Game Picks

Ravens will take advantage of ailing Steelers to sweep series

Published: Nov 04, 2011 at 06:26 AM

Albert Breer went 9-4 with his predictions in Week 8 and is now 74-43 for the season. How will he fare in Week 9? His picks are below, with home teams listed second:

George Wilson told me Buffalo is ready for a New York offense that's "back to playing the Jets' brand of football." That'll slow the pace and make this one tight. But give me the home team.

I have to think Rob Ryan was pretty embarrassed by his defense's listless effort in Philadelphia. So my guess is his group will be ready to embarrass the listless Seattle offense.

Brian Cushing told me the Houston defense now goes "into every game thinking we should win." This week, that's certainly the case.

There's some level of concern within the Falcons because they are: a) coming off the bye and b) facing a winless team. With the "letdown radar" up, Atlanta takes care of business.

This could be a pothole for K.C., on a short week and coming off a big win. But the Dolphins are so psychologically battered, it's hard to see them winning at Arrowhead.

For now, I'm gonna give New Orleans a mulligan for the egg it laid in St. Louis last week, and give the Saints a win they have to have against a tough Tampa team.

Can the Niners score a fourth win in 1 p.m. games played in the Eastern time zone? With John Beck up against that San Francisco defense, yes, they can.

Carson Palmer had two weeks to get ready for the rebuilding Broncos. He should look more advanced than he was in Week 7. I'd guess Tim Tebow, on the other hand, won't.

This is another game the Bengals will try to turn into a street fight. And ranking 27th in run defense and dead last running the ball, the Titans aren't equipped for that.

It wouldn't surprise me if, in a month, there's talk on the Rams showing promise again, with a murderous early schedule giving way to a lighter finish. Playing John Skelton doesn't hurt.

The Giants might not have Hakeem Nicks or Ahmad Bradshaw, but it won't matter. New York will score on New England. And Tom Brady, steaming after a loss, will score more.

I like Philip Rivers to bounce back against a hurting Packer pass defense (Get healthy, Tramon Williams). But I like Aaron Rodgers, in pristine conditions, even more.

In January, again, these teams will be close as can be. Now? Injuries to Woodley, Farrior, Smith and Harrison take their toll. So John Harbaugh scores his first sweep of Pittsburgh.

Call this one a hunch. Lovie Smith's style of defense has always caused problems for Mike Vick, and the Eagles' leaky run defense will be challenged by Matt Forte.

Follow Albert Breer on Twitter @albertbreer.

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