Predictor Pete - Week 15

The Bucs are two for two on this three game road trip. This week they head up to the defending champs, New England Patriots. The Bucs and the Patriots have won the last four Superbowls... of course New England has three of them, but at least the Bucs won one of them. If the Bucs were playing anyone other than the Patriots, they may have had a let down this week, similar to the letdown the Panthers had against us after facing the Falcons the week before. But, since it's the Patriots, the Bucs should be ready.

The Bucs have been following a very simple and effective game plan on their 4-1 winning streak... don't turn the ball over, convert third downs and run the ball effectively. Going up to the cold northeast to face the Pats will require they continue to do the same.

The Bucs need this win to keep the advantage in the playoff hunt. Here's the schedule for the remaining of the season for the Panthers, Bucs and Falcons:

Bucs - at New England, Atlanta, New Orleans
Panthers - at New Orleans, Cowboys, at Atlanta
Falcons - at Chicago, at Tampa Bay, Carolina

New Orleans has decided to bench QB Aaron Brooks, so they may not be as tough as they could be for the remainder of the season. That means the Panthers should have an easier go of it this weekend which requires the Bucs win in New England, if possible.

A road trip in December to a northern city has never been a good thing for southern teams. Both the Bucs and the Falcons have to brave the cold this week. The Bucs will need to play solid, mistake free football this week.

My Heart: Bucs 24-21.
My Mind: Patriots 21-17.
My Colon: Patriots 28-10.

My Pick: Bucs 17-14...

The Bucs defense played its best game of the season last week. The front line headed by Hovan pushed the Panther O-line around, the linebackers were solid, the corners great and safety Phillips has his most complete game as a Buc. They'll need to do the same thing again this week.

This is another big game. In the end, I think the Bucs have more to play for than the Patriots, who are in a much weaker division. They'll have to run well, not turn the ball over and convert third downs... it should be a fun game.

My Record: 8-5