Week 8: Predicting a Patriots-less Sunday

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Arizona Cardinals (5-2) @ Cleveland Browns (2-5) – 1:00 P.M. EST

Here’s your first upset of the day. The smart money is on the Cardinals, as their ground attack, led by a rejuvenated Chris Johnson, is producing 125 yards per game, while the Browns’ run defense is ranked dead-last in the league surrendering 151 yards on the ground per game. But this is the NFL, and funky things happen; look for the Browns’ secondary to have a field day picking off Carson Palmer, giving the offense enough chances to pull off the victory.

Prediction: Browns 30, Cardinals 20

Tennessee Titans (1-5) @ Houston Texans (2-5) – 1:00 P.M. EST

Easily the most yawn-inducing matchup of the day, the Titans and Texans are actually not out of the AFC South race. After all, we’re talking about the worst division the NFL has seen in recent memory, as the 3-4 Colts currently head the group of laughingstocks. It will be the Titans who prevail in this one thanks to a career day out of Zach Mettenberger… and more terrible tackling on the part of Houston’s defense.

Prediction: Titans 31, Texans 14

Must-read: Week 8 stock watch: Lewis up, Fleming down

New York Giants (4-3) @ New Orleans Saints (3-4) – 1:00 P.M. EST

Drew Brees will ebb the flow of whirling whispers regarding his decline by out-gunning Elit Manning in this game. The three-headed backfield monster of Mark Ingram, Khiry Robinson and C.J. Spiller will prove to be the difference. Fresh off his first score as a memer of the Saints, former Patriot Michael Hoomanawanui will catch another touchdown.

Prediction: Saints 37, Giants 34 (OT)

Next: CIN @ PIT, SF @ STL