Allstar's NFL Preseason Football Selections

[Allstar]

5 Units Cleveland Browns -3

The way to approach this game is to realize there won't be many points scored. These teams are a combined 6-0 under the total this preseason. Chicago has a far stronger defense than offense under new coach Lovie Smith. They've averaged just 14 ppg. The Cleveland Browns have been erratic on offense, too, averaging 13 points per game. QB Jeff Garcia has not been happy, saying this week that the first-team offense has been "chaotic at times." Garcia criticized the Browns for not playing him enough: "We're not on the same page. I'm new to this offense and I need opportunities." He's not getting off on the right foot with his new coach, Butch Davis, it appears. The Browns topped 20 points last week for the first time only because of a miracle-TD at KC on the final play. And that game still went under the total. So this offense is clearly not in mid-season form yet. On the other hand, the Browns are at home and it won't be too difficult for the defense to play well against the weak, grind-it-out Bears offense. The home team wins in a defensive duel.

 

[Allstar]

5 Units Tennessee Titans -6

This is one of those rare final exhibition games where one coach will play his starters more than last week. Green Bay will look to stay healthy, while Tennessee coach Jeff Fisher indicated the starters will still receive significant playing time. QB Steve McNair has a sore left calf, but Fisher said he is "not too concerned." Fisher added, "What we want to do is carry momentum into the regular season." In a 9-7 losing effort to Jacksonville, Brett Favre was picked off twice, but threw a touchdown to Robert Ferguson as part of a 9-for-14, 127-yard effort. The Packers got a scare when running back Ahman Green was forced out of the game in the second quarter with a left kneecap injury. He might sit out this game. Green Bay lost defensive end Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila to a left elbow injury. Doug Pederson, anointed the Packers' backup after Tim Couch's ineffectiveness this preseason, completed 6-of-10 passes for 57 yards. Couch did not see any action. Green Bay's offensive line is thin, so it's hard to imagine them risking an injury to Favre so close to opening day. The Titans lost in Dallas 20-17 on Monday. Tennessee's QBs of Steve McNair, Billy Volek and Jason Gesser should put on a show in front of the home fans -- just like they did last time they were home, a 24-3 win over Cleveland.

Good Luck Tonight,

Allstar