Chiefs at Eagles

This Thursday Night Light’s contest will include former Eagles head coach Andy Reid returning to Lincoln Financial Field for the first time since accepting the reigns in Kansas City.

Reid may have a hard time defending against Chip Kelly’s newly introduced offense, lead by Michael Vick, LeSean McCoy, and DeSean Jackson. Although, at times Vick had a hard time linking up with the speedy wideout last season, Kelly’s high-tempo offense allows Jackson to get to open spaces of the field, making him one of the most dangerous offensive threats in the game.

While we can expect the Vick-Jackson combo to produce for the Eagles once again, to say the Eagles ground game was phenomenal in Week 1 may be an understatement. During the Monday Night showdown against the divisional rival Redskins, Vick gave the ball to McCoy 31 times as he shredded the ‘Skins defense for 184 yards and a TD.

On paper, it appears as though the Eagles might have the upper hand, however you cannot count a team out who possess players like Jamaal Charles and Dwayne Bowe. Add into the mix that Alex Smith is now throwing the ball around in KC, this may be just the recipe for an offensive shootout.

The Picks

Kansas City: Jake, Colin and Stu

Philadelphia: Taylor, Julia, Owen and Rory

Packers at Bengals

In their first two games of the season, the Bengals up-and-coming offense faced off against two talented defenses in Chicago and Pittsburgh. However, this week Andy Dalton should be able to connect with pro-bowl receiver A.J. Green who will compete against a wounded Packers secondary.

While we can expect that Dalton will put up points this week, Aaron Rodgers and the Packers are going to have to work for every yard, against a stout defense in Cincinnati. Defense may be the deciding factor for either team.

As usual, Rodgers will be able to find Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb downfield for some big yardage, but if Alabama sensation Eddie Lacy cannot find much room on the ground, Rodgers is going to have a lot of pressure on him. Although Lacy did manage to find the endzone against the 49ers defense, his 41 yards on 14 carriers did not appease coach Mike McCarthy. After Lacy lost a fumble in his first NFL game, McCarthy suggested that the rookie “needs to detail his game” while handling the ball, and as a pass protector.

While experience suggests that the Packers should be able to edge the Bengals, do not be surprised if Green puts his team on his back and carries Cincinnati to victory.

The Picks

Green Bay: Taylor, Colin, Owen and Rory

Cincinnati: Jake, Julia, and Stu

Lions at Redskins

After suffering a tough loss to the Eagles in week 1, the Redskins look to compete against a tough eight-man front in Detroit, which held the talented Adrian Peterson to only 93 yards. While the Redskins were frustrated with the running attack against the Eagles, nothing will get easier when facing the Lions.

Detroit frequently stacks the box with eight-men, which will force Robert Griffin III to put the ball in the air. RG3 did turn the ball over twice against the Eagles, which could be a recurring problem for the young QB, especially if the ‘Skins are not able to establish their running game with Alfred Morris.

Despite the speculation, this is a very important game for Washington, and RG3 will most likely rise to the occasion and capture the W for the team. However, the Lions are a team full of threats at every position, and they will make a strong push for the playoffs come January.

Of course Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson will be able to produce, but the deciding factor for Detroit may be whether or not Reggie Bush can continue his dominance of the running and reception game.

The Picks

Detroit: Julia, Colin and Owen

Washington: Taylor, Jake and Rory and Stu

Bears at Steelers

This match-up showcases two teams with a lot of experience. Both teams starting quarterbacks, Ben Roethlisberger and Jay Cutler, have been in pivot game situations and came out on top. 12