Week 10 gave football fans more good games than expected. The Green Bay Packers stunned the Dallas Cowboys at Lambeau Field 17-7. The Cincinnatti Bengals defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field 18-12. Finally, the San Diego Chargers beat the Philadelphia Eagles 28-23. But there were also stunners in week 10. It sets up an incredibly tight playoff race. If you haven't been paying attention. Here's what it looks like...
NFC
1. New Orleans 9-0 (NFC South leader)
2. Minnesota 8-1 (NFC North leader)
3. Dallas 6-3 (NFC East leader)
4. Arizona 6-3 (NFC West leader)
5. Philadelphia 5-4
6. Atlanta 5-4
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7. Green Bay 5-4
8. New York Giants 5-4
9. San Francisco 4-5
10. Carolina 4-5
11. Chicago 4-5
AFC
1. Indianapolis 9-0 (AFC South Leader)
2. Cincinnati 7-2 (AFC North Leader)
3. Denver 6-3 (AFC West Leader)
4. New England 6-3 (AFC East Leader)
5. Pittsburgh 6-3
6. San Diego 6-3
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7. Jacksonville 5-4
8. Baltimore 5-4
9. Houston 5-4
10. Miami 4-5
11. New York Jets 4-5
The crazy thing is that this week, it could all change again and become even closer! Let's get started...
5 STAR GAMES
Atlanta (5-4) at New York Giants (5-4) 12:00 Sunday, FOX
This is a tale of two Jekyl and Hyde teams who don't know who they are. The Giants record is inflated because they've beaten some really bad teams, but Atlanta has lost games that they should have won. I usually don't buy into the whole "Uh, oh New York is in trouble" theme, but this game is important not only for the two teams involved, but the rest of the logjam in the NFC. The winner will have more control of their destiny, and the loser will have some explaining to do.
PREDICTION: Falcons
San Diego (6-3) at Denver (6-3) 3:15 Sunday, CBS
Last season, the Chargers sputtered out of the gate and the Broncos surged towards the top of the AFC West. With 4 games to go, the Chargers were 4-8 and the Broncos were 8-4. Well, we all know what happened. The Chargers won their next four while the Broncos lost their last four punching Jay Cutler's and Mike Shanahan's tickets out of Denver. Once again, the Broncos have surged out to an early lead and while the Chargers haven't struggled, they come into Sunday's game with the momentum. As a side note, I've heard that some people say that Denver always does this because of their high altitude training during training camp. Because of this, the Broncos get off to a hot start (especially at home). Then as the season wears on, they can't train as vigorously. Sounds like a pile of crap to me, but oh well.
PREDICTION: Chargers
4 STAR GMES
San Francisco (4-5) at Green Bay (5-4) 12:00 FOX
Well, both teams faced put-up-or-shut-up games last week, and they'll do the same this week. The 49ers needed a win against the Bears...Jay Cutler gave it to them. The Packers need a win vs. the Cowboys...Tony Romo gave it to them. Now, both teams need this win and it should be a good game as the 49ers have been competitive on the road this year, but I have to go with the Lambeau magic because of one Aaron Rodgers.
PREDICTION: Packers
Philadelphia (5-4) at Chicago (4-5) 7:15 NBC
Al Michaels refered to this game as the "Oh no" Bowl. I would use more profane terminology as in the "Oh, @#$%!" Bowl. Both of these teams seemed destined to compete for a playoff spot a couple weeks ago, now both are in serious trouble. The Eagles lost two games on the west coast and now need a win this week to stay in control of their own destiny. Thankfully, it'll come against the Chicago Bears. Jay Cutler may become a member of the 30/30 club by the time this season is over. 30 TD, 30 INT.
PREDICTION: Eagles
Indianapolis (9-0) at Baltimore (5-4) 12:00 CBS
Another crucial game for the Ravens. However, I don't think that they can pull this upset off. Judging off their MNF performance against the Browns, I don't believe that the Ravens have the killer instinct that they used to have. Sure, they still have one of the most vociferous defenses in the NFL, but that's almost been reduced to a whimper over the past couple of weeks. A 16-0 victory over the Cleveland Browns isn't something to write home about and the Colts will remain undefeated.
PREDICTION: Colts
3 STAR GAMES
Miami (4-5) at Carolina (4-5) Thursday 7:20 NFL Network
Another elimination game so to speak. The Dolphins might not have to rely on Ronnie Brown, but they turn to a revived Ricky Williams. However, the Panthers are rejuvenated as well, as they've done something they should have done from the beginning of the season: rely on their great running game. As long as Jake Delhomme doesn't start throwing around Christmas presents, the Panthers should continue their surge.
PREDICTION: Panthers
New York Jets (4-6) at New England (6-3) 12:00 CBS
Speaking of things that teams should have been doing the entire season, Tom Brady has been throwing to Randy Moss lately. Moss had 367 yards and a TD in the first four games this season. Since then he's gained 524 yards and 6 touchdowns. It's looking like 2007 all over again. However, the Pats could hit a snag as Moss will be paired up with Darrelle Revis, who held Moss to 24 yard in Week 3.
PREDICTION: Patriots
Tennessee (3-6) at Houston (5-4) Monday 7:30 ESPN
This for whatever reason is an intriguing matchup. I can't remember the last time the Texans were on national television outside of the preseason game with the Vikings, which doesn't count. Those rednecks in Houston LOVE football and they'll be jacked for a Monday night game with the former Houston Oilers. On the other side of the coin, the Titans have been playing much better football as of late and Chris Johnson has literally been running wild. I think this is a more important game for Houston though. If Houston wins, they'll be in the drivers seat and competing for their first playoff berth in franchise history. If Tennessee wins, Houston will have another disappointing season. I'll go with the latter.
PREDICTION: Titans
2 STAR GAMES
Buffalo (3-6) at Jacksonville (5-4) 12:00 CBS
Not even the city of Jacksonville wants to watch this matchup, but look out. If the Jaguars get the win, they'll be right in the thick of things in the AFC. COME OUT AND SUPPORT YOUR JAGUARS, JACKSONVILLE!!!
PREDICTION: Jaguars
Seattle (3-6) at Minnesota (8-1) 12:00 FOX
There's two reasons I didn't give this game one star, and that's because of the Viking pass defense against the Seattle passing offense and the Whosyourmamma Bowl (Houshmandezeh). The Seahawks still have some weapons through the air, and because the Vikings stop the run well, they'll try and use them. Good news for the Vikings is that Antoine Winfield is targeting Sunday to come back, but how effective will he be after a month long layoff?
PREDICTION: Vikings
New Orleans (9-0) at Tampa Bay (1-8) 12:00 FOX
I know what you're thinking. Why is this a two star game? Intrigue, my friend. The Vikings are chasing the Saints for home field in the NFC right now. The Saints didn't look to good when they faced the St. Louis Rams and were a couple of bad play calls away from losing that game. Also, the secondary for the Saints is banged up. Darren Sharper missed last week and Tracy Porter injured his knee against the Rams. Throw this game in with the fact that Tampa has played better football over the past two weeks since Josh Freeman was named the starter and this game becomes more interesting than it should be.
PREDICTION: Saints
1 STAR GAMES
Washington (3-6) at Dallas (6-3) 12:00 FOX
The Redskins are looking better as well, but so has Dallas' defense.
PREDICTION: Cowboys
Cleveland (1-8) at Detroit (1-8) 12:00 FOX
I would say that this game will be big because they're competing for the #1 pick, but they're not even going for the same guy! If Cleveland gets #1, they'll take Washington QB Jake Locker. If Detroit gets #1, they would take Nebraska DT Nudmukong Suh.
PREDICTION: Lions
Arizona (6-3) at St. Louis (1-8) 12:00 FOX
The Cardinals passing attack thrashes another St. Louis effort. Unless, Steve Spagnolo has someone that can get to Kurt Warner, but he doesn't.
PREDICTION: Cardinals
Cincinnati (7-2) at Oakland (2-7) 3:15 CBS
There's no use in talking about the game, but the Bengals signed another troublemaker in Larry Johnson Tuesday morning. He'll be used as the backup...well, at least his coach knows football now!
PREDICTION: Bengals
Pittsburgh (6-3) at Kansas City (2-7) 12:00 CBS
This would have been the LJ Bowl. Well, because LJ wanted to be drafted by Pittsburgh instead of Kansas City. For the record, Pittsburgh took Troy Polamalu (Not bad...) at 16 and traded their second first round pick to KC so they could take Johnson. Regardless, KC doesn't have LJ or a prayer unless Polamalu is out because of his knee (and because of the competition this week, I don't see that happening).
PREDICTION: Steelers
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