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 Ten NFL Picks (2013)

By: Matt Harmon

Thursday Night Game:

Washington Redskins (3-5) at Minnesota Vikings (1-7)
Matchup to Watch: Jared Allen vs. Trent Williams
  • Some may not know this, but there are not three left tackles that have played better than Trent Williams this season. Outside of a disastrous Week Eight loss to the Broncos, Williams has been playing lights out this whole season; locking up pass rushers and moving defenders around in the running game. Williams is in the midst of a dominant season and is one of Pro Football Focus’ top ranked offensive linemen. Jared Allen has definitely begun to show his age, and while he may not take over games like he did in the past, he is still certainly capable of disrupting opposing quarterbacks. RG3 is still a young signal caller, and therefore really struggles under pressure from opposing pass rushers. With his mobility, Griffin is best suited to deal with edge pressure from a player like Allen, but the film shows Griffin really struggles with pressure from interior defensive linemen like he received in the Dallas and Denver losses. It was no coincidence that those were RG3’s worst games of the season. If Trent Williams can lock down Jared Allen one-on-one, the Redskins offensive line can dedicate their full compliment of resources to shutting interior pass rushers like veteran Kevin Williams and disappointing rookie Sharrif Floyd. 
My Pick: Redskins
  • This Thursday the football nation is treated to a game of two pretty disappoint teams. However, while the Vikings have been a complete dumpster fire, the Redskins may actually be trending upwards. The Redskins offense looked like the exciting and threatening unit from last season, and Griffin was making stick throws at every level of the field. However, Griffin has fooled us into thinking he was back after the win over the Bears, only to follow up with the worst game of his young career. If he can sustain his strong play, the Pierre Garcon and the Redskins passing offense could completely destroy this awful Vikings secondary. On the other hand, this looks like the exact type of game for Adrian Peterson to run wild over a bad defense for 200 plus yards. The Redskins are the pick, and they really have more at stake here; they will be right back in the NFC East race with a win, but a loss would essentially doom them. 

Sunday Games:


Seattle Seahawks (8-1) at Atlanta Falcons (2-6)
Matchup to Watch: Zach Miller vs. Falcons Safeties
  • Zach Miller’s biggest game as a Seahawk came against these Falcons in last year’s wild playoff duel. Miller hauled in eight passes for 142 yards and a touchdown. The Falcons defense has been much worse this season than it was last year when Miller had his way with them. Miller has been slow to get going this season, and he has dealt with an injury, but he can rekindle a little fire against a team he has beaten before. With the state of Seattle’s pass catcher, they could certainly use a big game from Miller. 
My Pick: Seahawks
  • The Seahawks have not been playing their best ball lately, but Atlanta has been much, much worse. Atlanta is not built and does not have the personnel to exploit the two weaknesses Seattle has shown recently, run defense and pass protection. This could be a nice get-well game for the Seahawks. 

 

Cincinnati Bengals (6-3) at Baltimore Ravens (3-5)
Matchup to Watch: A.J. Green vs. Lardarius Webb
  • One of the better cornerbacks in the NFL, Webb was supposed to be a big assistance to the Ravens defense as he made his return from a torn ACL this season, but Webb has not looked like the same player. He has had troubles in coverage and has made been on the wrong end of several highlight reel plays; Davone Bess’ second touchdown last week for example. The Ravens may realize Webb is not playing well, or may not be fully healthy, as they have been lining him up in the slot more often than outside against bigger receivers. Will A.J. Green get a chance to feast on Webb, or will Webb round into form against the All-Pro wideout. 
My Pick: Ravens                                        
  • It is really hard to pick the Ravens right now, but if they lose this game, their season will essentially be over. They will be four games behind the division leading Bengals with a loss, and will be way too far back to compete for the sixth seed in the wildcard race. If the inconsistent Andy Dalton shows up, and the Bengals defense takes a big step with the loss of Geno Atkins, the Ravens have a chance; albeit a small one.
 

Detroit Lions (5-3) at Chicago Bears (5-3)
Matchup to Watch: Reggie Bush vs. Bears Linebackers
  • The Bears are being forced to start two rookie linebackers, Jon Bostic and Khaseem Greene, due to injuries right now. The rookies have had their fair share of gaffs, especially on James Starks’ touchdown run on Monday night. Bostic and Greene will need to play with more discipline against a back with the speed and agility of Reggie Bush. The Lions should be able to take advantage of the Bears weak run defense if they chose to feature their running backs, but even if they ant to go pass heavy as usual Bush could be lethal against these rookie linebackers on quick screens.
My Pick: Lions
  • The Bears are a good team, and it is hard to imagine them dropping both games to a division rival, but too many matchups favor the Lions in this game. Last time these two teams met, the Lions essentially did whatever they want on offense, and we should see a repeat of that on Sunday. The Bears decision to rush Jay Cutler back in this game is an ill-advised one with Josh McCown playing so well. 


Philadelphia Eagles (4-5) at Green Bay Packers (5-3)
Matchup to Watch: Clay Matthews vs. Lane Johnson
  • It looks like Matthews will return from his lengthy injury just in time to face a rookie offensive tackle who has been a nightmare in pass protection. With Matthews just coming off injury, the Packers would be wise to line up Matthews over Johnson and let the other players struggled with Jason Peters at left tackle.
My Pick: Eagles
  • The difference in this game will be the Eagles run defense, a group that has quietly been getting better throughout the season as players like defensive end Fletcher Cox have been getting comfortable and excelling in the new 3-4 defense. If this defense can shut down Eddie Lacy, the offense should have no trouble outscoring the Seneca Wallace led Packers. 


St. Louis Rams (3-6) at Indianapolis Colts (6-2)
Matchup to Watch: Zac Stacy vs. Colts front seven
  • Stacy has been on a tear recently, and is about the only thing going right on the Rams offense. The Colts have put some pretty bad tape out defending the run at time, the Chargers loss in particular, and Stacy could be in line for his third straight 100-yard game. The Rams do not have a lot of hope against one of the NFL’s best teams, but if Stacy can run through the Colts, they can at least keep it close.
My Pick: Colts
  • The Colts are one of the best teams in the AFC and have legitimate Super Bowl dreams; they will not come up short to the Rams.


Buffalo Bills (3-6) at Pittsburgh Steelers (2-6)

Matchup to Watch: Stevie Johnson vs. Steelers cornerbacks
  • The Steelers secondary was just really embarrassed by the Patriots passing offense last week, so Stevie Johnson is probably licking his chops to get after them. Johnson has some of the most unique moves among NFL receivers to get himself open, and it is hard to see any of the Steelers corners matching up with him. It will just be up to E.J. Manuel to find Johnson in the rookie quarterback’s first start since his knee injury. 
My Pick: Bills
  • Despite a loss last week, the Bills appear to be trending upwards; their quarterback is back, C.J. Spiller is getting healthy, and their defense continues to improve. The Steelers on the other hand, just develop new problems every week. The Bills defensive line should give the Steelers absolute fits, and might be the difference in this game. 

Jacksonville Jaguars (0-8) at Tennessee Titans (4-4)
Matchup to Watch: Denard Robinson vs. Titans defense
  • A very broad matchup, but no one knows how the Jags are planning to deploy the former college quarterback who they have said they plan on unleashing this weak. In a game that not many will be interested in watching, it will at least be fun to see if Robinson can make a difference in the Jaguars offense, or at least an impact.
My Pick: Titans
  • The Jaguars just lost one of their best players to a suspension; not exactly a formula for winning your first game.


Carolina Panthers (5-3) at San Francisco (6-2)
Matchup to Watch: Colin Kaepernick vs. Thomas Davis
  • Thomas Davis is somehow in the middle of his best season as a Panther two years removed from his third ACL repair surgery. Davis is not the same physical specimen he once was, but a drop off for him still probably puts him in the top half of linebackers in terms of athletic ability. Davis excels in coverage and has become a very instinctive player. The Panthers will need Davis to lead the linebackers in their effort to stop Colin Kaepernick from busting off any big runs. The 49ers have tabled their efforts to make Kaepernick a pocket passer and have just cut him loose as a runner since it gives them the best chance to win. The Panthers cannot afford to have him running all over them. 
My Pick: 49ers
  • This is very quietly the game of the week. The Panthers have been beating up on some bad teams, but they have also won all of those games by at least twenty points; a near impossible feat in the NFL no matter who you face. If Cam Newton can stay on his mistake free hot streak, the Panthers absolutely have a chance to win this game, but the 49ers are at home, and you have to trust them more at this point. 


Houston Texans (2-6) at Arizona Cardinals (4-4)
Matchup to Watch: Calais Campbell vs. Texans interior offensive line
  • As great as Case Keenum has been thus far in his first two starts there is one thing that he has yet to have to overcome; intense interior pressure. Pressure from the inside of a defensive line often disrupts quarterbacks more than pressure from edge rushers, where the quarterback can just step up. Houston center, Chris Myers, is one of the best in the business, but he and his mates will have their hands full with Calais Campbell of the best, and most underrated, defensive players in the league. If Campbell can get pressure in front of Keenum, he may fall well short of the lofty standards he has set for himself.
My Pick: Texans
  • The Texans might actually be a better team than Arizona now that they have a viable starting quarterback. This will be a new challenge for the young quarterback, as the Cardinals bring intense pressure in the a-gap with the aforementioned Campbell and linebacker Daryl Washington. However, how does Arizona plan to block the Texans own interior pass rushing dynamo, J.J. Watt? Watt could go off for three sacks against this offensive line and that should force Carson Palmer into plenty of mistakes.


Denver Broncos (7-1) at San Diego Chargers (4-4)
Matchup to Watch: Antonio Gates vs. Broncos linebackers
  • Some of the criticism of the Broncos defense is overblown, but one are they really struggle in is their defense of tight ends. The Denver linebackers are good working downhill, but do not have much in the way of coverage abilities, and therefore ten to get taken advantage of by athletic tight ends. The Chargers will need to score points in bunches to keep up with the Broncos and Phillip Rivers will would be wise to look to exploit this mismatch. Look out for Gates to have a big day.
My Pick: Broncos
  • This game should be a shoot out, but the Chargers secondary is too porous to leave too much of a chance for an upset special. This game will be close and fun to watch, but the Broncos will probably be up by double digits once they hit the fourth quarter. 


Dallas Cowboys (5-4) at New Orleans Saints (6-2)
Matchup to Watch: DeMarcus Ware vs. Charles Brown
  • Ware is set to come back from his first ever extended absence since joining the NFL. Ware was adjusting quite nicely to his new position as 4-3 defensive end prior to his injury and it will be interesting to see if he can pick up where he left off. He draws an easy matchup on Sunday night, as Charles Brown has been one of the main reasons the Saints have struggled in protection and has been one of the worst left tackles in the league. Ware could be the difference on a Dallas defense that has let too many offenses run wild on them recently. 

My Pick: Saints
  • One of the best in the business, Ross Tucker, pointed out on his awesome podcast, that you should all be listening to, that Cowboys defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin has inexcusably refused to take away what opposing offenses do best. You should not allow Calvin Johnson and Adrian Peterson to beyond dominate you in the manner that Kiffin has. Is there any doubt that Jimmy Graham will be next in line? The Saints might be a tad overrated, but the Cowboys cannot hang with them in the Super Dome. 


Monday Night Game:

Miami Dolphins (4-4) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-8)
Matchup to Watch: Daniel Te'o-Nesheim vs. Tyson Clabo
  • Much of the dialogue surrounding this game has been about how much will the absence of two certain starting offensive lineman hurt the Miami Dolphins. However, does Tampa Bay even have the personnel to exploit their absence? Te’o-Nesheim is not a good pass rusher at all, and really should not be a starting defensive end in the NFL. If Clabo were ever going to have a good game, this would be it. If the Bucs can pressure Tannehill, they have a chance to get their first win.
My Pick: Dolphins
  • This is a tough game to pick. The Bucs appeared to play hard for Greg Schiano last week, but he and his coaching staff’s inability to make adjustments mid-game cooked them in the end. Miami, on the other hand, appears to be reeling from the outside in light of “Bullygate”, but is this really a locker room divided? All the players seem to be united against Jonathan Martin and they way he is handling the situation. Neither choice feels right, but you cannot realistically pick the Bucs until they actually show they know how to win a game.

HTML Comment Box is loading comments...
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.