qbgirl

In a mostly humdrum Sunday line-up, there are a few games to keep an eye on. 

San Diego at Buffalo AND Denver at New England

Only in this tops-turvy season would these two games be worth paying attention to.  The Buffalo Bills still have a comfortable lead in the AFC East while the SD Chargers trail the Denver Broncos in their division by a game. 
The interesting part of this game is that the divisional line-up will likely change for both teams, but we won’t find out how until Monday night when the New England Patriots face the Broncos.  If the Pats and Bolts win then NE ties with Buffalo for first in the AFC East, as does SD with Denver in the AFC West.  If one or both lose then nothing really changes in the divisions.
I like New England vs. Denver (well, let me re-phrase, I don’t like New England, but I think they have a good shot at winning this game).  Denver has allowed 256 passing yards per game on average this season and that was the Pats’ key to their win against the 49ers.  For Denver to win they need to continue to not allow the pocket to break down so that Cutler can make completions.  My feeling is NE is going to win, but I would be very happy to be proven wrong on that.
In their match with San Diego, I like Buffalo.  For the Bills to pull out a win they need to put a hold on the Chargers secondary.  They need to lock up Antonio Cromartie and protect QB Trent Edwards who is playing his first game since suffering a concussion in Week 6.

Indy at Green Bay

Of course I am rooting for Blue in this match up.  It seems like Manning and Co may have finally gotten in sync and, frankly, the Packers have just been too inconsistent.  To make it happen the Colts offensive line must prevent sacks, which may lead to a truncated passing game.  If so the win will be equally dependent on their defense preventing GB from making big plays.

Cleveland at Washington

This is a match up of momentum vs. saving face.  The Browns are riding a wave of success, while the Redskins are coming off an embarrassing loss to the Rams.  Cleveland has a serious edge over Washington in the overall series.  However, the game will really come down to the performance of Derek Anderson, the Browns’ QB.  To say he has been sporadic this season would be an understatement.  It’s simple: when he’s been on the Browns have won, but when he’s been off we all wonder what was supposed to be so great about Cleveland’s 2008 season.
I tend to think Cleveland will win.  Their defeat of the defending champions, the Giants, last Monday has got be a huge confidence booster.  I think if they can stay confident without getting cocky they will come out victorious.

Jacksonville at Denver

 
The Jags are fighting for their number 2 spot back in the AFC South this week after my beloved Colts rallied in the last 4 minutes of their fight with Houston last Sunday.  Jacksonville faces a formidable opponent in the Denver Broncos.  Denver is enjoying a comfortable lead in the AFC West, with the slow start of the San Diego Chargers and the other two teams being the Oakland Raiders and the KC Chiefs.  The teams are tied 3-3 in the overall series.  The Jags have been unpredictable this season, showing both streaks of brilliance and utter mediocrity.  Denver has continued in the no-holds-barred, dare I say…maverick plays that have made Mike Shanahan and co famous. 

This is an interesting match.  I’m taking Denver on this one, and not only because I ALWAYS want Jacksonville to lose, but because I believe Denver wants to protect their record and momentum.  Shanahan sees a division title in his mind’s eye and will drive his team like a Sherpa drives his goats up Mount Everest.

 
Chicago at Atlanta AND Carolina at Tampa Bay

Within their division the best the Falcons can hope for is a 3-way tie for 1^st place in the NFC South.   If Atlanta beats out the Bears and Tampa Bay wins their match up with Carolina, we will have the aforementioned scenario.  The best Carolina can hope for is that they win, going 5-1, and Atlanta loses, remaining in a tie for 2^nd with Tampa, but now behind by 2 games.  

Now onto the nitty gritty on which team has the advantage.  In the Bears/Falcons game, Chicago is struggling to find it’s identity with a new offensive line-up while Atlanta is enjoying a “Bizarro-World” turn of fate.  Again, we can’t rely on history and streaks.  I like Atlanta in this match.  I think they have some serious momentum going and have the potential to be a big force in the league.

In the Panthers/Buccaneers game, I like the Panthers here.  Again I site momentum.  Carolina sees their chance to get back to the play-offs and are going for it.

New England at San Diego

This particular AFC rivalry holds particular interest for me.  I must confess that on a personal level I am somewhat conflicted on who to root for.  In a normal New England season, I would be cheering Bolts all the way.  However, this is anything but a normal season, with Buffalo leading the AFC East.  Right now the Pats are in 2^nd place with Miami and the Jets tied for 3^rd.  It is likely that both of the latter two teams will win their battles this week, therefore if the Chargers win on Sunday night then there will a 3-way tie for 2^nd in the AFC East.  OK, my dilemma over who to root for is over.  Now do I actually believe the Chargers have a good shot at it?  Yes, I do, but they have to be on point.  Streaks and history should mean nothing, because we have a whole different New England offense.  Yes, I realize Tom Brady is only one man, but when he was injured he dramatically altered the face of that offense.  Matt Cassel found his deep ball last week, but it was against the 49ers…um, yeah… 

To win this game the Chargers have to stop the New England passing game and Phillip Rivers has to nix the interceptions.  They are 2-3 and should be sufficiently fired up and they have a home field advantage.  With this intensity brewing, I am betting on SD, however it is a by a very narrow margin.

Pittsburg at Jacksonville

The Steelers want to hang onto their top spot in the AFC North, which may be tough this week.  Baltimore is nipping at their heels and their offensive line had taken more than a few hits.  They only have 3 running backs on deck, one of which is brand new and another was bumped up from the practice squad.  On top of that Roethlisberger is “questionable” with a separated shoulder.  This game is going to come down to the ability of Troy Polamalu, and the rest of the Pittsburg D, to make big plays.  Of course, because of my staunch Indy allegiance, I will be cheering for the Steelers to do just that.  

My bet; Steelers by 3.

Washington at Philadelphia

The Redskins and Eagles duke it out for the number 3 spot in the NFC East on Sunday.  I think Philly has a good chance of holding the Redskins off.  They’re playing at home and, assuming Brian Westbrook is back up to speed, the Eagles should be able to put up the plethora of points we’re used to. 

Washington is coming off a big win against the Cowboys last week, so there is a chance that momentum will propel them to a win.  I like the Eagles in this game though, and am banking on them by a TD.

 
Tennessee at Baltimore

I’m going to be praying for Baltimore on this one.  I think they have a good chance at pulling out a win.  They don’t want to fall any further behind Pittsburg in their division and it is just plain time to see these Titans upset.  Tennessee’s D is a little beat up, but even so all of their touchdowns against Minnesota last week were the result of turnovers.  So Baltimore O-line, “Hold your crap together!!”

My hope; Ravens by whatever.

Indianapolis at Houston

OK, so at least something is still right in the world of the AFC – the Texans are in last place in their division.  It truly will be a sign of the onset of the apocalypse if Indy loses this game.  Fortunately, I don’t believe that’s going to happen.  The Peyton Manning I know will have been reviewing tape like crazy these past two weeks and it is my fervent hope that the rest of the team has been doing the like.  Something’s got to give with these guys and hopefully whatever it is has given during the bye week off.

Colts by 4 or more.