Sunday, October 21, 2001
Picking the winners
Jets have offense to challenge Rams
By Mark Curnutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Two of the league's hottest quarterbacks meet today in New York when the Rams visit the Jets. Most NFL fans know about Kurt Warner and the St. Louis offense, but the Jets' Vinny Testaverde is having one of the best seasons of his 15-year career.
He's the only quarterback who has played five games without throwing an interception, and his passer rating is an AFC-best 96.6. He's thrown for six touchdowns and 855 yards.
New York has a one-two punch on offense. Curtis Martin's 516 rushing yards lead the NFL, and he's tied with San Diego rookie LaDainian Tomlinson in scoring for non-kickers with 42 points.
“This will be a fun game,” Jets coach Herman Edwards said. “It'll be one of those games where you need a lot of oxygen on the sidelines with these Rams running up and down the field.”
St. Louis will try to join the 1929-31 Packers as the only teams to start 6-0 in three straight seasons. The 1973-75 Vikings started 5-0 each season.
This week's games:
FALCONS (2-3) at SAINTS (3-1): Atlanta rookie quarterback Michael Vick makes his first visit back to the Superdome since the 1999 season national championship loss to Florida State. Chris Chandler gets the start for the Falcons, but even Vick wouldn't make a difference against the New Orleans defense that recorded 11 sacks in two games against the Falcons last year. SAINTS 24-10.
RAVENS (3-2) at BROWNS (3-2): Cleveland is no threat to break Baltimore's string of 38 consecutive games without allowing a 100-yard rusher. Unlike Packers' Brett Favre, Browns quarterback Tim Couch won't be able to exploit Ravens pass defense. RAVENS 21-9.
PANTHERS (1-4) at REDSKINS (0-5): Carolina should get its first win against Washington after losing first five in series. Panthers have been outscored by only 30 points. Redskins have been outscored by 103. PANTHERS 27-17.
BRONCOS (3-2) at CHARGERS (3-2): San Diego returns home after consecutive road losses at Cleveland at New England, but Denver has scored 30 or more points in four of its last five visits to Qualcomm Stadium, including Super Bowl XXIII victory. Not today. BRONCOS 27-20.
PACKERS (4-1) at VIKINGS (2-3): Favre is 2-7 as starter in Metrodome with 12 interceptions and eight touchdown passes. But he has a better supporting cast this season going against weakest Minnesota team in years. PACKERS 33-21.
CHIEFS (1-4) at CARDINALS (1-3): First meeting since 1995 in a series led 5-1-1 by Kansas City. Chiefs have allowed just 33 points in the second half, so Arizona's in trouble if it falls behind early. CHIEFS 23-16.
PATRIOTS (2-3) at COLTS (2-2): Indianapolis is minus-8 in turnovers because of Peyton Manning's nine interceptions. Patriots have 13 interceptions in seven games against Manning and have won nine of last 11 against Colts. Home field is difference today. COLTS 28-24.
STEELERS (3-1) at BUCCANEERS (2-2): Look for a replay of last meeting in 1998, when Tampa Bay forced five second-half turnovers and converted into three field goals in 19-3 win. Bucs have won six in a row at home. BUCCANEERS 16-13.
RAMS (5-0) at JETS (3-2): For all of its offensive firepower, St. Louis also has some impressive defensive numbers — allowing no third-quarter points and giving up fewer than 300 yards a game. New York needs sluggish field to help slow Rams pass offense. RAMS 31-27.
TITANS (1-3) at LIONS (0-4): Game features three Heisman Trophy winners: Tennessee running back Eddie George (Ohio State, 1995), Detroit quarterback Ty Detmer (BYU, 1990) and Detroit wide receiver/kick returner Desmond Howard (Michigan, 1991). Despite early problems, Titans should get ninth straight victory against NFC. TITANS 20-10.
EAGLES (2-2) at GIANTS (3-2): Streaky series now favors New York with nine wins in a row, counting playoff game, all wins for coach Jim Fassell. His defense is one that can control and contain Donovan McNabb. GIANTS 21-13.
BEARS (3-1) at BENGALS (3-2): Bengals 20-16.
LAST WEEK: 8-6. OVERALL: 45-27.
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Picking the winners
