Fearless forecast

Sporting News, The, Dec 13, 2004 by Vinnie Iyer

(FOX) 1 p.m. ET: Seattle at Minnesota. The Seahawks' passing game is too inconsistent to keep up with the Vikings' high-powered offense. That, combined with the challenges of a short week and a long trip, will be too much to overcome for the visitors. Prediction: Vikings 31, Seahawks 17.

(FOX) 4:15 p.m. ET: St. Louis at Carolina. The Panthers are back in the thick of the conference playoff chase and will take another big step closer to a wild-card berth by knocking off a fellow contender. Look for Carolina to control the clock with the running game, which will keep its defense rested enough to contain the Rams. Prediction: Panthers 26, Rams 19.

Cincinnati at New England. Carson Palmer and the Bengals' young offense are starting to click, but playing in New England in December against Bill Belichick's complex schemes is a daunting task. The Patriots' veteran offense will dominate the clock with the running game, thanks to former Bengal Corey Dillon. Prediction: Patriots 27, Bengals 14.

N.Y. Jets at Pittsburgh. Look for both teams to be very physical in the trenches. The game will come down to which team can better establish the run and consistently control the point of attack on both sides of the ball. The slight advantage goes to the Steelers. Prediction: Steelers 20, Jets 17.

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HEAR, HEAR

'It could have been better. We had a couple mistakes down by the goal line.'

--Colts receiver Brandon Stokley, discussing the Colts' 51 points against the Titans with Bob Berger and Bob Stelton on Sporting News Radio