Good post there Mr. Dirt.
Amster's picks may have set a record for futility. However, I'm sure he's happy today as the Skins ran it up, and Kirk Cousins had a career day. He might, actually be the future there, though the Saints defense is awful.
That New England - New York game was something. Best game of the year, and that's the best the Giants have looked all season, especially their OL, and on blitzes (where games are often won and lost). They really came to play. And they made Brady look bad at times, no question. But the Pats losing Edleman hurt, not having Lewis hurt, and both starting tackles, and one back-up tackle out, hurt. This just isn't the same Pats team that started the season. Never the less they are 9-0, and as the team heals they could get back in stride right into the playoffs, and a tough win like this gives teams a huge boost, especially younger and less experienced players.
If the season ended today, the Giants would host Green Bay for the wildcard game, then travel to either Arizona or Carolina. I wouldn't write them off in any of those games, though I imagine they'd like to avoid going to Carolina.
All the talk of 16-0 Patriots, they're a lot more banged up than either Carolina, or Cincy.
I'm not sure what to make of the Packers, but they are now out of first place. At times Rogers looked great, and other times, their offense looked really empty. Is is the play calling? Jordy Nelson gone? Pass protection? Poor run blocking? I don't get it.
Meanwhile, I thought the Vikings were beating up on weak competition, but they do keep on winning, and a great win over Oakland in Oakland, and they are in first place.
Arizona's win over Seattle is a game they really needed. Cris Collinsworth said sometimes to be on top, you have to beat up the bully of the division, and the Cardinals finally did that. They really toughed out a gritty win when they could have caved. Yes, they've had a soft schedule, but this shows they are deep. Seattle just isn't quite the same team they were. And all those highly paid players looked only above average last night, or even just average.
Are the Bears for real? Cutler finally for real? Who thought they'd take out the Rams like that. St. Louis on the other hand is just maddening to follow.
I like the Steelers chances this year. I doubt they'll catch Cincy, but they have a lot of experience, a venerable coaching staff, and that counts for a lot. Can Ben stay healthy? If the season ended today, they'd go to Indy for a wildcard game, and I'd like their chances there.
I'm glad Sam Bradford isn't too hurt, and may not even miss a game. He was probably playing his best game all season until he went down, and Sanchez quickly lost the game for them. Hard to watch. But their loss, along with the Giants losing again, really helps the Cowboys, who should be dead, but aren't, just in time for Romo to come back. Can he go 6-1 with them, and is that enough to win that division? 5-2 might do it.
Denver's loss to KC was ugly. Especially Manning's performance. I realize he's playing hurt, but a 0.00 passer rating, with four interceptions and only 5 completions, it was one of the worst performances ever for any QB. And their defense seemed on their back heels against an average KC team missing their best player (arguably).