NFL Wild Card Preview and Predictions

Adrian Peterson will try to carry the Minnesota Vikings to another win over the Green Bay Packers on Saturday. (Hannah Foslien)

Cincinnati Bengals (10-6) @ Houston Texans (12-4) - Saturday, 4:30 PM EST, NBC

These two teams enter this wild card matchup with very different momentum. The Texans have lost three of their last four. During that stretch of time, quarterback Matt Schaub has thrown only one touchdown and three interceptions. In the same span, running back Arian Foster has only surpassed the 100-yard mark once. The Texans defense has continued to play well, but that has not been enough to make up the difference.

The Bengals have won seven of their last eight. Probably the biggest reason why is that their defense has played superbly. The last time the Bengals gave up more than 20 points was back in Week 9. The passing game has played well, but quarterback Andy Dalton continues to be inconsistent  Running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis has improved as the season has gone on. He rushed for over 100 yards in four games during the second half of the season.

Prediction: Texans 20 Bengals 17

Minnesota Vikings (10-6) @ Green Bay Packers (11-5) - Saturday, 8:00 PM EST, NBC

This is the third time this season and second time in less than a week that these NFC North rivals square off. This time it will be decided under the frigid conditions of Lambeau Field. The Vikings have relied on the resurgence of Adrian Peterson all season. His 2,097 rushing yards may have been just shy of the record, but were enough to carry his team to the playoffs. Quarterback Christian Ponder has been much maligned this season, but he did throw three touchdown passes in last week's win over the Packers. The Vikings defense has stepped up and played very well down the stretch against tough competition.

When many predicted before the season that the Packers would go to the Super Bowl, few thought their regular season would be as inconsistent as it was. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been the leader with continued dominant play, but the offensive line has struggled to protect him and to give him the time that he needs to operate. As a result, the run game has been virtually non-existent for much of the season. The Packers defense has had its ups and downs. They have been unable to shutdown Peterson, who has had a combined 409 yards in their previous two matchups this season. The Packers are not going to stop him, but if they can contain him, their odds of winning increase exponentially.

Prediction: Packers 28 Vikings 20

Indianapolis Colts (11-5) @ Baltimore Ravens (10-6) - Sunday, 1:00 PM EST, CBS

This game should be an emotional one for both sides. The Colts had their head coach Chuck Pagano return from leukemia treatment to the sidelines to lead them to a big win at home over the Texans last week as they head into the playoffs with considerable momentum. They finished the season winning five of their last six games as well. Rookie quarterback Andrew Luck has been a major difference maker for the Colts. During the regular season, he threw for 4,374 yards with 23 touchdowns and 18 interceptions. Luck will need to limit his mistakes against a Ravens defense that always looks to force turnovers.

Ray Lewis is always the emotional leader of the Ravens, but the fact that he announced that this will be his final season will be an added motivation for his teammates. The Ravens began the season 9-2, but they dropped four of the last five games of the regular season to barely win the AFC North. Quarterback Joe Flacco had an up-and-down year, throwing for 3,817 yards, 22 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Getting running back Ray Rice involved in the passing and rushing game is crucial to the offense's success. The Ravens defense has not been nearly as strong this season. However, they are always a threat to create havoc and force turnovers.

Prediction: Ravens 31 Colts 27

Seattle Seahawks (11-5) @ Washington Redskins (10-6) - Sunday, 4:30 PM EST, FOX

This is a rare playoff game in that it features two rookie quarterbacks squaring off. This game could very well come down to which one of them plays better. The Seahawks come into the playoffs on a five-game winning streak. Their rookie quarterback, Russell Wilson, has played very well during the streak with a ratio of 13 total touchdowns to only two interceptions. During the same stretch of time, running back Marshawn Lynch has rushed for an average of 107.8 rushing yards a game and seven total touchdowns. The Seahawks defense has been one of the best in the league and has given up more than 24 points only once this season.

The Redskins started the season with a 3-6 record, but won seven games in a row to win the NFC East. Their reward is a home playoff game which could be significant because they have won four straight and five of six at FedEx Field, while the Seahawks were only 3-5 on the road this season. Rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III has been the leader and inspiration for the Redskins as he has battled through injuries to play well. He has gotten huge help from his top running back, Alfred Morris. Morris ran for 200 yards and three touchdowns last week against the Dallas Cowboys. He finished the regular season with 1,613 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Prediction: Seahawks 20 Redskins 17

NFL Week 17 Preview and Predictions

The Redskins hope rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III can lead them to one more victory and into the playoffs. (Patrick McDermott)

5. Houston Texans (12-3) @ Indianapolis Colts (10-5) - 1:00 PM EST, CBS
The six AFC playoffs teams are set and these are two of them. The seeding is still to be determined, which is why this AFC South battle is significant on Sunday. Last week, the Texans had a chance to clinch home-field throughout the playoffs, but they lost to the Minnesota Vikings. Now, they must win against the Colts to guarantee themselves a first-round bye. The Colts got the win they needed last week over the Kansas City Chiefs to clinch their place in the playoffs. They also got head coach Chuck Pagano back this week from his battle with cancer. There will be a lot of pride on the line and momentum to be gained in this divisional battle.

Prediction: Texans 27 Colts 17

4. Philadelphia Eagles (4-11) @ New York Giants (8-7) - 1:00 PM EST, FOX
The Eagles playoff hopes have been gone so long it could be considered ancient history. Losers of ten of their last eleven, there is little to be excited about with this football team. However, a chance to knock one of their rivals out of the playoffs might be just enough motivation to show up and play hard when they take on the Giants on Sunday. With back-to-back losses, the Giants are a long shot to defend their Super Bowl title. A porous defense and sputtering offense has put forth ugly performance the past two weeks. In order to make the playoffs, the Giants first and foremost have to take care of business here and get a win over the Eagles. Then, they have to hope for losses by the Cowboys, Bears and Vikings. As I said, they are a longshot.

Prediction: Giants 27 Eagles 13

3. Chicago Bears (9-6) @ Detroit Lions (4-11) - 1:00 PM EST, FOX
The Bears finally snapped a three-game losing streak with a 28-13 win over the Arizona Cardinals last week. Unfortunately for them, it may be too little, too late for their hopes of making the playoffs. The need a win over the Lions and a loss by the Vikings in order to secure a postseason berth. The Bears defense will need to play well if they hope to slow down Calvin Johnson and the Lions offense. Bears quarterback Jay Cutler will also need to play well and limit his mistakes. The Lions have lost seven in row and have been out of the playoff picture for awhile. They will still be plenty motivated to have a shot at knocking a rival out of the playoffs.

Prediction: Bears 20 Lions 17

2. Green Bay Packers (11-4) @ Minnesota Vikings (9-6) - 4:25 PM EST, FOX
The Packers have won nine out of their last ten, but they still need one more win to guarantee themselves a first-round bye in the playoffs. Last week, quarterback Aaron Rodgers threw for three touchdowns and ran for another, running back Ryan Grant rushed for two more and the Green Bay defense dominated in a 55-7 rout of the Tennessee Titans. The Packers will look to use a similar formula when they face the Vikings on Sunday. While all of the focus has been on Adrian Peterson's chance to break Eric Dickerson's single-season rushing record of 2,105 yards, the Vikings have quietly positioned themselves for the team's first playoff berth since 2009. The Vikings defense played very well in their surprising upset of the Houston Texans last week. They held the Texans to 187 total yards and only six points. The Vikings defense will need to play just as well if they hope to slow down Rodgers and the Packers' dynamic offense.

Prediction: Packers 24 Vikings 16

1. Dallas Cowboys (8-7) @ Washington Redskins (9-6) - 8:20 PM EST, NBC
The winner of this game is the NFC East champion and earns the automatic berth into the playoffs. Since their Week 12 loss to the Redskins, the Cowboys have played four games decided by five points or less and the last two have gone to overtime. Quarterback Tony Romo played very well last week against the New Orleans Saints. He threw for 416 yards, four touchdowns and most importantly, no interceptions. Romo's top receiver, Dez Bryant, played well in that game as well. He had nine receptions for 224 yards and two scores. The Redskins have won six in a row, but need one more divisional win to become the NFC East champions. Rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III returned from injury to lift his team past the Eagles last week to set up this week's showdown with the Cowboys. Running back Alfred Morris has played well lately as well. He has scored at least one touchdown in four out of his last five games. Morris has rushed for an average of 108.8 yards per game during that stretch. The Redskins will try and use a balanced attack to breakdown the Cowboys defense.

Prediction: Redskins 31 Cowboys 28

NFL Week 16 Preview and Predictions

Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers know that if they win their final two games of the season, they will make the playoffs. (Joe Sargent)

5. Washington Redskins (8-6) @ Philadelphia Eagles (4-10) - 1:00 PM EST, FOX
The Redskins are in position to win the NFC East for the first time since 1999 and to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2007. They have won five straight games to move into a three-way tie for first, but they have the tiebreaker over the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants. Rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III has the nation believing in and cheering for the Redskins. An optimistic outlook at the beginning of the season has turned into an absolutely dismal reality for the Philadelphia Eagles. Losers of nine of their last ten, little has gone their way. The Eagles have two more shots to get some revenge against a pair of divisional opponents the last two weeks of the season. They would be more than happy to knock one or both of them from the playoffs.

Prediction: Redskins 27 Eagles 16
 
4. New York Giants (8-6) @ Baltimore Ravens (9-5) - 4:25 PM EST, FOX
Last week, it was the Giants who were in position to win the NFC East. They had been there and done that and knew what they had to do. However, they were embarrassed 34-0 by the Atlanta Falcons. Now, they have to likely win out and get some help to return to the playoffs to defend their Super Bowl. Eli Manning has pitiful in the loss, passing for only 161 yards and two interceptions. On defense, the Giants weren't any better, giving up 394 total yards in the blowout loss. The Ravens are in a downward spiral as well. Losers of three straight, they are hoping simply to win the AFC North, which they have controlled all season. Quarterback Joe Flacco's six turnovers during the losing streak certainly isn't helping matters. This year's version of the Ravens' defense isn't as statistically strong either, especially at stopping the run.

Prediction: Giants 27 Ravens 24

3. Minnesota Vikings (8-6) @ Houston Texans (12-2) - 1:00 PM EST, FOX
The Vikings have won two straight and are in the playoffs heading into Week 16. However, that isn't what most of the talk around the team is about. Less than a year after suffering a torn ACL and MCL, Peterson is leading the NFL with a career-best 1,812 rushing yards on 289 carries. That means that he needs 294 yards in the last two games of the season to break Eric Dickerson's single-season record of 2,105, set in 1984 with the Los Angeles Rams. If Peterson has two big games and the defense plays well, the Vikings might just sneak into the playoffs under the radar. The Texans are on the verge of having home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. All they need is one more win, and they would love to take care of that this week. With a balance offense and strong defense, this is a team built for a run at the Super Bowl.

Prediction: Texans 24 Vikings 20
 
2. San Francisco 49ers (10-3-1) @ Seattle Seahawks (9-5) - 8:20 PM EST (Sunday), NBC
These two NFC West rivals should both make the playoffs, but there is plenty of pride and a first-round bye on the line in Sunday night's game. The 49ers have the second-best record in the NFC, but have yet to clinch the division due to their pesky divisional foes. They come into Sunday night's game following a huge win at New England, but they can't afford to let down their guard here. The Seahawks are primed for more success and have a perfect home record to protect. The solid play of rookie quarterback Russell Wilson and the rejuvenation of running back Marshawn Lynch's career has sparked the offense. The Seahawks defense is one of the most physical in the league. This should be a hard fought, low-scoring battle to the end.

Prediction: Seahawks 16 49ers 13
 
1. Cincinnati Bengals (8-6) @ Pittsburgh Steelers (7-7) - 1:00 PM EST, CBS
As winners of five of their last six, the Bengals are on the verge of making the playoffs and keeping their archrival out at the same time. With a win over the Steelers, they would clinch their spot in the postseason. The trouble is that the Bengals have never had much success again the Steelers, especially in Pittsburgh. The Steelers are in an unusual spot. Losing four out of their last five game has them sitting outside of the playoffs looking in. Injuries have mounted up on both sides of the ball and poor decision making has cost them games. Despite the downfall, the Steelers are still in control of their own fate. A win against the Bengals on Sunday and next week at home against the Cleveland Browns would send the Steelers back to the playoffs. There is only one playoff spot left in the AFC and only the Bengals or the Steelers can be that team.

Prediction: Steelers 20 Bengals 17

NFL Week 15 Preview and Predictions

Tom Brady will look to lead the New England Patriots to another win over at home on Sunday Night Football. (AP Photo)

5. Washington Redskins (7-6) @ Cleveland Browns (5-8) - 1:00 PM EST, FOX


The Washington Redskins are making a push for the playoffs. They will look to win five straight games for the first time in seven seasons, but will have to do it without their inspirational leader at quarterback, Robert Griffin III. Griffin suffered a sprained knee and the Redskins have announced that fellow rookie Kirk Cousins will start in his place on Sunday against the Cleveland Browns. Cousins played very well in relief of Griffin last week. He will look to improve on that performance in this game. The Browns won't make the playoffs, but they are playing great football and are on a three-game winning streak of their own. Trent Richardson should continue to be the focal point of the offense. As the Browns' leading rusher and receiver, a big game out of the running back will help rookie quarterback Brandon Weeden to succeed as well.

Prediction: Redskins 24 Browns 20

4. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-6) @ Dallas Cowboys (7-6) - 4:25 PM EST, CBS

These two historic rivals have struggled with consistency this season. The Steelers have a number of great big game victories, but have also suffered some surprising losses to middling teams. They got Ben Roethlisberger back from injury last week, but he had a considerable amount of rust in that game due to the long layoff without playing. The Steelers defense will have to play much better as well, especially after allowing the San Diego Chargers to score 34 points last week. As I already mentioned, the Cowboys have been a very inconsistent football team as well this season. Their longest winning or losing streak is only two games. They will look to put that behind them as they look for their third straight victory Sunday. Both teams need a win badly with a spot in the playoffs on the line. The Steelers need a win to stay ahead of the Cincinnati Bengals for the sixth and final spot in the AFC playoffs. Meanwhile, the Cowboys need a win and some help to sneak into the postseason.

Prediction: Steelers 23 Cowboys 20

3. Green Bay Packers (9-4) @ Chicago Bears (8-5) - 1:00 PM EST, FOX

The Packers beat the Bears 23-10 at home way back in Week 2. Now, the Bears look to get revenge on their rivals with the division lead on the line. The Packers have won seven out of their last eight games. The Packers are looking for a sixth consecutive victory over the archrival Bears. The win would secure them the NFC North title. Meanwhile, the Bears have lost four out of their last five. Suffering from injuries on both sides of the ball, they will look to piece together a complete effort in this one. The Bears offense will likely need to improve for them to have a chance to win. They have scored only 72 points in their past five games. Starting quarterback Jay Cutler is expected to play, but will be without one of his favorite targets, Earl Bennett due to injury.

Prediction: Packers 27 Bears 17

2. New York Giants (8-5) @ Atlanta Falcons (11-2) - 1:00 PM EST, FOX

Last week, the Giants trounced the New Orleans Saints to pick up a much needed win to stay in sole possession of first place in the NFC East. They will need another win Sunday if they want to be assured of that again. Running back David Wilson was the star of the win over the Saints. After taking a kickoff return 97 yards for a touchdown, he rushed for 100 yards and two more scores. Quarterback Eli Manning added four touchdown passes, but also threw two interceptions. The Falcons are trying to secure home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. Those ambitions took a step backwards when Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers ran all over Atlanta. Newton burned the Falcons defense for 403 total yards and three total (two passing and one rushing) touchdowns. The Falcons offense also needs to make sure they are getting the ball into the endzone. Quarterback Matt Ryan threw for 342 passing yards, but had only two passing touchdowns and an interception. They also only got an unacceptable 35 rushing yards in the loss.

Prediction: Falcons 24 Giants 23

1. San Francisco 49ers (9-3-1) @ New England Patriots (10-3) - 8:20 PM EST (Sunday), NBC

Both these teams are looking for first-round byes in the playoffs. A win Sunday would be huge for both teams' chances. The 49ers have five straight wins over teams not named the St. Louis Rams, who they are 0-1-1 against. Quarterback Colin Kaepernick has played well, but needs to work on finding the end zone. He has no passing touchdowns in each of the past two games. Running back Frank Gore also hasn't had a 100-yard rushing game in the past six weeks either. Both players need to step up and play well because they have got their work cut out for them against New England. Not only are the Patriots winners of seven straight, they are going for their 14th straight win in December and 21st straight at home during the month. Quarterback Tom Brady thrives in the spotlight. In last week's rout of the Houston Texans, he threw four touchdown passes in just over a half of work. The Patriots defense has improved as well, holding teams to 19 points or less in their last three games.

Prediction: Patriots 24 49ers 20

NFL Week 14 Preview and Predictions

Tom Brady and Matt Schaub will play significant roles in a game that may decide home-field for the AFC playoffs. (Getty Images)

5. New Orleans Saints (5-7) @ New York Giants (7-5) - 4:25 PM EST, FOX

The Saints would need a miracle at this point to make the playoffs. At this point, it looks like a slow start and though schedule down the stretch proved to be too much. However, quarterback Drew Brees will certainly have his boys ready to give it their best on Sunday. A loss last week to their divisional rival Washington Redskins, the Giants have seen their NFC East lead get trimmed to just one game. As losers of three of their last four, they can't afford anymore setbacks. The Giants will rely on the leadership of quarterback Eli Manning to carry them through.

Prediction: Saints 24 Giants 20

4. Dallas Cowboys (6-6) @ Cincinnati Bengals (7-5) - 1:00 PM EST, FOX

This is a matchup of two teams in desperate hope of keeping their playoff hopes alive. Thanks to the Redskins win over the Giants last week, the Cowboys now sit just one game back of the Giants for the NFC East lead. They will look to build off a win over the Eagles last week to get another good performance out of quarterback Tony Romo. A win here would put the Cowboys above .500 for the first time this season. The Bengals are already two games above. 500, but currently sit on the outside looking into the playoffs. As a result, they might need to win out in order to have a shot at making the playoffs. After losing four in a row, the Bengals have now won four straight. They look to win again at home behind the strong play over their defense recently.

Prediction: Bengals 27 Cowboys 24

3. Chicago Bears (8-4) @ Minnesota Vikings (6-6) - 1:00 PM EST, FOX

The Bears suffered another setback last week when they lost to the Seattle Seahawks in overtime. The loss was their third in four weeks. Despite losing the game, quarterback Jay Cutler did play well. The Bears will need him to do so again as their defense will be missing their leader in Brian Urlacher to due to a hamstring sprain. After a 4-1 start, the Vikings are struggling to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. They have now lost four out of their last five to fall back to .500. Quarterback Christian Ponder and their defense have struggled recently. The Vikings will need a huge game out of running back Adrian Peterson to have even a chance at an upset.

Prediction: Bears 24 Vikings 13

2. Baltimore Ravens (9-3) @ Washington Redskins (6-6) - 1:00 PM EST, CBS

The Ravens saw their four-game win streak come to an end against their division rival Pittsburgh Steelers. Other than a pair of big touchdown plays by wide receiver Anquan Boldin and running back Ray Rice, their offense was non-existent in the loss. The Ravens defense also isn't nearly as strong as it has been in years past. They will now take a short road trip to our nation's capital where they will take on a suddenly dangerous Redskins team. After losing three in a row, rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III has led the Redskins to three straight NFC East wins. With all the confidence and momentum on their side, they are back at the .500 mark and sit only one game out of first place in their division. Another huge game out of Griffin could be in order to keep their win streak going.

Prediction: Redskins 24 Ravens 20

1. Houston Texans (11-1) @ New England Patriots (9-3) - 8:30 PM EST (Monday), ESPN/WatchESPN

Two of the top teams in the AFC come into a huge Monday Night Football matchup with playoff implications written all over it. Both teams are winners of six straight games. With only one loss so far this season, the Texans control their own fate in determining which team will have the home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. The Patriots are hoping slip-ups by the Texans and Ravens can allow them to earn at least a first round bye. Passing defense is both teams' area of weakness on that side of the ball. As a result, I expect both teams to air it quite a bit in what should be a high scoring affair. Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and Texans quarterback Matt Schaub are two of the leagues best and should be ready to show everyone why in primetime.

Prediction: Patriots 34 Texans 31

NFL Week 13 Preview and Predictions

Steelers running back Jonathan Dwyer will look to help carry his team to victory over the Ravens on Sunday. (Justin K. Aller)

5. New York Giants (7-4) @ Washington Redskins (5-6) - 8:30 PM EST (Monday), ESPN/WatchESPN

The Giants bounced back from back-to-back loss to destroy the Green Bay Packers 38-10. Eli Manning threw three touchdown passes, and the team had no turnovers. Those two things are crucial factors to the success of the Giants. The Redskins come in with momentum as well following their big Thanksgiving Day win over the Dallas Cowboys. Rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III has thrown four touchdown passes in each of his last two games. His success through the air is crucial to the Redskins success.

Prediction: Redskins 27 Giants 24

4. Minnesota Vikings (6-5) @ Green Bay Packers (7-4) - 1:00 PM EST, FOX

Both teams come into this game on a negative note having been blown out in their game last week. Both offenses struggled to get anything going. The Vikings need the win here to remain in the playoff hunt. The Packers need the win to establish themselves once again as one of the NFC's top teams.

Prediction: Packers 24 Vikings 16

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-5) @ Denver Broncos (8-3) - 4:05 PM EST, FOX

Last week, the Buccaneers saw their four-game winning streak come in to an end in a hard fought 24-23 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Their opponent doesn't get much easier this week. The Broncos are one of the hottest teams in football as winners of six straight. Quarterback Peyton Manning is having another excellent season in his first year with his new team. Meanwhile, the Buccanners will need a much better showing out of running back Doug Martin if they hope to control the clock and pull off the upset.

Prediction: Broncos 31 Buccaneers 20

2. Seattle Seahawks (6-5) @ Chicago Bears (8-3) - 1:00 PM EST, FOX

The Seahawks have struggled to find ways to win on the road. They are going to have to come up with a way to just that if they hope to remain in the thick of the NFC playoff hunt. The Bears rebounded from two straight losses to crush the Vikings 28-10. They will look to get quarterback Jay Cutler and the rest of the offense healthy and back to top form on Sunday.

Prediction: Bears 20 Seahawks 17

1. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-5) @ Baltimore Ravens (9-2) - 4:25 PM EST, CBS

The Steelers have dropped two straight games with star quarterback Ben Roethisberger. They will still be without him when they face the Ravens again for the second time in three weeks. With question marks at quarterback, the Steelers will rely more on their stable of running backs, who are lead by newly named starter Jonathan Dwyer. The Ravens are winners of four in a row and have opened up a three-game lead in the AFC North. With the defense getting healthier, this team is trending up.

Prediction: Steelers 17 Ravens 13

NFL Week 8 Preview and Predictions

Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan will look to help his team improve to 7-0 on Sunday against the Eagles. (Kevin C. Cox)

5. Seattle Seahawks (4-3) @ Detroit Lions (2-4) - 1:00 PM EST, FOX

This is a crucial game for both teams in terms of the playoff hunt. The Seahawks will need to play better on the road. They have just a 1-3 road record and have turned the ball over at a higher rate. They will look to bounce back from a tough divisional loss to the San Francisco 49ers 13-6 last week. With the 49ers and Arizona Cardinals both in the NFC West playoff hunt, every win becomes important, especially conference ones. The Seahawks need to find an effective balance between rookie quarterback Russell Wilson and lead running back Marshawn Lynch.

The Lions really need to start winning football games if they hope to return to the playoffs. Of the 208 teams that have started 2-4, only 18 of them have made the playoffs. It begins with their offense. Quarterback Matthew Stafford has to be smart with the football. He will have to do without one of his top weapons. Wide receiver Nate Burleson is out for the year after suffering a leg fracture. This puts more of the pressure on top receiver Calvin Johnson. The Lions will also need wide receivers Titus Young and Ryan Broyles and tight end Tony Scheffler to step up their games to help fill the void.

Prediction: Seahawks 17 Lions 13

4. Miami Dolphins (3-3) @ New York Jets (3-4) - 1:00 PM EST, CBS

There is still some bad blood in this matchup stemming from their first meeting five weeks ago, which the Jets won on a field goal in overtime. That game was marred by injuries and brash words exchanged through the media. With the season reaching the midway point, both teams are in need of a win to remain in the playoff picture.

The Dolphins offense is centered upon the explosive capabilities of running back Reggie Bush. He is a game-changer, who makes defenses adjust to try and contain him. Rookie quarterback Ryan Tannehill is coming off one of the best games of his young career (21-of-29, 2 touchdowns) last week against the St. Louis Rams. He will  need to keep that success going the Jets.

The Jets will look to rebound from a tough loss to the New England Patriots last week in overtime. The loss put them below .500, a place they can't remain long if they hope to make the playoffs. Quarterback Matt Sanchez needs to continue to work on his accuracy and consistency. With Santonio Holmes out for the season with a Lisfranc foot injury, Jeremy Kerley has emerged as Sanchez's top target. The Jets will look to utilize his speed in both the passing and return game.

Prediction: Jets 20 Dolphins 17

3. Washington Redskins (3-4) @ Pittsburgh Steelers (3-3) - 1:00 PM EST, FOX

Rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III played very well last week and had his team in a position to upset Eli Manning and the New York Giants. Griffin's targets vary week-to-week, but he has been adjusting well to meet the needs accordingly. Rookie running back Alfred Morris is coming off a strong game as well. He rush for 120 yards on just 22 carries. The team as a whole will have to play well to knock off the Steelers.

Speaking of the Steelers, they are coming off a much needed win over the Bengals on Sunday night in Cincinnati. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will need to continue to play well and to make wise decisions. The Steelers benefited last week from a young running backs. Jonathan Dwyer rushed for 122 yards on just 17 carries. Rookie Chris Rainey had a late touchdown run to help the Steelers gain the victory last week. The defense will need to continue to step up its play with important players missing due to injuries.

Prediction: Steelers 24 Redskins 23

2. New York Giants (5-2) @ Dallas Cowboys (3-3) - 4:25 PM EST, FOX

Anytime the Giants and Cowboys square off it seems like there is a lot on the line. While the Cowboys beat the Giants 24-17 in the season opener, the Giants have been the superior team ever since. The Giants will look to win their fourth game in a row behind the strong play of quarterback Eli Manning. The health of running back Ahmad Bradshaw could play a significant role on the outcome. He is currently listed as questionable for Sunday's game. On defense, the Giants have found that they will need other players to fill in for safety Kenny Phillips and defensive tackle Rocky Bernard, who have both been ruled out due to injury.

The Cowboys will look to find consistency. Quarterback Tony Romo has had ups-and-downs and will need to limit the turnovers against the Giants. Top wide receiver Dez Bryant was pretty much a non-factor in their win last week over the Carolina Panthers. The Cowboys will need him to step up and play a much stronger, especially since starting running back DeMarco Murray is out with a foot injury.

Prediction: Giants 27 Cowboys 24

1. Atlanta Falcons (6-0) @ Philadelphia Eagles (3-3) - 1:00 PM EST, FOX

Both the Falcons and Eagles come into this Sunday's matchup off a bye week. The Falcons worked on tweaking their problems, but those seem to be pretty minor when one considers that they are the last undefeated team in the NFL. Quarterback Matt Ryan has played very well, but needs to continue to work on limiting his turnovers. Wide receivers Julio Jones and Roddy White and tight end Tony Gonzalez will likely be some of Ryan's top targets.

The Eagles usually come out very strong following a bye week. Under Andy Reid, they are 13-0 in games immediately following a bye week, the longest such streak since the bye week was established in 1990. Coming in off of back-to-back losses, the Eagles will look to make that a reality once again. Quarterback Michael Vick's turnovers have been hurting this team, but this team must do all that it can to protect him from endangering situations. The Eagles defense will also try to find its feet following the firing of defensive coordinator Juan Castillo on October 16.

Prediction: Falcons 27 Eagles 17

NFL Week 5 Preview and Predictions

Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall is set to make his season debut after recovering from an ACL injury. (Justin K. Aller)

I literally got knocked out by a band riser tonight, so these previews are going to be brief. I don't think that my reasoning will be affected any.

5. Atlanta Falcons (4-0) @ Washington Redskins (2-2) - 1:00 PM EST, FOX

Everything for these teams start with their respective quarterback. Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan is maturing into an elite quarterback. His cool demeanor and presence gives him the authority to lead his team to victory in games they would not have otherwise won. The Redskins counter with their rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III. RG3 is an electrifying, duel-threat quarterback. He has game-changer potential and room to grow and mature.

Predictions: Falcons 31 Redskins 20

4. Buffalo Bills (2-2) @ San Francisco 49ers (3-1) - 4:25 PM EST, CBS

Bills running backs C.J. Spiller and Fred Jackson have battled injuries all season. Their team needs now more than ever against the 49ers talented defense. Last week, the Niners came into New York and destroyed the Jets 34-0. They limited the Jets to 145 total yards. Offensively, they rushed for a combined 245 yards and three touchdowns.

Prediction: 49ers 30 Bills 13

3. Denver Broncos (2-2) @ New England Patriots (2-2) - 4:25 PM EST, CBS

It is another installment in the Peyton Manning vs. Tom Brady annals. The Broncos have had their share of ups and downs so far this season. Last week, the team played very well in a blowout of the Oakland Raiders. Manning threw for 338 yards and three touchdowns. Meanwhile, it was the Patriots who got off to  a slow start against the Bills. That didn't last long as they scored 45 points in the second half to win by 24.

Prediction: Patriots 28 Broncos 24

2. Houston Texans (4-0) @ New York Jets (2-2) - 8:30 PM EST, ESPN/WatchESPN

The Texans have been one of the best teams in all of football so far this season. This is their opportunity to prove it on national television. Quarterback Matt Schaub leads a steadily consistent offense that rarely makes mistakes. The Texans defense has been dominate and appears to be built to be so. The Jets have struggled mightily with inconsistency and not knowing what to expect. They need to come together as a team under one set of common goals.

Prediction: Texans 38 Jets 6

1. Philadelphia Eagles (3-1) @ Pittsburgh Steelers (1-2) - 1:00 PM, FOX

The Eagles' three wins have come by a combined four points. This could mean they are very good or very lucky. Which one it is remains to be seen. What is for sure is that the Eagles odds of winning significantly increase when quarterback Michael Vick doesn't turnover the football and instead, distributes it well. The Steelers are coming off a bitter loss to the Raiders and a bye week. The good news for the Steelers is that they will reportedly have James Harrison, Troy Polamalu and Rashard Mendenhall back from their respective injuries. They are more than capable of taking over the game.

Prediction: Steelers 24 Eagles 20

Robert Griffin III Shines in Debut as Redskins Upset the Saints

In his NFL debut, Redskins rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III totaled 362 total yards and two touchdowns. (Bill Haber) 

When the Washington Redskins traded three first round and one second round pick to the St. Louis Rams for the #2 overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, there were those who wondered if they had given up too much to pick former Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III. Griffin was a phenomenal athlete. There was no denying that. People just wondered if he had the skills necessary to succeed at the top level as a passer.

Griffin did what he could to put those doubts to rest in his NFL debut. The task would not be easy as the Redskins had to travel to the Superdome to play an angry New Orleans Saints team. In the first quarter, Griffin made the first big play of his career. Dropped back to pass, he threw it to new Redskins receiver Pierre Garcon on the slant. Garcon's burst of speed carried him 88 yards all the way to the endzone.

With Griffin at the helm, the Redskins offense was the model of consistency. In each of the four quarters, they had one drive that ended in a touchdown and another one that ended in a made field goal. When you literally average ten points a quarter, your odds of winning increase significantly. With 7:10 left in the third quarter, the Redskins lead grew to its largest at 30-14. The Saints did pull to within eight points on a two-yard touchdown catch by running back Darren Sproles. But with only 2:25 remaining in the game, it was too little, too late for the Saints.

While the Redskins played excellent as a team, there was no denying that Griffin's performance shined brightest of all. The rookie quarterback finished with 320 passing yards and two touchdowns. He also added 42 rushing yards on the ground. The numbers don't do justice to how well and consistently he played.

The Redskins defense may have been the most impressed with Griffin of all. Nose tackle Barry Cofield stated, "He's captivating. I'm always watching that kid, all week in practice. You can't help but watch him." If you consider the quarterback play the Redskins have had the last several seasons, it makes sense why they are so excited about Griffin's play. Veteran linebacker London Fletcher added, "From our standpoint, defensively, he's a sight for sore eyes."

Expectations were relatively low for the Redskins coming into the season. That all changes now. They now have a dynamic playmaker at the most critical position. Griffin's confidence and composure seem to have him on the brink of major things. When asked about it, Garcon described it as, "This is a very difficult place to play and run your offense The crowd noise, the emotion all working against you. But he just gives you so much confidence that he's got it under control."

That's a sign of something special right there. When veterans are openly impressed by the play and confidence of a rookie, there's something special going on. Griffin and the Redskins will look to build upon this impressive performance next Sunday afternoon when they travel to St. Louis to take on the Rams. Griffin appears to be on the verge of extraordinary things. It will be exciting to watch him strive for them.

Washington Redskins Trade Up to #2 in the NFL Draft

The two most dynamic players in the NFL Draft this year are commonly considered to be Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III. They are both quarterbacks and coveted commodities to have. This comes as know surprise as football has been transformed today into a sport that hinges on the quarterback position. Having a great quarterback puts you at least on the radar for the playoffs. The Indianapolis Colts made a big ripple effect on the draft when they released veteran quarterback Peyton Manning (You can read my take on where Manning should play next year here: http://fireawayblog.blogspot.com/2012/03/where-should-peyton-manning-play-next.html).

This meant that Peyton along with Luck and Griffin are the best available quarterback options. With many teams having a need in that department, phones began to ring quickly. Many of those calls were heading to St. Louis Rams. The Rams were the owners of the #2 overall pick in the draft. Everyone expects the Colts to pick Luck, but Griffin would still be available at this pick. The Rams, however, don't need another quarterback as they are already committed to Sam Bradford. This meant they could afford to trade down, but still ask a high price because so many teams wanted Griffin.

Much of the trade talk hinged on where Manning would decide to play next season. Reports are out that he quickly told the Washington Redskins and Cleveland Browns that he was not interested (I wasn't surprised at all). This meant they were the teams pushing hardest to get a trade agreed upon with the Rams. The Redskins apparently won the bidding war, but paid the heavy price for the #2 overall pick. In return, the Rams received the #7 overall pick in this year's draft, the Redskins' 2nd round pick in this draft, and the Redskins' 1st round picks for 2013 and 2014. So that is three 1st round picks and a second round pick. That will certainly help the Rams in their rebuilding process. You can read more about that in my blog post I wrote after they hired Jeff Fisher as head coach: http://fireawayblog.blogspot.com/2012/01/st-louis-looks-to-ram-their-way-into.html.

Now, let's consider what this means for the Redskins. They gave up a lot. There is no way around that. But they got a quarterback they believed could be a franchise quarterback in Robert Griffin III. No one can question his athleticism, but how good can he really be? I am not really sure. For that we will just have to see. But what you can expect now is the Redskins to be big players in the upcoming free agent market. They have about $40 million in cap space to use. They should look to bolster their offensive line, bring a running back (possibly resign Tim Hightower if he is healthy), and add a receiver or two for Griffin. They should also be looking to pay linebacker London Fletcher the money he wants to remain the captain of their defense. Washington may have overpaid for Griffin, but what do you expect, after all it is the Redskins. They just better hope he turns out to be the answer at quarterback.