Having already thrown for 400 yards twice in five games, Panthers quarterback Cam Newton could go the rest of the year without eclipsing the mark again -- and it'd still be impressive. So prepare to be even more impressed.
The Falcons' defense is among the worst at defending the pass, allowing 294.2 yards per game. Defensive end John Abraham missed another practice Thursday with the groin injury that kept him out of Sunday's loss to the Packers, and Ray Edwards isn't providing the necessary pressure that it will take to rattle Newton.
As a result, I'm fully expecting another air assault from the rookie -- and I'm expecting it to surpass 400 yards of passing. Now, for the more important question as it pertains to the Panthers: Will it also equate to a win? No guarantees there just yet.
I think Tony Romo has a big day against the Patriots. A lot of teams have put up numbers on New England's defense and things won't change this week. Plus, Romo tends to play his best when people tend to think he'll struggle.
Wide receiver Miles Austin should be healthy from a hamstring injury that's kept him out of the past few games and Dez Bryant should be good to go from a quad bruise. Dallas will score at least four touchdowns -- but it won't be enough.
The Packers have the most dangerous offense in the NFL right now and can score at will against any team. Still, I don't think they'll drop 50 on the Rams. St. Louis is hurting after the loss of seven cornerbacks, but as Steve Spagnuolu told me during the bye week, "I've been here before and fought my way out of it."
The Raiders will win again to honor the late, great Al Davis. And they'll do it in style.
Al Davis once said, "The QB must go down, and he must go down hard," so the Raiders will tally at least four sacks.
Al Davis loved speed, so expect two long vertical-strike touchdown passes from Jason Campbell.
If all else fails, the Raiders will "just win, baby," and continue in their "commitment to excellence."
