That first weekend of games was certainly interesting, but lacked a certain level of luster. Bring in the big dogs and that all changes. I predicted a lot of road upsets last week and it led to a less than stellar showing in the prediction contest. I think my first non-scoring week in some time. We'll see how we can rebound this week. Although, really I'm just looking for entertaining ballgames.
Baltimore Ravens (12-5) at Tennessee Titans (13-3)
1:30 PM PST, CBS
Titans coverage: Music City Miracles
Ravens coverage: Baltimore Beatdown
Joe Flacco and John Harbaugh look to go where rookie coach/QB combos rarely go. The Titans are the #1 seed but they drew the short end of the stick in getting a very tough Ravens team that's playing quite well. Although, in contrasting the conferences, I think there's a significantly greater likelihood that upsets happen in the AFC (so bet the other way).
Arizona Cardinals (10-7) at Carolina Panthers (12-4)
5:15 PM PST, FOX
Panthers coverage: Cat Scratch Reader
Cardinals coverage: Revenge of the Birds
Josh and Danny predicted double digit victories, Danny's a bit more convincing. I would be rather surprised to see the Cardinals win this, or even keep it close. The Panthers dominant running game just seems to much. The only thing that would keep it close is some measure of rust on the Panthers. Although, I tend to think that affects the passing game more than the rushing game.
If you don't get picks in for the early game, you can always pick the late game and tomorrow's games.