Atlanta Falcons at the Indianapolis Colts
When the NFL schedule came out at the beginning of this year, most people thought this game would be a preview of the Super Bowl. The Falcons had high hopes before the season began with the strong play of Michael Vick last season. Vick was a human highlight film last season and electrified the league with his dazzling moves. Vick went down with a severe ankle injury in the preseason and hasn’t played untill the last two weeks. The big question when the season began was, can the Falcons win without Vick? The answer…NO! The Falcons have become one of the NFL’s worst teams. Their suspect defense can’t tackle, cover anyone, or play tough defense. The offense has struggled to put points on the board. Now, the human highlight film has recovered from his injury and is ready to end the season on a good note. A victory against the Colts this Sunday would be a big confidence builder heading into next season. On the other hand, the Colts are on a roll to the playoffs and can’t afford a letdown against the Falcons. This could be a trap game for the Colts. Peyton Manning should have a big day picking apart a suspect Falcons secondary and Edgerrin James should have a big day running against one of the NFL’s worst run defense. On paper this looks like a blowout, but with Vick back, this game will be close. Vick can sure make a struggling team play a lot better. Peyton and company will be ready. The colts will win this game by ten. Prediction: Colts 31 Falcons 21
Seattle Seahawks at the St. Louis Rams
Ladies and gentleman, may I introduce you to the greatest show on turf? There has been no team better on its home turf than the St. Louis Rams. The Rams are averaging over 30 points a game at home this season, and I look for the trend to continue against the Seattle Seahawks. This game will decide the NFC West. Earlier this season the Seahawks beat the Rams at home, but the Seahawks are one of the league’s worst teams on the road. The high-powered Rams are back and so is Marshall Faulk, who has resurrected his career with strong running of late. No receiver in the league has been more explosive and dominant than Tony Holt, who leads the league in receiving yards and will get plenty in this shootout. This game features two of the league’s most explosive offenses. Can Seattle quarterback Matt Hasselbeck get some Pro Bowl recognition please? He is having a career season and is putting up unbelievable numbers. The Rams should have won the first meeting between these two. Rams defensive coordinator Lovie Smith had the Rams playing nickel defense on the goaline in the last minute of the game. Whoever plays mistake-free football and doesn’t turn the ball over will win this game. I look for the Rams to be on top of their game and remain the greatest show on turf. Prediction: Rams 41 Seahawks 31
