National Football League

[Alpe d'Huez]

Here are some interesting games coming up:

Next week, in Week 11 there are several key games. Foxxy may bet the home team will win them all, but what do the rest of you think?

Thursday we have Buffalo at Miami. Both lost this weekend, but both have looked good of late, the winner will take a step towards a wildcard shot.

The Bengals play at the Saints. This is a must win for both teams. We normally think NO wins all home games, but the 49ers just beat them there.

Seattle travels to Kansas City. The Chiefs escaped with a win in Buffalo behind a solid defense, and continued steady playing by Alex Smith. The team that loses takes a big step back towards hopes of winning their division.

Detroit at Arizona. The Lions now have Megatron back, and at times looked like the team we expected all season. And, they are still in first. Can Drew Stanton lead the Cards to a much needed home win to stay the best in the NFC?

Philadelphia at Green Bay. The Packers were just on fire with yesterday's win, and some wins in big games of late. But the Eagles are solidly in first place. Can they travel to Lambeau with Mark Sanchez and win?

The Patriots visit the Colts. Coming off the bye week, the Pats have been scary good, especially on offense. The Colts can be thrown on. But they can also score, and are at home.

Week 12 has only one big game that leaps out. Arizona at Seattle. Baltimore at New Orleans may be interesting.

Week 13 however has two huge games on Thanksgiving. Eagles at Cowboys, and Seattle at San Francisco.

That Sunday we also get the Saints at Pittsburgh, the Patriots at the Packers, and the Broncos traveling to Kansas City, where (if both win between now and then) the winner takes over first place. But both Denver and KC finish out with a series of tough games. The Chiefs in retrospect were handed the most difficult schedule in the NFL this year.

 

[on3m@n@rmy]

I don't think Seattle can complain about injuries. Yeah theyve had some injuries but absolutely nothing that every team in the NFL doesn't go through. All of their top top top top players are healthy.

Their number 1 player Earl Thomas has played every game
Their number 2 player Russel Wilson has played every game
Their number 3 player Richard Sherman has played every game
Their number 4 player Marshawn Lynch has played every game
Their number 5 player Kam Chancellor has missed one game.

Is there another team in the league where the top 5 players have missed a combined one game? Not to mention they had no injury problems last year either..

Great post Hitch.

You two realize we are talking about American football here, right? Not European football (soccer)? IT ALL STARTS IN THE TRENCHES. If a team can't win in the trenches, they won't do S:::. If you look at how poor the SEA run game was prior to last weekend, and how much pressure Wilson has been in the pocket, you should ask "why". Well, I'll tell you. Other than 3rd year RG Sweezy and rookie RT Britt, SEA had been starting 2nd and 3rd string OLinemen at C, LG, and LT. Last weekend the got starting C Max Unger and starting LT Okung back from injury, but still had backup LG Bailey in there. Unger and Okung make a HUGE difference, and I would even say Unger's presence is as valuable as having LT Okung back b/c Unger is a master at making the line calls. This is why teams will now worry about stopping the SEA offense, as Oldman alluded to. Even if the NYG were terrible versus the run, and they either game-planned poorly or were undisciplined on defense, or all of the above.

 

[Oldman]

You two realize we are talking about American football here, right? Not European football (soccer)? IT ALL STARTS IN THE TRENCHES. If a team can't win in the trenches, they won't do S:::. If you look at how poor the SEA run game was prior to last weekend, and how much pressure Wilson has been in the pocket, you should ask "why". Well, I'll tell you. Other than 3rd year RG Sweezy and rookie RT Britt, SEA had been starting 2nd and 3rd string OLinemen at C, LG, and LT. Last weekend the got starting C Max Unger and starting LT Okung back from injury, but still had backup LG Bailey in there. Unger and Okung make a HUGE difference, and I would even say Unger's presence is as valuable as having LT Okung back b/c Unger is a master at making the line calls. This is why teams will now worry about stopping the SEA offense, as Oldman alluded to. Even if the NYG were terrible versus the run, and they either game-planned poorly or were undisciplined on defense, or all of the above.

My initial response was dealing with the question of Seattle's lack of comparative dominance from last year; I wasn't making too many allowances but stating the obvious. People left, new people injured, etc.
As for Foxxy's concern with passing stats: RW ran for over 100 yds as well. He did throw two picks in heinous weather and he seldom does that. Either way they ran with everyone, not just Lynch. As for the receivers; no doubt timing is off and they really need a healthy tight end.
If they beat KC next week will the be credible?

 

[FoxxyBrown1111]

IT ALL STARTS IN THE TRENCHES. If a team can't win in the trenches, they won't do

Agree with you too. 100%... One of the few NFL myths that actually are true...

As you know I always preached every NFL starting QB (we leave The Siz™ out of the discussion here for the purpose of it) can pick a D apart if given time.

I further mentioned more than once that OL continuity (IOW getting lucky at preventing injuries) is a major factor in offensive success.
OTOH: That doesn´t take away what Hitch said; that SEA is good so far in preventing injury clusters. As I also mentioned; the best Vegas experts (whom I really admire because they look at all infos, not just at one aspect like for example stats geeks do, or HCs like Gruden or Reid who are great detailed football nerds, but then forget to have a look at other factors like success rates, thus going w/o any kind of ShG formation for a complete year in a losing season or trying 4th down attempts) explained they change opening lines only if major clusters appear.

If OL play is good/great, it helps both the run and pass games (a big if here: depending also on receivers getting separation and have quality QB play). I guess that´s obvious w/o going into further detail. Just two examples: WAS and their "hogs" blocked lines as wide that buses could have gone trou. Result? Obscure Tommy Smiths breaking SB records and fielding great efficient passing games (that includes Rypien BTW ) by giving their passers a heck of time to throw. Same goes with DEN "producing" 1.000 yard rushers each and every year no matter what (see Gary, FB Anderson, Smith, and who else), plus giving their aging legend enough time to have the most efficient passing at Horner like age.

At the end, how you explain SEAs run sucsess (4.9 Y/C !! w/o Wilsons stats)? Such highly efficient run games you normally see only with losing teams (the reason is clear), or teams fielding at least good/continuous OLs that shine in both aspects (run and pass blocking).
Further: Running QBs OTOH tend to have high sack rates independent of the OL play. And even non-running QBs like Rob Johnson or Carr who were being-sacked-masters did their "tricks" independent of OL play.
So no matter how we twist it: Wilson is a game manager (looking good in wins, but being more at the end of losing efforts if asked to "carry the team"). Certainly a good QB, but not the great one he is talked into, that shall eat up most of the future cap.
We will see how/if Wilson can improve in the future (he is still young). But as of now, he is not capable of carrying a frachise like Marino, Warner, or Elway for example did... His 800.000 $ contract is about as close to perfection as it can get. If play doesn´t improve, he´ll be another overpaid lottery winner once the millions get thrown at, after, around, and above him. This money would be a much better investment to improve infrastructure, building schools, and more...

 

[FoxxyBrown1111]

The vets here know this, but for the newcomers, I post it again. A must see. Something you may never see again in the now overly political correct western world.
Ditka may wasn´t right all the time (especially when giving away his draft for a single RB, or having shouting matches with McMahon), but he was fun, that´s for sure...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEYUFJcbmeI

@ all: Someone has a link to the Ditka interview when he was sitting in his underwear answering questions (or not). That one was comical too... Thanks in advance.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Regarding the "Trenches": After Terrell Davis won the SB MVP after a stellar season, when asked about his astounding performance he said, "My job is easy, the offensive line did all the work."

But it's also coaching and prep. When Brock first came into the league with the 'Aints they ran a lot of Counter Trey plays with George Rogers they weren't suited for, and were undisciplined as a team. When Jim Mora arrived he had pretty much the same guys, but overhauled the offense, made them work, and the team started to win.

We will see how/if Wilson can improve in the future...His 800.000 $ contract is about as close to perfection as it can get.

Correct. And Alex Smith and Colin Kaepernick should make $700k a year, and Eli Manning $200k a year. And tickets to games should cost $5, with free parking. And hot dogs should be 25¢.

And then, there's reality.

 

[FoxxyBrown1111]

Regarding the "Trenches": After Terrell Davis won the SB MVP after a stellar season, when asked about his astounding performance he said, "My job is easy, the offensive line did all the work."

Chapeau to TD. Didn´t know he was that honest like Beane. Steps up the ladder. Like such guys...

Correct. And Alex Smith and Colin Kaepernick should make $700k a year, and Eli Manning $200k a year. And tickets to games should cost $5, with free parking. And hot dogs should be 25¢.
And then, there's reality.

Ok, take your sarcasm. Might be a cultural thing...
But what I´ll never ever get is how Americans from USA can buy into that shit: Buying things that are wayyy over-priced, hero worshipping, heaving people with a single talent to a podest (see Kosar, Stubblefield, Vince Young, Mike Tyson, and who else, who failed to keep their millions together they earned with their single talent)... Yet they work hard for their dollars.
I mean that´s masochism in pure form... That was nothing against you Alpe. Just an simplification/overall view. But it´s true to some extend, otherwise those prices (which make 20 Mio a year contracts possible) could not be sold to the public in any way.

Certainly ticket prices should be payable for the average fan. Don´t know if that´s as low as 5 $...

And BTW you failed with TheSiz. His true value is arena football level. Thus 400 $ per game.
Otherwise I would agree with the salaries you mentioned. Very AFL like...

 

[The Hitch]

For this week- 2 teams that won'd be in the superbowl, Ill go for 2 of the AFC North teams. Ive already got Cleveland and they are on top of the division. Ill take Cincinati who can't win on prime time (playoffs) and umm, Ravens since I'll give Steelers a marginally better chance to get hot.


A team that will lose this week. Will take a risk on the Dolphins, even though theyve been really good, at Peyton's house
To update my picks then.

AFC East
Pats
NYJ
Miami
Bills

AFC North
Bengals
Ravens
Steelers
Browns

AFC South
Colts
Titans
Jags
Texans


AFC West
Broncos
Chiefs
Chargers
Raiders

NFC East
Eagles
Cowboys
Giants
Redskins

NFC North
Packers
Bears
Lions
Vikings

NFC South
Panthers
Saints
Falcons
Bucs

NFC West
Seahawks
49ers
Cardinals
Rams

Elimination Football
Hitch - Jax, Cle, Oak, Stl, Mia, TB, Tenn, Buff, NYJ, Wash, Atl, Min, Hou, Chi, Car, NYG, SF, SDThis week: Bal, Cin


Reverse Survival Football™.

Hitch - Jax, Jets, Minn, Tenn, Wash,Dal*, ATL, Chi, Oak, NYG This week: Mia

 

[The Hitch]

You two realize we are talking about American football here, right? Not European football (soccer)? IT ALL STARTS IN THE TRENCHES. If a team can't win in the trenches, they won't do S:::. If you look at how poor the SEA run game was prior to last weekend, and how much pressure Wilson has been in the pocket, you should ask "why". Well, I'll tell you. Other than 3rd year RG Sweezy and rookie RT Britt, SEA had been starting 2nd and 3rd string OLinemen at C, LG, and LT. Last weekend the got starting C Max Unger and starting LT Okung back from injury, but still had backup LG Bailey in there. Unger and Okung make a HUGE difference, and I would even say Unger's presence is as valuable as having LT Okung back b/c Unger is a master at making the line calls. This is why teams will now worry about stopping the SEA offense, as Oldman alluded to. Even if the NYG were terrible versus the run, and they either game-planned poorly or were undisciplined on defense, or all of the above.

So you would rather Sherman Thomas and Chancellor were out like the 49ers have it, or Wilson was out like the cards and rams do, but kepta healthy oline?

 

[leftover pie]

For Elimination Football® this week:

Texans / Detroit

Detroit strike me as one of those teams that everyone will root for because they've had such a lack of success over the years and deep down they're harmless.
They might make the playoffs, but they won't go deep, they've just got this "making up the numbers" vibe about them.
They might show signs of promise, look really good against bad teams, win the occasional amazing come-back style game, but when they come up against the big teams in January I think they'll be found wanting.

Texans

They aren't going to win the superbowl.

To add to my list:

NYG / Washington / NYJ / Dallas /Jacksonville / Minnesota / St Louis / Oakland / Miami / Tampa Bay / Atlanta / Pittsburgh / Cleveland / Cincinnati / Carolina / Indianapolis / Tennessee / Chicago


For Reverse Survival Football™ (Loser Bowl):

It's getting to be slim pickings for loser bowl:

Texans

Playing a "red hot" Cleveland away from home, I think the Texans will find it tough.

My current score: 8 (+1 bonus doughnut point)

Teams used: Titans*, Chargers*, Washington, Jacksonville, Jets(0), Raiders, 49ers, Rams, Buccaneers, Bears

 

[Merckx index]

Survival: TB

Past picks: MIA*, NYJ, MIN, TE, BUF*, OAK, StL*, BAL, JAX, CHI

Elimination: CAR, CIN

Already listed: NYG, JAX, KC, MIA, BUF, StL, OAK, TE, CLE, WASH, PIT, NYJ, NO, HOU, TB, MIN, CHI, ATL

That game by Dalton was arguably one of the worst by a QB in NFL history. I thought Rivers was bad vs. MIA, but his QB rating was around 30. A rating of close to zero, for a full game? YPA of 2.6? I can’t recall a QB ever putting up such abysmal numbers, not for an entire game. Sure, Cleveland’s defense is good, but they aren’t the new Steel Curtain. They’re 13th in the NFL in passing defense, a crude stat, but it gives you some idea.

And the Seahawks rushed for 350 freaking yards against the Giants? When was the last time an NFL team did that? I hope the 49ers were taking notes, and let Gore and Hyde loose next week. They seem to lose their way when they forget the rushing game and expect Kaep to do it all.

Speaking of Kaep, if you need more proof that almost anyone can set some record if the stat is arbitrary enough, check out this:

At the midway point, Kaepernick is on pace to have 3,912 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, 10 interceptions and 552 rushing yards. No quarterback in NFL history has ever had 3,500 passing yards, 20 touchdowns and 475 rushing yards in a season with 15 or fewer interceptions.

and

He could become one of three quarterbacks to have 3,500 passing yards, 20 passing touchdowns and 500 rushing yards in a season, joining Randall Cunningham (1998) and Cam Newton (2011), who threw 16 and 17 interceptions, respectively, in those seasons.

When I first saw those numbers, I thought RGIII and Wilson would have done it as rookies. But they didn’t have enough passing yards, 3200 and 3118, respectively.

Rodgers’ game vs. the Bears shows why it will be so hard to break the record of 7 passing TDs, even in an offensive era. If a QB gets near that record, the game is probably a blow-out, and he will be taken out by the fourth quarter, to rest him, and also so the winning coach is not accused of running up the score. For the record to be broken, you need either a shoot-out, with both teams scoring like crazy—Big Ben’s game vs. Indy was close to that—or else the QB has to start more slowly. Say, three TDs in the first half, and two more in the 3d quarter. If the game is not out of hand going into the 4th quarter—say, 35-21—then the QB will continue to play, and might rack up three more TD passes.

Ray MacDonald, who was never suspended by the 49ers, won’t be charged, news that broke just about the same time that Aldon Smith’s suspension was finished (though it turned out if he had done more community service, he might have been back a game or two earlier):

We never will be really sure of the details of what happened, but the seven-page district attorney’s report paints an ugly scene at McDonald’s home that night. The district attorney’s office concluded that it would not be able to get a jury conviction — which is what it is seeking when it files charges. Both parties reported that McDonald’s pregnant fiancee had struck him first and he had forcibly restrained her. The people in the district attorney’s office made a point of noting that failure to file charges does not mean they believe the alleged victim was lying.

But then this follows:

The investigation was complicated by a compromised San Jose Police Department. Officer Sean Pritchard, who worked privately for the 49ers, was at the party before the 911-summoned officers arrived. The report indicates that Pritchard was helping McDonald navigate the interests of women who were not his fiancee. The department has instituted new policies to prevent such blatant conflicts of interest.

“navigate the interests of women who were not his fiancée” – Makes it pretty clear why his fiancée threw the first punch. I’ll go way out on a limb, and guess Ray Rice’s fight with his fiancée began that way, too. These women pursue rich star athletes who have dozens of other women chasing them, then act surprised when they discover the guy is fooling around on the side.

The Siz™

LOL.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Ok, take your sarcasm. Might be a cultural thing... But what I´ll never ever get is how Americans from USA can buy into that shit: Buying things that are wayyy over-priced, hero worshipping, (see Kosar, Stubblefield, Vince Young, Mike Tyson, and who else...

And BTW you failed with TheSiz. His true value is arena football level. Thus 400 $ per game.

Yes, sarcasm. I'll say as I did before, if the money is there, I don't mind it being split evenly between the billionaire owners and millionaire players. The real complaint in the US is how corrupted our tax code is. Really, these people should be paying a marginal tax rate of double what they do on their riches, and have a health care system that helps them as they age. Do that and they'd still live very nice lives, all of them.

FWIW, It was Kosar's father and family that spent all his money.

That game by Dalton was arguably one of the worst by a QB in NFL history.

I tried looking it up, and I can't find anything worse. Brandon Weeden's first rookie game as a Cleveland Brown was awful, 12-35, 111, 4 interceptions (one a hail mary). But he did complete some long throws, and the game was close late (thanks to Vick tossing 4 picks and coughing up a fumble for the Eagles). I can't find the passer rating, but I think it was something like 18. Mark Sanchez also had a game in his last full season with the Jets where he was at or near single digits.

Ray MacDonald, who was never suspended by the 49ers....

I’ll go way out on a limb, and guess Ray Rice’s fight with his fiancée began that way, too. These women pursue rich star athletes who have dozens of other women chasing them, then act surprised when they discover the guy is fooling around on the side.

Bingo. I'm not saying she deserved to get hit. No way, that is wrong, wrong, wrong. But we've seen this movie before. Take a look at how Steve McNair died, and he had no history of domestic violence, he just was a personable guy who attracted a lot of women, didn't shy away from them, and it got him killed.

The whole thing is just sad, all of it.

 

[Oldman]

Survival: TB


“navigate the interests of women who were not his fiancée” – Makes it pretty clear why his fiancée threw the first punch. I’ll go way out on a limb, and guess Ray Rice’s fight with his fiancée began that way, too. These women pursue rich star athletes who have dozens of other women chasing them, then act surprised when they discover the guy is fooling around on the side.

LOL.

That is more common than any NFLPA rep would want the ticket buying public to know.
The personal chef for a former franchise cornerback in Seattle was amazed at the number of children by different women the bible-clutching player had at 27 years of age. No morality issues, there. That was the benchmark until she was working with an NBA player....

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Adrien Peterson is 29 years old. Though the numbers aren't public knowledge, it's generally believed he has 6-7 children from either 5 or 6 different women. It's also been said that he's never late on child support payments.

NBA player Sean Kemp had between 7 and 11 children from between 6-7 different women.

Evander Holyfield apparently has 11 children with over 5 different women.

Antonio Cromaratie has fathered as many as 12 children with eight women in six different states. Even he has a hard time remembering them all!

On the flip side to that, George Foreman has 12 kids. It seems none out of wedlock though, and at least two of them are adopted. He must love kids!

Former NBA star Calvin Murphy was the king though, 14 kids from 9 different women. Wow!

Travis Henry must be the bottom though. Apparently 11 kids from 10 different women. And since leaving the NFL he's spent time in and out of prison.

 

[Oldman]

Adrien Peterson is 29 years old. Though the numbers aren't public knowledge, it's generally believed he has 6-7 children from either 5 or 6 different women. It's also been said that he's never late on child support payments.

NBA player Sean Kemp had between 7 and 11 children from between 6-7 different women.

Evander Holyfield apparently has 11 children with over 5 different women.

Antonio Cromaratie has fathered as many as 12 children with eight women in six different states. Even he has a hard time remembering them all!

On the flip side to that, George Foreman has 12 kids. It seems none out of wedlock though, and at least two of them are adopted. He must love kids!

Former NBA star Calvin Murphy was the king though, 14 kids from 9 different women. Wow!

Travis Henry must be the bottom though. Apparently 11 kids from 10 different women. And since leaving the NFL he's spent time in and out of prison.

Aren't all of George's sons named George as well? Solves the problem Cromarte had.

 

[on3m@n@rmy]

So you would rather Sherman Thomas and Chancellor were out like the 49ers have it, or Wilson was out like the cards and rams do, but kepta healthy oline?

I'm not saying what you just suggested in that question. I'm saying the OP was being biased not considering the entire picture. But to play along, yeah, I'd prolly take an entire healthy OLine, minus Wilson, but replaced by a healthy TJax.

 

[leftover pie]

Adrien Peterson is 29 years old. Though the numbers aren't public knowledge, it's generally believed he has 6-7 children from either 5 or 6 different women. It's also been said that he's never late on child support payments.

NBA player Sean Kemp had between 7 and 11 children from between 6-7 different women.

Evander Holyfield apparently has 11 children with over 5 different women.

Antonio Cromaratie has fathered as many as 12 children with eight women in six different states. Even he has a hard time remembering them all!

On the flip side to that, George Foreman has 12 kids. It seems none out of wedlock though, and at least two of them are adopted. He must love kids!

Former NBA star Calvin Murphy was the king though, 14 kids from 9 different women. Wow!

Travis Henry must be the bottom though. Apparently 11 kids from 10 different women. And since leaving the NFL he's spent time in and out of prison.

my dad had 5 from 4, with those numbers, I think he coulda turned pro.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Elimination Football®.

NYG, Cle, Jax, StL, TB, Mia, NYJ, Min, Ten, Buf, Chi, Wash, Atl, Hou, Car, SF (added Cin, SD, as was behind per Hitch) This week: Balt, Oak (finally). Will create a chart like Hitch soon I hope.

Survival Football™.

Indy, KC, Minn, Tenn, NYJ, Dal*, NYG, Wash*, St.L, Chi. This week: Cincinnati

Tonight's Game:

BUF@MIA - Both defenses good. Not convinced by either team's offense.

 

[Amsterhammer]

BUF @ MIA

Tannehill plays, edge to the Fins.

Elimination Football:

Alpe -
Foxxy -
Amsterhammer - Washington, Dallas, N.Y. Giants, Sandy Eggo, Oakland, Jax, Tampa Bay, Houston, Atlanta, Minnesoda, Titans, Rams, Miami, NYJ, Bears, Browns, Niners, Panthers, Bengals, Saints

On3m@nmy -
Glenn -
Hitch -
Tricycle -
Merckx -
Oldman -
Leftover Pie
Chewy -
Sciocco -
Pricey Sky -
Tonebear -

For Survival Football, you must pick a team you think will lose this weekend. You cannot select them again for the rest of the season. Here are last week's picks. Please help fill in the blank if you picked and I missed it.

Alpe -
Foxxy -
Glenn -
Amsterhammer - (missed pick) Sandy Eggo, (one strike), Oakland, Tampa Bay, Cowgirls (strike 2) Rams (and that was strike 3) Titans, NYJ, JAX, BUF
On3m@nmy -
Hitch -
Tricycle -
Merckx -
Oldman -
Leftover Pie -
Chewy -

 

[ToreBear]

The 49ers are annoying.


Torebear - Oak, Jax, Tenn, KC, Hou, TB, Stl, Wash, NYJ, Min, Cle, Chi, Atl, NYG, Car, SF new picks: Cin, SD

For Survival Football™.
Torebear - NY Giants, Chicago*, Pitt*, Tenn, Ari, Dal*, NYJ, SD, Stl*,SF* New pick: Cin



I think the dolphin offense is better than the Bills offense. On defense I think Buffallo has the edge.

The key will be if the dolphins can establish a running game. If the Bills are allowed to let their four linemen crush the pocket without being concerned about the running game, Tannehill will suffer much more than he did in Detroit.

If Tannehill is able to do a few runs himself, I see the dolphins as having a chance.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Nice win for Miami. Another step towards a Wildcard game. Funny how we're 10 weeks in, but you can almost predict the AFC, with exception to the North. NE, Indy, and Denver all likely to win divisions. Miami and KC likely to take Wildcard slots. Maybe SD or the second place finisher in the north.

The NFC on the other hand I wouldn't guarantee any division or WC spot right now.

In Buffalo I'm guessing EJ Manuel is done. When the game was nearly over and Orton struggling, the fact Manuel didn't even toss the ball on the sidelines told it all. He didn't play great last year, and despite a decent start, regressed and went back to locking in on receivers, inaccurate throws, and bad decisions. As average as Kyle Orton is, he's still above Manuel in almost every stat. Looking back, the Bills haven't had a QB who can throw deep with any accuracy at all since Drew Bledsoe. Article on NFL.com about the Bills QB woes.
The rest of this week's game predictions coming up. A good week for football.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Here's my Elimination Football chart.


AFC East
New England
NYJ
Miami
Buffalo

AFC North
Pittsburgh
Cincinnati
Cleveland
Baltimore


AFC South
Indianapolis
Tennessee
Jacksonville
Houston

AFC West
Denver
Kansas City
San Diego
Oakland


NFC East
Philadelphia
Dallas
NY Giants
Washington

NFC North
Detroit
Green Bay
Chicago
Minnesota


NFC South
New Orleans
Carolina
Atlanta
Tampa Bay

NFC West
Arizona
Seattle
San Francisco
St. Louis

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Kinda quiet in here.

MIN@CHI- As bad as Bears are, they can win this.
HOU@CLE - If only Texans had drafted Manziel, like he said...
ATL@CAR - Weak OL, but Carolina can play better than they have.
CIN@NO - Saints at home.
TB@WAS - Skins have RG3 back.
DEN@STL - Rams improving, but not that good.
SF@NYG - I don't trust SF, but Giants stink.
SEA@KC - Chiefs need to score though.
OAK@SD - Sad Raiders.
DET@ARI - Division leaders.
PHI@GB - Packers at home, but Philly will score.
NE@IND - Tough call, but I believe in Luck. Could be 55-45 score.
PITT@TEN - I have little faith in Titans and Mettenberger.

Jay Glazer stands by his words that Jim Harbaugh is done in SF. I guess taking the team to three NFC championships, a Superbowl, and remaining in contention in a tough division with a rash of injuries and distractions isn't enough. If this is all true, and the monkeys are running the zoo in SF and get him canned because he's too tough, I have lost faith in the 49er organization.

 

[Amsterhammer]

BUF @ MIA

MIN @ CHI - likely an awful game with Da Bears slightly less bad.
HOU @ CLE - Browns to use home advantage.
SEA @ KC - could go either way, I'll go home.
ATL @ CAR - another toss up, I'll take ATL.
CIN @ NO -Saints shouldn't have lost last week.
TB @ WSH - horrible being 'favorite'.
DEN @ STL - the weather shouldn't be bad enough to stop Peyton.
SF @ NYG - ugh, Giants are embracing major suck right now.
OAK @ SD - must be a home banker, surely?
PHI @ GB - Rogers to roll on these Iggles.
DET @ ARI - could be close, I'll go for Cards despite no Palmer.
NE @ IND - should be a score fest with the old master to edge it.
PIT @ TEN - possible Steeler romp.

 

[The Hitch]

Best week of the season imo.

Eagles-Packers, Lions-Cardinals and Pats Colts are 3 of the games of the season and look very likely to decide playoff seedings. Yet all those are still probably surpassed by Seahawks Chiefs for game of the week, while Broncos Rams would in any other week probably be prime time.

49ers in New York is also a good game. I find Texans Browns intriguing too since a) Browns are relevant and Texans not out of the playoff picture yet b) The number 1 draft pick is finally coming back into the lineup and c) Texans have a new qb.

On the other hand, Cincinatti New Orleans - what would have been a major game 10 weeks ago, has lost some of its alure, All 3 divisional games are dead weight, as is the battle for a top 3 draft pick in Tampa.

And its a darn shame that Pittsburgh - Tenesee is the Monday Night game. Too much Pittsburgh on prime time if you ask me.