Weekly Predictions

Ravens and Rice look to end Raiders' playoff dream:

The Oakland Raiders have experienced a rocky first half of the season, and the sudden swings in fortune that have defined this squad throughout the year make it difficult to predict which Silver and Black team will turn up each week.

One thing that has been fairly consistent however, is the ability of opposing running backs to run all over the Oakland defense. Despite being an 11th ranked defensive squad against the rush heading into week nine, the Raiders' frailties were exposed by Tampa Bay rookie Doug Martin, who rushed for 251 yards and four touchdowns. 

This performance from the Buccaneers' new phenom was by no means an anomaly either. Denver's Willis McGahee and Miami's Reggie Bush have both comfortably managed 100 yard games against the Raiders, with the latter breaking through no less than six missed tackles on his way to scoring in their week two matchup.

With Oakland desperately needing a win to stay in the AFC playoff picture, they have no option but to improve. A turnaround on defense is all the more urgent when one considers that their opposing running back this week will be Ray Rice - considered by most to be ranked in the top three at his position.

If he can emulate the kind of performance Martin enjoyed last week, the Oakland season could be all but over.

Oakland Raiders @ Baltimore Ravens

Score: OAK 24 - 31 BAL

Analysis: The Ravens should be too strong for the unpredictable Raiders at home this week. Carson Palmer should be able to air the ball out successfully however, as the loss of RB's Darren McFadden and Mike Goodson should force him to throw the football more often. While the Ravens' defense is not what it once was, their offense should prevail - Joe Flacco is notoriously better playing at home, and Ray Rice should get up and over 100 yards with ease against a porous run defense. Torrey Smith, who has been kept quiet in recent weeks, will be able to emulate the deep threat Vincent Jackson posed for the Bucs in the Black Hole last week and should enjoy a nice day.

Bold Prediction: Denarius Moore and Torrey Smith will both have 100 yard games through the air.

Gold Rush: Daryl Richardson should be limited in production by the Niners defense this week

St Louis Rams @ San Francisco 49ers

Score: STL 0 - 24 SF

Analysis: After seeing the Rams defense get picked apart by Tom Brady at Wembley two weeks ago, it is hard to see them putting up any points against arguably the best defense in the league. San Francisco should be solid at home, and Alex Smith has experienced a recent good run of form. Frank Gore should be productive once again, just as Steven Ridley was for the Patriots against this Rams squad before the bye week. Finally, I like Vernon Davis to re-emerge this week as a top targeted tight end. He should be the beneficiary as wide receivers Michael Crabtree and Randy Moss face up against against the stout corner-back duo of Courtland Finnegan and Janoris Jenkins. 

Bold Prediction: Sam Bradford turns the ball over 3+ times.

Atlanta Falcons @ New Orleans Saints

Score: ATL 27 - 31 NO

Analysis: This is the week that the Falcons' undefeated streak comes to an end. Despite the Saints having the the worst pass defense in the league, and Atlanta possessing the most talented wide receivers, Drew Brees will be the quarterback that succeeds in what will inevitably be a shootout in the Superdome. Look for big days from Marques Colston and Jimmy Graham in the Saints passing game, and also a huge game for Falcons deep threat Julio Jones.

Bold Prediction: Julio Jones and Marques Colston will have 300 yards receiving combined.