Note: We at The Seahawk not only understand but support the nation’s undying love affair with the NFL. In an effort to do our part, we’ve decided to install a weekly series of NFL discussions: picks and analysis from Mcleod Brown, Cam Ellis, Evan Edwards and John Levering. This week, Mcleod Brown and Cam Ellis tackle the early slate, while John Levering handles the later games. Agree? Disagree? Let us know what you think @TheSeahawk

 

Oakland at (-8.5) Kansas City:

Brown: While I’ll be the first to admit that Terrelle Pryor may very well be my new favorite player to watch after openly rooting for him Sunday night, the fact remains he’s pretty much the lone bright spot on the Raiders. The Chiefs are one of this season’s feel good stories as they’re 5-0. Add in the home crowd at Arrowhead Stadium and it will take a little extra Pryor magic for the Black & Silver to come out on top. Chiefs over Raiders.

Ellis: I’ve been avoiding talking about Pryor all year because- and you can call me crazy- but I wasn’t exactly sold on the future of the Oakland Raider passing game being a duel-threat quarterback taken in the 3^rd round of the supplemental draft. In the last 5 years, Oakland has drafted as many impactful offensive players in the supplemental draft (one) as they have in the regular draft. A look at their offensive draft picks the last several years:

2009

1^st round- Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland

4^th round- Louis Murphy, WR, Florida

6^th round- Brandon Myers, TE, Iowa

2010

3^rd round- Jared Veldheer, T, Hillsdale

4^th round- Bruce Campbell, T, Maryland

4^th round- Jacoby Ford, WR, Clemson

2011

1^st round- Stefen Wisniewski, C, Penn State

3^rd round- Joseph Barksdale, T, LSU

4^th round- Taiwan Jones, RB, Eastern Washington

5^th round- Denarius Moore, WR, Tennessee

6^th round- Richard Gordon, TE, Miami

7^th round- David Ashbury, WR, USC

2012

3^rd round- Tony Bergstrom, T, Utah

5^th round- Juron Criner, WR, Arizona

2013

2^nd round- Menelik Watson, T, Florida State

4^th round- Tyler Wilson, QB, Arkansas (ha.)

6^th round- Nick Kasa, TE, Colorado

6^th round- Latavius Murray, RB, Central Florida

6^th round- Mychal Rivera, TE, Tennessee

7^th round- Bruce Butler, WR, San Diego State

Who sticks out here? Heyward-Bey is in Indianapolis and Tyler Wilson is on the practice squad. Denarius Moore and Jacoby Ford have shown flashes of capability at times, but having JaMarcus Russell/Bruce Gradkowski/Charlie Frye/Andrew Walter/Kyle Boller throwing to you certainly isn’t helping with development. Having even an ounce of stability at QB would the most optimistic thing to happen to the Raiders since Rich Gannon’s 2002 MVP season. Kansas City is 5-0, and with their next 4 games being against the Raiders, Texans, Browns and Bills, could very easily be 9-0 heading into a week 10 supermatchup with the Broncos in Denver. As for this week, the Chiefs handle their business at home. Chiefs over Raiders.

Philadelphia (-2) at Tampa Bay:

Brown: The Chip Kelly Express has slowed down significantly since that week one win over Washington. While the fast pace and potential for big plays is still there, teams and fans alike may be starting to believe that first win was more a tribute to how abysmal Washington’s defense is compared to the “revolutionary” offense Kelly is trying to install. However, the Eagles do have the pleasure of playing the winless Buccaneers this week with their rookie quarterback Mike Glennon, who didn’t really set the world on fire last week in his first start. Let the Philadelphia Ducks live one more week. Eagles over Buccaneers.

Ellis: The firing of Philadelphia Flyers coach Peter Laviolette 3 games into the NHL season officially means that Chip Kelly is the longest tenured coach in current Philadelphia professional sports. Let that and that alone speak to the current state of Philly. I am going to actively make sure to avoid any minute of this “thrilling” Battle of Transitional Quarterbacks. I consider Nick Foles and Mike Glennon to be the same person, and I fully expect to hear a Fox Sports sideline report about the challenges of changing jerseys in-between possessions. I spent 15 minutes trying to find the over/under on passes completed in this game so I could have a quick laugh and immediately bet the under. Tampa over Philly

Green Bay (-3) at Baltimore:

Brown: Two of the league’s top three highest paid quarterbacks meet in Charm City this week. Aaron Rodgers undoubtedly has earned his contract more so than Joe Flacco, but that does not mean the Packers are guaranteed a win against the defending champs. After all, the Delaware product is undefeated in 10 career home games against the NFC, completing 62 percent of his passes for 2,282 yards, 16 touchdowns, three picks, and a 101.4 passer rating. Not bad. Ravens over Packers.

Ellis: I think this is where we see Rodgers and Co. make their run. And since Seahawk Editor and Ravens fan Mcleod Brown gave Flacco the praise he (probably) deserves, I’ll lobby for Rodgers. Difficult, I know. His completion percentage is right at 66%, which is right where Rodgers has consistently been for the last 4-5 years. He’s thrown 9 touchdowns and 3 interceptions, and I expect his INT numbers to rise due to the combination of a pretty bad running game and an even worse defense. Overcompensation = more pass attempts = probably more interceptions. It helps that Green Bay has already passed the toughest part of their schedule. Those previously considered tough late season games against Atlanta and Pittsburgh suddenly don’t look so hard. Green Bay over Baltimore

 

Detroit (-2.5) at Cleveland:

Brown: The Brian Hoyer era did not last long in Cleveland after he tore his ACL during last week’s win over Buffalo. And so returns the enigma that is Brandon Weeden. Josh Gordon and Jordan Cameron are the real deal for the Brownies, but Calvin Johnson is the realest deal in the NFL at wide receiver and, after sitting out last week, will look to get back to that. Lions over Browns.

Ellis: Your heart just breaks for Cleveland. Brian Hoyer, who by all means is probably not a great quarterback, strings together a couple of wins for the hopeless Browns and is rewarded by tearing his ACL. The Cleveland Browns are the NFL equivalent of Jesse Pinkman. Underappreciated and constantly ridiculed, the Browns, like Jesse, were forced into making a rash decision (Richardson trade) that probably won’t pay off in the long run. Easily overlooked, there’s still something lovable about the Browns that leaves you rooting for them at the end of the day. And if rooting for the Browns isn’t the sports experience that’s most comparable to being chained to a meth lab and forced to work against your will, I don’t know what is. Lions over Browns

Minnesota (-2) at Carolina:

Brown: With the sickening reports concerning Adrian Peterson’s son, I fully expect the entire Minnesota team to come out and compete at their highest level, no matter if AP plays or not. Not great news for Ron Rivera and Co. Vikings over Panthers.

Ellis: The Ron Rivera-Era, while an amusing tongue twister, has to be coming to an end soon, right? If Carolina GM Dave Gettleman isn’t even sold on Cam Newton, the team’s only real productive offensive player, that must mean the end is near for Rivera. Sure enough, I googled “Ron Rivera” and the first article that came up was about a preliminary coaching search for next year’s team. Of course Gettleman is going to deny the report mid-season, but when these reports surface, there’s usually some truth to it. See: Freeman, Josh. The Panthers couldn’t afford another slow start this year, and sure enough they’re 1-3. Compare that with slow starts in 2012 (1-6), 2011, (1-5), 2010 (1-12) and 2009 (1-3). Not a great sign for the Riv-Era. (ha!)

Meanwhile, Cam Newton continues to put impressive individual stats as a duel-threat, while the Panthers team offense still sputters, ranking 27^th in points scored and 24^th in total yards. I’m intrigued by the Adrian Peterson-Panthers run defense matchup, although I expect a motivated and emotional Peterson to have the slight edge there. Vikings over Panthers

Houston (-7.5) at St. Louis:

Brown: Although Matt Schaub is on the thinnest of ice in H-Town, the Rams still sport the fourth worst rushing defense in the league. That bodes well for Arian Foster and Ben Tate. For the St. Louis offense, they’ve been one of the biggest disappointments in the league so far this year as former No. 1 overall pick Sam Bradford has seemed to regress even with more weapons this year. Houston’s No. 1 pass defense is grinning. Texans over Rams.

Ellis: Remember Tavon Austin? No? Well he was the West Virginia WR/RB/KR that St. Louis traded EIGHT SPOTS up to pick with their first pick in the 2013 draft. The 5’8 Austin has had an underwhelming start to his career, having only 23 catches for 156 yards and 2 touchdowns through 5 weeks. Thanks to a string of young talent, NFL rookies are at the point now where they’re expected to perform almost immediately. 10 years ago- even 5 years ago- an undersized hybrid player struggling through his first 1/4^th of a season would not be a cause for alarm. It’s the Russell Wilson-Andrew Luck era, however, and that means people are slapping the infamous “bust” term on Austin.

With that said, when was the last time an undersized hybrid player from West Virginia had any success in the NFL? Steve Slaton in 2008, Pat White in 2009, and Tavon Austin, Geno Smith, and Stedman Bailey in 2013. Slaton and White have bounced around several NFL teams, and while the jury is still out on Austin and Smith, neither have wowed thus far. (Although I’m sure Jets fans will tell me that Geno Smith is a franchise QB. So was Mark Sanchez, they said.) Texans over Rams.

Pittsburgh at (-1) New York Jets:

Brown: The fact that the Steelers are 0-4 probably deserves the “biggest storyline no one is talking about” award. Alas, it makes me as a Ravens fan thrilled. Nevertheless, they have to win sometime and, while Geno Smith put himself on the map winning at Atlanta last Monday night, Pittsburgh has had two weeks to prepare for a rookie quarterback. I’ll give them the nod. Steelers over Jets.

Ellis: Remember when this used to be one of the AFC’s marquee matchups? I think Ben Roethlisberger’s imminent exile to Arizona: the graveyard of NFL careers is in the not-so-distant future.  I wonder if Eli Manning and Ben ever Skype, if only to share a good cry. Steelers over Jets.

Cincinnati (-6.5) at Buffalo

Levering: With EJ Manuel out, Buffalo turns to Thad Lewis, who will make his first appearance of the season. The Bills are reeling from a 37-24 loss to the Cleveland Browns and the Bengals are coming off a 13-6 win against New England. Last week, I picked Cincinnati to win because of the uncertainty surrounding the Pats. This week, I’m picking Cincinnati because of the uncertainty surrounding the Bills. I would’ve picked the Bengals even if EJ Manuel was healthy, so this was a relatively easy decision. Bengals over the Bills.

Tennessee (+13.5) at Seattle

Levering: Despite their loss to Indy last week, I’m still buying very high on Seattle. The Seahawks are back at home, where they haven’t lost since Week 16, 2011 (8-0 at home in 2012, and 2-0 at home this year). On offense, Seattle has firepower with Russell Wilson, Marshawn Lynch, and Golden Tate. Tennessee is looking for Ryan Fitzpatrick to come up big, while he fills in for injured QB Jake Locker. Tennessee’s defense this year is solid. They rank 10^th in points allowed, 9^th in yards allowed, and 2^nd in turnover differential. That being said, other than Kansas City, the Titans have had a relatively easy schedule. I think the Seahawks have too much going for them, and I think their defense will capitalize on Fitzpatrick’s mistakes. Seattle over Tennessee.

Jacksonville (+27) at Denver

Levering: This is the most ridiculous point spread, and I’ve gone back and forth on whether or not Jacksonville will cover. I may regret this, but I don’t think the Jags can do it. Denver has been unstoppable this season. Their offense is ranked 1^st in points scored and 1^st in total yards. The Jags are 31^st in points allowed this season. Peyton Manning looks like he can do no wrong this season. He has all the targets a QB could ask for, and Denver has a good running game led by Knowshon Moreno. I think Denver will put up big points, and the Jags will fall to 0-6. Denver over Jacksonville.

 

Arizona (+10.5) at San Francisco

Levering: The Cardinals’ offense is, by all definitions, struggling. QB Carson Palmer has a sub-60% completion rate and has thrown four more INTs than TDs. San Fran has underperformed this year. In their two toughest matchups (Seattle and Indianapolis), the 49ers put up a combined 10 points and had 7 turnovers over the two games. This week I think that the 49ers will build on their success last week. San Francisco’s defense will continue to improve and I think that the 49ers’ secondary will force Carson Palmer into throwing multiple INTs. I think this game has the chance to be closer than people expect, but I’m still going with San Fran. San Francisco over Arizona.

 

New Orleans (+2) at New England

Levering: New Orleans is 5-0, which I’ll admit, I find shocking. The Saints have a very balanced team, which has been a big reason for their success. On offense, they rank 9^th in points scored and 4^th in yards gained. Drew Brees is quietly having a great season. His completion percentage is just a hair below 70% (69.7% to be exact), and he ranks 2^nd in passing yards, and 4^th in both QB Rating and TDs thrown. New England has been an enigma this season. They are 4-1, but their record is misleading. The Patriots are ranked 24^th in points scored (last year they were 1^st and have not been ranked below 10^th since 2004). Again, there is uncertainty around TE Rob Gronkowski, who was cleared to play earlier in the week before having that clearance revoked on Friday by Dr. James Andrews. The Patriots’ defense has been a strong point this season, ranking 2^nd in points allowed and 7^th in turnover differential. That being said, I think New Orleans will be able to move the ball against New England, and if the Patriots offense can’t put some points on the board, then New England will drop their second straight game. New Orleans over New England.

 

Washington (+6) at Dallas

Levering: (Disclaimer: I’m a heartbroken Redskins fan) Last week, I said that the Cowboys would make the game against Denver a lot closer than people thought, and I was right. Tony Romo, aside from one pass (the INT in the last two minutes of the 4^th quarter), was unbelievable. Washington is coming off a much-needed Bye Week, but I’m not sure how much that is going to help. The Redskins’ secondary is a mystery (I’m talking about you, DeAngelo Hall); sometimes they can shut down a WR and other times it looks like they aren’t there. DeAngelo Hall will be matched up against Dez Bryant, which is terrifying. Tony Romo broke the Cowboys’ single game passing yards record last week, but he might break it again this week. Washington’s defense ranks 27^th in points allowed and 32^nd in yards allowed. Dallas is far from perfect, especially on the defensive side on the ball. Dallas ranks 23^rd in points allowed and 28^th in yards allowed. The only problem is Washington’s offense has been non-existent in the first half of football games. I don’t think Washington will win. That being said, there is one wild card going for the Redskins: American Hero, Kai Forbath is expected to return from a groin injury and kick for Washington. Dallas over Washington.

 

Indianapolis (-1.5) at San Diego

Levering: Indy is coming off a huge win against Seattle, and San Diego is coming off a tough loss to Oakland. Despite QB Philip Rivers, I think the Chargers will have a tough time against Indy. Rivers has had a great season so far, but the Chargers’ defense, which is ranked 19^th in points allowed and 27^th in yards allowed, is too weak to stop the Colts. Indy is solid on both sides of the ball, ranking 6^th in points scored and 5^th in points allowed. Indy over San Diego.