Third and ? To Go...Week 10 NFL Preview:
The good news is that we’re through the bye weeks from here on out. Everybody’s played eight games over nine weeks, so it’s Third Down. For some teams, it’s short yardage to keep the chain movin’ while for others the punter’s loosening up on the sidelines. The bad news is that there are not a really appealing group of games. It will be difficult to beat the spread on more than half of the games, if this space pulls down five W’s your fearless prog will be thrilled.
Kansas City -1 At Miami 40
Was the Dolphins’ upset win in Chicago an accurate showing of the team picked before the season to win the AFC East, or was it just an aberration? For certain, the Dolphins will be ready for the upset. Are the Chiefs for real? These are just two of he questions facing prognosticators heading into Sunday’s tilt in South Florida. Maybe it’s midnight for Damon Huard.
Projected Final Score: Kansas City 23, Miami 21.
At Jacksonville -10.5 Houston 37.5
The Tejanos played quite well in The Big City last week, or maybe it simply was a case of the Giants having a down week. The Jags completely obliterated Tennessee under David Garrard’s direction. Is he a better QB than Leftwich? Add to the mix that Houston upset them a couple of weeks ago. It’s a divisional game. You do the math.
Projected Final Score: Jacksonville 28, Houston 17.
San Diego -1.5 At Cincinnati 47.5
It’s put-up-or-shut-up time for Cincinnati. To date, the team’s on-field performance has been a mirror of their off the field problems, in terms of lack of discipline and self-centered individuals who should take full responsibility for the Bengals’ poor start. Coach Lewis is simply far too good a leader to allow these sorts of players to highjack his team. The Chargers sort of struggled at home against the Browns last week. Now they have to go east to face a team in desperate straits.
Projected Final Score: Cincinnati 24, San Diego 21.
At Atlanta -7.5 Cleveland 42
The Falcons need to pick themselves off the carpet after last week’s humbling by the Lions. Meanwhile, Coach Crennel’s squad looks to improve upon a pretty encouraging showing at San Diego last week. Going into the Peach Dome, they’ll be hard pressed.
Projected Final Score: Atlanta 31, Cleveland 17.
Baltimore -7 At Tennessee 38.5
Since McNair’s return to the lineup, the Ravens offense has taken flight (no pun intended). They travel out to Music City to face a Tuxedo squad that was completely torched by the Jaguars. Should this week be any different?
Projected Final Score: Ravens 24, Tennessee 16
At Indianapolis -12 Buffalo 45
Coach Jauron’s crew had a nice victory at home against the Pack, but it came at a heavy price as McGahee and Reed may be out for this game. The World’s Greatest Offense returns to the Dome after the Patriots self-destructed on offense last week. Indy’s due for a small letdown, anyhow. The Bills are coming to play, despite the injuries. Twelve points seems a bit much under the circumstances.
Projected Final Score: Indianapolis 24, Buffalo 13.
At Pittsburgh -4 New Orleans 45.5
This season has been a nightmare for Pittsburgh. It hasn’t been your garden-variety sort of hangover season but more like a blackout. But, they are a proud team, and rightly so. In the past two weeks, Big Ben has thrown almost as many interceptions as he has completions. Clearly, the guy’s health hasn’t been good all year. To keep trotting him out there and expecting a different result is sort of the definition of insanity. Meanwhile, the Saints had a nice comeback win against the Bucs and look to solidify their hold on the NFC South. But they’ve gotta go into the belly of the beast; not an easy chore.
Projected Final Score: Pittsburgh 23, New Orleans 20.
At Philadelphia -7 Washington 43
Logic suggests that the Eagles, coming off of a bye, will handily dispatch the ‘Skins who are most unlikely to sustain the momentum from their dramatic last-second victory against Dallas. Both teams have been inconsistent at best and downright awful at times. Philly desperately needed a bye and should return refreshed and refocused. It was a great win for Coach Gibbs over Dallas, however his squad is simply too damned unpredictable to get a coherent read, even after eight games.
Projected Final Score: Philadelphia 24, Washington 20.
At NY Giants -3 Chicago 39.5
In this return match of the ’63 NFL Championship, a bruised and battered Giants’ defense squares off against The Monsters of the Midway. Chicago’s undefeated run came to a screeching halt last Sunday in the most humbling fashion. They were outplayed in every phase of the game by the woeful Dolphins. Grossman had an awful day; then again, so did the entire team. They will be looking to rebound in a big way against the G-Men who are now without Strahan for the stretch run and Toomer for the season. These are two very good football teams and this game is undoubtedly the marquee matchup for Sunday. The elements may have much to bear on the outcome. It’s time for Eli to stand and deliver.
Projected Final Score: NY Giants 17, Chicago 13.
At Minnesota -5.5 Green Bay 39.5
The Vikings return home reeling from two straight defeats. Sixteen points in two games ain’t gonna do it. Now there are injuries creeping in. Green Bay comes in with nothing to lose and not a care in the world. Favre can have fun without the stress of worrying about wins or losses. They’re rebuilding, not going anywhere this year, and they know it. Such an opponent poses a significant danger to a team struggling to get back in the race. So, it’s more than just a traditional NFC Black N’ Blue showdown; if the Vikes lose, they’ll be joining the Pack and Detroit in the divisional also-rans pile.
Projected Final Score: Minnesota 23, Green Bay 17.
At New England -10.5 NY Jets 39.5
The Patriots had numerous opportunities to stick it to Indy and failed to do so. Their offensive strategy stunk. Brady had an awful night, Rodney Harrison broke his collarbone. The surprising Jets come to Foxboro off a bye looking to add a little more misery to the hearts of New Englanders. Weatherman says rain in the Northeast. 10 ½? Nope.
Projected Final Score: NY Jets 20, New England 17.
Kansas City -1 At Miami 40
Was the Dolphins’ upset win in Chicago an accurate showing of the team picked before the season to win the AFC East, or was it just an aberration? For certain, the Dolphins will be ready for the upset. Are the Chiefs for real? These are just two of he questions facing prognosticators heading into Sunday’s tilt in South Florida. Maybe it’s midnight for Damon Huard.
Projected Final Score: Kansas City 23, Miami 21.
At Jacksonville -10.5 Houston 37.5
The Tejanos played quite well in The Big City last week, or maybe it simply was a case of the Giants having a down week. The Jags completely obliterated Tennessee under David Garrard’s direction. Is he a better QB than Leftwich? Add to the mix that Houston upset them a couple of weeks ago. It’s a divisional game. You do the math.
Projected Final Score: Jacksonville 28, Houston 17.
San Diego -1.5 At Cincinnati 47.5
It’s put-up-or-shut-up time for Cincinnati. To date, the team’s on-field performance has been a mirror of their off the field problems, in terms of lack of discipline and self-centered individuals who should take full responsibility for the Bengals’ poor start. Coach Lewis is simply far too good a leader to allow these sorts of players to highjack his team. The Chargers sort of struggled at home against the Browns last week. Now they have to go east to face a team in desperate straits.
Projected Final Score: Cincinnati 24, San Diego 21.
At Atlanta -7.5 Cleveland 42
The Falcons need to pick themselves off the carpet after last week’s humbling by the Lions. Meanwhile, Coach Crennel’s squad looks to improve upon a pretty encouraging showing at San Diego last week. Going into the Peach Dome, they’ll be hard pressed.
Projected Final Score: Atlanta 31, Cleveland 17.
Baltimore -7 At Tennessee 38.5
Since McNair’s return to the lineup, the Ravens offense has taken flight (no pun intended). They travel out to Music City to face a Tuxedo squad that was completely torched by the Jaguars. Should this week be any different?
Projected Final Score: Ravens 24, Tennessee 16
At Indianapolis -12 Buffalo 45
Coach Jauron’s crew had a nice victory at home against the Pack, but it came at a heavy price as McGahee and Reed may be out for this game. The World’s Greatest Offense returns to the Dome after the Patriots self-destructed on offense last week. Indy’s due for a small letdown, anyhow. The Bills are coming to play, despite the injuries. Twelve points seems a bit much under the circumstances.
Projected Final Score: Indianapolis 24, Buffalo 13.
At Pittsburgh -4 New Orleans 45.5
This season has been a nightmare for Pittsburgh. It hasn’t been your garden-variety sort of hangover season but more like a blackout. But, they are a proud team, and rightly so. In the past two weeks, Big Ben has thrown almost as many interceptions as he has completions. Clearly, the guy’s health hasn’t been good all year. To keep trotting him out there and expecting a different result is sort of the definition of insanity. Meanwhile, the Saints had a nice comeback win against the Bucs and look to solidify their hold on the NFC South. But they’ve gotta go into the belly of the beast; not an easy chore.
Projected Final Score: Pittsburgh 23, New Orleans 20.
At Philadelphia -7 Washington 43
Logic suggests that the Eagles, coming off of a bye, will handily dispatch the ‘Skins who are most unlikely to sustain the momentum from their dramatic last-second victory against Dallas. Both teams have been inconsistent at best and downright awful at times. Philly desperately needed a bye and should return refreshed and refocused. It was a great win for Coach Gibbs over Dallas, however his squad is simply too damned unpredictable to get a coherent read, even after eight games.
Projected Final Score: Philadelphia 24, Washington 20.
At NY Giants -3 Chicago 39.5
In this return match of the ’63 NFL Championship, a bruised and battered Giants’ defense squares off against The Monsters of the Midway. Chicago’s undefeated run came to a screeching halt last Sunday in the most humbling fashion. They were outplayed in every phase of the game by the woeful Dolphins. Grossman had an awful day; then again, so did the entire team. They will be looking to rebound in a big way against the G-Men who are now without Strahan for the stretch run and Toomer for the season. These are two very good football teams and this game is undoubtedly the marquee matchup for Sunday. The elements may have much to bear on the outcome. It’s time for Eli to stand and deliver.
Projected Final Score: NY Giants 17, Chicago 13.
At Minnesota -5.5 Green Bay 39.5
The Vikings return home reeling from two straight defeats. Sixteen points in two games ain’t gonna do it. Now there are injuries creeping in. Green Bay comes in with nothing to lose and not a care in the world. Favre can have fun without the stress of worrying about wins or losses. They’re rebuilding, not going anywhere this year, and they know it. Such an opponent poses a significant danger to a team struggling to get back in the race. So, it’s more than just a traditional NFC Black N’ Blue showdown; if the Vikes lose, they’ll be joining the Pack and Detroit in the divisional also-rans pile.
Projected Final Score: Minnesota 23, Green Bay 17.
At New England -10.5 NY Jets 39.5
The Patriots had numerous opportunities to stick it to Indy and failed to do so. Their offensive strategy stunk. Brady had an awful night, Rodney Harrison broke his collarbone. The surprising Jets come to Foxboro off a bye looking to add a little more misery to the hearts of New Englanders. Weatherman says rain in the Northeast. 10 ½? Nope.
Projected Final Score: NY Jets 20, New England 17.
At Detroit -6 San Francisco 45
Both teams won last week, the odds of such occurrence being highly unlikely. The Lions’ win at Atlanta was their best showing of the year, and the ‘Niners’ defense played superbly, limiting the Vikings to only a field goal. Honolulu Blue and Silver, all the way…
Projected Final Score: Detroit 31, San Francisco 17.
Denver -9 At Oakland 35.5
The Oakland Raiders are an embarrassment to the NFL. Their dreadful Monday Night display at Seattle not only revealed their deficiencies, but moreover their appalling lack of discipline and respect for the game. The Raiders always reveled in the image of a lawless bunch. When one of their players decided to openly jam his knee into an opponent’s crotch, well, perhaps that was a new low. These two teams have hated each other since the glory days of the AFL. Denver dispatched Pittsburgh last week, and will dismantle the Raiders with glee. However, given Jake The Snake’s inconsistent play, perhaps nine points is too much.
Projected Final Score: Denver 23, Oakland 16.
At Seattle -4.5 St. Louis 44.5
This week’s “Kryptonite Special” is an NFC West clash between the ‘Hawks and the Rams. While Seattle shutout Oakland on a miserable rainy night, they didn’t exactly cover themselves in glory in the process. St. Louis, you ask? Who knows? They are definitely “The House’s Team”. They lose the games they’re supposed to win and win the one’s they’re picked to lose. Early in the week, “The House” had about zero confidence in the outcome, before siding with the home team. What does that suggest to you?
Projected Final Score: St. Louis 23, Seattle 20.
Dallas -7 At Arizona 43.5
Arizona’s coming off a bye they desperately needed while the Cowboys look as though they could sure use one right about now. This entire “TO” nonsense has got to end. Can you imagine a player ever screaming at Coach Landry or Coach Lombardi? Ever? If this were the ’86 Giants, the Tuna would’ve just as soon coldcocked the Punk, now he meekly turns away. It’s time to call it a career, Bill. Maybe they’ll win against an atrocious football team, however, the long term picture speaks of a meddling owner …
Projected Final Score: Dallas 24, Arizona 20.
Both teams won last week, the odds of such occurrence being highly unlikely. The Lions’ win at Atlanta was their best showing of the year, and the ‘Niners’ defense played superbly, limiting the Vikings to only a field goal. Honolulu Blue and Silver, all the way…
Projected Final Score: Detroit 31, San Francisco 17.
Denver -9 At Oakland 35.5
The Oakland Raiders are an embarrassment to the NFL. Their dreadful Monday Night display at Seattle not only revealed their deficiencies, but moreover their appalling lack of discipline and respect for the game. The Raiders always reveled in the image of a lawless bunch. When one of their players decided to openly jam his knee into an opponent’s crotch, well, perhaps that was a new low. These two teams have hated each other since the glory days of the AFL. Denver dispatched Pittsburgh last week, and will dismantle the Raiders with glee. However, given Jake The Snake’s inconsistent play, perhaps nine points is too much.
Projected Final Score: Denver 23, Oakland 16.
At Seattle -4.5 St. Louis 44.5
This week’s “Kryptonite Special” is an NFC West clash between the ‘Hawks and the Rams. While Seattle shutout Oakland on a miserable rainy night, they didn’t exactly cover themselves in glory in the process. St. Louis, you ask? Who knows? They are definitely “The House’s Team”. They lose the games they’re supposed to win and win the one’s they’re picked to lose. Early in the week, “The House” had about zero confidence in the outcome, before siding with the home team. What does that suggest to you?
Projected Final Score: St. Louis 23, Seattle 20.
Dallas -7 At Arizona 43.5
Arizona’s coming off a bye they desperately needed while the Cowboys look as though they could sure use one right about now. This entire “TO” nonsense has got to end. Can you imagine a player ever screaming at Coach Landry or Coach Lombardi? Ever? If this were the ’86 Giants, the Tuna would’ve just as soon coldcocked the Punk, now he meekly turns away. It’s time to call it a career, Bill. Maybe they’ll win against an atrocious football team, however, the long term picture speaks of a meddling owner …
Projected Final Score: Dallas 24, Arizona 20.
posted by Richard | 9:34 PM
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