NFL Week 7 Predictions:

Last week I tweeted my predictions for the week 6 Sunday games and predicted the Colts and 49ers to win TNF and MNF respectively; here is a recap:

My predictions                                                        Results

Colts 27-18 Texans                                                Colts 33-28 Texans
Redskins 27-24 Cardinals                                     Redskins 20-30 Cardinals
Bears 33-30 Falcons                                              Bears 27-13 Falcons
Cowboys 17-27 Seahawks                                    Cowboys 30-23 Seahawks
Giants 24-30 Eagles                                              Giants 0-27 Eagles
Broncos 37-14 Jets                                               Broncos 31-17 Jets
Ravens 24-17 Buccaneers                                     Ravens 48-17 Buccaneers
Jaguars 23-20 Titans                                            Jaguars 14-16 Titans
Chargers 30-13 Raiders                                        Chargers 31-28 Raiders
Patriots 27-17 Bills                                               Patriots 37-22 Bills
Panthers 16-24 Bengals                                        Panthers 37-37 Bengals
Steelers 23-20 Browns                                         Steelers 10-31 Browns
Packers 31-20 Dolphins                                       Packers 27-24 Dolphins
Lions 22-16 Vikings                                             Lions 17-3 Vikings
49ers 27-16 Rams                                                49ers 31-17 Rams

So for my first full week of predictions to score 10 out of 15 is rather pleasing! Now on to week 7's predictions: *1/1 so far after the Patriots TNF victory*

(1-5) New York Jets vs New England Patriots (4-2)

The Patriots have won two in a row and seem to be back to their best with Tom Brady throwing 6 touchdowns in his past two outings. Despite facing a Jets defense that ranks in the top 10 their secondary has weaknesses that Brady and co will look to take advantage of. As for the Jets well they've had glimpses during the season such as giving Green Bay a good game earlier in the season as well as managing to frustrate Peyton Manning and the Broncos at times last week.

Nevertheless losing 5 of their first 6 games doesn't give the Jets much optimism for tonight's game especially with the Patriots having the majority of the spoils between the two teams over the years. Expect Gronk to have a big game and Revis to haunt his old teammates with a big defensive performance; something the Pats need following the season ending injury to Jerod Mayo.

Prediction: Jets 17-30 Patriots

Result: Jets 25-Patriots 27

A blocked field goal attempt by Chris Jones on the last play of the game was enough to help the Pats grind out a big win against the Jets. Offensively New England did well with Tom Brady throwing 3 touchdowns for over 250 yards to give the resurgent Patriots their 3rd straight win.

(2-4) Atlanta Falcons vs Baltimore Ravens (4-2)

The Atlanta Falcons have dropped 3 straight since a huge Thursday Night Football victory over Tampa Bay in week. That 56-14 win was a dominant display but since then Atlanta have been lacklustre losing to the Vikings, Giants and Bears. The league this year has had a lot of inconsistency but for the Falcons to be 2-4 at this stage is a real surprise.

The Panthers lead the NFC South with a 3-2-1 record and while that tie is bound to cause a headache for the division as well as have huge playoff implications the Falcons can revitalise their season with a big road performance today before heading to London. The Ravens enjoyed a similar display against Tampa Bay last Sunday 48-17 with Flacco throwing 5 games but despite that huge win I expect them to endure a similar defeat to the one they had against the Colts following their huge win over the Panthers 38-10 the week before they faced Indianapolis.

Prediction: Falcons 27-20 Ravens

(2-4) Tennessee Titans vs Washington Redskins (1-5)

I predicted the Jaguars to beat the Titans this week, yes that's how bad the Titans are playing, and if it wasn't for a missed field goal late on they would have had the embarrassment of being the first team to lose to Jacksonville this season. Instead they won a close game and now walk in FedEx field with a better record than their hosts.

I expect the Redskins to end their 4 game slide which will be particularly pleasing for Kirk Cousins who has suffered a tough time as a starter. Despite his awful showing against the Giants when he threw multiple picks I personal feel he has done well for a the team. and they have endured painfully close losses to the Eagles and Seattle. Regardless of outsiders opinions he needs to put a team like the Titans to the sword now that RG3 is back in training from his dislocated ankle to prove his worth and with other playmakers like Alfred Morris and DeSean Jackson this could be a blowout win for Washington.

Prediction: Titans 13-31 Redskins

(3-2) Seattle Seahawks vs St. Louis Rams (1-4)

The Rams host the Seahawks as St. Louis prepares for a second straight divisional matchup when Seattle comes to town. The Austin Davis led Rams have showed glimpses of potential but ultimately came unstuck on Monday Night Football against the 49ers but Davis and co can take great pride in their performance after taking last year's NFC Championship participants to the wire.

Unfortunately for them they're coming up against the Super Bowl champions who also suffered a rare home defeat last week and following that the Seahawks will be looking to bounce back with a bang and stamp their authority on the NFC West as they look to keep up with the Cardinals and Niners. Although the Rams have a good defense I think they will come unstuck against Russell Wilson and Marshawn Lynch as I expect both of them to lead the way in an impressive road victory especially now that the locker room distraction of Percy Harvin has been shipped to Gotham you'd expect Seattle to return to their focused and impressive selves.

Prediction: Seahawks 34-19 Rams

(3-2) Cleveland Browns vs Jacksonville Jaguars (0-6)

The Browns took chewed Pittsburgh up last week and dismantled them 31-10 so it is safe to say that this years Browns team could be for real. The team looked to be going somewhere last year before quarterback Brian Hoyer suffered a season ending injury but the QB has picked up where he left off in 2013 with some good displays in 2014 including the huge comeback with against Tennessee.

Despite rookie Blake Bortles' best efforts the Jags lack an identity and while I expect them to somehow win a game this year it won't be today against the Browns no matter how much they try.

Prediction: Browns 24-10 Jaguars

(3-1-1) Cincinnati Bengals vs Indianapolis Colts (4-2)

The Bengals had the perfect chance to make amends for a horrendous week 5 display against the Patriots last week but Mike Nugent's field goal miss in overtime gave us our first tie of the year for the 2014 NFL season. The chance at regaining some of their early season momentum may have just disappeared as the Bengals travel to Indianapolis and walk in to Lucas Oil Stadium against a Colts team that has won its last 4 straight.

Those 4 victories including a hard fought contest against the Texans on the last edition of TNF have given the Colts huge confidence and will fancy their chances when they take on the Bengals. The Colts have early season MVP candidate Andrew Luck as their QB who leads the league in passing yards with 1987, yards per game with 331 as well as leading the league in touchdowns with 17. With the Bengals giving up a combined 80 points against the Patriots and Panthers in their last two outings I'm expecting the leagues number one ranked offense to dismantle Cincinatti's defense with Bradshaw and TY Hilton each getting a receiving touchdown.

Prediction: Bengals 21-38 Colts

(2-4) Minnesota Vikings vs Buffalo Bills (3-2)

I had to flip a coin to choose the outcome of this one and it is... Heads! So I'm going with the Vikings. The Bills had their big home matchup against the Pats last Sunday but came up short so after investing all that energy only to lose could be detrimental to the team's confidence.

As for the Vikings well at the moment they have nothing to lose and despite the fact that rookie QB Teddy Bridgewater has to go up against a talented defense without Adrian Peterson he has weapons in the form of Patterson, Jennings with the Viking also gaining production out of young backs Jerod McKinnon and Matt Asiata so I expect them to find a way to win.

Prediction: Vikings 21-18 Bills

(2-3) Miami Dolphins vs Chicago Bears (3-3)

The Chicago Bears picked up an important road win in Atlanta last weekend to get their season back on track. With the Packers and Lions both at 4-2 in the NFC North the Bears can't afford any more slip ups and are hosting a Miami Dolphins team who's own season is starting to not look so great having dropped 3 of their first 5 games. With that being said Miami managed to hold their own against the Packers last week but unfortunately for them were undone by the magic of Aaron Rodgers and lost on the final play of the game.

With Dolphins running back Knowshon Moreno out for the year the majority of the load falls to Lamar Miller who had a good start to the season and will now need to step it up a gear if this Dolphins offense is to be a success and take the pressure off Ryan Tannehill. The Dolphins can take pride in their performance last week but need to make sure they don't feel sorry for themselves when they head to Solder Field today. With Jay Cutler bouncing back from some sloppy 2nd half slumps in previous weeks I fancy the Bears to edge out the Dolphins just because of their playmakers on offense as Matt Forte, Brandon Marshall as well as Jeffrey can all make big plays at crucial times.

Prediction: Dolphins 20-28 Bears

(2-3) New Orleans Saints vs Detroit Lions (4-2)

This is possibly the hardest game of the week to predict just because both of these teams have been so unpredictable. The Detroit Lions bounced back from defeat to the Bills in week 5 to win 17-3 against the Vikings last week. Without Calvin Johnson, who may sit out today and next weeks game in London, the Lions lose their most dangerous offensive weapon and when healthy the best receiver in the league but with a defense that ranks 1st in net yards per game, first in sacks and is in the top half of various other categories the Lions have what it takes to grind out wins.

As for the Saints well they have not been the team that many hyped them up to be in the offseason with defensive woes and offensive struggles clear for anyone to see. Drew Brees has been a shadow of himself throwing 9 touchdowns and 6 interceptions in his first 5 games as well as not having tight end Jimmy Graham playing at his usual superstar level and who has been struggling with injury but is reported to play today but may not start. With the two most dynamic players on each team questionable it makes today's result even harder to predict but I think despite the Saints not being renowned for playing well on the road Sean Peyton will find a way for his team to win today to get New Orleans back to .500 and sent the Lions to London licking their wounds.

(3-2-1) Carolina Panthers vs Green Bay Packers (4-2)

The Panthers played out a tie against the Bengals last week but put on an offensive clinic led by Cam Newton who put in one of his classic "Superman" performances as a dual threat, 2 touchdowns for 284 passing yards and 1 rushing TD for 107 rushing yards, to give Carolina a narrow lead in the NFC South. As complex and frustrating as a tie can be for many other NFL teams come the end of the regular season for the Panthers it will probably come in handy. The Panthers are 3-0 in conference games this year so they will be confident that they can cause an upset today at Lambeau Field.

Unfortunately for them Aaron Rodgers, as usual, has been in inspired form so far this season and has already propelled himself in to the MVP conversation with the QB tied for second with 15 touchdowns to just 1 interception and a QB rating, 2nd place, of 111.4. A Rodgers led Packers offense with the like of Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb and Eddie Lacy in the backfield among other role players will give even a quality front 7 that the Panthers possess a tough time.

Prediction: Panthers 27-31 Packers

(2-3) Kansas City Chiefs vs San Diego Chargers (5-1) 

The Chiefs lost narrowly at the hands of the Niners last week by 5 points to fall to 2-3. Kansas has performed well in the tough games but despite dismantling the Patriots a few weeks back narrow losses to Denver and San Francisco have left them in a tough spot heading in to today's divisional game. If they lose today their playoff hope take a massive hit but sadly for Kansas the Chargers have been so impressive and should grab a win in this hugely crucial matchup.

With MVP candidate Phillip Rivers having an amazing year to date; 15 touchdown to just 2 interceptions for 1756 yards and having weapons such as Antonio Gates, Kennan Allen, Eddie Royal and running back Brandon Oliver bursting on the scene along with a defense led by Flowers in the secondary who are all collectively playing brillantly this Chargers team should take control of the AFC West with a win today making next Thursday's game against Denver a mouthwatering encounter.

Prediction: Chiefs 19-28 Chargers

(4-1) Arizona Cardinals vs Oakland Raiders (0-5)

The winless Raiders host the high flying Cardinals a week after almost upsetting the Chargers who like Arizona are taking the NFL by storm in this first half of the 2014 regular season. Unfortunately for Oakland despite an unusual solid showing a close and painful loss like last week's game only spells disaster for today.

With QB Carlson Palmer returning the Cardinals continue to go from strength to strength especially as now Larry Fitzgerald will start getting involved more in the offense again and you can expect him to build on his 2014 breakout game of 98 yards and his first touchdown on the year last week with another big game today.

Prediction: Cardinals 34-14 Raiders

(3-3) New York Giants vs Dallas Cowboys (5-1)

Since the 2009 season the Cowboys have failed to make the playoffs but after years of almost returning but losing week 17 winner takes all games America's team have come out of the blocks in full flight in 2014. With a stellar defense that managed to stop Seattle last week in Seattle 30-23 to give Dallas victory over the defending Super Bowl champions the Cowboys are arguably the most complete team in football right now. With 5 straight wins to their name since the opening week defeat to the 49ers the Cowboys have their best chance of making the postseason in 5 years. Tony Romo is playing well and it helps that he has the league's in form running back as DeMarco Murray continues to rip NFL defenses apart. Murray is a sure bet to win this seasons rushing title and leads the league in yardage with 785 yards in 6 games giving him an average of 130.8 yards a game! Despite 3 fumbles on the year he leads the league with 6 touchdowns and is critical to this teams success.

As for Tony Romo well he is 5th in the passer rating category with 100.5, 5th all-time for his critics by the way, and has 11 touchdowns to 5 interceptions and just over 1,500 passing yards. His 3rd and 20 completion to Terrance Williams last week vs the Seahawks was a moment of brilliance and his spin against JJ Watt for a long TD to Williams the week before was spectacular. I thought the Cowboys could beat Seattle but didn't have it in me to bet against them and while usually Dallas find a way for things to go wrong there's no doubt that at this moment in time they are for real. With the Giants having lost Victor Cruz to a season ending injury Eli Manning is without is best WR and that is a real shame for the Giants. This latest setback makes me believe that the Cowboys find a way to win and go 6-1 but this game will probably be closer than most people believe.

Prediction: Giants 17-23 Cowboys

(4-2) San Francisco 49ers vs Denver Broncos (4-1)

Tonight's Sunday Night Football matchup is a real treat for NFL fans as Jim Harbaugh's Niners travel to Mile High Stadium to take on the well equipped Peyton Manning led Broncos. The 49ers are on a 3 game winning streak and while some of their performances haven't been great they continue to find ways to win. Colin Kapernick has a ton of offensive weapons with V. Davis, Crabtree, Stevie Johnson, Boldin and even Brandon Lloyd adding fuel to the fire last weekend along with a 1-2 running back punch of Hyde-Gore.

While we know the quality and strengths of the 49ers defense the offense needs to play at a high level to keep up with this devastating Denver offense. A lack of running game is no problem for Peyton and the Broncos as he has two Thomas', Sanders and Wes Welker to throw to. Manning has 15 TD's to only 3 picks on the year as he continues maintain a high level of performance from 2013. Offensively the Broncos need not worry but defensively they have improved drastically with a killer pass rush led by Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware and an improved secondary led by TJ Ward. This will cause Colin Kaepernick problems but the dual threat QB will also offer the Broncos a challenge they find difficult as the Seahawks have proved. Colin has 10 TD's to just 4 picks so with both teams rarely turning the ball over but both possessing stellar defenses it is clear that whoever wins the turnover battle wins the game.

Prediction: 49ers 24-30 Broncos

(3-3) Houston Texans vs Pittsburgh Steelers (3-3)

After the Steelers were humiliated 31-10 by the Browns last week I have no kind words for them and I lack much optimism as they go up against a Houston defense that has the best defensive player if not the best overall player in football right now in JJ Watt; 4 sacks, 26 tackles, god knows how many batted passes, 3 touchdowns including one offensively and one 80 yard pick 6.

Add rookie Jadeveon Clowney to the defense and Houston are a nightmare to face. Offensively there's room for improvement but Arian Foster has returned to his brilliant best and Andre Johnson has been finding ways to get more involved in the passing game. One things for sure Big Ben vs Watt is something everyone will love to see and should make for a great installment of Monday Night Football.

Prediction: Texans 27-23 Steelers

Skye's week 8 NFL predictions:

Week 7 saw many twists and turns in the NFL from the New York Jets controversially defeating the Patriots to Peyton Manning losing on his return to Lucas Oil stadium as the Denver Broncos lost their unbeaten record to the Colts. Let us take a week at my week 7 prediction results and then my predictions for week 8.







New England Patriots 27-30 New York Jets

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-31 Atlanta Falcons

St. Louis Rams 15-30 Carolina Panthers

Cincinnati Bengals 27-24 Detroit Lions

San Diego Chargers 24-6 Jacksonville Jaguars

Buffalo Bills 23-21 Miami Dolphins 

Dallas Cowboys 17-3 Philadelphia Eagles

Chicago Bears 41-45 Washington Redskins 

San Francisco 49ers 31-17 Tennessee Titans

Houston Texans 16-17 Kansas City Chiefs

Cleveland Browns 13-31 Green Bay Packers

Baltimore Ravens 16-19 Pittsburgh Steelers

Denver Broncos 33-39 Indianapolis Colts


So as you can see this week I scored 8/13 for the Sunday matchups so a pretty successful week but how will week 8 play out!


(3-3) Miami Dolphins vs New England Patriots (5-2)

After a 3-0 start the Dolphins have lost their last three in a row including a close defeat to divisional rivals Buffalo last week. With the Patriots losing to the Jets in controversial circumstances it really has opened up the AFC East which makes this a very important game!

The Patriots very rarely lose two in a row and with them being at home my money is on Bill Belichick's team to bounce back with the victory. The one bonus for Miami may be that Patriots CB Aqib Talib is still touch and go so if he doesn't play it will be beneficial for their wideout Mike Wallace but that doesn't mean it will be an easy day against the likes of Dennard, Arrington and Logan Ryan.

On offense New England were hit and miss last week despite the fact that Rob Gronkowski hauled in 8 receptions for 114 yards last week. The overtime defeat will make the Patriots determined to bounce back and ensure their place at the top of the AFC East. With Gronk back he will cause and Danny Amendola optimistic about playing it takes the pressure off of young rookie receivers Aaron Dobson and Thompkins plus it gives Tom Brady a fully healthy receiving core for the first time this season. A more balanced attack in the air as well as on the ground will be the catalyst for a New England victory

Prediction: Dolphins 20-27 Patriots


(4-3) Dallas Cowboys vs Detroit Lions (4-3)

The Dallas Cowboys will be looking to make it three wins a row when they visit Ford Field to take on the Detroit Lions. Wide receiver Miles Austin hasn't been very productive since his return from injury but rookie Terrance Williams has settled in well and has the potential to have a big game tomorrow.

With that being said we know that a certain receiver by the name of Calvin Johnson always has the potential to have big games and that is one of the many reason that make the Lions a threat. The Cowboys have played down Megatron's threat in a way by saying Reggie Bush is more of a worry which I disagree with but the running back's ability to be dynamic as certainly given this Detroit offense something it lacked last year.

Going on the basis that DeMarco Murray doesn't play I am going to say that the Lions win tomorrow. After defeating the Eagles last week a defeat for Dallas wouldn't harm them as much as a win for Detroit but with both of these teams' respective divisions being oh so close of course each and every win is valuable. Without Murray though the Dallas offense doesn't really tick and it puts more pressure on Tony Romo which all in all is not a good thing if you're a Cowboys fan.

Prediction: Cowboys 27-35 Lions


(5-2) San Francisco 49ers vs Jacksonville Jaguars (0-7)

Wembley will host its second NFL game of the 2013 season as the Niners take on the Jaguars in a match which on paper would seem to be heading towards a blowout in favour of San Francisco as they look to keep up the pressure on Seattle in the NFC West.

A trip across the pond may well be a welcomed distraction for Jacksonville but coming up against one of the best teams of the league is never ideal especially when you are winless and the pressure increases week by week.

While I feel the Jags will record at least one win by the end of the season it is safe to say that it won't be tomorrow. They showed fight against Denver a couple of weeks ago so the London crowd may well get to see a closer game than expected but Colin Kaepernick and co may well start the storm off early come Sunday afternoon.

Prediction: 49ers 28-17 Jaguars


(3-4) Cleveland Browns vs Kansas City Chiefs (7-0)

Cleveland's resurgence was cut short when QB Brian Hoyer suffered a season ending injury and since then the team have lost two straight games including an 18 point defeat to Green Bay last week.

Brandon Weeden and this Browns offense is in for a road trip that they'll probably want to forget as the go against one of the best defences in football. The Chiefs are on an impressive 7 game winning streak with the offense showing just as much skill and efficiency as the D.

The Chiefs need this win to stay at least game ahead of the Broncos in the AFC Wes which will stand them in good stead considering they still have to play them twice. Thankfully with Alex Reid revitalizing this franchise I think it is safe to say that they deliver again once again by recording an eight straight win.

Prediction: Browns 16-26 Chiefs


(3-4) Buffalo Bills vs New Orleans Saints (5-1)

The Superdome is no easy place to go and the Bills will find that out the hard way when they visit Sean Payton's New Orleans Saints. The Saints will look to get back to winning ways after having a bye week to get over the pain of losing a thriller in week 6 against New England.

Meanwhile the Bills got a win against divisional rivals Miami last week by two points with Thad Lewis completing 21/32 passing attempt for two touchdowns whilst throwing one interception. The AFC East is closer than most anticipated so if the Bills can pull off a shock result it will really make things interesting.

Unfortunately for them the Saints have looked great throughout 2013 and even if tight end Jimmy Graham misses the game you know that quarterback Drew Brees has other viable options that are more than capable of causing the Bills defense problems. The key to any success the Bills have will be down to Mario Williams as he has been a sack machine this year by getting great pressure on oppositions quarterbacks but in my opinion the Saints will move on to 6-1.

Prediction: Bills 20-37 Saints


(1-6) New York Giants vs Philadelphia Eagles (3-4)

The New York Giants recorded their first win of the season last week with a 23-7 win over the Minnesota Vikings; Eli Manning threw one touchdown and no interceptions.... Yes that's right 0 so that would probably explain a good deal as to why the Giants managed to record a victory.

Peyton Hillis at running back was also a plus for Big Blue as he contributed with 36 rushing yards and a score on his debut. Now the 1-6 Giants will head to Lincoln Financial Field to take on the Eagles who are a game behind the Cowboys in the NFC East after losing to them last week.

The Giants have recovered from tough positions before but that would be a mountain way too high to climb in 2013 but nevertheless due to the Eagles' hit and miss performances I am actually going to say that the Giants win their second straight game in a encounter full of turnovers!

Prediction: Giants 24-23 Eagle


(4-3) New York Jets vs Cincinnati Bengals (5-2)

The New York jets pulled off an overtime win over rivals New England last week to take them just a game behind the top spot in the AFC East. Despite a controversial ending to the game Rex Ryan's team deserve credit for a second half performance which saw them thwart the Patriots' offense for long periods.

Despite lacking many offensive weapons rookie QB Geno Smith has been impressive and this Jets team will be a tough matchup for the Bengals. A road game to Paul Brown Stadium is never easy though and the Bengals will be confident of making it four straight wins.

Defensive Tackle Geno Atkins may well get his hands on his namesake during the game and on offense the Bengals appear to be improving week by week with QB Andy Dalton putting in a good performance in their week 7 victory over the Lions; 3 touchdowns, no interceptions for 372 yards. My money is on Cincinnati to get the win but it could easily go down to the wire.

Prediction: Jets 20-27 Bengals 


(2-4) Pittsburgh Steelers vs Oakland Raiders (2-4)

The Pittsburgh Steelers have won two games in a row to give them some hope of revitalizing their 2013 campaign. After a tough 19-16 victory over the Ravens they will now face another divisional opponent when they take on the Raiders this week.

Oakland are at 2-4 themselves so neither will want to lose and be in danger of falling to last place within the AFC North. Unfortunately for the Raiders I feel that the Steelers will be just a little too good; their defense showed grit and determination last week while the offense is getting healthier. It seems likely that Big Ben and co are all set to make it three wins in a row.

Prediction: Steelers 20-16 Raiders


(2-4) Atlanta Falcons vs Arizona Cardinals (3-4)

Surprisingly this is one of the games that has given me the longest thinking time in regards as to who will win I mean after all the Falcons are enduring a horrible 2013 season which as seen them lost 4 of their 6 games whilst losing Julio Jones to a season ending injury.

The Falcons were in Super Bowl and bust mode and realistically even a wildcard spot is a long shot when you consider how competitive the NFC is; you can use the competitive nature to argue both cases for a place in the postseason or not. The thing for me is that in the NFC it is very rare that you find a weak team and especially in the NFC West so heading to Arizona will be tough for Atlanta.

The Cardinals are hearing trade rumours swirl around about superstar wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald so if this was to be his last game just on that note alone is enough for me to stick my neck out and say that Arizona win today. Bruce Arians is a good head coach and I feel he'll have a plan to exploit any weaknesses the Falcons have.

Prediction: Falcons 24-26 Cardinals


(2-4) Washington Redskins vs Denver Broncos (6-1)

The Washington Redskins knocked off the Bears in a high scoring week 7 game 45-41 to show signs of the 2012 class which defied the odds with a late rally during the second half of last season.

With RGIII and Alfred Morris on top of their games last week along with Helu Jr. scoring three touchdowns as well as Bears QB getting injured the Redskins managed to win a thriller. Despite only being two games back on the Cowboys Mike Shanahan's team will have to dig deep if they want to replicate the success story of 2013 starting with the road trip to Denver later on today.

Going to Mile High is never easy especially when the Broncos are determined to get a win after being defeated for the first time this season last week against the Colts. Andrew Luck outshone Peyton Manning as the veteran took a battering from his old teams defense which was a wakeup call for the Broncos who have appeared complacent over the last few weeks. Denver needs to realise that the AFC is not a walk in the park and that there are other contenders so I expect the Broncos to respond accordingly by dispatching of the Redskins.

Prediction: Redskins 24-37 Broncos


(4-2) Green Bay Packers vs Minnesota Vikings (1-5)

Our final game this week sees Green Bay take on Minnesota on Sunday Night Football in a NFC North clash. The Vikings have been suffering this season and new quarterback Josh Freeman didn't have the best of times against the Giants last week.

Freeman suffered an injury so it appears Christian Ponder will resume with the starting duties in tonight's game as he looks to prove himself against the team to beat in the division. The Packers started off 1-2 but three straight victories have seen them gain an advantage in the North but it is tight with Chicago and Detroit breathing down their neck.

Aaron Rodgers and Mike McCarthy have won many road games together so I expect them to do the same tonight no matter how well the Vikings play. Minnesota is looking for something to revive their season and it looks like that their 2013 season could end miserably as they look for a quarterback good enough to help complement running back Adrian Peterson... Johnny Manziel anyone?

Prediction: Packers 30-20 Vikings

NFL Week 15 Sunday match preview:

In under 12 hours the remaining week 15 games will kickoff as the NFL regular season approaches its climax. There are some big matchups and I am going to go out on a limb by predicted the results.

New York Giants vs Atlanta Falcons

The Giants at 8-5 have two divisional rivals only a game back on them whereas the Falcons are in the playoffs and look like they'll hold on to the first seed in the NFC ahead of the playoffs. Whatever happens it's safe to say this game will be close and it is hard to predict but it is this time of year when the Giants play their best football. With the protection the offensive line has given Eli Manning this season I fancy the Giants to get the win 27-24.

Denver Broncos vs Baltimore Ravens

Peyton Manning, like his younger brother, has a big game this Sunday as the Denver Broncos take on the Baltimore Ravens with both needing a win as they look to get a bye in to the divisional round of the playoffs. The Patriots and the Texans are the current favourites to get the top two seeds in the AFC though and I think a Baltimore win all but confirms that. A lot of people are starting to write them off but not all streaks can last forever so I think with head coach John Harbaugh demanding improvement the Ravens get the win in front of their fans  to snap a two game losing streak and halt the Broncos express with a 28-27 win.

Green Bay Packers vs Chicago Bears

Game by game somehow this week the matchups get bigger and better... somehow! This game has big playoff ramifications though especially for the Bears as with a loss they could easily be missing out on the post-season which would be painful for a team which was being hyped up as Super Bowl contenders midway through the season. Jay Cutler's pass protection has gone and Brandon Marshall's Christmas tree analogy of Bear's season summed up things perfectly. Urlacher is still missing on defense but in a game between two intense rivals with the trash talking and a hostile Chicago crowd I think they win this one and go on to win the NFC North. Aaron Rodgers and co will put up a fight, they can put up high scoring numbers but the Packers lose this one 20-23.

Washington Redskins vs Cleveland Browns

A few weeks ago the Redskins were not in the playoff talk but RGIII and Washington have rallied back to get to 7-6. If they sweep their remaining three games they should almost certainly make the post-season and with the team already on a four game winning streak who's to say their hot run of form won't continue well maybe destiny does as Robert Griffin misses the game through injury. Kirk Cousins takes over at QB this week against the resurgent Browns who have won 3 in a row themselves, yes I said 3 in the row for the Browns. With this being one of the harder games to predict this week it's going to be close but I think Mike Shannahan knows how to inspire a team and I think that the Redskins win and use the ground a bit more in this one not that it's a bad thing when you have Alfred Morris carrying the ball. Washington 24-14 Cleveland.

Indianapolis Colts vs Houston Texans

This is easy to say but it is true and that is the fact that the Houston Texans either blow away the Colts by letting out their frustrations from an embarrassing Monday night loss to the Patriots or they crumble in what is a massive game.These teams meet again in a couple of weeks and if the Colts win their remaining three they would win the AFC South, meaning for me Andrew Luck wins league MVP but that's a whole different story. Whether the Colts fairytale can continue in this game is a tough call I mean they'll make the playoffs even I predicted them to get 9 wins at the start of the season which people laughed at but Andrew Luck is one exceptional talent. I think the rookie gets it done, Indie walk in to Reliant Stadium and get the win thanks to a Luck game winning drive with the score ending 31-28 to the Colts.

Jacksonville Jaguars vs Miami Dolphins

There's not much to say about this game apart from it doesn't mean much. The Jaguars are awful whereas the Dolphins may not see it now but it has been a relatively productive season for them. They are at home and will get the win to add to Jacksonville's mystery who won't care too much as it just furthers their case for a higher draft pick. Dolphins win 23-14.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs New Orleans Saints

I'm a Josh Freeman fan, I've said it on a few occasions but everyone knows regardless of the Saints record how hard it is to walk in to the Superdome and get a win. Drew Brees and New Orleans are hanging on to extremely thin playoff hopes plus it is a rivalry game so they'll be fired up anyway. The Saints get the win and end Tampa Bay's hopes of reaching the post-season meaning that neither of them reach it, this playoff picture is complicated and needs some clearing up which week 15 will bring us. Tampa Bay 30-34 New Orleans

Minnesota Vikings vs St. Louis Rams

The Vikings have been the surprise story of the NFC especially as it was suppose to division rivals the Detroit Lions as the young upcoming team. Minnesota posted a huge win over Chicago last week and Adrian Peterson continues to beast his way through teams as the MVP candidate and potential comeback player of the year hopes to make something special happen for the Vikings this season. Whether they can actually reach the playoffs is one hard question to answer but in the NFL anything is possible I mean ask the Rams because they tied with the 49ers! At 6-6-1 St. Louis shouldn't be underestimated but I think the Vikings take this one and get the road win by a score of 21-17.

Detroit Lions vs Arizona Cardinals

I like many had high hopes for the Detroit Lions. Matthew Stafford has all the qualities to be a very good NFL quarterback and Calvin Johnson is one of if not the best wide receiver in the league. Both teams are at 4-9 but Arizona have lost nine straight which makes Detroit's five defeats in a row look pretty. The Lions want Johnson to break Jerry Rice's record for most receiving yards in a season so expect Stafford to throw the ball and throw it to his main target but the obvious gameplan won't halt the Lions as they walk out with the 31-14 victory.

Seattle Seahawks vs Buffalo Bills

The Seahawks are on a roll and embarrassed Arizona last week in a 58-0 blowout. With them getting defensive players back one by one they are slowly putting the pieces back together on this team. Russell Wilson is also doing very well at quarterback and I think Seattle gets its third win in a row by beating the hapless Bills in a 30-17 victory in Toronto.

Carolina Panthers vs San Diego Chargers

One of the only games this week that doesn't serve any real purpose regarding this season sees the 4-9 Panthers take on the 5-8 Chargers. Both have a streak of one win, that technically isn't a streak right and both will just want to win but San Diego has a habit of beating themselves but not in the good way so I reckon Cam Newton and co get the win for Carolina 27-21.

Pittsburgh Steelers vs Dallas Cowboys

Two of the biggest and most historic NFL franchises go head to head this weekend when the Steelers take on the Cowboys. Both at 7-6 have their backs against the wall and need a win in order to have a shot at making the playoffs. The Bengals Thursday night win increased the pressure on Pittsburgh whilst the Cowboys need to keep the pressure on NFC East division leaders the Giants. The battle comes down to the two quarterbacks and who can get it done under pressure; Big Ben returns from injury for the Steelers to give them a major boost whilst Tony Romo looks to do what he always hopes to which is silence the critics. This win won't do that completely but yes I think Dallas get the win, am I buying in to them making the playoffs well no and even if they do they won't pull of an upset. Thankfully the home crowd will get the team going and they'll get the win in a very close one by a score of 28-27.

Kansas City Chiefs vs Oakland Raiders

The 2-11 Chiefs take on the 3-10 Raiders in an exciting game... Sarcasm yes Sheldon if you're reading this is but on a serious note I think both teams awfulness will set up a high scoring game which the Raiders win 40-24 providing Darren McFadden plays.

San Francisco 49ers vs New England Patriots

Sunday night football with cap off the perfect day of NFL action when the Niners travel to Gillette Stadium to take on the Patriots. It is the unstoppable force of Tom Brady and the Patriots offense vs the immovable object in the shape of this nasty San Francisco defense. New England tore apart the Texans on Monday night and have the capability to beat anyone with the momentum they have gathered which comes down to the huge improvement they had on defense with the team forcing a number of turnovers and leading that stat in the AFC. Colin Kaepernick starts at QB again for the 49ers but I think Jim Harbaugh has been over thinking this situation too much by trying to be too clever as he tries outsmart opponents. It will come back to bite the 49ers as they will eventually go back to Alex Smith but with his confidence being hit I think the Niners will miss out on the Super Bowl and start to point fingers at each other. Don't get me wrong this is a potential Super Bowl preview but if you had to choose one of these two teams to make it to New Orleans and represent their conference at this moment in time it would be the Patriots. Bill Belichick's team are the talk and envy of the NFL so I expect New England to put in another big performance and move to 22-0 on their second half of the season record which dates back to 2010. Final score 49ers 24-31 Patriots.

Thanks for taking the time out to read my article. It's 7.15am here so I have a valid excuse if this predicting goes wrong. Catch you all soon! P.S. Check the polls out.