Another so-so week for me. It seems that my 10-5 performance in Week 4 is to my prognastication 2012 season what the Patriots two straight 240+ rushing yards games were to theirs. Also, screw pushes.
Looking Back at Last Week's Picks
49ers (-7) over Seahawks (PUSH = 0-0-1)
Bills (-3) over Titans (WRONG = 0-1-1)
Vikings (-6) over Cardinals (CORRECT = 1-1-1)
Colts (-2.5) over Browns (CORRECT = 2-1-1)
Texans (-6.5) over Ravens (CORRECT = 3-1-1) (LOCK)
Rams (+5.5) over Packers (WRONG = 3-2-1)
Panthers (+2) over Cowboys (WRONG = 3-3-1) (UPSET)
Giants (-5.5) over Redskins (WRONG = 3-4-1)
Saints (-3) over Buccaneers (CORRECT = 4-4-1)
Raiders (-4) over Jaguars (WRONG = 4-5-1)
Jets (+10.5) over Patriots (CORRECT = 5-5-1)
Steelers (-1.5) over Bengals (CORRECT = 6-5-1)
Bears (-6) over Lions (PUSH = 6-5-2)
Week 7: 6-5-2 (LOCK: 1-0; UPSET: 0-1)
Year-to-Date: 58-43-3 (LOCK: 5-2; UPSET: 6-1)
Best Picks: Probably the worst week in terms of nothing being that close. My closest would either be picking the Steelers 23-20 (they won 24-17) and giving the Giants an extra field goal while taking one away from Washington, picking the Giants 30-20 (they won 27-23). I guess my Jets/Pats pick was in the realm of what the real score was, picking them 28-20 (they won 29-26).
Power Rankings
32.) Kansas City Chiefs (1-5 = 104-183)
Someone has to be last. Many of last week's bottom feeders played competitively this week, and the Chiefs were off. The last time we saw them they lost 10-38 to the Bucs, so here we are. The Chiefs still have a laughable QB competition right now, and have a coach who I think no one trusts to get the most out of his team.
31.) Jacksonville Jaguars (1-6 = 88-164)
I'm stunned but after Blaine Gabbert got hurt, the Jaguars offense got, amazingly, worse. Losing MJD doesn't help either. Jaguars fans must feel like they are in a constant state of irrelevance with this team. At least this year they were important because they had the worst QB in the NFL, but even now that distinction is gone.
30.) Buffalo Bills (3-4 = 171-227)
The Bills had a chance to be leaders in the AFC Wild Card race, had a chance to win a key game at home, and they gave up a 4th quarter lead to Matt Hasselbeck. I think it is painfully obvious that the Bills rush defense is historically awful as even Chris Johnson had a good game against them.
29.) Tennessee Titans (3-4 = 149-238)
On the other hand, how about the Titans, my worst team through five games, who are now on a two-game win streak. Interesting decision coming up for Mike Munchak, as Jake Locker is about ready to return possibly for Hasselbeck. The defense is still garbage, but that offense can move the ball, mostly because Chris Johnson seems to be alive again.
28.) Cleveland Browns (1-6 = 147-180)
Another tough, competitive loss for the Browns. The Browns are probably going to go like 3-13, but they have a better future than a lot of these teams around them back here. I still like Brandon Weeden, and the supplemental draft pick of Josh Gordon might have been a better use of their 2013 2nd round pick that whatever could've come in next April.
27.) Carolina Panthers (1-5 = 106-144)
I'm not blaming Cam. I saw a staggering stat, that the Panthers are 0-12 when Cam throws an interception. That isn't on Cam, but the rest of that team. There is no margin for error. Ron Rivera, despite inheriting a decent defense from the Fox era, and being a defensive minded coach, has seen that defense regress so much under his watch. The GM is gone, and this is a lost year in Carolina.
26.) Oakland Raiders (2-4 = 113-171)
Huge gut-check win for the Raiders, who played awful early in that game, but were incredibly poised in that late comeback. Their season would've been over at 1-5, but now it is just most likely over. I still think Carson Palmer isn't the problem. The problem, this year, is the switch to a zone-blocking o-line, which hasn't worked with McFadden at all.
25.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-4 = 148-136)
If this was the 2011 Bucs losing 35-28 to the 2011 Saints, it would've been a moral victory. Instead, since this is 2012, it is a tough loss in a winnable game. The Buccaneers pass defense continues to be historically bad, but that offense is quickly becoming the new Cowboys, a team that can pile up yards on anybody but can't score. In Vincent Jackson's case, literally so.
24.) Cincinnati Bengals (3-4 = 166-187)
Just a sullen, awful loss for a team that really needs to reset itself this season. They were 3-1, with the Dolphins and Browns coming up. 5-1 was there for the taking. The blew those games, and now lost to the Steelers, letting the Steelers off the mat and putting them on it instead. They had an 80-yard drive to make it 14-3. They had just 107 yards the rest of the game. Pathetic.
23.) Indianapolis Colts (3-3 = 117-158)
Hey, a win is a win, right? If not for a ridiculous Cecil Shorts 80-yard TD, the Colts could easily be 4-0 at home, but they are 0-2 on the road, losing by a combined 76-30. That is an issue that needs to be fixed. Andrew Luck has looked plain bad on the road. They have a chance to turn that around this week against the porous Titans. Can they?
22.) Philadelphia Eagles (3-3 = 103-125)
I don't know why I chose to drop them this much during their bye, but I just don't like the Eagles. They easily, and I mean easily, could be 0-6 right now. If that Browns LB just catches the pick, if Lawrence Tynes just hits a field goal and if the replacements don't call a really questionable OPI on Jacoby Jones, there we are. And firing Juan Castillo is not the answer. It isn't Castillo's defense that has turned over the ball 17 times.
21.) New Orleans Saints (2-4 = 176-182)
The good news: The offense hummed, with Brees throwing for 315 yards and 4 TDs in the first half. The bad news: The defense sucks, giving up 500 yards to the Buccaneers, and Peyton Manning, Eli Manning, Tony Romo and Matt Ryan (twice) led offenses still to come. They saved their season with this win, but with that defense, it probably wasn't worth saving.
20.) New York Jets (3-4 = 159-170)
Dare I say it, I like this Jets team. They remind me of a worse version of the 2009 team. All those big names are gone like Santonio, and Bart Scott (who in performance, is more than gone). I like Kerley, Keller, McKnight. I like Cromartie, who's risen his game since the Revis injury. Rex Ryan is still good at scheming up that defense. But Holy Lord, can you not throw and 3rd and 1 and pound Tebow?
19.) Detroit Lions (2-4 = 133-150)
Detroit isn't dead, but they better win at least one against the Packers. That wasn't even that bad of a performance. I can't believe it but the Lions are actually more consistent on their defense than their offense. Teams have been able to, to a point, take away Calvin Johnson, but that defense stays pretty consistent. They do what they do, rush four, and it works quite well. It has to work better, though, if that offense stays inconsistent.
18.) St. Louis Rams (3-4 = 130-141)
That was a tough performance. Aaron Rodgers is unstoppable when he's on, and he was in that game. They still got pressure, and the offense moved the ball. I like this Givens guy at WR, and I think Sam Bradford is having a nice season. What I'm saying, mainly, is that I already like them to cover whatever high line there is for their London matchup with the Patriots.
17.) Dallas Cowboys (3-3 = 113-133)
Nice win. I like that they switched it up on me. Instead of scoring few points with a lot of yards, this time they still scored few points, but decided to not put up a lot of yards. I kid, mostly. The Cowboys are still alive, and have a big shot to establish themselves this week. Still, I don't trust that team. Without Murray, the run game is stagnant, and they just can't consistently score points.
16.) Miami Dolphins (3-3 = 120-117)
The bye week treated the Dolphins well. They jump to sole possession of 2nd in the division, and the Pats are looking human right now. Hopefully, in the bye, the Dolphins worked on their secondary play. That will be huge going forward if they want to contain New England in what could be bigger games than anyone could have thought coming into the season.
15.) San Diego Chargers (3-3 = 148-137)
Well, Norv wasn't fired over the bye, but maybe that is because the Chargers are looking for what the 2007-2009 Norv iterations did: get hot late. The problem this time is Rivers was good early in those seasons, which is far from the case this year. They really need to establish Eddie Royal. The loss of Vincent Jackson is looming really large right now.
14.) Arizona Cardinals (4-3 = 124-118)
I'll keep them in the top half because I still like the team. The defense is still great. They still have Larry Fitzgerald, and Larod Stephens-Howling gave the run game a lift, but can they even try blocking? I'm now quite happy Peyton didn't go to Arizona because he might have gotten killed. The Cardinals did go into a tough environment, but if they want to make a playoff push they have to play better than that.
13.) Washington Redskins (3-4 = 201-200)
Tough loss for the Redskins. They played well enough to win in that game, but how can you just let Victor Cruz run by you like that? That was almost as bad as the Patriots letting Sidney Rice get behind them last week. Also, RGIII is great, but seeing the Cam Show in 2012, let's wait until at least 2013 to start sizing his sleeves for his HOF jacket.
12.) Pittsburgh Steelers (3-3 = 140-132)
The defense didn't get a sack, but did get turnovers and did limit the Bengals with tight coverage. What was more impressive is the play of Roethlisberger. With a bad o-line, and Mike Wallace having the most drop-happy game of his career, Roethlibserger converted many third downs. He's quietly having a great year while the rest of that team is slowly waking up. Seeing Baltimore last week, that division race might not quite be over.
11.) Seattle Seahawks (4-3 = 116-106)
Tough loss for the Seahawks, but it was nice to see the real Russell Wilson return to action. The Patriots defense doesn't come along too many times, Russel, huh? The Seahawks defense continued to be dominant, and now they get a nice little trip to Detroit coming up. The Seahawks are still in good position to nab a wild card spot. I'm really rooting for the Simultaneous Catch game to be the tie-breaker.
10.) Minnesota Vikings (5-2 = 167-131)
Another odd win for the Vikings, as they were outgained by about 150 yards, but got a return TD and got another win. The Vikings aren't a great team, and their schedule gets a lot tougher, but if they hold serve at home against the Bucs, they will be 6-2 without even playing to their potential. Adrian Peterson is looking more and more healthy each week, as is that d-line. They have a chance to go into the playoffs, which is truly amazing.
9.) New England Patriots (4-3 = 217-163)
I thought this in the middle of the game, when the Patriots had to face many third downs; are the Patriots really all that great? Brady is older, as is Welker. The two TEs are gimpy. Lloyd and Brady have little chemistry. The defense is still awful, and the pass rush is worse from a year ago. The Patriots were a soft AFC Champion last year, and they seem worse to me. They could go on a run, but I don't see it.
8.) Denver Broncos (3-3 = 170-138)
Nice bye for the Broncos. The Ravens fall back a game, and the Patriots look mortal. With the schedule that they have coming up, the Broncos can go on a run. A bye isn't out of the question (especially if they beat Baltimore). First thing, though, is beat New Orleans. Don't look ahead. I have no idea why I'm lecturing an NFL team right now.
7.) Green Bay Packers (4-3 = 184-155)
Aaron Rodgers quietly, I guess, has the best passer rating in the NFL (even more quietly, Peytao - which is what I'll be calling him until I feel bored of doing it - is #2). He's on an epic roll right now, and just torched a good Rams defense. That offense will calm down, but for now, sit back and enjoy the ride. The news of Woodson's injury hurts, but it isn't season-ending, and with that offense, who cares?
6.) Baltimore Ravens (5-2 = 174-161)
Every team has an awful game. The Ravens are unlucky because their was a huge game that had major seeding implications. Suggs looks fine, but they really need him to step up to close to his 2012 level with Webb out and Ngata hobbling. The Ravens offense also has to remember they have the best running back in the NFL. They really do. Use him, dammit.
5.) New York Giants (5-2 = 205-137)
The Giants nearly blew that one. Part of it was Manning's two costly picks. Part of it was a total unpreparedness to stop the Redskins running game. That said, they didn't even blink after RGIII hit that pass to Santana Moss. Coolly and calmly, Eli Manning did what he does, and Victor Cruz did what he does. I'm surprised that Victor Cruz hasn't dropped off at all really from his 2011 numbers.
4.) Atlanta Falcons (6-0 = 171-113)
I'm trying to think of the other recent teams to make it to 6-0 that people were completely discounting in terms of finishing 16-0. The one that immediate comes to mind is the 2008 Titans, who went all the way to 10-0. The other was the 2006 Colts, which is actually a good comp. The 2006 Colts were coming off of a 13-0 start to the 2005 team, won a bunch of close games early. They eventually started 9-0 but finished 3-4. Of course they won teh Super Bowl. What does it mean? Nothing really. I have little to say about teams off of byes.
3.) San Francisco 49ers (5-2 = 165-100)
Big win for them. They looked like they were sleep-walking in the first half, gashed repeatedly by Marshawn Lynch and the Seahawks running game, but whatever Harbaugh told that team at halftime really worked. They came out and just dominated. If not for a ridiculously bad decision by Smith inside the 10 yard line, that game doesn't end closely at all (and the 49ers cover). Anyway, on to the next game for them.
2.) Chicago Bears (5-1 = 162-78)
That defense is so much fun to watch. It's not like watching the Ravens when Rex was their coordinatoor, or the Steelers, but more like revisiting the '02 Bucs, the greatest defense I have ever seen. They aren't that good or fast, but this team doesn't rely on Tampa-2 as much as that team did, so it is slightly more interesting. Lance Briggs and Charles Tillman are both playing at insane levels giving their age, and I'm sorry, New York, but the Bears have the best D-Line in the NFL right now.
1.) Houston Texans (6-1 = 216-128)
That was an important blowout. They were embarrassed on Sunday Night by the Packers, getting abused by Aaron Rodgers in all his powers, but the Texans came to play on Sunday. Maybe's its the red uniforms. Honestly, too many teams have red, white and blue as their colors with blue as the main color (Bills, Giants, Patriots). The Texans need to distinguish themselves more, and I think they should switch to the 'Battle Red' uniforms full-time. Oh yeah, and JJ Watt is really good.
Looking Ahead to This Week's Games
14.) Jacksonville Jaguars (1-5) @ Green Bay Packers (4-3) (1:00 - CBS)
Not too many bad games this week. This has the biggest blowout potential, with a mediocre defense against the Packers machine, while MJD is out. Oh boy.
13.) San Diego Chargers (3-3) @ Cleveland Browns (1-6) (1:00 - CBS)
12.) Oakland Raiders (2-4) @ Kansas City Chiefs (1-5) (4:05 - CBS)
11.) Indianapolis Colts (3-3) @ Tennessee Titans (3-4) (1:00 - CBS)
Because of how watered-down the AFC middle is right now, there are a few of these types of games each week. Here we have a bunch of teams in that area where they are contenders or right at the edge. The last of them is the most important, as the Colts can go above .500, finally make a statement on the road, and get to 2nd in the division.
10.) Carolina Panthers (1-5) @ Chicago Bears (5-1) (1:00 - FOX)
9.) Seattle Seahawks (4-3) @ Detroit Lions (2-4) (1:00 - FOX)
8.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-4) @ Minnesota Vikings (5-2) (TNF)
Hey, it is the NFC version of Wild-Card-o-Rama. Actually, that first game is not, but seeing Cam trying to solve the Bears defense the way it is looks like a nice exercise in disaster tourism.
7.) Washington Redskins (3-4) @ Pittsburgh Steelers (3-3) (1:00 - FOX)
Fun game, huh? The Steelers offense is playing really well right now, and this is another test for both the Redskins offense and the Steelers defense that is close to healthy. The Steelers have been good at home, and this might be the largest stage for RGIII yet.
6.) Miami Dolphins (3-3) @ New York Jets (3-4) (1:00 - CBS)
5.) New England Patriots (4-3) @ St. Louis Rams (3-4) (1:00 - CBS)
If the Jets or Rams want to potentially be relevant in December, they need to win these games. Unfortunately, the Rams have to play theirs in London. The Dolphins and Jets played an OT game three weeks ago that was as ugly as any game I have ever seen. Here's hoping it is a little cleaner. Also, here's hoping this game in London is closer than the last time the Pats went to Old England.
4.) San Francisco 49ers (5-2) @ Arizona Cardinals (4-3) (MNF)
Huge division game. The Cards try to avoid a 4-game losing streak and finally get a win again. They also look to hold serve at home. If they do win, they pull even with the 49ers in the NFC West with a head-to-head win. The Cards usually play well at home, and they get a MNF stage to do it in as well.
3.) Atlanta Falcons (6-0) @ Philadelphia Eagles (3-3) (1:00 - FOX)
These teams have met each of the last two seasons, and they meet again. There's obviously a lot going on here. For the Falcons, they can make a statement by beating a good team on the road, and also keep their drive for perfection alive. For the Eagles, it is the first game in the post-Castillo era, and we get to see if the Andy Reid undefeated after a bye streak can continue.
2.) New Orleans Saints (2-4) @ Denver Broncos (3-3) (SNF)
There really could be like 900 yards passing in this game. Denver is better as they have something that resembles a defense, but I'm terrified of this game. Manning gets to face the Saints for the first time since the game I'll never rewatch. Never bet against Peyton in a night game, and especially a home game. The Denver crowd should be off the walls. A little weather could help their chances as well.
1.) New York Giants (5-2) @ Dallas Cowboys (3-3) (4:25 - FOX)
The Giants look to avenge their Week 1 loss and open up a 2 game lead on the Cowboys. The Giants need to make sure that the NFC East is over by December to focus on seeding. They also have never lost a game in Cowboys Stadium. This is the first time the game isn't in primetime, so maybe that makes a difference. The Cowboys can make a big statement that they are back, but even then, would you really believe it?
Postseason Projections
AFC
1.) Houston Texans (13-3)
2.) Denver Broncos (12-4)
3.) Baltimore Ravens (11-5 - h2h win over NE)
4.) New England Patriots (11-5)
5.) Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6)
6.) San Diego Chargers (9-7)
NFC
1.) Chicago Bears (13-3)
2.) New York Giants (12-4)
3.) Atlanta Falcons (12-4)
4.) San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
5.) Green Bay Packers (11-5)
6.) Minnesota Vikings (10-6)
Looking Back at Last Week's Picks
49ers (-7) over Seahawks (PUSH = 0-0-1)
Bills (-3) over Titans (WRONG = 0-1-1)
Vikings (-6) over Cardinals (CORRECT = 1-1-1)
Colts (-2.5) over Browns (CORRECT = 2-1-1)
Texans (-6.5) over Ravens (CORRECT = 3-1-1) (LOCK)
Rams (+5.5) over Packers (WRONG = 3-2-1)
Panthers (+2) over Cowboys (WRONG = 3-3-1) (UPSET)
Giants (-5.5) over Redskins (WRONG = 3-4-1)
Saints (-3) over Buccaneers (CORRECT = 4-4-1)
Raiders (-4) over Jaguars (WRONG = 4-5-1)
Jets (+10.5) over Patriots (CORRECT = 5-5-1)
Steelers (-1.5) over Bengals (CORRECT = 6-5-1)
Bears (-6) over Lions (PUSH = 6-5-2)
Week 7: 6-5-2 (LOCK: 1-0; UPSET: 0-1)
Year-to-Date: 58-43-3 (LOCK: 5-2; UPSET: 6-1)
Best Picks: Probably the worst week in terms of nothing being that close. My closest would either be picking the Steelers 23-20 (they won 24-17) and giving the Giants an extra field goal while taking one away from Washington, picking the Giants 30-20 (they won 27-23). I guess my Jets/Pats pick was in the realm of what the real score was, picking them 28-20 (they won 29-26).
Power Rankings
32.) Kansas City Chiefs (1-5 = 104-183)
Someone has to be last. Many of last week's bottom feeders played competitively this week, and the Chiefs were off. The last time we saw them they lost 10-38 to the Bucs, so here we are. The Chiefs still have a laughable QB competition right now, and have a coach who I think no one trusts to get the most out of his team.
31.) Jacksonville Jaguars (1-6 = 88-164)
I'm stunned but after Blaine Gabbert got hurt, the Jaguars offense got, amazingly, worse. Losing MJD doesn't help either. Jaguars fans must feel like they are in a constant state of irrelevance with this team. At least this year they were important because they had the worst QB in the NFL, but even now that distinction is gone.
30.) Buffalo Bills (3-4 = 171-227)
The Bills had a chance to be leaders in the AFC Wild Card race, had a chance to win a key game at home, and they gave up a 4th quarter lead to Matt Hasselbeck. I think it is painfully obvious that the Bills rush defense is historically awful as even Chris Johnson had a good game against them.
29.) Tennessee Titans (3-4 = 149-238)
On the other hand, how about the Titans, my worst team through five games, who are now on a two-game win streak. Interesting decision coming up for Mike Munchak, as Jake Locker is about ready to return possibly for Hasselbeck. The defense is still garbage, but that offense can move the ball, mostly because Chris Johnson seems to be alive again.
28.) Cleveland Browns (1-6 = 147-180)
Another tough, competitive loss for the Browns. The Browns are probably going to go like 3-13, but they have a better future than a lot of these teams around them back here. I still like Brandon Weeden, and the supplemental draft pick of Josh Gordon might have been a better use of their 2013 2nd round pick that whatever could've come in next April.
27.) Carolina Panthers (1-5 = 106-144)
I'm not blaming Cam. I saw a staggering stat, that the Panthers are 0-12 when Cam throws an interception. That isn't on Cam, but the rest of that team. There is no margin for error. Ron Rivera, despite inheriting a decent defense from the Fox era, and being a defensive minded coach, has seen that defense regress so much under his watch. The GM is gone, and this is a lost year in Carolina.
26.) Oakland Raiders (2-4 = 113-171)
Huge gut-check win for the Raiders, who played awful early in that game, but were incredibly poised in that late comeback. Their season would've been over at 1-5, but now it is just most likely over. I still think Carson Palmer isn't the problem. The problem, this year, is the switch to a zone-blocking o-line, which hasn't worked with McFadden at all.
25.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-4 = 148-136)
If this was the 2011 Bucs losing 35-28 to the 2011 Saints, it would've been a moral victory. Instead, since this is 2012, it is a tough loss in a winnable game. The Buccaneers pass defense continues to be historically bad, but that offense is quickly becoming the new Cowboys, a team that can pile up yards on anybody but can't score. In Vincent Jackson's case, literally so.
24.) Cincinnati Bengals (3-4 = 166-187)
Just a sullen, awful loss for a team that really needs to reset itself this season. They were 3-1, with the Dolphins and Browns coming up. 5-1 was there for the taking. The blew those games, and now lost to the Steelers, letting the Steelers off the mat and putting them on it instead. They had an 80-yard drive to make it 14-3. They had just 107 yards the rest of the game. Pathetic.
23.) Indianapolis Colts (3-3 = 117-158)
Hey, a win is a win, right? If not for a ridiculous Cecil Shorts 80-yard TD, the Colts could easily be 4-0 at home, but they are 0-2 on the road, losing by a combined 76-30. That is an issue that needs to be fixed. Andrew Luck has looked plain bad on the road. They have a chance to turn that around this week against the porous Titans. Can they?
22.) Philadelphia Eagles (3-3 = 103-125)
I don't know why I chose to drop them this much during their bye, but I just don't like the Eagles. They easily, and I mean easily, could be 0-6 right now. If that Browns LB just catches the pick, if Lawrence Tynes just hits a field goal and if the replacements don't call a really questionable OPI on Jacoby Jones, there we are. And firing Juan Castillo is not the answer. It isn't Castillo's defense that has turned over the ball 17 times.
21.) New Orleans Saints (2-4 = 176-182)
The good news: The offense hummed, with Brees throwing for 315 yards and 4 TDs in the first half. The bad news: The defense sucks, giving up 500 yards to the Buccaneers, and Peyton Manning, Eli Manning, Tony Romo and Matt Ryan (twice) led offenses still to come. They saved their season with this win, but with that defense, it probably wasn't worth saving.
20.) New York Jets (3-4 = 159-170)
Dare I say it, I like this Jets team. They remind me of a worse version of the 2009 team. All those big names are gone like Santonio, and Bart Scott (who in performance, is more than gone). I like Kerley, Keller, McKnight. I like Cromartie, who's risen his game since the Revis injury. Rex Ryan is still good at scheming up that defense. But Holy Lord, can you not throw and 3rd and 1 and pound Tebow?
19.) Detroit Lions (2-4 = 133-150)
Detroit isn't dead, but they better win at least one against the Packers. That wasn't even that bad of a performance. I can't believe it but the Lions are actually more consistent on their defense than their offense. Teams have been able to, to a point, take away Calvin Johnson, but that defense stays pretty consistent. They do what they do, rush four, and it works quite well. It has to work better, though, if that offense stays inconsistent.
18.) St. Louis Rams (3-4 = 130-141)
That was a tough performance. Aaron Rodgers is unstoppable when he's on, and he was in that game. They still got pressure, and the offense moved the ball. I like this Givens guy at WR, and I think Sam Bradford is having a nice season. What I'm saying, mainly, is that I already like them to cover whatever high line there is for their London matchup with the Patriots.
17.) Dallas Cowboys (3-3 = 113-133)
Nice win. I like that they switched it up on me. Instead of scoring few points with a lot of yards, this time they still scored few points, but decided to not put up a lot of yards. I kid, mostly. The Cowboys are still alive, and have a big shot to establish themselves this week. Still, I don't trust that team. Without Murray, the run game is stagnant, and they just can't consistently score points.
16.) Miami Dolphins (3-3 = 120-117)
The bye week treated the Dolphins well. They jump to sole possession of 2nd in the division, and the Pats are looking human right now. Hopefully, in the bye, the Dolphins worked on their secondary play. That will be huge going forward if they want to contain New England in what could be bigger games than anyone could have thought coming into the season.
15.) San Diego Chargers (3-3 = 148-137)
Well, Norv wasn't fired over the bye, but maybe that is because the Chargers are looking for what the 2007-2009 Norv iterations did: get hot late. The problem this time is Rivers was good early in those seasons, which is far from the case this year. They really need to establish Eddie Royal. The loss of Vincent Jackson is looming really large right now.
14.) Arizona Cardinals (4-3 = 124-118)
I'll keep them in the top half because I still like the team. The defense is still great. They still have Larry Fitzgerald, and Larod Stephens-Howling gave the run game a lift, but can they even try blocking? I'm now quite happy Peyton didn't go to Arizona because he might have gotten killed. The Cardinals did go into a tough environment, but if they want to make a playoff push they have to play better than that.
13.) Washington Redskins (3-4 = 201-200)
Tough loss for the Redskins. They played well enough to win in that game, but how can you just let Victor Cruz run by you like that? That was almost as bad as the Patriots letting Sidney Rice get behind them last week. Also, RGIII is great, but seeing the Cam Show in 2012, let's wait until at least 2013 to start sizing his sleeves for his HOF jacket.
12.) Pittsburgh Steelers (3-3 = 140-132)
The defense didn't get a sack, but did get turnovers and did limit the Bengals with tight coverage. What was more impressive is the play of Roethlisberger. With a bad o-line, and Mike Wallace having the most drop-happy game of his career, Roethlibserger converted many third downs. He's quietly having a great year while the rest of that team is slowly waking up. Seeing Baltimore last week, that division race might not quite be over.
11.) Seattle Seahawks (4-3 = 116-106)
Tough loss for the Seahawks, but it was nice to see the real Russell Wilson return to action. The Patriots defense doesn't come along too many times, Russel, huh? The Seahawks defense continued to be dominant, and now they get a nice little trip to Detroit coming up. The Seahawks are still in good position to nab a wild card spot. I'm really rooting for the Simultaneous Catch game to be the tie-breaker.
10.) Minnesota Vikings (5-2 = 167-131)
Another odd win for the Vikings, as they were outgained by about 150 yards, but got a return TD and got another win. The Vikings aren't a great team, and their schedule gets a lot tougher, but if they hold serve at home against the Bucs, they will be 6-2 without even playing to their potential. Adrian Peterson is looking more and more healthy each week, as is that d-line. They have a chance to go into the playoffs, which is truly amazing.
9.) New England Patriots (4-3 = 217-163)
I thought this in the middle of the game, when the Patriots had to face many third downs; are the Patriots really all that great? Brady is older, as is Welker. The two TEs are gimpy. Lloyd and Brady have little chemistry. The defense is still awful, and the pass rush is worse from a year ago. The Patriots were a soft AFC Champion last year, and they seem worse to me. They could go on a run, but I don't see it.
8.) Denver Broncos (3-3 = 170-138)
Nice bye for the Broncos. The Ravens fall back a game, and the Patriots look mortal. With the schedule that they have coming up, the Broncos can go on a run. A bye isn't out of the question (especially if they beat Baltimore). First thing, though, is beat New Orleans. Don't look ahead. I have no idea why I'm lecturing an NFL team right now.
7.) Green Bay Packers (4-3 = 184-155)
Aaron Rodgers quietly, I guess, has the best passer rating in the NFL (even more quietly, Peytao - which is what I'll be calling him until I feel bored of doing it - is #2). He's on an epic roll right now, and just torched a good Rams defense. That offense will calm down, but for now, sit back and enjoy the ride. The news of Woodson's injury hurts, but it isn't season-ending, and with that offense, who cares?
6.) Baltimore Ravens (5-2 = 174-161)
Every team has an awful game. The Ravens are unlucky because their was a huge game that had major seeding implications. Suggs looks fine, but they really need him to step up to close to his 2012 level with Webb out and Ngata hobbling. The Ravens offense also has to remember they have the best running back in the NFL. They really do. Use him, dammit.
5.) New York Giants (5-2 = 205-137)
The Giants nearly blew that one. Part of it was Manning's two costly picks. Part of it was a total unpreparedness to stop the Redskins running game. That said, they didn't even blink after RGIII hit that pass to Santana Moss. Coolly and calmly, Eli Manning did what he does, and Victor Cruz did what he does. I'm surprised that Victor Cruz hasn't dropped off at all really from his 2011 numbers.
4.) Atlanta Falcons (6-0 = 171-113)
I'm trying to think of the other recent teams to make it to 6-0 that people were completely discounting in terms of finishing 16-0. The one that immediate comes to mind is the 2008 Titans, who went all the way to 10-0. The other was the 2006 Colts, which is actually a good comp. The 2006 Colts were coming off of a 13-0 start to the 2005 team, won a bunch of close games early. They eventually started 9-0 but finished 3-4. Of course they won teh Super Bowl. What does it mean? Nothing really. I have little to say about teams off of byes.
3.) San Francisco 49ers (5-2 = 165-100)
Big win for them. They looked like they were sleep-walking in the first half, gashed repeatedly by Marshawn Lynch and the Seahawks running game, but whatever Harbaugh told that team at halftime really worked. They came out and just dominated. If not for a ridiculously bad decision by Smith inside the 10 yard line, that game doesn't end closely at all (and the 49ers cover). Anyway, on to the next game for them.
2.) Chicago Bears (5-1 = 162-78)
That defense is so much fun to watch. It's not like watching the Ravens when Rex was their coordinatoor, or the Steelers, but more like revisiting the '02 Bucs, the greatest defense I have ever seen. They aren't that good or fast, but this team doesn't rely on Tampa-2 as much as that team did, so it is slightly more interesting. Lance Briggs and Charles Tillman are both playing at insane levels giving their age, and I'm sorry, New York, but the Bears have the best D-Line in the NFL right now.
1.) Houston Texans (6-1 = 216-128)
That was an important blowout. They were embarrassed on Sunday Night by the Packers, getting abused by Aaron Rodgers in all his powers, but the Texans came to play on Sunday. Maybe's its the red uniforms. Honestly, too many teams have red, white and blue as their colors with blue as the main color (Bills, Giants, Patriots). The Texans need to distinguish themselves more, and I think they should switch to the 'Battle Red' uniforms full-time. Oh yeah, and JJ Watt is really good.
Looking Ahead to This Week's Games
14.) Jacksonville Jaguars (1-5) @ Green Bay Packers (4-3) (1:00 - CBS)
Not too many bad games this week. This has the biggest blowout potential, with a mediocre defense against the Packers machine, while MJD is out. Oh boy.
13.) San Diego Chargers (3-3) @ Cleveland Browns (1-6) (1:00 - CBS)
12.) Oakland Raiders (2-4) @ Kansas City Chiefs (1-5) (4:05 - CBS)
11.) Indianapolis Colts (3-3) @ Tennessee Titans (3-4) (1:00 - CBS)
Because of how watered-down the AFC middle is right now, there are a few of these types of games each week. Here we have a bunch of teams in that area where they are contenders or right at the edge. The last of them is the most important, as the Colts can go above .500, finally make a statement on the road, and get to 2nd in the division.
10.) Carolina Panthers (1-5) @ Chicago Bears (5-1) (1:00 - FOX)
9.) Seattle Seahawks (4-3) @ Detroit Lions (2-4) (1:00 - FOX)
8.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-4) @ Minnesota Vikings (5-2) (TNF)
Hey, it is the NFC version of Wild-Card-o-Rama. Actually, that first game is not, but seeing Cam trying to solve the Bears defense the way it is looks like a nice exercise in disaster tourism.
7.) Washington Redskins (3-4) @ Pittsburgh Steelers (3-3) (1:00 - FOX)
Fun game, huh? The Steelers offense is playing really well right now, and this is another test for both the Redskins offense and the Steelers defense that is close to healthy. The Steelers have been good at home, and this might be the largest stage for RGIII yet.
6.) Miami Dolphins (3-3) @ New York Jets (3-4) (1:00 - CBS)
5.) New England Patriots (4-3) @ St. Louis Rams (3-4) (1:00 - CBS)
If the Jets or Rams want to potentially be relevant in December, they need to win these games. Unfortunately, the Rams have to play theirs in London. The Dolphins and Jets played an OT game three weeks ago that was as ugly as any game I have ever seen. Here's hoping it is a little cleaner. Also, here's hoping this game in London is closer than the last time the Pats went to Old England.
4.) San Francisco 49ers (5-2) @ Arizona Cardinals (4-3) (MNF)
Huge division game. The Cards try to avoid a 4-game losing streak and finally get a win again. They also look to hold serve at home. If they do win, they pull even with the 49ers in the NFC West with a head-to-head win. The Cards usually play well at home, and they get a MNF stage to do it in as well.
3.) Atlanta Falcons (6-0) @ Philadelphia Eagles (3-3) (1:00 - FOX)
These teams have met each of the last two seasons, and they meet again. There's obviously a lot going on here. For the Falcons, they can make a statement by beating a good team on the road, and also keep their drive for perfection alive. For the Eagles, it is the first game in the post-Castillo era, and we get to see if the Andy Reid undefeated after a bye streak can continue.
2.) New Orleans Saints (2-4) @ Denver Broncos (3-3) (SNF)
There really could be like 900 yards passing in this game. Denver is better as they have something that resembles a defense, but I'm terrified of this game. Manning gets to face the Saints for the first time since the game I'll never rewatch. Never bet against Peyton in a night game, and especially a home game. The Denver crowd should be off the walls. A little weather could help their chances as well.
1.) New York Giants (5-2) @ Dallas Cowboys (3-3) (4:25 - FOX)
The Giants look to avenge their Week 1 loss and open up a 2 game lead on the Cowboys. The Giants need to make sure that the NFC East is over by December to focus on seeding. They also have never lost a game in Cowboys Stadium. This is the first time the game isn't in primetime, so maybe that makes a difference. The Cowboys can make a big statement that they are back, but even then, would you really believe it?
Postseason Projections
AFC
1.) Houston Texans (13-3)
2.) Denver Broncos (12-4)
3.) Baltimore Ravens (11-5 - h2h win over NE)
4.) New England Patriots (11-5)
5.) Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6)
6.) San Diego Chargers (9-7)
NFC
1.) Chicago Bears (13-3)
2.) New York Giants (12-4)
3.) Atlanta Falcons (12-4)
4.) San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
5.) Green Bay Packers (11-5)
6.) Minnesota Vikings (10-6)
