The NFL welcomed back its regular refs, and for the most part, they weren't part of the highlights.
Well, aside from them tipping their caps at the ovations they received and actually being interviewed by reporters before the games they officiated.
In any case, it only took a quarter in most games for the cheers to turn back into boos and life to return to normal completely on the NFL field. Most of the time, the refs got things right, but the Green Bay Packers were once again part of some interesting calls. The Pack tried to challenge a play early on that appeared to be called correctly, thus losing a challenge. They later challenged a catch by the Saints that appeared to hit the ground, yet in a bizarre turn of events, the reception was upheld. The Pack were out of challenges, which was unfortunate when Darren Sproles fumbled a kick return late, but he was ruled down by the refs. They couldn't challenge it, but luckily for them, the Saints decided to penalize themselves into a missed field goal at the end that secured the win.
All in all, there were some surprises last week. The Cardinals, despite themselves, found a way to stay unbeaten. The Giants missed a field goal late thanks to offensive pass interference. The Bills blew a 14 point third quarter lead, ending up being blown out by the Patriots. The Panthers should've upset the Falcons in Atlanta, but they decided that covering receivers downfield was overrated.
What does this week bring us? There isn't an intriguing matchup in the NFL this week, one that makes me think I have to see that game. Sure, I'll be glued to the TV when the Browns play, but there isn't much to get excited about this week.
So without further fanfare, here are the picks.
Thursday
Arizona (4-0) at St Louis (2-2) - 8:20pm NFL Network
The only thing more surprising than the Cardinals being 4-0 is how they've done it. Kevin Kolb threw a horrific interception late in their game against the Dolphins, yet managed to overcome it and win the game. In fact, the Cardinals looked like they were going to get blown out before deciding they were going to play. Of course, it helps when Ryan Tannehill is your opposing quarterback and he throws an equally horrifying interception in overtime, allowing the win. The fact is, the red birds are sitting on top of the NFC West a fourth of the way through the season.
The Rams have been up and down thus far. Sam Bradford has had some moments, but he's also still struggled at times. The Cardinals have been opportunistic on defense, but I keep thinking this ride is going to come to an abrupt halt soon. Why not in St. Louis? There's reason for optimism with their young offense and they get to play at home.
Pick: Rams 20, Cardinals 17
Sunday
Miami (1-3) at Cincinnati (3-1) - 1pm CBS
The Dolphins have been snake-bit the last two weeks. They played well enough to win against the Jets, but lost in overtime. Then last week, they had the lead on a number of occasions, but couldn't hold it, eventually falling after Ryan Tannehill threw an interception in overtime. Now they get to go to Cincy, where the Bengals have been thriving against sub-.500 teams the last couple of seasons. Tannehill has shown promise, but has been prone to rookie mistakes at inopportune times. If they can run the ball effectively against the Bengals, they'll have a chance at winning this game as long as Tannehill avoids a bad mistake.
The Bengals have been lighting up the scoreboard on both sides of the ball. They can't stop anyone, but they can't be stopped either. Their lone loss was to the Ravens in week one, when they were thumped pretty badly. Since then they've had to hang on to beat the Browns, hung on to beat the Redskins, and pulled away from the Jaguars for their first "easy" win of the season. This game could be a high-scoring affair as well, but I give the edge to the Bengals since they're at home.
Pick: Bengals 33, Dolphins 30
Green Bay (2-2) at Indianapolis (1-2) - 1pm FOX
The Packers needed that win last week against the Saints. The offense had been struggling, and following the end of game debacle against the Seahawks, needed something to rejuvenate their playoff hopes. The Saints fought them to the end though and only held on when the Saints missed a field goal at the end. Aaron Rodgers has struggled, but it became apparent how much they can't afford to lose him in that game. His backup, Graham Harrell, fumbled the only snap he took when he tripped on someone's foot trying to hand the ball to Cedric Benson. The Saints didn't need long to score and take the lead, which led to a furious drive by Rodgers to regain it.
The Colts had a bye last week, which should give them a slight edge early on. They lost a game to the Jags that they should've won though, so it's imperative that they come out the gate strong this week or it could be a long Sunday in Indy. Luckily, the Colts have Andrew Luck, who has been as advertised so far. They should keep things interesting for a while at least.
Pick: Packers 31, Colts 23
Baltimore (3-1) at Kansas City (1-3) - 1pm CBS
The Ravens have to be licking their chops for this game. They've had extra time to recover after a more physical than expected game against the Browns. They get to see how well they can contain Jamaal Charles, who looks to be near, if not back to, his previous form. Matt Cassel provides them more opportunities for interceptions. And the Ravens offense has been nearly unstoppable. This has blowout written all over it.
Meanwhile, the Chiefs are struggling. Aside from a shocking come from behind win in New Orleans, they've looked awful. Charles can run with the best of them, but it does no good when Cassel insists on throwing to the other team as frequently as he did last week against the Chargers. It's just hard to see them hanging in there very long against the Ravens, but stranger things have happened. They are at home and sometimes the Ravens play down to their competition.
Pick: Ravens 27, Chiefs 10
Philadelphia (3-1) at Pittsburgh (1-2) - 1pm FOX
I can't understand how the Eagles are 3-1. Michael Vick has been a turnover machine. They don't run with LeSean McCoy enough. The "explosive" offense hasn't been there. They should be 1-3 at the very least, very possibly 0-4. Yet behind a very strong defense, the Eagles have managed to win. The defensive line is among the best in the NFL, using speed to get around larger offensive linemen. They've given everyone fits thus far, and going against a line in Pittsburgh that already has its issues is a recipe for disaster for Ben Roethlisberger.
Luckily for the Steelers, they should have James Harrison and Troy Polamalu back to shore up a defense that has been lackluster thus far. Those two alone should cause Vick problems, causing more turnovers for the machine that hasn't stopped coughing the ball up since the first game against the Browns. I think the Steelers get back on track with this game.
Pick: Steelers 24, Eagles 14
Atlanta (4-0) at Washington (2-2) - 1pm FOX
The Falcons are lucky to be 4-0. The Panthers had last week's game locked up when Cam Newton scrambled for a late first down that would've sealed the game. Except that he forgot the ball and it was recovered by a teammate short of the first down, forcing a punt (they could've gone for it though; it was only fourth and one). Even then, the Falcons were pinned down at their one yard line with 59 seconds left. Somehow, they fooled the Panthers with a playfake, then Matt Ryan unleashed a bomb to Roddy White, who somehow slipped behind the safety on the play. A few plays later, they're in field goal range and the game is over.
The Redskins have played well offensively under RGIII. He's thrown the ball well, ran it when needed, and has overall looked to be in complete control of the offense. It of course helps that Tampa Bay decided not to play defense on the Redskins' game winning drive either, allowing the 'Skins to move right down the field into field goal range with ease. The worry for most is that the Redskins defense has been decimated by injuries, and against a high-octane offense that had a scare put into last week? That spells trouble for the home team, although I think the points will continue to fly.
Pick: Falcons 31, Redskins 27
Seattle (2-2) at Caroline (1-3) - 4:05pm FOX
The Seahawks deserve to be 1-3. This isn't a knock on how they've played; they've played well enough to win all their games. They had the lead against the Rams last week, but couldn't hang on for the win. The previous week? Yeah, they should've been handed a loss. That said, they're still 2-2 and have shown a lot of promise. Marshawn Lynch is one of the best in the game at running the ball and Russell Wilson has a lot of upside. Don't forget the defense, which has been a force all season long.
The Panthers, I want to like them. I want to enjoy Cam Newton playing quarterback. It's just hard to when he pouts like he did after getting toasted by the Giants two weeks ago, or when he fails to secure the ball on a pivotal third down run that would've won them the game last week. Instead, he's 7-12 as a starter and doesn't appear to be any closer to being a leader than he was last season. Sure, he has tremendous ability and can make a play whenever he wants it seems, but the maturity doesn't appear to be there yet.
Pick: Seahawks 24, Panthers 17
Chicago (3-1) at Jacksonville (1-3) - 4:05pm FOX
The Bears defense redeemed itself this past Monday night against the Cowboys. They harrassed Tony Romo into five interceptions, two of which went the other way for a touchdown. When they weren't intercepting him, they were hitting him and everyone else hard. It was more than enough for Jay Cutler and the offense, although the offense supplied some fireworks of its own. When Cutler is on, he's as good as anyone. When he's off though, he's wretched and that's a constant fear for Bears fans. Luckily, they get a team that not only isn't very good defensively, but has Blaine Gabbert as its quarterback.
The Jags are just a mess to watch. Gabbert doesn't seem to have grown as a quarterback at all, looking lost most of the time. Yes, he pulled off the winning throw in Indy a few weeks back, but aside from that, he's been a disaster, much like last season. Maurice Jones-Drew can't carry this team by himself, especially after sitting out all of the preseason. They're in for a long day this week.
Pick: Bears 28, Jaguars 10
Tennessee (1-3) at Minnesota (3-1) - 4:25pm CBS
The Titans are in a tough position. They wanted to go with Jake Locker as their quarterback of the future, but he injured his shoulder and even if he does play, who knows how effective he'll be. Chris Johnson finally showed up, of course it was in a blowout when the numbers don't matter. Johnson needs to have a big day, the defense needs to step up, and whoever ends up playing quarterback needs to stay upright for the Titans to win, something I didn't expect to say going against the Vikings.
Yes, the revived Vikings, led by Christian Ponder, who hasn't thrown an interception yet this season. Having Adrian Peterson back has helped, but the offense overall has looked better this season, never more evident than it their win over San Fransisco two weeks ago. The defense has helped as well, as they held the Lions to 13 points last week in a surprisingly easy win. They will be able to take care of business in front of the home crowd this week as well.
Pick: Vikings 24, Titans 13
Denver (2-2) at New England (2-2) - 4:25pm CBS
Peyton Manning heard the stories that his arm strength wasn't what it used to be, that his passes were fluttering in the wind right to defenders. He knew he needed to have a big game, especially against the Broncos biggest rival. He came through in a big way, leading the Broncos to a decisive win over the Raiders. It comes at a great time too as the Broncos head east to take on Manning's old nemesis, Tom Brady. This could be a fun game, possibly the best game of the weekend, if simply because it's Manning vs. Brady again.
The Patriots are coming off a big win as well. Questions loomed over whether the curtain was falling on the Patriots reign in the AFC East. They had lost a couple of games that in years past, they would've won. They very easily could be 4-0 if the chips had fallen in a different way, but it sounded like the football Gods were shifting agains the Pats. They were down 21-7 in the third quarter against the Bills, who had dreams of taking the reigns from the Pats. Then Brady reverted back to his old form, the Pats scored on five straight possessions, and a 21-7 deficit became a 52-28 blowout in front of the stunned faithful in Ralph Wilson Stadium. I think Brady takes this round as well.
Pick: Patriots 37, Broncos 28
Buffalo (2-2) at San Fransisco (3-1) - 4:25pm CBS
The Bills had dreams of 3-1 in their heads last week. They were ready to take down the Patriots dynasty and take over the AFC East. They had the lead in the third quarter and all of the momentum. Then they reverted back to the old Bills as Ryan Fitspatrick threw pick after pick and Tom Brady picked apart an "improved" Bills defense and the route was on, just going the other way now. The reward? A trip out west to one of the most physical teams in the NFL.
The 49ers needed last week's game against the Jets. They were wounded after a surprising loss to the Vikings and heading east, where traditionally west coast teams have struggled. Yet they came out and dominated the Jets on both sides of the ball. They did what they wanted and they'll do more of the same this week against a vulnerable Bills defense.
Pick: 49ers 27, Bills 20
San Diego (3-1) at New Orleans (0-4) - 8:20pm NBC
The Chargers looked better against the Chiefs, recovering nicely from a whooping at the hands of the Falcons two weeks ago. That said, I'm not convinced they're going to run away with this division just yet. Phillip Rivers is a great quarterback, but it sometimes feels like he tries to do too much sometimes, and going against Drew Brees has the potential to bring out the worst in Phillips. Something about this game just worries me.
The Saints are in need of a win. That goes without saying. They should've had one two weeks ago until the Chiefs showed the one glimmer of offense they had in them. Then they went toe to toe with the Packers, before falling short on a missed field goal. They keep coming close to victory, only to have it snatched away. I think this week they get that win. Yes, it goes against everything that records indicate, but I think this game will surprise some people.
Pick: Saints 35, Chargers 27
Monday
Houston (4-0) at New York Jets (2-2) - 8:30pm ESPN
The Texans are by far the best team in football right now. At this point, it wouldn't matter who the opponent was, they'd be the favorite to win. Their offense is diverse. They have two different running backs who can beat you at any point. They have a good offensive line. Matt Schaub has continued to demonstrate he's a top-level passer, and Andre Johnson is the big target every team wishes they had. Their defense isn't shabby either, shutting down opponents regularly.
The Jets? They're a mess. Sure, they have two wins but anyone who thinks those wins are legit is crazy. They beat a Dolphins team in overtime on sheer luck and Mark Sanchez had the game of his life against the Bills, who apparently turn into turnstyles when facing fellow AFC East teams. Sanchez looks more and more lost each week, Santonio Holmes is out for the year now, they have no running game, and apparently losing Darrelle Revis completely deflated a weak defense to begin with. Tim Tebow can't save this train-wreck of a team, not this week, not this season.
Pick: Texans 34, Jets 10
The Browns Game
Cleveland (0-4) at New York Giants (2-2) - 1pm CBS
The Browns have fought in each of their games so far. They lost by one to the Eagles, seven to the Bengals, ten to the Bills, and seven to the Ravens. Brandon Weeden has had an up and down rookie season, but appears to be progressing, this despite his receivers treating the football like it was hot potato. Greg Little, Jordan Norwood, Jordan Cameron, and Travis Benjamin all had drops in the loss to the Ravens, a game that was far closer than most anticipated, including myself. They stopped running the ball despite Trent Richardson picking up decent yardage against a good defense. The defense hung in there despite losing players left and right to injury. They now get to go up against the pass-happy Giants. Good luck secondary, you'll need it.
The Giants have to be steamed. They went into Philadelphia and couldn't get it done. Some credit goes to the Eagles solid defense, but the Giants appeared to be off from the get-go. I guess missing one of your starting receivers will do that, but the offensive pass interference that pushed the potential game-winning field goal back hurt tremendously. They now get to go up against a weak secondary missing its best cover corner. It could get ugly. But the Giants aren't good at home, the Browns play up to good competition, and wackier things have happened.
Pick: Giants 24, Browns 20
Bye Weeks
Dallas (they need it), Detroit (they need it too), Oakland (ditto), and Tampa Bay (I sense a theme)
Last week: 10-5
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