Lot of Midseason Review stuff this week, so this will be (slightly) shorter than normal.
Looking Back at Last Week's Picks
DOLPHINS (+3) over Bengals (CORRECT = 1-0)
Vikings (+10.5) over COWBOYS (CORRECT = 2-0)
Titans (-3) over RAMS (CORRECT = 3-0)
Chargers (-0.5) over REDSKINS (WRONG = 3-1)
PANTHERS (-7.5) over Falcons (CORRECT = 4-1)
Chiefs (-4) over BILLS (CORRECT = 5-1)
JETS (+7) over Saints (CORRECT = 6-1)
RAIDERS (-2.5) over Eagles (WRONG = 6-2)
Buccaneers (+16) over SEAHAWKS (CORRECT = 7-2)
Ravens (-2.5) over BROWNS (WRONG = 7-3)
Steelers (+7) over PATRIOTS (WRONG = 7-4)
TEXANS (+3) over Colts (PUSH = 7-4-1)
Bears (+11) over PACKERS (CORRECT = 8-4-1)
Week 9: 8-4-1
Year-to-Date: 75-57-1
32.) Jacksonville Jaguars (0-8 = 86-264)
What's to Like: Well, getting the #1 overall pick is never a bad thing for your future.
What's to Hate: Well, being arguably the worst team ever and then losing your best offensive player because he can't smoking the wacky is about the worst thing that could've happened to Jacksonville on their bye.
31.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-8 = 124-190)
What's to Like: They played really hard in that game, and Mike Glennon might have a future in the NFL, at least more than Josh Freeman will.
What's to Hate: Well, Schiano is still going to get fired at the end of the season, and the Bucs will have to start this process over again. Good thing for them they are the most likely team to be the Chiefs of 2014.
30.) Minnesota Vikings (1-7 = 186-252)
What's to Like: Adrian Peterson looked like Adrian Peterson for the first time since his 76-yard run to open the season.
What's to Hate: The team is too far gone to make any noise this season, and isn't bad enough to hope for a new regime change. There are problems in that organization that only getting rid of Rick Spielman can fix.
29.) Pittsburgh Steelers (2-6 = 156-208)
What's to Like: Ben Roethlisberger is still an awfully good QB, and they have decent skill position players.
What's to Hate: Everything else. The management and coaching team has stopped being able to draft and develop to anything near the level of the 2004-2010 Steelers. There are massive systematic problems in Pittsburgh right now.
28.) Buffalo Bills (3-6 = 189-236)
What's to Like: The offense seems to be able to move the ball with any of three different QBs, and they're still an awfully young team with defensive playmakers.
What's to Hate: That describes basically the 2006-2012 Bills also.
27.) Atlanta Falcons (2-6 = 176-218)
What's to Like: This is still a talented team having a terrible year injury wise, something like the 2003 Steelers, who went 6-10 in between going 10-5-1 and 15-1.
What's to Hate: That Steelers team had their 6-10 season under the QB-ship of Tommy Maddox, and then they drafted Ben Roethlisberger. This team has their Ben Roethlisberger.
26.) St. Louis Rams (3-6 = 186-226)
What's to Like: The offense may have found a RB in Zak Stacy, and they are so young and still talented. The Rams have a bright future.
What's to Hate: The only way for them to have an even brighter future is to get a reliable QB, which they may or may not have, and that decision will have to made with Bradford coming off of an ACL injury.
25.) Houston Texans (2-6 = 146-221)
What's to Like: They Texans still employ JJ Watt, who is, once again, having the best season of any defensive player in the NFL. Anytime you have a Hall of Fame-type player, that is a good thing.
What's to Hate: Gary Kubiak is literally breaking down. I wish him the best, and it is good that he seems OK, but that was a scary, scary sight, which hopefully will remind these Texans fans that football isn't as big as it seems overall.
24.) Oakland Raiders (3-5 = 146-199)
What's to Like: Terrelly Pryor is still a good, surprisingly competent QB, and he seems like someone who wants to get better, who wants to improve.
What's to Hate: That spare-part constructed defense that had been so impressive this season; yeah, that wasn't there last year.
23.) Washington Redskins (3-5 = 203-253)
What's to Like: The Redskins are just 1.5 games back in the division, with them still to host Dallas later this season, and the running game is approaching the levels it was at in 2012.
What's to Hate: The defense is on pace to give up 500 points, and unless you are the 2000 Rams, you can't do anything giving up nearly that many points.
22.) New York Giants (2-6 = 141-223)
What's to Like: The Giants are just 2.5 games out of first place, with them still to host Dallas later this season, and their defense is approaching the levels it was in 2011-12 (regular season, for 2012).
What's to Hate: Those defenses weren't good enough, and the Giants got to 9-7 because they were good on offense, which this Giants team is not.
21.) Cleveland Browns (4-5 = 172-197)
What's to Like: They could finish 2nd in the division for the first time since their miracle 10-6 season in 2007, and the only other time was their more miracle 2002 season, which was their only playoff season as the new-Browns.
What's to Hate: This time, 2nd place in the division probably means a 7-9 record, not a playoff appearance or a 10-win season.
20.) Baltimore Ravens (3-5 = 168-172)
What's to Like: The defense is still good, and they've replaced aging players with younger ones to little drop-off. The Ravens can still win games 23-17.
What's to Hate: Can their offense score 17? Everything wrong with the modern NFL way of making anyone who can put together 4-good games in the playoffs as elite has come back to bite the Ravens. That Flacco contract will screw them.
19.) Philadelphia Eagles (4-5 = 225-231)
What's to Like: Nick Foles! He's been good in his limited appearances earlier, and was amazing last weekend. He doesn't qualify yet, but he's basically 1st place in every passing statistic.
What's to Hate: Foles will probably get hurt soon, and I doubt that was anything more than One Shining Moment, rather than the start of something great.
18.) Miami Dolphins (4-4 = 174-187)
What's to Like: The Dolphins got a huge win, and find themselves tied in the loss column for the #6 seed (with both games against the current #6 seed Jets still to come). Cameron Wake is back. My, my, is he back.
What's to Hate: For the Dolphins to actually make the playoffs, their offense has to get better. There's so little explosion in that offense, despite the presence of Mike Wallace.
17.) Tennessee Titans (4-4 = 173-167)
What's to Hate: They can't keep squeaking by teams, as sooner or later that will fail. The offense needs some explosiveness outside.
What's to Like: The 1999-era Titans are back! As Jake Locker did his best McNair impression, and Chris Johnson did a decent Eddie George impression, and the defense did a good defense impression.
16.) Dallas Cowboys (5-4 = 257-209)
What's to Hate: The Cowboys could have thrown away another game, could have brought them right back to the dregs of the bottom of the division, have thrown away a game against a bad team at home.
What's to Like: They didn't. If they make the playoffs, it is because of that game.
15.) San Diego Chargers (4-4 = 192-174)
What's to Hate: With two games against the Chiefs, two games against the Broncos, and a game against Cincinnati still to come, the Chargers threw away a golden opportunity with that loss. Seeing them end up with a better record than a bunch of the other 4-loss teams with easier schedules is hard to see.
What's to Like: Philip Rivers is a QB they can keep and build around. They didn't lose that game because of him. They lost because the wide receivers are injured, and the defense stinks.
14.) Arizona Cardinals (4-4 = 160-174)
What's to Hate: The Cardinals offense hasn't reached the level it should have with a better QB, and I still believe Carson Palmer is a better QB than he's played and far better than Skelton/Kolb.
What's to Love: Watching that team play defense, especially at home, is one of my favorite random sights of the 2013 NFL Season.
13.) New York Jets (5-4 = 169-231)
What's to Hate: The Jets haven't been able to win two games in a row all season, and Geno Smith wasn't great last weekend against New Orleans.
What's to Like: They've rediscovered their 2009 formula, with the up-and-down offense, and the very good defense with one exceptional player (Muhammad Wilkerson). Of course, before I go too far down that path, they've given up more points this season so far than all 16 games of 2009.
12.) Detroit Lions (5-3 = 217-197)
What's to Hate: The Lions still haven't been able to put up one dominant performance all year long. The talent is there, everywhere, even more than in 2011. They have an easy schedule and a chance of the division with the Packers game in Detroit still to come, but can they take advantage?
What's to Like: The talent on this team is still ridiculous. They're a good team masquerading as an up-and-down one, but if they do make the playoffs, as long as they avoid New Orleans, they can make damage.
11.) Chicago Bears (5-3 = 240-226)
What's to Hate: The Bears have a serious problem stopping the run. Now, injuries are the reason, as they're missing their starting NT and backup NT. They couldn't even stop the Packers run game consistently despite not having to really worry about a passing game.
What's to Like: That offense is really fun to watch. Marc Trestman has done an excellent job. Honestly, watching Josh McCown play that well was amazing. The most ridiculous part was seeing Josh McCown have a lot of time to throw. The Bears offense is good enough to keep them in this race for a while.
10.) Kansas City Chiefs (9-0 = 215-111)
What's to Hate: They haven't really played well in a game since their win over Tennessee. They've been able to skirt by against bad teams starting 3rd string QBs, and now that ends, with five of their last seven against Manning, Rivers and Luck.
What's to Love: Just say they lose all five of those games, as long as they beat RGIII and Terrelle Pryor, they're going 11-5 and getting into the playoffs.
9.) Green Bay Packers (5-3 = 232-185)
What's to Hate: Well, it is obvious, right. Aaron Rodgers is missing at least three games by all indication. Now, those three games come against a reasonably light schedule (Eagles, Giants, Vikings), but if three stretches to four, then Rodgers is missing the ciritical Thanksgiving Day game in Detroit. Without Rodgers, this team is going nowhere.
What's to Like: Eddie Lacy is no fluke. That guy is a really physical runner, who is patient and explosive. Just a great pick. He's so much better than Alabama teammate Trent Richardson it is hilarious.
8.) New Orleans Saints (6-2 = 216-146)
What's to Hate: The Saints aren't exactly a good team on the road. I feel like they need the #1 seed to win the NFC, and they'll probably have to beat Seattle in Seattle to get there.
What's to Love: Jimmy Graham is still really good, and that offense continues to get pressure and cover receivers really well.
7.) Carolina Panthers (5-3 = 204-106)
What's to Hate: The Panthers still haven't beaten anyone good, and they still have just one dependable receiver, and they're still starting Oakland punch-line Mike Mitchell at safety.
What's to Love: They've been amazing recently, and if they can get out of the 49ers-Patriots back-to-back at 6-4, the Saints will still be in striking distance in that division. Plus, I just love watching that Front-7 play defense.
6.) Indianapolis Colts (6-2 = 214-155)
What's to Hate: The Colts are going to have a tough time consistetly scoring without Reggie Wayne. TY Hilton won't have 3-TDs every game, but Fleener and DHB will drop passes every game.
What's to Love: Honestly, there are problems with every AFC contender, and they held pace with New England for that #2 seed. Plus, the Colts are still a year ahead of schedule.
5.) New England Patriots (7-2 = 234-175)
What's to Hate: The defense is slowly getting worse, mostly due to injuries, and that will a problem against better teams than Pittsburgh. Also, Ninkovich and Gregory both left that game with semi-serious injuries.
What's to Love: That was the first time all year we've seen something resembling the Patriots offense from 2010-2012. I don't know if it will last (the Patriots have always matched up well with the Steelers defense, even when they were good), but for one Sunday it looked awesome.
4.) Cincinnati Bengals (6-3 = 217-166)
What's to Hate: The loss of Geno Atkins is huge. He was their most consistent pass rusher. The Bengals are really deep up front, but you don't just replace one of the best interior players in the NFL without some dropoff.
What's to Love: That division sucks, and they have a tiebreaker over the Patriots and can get one over the Colts. Assuming the Patriots don't win out, a bye is in the Bengals hands.
3.) San Francisco 49ers ( 218-145)
What's to Hate: The passing offense still is underwhelming, and, I don't know, maybe they lost some momentum on their bye.
What's to Love: Everything else. With the Seahawks looking like dogshit recently, people are starting to think the 49ers can get that division after all. Dates with Carolina and New Orleans will tell us a better picture.
2.) Seattle Seahawks (8-1 = 232-149)
What's to Hate: They haven't played a great game in a while, and probably should have lost each of the last two games. The offense just doesn't look right, and while the Tackles are coming back, Sidney Rice isn't.
What's to Love: They're still winning. All the Seahawks need to do is get that #1 seed, and I find it hard for them not to make the Super Bowl. Winning ugly games is what makes that happen.
1.) Denver Broncos (7-1 = 343-218)
What's to Hate: The defense has played exactly one good game, and they've had to come back from down at least 14 three times this season (and only twice did it successfully).
What's to Love: They can rest up at the bye, and while they're comically still 2nd in their division, no team has more comfortable wins than them. By resume, they are the best team in the NFL.
Playoff Projections
AFC
1.) Denver Broncos = 14-2
2.) Cincinnati Bengals = 12-4
3.) New England Patriots = 12-4
4.) Indianapolis Colts = 12-4
5.) Kansas City Chiefs = 13-3
6.) New York Jets = 10-6
NFC
1.) Seattle Seahawks = 13-3
2.) New Orleans Saints = 12-4
3.) Detroit Lions = 11-5
4.) Dallas Cowboys = 9-7
5.) San Francisco 49ers = 12-4
6.) Carolina Panthers = 11-5
Looking Ahead to Next Week's Games
Byes: New England (7-2), New York Jets (5-4), Kansas City (9-0), Cleveland (4-5)
14.) Jacksonville Jaguars (0-8) @ Tennessee Titans (4-4) (1:00 - CBS)
13.) Oakland Raiders (3-5) @ New York Giants (2-6) (1:00 - CBS)
12.) Buffalo Bills (3-6) @ Pittsburgh Steelers (2-6) (1:00 - CBS)
I call it "That 2-Week Stretch of Terrible Games isn't Totally Gone" Sunday, as we get three pretty awful early CBS games. None of these games seems the least bit appealing. Bills @ Steelers has some potential, but it could be a pretty lifeless crowd in Pittsburgh, and it could get ugly if the Steelers play badly again.
11.) St. Louis Rams (3-6) @ Indianapolis Colts (6-2) (1:00 - FOX)
10.) Seattle Seahawks (8-1) @ Atlanta Falcons (2-6) (1:00 - FOX)
9.) Miami Dolphins (4-4) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-8) (MNF - ESPN)
I call it "The Good Old 'One Good Team, One Bad Team'" Sunday, as we get three games where good-to-great teams (Dolphins < Colts < Seahawks) play bad teams. The Dolphins @ Buccaneers game is another treasure for ESPN. I find it hard Tirico won't explode at some point having to sit through that game just a month after dealing with Vikings @ Giants. Seattle and Atlanta is the saddest version of a great playoff game rematch. The Rams match up decently well with the Colts offense, but the Colts should pound away at that game.
8.) Cincinnati Bengals (6-3) @ Baltimore Ravens (3-5) (1:00 - CBS)
I call it "Put the Nail in the Coffin" Sunday, as the Bengals can essentially lock up their division (to some degree) and knock out the Ravens, all in one week, all in Baltimore. The Ravens rarely lose at home, but they lost their last home game. The crowd in Baltimore should be fired up. If the Bengals are a true Super Bowl contender, they take care of business right here.
7.) Washington Redskins (3-5) @ Minnesota Vikings (1-7) (TNF - NFLN)
6.) Houston Texans (2-6) @ Arizona Cardinals (4-4) (4:25 - CBS)
I call it "Sometimes, I just find games Interesting" Sunday (and Thursday), as the NFLN gets a game that looked a lot worse a week ago (before a Redskins win and the Vikings nearly beating Dallas). The Texans take their new-found offense to a place where the Cardinals defense plays really well. There could be some big plays and highlights from Keenum throwing up lobs to Johnson and Hopkins, covered by Peterson and Mathieu.
5.) Philadelphia Eagles (4-5) @ Green Bay Packers (5-3) (1:00 - FOX)
I cal it "Who knows, who knows" Sunday, as I can imagine anything happening in this game. The Eagles could score 42, they could score 10, the Packers could score 35, they could score 14. Who knows what will happen? It should be interesting to watch, though.
4.) Denver Broncos (7-1) @ San Diego Chargers (4-4) (4:25 - CBS)
2.) Dallas Cowboys (5-4) @ New Orleans Saints (6-2) (SNF - NBC)
I call it "This is the Modern NFL" Sunday, as both these games seem like safe bets to hit the over. The Cowboys and Saints played an extremely entertaining game last year in Dallas, and the previous two meetings were also notable. One was on a Thanksgiving Night in 2010, with Romo injured and Orton playing well. The other was the Cowboys ending the 13-0 Saints run at perfection in 2009 in New Orleans. The Broncos return to the site where the Manning era started in earnest, when they beat the Chargers 35-24 after being down 24-0 at halftime. Both games should be hell of a lot of fun.
2.) Detroit Lions (5-3) @ Chicago Bears (5-3) (1:00 - FOX)
1.) Carolina Panthers (5-3) @ San Francisco 49ers (6-2) (4:05 - FOX)
I call it "NFC, take Center Stage" Sunday, as both of my top-2 games (and, now that I look up, all of my Top-3) are NFC ones. With Cutler slated to return, and Rodgers not in Green Bay for hte time-being, this game is arguably for 1st Place in the division for the year. This could be the biggest game of the season in hte NFC North (other than the Thanksgiving Game, where the Lions could kill the Packers chances if things go badly with Seneca Wallace). Then we get what should just be an awesome, defensive game between two similar teams. Both have sturdy defenses built off of a dominant Front-7. Both have mobile QBs without a ton of dependable weapons. Should be a great, great game.
Looking Back at Last Week's Picks
DOLPHINS (+3) over Bengals (CORRECT = 1-0)
Vikings (+10.5) over COWBOYS (CORRECT = 2-0)
Titans (-3) over RAMS (CORRECT = 3-0)
Chargers (-0.5) over REDSKINS (WRONG = 3-1)
PANTHERS (-7.5) over Falcons (CORRECT = 4-1)
Chiefs (-4) over BILLS (CORRECT = 5-1)
JETS (+7) over Saints (CORRECT = 6-1)
RAIDERS (-2.5) over Eagles (WRONG = 6-2)
Buccaneers (+16) over SEAHAWKS (CORRECT = 7-2)
Ravens (-2.5) over BROWNS (WRONG = 7-3)
Steelers (+7) over PATRIOTS (WRONG = 7-4)
TEXANS (+3) over Colts (PUSH = 7-4-1)
Bears (+11) over PACKERS (CORRECT = 8-4-1)
Week 9: 8-4-1
Year-to-Date: 75-57-1
32.) Jacksonville Jaguars (0-8 = 86-264)
What's to Like: Well, getting the #1 overall pick is never a bad thing for your future.
What's to Hate: Well, being arguably the worst team ever and then losing your best offensive player because he can't smoking the wacky is about the worst thing that could've happened to Jacksonville on their bye.
31.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-8 = 124-190)
What's to Like: They played really hard in that game, and Mike Glennon might have a future in the NFL, at least more than Josh Freeman will.
What's to Hate: Well, Schiano is still going to get fired at the end of the season, and the Bucs will have to start this process over again. Good thing for them they are the most likely team to be the Chiefs of 2014.
30.) Minnesota Vikings (1-7 = 186-252)
What's to Like: Adrian Peterson looked like Adrian Peterson for the first time since his 76-yard run to open the season.
What's to Hate: The team is too far gone to make any noise this season, and isn't bad enough to hope for a new regime change. There are problems in that organization that only getting rid of Rick Spielman can fix.
29.) Pittsburgh Steelers (2-6 = 156-208)
What's to Like: Ben Roethlisberger is still an awfully good QB, and they have decent skill position players.
What's to Hate: Everything else. The management and coaching team has stopped being able to draft and develop to anything near the level of the 2004-2010 Steelers. There are massive systematic problems in Pittsburgh right now.
28.) Buffalo Bills (3-6 = 189-236)
What's to Like: The offense seems to be able to move the ball with any of three different QBs, and they're still an awfully young team with defensive playmakers.
What's to Hate: That describes basically the 2006-2012 Bills also.
27.) Atlanta Falcons (2-6 = 176-218)
What's to Like: This is still a talented team having a terrible year injury wise, something like the 2003 Steelers, who went 6-10 in between going 10-5-1 and 15-1.
What's to Hate: That Steelers team had their 6-10 season under the QB-ship of Tommy Maddox, and then they drafted Ben Roethlisberger. This team has their Ben Roethlisberger.
26.) St. Louis Rams (3-6 = 186-226)
What's to Like: The offense may have found a RB in Zak Stacy, and they are so young and still talented. The Rams have a bright future.
What's to Hate: The only way for them to have an even brighter future is to get a reliable QB, which they may or may not have, and that decision will have to made with Bradford coming off of an ACL injury.
25.) Houston Texans (2-6 = 146-221)
What's to Like: They Texans still employ JJ Watt, who is, once again, having the best season of any defensive player in the NFL. Anytime you have a Hall of Fame-type player, that is a good thing.
What's to Hate: Gary Kubiak is literally breaking down. I wish him the best, and it is good that he seems OK, but that was a scary, scary sight, which hopefully will remind these Texans fans that football isn't as big as it seems overall.
24.) Oakland Raiders (3-5 = 146-199)
What's to Like: Terrelly Pryor is still a good, surprisingly competent QB, and he seems like someone who wants to get better, who wants to improve.
What's to Hate: That spare-part constructed defense that had been so impressive this season; yeah, that wasn't there last year.
23.) Washington Redskins (3-5 = 203-253)
What's to Like: The Redskins are just 1.5 games back in the division, with them still to host Dallas later this season, and the running game is approaching the levels it was at in 2012.
What's to Hate: The defense is on pace to give up 500 points, and unless you are the 2000 Rams, you can't do anything giving up nearly that many points.
22.) New York Giants (2-6 = 141-223)
What's to Like: The Giants are just 2.5 games out of first place, with them still to host Dallas later this season, and their defense is approaching the levels it was in 2011-12 (regular season, for 2012).
What's to Hate: Those defenses weren't good enough, and the Giants got to 9-7 because they were good on offense, which this Giants team is not.
21.) Cleveland Browns (4-5 = 172-197)
What's to Like: They could finish 2nd in the division for the first time since their miracle 10-6 season in 2007, and the only other time was their more miracle 2002 season, which was their only playoff season as the new-Browns.
What's to Hate: This time, 2nd place in the division probably means a 7-9 record, not a playoff appearance or a 10-win season.
20.) Baltimore Ravens (3-5 = 168-172)
What's to Like: The defense is still good, and they've replaced aging players with younger ones to little drop-off. The Ravens can still win games 23-17.
What's to Hate: Can their offense score 17? Everything wrong with the modern NFL way of making anyone who can put together 4-good games in the playoffs as elite has come back to bite the Ravens. That Flacco contract will screw them.
19.) Philadelphia Eagles (4-5 = 225-231)
What's to Like: Nick Foles! He's been good in his limited appearances earlier, and was amazing last weekend. He doesn't qualify yet, but he's basically 1st place in every passing statistic.
What's to Hate: Foles will probably get hurt soon, and I doubt that was anything more than One Shining Moment, rather than the start of something great.
18.) Miami Dolphins (4-4 = 174-187)
What's to Like: The Dolphins got a huge win, and find themselves tied in the loss column for the #6 seed (with both games against the current #6 seed Jets still to come). Cameron Wake is back. My, my, is he back.
What's to Hate: For the Dolphins to actually make the playoffs, their offense has to get better. There's so little explosion in that offense, despite the presence of Mike Wallace.
17.) Tennessee Titans (4-4 = 173-167)
What's to Hate: They can't keep squeaking by teams, as sooner or later that will fail. The offense needs some explosiveness outside.
What's to Like: The 1999-era Titans are back! As Jake Locker did his best McNair impression, and Chris Johnson did a decent Eddie George impression, and the defense did a good defense impression.
16.) Dallas Cowboys (5-4 = 257-209)
What's to Hate: The Cowboys could have thrown away another game, could have brought them right back to the dregs of the bottom of the division, have thrown away a game against a bad team at home.
What's to Like: They didn't. If they make the playoffs, it is because of that game.
15.) San Diego Chargers (4-4 = 192-174)
What's to Hate: With two games against the Chiefs, two games against the Broncos, and a game against Cincinnati still to come, the Chargers threw away a golden opportunity with that loss. Seeing them end up with a better record than a bunch of the other 4-loss teams with easier schedules is hard to see.
What's to Like: Philip Rivers is a QB they can keep and build around. They didn't lose that game because of him. They lost because the wide receivers are injured, and the defense stinks.
14.) Arizona Cardinals (4-4 = 160-174)
What's to Hate: The Cardinals offense hasn't reached the level it should have with a better QB, and I still believe Carson Palmer is a better QB than he's played and far better than Skelton/Kolb.
What's to Love: Watching that team play defense, especially at home, is one of my favorite random sights of the 2013 NFL Season.
13.) New York Jets (5-4 = 169-231)
What's to Hate: The Jets haven't been able to win two games in a row all season, and Geno Smith wasn't great last weekend against New Orleans.
What's to Like: They've rediscovered their 2009 formula, with the up-and-down offense, and the very good defense with one exceptional player (Muhammad Wilkerson). Of course, before I go too far down that path, they've given up more points this season so far than all 16 games of 2009.
12.) Detroit Lions (5-3 = 217-197)
What's to Hate: The Lions still haven't been able to put up one dominant performance all year long. The talent is there, everywhere, even more than in 2011. They have an easy schedule and a chance of the division with the Packers game in Detroit still to come, but can they take advantage?
What's to Like: The talent on this team is still ridiculous. They're a good team masquerading as an up-and-down one, but if they do make the playoffs, as long as they avoid New Orleans, they can make damage.
11.) Chicago Bears (5-3 = 240-226)
What's to Hate: The Bears have a serious problem stopping the run. Now, injuries are the reason, as they're missing their starting NT and backup NT. They couldn't even stop the Packers run game consistently despite not having to really worry about a passing game.
What's to Like: That offense is really fun to watch. Marc Trestman has done an excellent job. Honestly, watching Josh McCown play that well was amazing. The most ridiculous part was seeing Josh McCown have a lot of time to throw. The Bears offense is good enough to keep them in this race for a while.
10.) Kansas City Chiefs (9-0 = 215-111)
What's to Hate: They haven't really played well in a game since their win over Tennessee. They've been able to skirt by against bad teams starting 3rd string QBs, and now that ends, with five of their last seven against Manning, Rivers and Luck.
What's to Love: Just say they lose all five of those games, as long as they beat RGIII and Terrelle Pryor, they're going 11-5 and getting into the playoffs.
9.) Green Bay Packers (5-3 = 232-185)
What's to Hate: Well, it is obvious, right. Aaron Rodgers is missing at least three games by all indication. Now, those three games come against a reasonably light schedule (Eagles, Giants, Vikings), but if three stretches to four, then Rodgers is missing the ciritical Thanksgiving Day game in Detroit. Without Rodgers, this team is going nowhere.
What's to Like: Eddie Lacy is no fluke. That guy is a really physical runner, who is patient and explosive. Just a great pick. He's so much better than Alabama teammate Trent Richardson it is hilarious.
8.) New Orleans Saints (6-2 = 216-146)
What's to Hate: The Saints aren't exactly a good team on the road. I feel like they need the #1 seed to win the NFC, and they'll probably have to beat Seattle in Seattle to get there.
What's to Love: Jimmy Graham is still really good, and that offense continues to get pressure and cover receivers really well.
7.) Carolina Panthers (5-3 = 204-106)
What's to Hate: The Panthers still haven't beaten anyone good, and they still have just one dependable receiver, and they're still starting Oakland punch-line Mike Mitchell at safety.
What's to Love: They've been amazing recently, and if they can get out of the 49ers-Patriots back-to-back at 6-4, the Saints will still be in striking distance in that division. Plus, I just love watching that Front-7 play defense.
6.) Indianapolis Colts (6-2 = 214-155)
What's to Hate: The Colts are going to have a tough time consistetly scoring without Reggie Wayne. TY Hilton won't have 3-TDs every game, but Fleener and DHB will drop passes every game.
What's to Love: Honestly, there are problems with every AFC contender, and they held pace with New England for that #2 seed. Plus, the Colts are still a year ahead of schedule.
5.) New England Patriots (7-2 = 234-175)
What's to Hate: The defense is slowly getting worse, mostly due to injuries, and that will a problem against better teams than Pittsburgh. Also, Ninkovich and Gregory both left that game with semi-serious injuries.
What's to Love: That was the first time all year we've seen something resembling the Patriots offense from 2010-2012. I don't know if it will last (the Patriots have always matched up well with the Steelers defense, even when they were good), but for one Sunday it looked awesome.
4.) Cincinnati Bengals (6-3 = 217-166)
What's to Hate: The loss of Geno Atkins is huge. He was their most consistent pass rusher. The Bengals are really deep up front, but you don't just replace one of the best interior players in the NFL without some dropoff.
What's to Love: That division sucks, and they have a tiebreaker over the Patriots and can get one over the Colts. Assuming the Patriots don't win out, a bye is in the Bengals hands.
3.) San Francisco 49ers ( 218-145)
What's to Hate: The passing offense still is underwhelming, and, I don't know, maybe they lost some momentum on their bye.
What's to Love: Everything else. With the Seahawks looking like dogshit recently, people are starting to think the 49ers can get that division after all. Dates with Carolina and New Orleans will tell us a better picture.
2.) Seattle Seahawks (8-1 = 232-149)
What's to Hate: They haven't played a great game in a while, and probably should have lost each of the last two games. The offense just doesn't look right, and while the Tackles are coming back, Sidney Rice isn't.
What's to Love: They're still winning. All the Seahawks need to do is get that #1 seed, and I find it hard for them not to make the Super Bowl. Winning ugly games is what makes that happen.
1.) Denver Broncos (7-1 = 343-218)
What's to Hate: The defense has played exactly one good game, and they've had to come back from down at least 14 three times this season (and only twice did it successfully).
What's to Love: They can rest up at the bye, and while they're comically still 2nd in their division, no team has more comfortable wins than them. By resume, they are the best team in the NFL.
Playoff Projections
AFC
1.) Denver Broncos = 14-2
2.) Cincinnati Bengals = 12-4
3.) New England Patriots = 12-4
4.) Indianapolis Colts = 12-4
5.) Kansas City Chiefs = 13-3
6.) New York Jets = 10-6
NFC
1.) Seattle Seahawks = 13-3
2.) New Orleans Saints = 12-4
3.) Detroit Lions = 11-5
4.) Dallas Cowboys = 9-7
5.) San Francisco 49ers = 12-4
6.) Carolina Panthers = 11-5
Looking Ahead to Next Week's Games
Byes: New England (7-2), New York Jets (5-4), Kansas City (9-0), Cleveland (4-5)
14.) Jacksonville Jaguars (0-8) @ Tennessee Titans (4-4) (1:00 - CBS)
13.) Oakland Raiders (3-5) @ New York Giants (2-6) (1:00 - CBS)
12.) Buffalo Bills (3-6) @ Pittsburgh Steelers (2-6) (1:00 - CBS)
I call it "That 2-Week Stretch of Terrible Games isn't Totally Gone" Sunday, as we get three pretty awful early CBS games. None of these games seems the least bit appealing. Bills @ Steelers has some potential, but it could be a pretty lifeless crowd in Pittsburgh, and it could get ugly if the Steelers play badly again.
11.) St. Louis Rams (3-6) @ Indianapolis Colts (6-2) (1:00 - FOX)
10.) Seattle Seahawks (8-1) @ Atlanta Falcons (2-6) (1:00 - FOX)
9.) Miami Dolphins (4-4) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-8) (MNF - ESPN)
I call it "The Good Old 'One Good Team, One Bad Team'" Sunday, as we get three games where good-to-great teams (Dolphins < Colts < Seahawks) play bad teams. The Dolphins @ Buccaneers game is another treasure for ESPN. I find it hard Tirico won't explode at some point having to sit through that game just a month after dealing with Vikings @ Giants. Seattle and Atlanta is the saddest version of a great playoff game rematch. The Rams match up decently well with the Colts offense, but the Colts should pound away at that game.
8.) Cincinnati Bengals (6-3) @ Baltimore Ravens (3-5) (1:00 - CBS)
I call it "Put the Nail in the Coffin" Sunday, as the Bengals can essentially lock up their division (to some degree) and knock out the Ravens, all in one week, all in Baltimore. The Ravens rarely lose at home, but they lost their last home game. The crowd in Baltimore should be fired up. If the Bengals are a true Super Bowl contender, they take care of business right here.
7.) Washington Redskins (3-5) @ Minnesota Vikings (1-7) (TNF - NFLN)
6.) Houston Texans (2-6) @ Arizona Cardinals (4-4) (4:25 - CBS)
I call it "Sometimes, I just find games Interesting" Sunday (and Thursday), as the NFLN gets a game that looked a lot worse a week ago (before a Redskins win and the Vikings nearly beating Dallas). The Texans take their new-found offense to a place where the Cardinals defense plays really well. There could be some big plays and highlights from Keenum throwing up lobs to Johnson and Hopkins, covered by Peterson and Mathieu.
5.) Philadelphia Eagles (4-5) @ Green Bay Packers (5-3) (1:00 - FOX)
I cal it "Who knows, who knows" Sunday, as I can imagine anything happening in this game. The Eagles could score 42, they could score 10, the Packers could score 35, they could score 14. Who knows what will happen? It should be interesting to watch, though.
4.) Denver Broncos (7-1) @ San Diego Chargers (4-4) (4:25 - CBS)
2.) Dallas Cowboys (5-4) @ New Orleans Saints (6-2) (SNF - NBC)
I call it "This is the Modern NFL" Sunday, as both these games seem like safe bets to hit the over. The Cowboys and Saints played an extremely entertaining game last year in Dallas, and the previous two meetings were also notable. One was on a Thanksgiving Night in 2010, with Romo injured and Orton playing well. The other was the Cowboys ending the 13-0 Saints run at perfection in 2009 in New Orleans. The Broncos return to the site where the Manning era started in earnest, when they beat the Chargers 35-24 after being down 24-0 at halftime. Both games should be hell of a lot of fun.
2.) Detroit Lions (5-3) @ Chicago Bears (5-3) (1:00 - FOX)
1.) Carolina Panthers (5-3) @ San Francisco 49ers (6-2) (4:05 - FOX)
I call it "NFC, take Center Stage" Sunday, as both of my top-2 games (and, now that I look up, all of my Top-3) are NFC ones. With Cutler slated to return, and Rodgers not in Green Bay for hte time-being, this game is arguably for 1st Place in the division for the year. This could be the biggest game of the season in hte NFC North (other than the Thanksgiving Game, where the Lions could kill the Packers chances if things go badly with Seneca Wallace). Then we get what should just be an awesome, defensive game between two similar teams. Both have sturdy defenses built off of a dominant Front-7. Both have mobile QBs without a ton of dependable weapons. Should be a great, great game.
