NFL Picks: Don’t be too excited about Brady-Manning matchup

Published 8:58 am Thursday, October 4, 2012

Here are the picks:

Arizona at St. Louis

The Cardinals nearly lost at Miami last week, but the fact that they came back to win in overtime shows that they are legit. No matter who you’re playing in the NFL, it is not easy to come from behind in a road game.

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The Rams will be pumped up as this will probably be their only national television appearance, but I think the Cards get it done.

CARDINALS 21, RAMS 20

Green Bay at Indianapolis

Aaron Rodgers looked like the MVP last week and the Green Bay defense made some big plays near the goal line against a very tough Saints’ offense. I think the Packers are slowly regaining form.

PACKERS 31, COLTS 16

Miami at Cincinnati

The Bengals continue to quietly roll through their schedule. But they can’t start thinking too big until they play the Steelers or Ravens.

BENGALS 25, DOLPHINS 13

Baltimore at Kansas City

The Ravens are coming off an 11-day break and the Chiefs haven’t shown much this year.

RAVENS 27, CHIEFS 17

Cleveland at N.Y. Giants

The Browns are the perfect gift for a Giants team coming off a tough loss to the Eagles.

GIANTS 35, BROWNS 10

Philadelphia at Pittsburgh

Mike Vick played turnover free ball last week in beating the Giants, but the Steelers, who are coming off a bye week, will have some tough schemes for him.

STEELERS 28, EAGLES 27

Atlanta at Washington

I think it’s safe to say Matt Ryan is in the MVP race after he led his team back against the Panthers last week. The guy continues to impress each week.

Seattle at Carolina

It’s tough to win on the road with a rookie quarterback and Matt Flynn could be getting the ball soon if Russell Wilson continues to struggle for Seattle.

PANTHERS 17, SEAHAWKS 13

Chicago at Jacksonville

I can’t put any faith in the Jagaurs against anyone.

BEARS 33, JAGUARS 13

Tennessee at Minnesota

The Vikings have done a great job of controlling possession and Christian Ponder has mastered the role of Trent Dilfer – playing smart and not being careless. One of these weeks, the Vikings will probably have a three fumble, two interception game, but I don’t see it happening against the Titans.

VIKINGS 23, TITANS 20

Denver at New England

I don’t think Brady-Manning will deliver quite like it did when the Colts and Pats were the two best teams in the league. Remember how Brady lit up the Broncos in the playoffs last season in Denver.

PATRIOTS 34, BRONCOS 20

Buffalo at San Francisco

The Bills proved last week what they are when they allowed New England to score 35 straight points and they aren’t much.

49ERS 24, BILLS 7

San Diego at New Orleans

Drew Brees will be under the Sunday night lights and he’ll be playing the team that gave up on him a few years back. I think the Saints, who may not make the playoffs at 0-4, will show they still have some pride.

SAINTS 31, CHARGERS 30

Houston at N.Y. Jets

The Jets have lost their best receiver (Santonio Homes) and best player (Darrelle Revis) for the season. Maybe Tim Tebow isn’t magical after all.

TEXANS 34, JETS 10

Last week: 9-5; Overall: 36-26