Arizona at Green Bay

Johan: The Cardinals got worked by the Raiders last week, which was a little surprising considering how well Matt Leinart had been playing up to that point. Green Bay is a tough team to predict, they can be good one day and horrible the next. A.J. Hawk has been solid in his first six games, racking up 43 tackles and 2.5 sacks. Look for him to shut down Edgerrin James on the ground in a Packers win.

Oscar: The Cardinals must be happy to know that they were the first team to hand the Raiders their first victory of the season. Not only were they close to beating one of the best teams in the league, but they then go and lose to the worst team. That’s a tough thing for the team to handle, and they won’t get a grip this week against the Packers. The Packers are actually playing better, with Ahman Green getting more touches. The Packers win at Lambeau Field.

Atlanta at Cincinnati

J: Michael Vick had his first game with four passing touchdowns last Sunday against the Steelers. Maybe now Atlanta can build on that and try to become a more balanced offense, which would make them unstoppable. Look at it this way: Everybody knows the Falcons are going to run the ball most of the time and they still are the best rushing team in the NFL. Imagine what it would be like if their opponents had to prepare for a passing attack as well. Falcons win.

O: The Falcons came off an impressive win over the Steelers, but the defense allowed 38 points. And the Bengals just came off a much-needed win over the Panthers. The defense really stepped up and they will do it again against Michael Vick and the Falcons. The Bengals win at home.

Baltimore at New Orleans

J: This will be a real test for the Saints. If they can defeat the Ravens at home this week they will silence whatever critics they still have out there. The Saints are for real this year and will win on Sunday.

O: The Cinderella team of the NFL is the Saints, and they are up against one of the best defensive teams, the Ravens. The clock won’t strike midnight this week, as the Saints will find a way to beat the Ravens.

Houston at Tennessee

J: The Battle of the Bottom Feeders, the Horri Bowl, call it what you want, but it is not going to be pretty, folks. Houston will win it because they have made great improvements from previous years, which was clear last week when they beat Jacksonville 27-7.

O: No one would have guessed the Texans to beat the Jaguars last week, but don’t expect a winning streak from them. The Titans actually are improving, and look for them to get another win this week.

Jacksonville at

Philadelphia

J: The Eagles are going to want to get back up on the saddle after dropping two straight games. They do not want to enter their bye week with a 4-4 record. Jacksonville got embarrassed last week and I know how they feel after letting Oscar cut down on my lead in the overall standings. Fear not, the Oracle will rise again, but not the Jaguars. Philadelphia will win this hardnosed football game.

O: Both teams are coming off tough and unexpected losses (actually, I expected the Eagles to lose to the Buccaneers), which makes this game very important for both teams. The Jaguars’ defense looked horrible last week, and Donovan McNabb wasn’t himself either. Expect him to find his groove again and beat the Jaguars.

Seattle at Kansas City

J: With no Hasselbeck or Alexander, this team does not stand a chance against anybody. Larry Johnson has found his rhythm and will carry his team to a win this week.

O: The loss of Matt Hasselbeck is really going to hurt the Seahawks’ offense, which is also without the reigning MVP, Shaun Alexander. The Chiefs have been playing well and will continue to pound the ball with Larry Johnson. Chiefs get the win at home.

San Francisco at Chicago

J: I wish I had Chicago’s defense in my fantasy league for this game. The Bears win easily.

O: Probably the easiest pick, so why waste time and space? Bears easily beat the 49ers at home.

Tampa Bay at N.Y. Giants

J: The Buccaneers got bailed out by their defense last week after winning without scoring any points on offense. Ronde Barber was playing like he did when Tampa won the Super Bowl, but he is too old to play like that two weeks in a row and the Giants will win at home.

O:Looks like the Buccaneers are starting to make a nice run, as are the Giants. Both teams are coming off victories. The Bucs have finally found their offensive groove, while the Giants’ defense is starting to come alive. It’s going to be a good game, but the Bucs come away with a road victory.

St. Louis at San Diego

J: The Chargers did not look like the dominating team they have been so far this season last week against the Chiefs. The Rams are flying under the radar for now, but after this win their secret will be out.

O: The Rams are probably the sleeper team of the league, playing well and racking up wins and touchdowns. The Chargers were stunned by the Chiefs last week, but will come back this week at home. The Chargers win at home.

Indianapolis at Denver

J: If this becomes the battle of the kickers I am giving the edge to the Colts because they have Adam Vinatieri. Hopefully it will not come to that, but there is a big chance it will. The Colts have a great offense, but cannot stop anybody with their defense. The Broncos cannot score on offense even if their lives depended on it. They scored two touchdowns last week, but it was against the Browns so it does not count. Their defense, however, is as good as it gets. Defense wins championships, so the Broncos will win this one.

O: The best match up of the week. Can the Broncos stop Peyton Manning and the Colts? Nope. Colts are starting to find their running game, and the Broncos’ defense won’t stop that. Colts leave Denver with another win.

N.Y. Jets at Cleveland

J: The Jets and their passing game will secure a win against a lowly Browns team.

O: The Jets are playing decent football, and must improve to keep them in the playoffs. They must win games against teams like the Browns to get as many wins as possible to get into the post season. Jets win on the road.

Pittsburgh at Oakland

J: Oakland did not look all that terrible last week, compared to their previous games, that is. Pittsburgh played good against Atlanta, but lost both their starting quarterback and the game. This week they will get a win on the road.

O: The defending Super Bowl champions are in trouble, and should be glad they’re facing the Raiders. Can the Raiders build momentum off of their first win? Not really. The Steelers get the win.

Dallas at Carolina

J: It does not matter who is throwing the ball for Dallas, they just seem doomed to make mistakes. Julius Peppers and the rest of the Panthers’ defense will have a field day with the Cowboys’ offense. The Panthers should win it comfortably.

O: The Cowboys are coming off a tough loss to the Giants, and now they have to face the Panthers. The future doesn’t look so bright for the Cowboys. Panthers win at home.

New England at Minnesota

J: I cannot decide if the Vikings are a bad or a good team. They are 4-2, but they have not beaten any good teams yet. The Seahawks was the best team they faced so far this year, but they did not have reigning NFL MVP Shaun Alexander, and Matt Hasselbeck got injured early in the third quarter. I am going to stick with the Patriots this week.

O: The Patriots are looking better each week by relying on the run more to keep the pressure off of Tom Brady. But watch out for the Vikings, because they are silently on their way to the post season. They have a solid defense and the offense is getting better each week. The Vikings take a Monday night win.