And then there was 8

Seattle @ Chicago - Is there anyone out there who saw this one coming? Marshawn Lynch and the Seahawks literally caused an earthquake last saturday against the defending world champion Saints. Matt Hasselbeck proved that he has some gas left in the tank after throwing for 4 touchdown passes against a solid Saints defense. Can Seattle honestly pull another epic victory? Not to mention another victory will get them back at a .500% winning average (what a joke). Chicago is well rested, there is no question about that, but the same thing that makes them, could break them in Jay Cutler. He is the deciding factor in this game. Cutler could throw you 4 touchdowns or 4 picks, no one will know until the clock hits zero. I see this game coming down to the wire, but I believe Cutler and Brian Urlacher will take care of both sides of the ball and win this one 27-21. Seattle is receiving 10 points from the Bears via Vegas lines. If you're betting this game, take Seattle.

Green Bay @ Atlanta - I don't think there was any doubt in Cheesehead nation that the Packers couldn't come into Philadelphia and get the win last weekend. Aaron Rodgers carved up the Eagles defense for 3 touchdown passes and another big part of the Packers getting the win was because they re-established their running game that has been lacking. And you can't forget about their merciless defense led by Clay Matthews who is an absolute beast when it comes to putting pressure on on opposing offenses and their quarterbacks. Atlanta has some fire power themselves. Led by Matt Ryan mixed in with an excellent running game headlined by Michael Turner, this will not be an easy test for the Packers. I predicted the Packers to go into Philly and win, but this week is a little different. The Eagles were kind of one dimensional, which made it easier for the Packers coaches to game plan around stopping Michael Vick, because if he isn't playing well, neither is the team. If Ryan can't get it done through the air early, look for them to establish a run game to open that up. They have a lot of talented running backs and a beefed up offensive line that can get the job done. It'll be a battle until the end no doubt, but I see the Falcons coming out on top with a 31-24 victory. The Falcons are giving the Packers 2.5. I still like the Falcons in this category.

Baltimore @ Pittsburgh - What don't these two teams have in common? They both are your modern day smash you in the mouth football teams. Their rivalry has been going on since the emergence of the Baltimore Ravens in 1996 formally known as the Cleveland Browns. This game will be won in the trenches, no doubt but who will be standing after the last punch? Loud mouth Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs claims that this game is "Armageddon" and since this is the third time they've met this season, "World War III." Both teams have an excellent run game, ferocious defenses, but it will come down to the quarterback play to decide the winner. I expect Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco to take another step in the right direction. He is the first quarterback to start and win a playoff game in his first three season, and all of them have been on the road. One of them coming last year in Foxboro against the Patriots, which is  a very rare thing to happen in that building. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will put up a fight, but I think this Ravens team is a little bit hungrier. Even though the Steelers had a full two weeks to rest, I still like the Ravens to go on the road and get the victory. Look for the Ravens to pull this one out by the final score of 17-14. The Ravens are getting 3 from the Steelers. I also like the Ravens in this category.

New York @ New England - I'd like to start out by letting Braylon Edwards know that when you spell out "New England", you capitalize the N in New.

Now that is off my chest, it's back to the basics. As any football fan knows, there is no love lost between these two teams. Ever since I've been paying attention to professional football, I have always disliked the Jets, or in other words, hate them. But besides all of that this game will be everything it is hyped up to be. On one side you have a coach that is all about the team, and letting your play on the field do your talking. And on the other side you have a coach that is a loud mouth trash talker, even when he is beaten on the field. Led by MVP Tom Brady, the Patriots are looking to shut the Jets up, literally. People can say what they want about the Patriots being vulnerable because of the loss to the Jets in week 2, different story now. Although at the time I wouldn't or didn't want to admit it, trading Randy Moss is the difference maker between the Pats/Jets and it made the Pats better. Jet's cornerback Derrelle Revis thrived when playing against Randy Moss. He shut him down, and Brady would try to throw to Moss to keep him pleased, therefore resulting in bad throws which led to interceptions. Not anymore. The Patriots and Tom Brady are masters at spreading the ball around the field. Brady doesn't have to "please" anyone anymore on this current team. Whether throwing it for 50 yards, or 5, as long as you move the chains and hitting the open receiver on a consistent basis, you'll win the game. I don't see Jet's quarterback Mark Sanchez coming into Foxboro and upsetting the Patriots. Can it happen? Yes. Is it likely? No. Sanchez has been mediocre all year, and at times questionable to be the face of the franchise. Or should I say, "Sanchise." I expect Belichick to have his defense more than ready to take on this Jet's offense and I expect the Patriots to come out on top. Patriots win the game 31-17. Patriots are giving up 8.5 to the Jets via Vegas lines. Patriots all day and twice this sunday is my prediction. Let's get it!!