Michael Robinson (VIP Sports) 

November 3, 2004 

This article was written for, and is the exclusive property of VIP Sports 

Week 8 selections turned out to be an exercise in futility, as two games that could have gone either way, went against us at the end. The week ended up at 1-3 and the year to date record is 14-19. 

The first loss was Cincinnati getting three points from Tennessee on the road. We predicted that Titans’ quarterback, Steve McNair would miss the game with an injury, but Billy Volek stepped up in his absence. The Bengals had the ball inside the Titans’ 10 yard line with under a minute left, but quarterback, Carson Palmer fumbled and Tennessee held on, 27-20. 

The second loss was Detroit getting three points at Dallas. Dallas was up 24-21with two minutes left and at the Detroit 38 yard line. Another first down and Dallas would have run out the clock for a push. The Cowboys however, decided to throw a 38 yard bomb to Keyshawn Johnson, and Dallas had a 31-21 win.  

The third loss was New England giving three points to Pittsburgh on the road. Running back, Corey Dillon was a surprise scratch for this game, which left the Patriots with no running attack. New England ended up forcing the pass and turning the ball over four times, and the Steelers dominated 34-20. 

The only win of the week was San Diego giving 6 points to Oakland. San Diego has been putting up points in bunches, and the Raiders are in free-fall mode. Throw in the fact that the Raiders had lost 11 straight road games heading into this game, and you can see why the Chargers cruised to a 42-14 victory.  

NY Jets (-3) at Buffalo 

The Bills (2-5) are coming off an impressive 38-14 home win over Arizona. Willis McGahee appears to be all the way back from his ACL injury, and he has supplanted Travis Henry as the lead back. He rushed for 102 yards on 30 carries against the Cardinals, and he should be the workhorse this week against the Jets. 

For the Bills to start becoming consistent winners though, they must get more out of the passing game. Drew Bledsoe had two touchdowns without an interception last week, but only threw for 87 yards. That might get it done against a Cardinals team with 17 straight road losses, but the Jets are another matter.  

The Jets are 6-1 after embarrassing Miami 41-14 on Monday Night Football. The Jets had two 100 yard rushers in Curtis Martin and Lamont Jordan, the first time they have accomplished that feat since 1975. Add in Chad Pennington, who is playing at a very high level, and you see why this offense is feared. 

The reason that the Jets are considered title contenders though, is their defense. They are ranked 5th in the AFC in total yards allowed, and have 20 sacks on the season, while giving up only seven. Look for the “Men in Green” to bring serious pressure on the immobile Bledose, hoping to create at least one turnover.  

These two teams battled on October 10th at the Meadowlands in New York with Buffalo losing a close 16-14 contest. The Bills have won two straight at home, but Miami and Arizona don’t exactly qualify as the NFL’s elite. The Jets are tied for the lead in the AFC East with New England, and they don’t falter here. 

Pick: NY Jets. 

Kansas City (-3) at Tampa Bay 

Tampa Bay is only 2-5, but they were playing pretty good football before their recent bye-week. Quarterback, Brian Griese played in the last three games, and had a 105 quarterback rating. Griese would love to have injured Joey Galloway back this week to pair with Michael Clayton, but that is unlikely. 

The Buccaneers need to control the clock via the running game to keep the Chiefs’ offense off the field. Mike Alstott is out with a knee injury which puts a big burden on Michael Pittman. Pittman had 109 yards in their last game against Chicago, and they will need a similar type of game this week.

Kansas City started off the year a dismal 0-3, but has now won three out of their last four, for a 3-4 record. The Chiefs sudden resurgence has been due to prolific offensive efforts against Atlanta and Indianapolis at home. The key to this game is how much the Tampa Bay defense can slow this group down. 

Kansas City’s Priest Holmes is the NFL’s leading rusher with 833 yards, and he has scored 13 touchdowns. What has been equally important has been the improving health of their receivers. Johnnie Morton, Eddie Kennison, and Tony Gonzalez are back in 2003 form, and Trent Green has regained his passing touch. 

Both teams are playing well right now, but Kansas City’s potent offense leaves little margin for error for Tampa Bay. The Chiefs have averaged over 50 points per game in their last two contests. They should be able to get into the mid 20’s, even on the road, and that will be good enough for a third straight win. 

Pick: Kansas City 

Philadelphia (-1) at Pittsburgh 

Philadelphia (7-0) is the NFL’s only undefeated team, after beating Baltimore 15-10, as the Eagles overcame the absence of running back Brian Westbrook. Backup, Dorsey Levens ran for 40 yards on 12 carries, which is about his maximum production. Westbrook is questionable this week with his cracked rib. 

If Philadelphia is going to win this game, then their blitz packages have to be effective against Pittsburgh quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger. If Roethlisberger can use his strength and quickness to avoid the pressure, he will be able to hit receivers, Plaxico Burress and Hines Ward down the field for big plays.  

“Big Ben” and four Patriots turnovers were the key to Pittsburgh’s 34-20 win over New England last week. The Steelers’ swarming defense was able to cause two interceptions and two fumbles. The crowd noise played a big part, and the fans are sure to be raucous this week as they play their hated intrastate rival.  

The key to combating the Eagles’ blitzing is to continue to run Duce Staley. Staley tore up the publicized New England defense to the tune of 125 yards, and Jerome Bettis added 65 more. If Staley gets going early, the Eagles will be forced to play a more basic defense, something they are not as accustomed to. 

The Steelers are participating in the NFL’s game of the week for the second consecutive week. At 6-1, and with a win over New England, they can no longer be considered overachievers. Westbrook’s injury will cause the Eagles to be too one dimensional on offense, and the Steelers will again capitalize at home. 

Pick: Pittsburgh 

Cleveland (+6) at Baltimore 

Cleveland is 3-4 and is rested from the bye-week. Cleveland has had success at home going 3-1, with the only defeat an overtime loss against Philadelphia. The road is a different story, as they are 0-3 and have not covered the spread in any of those games, and Baltimore may be their toughest venue yet.  

Cleveland needs to get on the board first to take this Sunday Night crowd out of the game. The Browns will try to establish their two backs in Lee Suggs and William Green, but the passing game needs to contribute as well. If Cleveland can get Andre Davis back from an ankle sprain, it will give them three solid receivers. 

Baltimore (4-3) is coming off a 15-10 loss at undefeated Philadelphia, in a game that could have been won on the final drive. Boller was 24-38 with for 233 yards against the tough Eagles defense. It was one of his best games this year, and he hopes to build on it this week against a below average Browns pass defense.  

The Ravens welcome back Jamal Lewis after a two week suspension from the league. Chester Taylor and Musa Smith filled in nicely, but the team needs Lewis in the lineup if they are going to make a playoff push. All Pro tight end, Todd Heap may also return this week, and he would provide a big boost.  

This is the second meeting between these teams, as the Browns won in week one of the season 20-3. The Ravens need this game badly as they play at the Jets and New England in the next three weeks. Look for Baltimore to payback Cleveland for the earlier loss, and win this game by a double digit margin.  

Pick: Baltimore