Gridiron Grudge - WK 9

[The Nac]

Alright no Broncos game this week to try and distract me with false hope of a victory, so let's get serious. There are some solid games I like this week. Let's break it down!

Kansas City (-1)
If you got on this line early, I believe the Raiders were 3 point favourites at one point. In any event, it's time to take the Chiefs defense seriously. These guys are shutting down passing attacks all around the league, which will force Oakland to run the ball. They like to run the ball, but I can't see their secondary shutting down Cassel all day. Expect the Chiefs to steal this one in the 2nd half.
KC 27 OAK 21

Indianapolis (+3)
Under Manning, the Colts have only been underdogs 15 times. They're 12-3 ATS in those games. I know Andy Reid is 4-0 off the BYE in his last 4, and Vick makes his triumphant return this week...but this is Peyton Manning, ladies & gentlemen. He finds ways to win, and the Colts need a win to stay in the hunt for the South. Look for a high scoring affair, with the usual 4th quarter dramatics from Peyton.
IND 34 PHI 30

San Diego (-3)
No one is throwing the ball better than Rivers right now, and he's doing it without his big weapons. In fact, he's throwing to practice squad guys and still putting up stupid numbers. What the Bolts need in this game is to establish a serious run attack to keep the defense honest. Houston's best chance in this one is Arian Foster, but once they get down by 10-15 points, they'll have no choice but to abandon the run. Chargers roll.
SD 30 HOU 17

Buffalo (+3)
I don't have any faith in the Bears whatsoever. I don't care how much preparation you've had for this, or how much better you should be than the Bills. When you lose to Seattle at home, you suck. Buffalo, as bad as their record is, has refused to die each and every week. If there is any team in the league that is due for something to go right, it's the Bills. No Merriman this week, but they won't need him. Look for a grinder win here for the home team.
CHI 17 BUF 20

Atlanta (-9)
Atlanta & Tampa Bay meet this week for control of the NFC South. Not sure anyone expected to be saying that before the season started. Matt Ryan has some ridiculous home record, and Josh Freeman seems to be a reincarnation of John Elway with his dramatic 4th quarter comebacks. But this will be a rude awakening for the Bucs. In their 2 losses this year against legitimate contenders (Saints & Steelers), Tampa Bay got raped. Expect the same this week from the Falcons, who could end up with the best record in the NFC the way they're playing.
TB 16 ATL 34

Miami (+5)
The Fish haven't lost on the road. The Ravens haven't lost at home. Something's gotta give, and in a game where I expect Joe Flacco to see a lot of pressure, I like the points here. Miami has a very good shot to win this game outright, as they bring a nice balance of pass & run. In fact, these two teams are pretty comparable in my opinion. This one's decided by a field goal or less.
MIA 22 BAL 20

Good luck this week, guys. Hope we hit some nice winners!

[Victor]

Good luck The Nac! With you on Indianapolis!

[Sweetleaf22]

good luck Nac

[The Nac]

Vic & Sweets - thanks muchly, guys. Hope it's a great football week for you guys as well!