NFL: Week 2 Picks

How great is it to have football back?  And how entertaining were those games?  Answer: VERY.

Huge comebacks, blowouts and injuries galore.  So basically everything happened in week one.

10-6 to start my season.  Not too shabby.  Here’s what I’m thinking goes down in week 2.

Thursday Night Football

• Steelers @ Ravens: With all the bad press surrounding the Ravens, look for the team on the field to rally together and pick up their first win.  Not to mention Pittsburgh was not impressive in their win over the Browns.  So give me a defensive struggle ending in a home victory. BALTIMORE WINS

Sunday 1PM Games

• Dolphins @ Bills: An AFC match-up of two teams I thought would be 0-1 for, yet here we are, with one team set to move to 2-0.  Buffalo’s success hinges on their run game, while the Dolphins pass attack is key.  Neither starting quarterback is proven, but right now, give me Ryan Tannehill to lead his squad to a road win, and a perch atop the AFC for another week. MIAMI WINS
• Lions @ Panthers: Still no word as to whether the Panthers will have starting QB Cam Newton back.  But they’ve shown they can win without him.  However, the Detroit Lions looked like a team ready to finally take the next step in week 1.  They’re healthy and Matthew Stafford played a smart, mistake free game. I’m thinking Detroit moves to 2-0, even if Newton is healthy and on the field. DETROIT WINS
• Falcons @ Bengals: Both teams looked pretty good on Sunday.  Matt Ryan had maybe the best game of his career in the come-from-behind win over the Saints, while Andy Dalton looked solid.  The difference was the play of the defenses.  Sure Atlanta made the plays to win the game, but the Bengals front-seven were on point from the jump against Baltimore.  Look for Cincy to get their first of many wins at home. CINCINNATI WINS
• Patriots @ Vikings: Sunday was one of the single worst performances I’ve ever seen out of Tom Brady and the Pats.  And I don’t think the Vikings are as good as they looked.  So what gives?  It’s not often New England has two bad games in a row.  So as long as Brady is healthy, I’m taking the Patriots. NEW ENGLAND WINS
• Saints @ Browns: The offense was great, the defense not so much for New Orleans a week ago.  But expect better things at home, where it’s tough for opponents in the Superdome.  Cleveland looked good in the 2nd half last week, but are without starting running back Ben Tate, and could be without superstar in the making, tight-end Jordan Cameron. Look out for a big day from wide-out Marques Colston for the Saints following a rare fumble that led to the Falcons game-winner last week. NEW ORLEANS WINS
• Cowboys @ Titans: Dallas’ defense looked as good as expected… note the sarcasm.  But the real concern is Tony Romo and the offense.  There were no positives, and the Titans at home could prove to be too much to handle.  Give me another win-less week for the NFC East squad. TENNESSEE WINS
• Cardinals @ Giants: This is a tough one.  The Cardinals offense wasn’t great in week 1.  And the Giants defense, after the 1st quarter, did all it could to keep New York in the game against Detroit.  But the G-Men’s offense looked bad and the Cardinals defense could have a field day. I wouldn’t be surprised if New York finds a way at home, but I’m still taking the Cards in this one. ARIZONA WINS
• Jaguars @ Redskins:  Eventually Washington will win again.  But I don’t think it happens this week.  Until they figure out how to get RGIII going on the ground again, this offense just isn’t the same as it was a couple years ago.  The Jags defense is much improved and their young guys on offense showed something in week 1, despite losing. JACKSONVILLE WINS

Sunday 4:05/4:25PM Games

• Seahawks @ Chargers: It would be weird for San Diego to start out 0-2, even after their slow start a year ago.  But the Hawks are just too good.  I would be very surprised if the reigning champs don’t start 2-0 this year.  SEATTLE WINS
• Rams @ Buccaneers: Before the season started, I would’ve said this game would be won by the team who makes the fewest mistakes.  Two very good defenses, but two teams with new QBs.  But the Rams are already in a downfall as they could start their 3rd string quarterback on the road in week 2.  So give me a fairly easy victory for the Bucs, who could be 2-0 by weeks end.  TAMPA BAY WINS
• Chiefs @ Broncos: Kansas City isn’t as bad as they were good last season, so if this weren’t a road game for them, I’d give them a chance in this one.  But despite almost blowing a 24-0 lead to Indianapolis, the Broncos are too good at home to pick against.  DENVER WINS
• Jets @ Packers: New York got a huge boost from the run game in their season opening win.  The Packers were blown out by the Seahawks, but they didn’t look horrible doing so.  So as good as the Jets defense is, I can’t go against Aaron Rodgers at home here. GREEN BAY WINS

Sunday Night Football

• Texans @ Raiders: So JJ Watt is still really good.  The Texans offense wasn’t spectacular in week 1, but it didn’t need to be.  Oakland was okay on both ends to open up their season on the road.  But Houston’s defense is better than the Jets, so despite being around their silver and black faithful, give me Houston to start another season 2-0. HOUSTON WINS
• Bears @ 49ers: Chicago lost a heart-breaker in overtime, while the Niners defense had some fun against Dallas to open their seasons.  San Fran is going to be near the top of the league all season, so give me them to keep pace with the defending champs and move to 2-0. SAN FRANCISCO WINS

Monday Night Football

• Eagles @ Colts: It took a half for both of these teams to wake up from the off-season.  Luckily for Philly, they were able to recover for a win, while Indy was facing the AFC Champs.  Neither defense showed much in week 1, but at home, Andrew Luck has been great in his young career, so I’m looking for both sides to be 1-1 on the young season by Tuesday morning.  INDIANAPOLIS WINS

 

NFL: Week 13 Thoughts

13 down. 4 to go.

It’s not often that 1 player goes off for 200+ yards on either the ground or in the receiving game.  But this week we saw 3 players have exception games.  How about 3 to 4 touchdowns for one player?  There were a few of those as well.

NFC EAST (This One’s Going Down to the Wire)

• Cowboys: They got off to a slow start, but were able to come back from a 21-7 deficit to maintain their tie atop the division. An opening kick-off fumble by Terrence Williams was returned for a score, putting them down as quick as you can be down.  DeMarco Murray was huge in the redzone, scoring 3 rushing touchdowns, adding a number of big catches to help lead the comeback. Tony Romo managed the game well, finishing with 235-passing yards and a touchdown pass to Dez Bryant.  Back-up rusher Lance Dunbar added a career-high 82 yards in the ground game.  It’s the first time all season Dallas is 2 games over .500.  (7-5)
• Eagles: Make it 19 touchdown passes with no interceptions for Philly savior Nick Foles. Though he did throw a pick in the game, it didn’t go against him as it was called back on a defensive penalty.  No matter what, Foles continued to shine against a very good Arizona defense, throwing 3 touchdown passes for 237-yards in their 4th straight victory.  He also set an Eagles record for most passes without an interception (233), breaking Michael Vick’s mark of 224 set in 2010. DeSean Jackson went over the 1,000 yard mark for the season.  Rookie receiver Zach Ertz on 2 of his 5 catches on the day.  The only concern is this team continues to be shutdown in the 4th quarter, something that gave Arizona multiple chances to steal a win on the road.  But the defense held, and the division crown still remains in play. (7-5)
• Giants: Big Blue rallied from 14-0 down to at least keep their slim playoff chances alive, thanks in big part to their run game in the red-zone, and their defense.  Justin Tuck looked like his old self, racking up a career high 4 sacks, and after a bad start, the defense held the Skins to just 95 2nd half yards.  The run game overall wasn’t spectacular, but Andre Brown made his 35-yards count, scoring two touchdowns including the go-ahead score.  Eli Manning threw touchdown, and one interception, the Giants lone turnover of the game.  They’re the only team with at least 1 turnover in every game this season. (5-7)
• Redskins: RG-still-stuck-at-3-wins and company got off to a very hot start Sunday night, but cooled off late.  Griffin was 16-for-17 at halftime, but went just 8-for-15 in the second half, and was dropped 5 times.  Washington had a chance to go the length of the field in the final minutes to try and tie. But a mix-up by officials with a 1st down being called a second with no measurement, the Skins play calling suffered and ultimately resulted in having to go for it on 4th down, and not converting.  The loss officially eliminates them from the playoffs.  (3-9)

NFC NORTH (Detroit Puts Some Separation Between Themselves and the Rest of the Division)

• Lions: The Thanksgiving Day skid came to an end at 9 thanks to a big day from just about everyone.  Matt Stafford got off to a shake start, but he finished with over 300-yards passing, 3 touchdowns and 2 interceptions.  Calvin Johnson caught one of those TDs, his 5th straight Turkey day score, as well as his 5th straight game this season.  Reggie Bush put an opening drive red-zone fumble behind him, rushing for 117-yards and a score in the rout.  The win helps put them in the driver’s seat for the division title. (7-5)
• Bears: Matt Forte finished with 120-yards on the ground, and that wasn’t even the best total on the ground in the game, let alone the best from scrimmage total on his team.  Rookie wide-out Alshon Jeffery went off for two touchdowns and 249-yards receiving, giving him the two best receiving games in Bears history, ever.  The usually sure-footed Robbie Gould wasn’t so on point though, missing 2-of-4 field-goal attempts, including a 47-yard attempt that would’ve won it in overtime. (6-6) 
• Packers: Matt Flynn “savior” wasn’t to be this week.  After a 10-3 start, the Pack were completely shut down by the Lions.  The defense did all it could, forcing 3 turnovers, including the early fumble they returned for Green Bay’s lone touchdown of the game.  But they couldn’t outplay their quarterback. Flynn threw a pick, lost two fumbles and was sacked in for a safety in the 3rd quarter.  The loss doesn’t put them out of contention for a wildcard spot or the division title, with a game against Chicago left.  But it does make things harder.  Aaron Rodgers could be back in week 14.  (5-6-1)
• Vikings: Down 20-10 after 3 quarters, 10 unanswered in the 4th forced overtime for the second straight week.  The Vikings were 1:43 away from their second straight tie, but a Blair Walsh 34-yarder gave them the win instead. Walsh missed a 57-yarder earlier in overtime but Minnesota was given new life after the Chicago miss. Oh and in case you forgot, Adrian Peterson is really, really good.  Peterson ran for 211-yards on 35 carries for a 6-yard-per-attempt average.  Christian Ponder went down with an injury early in the game, and Matt Cassel came in and did a good job in his place.  Cassel threw 1 touchdown to Greg Jennings, a pick and finished with 243-yards in the air. (3-8-1)

NFC SOUTH (We Have a Battle For 1st Place on our Hands)

• Saints: Other than one long drive in the 1st to cut the deficit to 17-7, the Saints offense looked like a shell of themselves. The one touchdown went to Jimmy Graham.  Drew Brees was held under 200-yards passing, and the run game was non-existent.  Just one turnover, but it was recovered for a touchdown early. Those 7 points scored by New Orleans, according to NFL.com, are the lowest scored by the Saints since Sean Payton became headcoach in 2006.  Making things worse, plane troubles kept them in Seattle overnight. (9-3)
• Panthers: 8 straight wins and this time around, it was never in doubt.  The defense ravaged Tampa’s offense, holding them to just 2 field-goals, recording 5 sacks and forcing two turnovers.  Cam Newton did throw 2 picks, but he also threw for 263-yards and two touchdowns to go with 68-yards on the ground and a rushing score.  5 receivers finished with at least 35-yards, with Brian LaFell and Ted Ginn Jr each finding the end-zone.  Now they sit tied for 1st, with 2 games to go against New Orleans. (9-3)
• Buccaneers:  They actually led the Panthers, not for long and not by much, but in a 21-point loss, I guess you take any positives you can find.  Mike Glennon has been very good for Tampa, but not this week as Tampa saw their win streak snapped at 3 games.  Glennon went on to post 14-21 completions, 180-yards, no touchdowns and an interception in the loss.  The defense did all it could, forcing a couple turnovers, but they had no real answer for Newton short of those takeaways. (3-9)
• Falcons: It took overtime, but the skid ends at 5 for Atlanta.  Steven Jackson had his first multi-touchdown day as a Falcon as a part of an 84-yard rushing performance.  Matt Ryan didn’t throw any interceptions, something foreign to him this season, but he did lose one fumble.  Ryan was good throwing the rock though, finishing with 311-yards passing and a touchdown pass to Tony Gonzalez.  Roddy White had nearly 150-yards receiving. They never led in regulation, and won it thanks to Matt Bryant’s 2nd field-goal of the game in the extra frame. (3-9)

NFC WEST (Seattle Just Continues to Fly Higher)

• Seahawks: It was all Seattle early, thanks to a fumble recovery for a score for Michael Bennett, his first careers touchdown.  And it stayed Seattle’s night, thanks to Russell Wilson, whose throws we’re on point all game long.  The 2nd year quarterback threw for 310-yards, 3 touchdowns and added another 47-yards on the ground.  The defense was huge against a potent Saints offense, holding them to under 50-yards rushing and Brees to under 200-yards passing, a rare feat. Home field throughout the playoffs looks way more likely now with a 2-game lead over the rest of the NFC. (11-1)
• 49ers: There was a big time Anquan Boldin sighting in week 13, as the wide-out caught 9 passes for 98-yards.  Tight-end Vernon Davis added an athletic leap over a defender, 82-yards and a score to San Fran’s 10-point division win. Colin Kaepernick threw for nearly 300-yards and a score. 3 Phil Dawson field-goals and a Frank Gore rushing touchdown was the rest of the niners offense as they put a game between themselves and Arizona.  They never trailed, and currently hold the 6th and final playoff spot in the NFC. (8-4)
• Cardinals: They put themselves in a 21-7 hole early, and they were never able to fully recover.  Carson Palmer threw 3 touchdown passes, but also threw 2 interceptions, as well as lost a fumble.  Those 3 turnovers proved costly in a 3-point game.  Rashard Mendenhall had one of his better games of the year, picking up 79-yards on the ground, but it wasn’t enough.  Michael Floyd came up just short of the 100-yard receiving mark, while Larry Fitzgerald added another 72 in the passing game.  Both scored touchdowns.  The loss hurts drops them back in the hunt for a wildcard spot, but they still have a better shot than most.  (7-5)
• Rams: They did a decent job of holding down the 49ers early, but the offense couldn’t do much against San Fran.  Kellen Clemens finished with over 200-yards passing, a touchdown and an interception, while Zac Stacy gained 72 on the ground.  But drives stalled, and they had to settle for field-goals rather than touchdowns on 2 of them.  They are still much improved over last season, but with 3 teams to jump in their own division, the playoffs aren’t realistic.  (5-7)

AFC EAST (It’s Still The Pats Division)

• Patriots: They won, but I wouldn’t be too proud of myself if I was a Patriots player after Sunday’s performance  Down 17-7 at the half to a 2 win Houston team, they needed a big 2nd half to save themselves from a bad loss.  The game saw 5 lead changes as Tom Brady finished with 371-yards passing, 2 touchdowns and an interception. Both Rob Gronkowski and Julian Edelman finished with over 100-yards receiving.  LeGarrett Blount added a score in the run game.  But they couldn’t stop the run in the red-zone, allowing 4 rushing touchdowns.  They rallied again, but the defense was suspect and their run game wasn’t great. (9-3)
• Dolphins: Ryan Tannehill finished the must-win game completing 28-of-43 passes for 331-yards, 2 touchdowns and an interception.  4 players combined for over 120-yards on the ground, including 22 from Tannehill.  The defense took advantage of a down New York offense, holding them to just 3-points. Brian Hartline and Mike Wallace combined for over 200-yards and 2 scores while  3 Caleb Strugis field-goals book-ended the scoring for Miami, who keeps playoff hopes alive.  (6-6)
• Jets: Well, they’re in a free-fall now.  Geno Smith hasn’t thrown a touchdown pass since before the World Series began, and was finally benched in favor of Matt Simms. not that it made a difference.  Smith went 4-for-10 for 29-yards with an INT before being replaced by Simms, who completed 50% of his passes for 79-yards, a fumble lost and a pick. The only offense New York could muster was a 2nd half Nick Folk field-goal.  After not winning or losing 2 straight, the Jets are now on 3-game losing streak, and see their playoff hopes die  with each loss. (5-7)
• Bills: They had their chance to win in regulation on a possible game winning drive, but a lost fumble ended those hopes, and they eventually fell in overtime.  It was a good day for the running backs, with CJ Spiller nearing the 150-yard mark, while Fred Jackson scored a rushing and receiving touchdown.  But a couple lost fumbles, and their defense’s inability to stop Atlanta, meant disaster. (4-8)

AFC NORTH (The Ravens are Trying to Fly Back into the Race)

• Bengals: Andy Dalton’s 190-yards passing put him over 3,000 for the season, making him just the second quarterback in NFL history to throw for at least 3,000 in each of his first 3 seasons.  Peyton Manning is the other.  Ben Jarvis Green-Ellis had one of his better games of the season, picking up 92-yards and finding the end-zone for the games first score. The defense showed up big time, forcing 3 turnovers, and 2 sacks to help maintain their 2 game division lead. (8-4) 
• Ravens: It was close throughout on Thanksgiving night, but Baltimore held on in the end, stopping Pittsburgh on a late 2-point conversion to hold on and keep playoff hopes alive. It was a first quarter Joe Flacco to Torrey Smith 7-yard touchdown pass that put Baltimore up for good.  And then it was the Justin Tucker, who continues to have a monster season, hitting on all 5 of his field-goal attempts. (6-6)
• Steelers: Jerricho Cotchery’s 1-yard touchdown catch with a minute left in regulation looked like it might force overtime, but a failed 2-point conversion meant a loss.  The Steelers couldn’t recover from an early 13-0 deficit, despite 73-yards and a rushing touchdown by Le’Veon Bell.  Ben Roethlisberger did everything he could to help lead his team to a comeback win on Thanksgiving, throwing for over 250-yards, 2 touchdowns and no turnovers.  But the road win and a .500 record wasn’t to be. (5-7)
• Browns: Cleveland scored a touchdown in every quarter, but it wasn’t enough as they allowed a late score to Jacksonville.  The loss spoiled a historic effort from wide-receiver Josh Gordon, whose team record 261-receiving-yards made him the first player in NFL history to have back-to-back 200-yard receiving games.  Gordon also had 2 touchdowns, including one late in the 4th that looked like it might be the game-winner.  Brandon Weedon had a very up and down day in his return to the starting lineup.  He threw for 370 and 3 scores, but also threw two picks, lost a fumble and took a 4th quarter safety. The loss brings their losing streak to 3 games.  (4-8)

AFC South (Indy on the Verge of Wrapping This One Up)

• Colts: 1 more win, another Titans loss, or a tie would give them the AFC South crown thanks to their 8-point victory over Tennessee.  It wasn’t an impressive win for the offense, but sometimes you have to win ugly.  Adam Vinatieri continues to show why he’s one of the best kickers to ever play the game, hitting all 5 of his field-goal attempts, including a go-ahead 49-yarder in the 3rd quarter.  Andrew Luck struggled again, finishing with just 200-yards passing, no touchdowns and an interception.  Donald Brown’s touchdown run in the 4th sealed the victory. (8-4)
• Titans: They held in there against Indy, even taking a 14-12 lead in the 3rd quarter, but the Colts defense got to Ryan Fitzpatrick.  Tennessee’s quarterback finished with 201-yards passing, a touchdown, 54-yards rushing, but 3 interceptions and a fumble loss.  Those turnovers helped a struggling Colts offense to set up those 5 Vinatieri field-goals. The loss basically puts them out of range of a division crown, but they are still in the hunt for a wildcard. (5-7)
• Jaguars: Dont look now, but the Jags are on a winning streak, and no longer have the worst record in the league.  Their 2nd straight win came in comeback fashion, capped off by a 20-yard touchdown pass from Chad Henne to Cecil Shorts with just 40-seconds left in regulation.  Maurice Jones-Drew had himself a day, picking up 77-yards on the ground, and throwing an 8-yard touchdown, his first (you know because he’s a runningback). The defense wasn’t great, but they got the win anyway. (3-9)
• Texans: Early on, it looked like they might snap their skid, instead the losing streak hit 10 thanks to a 3-point loss to New England. Ben Tate was huge in the red-zone, scoring 3 touchdowns of 20, 10 and 8 yards.  Case Keenum added a rushing score of his own, to go along with his 270-yards passing and 1 interception. Andre Johsnon finished with over 100-yards receiving. They put up a good fight against a very good team, but a final game-winning drive stalled and they couldn’t get that 6th lead change for-the-win. (2-10)

AFC WEST (The Chiefs Picked the Wrong Time to Start Losing)

• Broncos: They put themselves in a touch position early against a good team, but for the 3rd straight game KC’s defense was lacking, and Peyton Manning took advantage.  After 2 early interceptions, Manning went on to throw for 400 yards and 5 touchdown passes. Eric Decker was the beneficiary, registering a career day 174-yards and 4 touchdown passes. Rookie running back Montee Ball added a career high 103-yards on just 4 carries.  One concern was the fact that Von Miller went down twice in the game, though he would continue both times. The win all but ensures them the AFC West crown after taking both games of the season series against Kansas City.  (10-2)
• Chiefs: From 9 wins in a row, to 3 losses in a row.  The offense did all it could, picking up over 400-yards of total offense, and going up 21-7 in the 1st half.  Add to that a franchise record 108-yard kick-off return touchdown  from rookie Knile Davis, and it looked like it might be their day. But the Chiefs defense betrayed them again, allowing Eric Decker to run circles around Champ Bailey all day. They’re lucky the AFC wildcard isn’t as tightly bunched as the NFC, as they have a 3 game lead over the 6th seed, so their playoff dreams are still very much in tact.  (9-3)
• Chargers: The defense wasn’t the problem, it was the offense against a good Cincinnati squad.  Their lone touchdown was scored by tight-end Ladarius Green, in the 2nd quarter.  San Diego was held to just 1 field-goal in the 2nd half.  Keenan Allen found a way to have another good day, catching 8 Philip Rivers passes for 106-yards.  Rivers finished the loss with 252-passing-yards, the Green TD pass, and an interception.  This team has been inconsistent all year, and Sunday was just another example of that. (5-7)
• Raiders: They returned the opening kick-off fumble for a touchdown.  And gave themselves a nice 2-score cushion on Thanksgiving, but the Cowboys are just a better team.  After those 21 first half points, they managed just 1 field-goal in the 2nd half.  2nd year wide-out Andre Holmes had a nice game, 5 catches for 136-yards, but that’s where the good days ended.  Sure, Rashard Jennings found the end zone twice, but only had 35-yards rushing.  Matt McGloin threw a pick, and no touchdowns as a part of his 255-yard passing performance. (4-8)

There you have it.  If week 13 wasn’t fun enough for you, week 14 promises to be even more eventful as the playoffs inch closer.

Enjoy.

NFL: Week 12 Thoughts

12 down. 5 to go.  Divisions have tightened up, making for a fun last month of the season.

How do I sum up week 12? Big Losses, Bad Losses, and a tie… oh my god football is great.

NFC EAST (It’s Officially a Two Horse Race)

• Eagles: Bye Week. (6-5)
• Cowboys: Tony Romo has been exceptional in the 4th quarter this season, and showed it once again.  Big 3rd down conversions helped set up a Dan Carpenter game winning 35-yard field goal.  Romo finished with 2 touchdown passes, both to Jason Witten.  Dez Bryant finished with 102-yards, and DeMarco Murray ran for 86-yards on just 14 carries.  A big fumble recovery for a touchdown helped get the Boys the win.  Now the fate of the division lies in two match-ups with Philly starting next week.  (6-5)
• Giants: A late second field-goal sunk any hopes they had of completing a huge playoff resurgence.  First half struggles included Victor Cruz’s first fumble returned for a score, and an inability to get into the end-zone.  They ran the ball effectively with Brandon Jacobs and Andre Brown combining for nearly 200-yards, but abandoned the run in the red-zone. Eli Manning finished completing just 50% of his passes, but threw 2 touchdowns and no turnovers.  They managed to score 15 unanswered to tie the score late at 21, but the defense struggled to stop Tony Romo on 3rd down in what became the Cowboys game winning drive.  Strange play-calling and penalties are the biggest reason for their 4 game win streak coming to end. They lost both games to Dallas by a combined 8 points. (4-7)
• Redskins: He’s not the same guy as the Robert Griffin III that own rookie of the year last season. RGIII finished with just 127-yards on 17-27 passing.  THe offense couldn’t muster anything more than a couple Kyle Forbath field goals, both coming in the 2nd quarter.  There won’t be a 7-game win streak to propel them into the playoffs this season. Now they have to hope they can beat the giants to stay out of last place, and not go from first-to-worst. (3-8)

NFC NORTH (A Tie Means Nobody Won this week)

• Lions: They had a chance to get a last second win, instead Matthew Stafford threw his 4th interception of the game, sealing their fate. Stafford threw 3 touchdowns to go with those 4 turnovers.  Calvin Johnson went over 100-yards again, while Nate Burleson had a good day in his return from injury, catching 7 passes for 77-yards and a score.  This team continues to show potential, then have let-down games like this against bad teams. (6-5)
• Bears: Josh McGown passed for 352-yards and two touchdowns with an interception.  Chicago had a Devin Hester 62-yard punt return for a touchdown nullified by a holding penalty in the fourth quarter.  But it didn’t matter, since the defense couldn’t stop the Rams offense.  That’s nothing new for a defense that has struggled since their 3-0 start.  Lucky for them, Detroit couldn’t put any separation between them. (6-5) 
• Packers: After an early touchdown, Green Bay couldn’t do anything on offense.  That is until Matt Flynn came to the rescue, bringing them back to tie the game at 23 in the 4th quarter.  But didn’t do it alone, getting a lot of help from running back Eddie Lacy, who got back over the 100-yard mark and found the end-zone. Scott Tolzien wasn’t horrible, scoring a touchdown on the ground, but he was just 7-of-17 before his benching. They forced overtime, and kicked a field-goal to take the lead, but because of the new overtime rules, Minnesota tied, and that’s how it ended.  It was the first tie in the league since November of last season. (5-5-1)
• Vikings: For 3 quarters, they shined. Adrian Peterson led the way with 146-yards rushing and a score, though he did lose a fumble.  Blair Walsh continues to show why he’s one of the top kickers in the league, hitting on all four of his attempts.  Christian Ponder threw 2 touchdowns and didn’t turn the ball over.  But the defense wavered in the 2nd half, and nothing good happened in overtime.  A tie for this team is better than nothing, but they had a 3rd win in sight and let it slip away. (2-8-1)

NFC SOUTH (The Final 4 Weeks are Going to be Fun)

• Saints: They weren’t sharp, but they made the plays when they had to in order to get the 4-point road win.  Drew Brees threw his two touchdowns to his tight-ends Jimmy Graham and Benjamin Watson.  Pierre Thomas led the way on the ground with 73-yards on just 10 carries.  All that damage came in the 1st half, with a Garrett Hartley field-goal the only New Orleans scoring of the 2nd half.  But the defense pitched a shutout in the 2nd half, giving this team just enough for the win.  (9-2)
• Panthers: More late game heroics for Cam Newton, who engineered a game winning drive capped by a Greg Olsen touchdown with 43-seconds left in regulation.  It was a rare slow start, 16 points allowed in the 1st half that made the comeback necessary.  The game winner was Newton’s lone touchdown pass, though he did find pay dirt on the ground.  Other than that rushing TD, Carolina had no real success on the ground. But the defense showed up in the 2nd half, pitching a shutout.  The 7-game win streak is their longest in a decade.  They kept pace with New Orleans ahead of their first match-up of the season next week, a game that becomes a battle for first.  (8-3)
• Buccaneers: Three straight wins, and they took down their best opponent in Detroit this time around. According to NFL.com, their 3 game win streak after losing the first eight of the season puts them in rare company, joining the 1978 St. Louis Cardinals as the only teams to do so.  Mike Glennon continues to show he can win in this league, completing 14-of-21 passes for 247-yards and 2 touchdowns.  Bobby Rainey didn’t come close to his break out performance from a week ago on the ground, but it didn’t matter.  It was Tiquan Underwood that had the break out week.  The 5th year wide-out went for 108 and 2 scores on the day. And obviously the defense did a good job turning Stafford over 4 times to help hold on in the end. (3-8)
• Falcons: A loss on Thursday Night meant a lot of bad things for Atlanta.  Their 5th straight defeat ensured their first losing season since 2008, and eliminated them from playoff contention.  This is not how anyone saw a Superbowl favorite showing up this season.  Not saying much, but Matt Ryan had one of his best performances of the season, completing 30 of 39 passes for 292 yards with no interceptions, but no touchdowns either.  Steven Jackson ran one in for his first rushing score as a Falcon.  2 Matt Bryant field goals made up the rest of the lack luster offense.  The defense did a pretty good job holding a good New Orleans team to 17 points.  (2-9)

NFC WEST (The Race For 2nd is On)

• Seahawks: Bye Week. (10-1)
• 49ers: It’s always a good day when your defense holds the opponent to field goals.  And he wasn’t good last week, but boy did Colin Kaepernick look good this week. San Fran’s man under center threw 3 touchdowns, finished with a total of 255-yards and no turnovers.  Anquan Boldin was the recipient of two of those touchdown passes, with the other going to Vernon Davis.  The run game was lacking, but they did enough to win and keep pace with the cards.  (7-4)
• Cardinals: This team continues to win, and this week they made a statement against a very good team. Carson Palmer threw for 2 scores and over 300-yards. Larry Fitzgerald caught five passes for 52-yards and 2 touchdowns, and according to NFL.com, become the youngest player in NFL history to reach 11,000 yards receiving.  Jay Feely added 4 field-goals to the 40-point effort. The defense shut down the Colts offense, including a Karlos Dansby pick 6 in their 20-point 2nd quarter.  Head Coach Bruce Arians beat the team that he was the interim head coach for a year ago when Chuck Pagano fought leukemia.  They’ve moved themselves into playoff contention. (7-4)
• Rams: I’ve said it all year, this defense is for real.  And this week, the offense matched their greatness with a season high 42 points.  It’s their 2nd game in a row where they’ve looked unstoppable on offense, and against good teams.  21 in the 1st quarter made it an uphill battle all game for Chicago, and they couldn’t recover.  Kellen Clemens’ performance wasn’t anything to write home about, 167-yards, and a touchdown.  The story was the run game.  For a team that took til week 9 to drive it in on the ground, the Rams picked up rushing touchdowns from 3 different players.  Rookie rushers Billy Cunningham and Zac Stacy each found the end zone, as did rookie wide-receiver Tavon Austin.  The defense got a pick and forced 2 fumbles. (5-6)

AFC EAST (A Big Win All But Ensures New England’s Division Championship)

• Patriots: An atrocious 1st half was followed up by an incredible 2nd half.  Two early fumbles which led to 2 touchdowns put New England down 14-0 quick.  Down 24-0 at the half, 31 unanswered points in the 2nd half to take a 1-score lead in the 4th quarter.  Tom Brady was brilliant after early struggles, finishing with 344-yards passing and 3 touchdowns.  Julian Edelman had a huge night, finishing with 9 catches for 110-yards and two touchdowns.  After the defense allowed Denver to tie the score forcing overtime, Stephen Gostkowski hit his 21st straight to give them the big come-from-behind victory. (8-3)
• Jets: It was all bad on Sunday, leading to their first 2-game losing streak of the season.  Geno Smith was as bad as he’s been all season, completing just 9 of 22 passes along with committing 3 turnovers.  The run game didn’t help, low-lighted by a Chris Ivory ankle sprain. It doesn’t help when the offense finishes just 1-for-12 on 3rd down conversions either. The defense wasn’t terrible, but they did lose Antonio Cromartie to a hip injury. (5-6)
• Dolphins: They got off to a hot start against one of the hottest teams in the league, but then the Panthers defense tightened up, and the Miami offense had no answer. The run game continues to suffer following the bully scandal and the loss of two key offensive linemen.  Ryan Tannehill passed for over 300-yards and threw a touchdown, while Caleb Sturgis hit 3 of his 4 field goal attempts.  But all the good came in the 1st half before they could do nothing right in the 2nd half.  Mike Wallace had 127-yards receiving and a touchdown, but missed on a possible game-winner from Tannehill. (5-6)
• Bills: Bye Week. (4-7)

AFC NORTH (The Cats are Still Sitting Pretty, but Things Are Tightening Up)

• Bengals: Bye Week. (7-4) 
• Steelers: The comeback from an 0-4 start continues.  Ben Roethlisberger threw 2 touchdowns, to Antonio Brown in the 1st half, and Emmanuel Sanders in the 2nd half to keep playoff hopes alive.  Le’Veon Bell added 80-yards on the ground to Big Ben’s 217 passing. 4 forced turnovers didn’t hurt either. It’s Roethlisberger’s 16th win over Cleveland in 17 career starts, and gives Pittsburgh the season sweep over their division foes. (5-6)
• Ravens: Jacoby Jones has a big day receiving, finishing with 103-yards on just 4 catches.  Joe Flacco finished with 1 touchdown thrown to Jones, 1 pick and 273-yards passing. Justin Tucker continues to come up big, hitting all 4 of his field-goal attempts, including a 53-yarder.  The run game disappeared again, but it didn’t matter with how the defense played.  They didn’t allow the Jets to sustain drives, while recording 3 sacks and forcing 3 turnovers.  The win puts Baltimore back in contention for a wildcard spot. (5-6)
• Browns: The season got off to a promising start, but losing 6-of-7 have turned it into another season that could end at the bottom of the division.  Injuries at quarterback have defined the season, and their 3rd starter of the season went down, when Jason Campbell left with a head injury after being sacked.  Brandon Weedon came back in, but couldn’t help stop another loss.  4 turnovers, including 3 lost fumbles led to the two score loss.  Not even Josh Gordon’s 227-yards receiving could help stave off defeat. (4-7)

AFC South (Indy Running Out of Luck?)

• Colts: This team can’t continue to get off to such bad starts.  After a strong 1st half of the season, this team is starting to show why a lack of a run game could hurt them in the playoffs. Andrew Luck came within 2-yards of being the team leader in rushing against Arizona, which can’t happen with a non-mobile quarterback.  Luck wasn’t good passing either, throwing a pick 6, and throwing a garbage time touchdown to Coby Fleener. At this point, they’re just lucky they built up a big lead in the division with Tennessee not going away. (7-4)
• Titans: Don’t look now, but Tennessee is the number 6 seed in the AFC.  It took til the 2nd half to score a touchdown, but Ryan Fitzpatrick found the end-zone twice, including a game-winning strike to Kendall Wright with 10 seconds left in regulation.  The defense held Oakland to one touchdown and field-goal attempts, and they were helped out by a couple misses.  They also won the turnover battle, which was key in a 1 score game. (5-6) 
  
• Jaguars: Maurice Jones-Drew continues his 2nd half resurgence, rushing for 84-yards on 14 carries including a touchdown. Chad Henne managed the game well, throwing for 239 with no touchdowns but no turnovers.  The defense held late as Houston drove down the field, when rookie Ryan Davis grabbed a deflected ball for the interception to seal the victory. (2-9)
• Texans: Things went from bad to worst for a once highly thought of Houston squad.  Make it 9 straight losses,dropping them into a tie for last place after the home loss to the Jaguars. Case Keenum was back under center after being benched in the 2nd half last week in favor of Matt Schaub.  Keenum with his worst performance of his young career, completing just 18 of 34 passes for 169-yards and an interception. It’s hard to win when you can’t do anything but kick field-goals, no matter who you’re playing. (2-9)

AFC WEST (Denver Blows Opportunity to take a lead in the Division)

• Broncos: A week after coming up big, Peyton Manning came up small on the road against New England.  A season low 150-yards, two touchdowns and a pick, Manning couldn’t pick up a big road win despite being spotted a defensive touchdown and good field position on another early turnover.  Knowshon Moreno did his best to save Denver, rushing for a career high 224-yards and a score.  Bad news on Moreno, he as found on crutches after the game.  The defense couldn’t do anything in the 2nd half, allowing the Pats to score on  their first 5 drives of the 2nd half. (9-2)
• Chiefs: Defensive injuries are piling up at the wrong time, leading to their 2nd straight loss.  Both Tamba Hali and Justin Houston left in the 1st half with bad injuries.  Alex Smith threw the ball as good as he has all year, going for nearly 300-yards, 3 scores and 1 pick.  Jamaal Charles added his 7th and 8th rushing scores on the year as apart of a 115-yard performance.  Dwayne Bowe’s touchdown catch with under 3 to play looked to be the dagger to help overcome their injuries, but it wasn’t to be. (9-2)
• Chargers: Make it 11 wins versus the Chiefs for Philip Rivers. San Diego’s QB took advantage of Kansas City’s defensive injuries, torching the depleted secondary for  392-yards and three touchdowns, the final one a 26-yarder to Seyi Ajirotutu with 24 seconds remaining to snap their 3-game losing streak.  Ryan Matthews and Danny Woodhead added scores on the ground.  Their defense wasn’t great, but they were lucky Kansas City was so banged up, and that the offense clicked on all cylinders. (5-6)
• Raiders: Sebastian Janikowski doesn’t miss many, but he missed two on Sunday, in a 3-point loss.  Matt McGloin wasn’t too bad, throwing for 260, a score and a pick.  Rashad Jennings couldn’t crack the 100-yard mark again, but it wasn’t a bad effort by Oakland.  A win would’ve put them in the 6 seed in the AFC, instead they fall further down in the playoff hunt, and drop to the bottom of the West. (4-7)

That’s it.  Week 13 approaches as division foes square off to better their playoff standings, play spoiler and pick up as many wins as possible.

Enjoy.

NFL: Week 11 Predictions

A lot of key matchups this week.  Just how you want week 11 to be.

Just two teams on their byes: Dallas and St. Louis.

Another bad week for me, thanks to a lot of good teams losing. I went just 5-8 in week 10.

Thursday Night Football

• Indianapolis @ Tennessee: Both teams are coming off bad losses.  The Colts got absolutely man handled by the Rams at home, while the Titans gave the Jags their first win of the season.  Tennessee will be without starting quarterback Jake Locker, something that isn’t new for this team, and have a very up and down run game.  As for the Colts, Andrew Luck had maybe his worst game of his young career, and has shown bounce back ability.  For that reason alone, give me the road team in this one.  INDY WINS

1PM Sunday Games

• New York Jets @ Buffalo: The Jets don’t seem to like winning or losing two games in a row, but I see their first win streak of the season coming.  They’re rested off the bye against a Bills team that didn’t look good in EJ Manuel’s return.  I just think New York is poised to take that next step. And to do that, they have to beat their bottom-dwelling division foes. NEW YORK WINS
• Baltimore @ Chicago: The Ravens looked a little more like the championship squad they were last season last week. While the Bears will be without Jay Cutler and Lance Briggs coming off a two-point loss to Detroit.  I know this is a home game for the Bears, but I think Ray Rice can finally have a good game against Chicago, whose defense hasn’t been spectacular after a strong 3-0 start. BALTIMORE WINS
• Cleveland @ Cincinnati: It’s a key AFC North match-up as the Browns look to stay relevant in the wild card chase, and with the Bengals looking to keep their two game lead.  Cincy needs Andy Dalton to play more like he did during their 4 game win streak, and less like the turnover prone guy he’s been their last two defeats.  The Browns have been up and down, and yet are still tied for 2nd with the Ravens.  I think the Bengals defense makes plays to get them back in the win column. CINCY WINS
• Oakland @ Houston: The Raiders haven’t looked good the last couple of weeks.  Terrelle Pryor is a mobile QB, but he hasn’t looked great throwing or running of late, and that’s not going to get it done.  As for the Texans, they haven’t looked good since week 2.  But Case Keenum has impressed me in his 3 starts, and I think he can get this ship back on track.  I also like what I saw from JJ Watt a week ago.  HOUSTON WINS
• Arizona @ Jacksonville: The Jags finally got a win, and against a decent Titans squad.  And the Cardinals are much improved from their 5 win season a year ago.  Arizona’s defense is going to give Jacksonville fits, and I think it will result in turnovers. ARIZONA WINS
• Washington @ Philadelphia: This is a big game for both teams.  The Eagles are looking to make a statement and break a 1st place tie for first, while the struggling Reskins are just hoping to stay out of last place. Nick Foles has taken the starting job and ran with it, or rather thrown a lot of touchdowns.  RGIII hasn’t looked anything like the guy that took his team on a 7-game win streak to end the season last year.  I think this team finally breaks the streak and gets a home win. PHILLY WINS
• Detroit @ Pittsburgh: The Lions are finally putting together the year everyone’s been waiting for.  The offense is explosive now that they have a legit run game, and the defense is showing up too.  As for the Steelers, they’re in real danger of missing the playoffs for a 2nd straight year.  There are even rumors Ben Roethlisberger is looking for a trade.  Detroit has a chance to make a statement in the North, and I think they do so on the road. DETROIT WINS
• Atlanta @ Tampa Bay: So the Bucs aren’t winless any more, and the Falcons still only have 2 wins. Just how we all saw the South shaping up.  I keep not wanting to pick the falcons, but they’re better than the Bucs… I guess.  Tampa shutdown the Dolphins run game on Monday, but the Falcons don’t have a run game anyway. Give me the road team. ATLANTA WINS

4/4:25PM Sunday Games

• San Diego @ Miami: The Dolphins are in turmoil, the Chargers are inconsistent.  Both got off to good starts to the season, but have been bad of late. Both teams have had trouble to get the run game going at times, while both have very inconsistent QBs. Can I pick nobody?  No, ok give me the drama free team.  SAN DIEGO WINS
• San Francisco @ New Orleans: One of my right match-ups here between two of the NFCs best.  The niners were absolutely shut down by the Panthers a week ago, while the Saints put on an offensive clinic against Dallas.  San Fran needs to keep pace with the division leading Seahawks, while the Saints have to hold off a hot Carolina squad. The 49ers defense is better than the boys, but this game is home for the Saints, and they are nearly unstoppable in the dome.  And I think that’s the difference.  NEW ORLEANS WINS
• Green Bay @ New York Giants: The Pack are starting their 3rd different quarterback in their last 3 games, and two straight losses.  Not what you want in an improved North division.  As for the Giants, Eli Manning needs a good game, and he always finds a way to play the Pack tough.  With the run game finally showing up big time last week, and the defense rounding into shape, I think the Giants make it 4 straight. NEW YORK WINS
• Minnesota @ Seattle: The Seahawks put their recent struggles (if you can call winning ugly struggling) behind them with an easy win in week 10.  That while the Vikings picked up their 1st win since week 3 on Thursday Night.  Adrian Peterson has looked better the last two, but it’s not going to be enough against Seattle’s defense.  Not to mention the hawks crazy good running back of their own. SEATTLE WINS

Sunday Night Football

• Kansas City @ Denver: Talk about a must-see match-up.  The top 2 teams in the West flexed out the Packers/Giants game and for good reason.  A combined 17-1, this battle will be key for the number 1 seed in the AFC.  And it’s only their 1st match-up. The Broncos offense is far superior to the Chiefs, while KC has the edge defensively.  Peyton Manning is banged up (ankles) but will be under center.  As good as the Chiefs have been defensively, the Broncos are far more balanced, and this being a home game, to me, this means a tie atop the division come early Monday morning. DENVER WINS

Monday Night Football

• New England @ Carolina: I know Sunday Night is probably the biggest game, but this to me, is the most intriguing.  The Patriots are starting to round into shape, while the Panthers are maybe the hottest team in the league.  New England has been shutdown a couple times this season by defenses similar to Carolina’s but not as good as the Panthers have been.  I think Cam Newton and company can run over this team with a little help from their shutdown D. If this were a home game for the Pats, I might pick differently.  But it’s not. CAROLINA WINS

The match-ups to get you started and finish you off aren’t necessarily what you’d hope, but it’s still football. So enjoy.

NFL: Week 9 Thoughts

We’ve passed the half-way point, and there are still a couple team looking for a their first win, and the Chiefs remain unbeaten, despite teams best efforts.

6 more teams were off this week: New York, Detroit, Jacksonville, Denver, Arizona and San Francisco.

NFC EAST (A Strange Thing Happened- Everyone Not on a Bye Won)

• Cowboys: They never make it easy, almost losing to a one win Minnesota team at home.  But Tony Romo shook off a late interception to drive his team to a late second game winning touchdown to Dwayne Harris.  Jason Witten had a good day, catching 8 passes for 102 yards and a touchdown.  Their rush defense couldn’t slow down Adrian Peterson, but they did a good job on Christian Ponder in the pass game.  (5-4)
• Eagles: Nick Foles really doesn’t want to give up his starting job.  He only threw for 7 touchdowns, tying an NFL record with 6 other QBs (Peyton Manning did this in the season opener).   Wide-receiver Riley Cooper was the beneficiary of 3 of those touchdowns, finishing with 139 yards receiving.  Not to be outdone, Desean Jackson finished with 150 yards and a touchdown on the day.  This after a few weeks of struggles on offense, and against a previously top 10 ranked defense in Oakland. (4-5)
• Redskins: It took overtime, but Washington was able to pick up a win and stay on pace with the rest of their division mates.  As if they needed more weapons on the ground, with RGIII and Alfred Morris on the roster, full-back Darrell Young emerged and found the end-zone 3 times, including the game winner.  Entering action, Young had only carried the ball twice this season.  Add 121 more yards from Morris, and you have why this team survived the Chargers comeback attempt.  (3-5)
• Giants: Bye Week. (2-6)

NFC NORTH (These Teams Can Score With Anyone)

• Packers:  A division loss bigger than most.  Quarterback Aaron Rodgers went down with a what turned out to be a fractured collarbone on Green Bay’s opening drive, and is expected to miss at least 3 weeks.  Seneca Wallace didn’t do much in his absence, completing just 11 of 19 passes for 114 yards and an interception.  Rookie runner Eddie Lacy did all he could to make up for the Rodgers injury, picking up 150 yards and a touchdown on the ground.  The loss snaps a 6-game win streak over NFC North opponents. (5-3)
• Lions: Bye Week. (5-3)
• Bears: No Jay Cutler. No problem.  Back-up Josh McCown had a good day, throwing for 272 yards and two touchdowns, and no turnovers.  Brandon Marshall had a big day receiving, catching 7 passes for 107 yards and a score.  The wide-out was only outdone by back Matt Forte, who ran for 125 and a score.  Defensive end Shea McClellin had 3 of Chicago’s 4 sacks on the night.  (5-4)
• Vikings: They had a chance to pick up their 2nd win of the year, but they left too much time on the clock for the Dallas offense.  Adrian Peterson woke up, rushing for a 140 yards and a score.  Ponder added another score on the ground, and threw one to tight-end Kyle Rudolph, who left late with a foot injury.  3 sacks on the day, including two by Brian Robison.  Make it 4 straight in the loss column. (1-7)

NFC SOUTH (New Orleans Has Company)

• Saints: If you’ve got a good front 7, you can beat this team.  Losing Darren Sproles in the 1st quarter, and being without franchise TD leader Marques Colston didn’t help, but there are too many weapons on this team to lose to an inconsistent Jets team.  But it happened, thanks in large part to two Drew Brees interceptions and a lack of a run game following the Sproles injury.  (6-2)
• Panthers: Cam Newton wasn’t as mistake free as he’s been, but it didn’t stop Carolina from picking up their fourth straight win.  Newton threw two interceptions, and just one touchdown, but he did run one in.  The defense is a big reason for the win, pitching a shutout in the 2nd half, and picking off Matt Ryan 3 times.  Cornerback Drayton Florence returned one of those interceptions for a 38-yard touchdown.  Fullback Mike Tolbert scored his 5th TD during the win streak. (5-3)
• Falcons:  So much for this team making a run.  Another 3 Matt Ryan picks meant another loss for a team with superbowl aspirations.  Steven Jackson had his first rushing touchdown as falcon, but littleness can be found in the bright spot category for Atlanta.  Much like Houston in the AFC, this team is a big disappointment.  (2-6)
• Buccaneers: They managed to carry a 21-3 lead into the halfe time break against a very good Seahawks team on the road.  but then the Seattle defense picked up and their bid for win number 1 came to an end in overtime. (0-8)

NFC WEST (Seattle Hasn’t Looked Great Lately, But Keeps On Winning)

• Seahawks: For the 2nd week in a row, this didn’t look like the best team in the NFC, but luckily for them, they weren’t playing high caliber teams.  They put themselves in a big hole early against the winless Bucs, and needed an extra frame to finish them off.  A big reason for the win was the contributions of Golden Tate on punt returns and Marshawn Lynch in the run game.  (8-1)
• 49ers: Bye Week. (6-2)
• Cardinals: Bye Week. (4-4)
• Rams: It took til week nine, but this team finally picked up their first rushing touchdown of the season.  It was apart of a second consecutive 100-yard game from rookie Zac Stacy, who finished with 127 yards on 27 carries and two touchdowns.  Too bad for St. Louis, it wasn’t enough.  Kellen Clemens was mediocre, throwing for 210 and a score, but he did lose a fumble.   Their defense did get to interceptions, and record 3 sacks. (3-6)

AFC EAST (Looking Like A Two Team Race)

• Patriots: They tied an NFL season high with 55 points, and had a big day on the ground and in the air.  Tom Brady had 252 passing yards in the 1st half alone, more than 5 of his first 8 games this season.  He finished with 432 and four touchdowns, including a 2 to Aaron Dobson and 1 to Rob Gronkowski, both who finished with over 100 yards receiving   Danny Amendola also tallied a 100+ yard game, as did Stevan Ridley, though his work was on the ground.  The defense wasn’t spectacular, but you don’t need to be if the offense clicks like it did this time out. (7-2)
• Jets: This team continues to play to the level of their opponents, and has still yet to lose or win 2 in a row.  They absolutely shut down the Saints on defense, and did a lot of good on offense.  Chris Ivory bounced back from a poor week 8 to deliver nearly 140 rushing yards and a touchdown.  Geno Smith wasn’t great, but he didn’t turn the ball over either.  Nick Foles continues to have a great year kicking the football, making all 4 of his field-goal attempts; he’s now 23 for his last 23, the longest streak in the league.  The defense did a good job stopping the run, and limiting the Saints high-powered offense.  (5-4)
• Dolphins: It wasn’t pretty, but when you snap a 4-game losing streak, all you want is the win.  For only the 3rd time in NFL history, Miami won on a safety, thanks to a Cameron Wake sack.  It was a strange way to end their skid, but there were a lot of good things Thursday night.  The defense was good all night, forcing 3 Bengals turnovers and limiting too many big passing plays, and of course the game winning safety.  Ryan Tannehill also had a nice game, especially on the drive late in the 4th to help force overtime. (4-4)
• Bills: They managed a season best 470 yards of total offense against a stout defense. But two turnovers in the 2nd half were returned for scores, killing any chance of handing KC their first loss of the year.  Jeff Tuel’s pass at the goal line in the opening minutes of the 2nd half was picked off and returned a 100 yards to tie the score at 10.  CJ Spiller and Fred Jackson combined for nearly 200 yards on the ground, but no scores.  Their defense did a good job, but it wasn’t enough.  (3-6)

AFC NORTH (Cincy Isn’t All Defense These Days, But They Are All Alone at the Top)

• Bengals: They didn’t play like a team that entered action on a 4-game win streak.  To be fair, not many teams fair well on a short week, but after the way this team has been playing on offense, they were almost as bad for much of the game.  Two Mike Nuggent field-goals and running back Giovani Bernard wee the scoring offense for Cincy on Thursday.  Bernard found the end-zone twice, while fellow back BenJarvis Green-Ellis helped out on the ground in a nice way.  Andy Dalton had been so great in the past four, but three picks and taking a game losing safety in OT was a big step backward.  This while the defense did an uncharacteristically bad job stopping the Dolphins run game. (6-3) 
• Browns: Snapping an 11-game losing streak to anyone is nice, but to a division rival, which helps you leap frog them in the standings, is a beautiful thing. Cleveland did a lot of good things against Baltimore, and it all started with Jason Campbell under center. The 31-year-old QB threw 3 touchdowns, 2 to Davone Bess, for 262 yards, while not turning the ball over. Greg Little had a big day, with 122 yards receiving. Cleveland won while getting nothing out of star tight-end Jordan Cameron and very little out the run game.  (4-5)
• Ravens: The reigning Super Bowl champs countinure to sputter, losing to Cleveland for the first time in the Joe Flacco era. Flacco didn’t have a bad day, throwing for 250 yards and 2 touchdowns to Marlon Brown, but he was picked off once. And you know you have a problem when Flacco leads the team in rushing with 25. Ray Rice continues to struggle mightily on the ground, and this team isn’t the same without him going well. (3-5)
• Steelers: You’re not going to win many games when you allow a franchise high in points, especially when it’s to the Patriots.  And that’s exactly what happened Sunday at Foxborough.  They got down early, and managed to come back to tie the score at 24 in the 3rd quarter, but were outscored 31-7 the rest of the way.  Jericho Cotchery benefited from a big day by Ben Roethlisberger, catching 3 touchdown passes, but big Ben also threw 2 picks in the loss.  They allowed New England to gain 630 yards of offense. (2-6)

AFC South  (The Luck Still Hasn’t Run Out)

• Colts: For the 10th time in his young career, Andrew Luck led his team on a fourth quarter comeback. He had some help from breakout receiver TY Hilton, who caught 3 touchdowns. Hilton had really stepped up in the absence of Reggie Wayne. Indy continues to get nothing in the run game, as Trent Richardson continues to struggle since coming over in a trade earlier this year. A couple of two-point conversions on late TDs and a couple of missed Houston field goals helped secure the come from behind win. (6-2)
• Titans: Jake Locker was not good, but luckily Chris Johnson picked up the slack on the ground.  Locker had only thrown 1 pick all season, but threw two Sunday, though he did score with his legs. The run game was the offense, with Johnson scoring twice, and Shone Green adding another. The defense did enough in the end, and this team is in the hunt, just two games back and two left with Indy, (4-4)
• Texans:  Case Keenum looked like really good in the 1st half, thanks in large part to Andre Johnson  who had nearly 200 yards receiving before the break.  The young starter had his team up 21-3 over a good Indianapolis squad heading into the break, then things took a turn for the worse.  In a scary moment, head coach Gary Kubiak collapsed as the teams headed to the locker room.  He was taken to the hospital for precautionary reasons and was treated at the hospital with medicine that’s “designed to break up clots consistent with people who suffer strokes.”  Wade Phillips took over head coaching duties, and the team didn’t respond.  Randy Bullock missed two field goals and the team was held to just 3 points in the half as the Colts came back yet again  They’re now losers of 6 straight. (2-6)
• Jaguars: Bye week. (0-8)

AFC WEST (KC Likes Winning So Much They Just Keep Doing It)

• Chiefs: Another case of making it hard on themselves, but finding a way to get it done for the leagues remaining unbeaten.  Down 10-3 at the half, the defense picked up in the 2nd half to help get them another win.  Linebacker Tamba Hali and cornerback Sean Smith both returned turnovers for touchdowns.  The offense was non-existent, managing just 210 yards of total offense.  (9-0)
• Broncos: Bye Week – It wasn’t a quiet week off for Denver, as the learned they’ll be without head coach John Fox for an extended amount of time.  The 58-year-old Fox felt light-headed while golfing, went to the hospital, and will have heart surgery.  Defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio will take over in his absence. (7-1)
• Chargers: With a chance to win in regulation, what they thought was a Danny Woodhead touchdown was ruled down inside the 1.  And somehow they couldn’t punch it in.  Resulting in a game-tying field goal, and ending in an overtime loss to Washington.  Rookie wide-out Keenan Allen continues to impress, catching 8 passes for 128 yards and a touchdown.  Philip Rivers had a bad 1st half, but picked it up in the 2nd half.  In the end, the Skins ability to run it in from inside the 10 proved too much.  This team continues to be very up and down.  (4-4)
• Raiders: The defense had been on a role, but they had no answer for the Eagles passing game on Sunday.  Their run game led by Terrelle Pryor was good again, with Rashad Jennings getting over 100 yards following an injury to Darren McFadden.  But it’s pretty hard to come back from a 28-13 1st half deficit if you yourself cannot throw the ball too well.  Sure Pryor finished with 288 yards passing, but couldn’t find the end-zone while throwing two picks. (3-5)

That’s it.  Week 10 approaches.

NFL: First Half Recap

So we’ve seen week 8 come and go, marking the unofficial halfway point of the season.

Sure some teams have already taken their bye, meaning they’ve only played 7 of their 16 game scheduled, but many have played 8.  So I figured I’d take a look back at my picks for the major awards and who was gonna win it all, and tell you who really won the 1st half of the season.

My Pre-season Division and Wild Card Winners

• NFC: New York, Seattle, Green Bay, Atlanta, Dallas & New Orleans

Clearly I, was very off when I picked the Falcons and Giants to win their divisions.  Sure it could still happen, but it’s very unlikely as they sit in 3rd and 4th respectively.  But Seattle and Green Bay are both sitting pretty atop their respective divisions, and while Dallas and New Orleans aren’t wildcard times, they of course lead their divisions and would be playoff teams, as I thought they would be. I think the easiest division for me to pick had been the North.  But this has become of the of the bigger surprises for me, with both Detroit and Chicago right there heading into the second half.  The Saints, who I thought would be in a dog-fight with the Falcons all year for the South are coasting right now, but as we all know, a lot can happen in a short amount of time in the NFL.  If the playoffs started today, 4 of my 6 pick would make the playoffs.

• AFC: Patriots, Denver, Baltimore, Houston, Cincinnati, and Indy

Here’s another case of getting the teams right (for the most part), just not picking them high enough.  Let’s talk about Indianapolis, who are showing they are a legit Superbowl contender, having knocked off three of the best teams in the league (Denver, Seattle and San Francisco), and easily at that.  I had them winning the a wild card spot, so I wasn’t really off, but I never thought they’d do this well again.  A lot of their success last year came in 4th quarter comebacks, something I didn’t see them replicating.  Denver I’m not wrong about, but my biggest shock might be in Kansas City.  I knew the Chiefs would be improved, never did I think they’d lead this division.  I figured they’d battle for a wild card.  But here they are the last undefeated team standing.  The Pats hold a slim lead, but things can change quickly if they’re not careful.  Baltimore and Houston have been big disappoints, while the Bengals defense has given them a nice lead in the North.  Just like in the NFC, 4 of my 6 picks would make the playoffs if they started today.

• My AFC and NFC Championship games probably won’t end up quite the way I picked them, but my Superbowl pick of Denver over Seattle (sure call it chalk) does remain as a real possibility.

And how about my pre-season award winners?  Here is how some of my picks have changed.

Offensive Rookie of the Year:

• I picked Texans Wide-receiver DeAndre Hopkins.  After a half of football, my vote would now go to Packers Running Back Eddie Lacy, who I put down as an honorable mention.  He’s given the Packers another option on offense, which just makes them more dangerous.

Offensive Player of the Year:

• I picked Lions WR Calvin Johnson.  After a half of football, my vote would now go to Broncos QB Peyton Manning, another pre-season honorable mention by me.  How could he not be the guy right now? Look at his stats: 29 touchdowns to 6 interceptions. He’s completing nearly 72% of his passes and has only been sacked 11 times in 8 games.  Sure he’s got a lot of weapons but he’s also finding them and making all the throws.  But to be fair to Megatron, he’s having an insane year yet again.

Defensive Player of the Year:

• I picked Bengals Defensive Tackle Geno Atkins.  After a half of football, my vote would now go to the Chiefs OLB Tamba Hali.  This guy has done a little bit of everything.  4 forced fumbles, 23 tackles, a pick 6 and 9 sacks.
• Other possibilities: Bills MLB Kiko Alonso, Seahawks CB Earl Thomas or Chiefs OLB Justin Houston.

Most Valuable Player:

• I picked Packers QB Aaron Rodgers.  After a half of football, my vote would now go to Colts QB Andrew Luck.  This guy has shown he was the right guy to take number 1 last year.  He can outplay the best of them, and can put early game struggles behind him to help his team late.  His numbers aren’t flashy, but he takes care of the ball and is a true leader.
• Other possibilities: Broncos QB Peyton Manning, Seahawks QB Russell Wilson and Lions WR Calvin Johnson.

Coach of the Year:

• I picked Seahawks Pete Carroll.  After a half of football, my vote would now go to Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid.  When you turn a 2 win team into an undefeated team halfway through the season, you’re going to be considered for awards.
• Other possibilities: Bengals Marvin Lewis, Colts Chuck Pagano and Panthers Juan Rivera.

And finally my biggest surprises good and bad of the first half.

Biggest Disappointment – Team

• Houston Texans: This is a team I saw as one of the last two standing in the AFC.  With a running back tandem like Arian Foster and Ben Tate, with a very good defense that got back Brian Cushing to play along side last year’s defensive player of the year in JJ Watt, I thought it was time for this team to take that next step.  But Matt Schaub has regressed, and is now injured, and TJ Yates didn’t do much better backing him up.
• Dis-Honorable Mention: New York Giants – They collapsed in the 2nd half of 2012, and have carried that bad play into 2013.  Injuries have ravaged the o-line, secondary and running back position, but they still have too many weapons to be just 2-6 in the first half.

Biggest Disappointment – Offensive Player

• Ravens RB Ray Rice: This is a guy who is usually atop the rushing yards leader board.  But a year removed from helping his team win the Superbowl, Rice hasn’t done much to help his team, and it’s a big reason why they’re just a 2-win team coming out of their bye.  At 26, there should still be something left in the tank, but he hasn’t been producing.  He’s been very good in his career after the bye, so maybe the extra time off will help get him back on track.
• Dis-Honorable Mention: Redskins QB Robert Griffin III – It might not be fair to say this, as the mobile quarterback is coming off a serious knee injury that knocked him out of the playoffs last year.  But if you’re going to let him play, that means he’s healthy, which means we should be seeing more consistency from last years Rookie of the Year.

Biggest Pleasant Surprise – Team

• Carolina Panthers: This team is riding on the high of a 3 game win streak that saw their offense put up 30+ points again, and the defense limit its opponents to 13.7 points a game, 2nd only to KC.  This team hadn’t been over .500 since before Cam Newton was drafted.  They are 2nd in a division where the Falcons play.  That means something.
• Honorable Mention: Kansas City Chiefs – 2 and 14 to 8 and 0.  A sack happy, shutdown defense.  A good run game.  A quarterback who is very good at game management. They get honorable mention because despite a bad record a year ago, this team sent 6 players to the pro bowl, so the turnaround isn’t a huge surprise. This team is primed for a postseason run.

Biggest Pleasant Surprise – Player

• Cowboys LB Sean Lee: This guy has a nose for the football, tied for 1st in the NFL with four interceptions, one of which he returned for a score.  He also has the most return yards of a defensive player.  He’s also defended 10 passes, recovered a fumble and has a combined 81 tackles.
• Honorable Mention: Raiders QB Terrelle Pryor – His team only has 3 wins, and his numbers aren’t great, but after a few years of disappointment, he’s shown glimpses. First of all, those 3 wins match Oakland’s win total from a year ago.  He can run with the best of the mobile quarterbacks.  And he wasn’t even supposed to be the starter. Matt Flynn was brought in, and Pryor just flat-out beat him for the job.

So there you have it.  That was fun, looking back at what I thought preseason and seeing how it’s panning out.  Of course there’s still a whole lot of football to be played, and everything I wrote here (or almost everything) could be meaningless come week 9 or 10.   But that’s the beauty of the gridiron, nothing stays the same for long.  So win, lose or draw, let’s go out and enjoy the 2nd half of the 2013 season as much as we did the 1st half.

NFL: Week 8 Thoughts

We’ve reached the mid-way point of the season, and 2 win-less teams, while just 1 undefeated squad remain.

This weeks bye teams: Baltimore, Houston, San Diego, Tennessee, Indianapolis, and Chicago.

I know it’s the NFL, and injuries are apart of the game, but this week seemed to contain a lot more season ending ones than normal.

NFC EAST (We Live in a World Where a 2-win Team is Just 2 Games Out)

• Cowboys:  What looked like win number 5 ended in a heart-breaking last second loss.  When you force 4 turnovers, and don’t turn it over yourself, you should probably win.  Sean Lee’s two interceptions, and Dez Bryant’s 2 touchdowns mean little in a bad road loss. (4-4)
• Eagles: Michael Vick left hurt again, and Matt Barkley turned the ball over a lot.  Make it 10-straight home losses, further extending a franchise record.  With another bad offense showing, they’ve gained just 479 yards the past two games. (3-5)
• Redskins: They did something no other team had done against Denver, carry a lead into the 4th quarter.  The defense was great the first three quarters, turning two Manning turnovers into points to help build said lead.  But they just couldn’t stop the Broncos in the final period.  More troubling was the play of Robert Griffin III, who only completed 50% of his throws, couldn’t hold onto the ball, threw two picks, and was a non-factor in the run game.  (2-5)
• Giants: This team will take ugly wins any day, and they got their second of the year Sunday.  Eli Manning and his offense didn’t hurt themselves with turnovers, though they did stop drives with drops and bad passes.  Btu they scored on 5 of their drives, thanks to Josh Brown’s career high 5-5 on field goal attempts.  The defense pitched a second straight shutout, with the only score coming on a special teams fumble recovery. (2-6)

NFC NORTH (These Teams Can Score With Anyone)

• Packers: When you score on every possession until you take victory formation, you know you had a good day.  This team has lost a number of weapons, but Aaron Rodgers continues to find new weapons.  Rodgers completed 24 of 29 passes, with Jordy Nelson going for 123 yards receiving and 2 touchdowns. Micah Hyde added a second quarter 93 yard punt return touchdown, while Eddie Lacy rushed for 94 yards and a score.   (6-2)
• Lions:  Matt Stafford and company turned the ball over 4 times, but when it mattered the offense got down the field mistake free for an 80-yard game winning touchdown drive to sink the Cowboys.  Their biggest weapon showed once again why his nickname is “Megatron.”  Calvin Johnson had himself a day for the ages, grabbing 14 balls for 329 yards, the 2nd best performance in NFL history.  The monster total trails only the 336 yards receiving Flipper Anderson had for the LA Rams  in an overtime game against New Orleans back in 1989.  The game winner was a fake snap keeper by Stafford, that perfectly capped off a strange game. It was a huge come-from-behind victory, that helps Detroit in a the race for a playoff spot. (5-3)
• Bears:  Bye Week.  (4-3)
• Vikings:  Rookie wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson set an NFL record with a 109-yard return on the opening kickoff to give Minnesota a quick lead.  But it wouldn’t last.  Adrian Peterson rushed for 60 yards and a touchdown while Christian Ponder’s return wasn’t anything to write home about.  The newly reinstated starting QB ran for a score, but managed just 145 yards passing.  The big problem was the defense had no answer for Green Bay, though they’re not alone there.  (1-6)

NFC SOUTH (The Panthers Are Looking to Pounce)

• Saints: It was slow going early, but once it was all said and done, they came out with a big home win.  A big reason why they picked up win number 6: big contributions from guys returning from injury.  Jimmy Graham came back from an ankle to score 2 touchdowns, while Lance Moore added one of his own to the get the scoring started for New Orleans.  Add a big day from rookie Kenny Stills, 5 Drew Brees touchdown passes and a defense that rattled Thad Lewis all day, you’ve got why this team is sitting pretty atop the division. (6-1)
• Panthers: They got the best of a division match-up to start off week 8, meaning that for the first time in Cam Newton’s career, he’s over .500 and on a three game win streak (which has seen them score 30+ point in each).  In another easy win on Thursday Night, Newton became the 1st player in NFL History to run for 25 and throw for 50 touchdowns in any three year span of a career.  Carolina’s mobile quarterback threw 2 scores, and ran for another in the win, while DeAngelo Williams added another score on the ground.  The defense did it’s job as well, picking up 3 sacks, while recovering a fumble.  (4-3)
• Falcons: So much for putting together a second straight good game.  Matt Ryan threw four picks, after only throwing 3 in their first 6 games.  Harry Douglas had another good game as a featured wide-out, but it didn’t matter. They got absolutely nothing on the ground, while their defense couldn’t stop Arizona in the run game.  (2-5)
• Buccaneers: Another day, another loss.  They couldn’t get anything going on offense, particularly in the run game.  Mike Glennon was forced to throw the ball 51 times. It’s the 7th time in franchise history that they’ve opened up losers for their 1st 7 games.   (0-7)

NFC WEST (So Many Wins)

• Seahawks: Russell Wilson was on the ground, a lot.  But they found a way to win despite a big effort by the Rams defense.  In the end it was their defense that held, stopping the Rams on a last second goal-line stand where it was touchdown or bust for Seattle.  It wasn’t a crisp night on offense.  Wide-out Golden Tate caught both of the games only touchdowns.  It was rare rough night on the ground for both Wilson and Marshawn Lynch, who managed just 23 yards on the ground.  They’re the only team to force at least two turnovers in the first 8 games of the season. (7-1)
• 49ers: It was time and travel money well spent for San Fran, who knocked off the hapless Jags in London for their 5th straight win.  The defense did it’s job against Jacksonville, but the offense was the story.  Colin Kaepernick continues to wreak havoc not with his arm, but with his legs.  Two rushing touchdowns, one thrown for the Niners QB.  Not to mention another two on the ground from their actual running back Frank Gore.  (6-2)
• Cardinals: Rookie rusher Andre Ellington is a huge reason why this team got to .500.  The youngster out of Clemson rushed for 154 yards on 15 carries, including an 80-yard touchdown run.  And how about Pro Bowler Larry Fitzgerald’s day.  Number 11 caught four passes for 48 yards and a touchdown, becoming the youngest player – at 30 years, 57 days – in NFL history to reach 800 career receptions. (4-4)
• Rams: Robert Quinn had himself a Monday night.  The defensive end now has 10 sacks through 8 games, 3 of them against Seattle, which hasn’t happened by a Ram in 25 years.  In fact, the entire defense was crazy active all night, getting Russell Wilson to the ground.  In his first start for the injured Sam Bradford, Kellen Clemens didn’t help his teams cause, throwing 2 interceptions. Zac Stacy and Greg Zuerlein were the offense.  Stacy with 134 yards rushing, and Zuerlein went 3-4 on field goal attempts.  But when they needed it most, Stacy was shaken up and the team through 8 games still doesn’t have a rushing touchdown. (3-5)

AFC EAST (New England Continues to Find a Way)

• Patriots: A big 2nd half comeback helped New England avoid losing back-to-back division games for the first time since 2006. 24 unanswered points by the Pats, including two touchdowns in the span of 7 plans in the 3rd quarter helped shake off an ugly first half.  But Tom Brady had another bad start, throwing for just 116 yards, and managing just 1 touchdown pass. But the defense held long enough for them to find a way, and it means putting some distance back between them and the rest of the division. (6-2)
• Jets: Win, lose, win, lose.  This team is inconsistent to the point they haven’t been on any sort of win or losing streak this season.  A week after a big win over New England, the Jets looked lost against the Bengals.  To be fair Cincy is hot right now, but Geno Smith wasn’t good, and the defense had no answer for a relative no-name in wide-receiver Marvin Jones. It didn’t help when you starting back only gets you 11 yards on the ground  but again, that’s a product of the Bengals crazy good defense.  (4-4)
• Dolphins: Remember when this team was 3-0?  Yeah me neither.  This week, they came out firing in the first half, carrying a 17-3 lead to the locker room.  What could’ve been a big road win, turned into their 4th straight defeat.  Ryan Tannehill threw for 2 touchdowns, but turned the ball over 3 times. (3-4)
• Bills: They were in the game at half-time, but the Saints offense was just too much for Buffalo.  Thad Lewis had no chance with the pressure New Orleans put on him, sacking him 4 times, and forcing 3 fumbles, two the starting QB lost.  Fred Jackson found the end-zone, but didn’t have a great day on the ground. (3-5)

AFC NORTH (Cincy Isn’t All Defense These Days, But They Are All Alone at the Top)

• Bengals: This team isn’t just about defense, and if Cincy figures out how to get more from their run game, the AFC should be very afraid.  Andy Dalton is on the best streak of his career, adding a high of 5-touchdown passes against New York.  Marvin Jones, and not AJ Green was the story on offense, catching a Bengals record 4 of Dalton’s five TD passes.  Green could’ve had a big day, but had some drops.  The defense didn’t let the Jets do anything on offense.  The weeks biggest blowout allowed the Bengals to rest their starters, including Dalton for the 4th quarter. This team is running away with this division. (6-2) 
• Ravens: Bye Week.  (3-4)
• Browns: They played a lot better with Jason Campbell under center, but KC’s defense is just too good.  They were in the game the entire time, thanks in large part from a good day by Josh Gordon, who went for 132 receiving yards and a touchdown. Campbell took over for the ineffective Brandon Weedon, and did a good job not turning the ball over, and avoiding big hits against a sack-happy Chiefs front 7. (3-5)
• Steelers: Just when you thought maybe this team was turning it around, they lose Oakland. And it’s not so much that they lost, it’s how they lost.  They had absolutely no answer for the run game, letting both Terrelle Pryor and Darren McFadden combine for almost 200 yards and 3 touchdowns.  This defense used to be known or their ability to stop the run, but you wouldn’t know that looking at the box score of this one. And their own ground and pound was non-existent, meaning Ben Roethlisberger had to throw it 45 times. (2-5)

AFC South  (Nobody Gained or Lost Ground With Just the Jags Playing)

• Colts: Bye Week. (5-2)
• Titans: Bye Week. (3-4)
• Texans: Bye week. (2-5)
• Jaguars: The only South team in action, Jacksonville went all the way to London to just to lose their 8th game of the year, and 13th straight dating back to last season.  The offense wasn’t necessarily the problem, with Maurice Jones-Drew having one of his best day on the ground and in the pass game of the season.  Chad Henne was also okay, throwing for a touchdown and committing no turnovers.  But the 49ers on a level so far out of sight that there was really no chance.  The run defense was non-existent.  They really will be in a race for worst record with the likes of Tampa Bay and Minnesota all year. (0-8)

AFC WEST (It’s A Two Team Race)

• Chiefs:  They continue to find ways to make enough plays to win, and remain unbeaten halfway through the season. It wasn’t pretty, but Alex Smith continues to be smart with the football, throwing for 225 yards, two touchdowns and no turnovers.  Jamaal Charles had another good day on the ground.  The defense only managed one sack, a rare thing for them this season, but they held Cleveland scoreless in the 1st and 4th quarters. They’re the first team to win their first 8 games after losing 14 the previous season.  (8-0)
• Broncos: It’s hard enough to score 31 points in a game, let alone a quarter, making Denver’s 38 in the 4th look even more impressive.  Peyton Manning had a bad day, something you don’t say often about a guy who throws for 354 yards and 4 touchdowns.  But the former MVP also threw 3 interceptions and lost a fumble.  But he led his team to victory in the end, and that’s all that really matters.  That and he showed no ill effects from a ankle issue that held him out of practice early in the week.  (7-1)
• Chargers: Bye Week. (4-3)
• Raiders: Terrelle Pryor and Darren McFadden had a huge day on the ground.  Pryor scored on a 93-yard run, the longest by a quarterback in NFL history, while McFadden found pay dirt twice.  They almost blew the lead late, but their defense did enough to pick up win number 3, which matches last seasons win total. (3-4)

So that’s it.  One half down, one to go.

NFL: Week 8 Predictions

Week 8. Wow. We’ve come to the halfway point of the season (for teams that haven’t taken a bye that is).

Speaking of byes, six teams are off this week: the Ravens, Bears, Titans, Colts, Chargers and Texans.

I went 9-6 last week in my picks, and now here are my picks for week 8.

Thursday Night Football

• Carolina @ Tampa Bay: It’s not the most glamorous matchup to get Week 8 started.  Cam Newton and his Panthers offense have been playing very well the last few weeks, while Mike Glennon had a good day in a loss to Atlanta.  The Bucs are still looking for their first win and are without their top back after Doug Martin tore a labrum last weekend.  The Panthers defense has been very good at getting to the quarterback, and if they can do the same thing to Glennon, I see this being another easy win for the cats.  CAROLINA WINS

1PM Sunday Games

• San Francisco @ Jacksonville: Let’s be honest, the Jags are bad, and the 49ers are hot.  Jacksonville had its best game 2 weeks ago against Denver and still lost by almost 20 points. The revolving door of Blaine Gabbert or Chad Henne at quarterback continues, with Henne getting the nod this week.  The run game for the Niners, coupled with a great defense, is just too much for a flawed Jacksonville team. SAN FRAN WINS
• Cleveland @ Kansas City: Brandon Weedon to the bench, Jason Campbell under center for the Browns.  Off two straight bad performances, Cleveland is trying something different.  A tough time to change quarterbacks when they’re on the road taking on the leagues only undefeated team.  At 7-0, the Chiefs are obviously playing good football, particularly on defense, and should have another big day. KANSAS CITY WINS
• Miami @ New England: I was surprised at how bad the Dolphins played out of the gate last week, coming off their bye.  The offense got going and took the lead over Buffalo, but couldn’t hold it.  The same came be said for the Patriots, who managed to force overtime against the Jets.  The Pats hold just a one game edge in the East, and the Dolphins are now 2 back.  This is a big game for both squads, but give me the home team. NEW ENGLAND WINS
• Buffalo @ New Orleans: The Bills offense played well a week ago against Miami, and the defense made the plays late to secure a victory.  But they have to do a better job of holding a lead if they get one against the Saints, which is easier said than done. And I don’t really see them having a lead, let alone holding one.  I think the week off the Saints good, and not to mention how hard it is to play in the Superdome. NEW ORLEANS WINS
• Dallas @ Detroit: Two high-powered offenses in this one. The Lions lost a tough one against Cincy, the cowboys won an easy one against Philly.  But Detroit actually played better on offense than Dallas did a week ago, and with DeMarco Murray still questionable for this week, I think the Lions just have more weapons right now, both offensively and defensively. DETROIT WINS
• New York Giants @ Philadelphia: The G-Men finally enter a game coming off a win, the Eagles head in on a loss.  Some good news for Philly, who will be getting back Michael Vick. The ground game was better for the Giants for a second straight week, while the defense has done a great job stopping the run themselves.  I think a with a win under their belt, the Giants start to find a rhythm. Rarely do these two teams sweep the season series, and I think the Giants get a big road win, their first.  NEW YORK WINS

4/4:25PM Sunday Games

• Pittsburgh @ Oakland: They’re still not playing their best football, but the Steelers have no won two straight against good teams. They’re doing a good job stoping the run, which they’ll need against Terrelle Pryor and the Raiders.  Oakland is coming off their bye week and while they’ve played better this season than most expected, I think the Steelers get a third straight and continue to get good progress out of Le’Veon Bell. PITTSBURGH WINS
• New York Jets @ Cincinnati: The Jets got a big division win last week, while the Bengals increased their own division lead.  Both teams have gotten big performances out of their defenses this season.  But I think the difference will be Andy Dalton finding his rhythm, while Geno Smith continues to have one up and one down game, as to be expected with rookie QBs.  I just really like how the Cincy is playing, and have been able to win without much production in the run game, something they probably won’t get against New York.  Another case of give me the home team here. CINCINNATI WINS
• Atlanta @ Arizona: Matt Ryan should get back Roddy White and possibly even Steven Jackson, giving him two more weapons to play with.  The Cardinals got off to a good start this season, but I think the Falcons are primed for a run.  ATLANTA WINS
• Washington @ Denver: The Redskins offense was on point last week, but the defense was not.  And despite a tweaked ankle for Peyton Manning, this offense is going to be motivated coming off their first loss.  It might not be a blowout, but I can’t see the Broncos losing a 2nd straight, especially with this being a home game. DENVER WINS

Sunday Night Football

• Green Bay @ Minnesota: The Packers are now down 2 of their best offensive weapons with the loss of wide-out Randall Cobb and tight-end Jermichael Finley.  But the Vikings are back to a change at QB now that after 1 start Josh Freeman has a concussion, meaning Christian Ponder will be under center.  GREEN BAY WINS

Monday Night Football

• Seattle @ St. Louis: The Seahawks are just better than the Rams, and without Sam Bradford under center, it doesn’t help.  The Rams have added Brady Quinn and Austin Davis to the roster, after only being left with Kellen Clemens.  No word on who gets the start yet, but I don’t think it really matters. SEATTLE WINS

So that’s it.  Enjoy week 8 everybody.

NFL: Week 7 Thoughts

Through 7 weeks, we’re down to 2 win-less teams, while just 1 undefeated squad remains.

New Orleans and Oakland had their byes.

I know it’s the NFL, and injuries are apart of the game, but this week seemed to contain a lot more season ending ones than normal.

NFC EAST (We Have a Winning Team Atop the Division)

• Cowboys: Despite many injuries, the defense came to play.  They harassed Nick Foles all day, then knocked him out late in the 3rd quarter with an injury.  Not to mention holding a high octane offense in Philly to under 300 yards of total offense.  A decent day on the ground without DeMarco Murray, along with just enough from Tony Romo and a Phillip Tanner TD run, means a winning record and an NFC East lead all to themselves.  Dallas is also now 3-0 in the division.  (4-3)
• Eagles: Down two quarterbacks following a head injury to Nick Foles, Matt Barkley saw his first action, and it wasn’t a great debut.   Three interceptions, no touchdowns for the fourth round pick out of USC.  The defense did all they could against the Cowboys, picking off Romo twice, and holding him to one touchdown.  The score was just 3-0 boys at the half. (3-4)
• Redskins:  A good day for the offense, with both Alfred Morris and RGIII running for over 80 yards a piece.  Add 298 yards and 2TDs from Griffin to that against a take-a-way happy Bears defense.  But this day belonged to Roy Helu Jr, who scored 3 touchdowns, including the game winner with 45 seconds left.  Rookie tight-end Jordan Reed had a big day as well, catching 9 passes for a 134-yards including getting into the end-zone once. (2-4)
• Giants: It wasn’t pretty, but it was a win, New York’s first of the season.  For the third straight game, the Giants defense shutdown a top 5 running back, this time the reigning MVP.  And for the first time this season, the defense pitched a shutout, forcing three Vikings turnovers to their one.  This while Eli Manning finally played turnover free football.  That’s not to say the Giants QB looked great.  There were a couple missed picks by the Vikings, to go with some poorly thrown balls and drops, but a turnover free day from the offense is something this team desperately needed.  Ruben Randle did lose a fumble on special teams, but made up for it with a 24-yard touchdown catch.  Peyton Hillis made an immediate impact running the ball, as did rookie Michael Cox, even if the numbers don’t show it.  Philly’s up next before their bye week. (1-6)

NFC NORTH (New Leader, But Still Crowded at the Top)

• Packers: Aaron Rodgers and company got off to a fast start against Cleveland, leading 14-0 after the 1st quarter, and they never let up.  Rodgers threw for 3 touchdowns, while rookie back Eddie Lacy added another on the ground.  They’ve leaped back into first, but it came with a cost.  Tight-end Jermichael Finley, who was getting more targets with the loss of Randall Cobb, was carted off the field in the 2nd half after a big helmet-to-helmet hit.  As of Monday night, Finley was out of the ICU, had movement in his extremities, and is out indefinitely. (4-2)
• Lions: Matthew Stafford had a big day, thanks in large part to his favorite target.  He hooked up with Calvin Johnson to the tune of two touchdowns and 155 yards.  Stafford ended up over 300 yards, something a passer hadn’t done to the Bengals in 20 games.  But it wasn’t enough, as rookie punter Sam Martin shanked a kick late in the game, which set up a Cincy game winning field-goal as time expired. (4-3)
• Bears:  Devin Hester and Matt Forte were the stars.  Hester tied an NFL record with his 19th return touchdown, an 81-yard punt return in the 1st half.  Forte ran in for two touchdowns, including a 50-yarder in the 3rd quarter.  But the defense had no answer for RGIII and the Redskins, and it didn’t help when they lost Jay Cutler to a groin injury late in the 1st half.   They held two short lived leads, including 41-38 late, but it’s hard to win when you allow nearly 500 yards of total offense.  (4-3)
• Vikings: How Josh Freeman is their best option is quarterback astounds me, but maybe we give the guy a break, as he learns a new system.  But what I really want to know is how a game changer like Adrian Peterson only ran the ball 13 times. I get the Giants did a good job stopping him, but he’s the type of back that no matter how a game is going, can rip a long one.  And this was a close game throughout.  That being said, without a special teams touchdown, there’d be no real positives for this team.  Sure they didn’t do terribly on defense, but they also missed a couple opportunities. (1-4)

NFC SOUTH (It’s Still All About the Big Easy)

• Saints: Bye Week. (5-1)
• Panthers: Another good day from Cam Newton and their defense helped Carolina double up the Rams 30-15.  Newton didn’t put up big numbers, throwing for just over 200 yards, but was accurate and smart with the football.  The run game was adequate with Newton teaming up with DeAngelo Williams and Mike Tolbert to combine for over 100 yards on the ground.  The defense forced two turnovers, racked up 4 sacks and knocked the Rams Sam Bradford from the game. (3-3)
• Falcons:  Harry Douglas was huge in the absence of Julio Jones and Roddy White.  The 5th year pro had seven receptions for a career-best 149 yards, including a 37-yard touchdown catch.  The Bucs made it interesting but the defense had its moments, like when safety Williams Moore sacked Mike Glennon to force a fumble on Tampa Bay’s first possession. Safety Thomas DeCoud added a 30-yard TD on a fumble recovery.  It was a much needed win for a team many thought had chances at a Superbowl run. (2-4)
• Buccaneers: The offense had probably it’s best game of the year, and had a chance in the 4th, but couldn’t muster more than 2 field-goals in the final period.  Vincent Jackson continues to put up big numbers, grabbing 10 balls for 138-yards and 2 scores.  But in a winless year, things got worse.  Tampa Lost star running back Doug Martin for the year to a torn labrum.  (0-6)

NFC WEST (The Hawks Continue to Fly Higher than the Rest)

• Seahawks: They never trailed Sunday against Arizona, but didn’t pull away until the 2nd half.  Seattle played well on both sides of the football.  Their defense picked off Carson Palmer twice and dropped the Cards QB 7 times.  The offense turned both those turnovers into touchdowns as a part of a 3 score day for Russell Wilson.  Wilson did fumble twice, but a fourth touchdown on the ground by Marshawn Lynch helped the hawks pull away.  Wide-receiver Sidney Rice found the endzone for the 3rd time in 2013. (6-1)
• 49ers: The score says they only won by 14, but their fourth straight victory was never really close.  Up 17-0 at halftime, it took until the 4th for Tennessee to do anything productive on offense.  Colin Kaepernick wasn’t at his best in the air, but on the ground, him and Frank Gore did work.  Kaepernick found paydirt once, while Gore scored two rushing TDs.  The 49ers special teams added a score, when Kassim Osgood recovered a muffed punt for a touchdown.  (4-2)
• Rams:  Sam Bradford was carted off late in the 4th, and it was revealed that he did in fact tear his ACL, and is lost for the season.  But the game was basically over by then thanks in large part to penalties.  St Louis was flagged for five personal fouls alone, and defensive end Chris Long was ejected for throwing a punch.  Turnovers and a lack of a ground game didn’t help. (3-4)
• Cardinals: They kept it close early, but couldn’t avoid losing their 7th divisional game.  With absolutely no help on the ground, Palmer was forced to throw the ball 45 times, and managed just one touchdown and two interceptions.  Palmer did manage to spread the completions around, with 9 players registering receptions.  Jay Feely had a good day kicking the ball, going 3-3 on his field-goals, with a long of 52. (3-4)

AFC EAST (We Have a Race)

• Patriots: They rallied late in the 4th to force overtime, but a new league penalty call helped set up New York’s game winner.   Chris Jones was called for and unsportsmanlike conduct for pushing a teammate forward in an attempt to block the kick.  But the game only went to overtime after New England rallied in the 4th after allowing the Jets to score 17 unanswered in the 3rd.  For the 2nd time in 3 games, Tom Brady didn’t throw a touchdown, and threw a pick 6 in the first half.  It was the run game and the leg of Stephen Gostkowski that gave them a chance in overtime.  Rob Gronkowski had a big day in his season debut, catching 8 Brady passes for 114-yards.  (5-2)
• Jets: A risky 56-yard field goal attempt in overtime almost gave New England a chance to win it.  But the penalty on Jones gave New York new life, and Nick Folk an easier attempt from 42, which he nailed.  Geno Smith has yet to lose 2 straight games thanks to their overtime win against the Pats. Chris Ivory with over 100 yards on the ground. (4-3)
• Dolphins: It wasn’t the performance you want coming out of your bye week.  Down 14-0 early, they managed to take the lead heading into the 4th quarter, but a turnover late set up a game winner for Buffalo.  Ryan Tannehill threw 3 touchdowns to lead the comeback, but his three turnovers (two interceptions) led to two Bills scores.  After starting out the season 3-0, the fins need to figure some stuff out in an improved division and quick. (3-3)
• Bills: The defense won the game for Buffalo.  Rookie defensive back Nickell Robey’s pick six on the 3rd play of the game helped them build a big 1st quarter lead.  After blowing that 14-0 lead, Mario Williams had the play of the game, a sack forced fumble set up the game winning field goal but none other than former Dolphins kicker Dan Carpenter.  Carpenter was released by Miami in August. The win snapped a 6 game road losing streak.  (3-4)

AFC NORTH (The Cats Have Come to Play)

• Bengals: It wasn’t easy, but they did just enough to outlast a high-powered Lions offense.  Andy Dalton had a good day, showing he can go deep with an early 82-yard TD strike to AJ Green, as apart of a 3 touchdown, 372-yard passing day.  Dalton needed a big day in the air, because he got very little help on the ground.  Taking advantage of a short field in regulation, Dalton got into field-goal range, and Mike Nugent kicked the game winner, a 54-yard field-goal as time expired.  It was a big win, putting some distance between them and the rest of the league, with both Baltimore and Cleveland losing.  It’s also their 2nd straight road win. (5-2) 
• Ravens: Another day, another close game doesn’t go their way.  They managed to come back and tie the Steelers in the 4th, but it wasn’t enough to avoid a 3rd loss in their last 4.  The defense did it’s job, holding Pittsburgh to mostly field-goals.  But once again Ray Rice did nothing on the ground, while Joe Flacco didn’t do much good or bad in the passing game.  Justin Tucker continues to be their only consistent offense, going 3-3 on field-goal attempts to keep it close.  (3-4)
• Browns: Brandon Weedon with another bad start since returning from injury.  Cleveland’s QB went just 17-for-42 for 149 yards, a touchdown and an interception.  The Packers offense was just too much for their defense, which had been rounding into form during their 3 game win streak. Yet another case of a team not getting steady production on the ground, which puts the onus on the quarterback to throw more.  (3-4)
• Steelers: Shaun Suisham’s leg was the hero, hitting all four of his field-goal attempts, including the 42-yard game winner as time expired.  Rookie rusher Le’Veon Bell ran for a career high 98 yards.  The defense only dropped Flacco once, but did a good job stopping the run.  It’s their 2nd straight win after starting the season 0-4. (2-4)

AFC South  (Luck Has Everything To Do With It)

• Colts: This team continues to show they’re for real.  They have no defeated the Seahawks, 49ers and Broncos, and by an average of over 10 points.  It’s hard to win any games against Denver, let alone in Peyton Manning’s return to Indy.  But Manning’s replacement shows more and more why he was the number 1 pick in last years draft.  Andrew Luck was on point, An MRI confirmed that iconic wide-out Reggie Wayne is done for the year with a torn ACL suffered in Sunday night’s win.  (5-2)
• Titans: Jake Locker’s return wasn’t enough to save Tennessee from a 2nd straight loss.  The offense couldn’t do anything until the 4th quarter, but by then it was too late.  Another week, another lack of production from Chris Johnson on the ground, though he did have a nice showing in the pass game.  Locker threw for 326-yards, but was sacked 3 times and picked off once in his return from injury. (3-4)
• Texans:  Making a bad season worse, Houston is now on a 5- game losing streak, and saw both of their tailbacks go down.  Arian Foster left in the 1st quarter with a hamstring, then Ben Tate went down early in the 3rd, but he would return.  They also saw Brian Cushing go down with a left knee injury.  The defense got their first take away, a fumble recovery, since week 4 against Seattle,  One of the few positives was the play of Case Keenum at quarterback.  He looked steady all game, spreading the ball to many different players, and he didn’t throw any picks, something unique to Texans QBs this season.   But little protection late led to a lot of drive killing sacks, as well as the final one on a potential game winning drive which resulted in a lost fumble.  But look for Keenum to get another shot after throwing for more yards in a debut by a Texans quarterback. (2-5)
• Jaguars:  According to NFL.com, their the first team since the 1984 Houston Oilers to lose every game of the season (played so far) by double digits.  The Oilers opened the season losing their first 10 this way.  After a decent showing against Denver, the offense couldn’t do much of anything.  Chad Henne wasn’t awful, throwing for over 300 yards, but he couldn’t find the end-zone, and threw one interception.  Maurice Jones-Drew and the run game was non-existent once again.  (0-7) 

AFC WEST (And Then There Was One)

• Chiefs: Don’t look now, but a 2-win team from last season now stands as the last undefeated team and the division leaders.  Jamaal Charles ran for 86-yards and a score, while Alex Smith added a rushing score of his own.  They got one of their tougher tests from a desperate Texans team, but a strip sack with under two to play by Tamba Hali on rookie quarterback Case Keenum sealed the one point victory.  (7-0)
• Broncos: They let the Colts jump out early, and they just couldn’t recover.  Peyton Manning sure tried to get his team to 7-0, and it looked like it would work.  But an interception and a fumble in the fourth quarter meant Denver just didn’t have enough time to complete a comeback.  They were down as many as 19, but managed to close the final deficit to 6. Eric Decker went for a season high 150 yards and a touchdown, while the run game continues to force Manning to throw nearly 50 passes. The loss ended their undefeated season and snapped a 17-game regular season win streak.  And just like that, they’re not even in first anymore thanks to a great start by KC.  (6-1)
• Chargers: Ryan Matthews with his second straight 100 yard rushing game, while finding the endzone twice.  Phillip Rivers with a good day, going over 30,000 yards passing for his career.  The defense did exactly what it should against a team like Jacksonville.  They kept the pressure on them and held the Jags to just a pair of field-goals.  (4-3)
• Raiders: Bye Week. (2-4)

So that’s it.  Week 8 is upon us.  It gets started in Tampa Bay on Thursday, where Mike Glennon hopes to lead his team to their first win of the year, while Cam Newton hopes to lead his team to a 3rd straight victory.  Enjoy it everyone.

NFL: Week 6 Thoughts

6 down. 11 to go.  And we still have 3 win-less teams, as well as 2 undefeated squads.

Atlanta and Miami were both on their bye weeks.

NFC EAST (At Least a Couple Teams Are at .500 Now)

• Cowboys: A big win on Sunday night, but it came with some costly injuries.  Both defensive end Demarcus Ware and running back DeMarco Murray left with injuries.  Ware with a pulled quad muscle, and could miss 3-4 weeks; he’s never missed a start since entering the league in 2005. Meanwhile, Murray, who scored the games first touchdown, left with a knee sprain; he’s expected to miss about a week. Dwayne Harris returned a punt for an 86-yard touchdown and set up another Dallas score with a 90-yard kickoff return.  Tony Romo had just 170 passing yards a week after his 506 in a loss to Denver.  I think he’ll take that trade every time.  (3-3)
• Eagles:  The offense had a huge day, with LeSean McCoy running for 116 yard, while Nick Foles threw for nearly 300 yards and 3 TDs, while running for a 4th, in place of the injured Michael Vick. Desean Jackson caught 2 touchdowns, while Riley Cooper found paydirt once, while racking up 120 receiving yards.  It was close early, but the defense held Tampa to just a field goal in the in the 2nd half. (3-3)
• Redskins: Robert Griffin III completed less than 50% of his throws, threw no touchdowns and one pick in their loss to Dallas.  RGIII did rush for 77 yards, but fumbled twice, losing one.  Alfred Morris score their lone offensive touchdown as a part of his 81 yard rushing day.   The defense managed just one sack of Romo, but Rob Jackson did take a pick to the house.  Their special teams play was a killer, unable to stop Dwayne Harris from putting up big return numbers. (1-4)
• Giants: They played their best game of the season, and still managed to lose.  Eli Manning threw 2 picks in his first 5 pass attempts, but it was the interception thrown on a possible game winning drive in the 4th quarter that sealed their win-less fate.  It was a game that saw Brandon Jacobs run like it was 2008, scoring 2TDs and bringing a much-needed run game back to New York.  When a guy like Jacobs turns back the clock like that, you’ve got to find a way to win.  But no pass rush to go with turnovers hurt Big Blue once again.  It’s the teams first 0-6 start since 1976.  (0-6)

NFC NORTH (It’s Crowded At the Top)

• Lions: Calvin Johnson made his return after a week off with an injury, but didn’t have a big stat day, as he was used as more of a decoy.  Tight-end Joseph Fauria was the beneficiary, catching a career high 3 touchdowns, including the one to seal the victory with 2:01 left to go in regulation.  Matthew Stafford threw 3 of his 4 TD passes in the 2nd half to rally his team to victory and keep a share of 1st place. (4-2)
• Bears: Brandon Marshall had a huge game in Chicago’s first win since week 3.  The team did everything they could to give New York the game in the 4th except turn the ball over, but in the end they held tough and picked off Manning 3 times in the final frame.  Tim Jennings got Manning twice, including a 48-yard return for a touchdown on the Giants opening drive.  QB  Jay Cutler had a good day, with no turnovers and throwing for two scores.    (4-2)
• Packers: Outside of a 64-yard touchdown strike to Jordy Nelson, Aaron Rodgers didn’t bring his A game on Sunday.  But Green Bay held on despite a big fourth quarter comeback attempt by Baltimore.  4 Mason Crosby field goals and 120 yards on the ground by rookie rusher Eddie Lacy helped give the Pack just enough cushion.  Despite being without Clay Matthews, their defense held Joe Flacco and the Ravens offense in check, sacking last years Superbowl MVP five times, and holding Baltimore backs to 47 combined yards on the ground.  It was their first road win of the year.  AJ Hawk was a monster, picking up 3 sacks in the win. (3-2)
• Vikings: it was a trying week for Minnesota as they came off their bye.  Adrian Peterson played days after the death of his son, while Matt Cassel got the start despite the addition of Josh Freeman at quarterback.  Cassel couldn’t make it two wins in a row for his Vikes, throwing 2 interceptions, both of which led to Carolina touchdowns.  (1-4)

NFC SOUTH (The Saints Are Still Running Away With It) 

• Saints: In a dog fight with New England, they left   Drew Brees had brought them back from an early 10-point deficit to take a 27-23 lead late in the 4th.   But they left too much time on the clock for Tom Brady, losing their first of the year on a last second touchdown.  Tight-end Jimmy Graham had entered action averaging over 118 yards receiving a game this season, but was held catch-less, and pulled up lame late in the game. (5-1)
• Panthers: They used their bye week well.  Cam Newton was spectacular, throwing for 3 scores, and running for a 4th in a 25-point rout of Minnesota.  Carolina took advantage of turnovers, and carried an 11-point lead into halftime.  (2-3)
• Falcons:  Bye Week. (1-4)
• Buccaneers: Vincent Jackson had a huge day, but they still couldn’t pick up win number 1.   The wide-out caught 9 passes for 114 yards and Tampa’s two touchdowns. Mike Glennon didn’t have a bad day either, throwing for two scores and one pick.  They just couldn’t stop the Eagles offense, which combined for 412 yards in the air and on the ground. (0-5)

NFC WEST (The Most Improved Division?)

• Seahawks: It wasn’t their best performance, but a win is a win.  They won this one on the ground, with Marshawn Lynch running for two scores, and racking up 155 all-purpose yards in the process.  Richard Sherman did what he does, picking off Ryan Fitzpatrick early in the 4th quarter.  Russell Wilson showed once again why he’s one of the top young QB’s in the league, throwing for over 250 yards, no picks and adding 77-yards on the ground.  Seattle has now won 11 straight home games, proving they have one of the best home-field advantages in football.  (5-1)
• 49ers: Vernon Davis had an absolute monster of a 1st half, 177 yards and 2 touchdowns, finishing with a career high 180 yards receiving.  It was also another banner day for the defense, forcing 4 turnovers for the second straight week.  Add another 100 yard rushing game for Frank Gore and a strong day by Colin Kaepernick, and you have another big win for San Francisco. (4-2)
• Rams: Talk about a big win.  They played well in all facets of the game, scoring on defense and special teams to go along with 3 TD passes from Sam Bradford.  Alec Ogletree returned a TJ Yates interception 98 yards to push their lead to 38-6.   The defense racked up 5 sacks including 2 by Michael Brockers. (3-3)
• Cardinals: Larry Fitzgerald gave Arizona a 1st quarter 7-6 lead on a 75-yard catch and run from Carlson Palmer.  But then the 49ers took over and the Cardinals couldn’t recover, even getting shut out in the 4th quarter.  They turned the ball over 4 times, and also lost star defensive end Calais Campbell to an apparent right leg injury late in the game. (3-3)

AFC EAST (Brady’s Comeback Puts Some Distance Atop the Division)

• Patriots: They survived a Tom Brady pick with just over 2 minutes to go.  They got the ball back with just over a minute to go thanks to a good stop by Chandler Jones on 3rd down.  And with 5 seconds left, Tom Brady hit Kenbrell Thompkins in the end zone to cap off a 70-yard game winning drive.  It was a big win a week after Brady was shutout in the touchdown department.  Stevan Ridley helped out big time on the ground, finding the end zone twice, and racking up over a 100 yards from scrimmage. (5-1)
• Dolphins: Bye Week. (3-2)
• Jets: A step back for Rookie Geno Smith and the Jets in their home game against the once win-less Steelers.  Smith threw two interceptions, barely got over the 200 yard mark and fumbled once.  The offense mustered just two Nick Folk field goals in the first half.  (3-3)
• Bills: The running game was very balanced on Sunday, with 5 players getting touches, including new starting QB Thad Lewis.  Lewis threw for 2 touchdowns, and ran for another in his second career start.  14 points in the 4th quarter forced overtime against Cincinnati, but they fell by a field goal none-the-less. (2-4)

AFC NORTH (Where Almost Everyone is 3-2)

• Bengals: it wasn’t pretty, but Cincy got it done in overtime against Buffalo. Up 27-10 heading into the 4th, it looked like it would be an easy win for the Bengals.  But 14 unanswered by the Bills sent the game to OT.  BenJarvius Green-Ellis and not Giovanni Bernard was the featured back, and he delivered 86 rushing yards.  Andy Dalton threw for over 300 yards and broke a two game touchdown-less drought in a big way, finding the end-zone three times.  AJ Green did his thing, going over 100 yards again.  (4-2) 
• Ravens: The defense wasn’t the problem Sunday in Green Bay.  The offense was shutdown in the first half, and was forced to mount a furious comeback in the 4th, one that came just 2 points shy of being completed.  Ray Rice and the run game was not a factor in this one at all, and though Flacco threw for almost 350 and 2 touchdowns, he also fumbled twice, losing one. (3-3)
• Browns: Brandon Weedon was not good Sunday in Detroit, and with no help on the ground, Cleveland didn’t have enough to get past the Lions. The newly reinstated starting QB was picked off late on a strange shovel pass when the game was not yet out of reach.  Guys like Buster Skrine and TJ Ward had very nice games on defense, while receiver Josh Gordon caught 7 balls for 126 yards.  They let a 10-point half-time lead slip away thanks to a goose egg in the second half. (3-3)
• Pittsburgh: Steelers fans travel well, and on this day their team played well, picking up their first win of 2013.  The defense was outstanding, holding the Jets to a pair of field goals, and finally turning over an opponent.   They were the only league to not force a turnover through week 5.  With no production on the ground, Ben Roethlisberger had a good game, completing 23 of 30 passes for 264 yards and a score.  (1-4)

AFC South (Houston We Have a Problem) 

• Colts: A rare bad game for Indy, who managed just 3 Adam Vinatieri field-goals on Monday Night.  Andrew Luck wasn’t so lucky on this night, with many big drops by his receivers.  And yet he still had a chance in the 4th quarter, to drive his team on yet another comeback.  But it wasn’t meant to be, throwing his only interception of the game with less than two to play.  Reggie Wayne with a nice milestone in the loss, hitting the 1,000 reception mark and passing Steeler great Hines Ward on the all-time receptions list for 8th place. (4-2)
• Titans:  Tennessee made things tough on the Seahawks, something that’s hard to do in that home-field advantage Seattle boasts.  They had plenty of chances to steal one, but when Ryan Fitzpatrick ties Chris Johnson for the team lead in rushing yards, you know things aren’t going well.  Their lone touchdown came thanks to their special teams, who recovered a bad snap on a field goal to end the 1st half.  (3-3)
• Texans: Things went from bad to worse in Houston.  Matt Schaub didn’t throw a pick 6 for what would’ve been the 7th straight game, but he did leave late in the 3rd with a right ankle injuries.  The beleaguered starting QB left to cheers from the Houston crowd, and was replaced by TJ Yates, who did throw a pick 6 of his own.  (2-4)
• Jaguars: It was probably their best game of the year, but in the end the Broncos were just too much for them.  It was just a 2-point game mid-way through the 3rd, despite the crazy 28-point spread put on the game in Denver’s favor.  Justin Blackmon had another good game, 190 receiving yards, thanks to a big day from Chad Henne, who threw for 2TDs and 303 yards.  But the defense couldn’t stop the run game in the redzone, which was the difference. (0-6) 

(AFC WEST) Where All the Undefeated Teams Reside

• Broncos: Peyton Manning with his worth performance of the year, losing two fumbles and throwing his 2nd pick of the year.  And still they won by 16.  The big story was the performance of Knowshon Moreno, who rand for just 42 yards, but scored 3 rushing touchdowns. Talk about taking advantage in the red-zone.  (6-0)
• Chiefs: This team just can’t lose right now and it’s all thanks to their stellar defense.  10 sacks in one game is a lot no matter who you’re playing, but against a rival Oakland team that boasts a mobile quarterback, that’s just downright impressive.  Tamba Ali racked up 3.5 of those.  Alex Smith wasn’t good, but he didn’t need to be thanks to his defense and two touchdown runs by Jamaal Charles.  Smith completed just 14 of 31 pass attempts for 128 yards, but didn’t turn the ball over, which is exactly what head coach Andy Reid wants.  (6-0)
• Chargers: Nick Novak kicked 3 big field goals to help bounce back from a tough loss to Oakland last week.  The offense didn’t turn the ball over, and the lone touchdown of the day was thrown to rookie Keenan Allen, who had another big day.  Their lone forced turnover sealed the win late in the 4th quarter.  Ryan Matthews broke a string of 23 straight games without a 100-yard rusher for San Diego. (3-3)
• Raiders: Terrelle Pryor got little help from his offensive line.  He was sacked 10 times.  Their lone touchdown, a 39-yard strike to Denarius Moore, actually gave them a 2nd quarter lead.  Pryor threw three picks, one for a Kansas City score, and saw his offense shutout in the 2nd half. (2-4)

So that’s a wrap on week 6.  Week 7 kicks off on Thursday Night Football with an NFC West Showdown.  The Seahawks are in Arizona for a date with the Cardinals.