|
|
| |
| Dallas (7-1) @ Buffalo (6-2) |
| A game that was played before I got to this write-up, Dallas won in fairly convincing fashion, though only putting it past a 1 score game midway through the 4th quarter. Dallas was able to do run the ball and for the most part, avoid the fierce Buffalo secondary, and give the Bills their 2nd loss in a row, after last week's last second loss against the Jags. Every season their is a contender for the loss that just crushes the spirit, and Buffalo has a good claim to that loss at this point, though they have a very real post-season in their future. Meanwhile, Dallas just keeps winning and at the halfway point of the season, see a very real path to the division and possibly a first round bye. Dallas 23 - Buffalo 6 |
| |
|
|
|
| |
| Atlanta (0-8) @ Tampa Bay (1-7) |
| Another game played before this writeup, the Falcons won the time of possession, had over twice as many first downs and had an addition 29 offensive plays, and still lost by two scores. Zack Wilson gave a clinic on how to lose a game all by himself, as he managed to keep the Falcons in the hunt to draft the guy who will end up replacing him. Tampa, meanwhile, has their QB of the future and will probably be looking at one of the two stud D linemen available, so the draft will mean a whole lot to both of these teams. Atlanta 7 - Tampa Bay 19 |
| |
|
|
|
| |
| Carolina (2-6) @ Los Angeles (N) (6-2) |
| In the third and final game played before this write-up, the Rams followed up their thorough thrashing over the Cardinals with a kinder and simpler dismantling of the Panthers. Kenny has got the tie-breaker and the lead of the NFC West as usual, and took control of this game in the 2nd quarter and never really let go, despite the score. Meanwhile the Panthers set themselves up to put even more pieces around their MVP QB, and build for the future. Carolina 28 - Los Angeles (N) 36 |
| |
|
|
|
| |
| Jacksonville (7-0) @ Miami (1-6) |
| Jacksonville put up the ending of the season so far, and managed to stay unbeaten against division foe Buffalo; this week the challenge on paper seems much more manageable. Miami has had a rough go so far, and expecting them to knock off the Jaguars seems a bit too much to bite off at this point. Jacksonville reaches the halfway point firmly secure of a playoff spot, though the division is up for grabs, with Jax having 2 games against the Browns, a rematch with the Bills and a division showdown with the Cowboys awaiting them. This week though, the Jacksonville Express keeps rolling on. Jacksonville 35 - Miami 14 |
| |
|
|
|
| |
| Pittsburgh (1-6) @ Cincinnati (6-1) |
| The Steelers started off pressing the Colts with a 10-0 lead over the snakebitten Colts, before the laws of nature and sheer talent gap took its toll; this week, Pittsburgh faces a similar task against a Bengals team that has a solid lead in the Central, and appears to be rolling along. The Bengals face a 2nd half schedule that should be much more challenging, but this week at least, they should solidify their lead. Pittsburgh 17 - Cincinnati 27 |
| |
|
|
|
| |
| Los Angeles (A) (3-4) @ Indianapolis (3-4) |
| Both of these teams, to this point, have not matched preseason expectations and both are losing time to right the season for a post-season push. Bob took care of business last week and dispatched with the pesky Steelers, while Daniel hit a bit of a pothole against a talented and well-coached Eagle team. Either one of these teams could see their way to victory, and the loser might want to start scouting the draft, just in case. If I have to pick one, it's probably Indy, if only that the gods of chance have to even out their odds just a bit. Los Angeles (A) 24 - Indianapolis 27 |
| |
|
|
|
| |
| Philadelphia (4-3) @ Chicago (7-0) |
| Through the first 7 games of the season, there is probably only 1 game where the Eagles would be considered 2 score favorites, and have done well to split those other 6 games. That said, they are going to be in a scrap in the NFC to secure a playoff spot, and playing the defending champs is probably no way to ensure that. By no means is this a give-me for the Bears, and Rick has his own trophy in the case to show off, but I am going with the Bears, if for no other reason than (as they say on Wall Street) chasing a short is the quickest way to the poor house. Philadelphia 24 - Chicago 28 |
| |
|
|
|
| |
| Tennessee (3-4) @ Cleveland (7-0) |
| Let me again say for the record....there are going to be some very good teams staying home come the post-season. Mark has a Titans team that can beat anybody on any given day, but have been on the wrong side of some games that will matter come playoff time, and will need to get some unexpected wins to be over the .500 hump. This week doesn't appear to be one which will help, as Cleveland has a stout defense, and will force the Titans to play over their heads, in order to even their record. Possible, but just not probable. Tennessee 21 - Cleveland 31 |
| |
|
|
|
| |
| Las Vegas (3-4) @ New Orleans (2-5) |
| See the comments on the game below, and just move them down a space; Las Vegas jumped out to a 10-0 lead over the defending champs, before watching it slowly slip away in the 2nd half. With Denver's Week 8 loss (see below) it leaves the West wide open, with the 49's appearing to be leading the pack at the halfway point. While of course, anything is possible, the Raiders have a talent gap over the Saints that is probably too much to overcome, and should even their record this week against the scrappy Saints. Las Vegas 32 - New Orleans 17 |
| |
|
|
|
| San Francisco (4-3) @ Seattle (0-7) |
| San Francisco goes against the last place team in the division before playing 2 of the 3 undefeated teams left in the PAFL, so they look to continue on their pathway to .500ish this season. Fortunately for them, the preseason top 2 teams have moved closer to them, giving them a shot at securing not just a playoff spot, but an actual home playoff game. Seattle is currently tied with Atlanta at the bottom of the PAFL at the moment, but they seem to have a bit more life in them; that said, both Atlanta and Seattle should get their future signal caller in the upcoming draft, which will make Trey Lance's mom just a bit sad. San Francisco 28 - Seattle 14 |
| |
|
|
|
| |
| Washington (2-5) @ Kansas City (2-5) |
| Records aside, this should be one entertaining game, as both of these teams have exceeded preseason expectations and have played some inspired football. The Chiefs have some young talent in Ja'Marr Chase and Pat Freiermuth, and a QB in Tua that could put up top 5 numbers, assuming he keeps his head on straight. Meanwhile Andy has an embarrassment of riches at RB, along with a draft class coming up that should allow him to become relevant in what is a tough NFC East. This week, I am going ever so slightly with Paul and the Chiefs, if for no other reason than homefield advantage. Washington 24 - Kansas City 27 |
| |
|
|
|
| |
| Green Bay (5-3) @ Denver (4-4) |
| In the middle of typing this write up, subbed for Tim and played Don who was also subbing; Green Bay continues to stay in the middle of the playoff race in the NFC with their win over the Broncos, while the loss for Denver just throws a bit more gas on the fire that is the AFC West this season; this 3-way race should continue until the end of the season, and should have more fireworks along the way. Green Bay 30 - Denver 16 |
| |
|
|
|
| |
| Arizona (5-2) @ New York (5-2) |
| Arizona got waxed by the Rams last week, while the Giants shut out the Falcons; both teams sit smack dab in the middle of the playoff race and both teams are looking to see if they can somehow get to the top of their respective divisions. Right now, I have to give the edge to Ken and the Giants, as his team is playing just a bit better at the moment, though both teams will be looking in their crystal balls to see what kind of QB play they will be getting. Arizona 28 - New York 31 |
| |
|
|
|
| |
| Detroit (3-4) @ Minnesota (3-4) |
| Every time I start to get on the Viking bandwagon, I find myself with an egg bath on my face, as I totally expected the Vikings of old last week, only to see the 49ers score a well earned victory. After a 3-0 start, the Lions are experiencing a 4 game slide and needing a victory if they want to be in the post-season conversation. I could help them out and just predict a Minnesota win, which is what I will do, but at some point, the DKS gods surely will bring back the Viking clan we so know and love. Detroit 23 - Minnesota 28 |
| |
|
|
|
| |
| |
