MIKE KAYE

Last Week: 12-3 / Season: 21-9 / Scott Pick: 2-0

This was a pretty interesting weekend, tad more predictable, but full of twists and turns and opposing teams scoring on the Seahawks, Colts and Chiefs. Are they not the worst three teams in football? Pauly Shore’s career is more stable than Kansas City at this point. If the Colts go 0-4, do they decide to IR Peyton and possibly trade Reggie Wayne (I think they will), who badly wants a contract extension, and get some value? Just some random thoughts…but anyway, let’s Take it to the Bank!

Jaguars @ Panthers

Pick: Panthers. This will be one of the easier attempts for Cam Newton and Co. to get a win. Cam has been knocking on the door the last two weeks, and I think he breaks down the door in this one. The Jags looked awful against the Jets and while I don’t know if that means it’s time to panic in JAX or that the Jets are just a much better team, I do think Carolina is currently the better team. This one will be close in the first half but the Panthers will pull away.

Lions @ Vikings

Pick: Lions. This one is really simple: the Vikings can’t sustain a lead and the Lions can. I think Kevin Williams returning will greatly help the Purple’s defense but I don’t know if they can get enough pressure to stop the Lions new and improved offense. Here’s predicting another tough week for Donovan McNabb.

49ers @ Bengals

Pick: Bengals. Bengal games the last three weeks have been pretty lame on paper but they have delivered a few exciting moments on the field. I can’t get past the awful coaching decision that Jim Harbaugh made last week, along with the fact that Braylon Edwards and Michael Crabtree both have injuries. The Bengals don’t win convincingly but AJ Green and Andy Dalton will get the job done when needed.

Dolphins @ Browns

Pick: Browns. This is a very winnable game for the Dolphins but I just think the home team pulls it out. Peyton Hillis took over the game last week and he can do it again against the Fins awful defense. I think Chad Henne will continue to put up good numbers (because he’s not the problem) but the defensive woes are just too much to overcome for Miami.

Patriots @ Bills

Pick: Patriots. The Bills can’t win this game, right? Expect a shootout at Ralph Wilson Stadium, until Tom Brady decides he’s done playing with Buffalo and goes for the kill. Ryan Fitzpatrick will continue his strong early season start, but some games you just can’t win. Pats corners will blanket Buffalo’s no-name wideouts.

Giants @ Eagles

Scott Pick: Eagles. This is a very difficult game to pick and it has everything to do with Philadelphia and little to do with the G-Men.  Simply put the Eagles’ QB situation is unsettled right now.  How will Mike Vick play, if as reported he gets the start? That is the big question.  I was very impressed with Kafka last week, who once again gives Philly another QB to turn to, should Vick sustain further injuries.  If this game was in Jersey, I’d probably roll with New York, but because it’s at the Linc, and because the Eagles are a really good team at home, I’m taking Philly, in a game that will be a touchdown or less.

Broncos @ Titans

Pick: Titans. I am not a huge believer in either team, but anyone who can completely embarrass the Ravens, can beat the Broncos. This Titans team found their grove last week and I think the momentum will continue for 7 more days. Denver’s run game (or lack thereof) allows the Titans to use multiple defensive backs, something they to do well.

Texans @ Saints

Pick: Texans. Huge test for the Texans, who are ranked number one in the league in defense after two weeks. The Saints have a boatload of weapons and Sean Payton likes to spread the ball around, so it’ll be interesting to see how the improved Texans secondary does on the road. I think the Texans pull off the win, using their running game to keep the Saints’ defense honest. Look for Andre Johnson to have a big game against Tracy Porter.

Jets @ Raiders

Pick: Jets. The west coast trip will make the Jets stumble a bit in the early going, but we all know who the better team is. The Raiders linebackers have had issues against the pass and I think the Jets utilize Dustin Keller and LT when covered by Quintin Groves and Rolando McClain. I really enjoyed watching Denarious Moore last weekend, I think he’s a keeper, which is a positive for the Raiders.

Chiefs @ Chargers

Pick: Chargers. It is really unfortunate that the Chiefs have to be kicked while they’re down, having to play the offensively explosive Chargers. The Chargers put up a minimum of 35 points in what is shaping up to be a rout. I firmly believe that Todd Haley needs to take over offensive play-calling, but if he loses by 40 again, he may not have the opportunity.

Ravens @ Rams

Pick: Ravens. The Rams made a ton of mistakes Monday and that’s unfortunate. Now they play a Ravens team that will be fuming after an unexpected loss last week. St. Louis will be more controlled this week and more competitive, but I just think it’ll be hard for the Rams secondary and linebackers to handle Baltimore’s underrated offense.

Falcons @ Buccaneers

Pick: Buccaneers. The Falcons barely squeaked by last week and I think the Bucs will be ready to pounce. Josh Freeman showed up in the second half last week and that will carry over into this key divisional game. Atlanta has struggled against the pass and Mike Williams can beat those corners deep.

Packers @ Bears

Pick: Packers. Aaron Rodgers keeps putting up huge numbers and that won’t stop any time soon. The Bears lost to the Saints high-powered offense so why should it be any different with the Pack? Losing Nick Collins will be tough for the Cheese Heads but Chicago’s wide-outs don’t scare anyone.

Cardinals @ Seahawks

Pick: Cardinals. Kevin Kolb looks to be in prime form and I think he makes a statement against the lowly Seahawks. While the Cards defense is awful, not many units in the sport are worse than Seattle’s offensive line.  Beanie Wells became an asset last week and if they continue using him the way they did against the Skins, they will win some games this year (despite Washington sneaking a W last week).

Steelers @ Colts

Pick: Steelers. It’s truly unfortunate that the whole country has to watch this massacre just waiting to happen. Colts fans…hold tight.

Redskins @ Dallas

Pick: Cowboys. Depending on if Romo plays or not, this will be Sexy Rexy’s greatest challenge of the season. This will be a close game regardless but I think Romo found a new toy in Michael Holley, which could solve some of the WR problems. The Redskins are a much improved team, but I don’t think they are good enough to go 3-0.

Photo: Reuters

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