NFL Week 9 - Sunday Preview Part 1
Dallas Cowboys (6-1) @ Cleveland Browns (0-8) - Browns Stadium
The Cowboys go in search of a 7th straight victory as they head to Cleveland to take on the winless Browns on Sunday. Dallas has become the team to beat in the NFC with the 4th ranked offense and 12th ranked defence in the NFL. A come from behind overtime victory against the Eagles was enough for the odds makers to make the Cowboys the 2nd favourite behind New England to win the Super Bowl in 2016. The Browns appear no closer to a win after a 31-28 home loss to the struggling New York Jets. Only four teams in NFL history have gone through a season without a victory with the last being the Detroit Lions of 2008.
Verdict - Cowboys 28 Browns 21
I expect Dallas to be a little flat here after their overtime exertions last week. The Browns have been competitive in every home game so I can't see this being a blow out. However, there is no way I can tip the Browns and I think the Cowboys still win by a touchdown.
Jacksonville Jaguars (2-5) @ Kansas City Chiefs (5-2) - Arrowhead Stadium
The Chiefs and Jaguars appear headed in opposite directions as they clash at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday. Kansas City have won 3 straight games in dominant fashion against the Raiders, Saints and Colts, however they remain one win behind Oakland and Denver in a really strong AFC West. Starting quarterback Alex Smith is out injured, with his replacement Nick Foles putting in a strong performance in the second half of the Chiefs' win agains the Colts. The Jaguars have failed to live up to the hype this season and appear headed for a miserable campaign after back-to-back ugly losses against the Raiders and Titans.
Verdict - Chiefs 29 Jaguars 10
Hard to see anything other than another Chiefs' victory here despite them missing Alex Smith. The Jags looked appalling on the road in their last game and I think are headed for a long and tough end to the season.
New York Jets (3-5) @ Miami Dolphins (3-4) - New Miami Stadium
The Dolphins resume off their Bye week looking for a third straight home victory as they host divisional rivals the Jets on Sunday. The Dolphins secured impressive victories against the Steelers and Bills thanks to back-to-back 200 plus rushing games from youngster Jay Ajayi. Ajayi was relatively unknown heading into the season, however has exploded on to the scene with some dynamic running of late. The Jets have rescued a season seemingly lost at 1-5 by winning their last 2 games against the struggling Ravens and Browns. The Jets are still the worst team in turnover ratio in the NFL at minus 9, however have looked after the ball better in their last 2 games.
Verdict - Dolphins 19 Jets 17
I think the Dolphins can keep the momentum going here at home, although I expect the Jets to give them a real contest here. The Jets really need to slow down the run game of Miami, and force Ryan Tannehill into throwing the ball more.
Detroit Lions (4-4) @ Minnesota Vikings (5-2) - U.S Bank Stadium
The Vikings host divisional rivals the Lions on Sunday looking to snap a 2-game losing streak. After starting 5-0, the Vikings' offense has looked horrible in the last two weeks in back-to-back losses to the Eagles and Bears. The Vikings have scored just 20 points combined in their last two losses and averaged under 300 yards with Sam Bradford looking shaky behind a offensive line that looks to be falling apart. The Lions fluffed their chance last week to get right into the playoff picture with a disappointing 20-13 loss to the Texans in Houston.
Verdict - Vikings 17 Lions 13
Not taking the Vikings with much confidence here given their last two performances. However, the Lions have struggled on the road and the Vikings' defence has played at an elite level, particularly at home. Expect this game to be relatively low scoring and tight.
Philadelphia Eagles (4-3) @ New York Giants (4-3) - MetLife Stadium
It's a crunch NFC East divisional matchup here as the Eagles visit the Giants in New York in the battle of two 4-3 football teams. After starting 3-0 the Eagles have come back to the field of late, and would have been kicking themselves as they blew a 10-point lead in Dallas, eventually losing 29-23 in overtime. The Giants are coming off their bye week and will be looking to build on a pair of unconvincing victories against the Ravens and Rams.
Verdict - Giants 28 Eagles 24
I think the Giants might be ready to put in one of their better performances of the season here. They tend to play better in the division and, coming off a bye, might be a little fresher than an Eagles' side coming off a tough overtime loss on the road.
Pittsburgh Steelers (4-3) @ Baltimore Ravens (3-4) - Mt&T Bank Stadium
The Ravens need to halt an alarming 4-game winless streak when they host bitter rivals the Pittsburgh Steelers in Baltimore on Sunday. The Ravens have lost four straight games by less than a touchdown, and they are left with the feeling of what might have been. The Steelers are sweating on the fitness of starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger for this crunch divisional match up. The Steelers are 9-8 with Roethlisberger starting against the Ravens, and only 1-6 without him.
Verdict - Ravens 26 Steelers 20
The Ravens always play the Steelers tough, and I think they might be able to ambush them here at home. I think Roethlisberger will play, but will be underdone, and the Ravens with a few players back from injuries can hold on in a tough and physical encounter.