Defending My Poor Performance: Part 2 (NFL Edition)

Of course I'm in my usual hole down 0-1 because South Florida couldn't handle Rutgers last night. But everyone else picked that too and we should have known considering the unpredictability of this 2007 season. I usually do better in my NFL picks in the Breeze, so here's what went through my mind this week.

1. Redskins over the Cardinals- I don't pick against the Skins, but this one seems pretty simple. Washington's third overall defense should have few problems with a mediocre Cardinals offense. Expect less drops from the receivers and a big game from a healthier Antwan Randel El. The final could be similar to the Detroit game two weeks ago. (See more from my blog on Tuesday.)

2. Vikings over the Cowboys- The Cowboys gave up 448 yards and 48 points in their match up with the Patriots, while the Vikings put up 34 points on a traditionally tough Bears defense. The Vikings get in done on the ground and the Cowboys haven't faced an explosive back like Adrian Peterson who ran for 224 yards and three touchdowns on 20 carries last week.

3. Patriots over the Dolphins- Home-field advantage in Miami will have no bearing on this game just like it didn't last weekend for Dallas. The Patriots look primed for a fourth Super Bowl this decade and won't stumble over an 0-6 Dolphins team that look primed to be the first franchise to have a undefeated season and a winless one.

4. Titans over the Texans- Alright I forgot to factor in Vince Young's questionable status when I made the pick. But if VY can go he will remind Houston again about the playmaker they passed over in the 2006 Draft. Young beat the Texans in overtime last year on a long scramble and could be the difference-maker in another close win.

5. Eagle over the Bears- The Bears look pathetic this year. Despite beating then 4-0 Green Bay, they followed it up with a 34-31 loss at home to the Vikings. Brian Westbrook is likely to have a similar performance on the ground to Adrian Peterson's and Philly's stout defense and consistent play in their secondary should disrupt the Bears inconsistent offense that ranks 28th in the league.

6. Colts over the Jaguars- 5-0 Indy heads to 4-1 Jacksonville for an intriguing Monday night match-up between the AFC south rivals. ESPN's power rankings have the team's ranked second and fifth, respectively, so it should be close, but I like Peyton Manning's poise and experience to help grind one out.

Tell me where I'm off and we'll see how it plays out come Sunday.

Check out my read of the day on the difficulties of having a high school football program in Alaska. It's kind of old now, but a great piece if you've never seen it.