There is plenty of good football to watch this week, starting on Thursday with the Atlanta Falcons hosting the Baltimore Ravens. The Tennessee Titans travel to Miami as they hope to keep the Dolphins winless at home. The Bengals go on the road to Indianapolis for what looks like a pivotal game for both sides. Houston travels to Jacksonville, which figures to end one of their seasons. The Chiefs travel to Denver as Kansas City tries to shut the door on the Broncos’ playoff hopes. The game of the week is between two of the better franchises over the last ten years, featuring the New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers.

Thursday, November 11th

Baltimore (6-2) @ Atlanta (6-2)

Atlanta has the better offense and Baltimore has the better defense. The Ravens’ defense hasn’t been as good as in years past, and I believe the Falcons will do enough to remain undefeated at home this year.

Prediction: Atlanta 24, Baltimore 20

Sunday, November 14th

Detroit (2-6) @ Buffalo (0-8)

Will this be the week the Bills get their first victory? I don’t think so. The Lions have been playing teams tough and almost beat the Jets on Sunday. Matthew Stafford should have a good game against Buffalo’s defense. Ryan Fitzpatrick should have a decent game too, but the Bills always seem to find a way to lose.

Prediction: Detroit 27, Buffalo 23

Minnesota (3-5) @ Chicago (5-3)

If the Vikings reach the playoffs, they’ll likely circle their come-from-behind win over the Cardinals as the turning point. They could be a dangerous team now, and Brett will face the league’s 19th-ranked pass defense. The Bears won’t be much of a match for the Vikings this week.

Prediction: Minnesota 27, Chicago 16

New York Jets (6-2) @ Cleveland (3-5)

The Jets escaped from Detroit with an overtime win and the Browns trampled the Patriots. Will Eric Mangini beat his other former team this week? I think the Browns have another surprise up their sleeves.

Prediction: Cleveland 24, New York Jets 20

Tennessee (5-3) @ Miami (4-4)

The Titans had a bye week to prepare for a Dolphins team that’s winless at home. The Titans will keep that streak going as Chris Johnson runs wild.

Prediction: Tennessee 23, Miami 16

Cincinnati (2-6) @ Indianapolis (5-3)

The Bengals have had a disappointing season after appearing to have promise. The Colts have looked good and bad at times. The Colts are one of the best home teams in the NFL and will keep their undefeated home record alive.

Prediction: Indianapolis 27, Cincinnati 17

Houston (4-4) @ Jacksonville (4-4)

The loser of this game will basically be done for the season. Both of these defenses are awful, but the Texans have the better offense.

Prediction: Houston 30, Jacksonville 20

Carolina (1-7) @ Tampa Bay (5-3)

Carolina has one of the worst offenses I have ever witnessed. However, they have a really good defense. That won’t matter, though, since Tampa is the better team and is home.

Prediction: Tampa Bay 24, Carolina 10

Kansas City (5-3) @ Denver (2-6)

Denver is coming off of a bye and the Chiefs lost a tough one to the Raiders. Denver has the 31st-ranked run defense. Need I say more?

Prediction: Kansas City 26, Denver 20

Seattle (4-4) @ Arizona (3-5)

Both of these teams are bad and are on losing streaks. I will go with the home team here.

Prediction: Arizona 20, Seattle 17

Dallas (1-7) @ New York Giants (6-2)

The Cowboys were embarrassed by Green Bay and their head coach was fired. The Giants embarrassed the Seahawks and own the NFL’s longest winning streak. This is a no-brainer if I ever saw one.

Prediction: New York Giants 34, Dallas 13

St Louis (4-4) @ San Francisco (2-6)

Both of these teams are coming off of a bye week. The Rams have yet to win on the road, and I think that changes this week.

Prediction: St Louis 20, San Francisco 16

New England (6-2) @ Pittsburgh (6-2)

The winner here would hold a critical tie-breaker for the playoffs. The Patriots aren’t a very good road team and the Steelers are one of the better home teams. Tough to go against the Steelers at home.

Prediction: Pittsburgh 27, New England 20

Monday, November 15th

Philadelphia (5-3) @ Washington (4-4)

Philadelphia is 3-1 on the road and coming off of a big win over Indianapolis while Washington was on a bye. Michael Vick will expose the Redskins’ 31st-ranked pass defense. Will McNabb start? You bet the Eagles will want revenge.

Prediction: Philadelphia 30, Washington 17

Bye: Green Bay, Oakland, New Orleans, San Diego