch: Carlos Dunlap vs. Tyson Clabo
  • Dunlap is a supremely talented young defensive end for the Bengals who can completely overwhelm an offensive tackle with his crazy athletic ability for a man his size. Clabo was having a terrible season before being benched when the Dolphins traded for Bryant McKinnie, but has been brought back into the starting lineup just one week later after Jonathan Martin left the team to seek personal counseling. Will a week on the bench be enough to fix Clabo’s many issues? That is not very likely. Clabo’s skills in pass protection have rapidly declined and a player with the speed and power of Dunlap will likely be too much for him to handle. If the Dolphins want to pull the upset, this team will need to pass protect much better than they have been against a star studded defensive line. 
My Pick: Dolphins
  •  An upset is brewing on Thursday night. The Dolphins are not nearly as bad as the national narrative that is out on them says, and the Bengals are not as dominant as they showed in their deconstruction of the Jets. The mismatch in the trenches between the Dolphins offensive line and the Bengals defensive line is a huge reason for pause, but Bryant McKinnie did provide a small upgrade over Jonathan Martin in pass protection against the Patriots on Sunday. The Dolphins are a decent team that has been in every game, and their strength is their defense. Andy Dalton has played lights out recently, but in the past when he has had these stretches a rough patch is sure to follow. Thursday night games always provide some strange surprises and it would not be too shocking to see Dalton wilt against a strong Miami stop unit. If the Dolphins can protect Ryan Tannehill, there is every reason to think the home team can pull off the upset on Thursday night. 


Sunday Games:


Kansas City Chiefs (8-0) at Buffalo Bills (3-5)
Matchup to Watch:  Kiko Alonso vs. Jamal Charles
  • When Jamal Charles left the field with an injury during their Week Eight win, everyone involved with the Chiefs had to hold their breath. The book is out on the Chiefs offense, and it reads “Jamal Charles and everyone else”. If Charles rules the day for the eighth week in a row, the Bills do not have a chance to hand the Chiefs their first loss. The Bills great rookie linebacker, Kiko Alonso, needs to bring his absolute A-game to keep up with Charles. Not only will he need to be assertive in stopping Charles when he runs the ball, but Alonso needs to have a strong game covering him on receptions out of the backfield as well. 
My Pick: Chiefs
  • If Thad Lewis plays, the Bills actually might have a shot in this game. as it stands however, the Bills just do not look to have the offensive firepower to go against the Chiefs defense. The Chiefs will win yet another game against a back up quarterback.  
 


Atlanta Falcons (2-5) at Carolina Panthers (4-3)
Matchup to Watch: Osi Uymeniora vs. Jordan Gross
  • One of the overlooked aspects of Carolina’s recent hot streak is that their protection for Cam Newton has been very good. Newton can get sloppy with his footwork and fundamentals when he has a muddled pocket so the improvement of his offensive line has been huge for him. This matchup features two veteran players who have been doing this a long time, but their career trajectories are not so similar. Gross is still playing at a steady level and giving his quarterback the requisite time in the pocket, whereas Uymeniora has been a big let down for the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons will need to get a better performance out of their pass rush than they have been receiving this season to rattle Cam Newton. 
My Pick: Panthers                                      
  • This is technically another bad team for the Panthers to feast on, but this game holds a bit more importance. The Panthers can take a big step in proving they have turn the corner, they need to dispel of their weaker than usual division rival. 


Minnesota Vikings (1-6) at Dallas Cowboys (4-4)
Matchup to Watch: Terrance Williams and Dez Bryant vs. Vikings cornerbacks
  • The Vikings secondary has been one of the worst units in the entire NFL this season. Cornerbacks Chris Cook and Josh Robinson have been beaten regularly, and Xavier Rhodes has looked like a rookie. Facing a fired up Dez Bryant and an up and comer in Terrance Williams is not exactly the remedy this secondary needs. The Vikings offense has proven to be very unreliable so they will need their defense to play to its pre-2013 level in order to upset the Cowboys. 
My Pick: Cowboys
  • Josh Freeman, Christian Ponder, it does not matter who is at quarterback for the Vikings because this is a bad all around team. The defense likely will not be able to contain the Cowboys’ weapons and no way the offense can score enough to keep up. This will be a nice “get well game” for the Cowboys after a disappointing loss to the Lions.    


New Orleans Saints (6-1) at New York Jets (4-4)
Matchup to Watch: Marques Colston vs. Antonio Cromartie
  • This is a matchup of two players who are not performing up to their usual standards. Colston, already not the fastest guy in the world, seems to have lost a step and a half this season. He is also clearly behind Jimmy Graham and several other pass catchers in the pecking order in Drew Brees’ mind, and is just not the prominent figure he was in this passing game. Cromartie on the other hand, has been really ineffective ever since he injured his knee during a practice several weeks ago. It will be interesting to see if either of these two former studs can regain their past glory when they line up across from each other on Sunday. 
My Pick: Saints
  • This should be an up week on the Jets roller coaster, but they just cannot stand up to the Saints talent wise. The Jets defense has fallen off recently, especially in the secondary, so expect Drew Brees and company to light up the scoreboard.


 
Tennessee Titans (3-4) at St. Louis Rams (3-5)
Matchup to Watch: Chris Johnson vs. Rams front seven
  • Chris Johnson has looked like a completely different player this season, and that is not meant as a compliment. The speed that made him such a dangerous weapon in the past looks to have evaporated and his 3.2 yards per carry and zero rushing touchdowns point to a player who may be done. The Rams put up a really impressive performance stopping the run against the Seahawks, but had not been a great group in that regard prior to last week. Maybe we see some flashes of the old Chris Johnson, but it is becoming harder and harder to bank on him. 
My Pick: Titans
  • The Titans are clearly the better team, and unlike the Rams, have a starting quarterback who is getting healthy. Look for Jake Locker to come back and continue his strong play against a secondary that is way too reliant on the pass rush to give them time to cover receivers. 


San Diego Chargers (4-3) at Washington Redskins (2-5)
Matchup to Watch: Redskins pass offense vs. Chargers secondary
  • The Redskins passing offense has been downright bad all season, with the exception of the win over the Bears. Robert Griffin is coming off his worst game as a professional quarterback and outside of Jordan Reed; none of his receivers are picking up the slack. This passing attack has the potential to explode any week, and they are set up for the second week in a row to do just that. The Chargers have one of the worst secondaries in the NFL outside of the stellar Eric Weddle. In theory, there is no way this group should be able to contain the Redskins, but that is contingent on RG3 and the Redskins playing to their potential. In order to exploit this matchup the Redskins must protect their franchise quarterback better than they did against Denver, where it felt as if he was hit on just about every snap. 
My Pick: Chargers  
  • It is always hard to pick a west coast team going to the east coast in an early game, but the Chargers have bucked that theory a few times already this season by winning in Philly, Tennessee, and Jacksonville. The Chargers are also red-hot coming out of their bye, and look like the much better team. Expect the Phillip Rivers revival tour to roll into Washington on Sunday. 


Philadelphia Eagles (3-5) at Oakland Raiders (3-4)

Matchup to Watch: Raiders front seven vs. LeSean McCoy
  • LeSean McCoy has not been able to save himself from the sinking ship that the Eagles offense has become and has had a few nondescript games the past two weeks. McCoy is one of the best running backs in football and is surely capable of returning to that form at any moment. This week he draws a matchup with a defense that, despite being strung together with journeymen on one year deals, is a top ten group. That ranking is not a mirage, these guys are playing really well. Can they keep it up against a stellar running back? It will be fun to watch.
My Pick: Raiders
  • The Raiders are a tough out every week with Terrelle Pryor and a surprisingly strong defense. The Eagles gave teams troubles in the early part of the season, but the offense has fallen apart with quarterback problems. Nick Foles is drawing the start this week, and is definitely a better player than last we saw him against the Cowboys. It is hard to see the Eagles suddenly turning their offense around no matter who is under center. 


Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-7) at Seattle Seahawks (7-1)
Matchup to Watch: Vincent Jackson vs. Richard Sherman
  • Mike Glennon is gradually moving away from just targeting Jackson on every pass play, but with Mike Williams going down for the season, it will be hard for Glennon to trust any of his other wide receivers. Seattle will likely look to match Richard Sherman up with Jackson and eliminate him from the Bucs game plan. If Sherman has Jackson blanketed, Glennon will either have to look for Tim Wright or force it to Jackson anyways. We know Sherman loves to intercept the ball in those situations. 
My Pick: Seahawks
  • The Seahawks are at home facing an imploding team that has yet to win a game? The choice is not a difficult one.


Baltimore Ravens (3-4) at Cleveland Browns (3-5)

Matchup to Watch: Torrey Smith vs. Joe Haden
  • Torrey Smith is having a spectacular season, and has become a complete player, but no one seems to notice because he only has one touchdown. The Browns will no doubt have Joe Haden shadow Smith all afternoon in hopes of making Joe Flacco rely on his other unreliable pass catchers. If Smith can get free against Haden for at least one touchdown, maybe people will begin to take notice of this much-improved wide receiver. 
My Pick: Ravens
  • Jason Campbell led the Browns in a valiant effort against the Kansas City Chiefs, but it is hard to believe he can do it two weeks in a row. The Ravens cannot run the ball at all with the declining Ray Rice behind an underperforming offensive line, and we know about the struggles of their passing game. This feels like a pick based on past reputation, but the Ravens are still the better team. 


Pittsburgh Steelers (2-5) at New England Patriots (6-2)
Matchup to Watch: Tom Brady vs. the Steelers secondary
  • Anyone who has been paying attention to football this season knows that we are seeing Tom Brady at the lowest point of his illustrious career. Brady deserves more blame than his supporting cast, as he is visibly missing guys, and even with his full stable he still was downright bad against the Dolphins last week. The Steelers are a team Brady has historically handled with relative ease, and this defense is no where near as good as it was in those years. Who will win the day, the declining Tom Brady or the declining Steelers defense?
My Pick: Patriots
  • The Patriots are somehow 6-2, despite all the injuries and the poor play of their Hall of Fame quarterback. This team has shown a great ability to overcome serious adversity. The Steelers, on the other hand, seem to have completely wilted when faced with challenges. The Patriots will win again at home.  


Indianapolis Colts (5-2) at Houston Texans (2-5)

Matchup to Watch: Robert Mathis vs. Duane Brown
  • Mathis leads the NFL in sacks and is a sneaky Defensive Player of the Year candidate. Last we saw Mathis, he was tearing apart the Broncos offensive tackles and making life very difficult for a certain former teammate. In Case Keenum’s first start he handled the pressure brought by the Chiefs stellar pass rushing duo very well for such an inexperienced quarterback. The pride of Houston, Texas will need his Pro-Bowl left tackle to give him plenty of time so he can continue to play well enough to earn the right to start the rest of the season for the Texans. 
My Pick: Texans
  • Upset alert. The Texans are not as bad as their record indicates, and Case Keenum may actually give them a better chance to win some games. The Colts are coming off a bye, but the loss of Reggie Wayne cannot be overstated; they do not have anyone ready to step up and fill his role. The Texans will defend their home turf and regain some of their pride.


Monday Night Game:

Chicago Bears (4-3) at Green Bay Packers (5-2)
Matchup to Watch: Sam Shields vs. Brandon Marshall
  • With Josh McCown now the starting quarterback, the Bears will likely look to feature their best pass catcher more than ever. McCown looked pretty good against the Redskins two weeks ago, and will likely spread the ball around, but if he wants to beat the surging Packers, he will need to look to Brandon Marshall. Marshall has a big size advantage over the Packers best cover corner, but Shields has played lights out football the past two season. Look for Shields to be isolated against Marshall and force McCown to involve his other weapons. 
My Pick: Packers 
  • The Bears are way too beat up right now to get behind right now, especially on defense. Eddie Lacy has been a huge success story for the Packers and the Bears run defense has lost just about all of its key players to injury. If the Bears somehow manage to shut down Lacy, they can just deal with Aaron Rodgers. What a treat.


Widget is loading comments...
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.