We have a great slate of games to watch in between eating today!
Jay Cutler and the Bears go into Detroit to take on Matthew Stafford and the Lions. I personally like the Bears in this one.
The Lions have struggled to put up points lately, as they've failed to score a touchdown their last two games. There has been no consistency to the run game and I'm not sure if that has to do with Reggie Bush being sidelined but Joique Bell and Theo Riddick haven't been getting it done. This could be the reason why Matthew Stafford has been so awful this year. After throwing 29 touchdowns last season, Stafford just has 13 touchdown passes through the Lions 11 games. Calvin Johnson has been inconsistent due to injuries, but the lone bright spot has been Golden Tate, who has put together a great first season with the Lions.
Detroit will also have a tough time covering Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery and Martellus Bennett. They were torched by Brandon LaFell, Julian Edelman and Rob Gronkowski last week. Matt Forte will be the X factor though. If he can find running room against the Lions stout run defense then Cutler will get the time needed to pick apart the Lions secondary.
Next up we have a huge NFC East showdown between the Eagles and Cowboys in Dallas. Winner takes sole possession of first place and controls their own destiny moving forward. I like the Cowboys here.
Tony Romo hasn't been turning the ball over and continues to come up big late in games, all while playing through some serious injuries. The Eagles will have a hard time containing both Dez Bryant and DeMarco Murray . One of those two guys will have a huge game for the Boys and be the difference maker.
I'm not a believer in Mark Sanchez, as I can see his bubble beginning to burst with 3 touchdowns and 4 interceptions the past 2 weeks. Their receiving core does not excite me and should not put fear into any secondary. Jeremy Maclin is a good receiver and Jordan Matthews is a talented rookie, but neither guy is a game changer. The Eagles game changer is LeSean McCoy, but he has been inconsistent. If Dallas is able to contain McCoy then the Cowboys win by a touchdown.
Last but not least we have a rematch from the NFC title game. This year, I'm not a believer in either the Seahawks or the 49ers.
Aside from Marshawn Lynch, the Seahawks have no real playmakers on offense. Russell Wilson has been struggling and has made more plays with his legs than his arm. That can only take you so far. Trading Percy Harvin changed this offense and not in a good way. I'm not sure if Doug Baldwin, Jermaine Kearse and Ricardo Lockette is a recipe for success.
The 49ers on the other hand have a ridiculous amount of weapons but the offense isn't clicking. Colin Kaepernick has been a disappointment in 2014, and so has his tight end Vernon Davis, who has shown very little interest in becoming a part of this 49ers offense. San Fran plays better when they feed Frank Gore and let him control the offense. If the 49ers keep the ball on the ground and mix in rookie Carlos Hyde then the big pass plays will be there for Michael Crabtree and Anquan Boldin.