Tennessee Titans (5-2) @ San Diego Chargers (2-5)
This game is big for both teams. A win for the Titans will give them a commanding lead in the AFC South. A win for San Diego will give them life in a division that they once dominated. With a loss this weekend the Chargers playoff hopes are bleak. The Titans ,however, might have the biggest amount of momentum in the NFL. We all know about the vaunted Titan running attack but last week the passing game took the stage. Kenny Britt torched the Eagles defense last week in only 3 quarters of play. If this passing attack can become respectable again the Titans might have the scariest offense in the NFL. A mobile QB , a blazing back in Chris Johnson , big fast receivers that can catch the ball. Am i a Titan fan? Yes. But if you think im being too much of a "homer" take a look at this article in SI : Titans Offense . The Chargers , on the other hand, have not had the season they thought they would. The loss of LT , Vincent Jackson & the underproductivity of Shawne Merriman have really hurt this team. Their best receiver , TE Antonio Gates, is also out this game. Phillip Rivers will have to play a near perfect game for them to have a chance. But if there is a QB in the NFL that can punish you, its Rivers. Lets take a look at the numbers.
Tennessee Titans (5-2)
Offense
Scoring Offense 28.4 ppg (2nd in the NFL)
Passing Offense 170.9 ypg (29th in the NFL)
12 TDs 5 Ints 15 Sacks
Rushing Offense 131.3 ypg (8th in the NFL)
8 TDs 4 Fumbles 4.3 Yards Per Carry
Defense
Scoring Defense 16.7 ppg (7th in the NFL)
Passing Defense 230.4 ypg (23rd in the NFL)
7 TDs 12 Ints 25 Sacks
Rushing Defense 97.7ypg (10th in the NFL)
1 TD 6 Forced Fumbles
San Diego Chargers (2-5)
Offense
Scoring Offense 25.3 ppg (7th in the NFL)
Passing Offense 317.4 ypg (1st in the NFL)
13 TDs 6 Ints 20 Sacks
Rushing Offense 105.3 ypg (17th in the NFL)
7 TDs 7 Fumbles 4.1 Yards Per Carry
Defense
Scoring Defense 21.3 ppg (16th in the NFL)
Passing Defense 158.6 (1st in the NFL)
6 TDs 7 Ints 25 Sacks
Rushing Defense 85.7 (4th in the NFL)
4 TDs 1 Forced Fumbles
San Diego has an explosive offense. Their defense is one of the best in the NFL. But they are missing something. Im not sure what it is but this team finds ways to lose. A struggling team verses this hot Titan team and its scrappy opportunistic defense does not bode well for the Chargers. I expect the Titans to win. Decisively.
Tennessee 35
San Diego 21
Pittsburgh Steelers (5-1) @ New Orleans Saints (4-3)
This is a classic Offensive Powerhouse verses a Defensive Powerhouse. The Saints are coming off a loss to the Browns. That should be enough to tell you the state of this team. Fresh off a Superbowl season, they drop a game to the Browns. The Steelers on the other hand are looking like one of the leagues best and that was without Ben Rothlisberger for 4 weeks. Their defense is in a word, smothering. James Harrison leads one of the best linebacker cores in the NFL. They are the Heartbeat of the defense. Lets not forget Troy Polamalu. He seems to respond to pressure like no other safety in the NFL. But Drew Brees is a capable QB with some explosive weapons. So who will win when these two teams clash Sunday night?Im taking the Steelers in this one. Why? They have their Pro Bowl QB back. Mike Wallace is emerging as a legit WR not just a burner. The Saints offense is explosive but id be a fool to bet against the Steelers defense.
Pittsburgh 31
New Orleans 17
Here are the rest of my picks for this weekend
Denver Broncos 13
San Francisco 49ers 28
I would hope that the 49ers are as good as the Raiders.
Buffalo Bills 17
Kansas City Chiefs 28
KC should be able to do whatever it wants. Actually , 28 points may be too little.
Carolina Panthers 17
St Louis Rams 38
Yeah i said it. Why not? This rams team has shown the ability to score in bunches. The Panthers are a horrible defensive team. Why not?
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 21
Arizona Cardinals 16
The Bucs have continued to prove me wrong. Ive learned to pick them when there is any doubt in my mind.
Seattle Seahawks 17
Oakland Raiders 24
This Raiders team put up a Madden Score last week. Look for them to come back to reality but still get the win.
Houston Texans 27
Indianapolis Colts 24
This is a big divisional game. The Colts already dropped a game to them when they were all healthy. Now that they are banged up expect the Texans to finish the weekend second in the division.
Im want to apologize that this post isnt as in depth as my other ones have been. Its been a VERY busy last couple of days. Ill make it up to you guys next week.
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