Out on a Limb
Fantasy Football Predictions

Sticking To My Guns

The predictions made here each week do not represent the views of everyone on FIC and should not be used for gambling purposes.

Some try blind guesses by having their pets pick the games each week based on which treat they decide to choose. Others make themselves out to have bizarre psychic nicknames. Still more throw darts at a board and pick whoever it lands on. And, yes... there are a few actual experts, but I'm not one of them.

Sticking To My Guns

While it's been a horrendous season for The Mutt, it might be time for that preseason prediction to shine. When the Eagles host the Bucs and the Titans invade Oakland on Sunday, The Mutt could see both of his Super Bowl teams heading to San Diego (refer wayyyy back to August 30 when The Mutt posted his Preseason Picks/Introduction to the column). While it certainly looks better for the Eagles, the Titans could very well end up in San Diego next weekend as well. Here goes...

Tampa Bay at Philadelphia

The Bucs have been eliminated from the playoffs by the Eagles two seasons in a row. Will the third time be the charm? Most likely not. The Eagles and Bucs did meet earlier in the season as well, with the Eagles running all over them and stuffing their offense repeatedly in a 20-10 victory. The Bucs haven't scored an offensive touchdown in the last three games against the Eagles either, with their only touchdown in October coming courtesy of Derrick Brooks on a fumble recovery. In order for the Bucs to have a chance, their offensive line must stand up to Philly's strong front four and give Brad Johnson some time to get the ball downfield. If Johnson ends up on his back as often as he did against the Eagles in October (he was sacked six times), this game could be over in a hurry.

On the other side of the ball, Philly has to continue to run the ball effectively, as well as take advantage of the fact that they have the most diverse quarterback in the game getting healthier each week. Tampa did boast the best defense in the league this season, and is capable of shutting down the Philly offense for most of the day, but it might just take one or two scores to lock this game up for the Eagles.

Expect McNabb to show last week's opponent, Mike Vick and the Falcons, a thing or two for next season about how a scrambling quarterback can beat these Bucs... by using all of the tools expendable: his legs, his head, and his arm. The Bucs will be back again next year for another shot at their playoff nemesis, but don't look for them to get the job done here. The scoreboard won't show how dominant this win will be for the Birds. Eagles 17, Bucs 6

Tennessee at Oakland

The two teams met in late September, with the Titans reeling and the Raiders rolling. All of this led to a 52-25 blowout for the Raiders, including two punt return touchdowns. Since then, the Titans have run off with eleven of their last twelve, despite the disappointing play of their star Running Back Eddie George. The Raiders still come into this game as heavy favorites, as they've been hands-down the best team in the AFC for most of the season.

The first of the "scrambling Quarterbacks" to take over in the mid-1990's, Steve McNair has finally developed a reputation as a big-game player who does anything and everything to pull out a victory. Without George at 100% for most of the past two seasons, McNair has altered his game and now manages to throw the ball downfield a bit more often, and with more accuracy. The Raiders defense will struggle to keep McNair in check if Eddie George has put his concussion last week behind him and is effective.

Rich Gannon was well deserving of his MVP this season, as he spread the ball around better than anyone in the league. He nearly had 4,700 yards passing on the season, and completed over two-thirds of his passes to a veteran receiving corps. The Raiders will come out firing, looking to put away a hungry Titans defense early, as they realize that this may be their last chance with this group. Jerry Rice turned 40 earlier in the season, and Tim Brown is already 36. While both are still going strong, the window has to be closing some time. The Raiders won't let up, even if they develop an early lead.

While the NFC game looks to be a defensive masterpiece, this one has the looks of a shootout. Both quarterbacks will find ways to get the ball in the hands of their talented receivers and keep the scoreboard changer busy. What it may come down to in the end is who comes through as the grittier team, and who is able to run the ball more effectively. Call it a hunch.... call it a guess.... or just call it a guy who's going to stick to his guns. Titans 34, Raiders 30

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