Last Week: 4-1

Season: 21-9

Seattle (4-2) at San Francisco (4-2)

It is never as easy as it seems. The 49ers were the preseason runaway favorites to win the formerly terrible NFC West. But going into Thursday night, they are tied for the division lead with both Arizona and Seattle. The Seahawks have had a season filled with interesting moments, from a controversial win against the Packers to shocking victory last week against the Pats. Both teams are in many ways mirror images that are built on defense and the running game with quarterbacks who are game managers. While Seattle is always a tough out, they are not the same team away from their tremendous home crowd. This gives the 49ers the slight edge Thursday night, even though it will surely be ugly.

49ers 15, Seahawks 14

Arizona (4-2) at Minnesota (4-2)

These teams are 4-2?  Really?  Arizona and Minnesota have both overachieved. QB Christian Ponder has been a revelation for the Vikings, while the Cardinals defense has been dominant. Arizona has to deal with a multitude of injuries, with John Skelton back in at quarterback (with the injury to Kevin Kolb) and William Powell in at running back. The injuries combined with a weak offensive line has Jared Allen licking his chops. But this game will ultimately be decided by how well the Cardinals can contain do-it-all playmaker Percy Harvin. Even with Patrick Peterson, Arizona will not be able to shut down Harvin.

Vikings 24, Cardinals 18

Washington (3-3) at New York Giants (4-2)

Excitement is the word of the day in New York. The Giants come off a dominating away win at San Francisco while the Redskins continued to ride the arm and legs of RG3 in a win against the Vikings. New York at its best is the best team in the league, but the Giants have trouble maintaining focus and consistency week to week. They also don’t like playing division rival Washington, which swept them last season. RG3 has become one of the most electrifying players in the league and his introduction to the NFC East will be an interesting affair. Expect the Giants to come to play after hearing all the talk about his greatness. Welcome to the division, rookie.

Giants 31, Redskins 24

Baltimore (5-1) at Houston (5-1)

Playoff rematches are always fun to watch, but the talk around these two teams are more about injuries. Houston lost star LB Brian Cushing, then proceeded to get beat down by the Packers while Baltimore lost defensive stars Ray Lewis and Lardarius Webb for the season. Will the return of Terrell Suggs paper over the cracks? Possible but not likely. Houston was torched by the high flying passing game of the Packers, something that the Ravens can’t match. Combine that with the dominance of J.J. Watt and Arian Foster, and it looks like the Texans get some revenge for last season’s playoff defeat.

Texans 27, Ravens 24

New York Jets (3-3) at New England (3-3)

Did Shonn Greene really score 3 touchdowns last week? The Pats choked it up late in the game in Seattle? Last week showed us how unpredictable the NFL. Look at the AFC East with everyone tied at 3-3. The Pats haven’t run away with the division like everyone expected while the Jets are still in the race despite an anemic offense. Not to worry though, because this week things will get back to normal. Tom Terrific will have a field day against the Revisless Jets defense while Shonn Greene will be, well, Shonn Greene. New plans to play Tebow at running back are interesting, but after this week the Jets may finally start to consider giving Tebow a shot at QB.

Patriots 28, Jets 18