qbgirl

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.

Trackback URI | Comments RSS