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PAFL Week 6 – Write ups
The early part of the season has given us a great number of surprises; Carolina was expected to make a move up the standings next year, but obviously, they aren’t waiting to pull off the band aid in the NFC East. Likewise, Green Bay and the Chargers are sitting atop their respective divisions undefeated, and certainly look to be pushing a few teams out of the playoffs that have had their tickets punched the last few years. Over in the AFC, it is no surprise that Jacksonville and Las Vegas are leading their divisions and are so far undefeated, but New Orleans has used a variety of good coaching and luck to make their season magical so far. Still, there is so much season yet to be played, including this week…
New York (N) (2-3) @ Arizona (3-2)
New York lost in a heartbreaker last week, watching Carolina win in the last minute and solidifying their ranking at the top of the division. Arizona likewise had to come from behind against a game Minnesota team, giving them a tie-breaker in a conference where tie-breakers will be all important. This is one of those games that will play a part in that process, and over the last couple of years New York has had the Cardinal’s number. Yeah, I think I can win, but I know better than to predict it. New York (N) 27 – Arizona 24
Chicago (3-2) @ Minnesota (2-3)
Chicago took advantage of 5 Detroit turnovers and had 13 sacks in their convincing with last week at Soldier Field (FYI…Chicago has the top 4 players in sacks so far this season FWIW). With the Bears seemingly getting back to normal, they will be facing a Vikings team that saw a 2nd half comeback by Arizona drop them a game under .500 and make a trip to the playoffs that much tougher. I don’t expect the Bears to assist here, where they are well on the way back to normal for their world. Chicago 27 – Minnesota 21
Buffalo (3-2) @ Cleveland (4-1)
Another entertaining AFC East division game, in a vein very similar to watching one of those nature videos where an anaconda eats a crocodile. Buffalo is on a 2 game losing streak, though losing to Chicago and Green Bay back-to-back is hardly signs of decline. The only blemish on Cleveland’s record is a blowout loss to the Jaguars, though that has been a weekly occurrence so far this season. This is truly a toss-up, though I am going to ever so slightly give the edge to the Browns, as they do have home-field advantage this week. Buffalo 21 – Cleveland 24
Washington (3-2) @ Los Angeles (A) (5-0)
Andy has had a nice start to the season, and currently is a game out of first place, and look to get through the first half of the season with a real shot of the playoffs there in front of them. That said, the Chargers have been on a serious run for the top seed in the NFC, with every win so far by no less than double digits. This might be Andy’s only remaining hiccup before Game 10, but I am going to have to go with the hot hand in this one. Washington 14 – Los Angeles (A) 24
Cincinnati (3-2) @ Dallas (0-5)
Sometimes when it rains it pours, and Dallas has not caught a break yet this season. Cincy is still in first place, though barely, after their OT loss to the amazing Saints. I think these cats bare their full claws against the Cowboys, and take it out on Dallas, dropping them a step closer to the top of the upcoming draft. Cincinnati 31 – Dallas 17
Miami (0-5) @ New Orleans (5-0)
Miami hasn’t won a game at all this season, and New Orleans hasn’t lost, and if ever there was a trap game, this is the very definition of a trap game. These two teams play each other twice over the next 4 weeks, and yet I don’t know if I would put any serious money on either team sweeping the other. For now, I will ride the hot hand, but this is a game where Miami shakes the stank off their season so far. Miami 17 – New Orleans 21
Tampa Bay (1-4) @ Green Bay (5-0)
Over the last couple of seasons, these two teams gave us all very good games, while not raising much attention to the NFC Central standings. While as soon as next year, I could see these two teams playing meaningful games again, with the standings very much in play, this year I think the Pack is back just a bit sooner than the Bucs, as Green Bay continues their assault for a bye in the playoffs. Tampa Bay 13 – Green Bay 24
Tennessee (2-3) @ Indianapolis (2-3)
Tennessee looked like anything but a basement team last week in giving the Eagles a solid thumping, while Indy has pulled off a couple wins in a row on their own as the AFC Central race has stiffened. This looks to be a good game, and should come down to a choice play or two. Ultimately, I am going to go slightly with Indy, as the home team in what is becoming a very exciting division. Tennessee 21 – Indianapolis 24
Pittsburgh (2-3) @ Philadelphia (1-4)
I subbed for the Eagles last week, excited to get to play with Aaron Rodgers tossing the ball; what I witnessed was similar to what Custer must have witnessed at Little Big Horn, as the Titans snagged 4 int’s from Rodgers and Taylor in what was a total scalping. Pittsburgh has played some decent football so far, and while it might have been as simple as my not being a good enough coach, I am going to drift towards the Steelers winning the battle of Pennsylvania. Pittsburgh 21 – Philadelphia 20
Carolina (4-1) @ Los Angeles (N) (3-2)
Carolina took down New York last week and removed all doubts as their legitimacy. The Rams thus far have won the games they should, lost the games where there was serious doubt, and are pretty much on pace to make the playoffs. The one common game that made me look twice; Cincy beat LAR by 27 points to open the season. I am slowly climbing on the Panthers bandwagon, and I think even Kenny might have his hands full this week. Carolina 27 – Los Angeles (N) 21
Las Vegas (5-0) @ San Francisco (1-4)
The Raiders this past week had their first real challenge against Denver, but still had a stretch of about 23 minutes where they outscored their opponent 24-0, so they are still on target to make a deep playoff run. Meanwhile, the 49ers secured their first win of the season last week, but will probably find the sledding much harder against the Silver and Black, where Boys from Sin City have allowed almost 100 less points so far on the season than Seattle has. Las Vegas 35 – San Francisco 17
Seattle (1-4) @ Denver (2-3)
I think Rudy has finally figured out how to score points with Denver this season, and should be there with a couple of other teams in the battle for a playoff spot. This week they host Seattle, who are playing much better than last season, even if their record so far doesn’t show it. I think Denver gets to .500 on the season, though the Seahawks probably won’t be an easy out. Seattle 17 – Denver 24
Atlanta (0-5) @ Kansas City (2-3)
Two teams with way different agendas as they look to become relevant. KC is probably a year or so ahead of Atlanta, where they look to battle for their first playoff spot as their young squad just seems to just be playing better. The wins so far aren’t falling their way, but I can see Bill getting measurements for Marvin Harrison Jr.’s jersey, to catch passes from CJ Stroud for years to come. Both worlds looking up…one just a bit sooner. Atlanta 17 – Kansas City 24
Jacksonville (5-0) @ Detroit (1-4)
Remember that girl on the Morton salt…”when it rains, it pours”? Not sure why that came to mind…probably thinking of the Lions going from playing the team that had the best record in the NFC last year to this year’s defending Super Bowl champion. Detroit is building the right way, and eventually the wins will come, but Jacksonville has a way of making their opponents feel small. Hang in there Tim…upsets do happen. Jacksonville 31 – Detroit 14
I will be out to sea for the next two weeks, as I drift on the Celebrity Constellation to Mardi Gras and Central America. Depending on Wi-Fi, I will try to write something while at sea, though I imagine next Tuesday night I shall be out on the town...feel free to write without me :)
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