The Chipper’s Top 5

Chicago Bears (7 – 2) vs. San Francisco 49ers (6- 2- 1)

Both are coming off tough games, and both May be playing a backup QB. Both will both struggle to move the ball—the Bears may force a turnover or two—SF is simply a more complete team and will be able to move the ball via play-action once Frank Gore wears the Bears down.

Prediction:  49ers 24  Bears  13

Baltimore Ravens (7 – 2) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (6 – 3)

The Ravens are banged up, putting them at a disadvantage, but when it comes to rivalries things like injuries tend to be forgotten. Ray Rice can duplicate what Jamaal Charles did in Week 10, giving the Ravens a huge division win.

Prediction:  Ravens 34  Steelers  24

Indianapolis Colts(6 – 3) vs. New England Patriots (6 – 3)

The Colts have all the tools to make this a good game: A QB  who can throw and receivers who can catch. This could be a shootout. If New England can capitalize on the Colts’ porous run defense, it should be able to pick up the win.

Prediction:  Patriots  37  Colts  28

San Diego Chargers (4 – 5) vs. Denver Broncos (6 – 3)

The last time these two teams met, SD melted in the 2nd half and gave Denver the game.  That happened again against Tampa Bay last week. The Broncos may be without stud D-End Elvis Dumervil, but it won’t matter. Manning is too much on offense, and Von Miller, too much on defense.

Prediction:  Broncos  37  Chargers  24

New York Jets vs. St. Louis Rams

The Rams took rival San Francisco to the edge and ended up with a tie. That won’t be an issue this week. The Jets are just too inconsistent on both sides of the ball and is just not a very good team. The Rams aren’t a powerhouse, but they are playing better and are tougher at home.

Prediction:  Rams 24  Jets 13