Best of the Rest:
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (2-5) at HOUSTON TEXANS (4-3)
1:00 P.M. ET, CBS, Direct TV (704), SIRIUS (Jac 112, Hou 92)
Who Will Win – The Texans are best positioned to take advantage of Peyton Manning’s absence. They are heavy favorites to win at home against the struggling Jaguars. Even though Andre Johnson suffered a setback, Houston should have no problem.
WASHINGTON REDSKINS (3-3) at BUFFALO BILLS (4-2) in TORONTO
1:00 P.M. ET, FOX, Direct TV (710), SIRIUS (Was 134, Buf 93)
Who Will Win – With one more win, the Redskins will exceed preseason expectations of the team that starts John Beck or Rex Grossman at quarterback. Rogers Centre is a neutral site, negating the customary advantage for Buffalo. But the Redskins’ injuries swing the advantage to the Toronto ArgoBills.
CINCINNATI BENGALS (4-2) at SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (2-4)
4:15 P.M. ET, CBS, Direct TV (714), SIRIUS (Cin 112, Sea 94)
Who Will Win – Bengals owner Mike Brown holds grudges, just like his dad. If he knew how much better off his team would be without Chad Ochocinco, Terrell Owens and Carson Palmer, he might have paid for their limo rides to the airport. The Bengals’ record may be a mirage, but Seahawks will not wake them from their dream start.
CLEVELAND BROWNS (3-3) at SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (5-1)
4:15 P.M. ET, CBS, Direct TV (713), SIRIUS (Cle 113, SF 85)
Who Will Win – Can the Browns extend their one-game win streak against Patrick Willis and the ‘Niners defense after that field goal onslaught against the Seahawks. Um, no. The Browns do have the top pass defense in yards, but San Francisco does not have to throw much to win this one.
Will Interest Only Their Fans
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (5-2) at ST LOUIS RAMS (0-6)
1:00 P.M. ET, FOX, Direct TV (709), SIRIUS (NO 91, STL 138)
Who Will Win – “The Race is not always to the swift, nor the battle to the strong. But, that’s the way to bet.” ~ Damon Runyon, who would surely put his chips on the Saints.
MIAMI DOLPHINS (0-6) at NEW YORK GIANTS (4-2)
1:0 P.M. ET, CBS, Direct TV (705), SIRIUS (Mia 136, NY 86)
Who Will Win – See Runyon comment above. Giants.
ARIZONA CARDINALS (1-5) at BALTIMORE RAVENS (4-2)
1:00 P.M. ET, FOX, Direct TV (707), SIRIUS (AZ 137, Bal 93)
Who Will Win – Baltimore is not about to let its Monday night embarrassment against Jacksonville go unpunished, especially against a team like Arizona. Ravens in a laugher.
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (0-7) at TENNESSEE TITANS (3-3)
1:00 P.M. ET, CBS, Direct TV (706), SIRIUS (IN 117, TN 85)
Who Will Win – If Payton Manning were playing, the Colts would have scored 226 points to offset the 225 points allowed by the defense. Titans for the win.
BYES: Falcons, Bears, Packers, Jets, Raiders, Buccaneers
Bonus Game
No. 6 STANFORD CARDINAL (7-0, 5-0 Pac 12) at SOUTHERN CAL TROJANS (6-1, 3-1 Pac 12)
Saturday, 8:00 P.M. ET, ABC, ESPN3
Who Will Win – Pro football fans (and scouts) are indifferent. They just want a glimpse at Cardinal quarterback Andrew Luck in his first game of the season on a national broadcast. Do they draft this guy for their 2012 fantasy teams and start him? Luck might not be the best quarterback on the field if everything I read about Trojans junior QB Matt Barkley is true.
Barkley could declare for the NFL Draft if he performs well on the big stage. He would be a nice consolation prize for a pro team. Stanford is favored.
