I'm going to come up with a better way (please feel free to leave a comment or send an email @ nflsource@gmail.com), but for now, I'll organize the previews and predictions by starting-time. Let's begin with the 1:00 EST ones:
While the Bears are coming off a successful win over the Eagles, this is the 0-3 Lions' first game since firing GM Matt Millen. Although a good move, it doesn't look like things will change tomorrow, even with a banged-up Chicago secondary. Jon Kitna tries to make too many difficult plays and can force some turnovers. The Bears should be able to stop their running attack as well.
Chicago's offensive isn't explosive, but it can get the job done. I don't think it will do much in this game, but as long as Kyle Orton plays fairly mistake-free football, the Bears should come out on top.
BEARS 16, LIONS 10
Atlanta Falcons @ Green Bay Packers
The Packers, coming off two tough losses and with an injury list that could fill three teams, are beat up mentally and physically. If Aaron Rodgers isn't playing and Matt Flynn is in (gametime decision), their job becomes much harder against Atlanta. They should be able to do some good things on offense though, even if Rodgers isn't playing.
However, if Matt Ryan plays well and Atlanta's receivers can bounce back from a bad week, the game could become interesting. Because of how inconsistent the Falcons' offensive is and the fact that their defense is rebuilding, I'll go with the Packers (I think Rodgers will play), but again, the game could be a much tighter one than expected.
PACKERS 27, FALCONS 16
Tennessee Titans @ Baltimore Ravens
Two of the more surprising NFL teams in '08 create an intriguing match-up. Baltimore's inexperienced offense should struggle against one of the best defenses in the league much like last Monday night. Regardless of whether Willis McGahee plays more than a few snaps, the offense won't be able to run on the Titans' line and rookie Joe Flacco will find a hard time doing anything against the secondary, which doesn't allow many big plays and creates turnovers.
Likewise, Baltimore's defense appears up to the task of stopping the opponent. A very important and interesting match-up will be the Titans' running game against the Ravens' front seven. Both are very admirable and among the best in the AFC. Kerry Collins won't be asked to do much, as usual, but they may need him to make some plays (more than 5 yards) when the running game simply can't get going. This one should be pretty tight and frankly, boring throughout, but in the end I'm actually going to predict the upset, with Flacco making a big play at the end with his strong arm.
RAVENS 13, TITANS 6
Seattle Seahawks @ New York Giants
This game features two teams coming off wins followed by bye-weeks. Seattle really can't go 1-3; they just aren't used to it. Their offense should be better this week with Bobby Engram and Deion Branch making their returns. If Maurice Morris can't play, though, the stout running game will be a little worse. It will be difficult for Matt Hasselback to do much with how much pressure New York usually gets despite the added weapons.
Eli Manning will also be limited in what he can do with his top receiver, Plaxico Burress, suspended for a game. It also doesn't help that Seattle's secondary is a very good one. However, with that Superbowl mentality, they should be able to beat a Seahawks team that isn't as good as it was in past years.
GIANTS 20, Seahawks 13
Kansas City Chiefs @ Carolina Panthers
Somehow, the Chiefs got their first win last week against Denver, and coming into this game, they'll be looking to get an actual winning streak (I'm thinking of that “Major League ll” line). The key to their offense and thus, who Carolina needs to stop, is Larry Johnson. Coming off a big game facing the Broncos' weak line, he'll be looking to do it again. It won't be easy though, as the Panthers are pretty good at stopping the ground game. Damon Huard will need to make some plays; however, I don't think he'll be able to, as Julius Peppers should have a nice day with Brandon Albert out.
Steve Smith has come on strong since returning from his suspension, and I expect that to continue tomorrow. I doubt he and Delhomme can have such a good day in the passing game as they had last week against the Falcons, but they should be able to get more than enough points to get the job done.
PANTHERS 27, FALCONS 13
Washington Redskins @ Philadelphia Eagles
It promises to be a very good game in Philly, with another top-notch NFC East match-up. The 'Skins are riding a huge high right now, coming off a win in Dallas. They have about as much confidence as possible, and are rallying behind their new coach Jim Zorn. Washington's offense will have a difficult time facing the front seven of Philadelphia, but they should be able to put some points up with Zorn's new passing system and the mistake-free ball of Jason Campbell.
The Eagles love to open up the passing game, and if Shaun Springs isn't playing for Washington, Donovan McNabb and his weapons should have a huge day. If Brian Westbrook is playing, which he's expected to, their offense should become even better.
EAGLES 30, REDSKINS 20
San Diego Chargers @ Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins pulled off a stuner two weeks ago to knock off the Patriots. They'll look to do that once again against the Bolts, possibly even getting back into the wide-open AFC East. Ronnie Brown will play a large part in it if it happens. Against the Pats, he had a career-day with four rushing touchdowns. San Diego's defense will focus on him for much of the game. That could open up the passing game for Chad Pennington; not only will the Chargers possibly be stacking the box to stop Brown, but their pass defense is among the worst in the NFL (who would've thunk it?). The lack of arm strength could once again come into play, unfortunately.
LaDainian Tomlinson will find it hard to run against Miami's front seven, led by the rejuvinated Joey Porter. Phillip Rivers should be able to have a nice day though, facing a below-average secondary. However, I am going to predict the HUGE, HUGE upset in Miami. That's right, the Dolphins somehow do it again because of Brown and the tough play of their defense.
DOLPHINS 23, CHARGERS 20
Indianapolis Colts @ Houston Texans
The first game in Houston features two teams that have disappointed so far. Houston should be able to have a nice day running the football, with rookie Steve Slayton and Ahman Green, who will make his debut. Indianapolis struggles against stopping the run, and I don't expect a change in this game. They just need to keep pounding the ball up the middle, and a big play is likely to come. Matt Schaub is coming off one of the best games in his short career, but I'm not sure how much he'll be able to do.
Indianapolis's offense needs to get back on track. The whole unit has struggled so far; Peyton Manning doesn't look fully healthy, he isn't on the same page as his reeivers, and the running game has been horrendous. Although the offensive line is getting back to having all of its members, facing such a stout line isn't going to help. However, I think Manning will have a solid day. No, not a Peyton Manning-like day with three touchdowns and three hundred yards, but a nice outing. Houston's secondary has some injuries, which Manning and co. should be able to take advantage of.
COLTS 23, TEXANS, 10
