Here are previews and predictions for another riveting season in the league. Some excellent matchups this weekend as the teams start making their push for the postseason.

Last week: 5-3; Overall: 38-21 (64%)

 

Baltimore Ravens (4-5) @ Chicago Bears (5-4)

Soldier Field, Chicago (61,500)

1 PM ET/noon CT

CBS

Jim Nantz and Phil Simms

Weather: Strong storms possible, 63 @ kickoff, 80% rain chance, Wind SSW @ 26

Line: Bears by 3

Jay Cutler is on the shelf again, so the Bears will rely again on highly capable Josh McCown. He led the Bears to victory over the Packers on Monday Night football a couple of weeks ago. But this weather does not look like it’s going to help the quality of play by the offenses. Joe Flacco signed an offseason deal that pays him $20 million this year and signed a six year, $120 million dollar contract after the Super Bowl victory last season, which included a $29 million signing bonus. Wow. He struggled in week 10 in a key Ravens win over the Bengals, 20-17, throwing two touchdowns, but also had two interceptions and a lost fumble. It could be ugly in Chicago Sunday offensively. The Bears are without corner Charles Tillman and linebacker Lance Briggs, who are both out with injury. If you know who’s going to win this game, let me know. I’ll go with the Bears.

Bears 14, Ravens 10

 

Washington Redskins (3-6) @ Philadelphia Eagles (5-5)

Lincoln Financial Field, Philly (68,532)

1 PM ET/Noon CT

FOX

Kevin Burkhardt, John Lynch, EA

Weather: Few showers (30%), 64 @ kickoff, Wind SSE @ 10 MPH

Line: Eagles by 3 1/2

Chip Kelly’s done a good job in Philly. Classic rivalry. Eagles looking to get a leg up in the NFC East as everybody else is faltering, though the Giants are showing some life. Eagles’ qb Nick Foles, who has taken Michael Vick’s spot, has thrown for 10 TDs in the last two games and hasn’t thrown an interception all season. Foles threw seven TDs against duh Raiduhs two weeks ago. That’s impressive. Can RGIII and the Redskins get it back together? The Redskins have to have this game. I don’t think they’ll get it.

Eagles 35, Skins 28

 

Detroit Lions (6-3) @ Pittsburgh Steelers (3-6)

Heinz, Field, Pittsburgh, Pa. (65,050)

Time: 1 PM ET/ Noon CT

FOX

Thom Brennaman, Brian Billick and Laura Okmin

Weather: T-showers (60%), 60 degrees @ kickoff, wind S @ 15 MPH

Line: Lions by 2

Matthew Stafford is playing tremendous football right now and he’s got a stud in Calvin “Megatron” Johnson to throw to, and a line that has given up the fewest sacks in the league (10 times). I don’t see the somewhat dysfunctional Steelers knocking a hot Lions team off, even though it’s in the Steel City. Could be a lower scoring affair though with the weather.

Lions 24, Steelers 21

 

San Francisco 49ers (6-3) @ New Orleans Saints (7-2)

Mercedes-Benz Superdome, N’awlins (69,719)

Time: 4:25 PM ET/3:25 CT

FOX

Joe, Troy, Pam

Weather: Perfect, indoors, perfect for Breesy

Line: Saints by 3

Drew Brees completed 34-of-41 passes last week for 392 yards and four touchdowns against no interceptions in a 49-17 Saints victory over the Cowboys. Breesy had a passer rating of 139. Heady stuff there from Drew. Meanwhile Colin Kaepernick was 11-of-22 for 91 yards no touchdowns, an interception and a 42 passer rating against the Carolina Panthers, in a 10-9 San Francisco loss. The Saints defense isn’t as good as Carolina’s because Carolina’s is prolific. But the Saints are pretty darn good on defense under first year dc Rob Ryan. The Niners are a lot better on defense than the Cowboys, but I still see Breesy hooking up with Jimmy Graham and some of his talented receivers including stellar rookie Kenny Stills, and making some things happen in the passing game. Maybe Mark Ingram will step up big time and give the Saints what they need most; a potent running game. I see the Saints getting it done here. Sean Payton is back on the sidelines this year and that makes all the difference in the world to his football team. Terrific matchup of coaches in Payton vs Jim Harbaugh. Like Payton and Drew to get over the top in this one. Like Drew over Kaepernick, though Kaepernick does have Mario Manningham back which should help him, but Vernon Davis suffered a concussion last week, so not sure about his availability.

Saints 28, Niners 24

 

Green Bay Packers (5-4) @ New York Giants (3-6)

MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, Jersey (82,566)

4:25 PM ET/3:25 CT

FOX

Kenny Albert, Daryl “Moose” Johnston and Goose

Weather: 61, Cloudy, wind SSE @ 9 MPH

LIne: Giants by 5

Eli has gotten it together somewhat and so have the Giants as they have moved back into  the NFC East hunt. Packers on their third option at quarterback in Scott Tolzien, who threw for 280 yards, a TD and two ints last week against the Eagles, a 27-13 loss. Tolzien is a pretty decent player, but I like the G-Men to get the job done at home and continue to sneak their way back into the race.

Giants 31, Pack 24

 

Kansas City Chiefs (9-0) @ Denver Broncos (8-1)

Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver (76,125)

8:30 PM ET/7:30 CT

NBC Sunday Night Football

Al, the great Cris Collinsworth, Michelle and Carrie

Weather: 39 @ kickoff, Clear, wind, NW 12 MPH

Line: Broncos by 8 1/2

It’s kind of surprising for an undefeated team to be this much of an underdog. But the record is kind of deceiving for the Chiefs because they haven’t beaten a team with a winning record. Still, they’ve got an excellent defense and lead the league in sacks with 36, so Peyton, who is banged up some, and his line better be on high alert. Also, Alex Smith is doing a great job running the offense and Jamaal Charles is an excellent running back. But I see the Broncos, with Jack Del Rio in charge in place of John Fox who is recovering from a heart condition, to be in good shape here. Peyton will step up and the Denver defense will step up. The Broncos don’t lose much really not anything with Del Rio in charge. He’s an established coach and an excellent defensive coordinator and leader. Not a total buyer of the Chiefs yet, but they do some things well like play defense and run it. But I think the Broncos are better.

Broncos 31, Chargers 21

Is it Monday Night yet?

New England  Patriots (7-2) @ Carolina Panthers (6-3)

Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC (73,778)

8:30 PM ET/7:30 CT

ESPN, Monday Night Football

Mike Tirico, the Great Jon Gruden and Lisa Salters

Weather: 44 degrees @ kickoff, clear, wind, WNW @ 10 MPH

Line: Panthers by 2 1/2

Tom Brady threw for 432 yards, four TDs, no ints, and had a passer rating of 151.8 against the Steelers two weeks ago. That’s superb. Of course, you run out of superlatives when talking about Tom Terrific. His four TD, no interception performance against the Steelers was his 15th time in his career to do that tying him with Breesy for most in NFL history. Wow, is the NFL ever a quarterbacks’ game. This should be an excellent game because the Panthers can play some defense now. Cam didn’t do much great last week against the Niners, but has won five in a row and are very, very hot. Cam just needs to be the best he can be and let the defense try to figure out Brady. That’s a tall order particularly with Rob Gronkowski and Danny Amendola back catching passes for Brady, particularly Gronk. I’m going to go with the slight upset here and pick Brady and company to get it done in Charlotte over a good Carolina team. Not sold that Cam has arrived yet.

Patriots 28, Panthers 24

 

 

The Deep South’s oldest rivalry resumes tomorrow at 2:30 PM CT on CBS as the resurgent and red hot Auburn Tigers face their fierce rival the Georgia Dawgs on the Plains. AU playing great offensive football, particularly running the ball, and Nick Marshall has shown an ability to make big plays in the passing game as well as with his legs. Georgia has been snakebitten this year with injuries, but appears a little healthier. Bama will try to keep the Cow Bells at bay tomorrow night in Starkville at 6:45 PM CT and keep their drive for an SEC title alive and well. Here’s a look at tomorrow’s games along with predictions.

Last week: 12-4; Overall: 88-23 (79%)

Standings are BCS:

Them Dawgs (No.25, 4-2 SEC, 6-3 overall) @ No.7 Auburn (5-1, 9-1)

Jordan-Hare Stadium, Pat Dye Field, Auburn, Al. (87,451)

Time: 2:30 PM CT

Network: CBS

Verne, Gare Bear and “Coerch (at halftime), why are you so bad right now? “

Weather: 65 @ kickoff, 0% rain, wind ESE 9 MPH

Line: AU by 3 1/2

AU playing extremely well and just pounding the ball down opponents’ throats. The Dawgs have been pretty good stopping the run this year, so Nick will probably be forced to do something with his arm. Auburn’s defense has done a nice job this year and is second in the SEC in tackles for loss with 73. Auburn will have to neutralize Aaron Murray and the passing attack. Chris Rumph is a guy to watch on the perimeter along with Michael Bennett, Rontavious Wooten and maybe Chris Conley if he can go. Chris Davis and Jonathan Mincy will be tested on the corners. Todd Gurley is still hobbled by an ankle but will play. His backups, J.J. Green and Brendan Douglas have gotten better. Tight end Arthur Lynch is going to play, he’s practiced all week, and he should be a factor for the Dawgs. Jay Rome is also a highly capable tight end. So Georgia has the offensive artillery to do some damage. Auburn needs to figure out ways to get to Murray and disrupt his timing. I’m looking for a pretty high scoring affair with a key turnover or two deciding the game. Georgia’s won six of the last seven, but I see the team that is playing better football right now getting it done and moving on in their quest for an SEC title.

Auburn 38, Georgia 34

 

No.1 Alabama (6-0, 9-0) @ Mississippi State (1-4, 4-5)

Davis Wade Stadium, Starkville, Ms. (55,802)

Time: 6:45 PM CT

ESPN

Brad, Todd, Holly

Weather: 63 @ kickoff, 20% rain, wind, SSE @ 9 MPH

Line: Bama by 24

It’s always hard for the Tide, or any team for that matter to get up the week after a game like the LSU game. But it’s important, so they have to. I expect the Tide to play well and keep the momentum going. ‘Bama should be able to run and pass pretty well though Mississippi State’s defense is pretty decent. The key is I don’t think Dak Prescott and the State offense will be able to do much against the ‘Bama defense, unless they can find a way to get the ball over Deion Belue’s head. Belue is the weakness of the team. Otherwise, ‘Bama should be OK here, though State put up a lot of points against A&M. Like the Tide to win, but for it to be close for a a couple of quarters.

Bama 45, State 14

 

Florida (3-4, 4-5) @ No.10 South Carolina (5-2, 7-2)

Williams-Brice Stadium, Columbia, SC (80,250)

7 PM ET/6 CT

ESPN 2

Tess, Matt, and Maria

Weather: 61 @ kickoff, 10 % rain, wind ENE @ 2 MPH

Line: SC by 12 1/2

South Carolina could be in the driver’s seat in the East if they can take care of business tomorrow, Georgia loses to Auburn and MIzzou loses either next week @ Ole Miss or the following week at home against A&M. All three are highly possible scenarios. Will Muschamp got the vote of confidence from AD Jeremy Foley this week and I think the President of the university weighed in on it too. We’ll see how committed they are if the season is even more disastrous after South Carolina this weekend and FSU @ home in two weeks. Florida has really been destroyed by injuries this year, but at the same time, the offense has been pathetic for the last two years. I thought Brent Pease was a good hire for Muschamp, but his offenses are not getting the job done. They’re terrible. Tyler Murphy is not getting it done at quarterback and the offensive line and skilled players are not up to par. The defense is doing their best, but it has to be extremely frustrating to keep going with an offense that’s this bad. All that said, I like the Gamecocks to get the job done here and move on to a possible SEC East title. I picked them before the season to play ‘Bama in the title game, so hopefully that works out. They play host to Clemson in two weeks in what will be a fun and highly entertaining matchup. Gamecocks need to win here and get some help from Auburn, Ole Miss and/or A&M.

SC 35, Florida 20

 

Kentucky (0-5, 2-7) @ Vanderbilt (2-4, 5-4)

Vanderbilt Stadium, Nashville, Tn. (40,550)

11:21 AM CT

SEC Network (WTTO-Channel 21 in Birmingham)

Bob, Andre, Cara

Weather: 63, mostly cloudy, 10% rain, wind, S 13 MPH

Line: Vandy by 12

 

Vandy has now beaten Georgia and Florida in the same year for the first time ever. James Franklin has accomplished a lot of firsts in Nashville in his three years at the helm. The highly emotional coach, he is really getting the job done. His recruiting class is ranked 21st in the country. If he stays at Vandy, he can accomplish some unprecedented things for the highly acclaimed academic university that has been unfortunately maligned over the years because of the lack of success on the football field. That takes a lot away from the many academic and humanitarian accomplishments of a prodigious  university. But Franklin has changed the perception of the football program. He said when he came in that the football program was going to reflect the greatness of the university. And he’s doing that. With games against Kentucky (tomorrow) and @ Tennessee next week and Wake at home in two weeks, Franklin has another shot at leading VU to another eight win season and potentially nine with a bowl win. Mark Stoops is trying to build something at Kentucky, which has probably forgotten that there is still some football left with their talented basketball team getting into their season. They like to win big at Kentucky, but unfortunately for Stoops, it’s on the hardwood not the gridiron. So he’s got an uphill battle ahead of him. He’s recruited well, but tomorrow may be a long day for his team. Vandy on a huge high after winning at Gainesville last week. The defense is really coming alive and redshirt freshman quarterback Patton Robinette, he with a perfect 36 on his ACT score in high school, is playing very good football and leading the team well along with the awesome Jordan Matthews at wide receiver and a stellar small in height but powerful in stature, and quick as a hiccup Jerron Seymour at running back. Like the Dores to take care of business this week and continue on their ascendence in the college football and SEC landscape.

VU 34, UK 20

 

Troy (5-5) @ Ole Miss (6-3)

Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, Oxford, Ms. (60,580)

Time: 11 AM CT

ESPNU

Weather: Mostly cloudy, 63 @ kickoff, 10% rain, wind SSE 14 MPH

Line: Ole Miss by 28

The Rebels have gotten back to playing stellar football. The offense is clicking, the defense is figuring it out, and they’re trying to finish with nine victories on the season, as Hugh Freeze leads his team back to challenging for SEC titles in the upcoming years. After Troy, which can be a challenge for heavily favored teams as Troy is competitive, Ole Miss has Missouri at home in a huge game then go to State to finish off the season. Troy is scrappy and plays good offense. Just don’t think they can stop the high octane offense of the Rebels.

Rebels 48, Troy 24

 Key national games:

No.12 Oklahoma State (5-1 Big 12, 8-1 overall) @ No.24 Texas (6-0, 7-2)

Darrell K. Royal- Texas Memorial Stadium, Austin, Tx. (100,119)

Time: 2:30 CT

FOX

Gus Johnson, Charles Davis, EA in the studio

Weather: 79 @ kickoff, partly cloudy, 0% rain, wind S @ 14

Line: Ok State by 3

With all the talk about Mack Brown resigning or getting fired, the Longhorns have gotten right back in the thick of things in the Big 12 and can really make a statement with a victory tomorrow over the Cowboys. With that said, I still don’t trust Brown and the Longhorns. Their defense is very questionable and they barely got by a swiss cheese defense in West Virginia last week, 47-40 in overtime, though the scrappy and potent offensively Mountaineers did beat the Ok State earlier this year, 30-21.  But Ok State is a lot better now and I see them winning the Big 12, yes beating Texas and Baylor. It starts tomorrow at Austin as the Cowboys try to get in the BCS bowl conversation. Not the national championship discussion, but a Fiesta Bowl opportunity.

Ok State 41, Texas 35

No.16 Michigan State (5-0, 8-1) @ Nebraska (4-1, 7-2)

Memorial Stadium, Lincoln, Ne. (74,000)

2:30 PM CT

ESPN2

Weather: 63 @ kickoff, Mostly sunny, 10% rain, wind SW @ 15

Line: Sparty by 6

The Spartans lead the country in total defense (210 yards per game) they’re third in scoring defense (11.6 ppg), they’re first in pass efficiency defense, and first in rushing defense (43.4 yds per game). Maybe the Big Ten is down a little this year, but those numbers are still impressive. Like the Michigan State defense to get it done again in Lincoln. For some reason I don’t trust Bo Pelini when it counts and I do trust Mark Dontonio.

Michigan State 28, Nebraska 20

No.4 Stanford (6-1 Pac 12, 8-1 overall) @ USC (4-2, 7-3)

LA Coliseum, LA, Caly (93,607)

7 PM CT

ABC

Brent, Herbie, Heather

Weather: Partly Cloudy, 61, no rain, of course, wind S 4 MPH

Line: Cardinal by 4

Stanford is still in the national championship hunt after their huge victory over Oregon last Thursday night, but the Trojans are a major hurdle to Stanford’s aspirations  the rest of this  season. Stanford is going  to have to win out and hope to get some help from some other teams. But they’ve got to take care of business in LA, and it’ll be a challenge. The Trojans are playing very well on offense and the defense is playing inspired. Coach O has’em believing. But I still don’t trust him completely, and I do trust David Shaw and his football  team. Quarterback Kevin Hogan is a very good player and he will help this team keep on winning along with the physical, stout defense of the Cardinal. Like this to be close, but see the Cardinal notching the victory.

Stanford 31, USC 28

 

Also:

Ohio State 58, Illinois 21

FSU 56, Syracuse 14

UCLA 38, Washington 34

Virginia Tech 28, Maryland 10

Baylor 52, Texas Tech 35

East Carolina 56, UAB 27

Miami 31, Duke 30

Louisville 45, Houston 31

Boise State 52, Wyoming 28