If the Playoffs Began Today...

We are approaching the halfway mark in the 2010 regular season, which means one thing is on everyone's mind: the playoffs.

Around this time each season is when the games start meaning more and more with each passing week. If the regular season was to end right now today, who would be in, who would be out and who has enough momentum to ride it all the way to the Super Bowl victory?

AFC Seedings

1. Jets-AFC East: 5-1
2. Steelers-AFC North: 5-1
3. Titans-AFC South: 5-2
4. Chiefs-AFC West: 4-2
5. Patriots-AFC East: 5-1
6. Ravens-AFC North: 5-2

NFC Seedings

1. Giants-NFC East: 5-2
2. Falcons-NFC South: 5-2
3. Seahawks-NFC West: 4-2
4. Bears-NFC North: 4-3
5. Buccaneers-NFC South: 4-2
6. Redskins-NFC East: 4-3

Wild Card Weekend:

*Titans over Ravens...Ah, classic playoff matchup between Tennessee and Baltimore. Only this time Tennessee will be getting the last laugh.
*Patriots over Chiefs...Kansas City has had a nice run, but the Patriots are on a hot streak right now, no way Matt Cassel could knock off Brady.

*Redskins over Seahawks...With a couple of impressive victories over teams such as Philadelphia, Dallas and Green Bay, the Skins season thus far has been rather surprising so far.
*Bears over Buccaneers...As long as Chicago can protect Cutler and he can limit any and all mistakes, Chicago's defense shouldn't have much trouble containing Josh Freeman.

Divisional Round:

*Jets over Patriots...They meet again. Rex Ryan vs. Bill Belichick. Always an even battle nowadays. But with Sanchez showing much improvement and the return of Revis (plus the loss of Moss for New England) leads me to believe New York is the better team right now.
*Titans over Steelers...If Chris Johnson picks his game up there's no way they don't redeem themselves against Pittsburgh considering how much the Titans have improved over the course of the season.

*Giants over Redskins...Familiar situation for McNabb, but just like all his years in Philly, he will be taking an early exit against Eli's G-Men.
*Falcons over Bears...The Matt Ryan-Roddy White combination should be enough to crush this Chicago pass defense, despite allowing just four passing touchdowns so far this season.

Conference Championship:

*Jets over Titans...With a balanced offensive attack and a solid defense capable of making the Titans one dimensional, New York will be representing the AFC in the Super Bowl.

*Falcons over Giants...Another game, another shootout. Manning has the experience, but I give Ryan the edge when it comes to intangibles. Falcons return to the Super Bowl for the first time since falling to Denver back in 1998.

Super Bowl Sunday:

Jets over Falcons

Seems a bit unlikely, but hey, the Jets are on fire right now and with Mark Sanchez looking like a whole new player this season, and a rejuvenated Ladainian Tomlinson in the backfield, the sky looks to be the limit in New York. If Rex Ryan's defense can battle through the injuries then this surely looks possible at the point. MVP: Mark Sanchez

Photo Credits
Michael Griffin: AP Photo/Frederick Breedon
Eli Manning: AP Photo/Dave Einsel
Tony Gonzalez: AP Photo/Bill Haber
Braylon Edwards: AP Photo/Bill Kostroun

Who's No. 1? NFL's Top 10 Teams After Week 7

This past weekend's slate of thrilling, yet shocking, football games has shaken up the top 10 rankings quite a bit for this coming weekend's action.

Here's my top 10 teams through the first seven weeks of play:

10. Indianapolis Colts (4-2), third in AFC South

There were several other 4-2 teams that I could choose from to crack the top 10 (Seattle, Houston and Tampa Bay). But, unlike the other three choices, Indy has actually scored more points than they have allowed, won every home game that they have played, and are on a hot streak (2-game win streak; 4-1 in last five games). Peyton Manning, obviously, will be Peyton Manning. Meaning, yes, Indianapolis is going to win several more games and be in the playoff hunt no matter what Tennessee and Houston do. So don't let the 0-2 record within AFC South teams fool you.

9. Green Bay Packers (4-3), second in NFC North

By putting the Pack at No. 8 on this list I am breaking a major, unwritten rule. That rule happens to be the fact that I put a team that is currently sitting in second place in the division ahead of the team that is winning the division. Both Green Bay and the Chicago Bears hold a 4-3 record, but Chicago has the head-to-head tie breaker with it's 20-17 victory back at the end of September. But, nevertheless, Green Bay is still a better team than the Bears despite being 2-2 since the loss. Green Bay has had a couple of impressive victories over some solid teams, and two of the three losses have come in overtime. The Packers can hang with anybody, as they have clearly displayed so far this season.

8. Kansas City Chiefs (4-2), first in AFC West

I'm not going to lie to you, my readers. I didn't think Kansas City would keep this pace up after they kicked off the season with a 3-0 record. But, surprisingly enough they came out and kept to within 10 points of knocking off Peyton Manning and Co., and barely fell to the (also surprising) Texans in a 35-31 shootout. But, Matt Cassel bounced back with a 42-20 lashing of Jack Del Rio's troubled Jaguars. With Tennessee, Denver and San Diego being Cassel's toughest remaining opponents, we could see a Kansas City Chiefs team in the playoffs for the first time since 2006.

7. Baltimore Ravens (5-2), second in AFC North

At 5-2, Baltimore is just eight points away from being an undefeated team. With quarterback Joe Flacco on one side of the ball, and future Hall of Fame linebacker Ray Lewis on the other, Baltimore has one of the scariest teams in the league. The reason Baltimore isn't a bit higher up on the list is simply because of the two scares they had against teams such as Cleveland and Buffalo. They came out with a win against both, but were oh so close to allowing both teams to earn it's first victory against them.

6. New York Giants (5-2), first in NFC East

Eli Manning leads the league with 11 interceptions in seven games, but minus two poor games against solid opponents (Indianapolis and Tennessee), the Giants have played some impressive offensive games, scoring 28-plus on four different occasions. If Eli would only play a little bit more consistently then the G-Men may be ranked a little bit higher on my list.

5. Tennessee Titans (5-2), first in AFC South

Let's face it, Tennessee can put up some points. In fact, the Titans are first in points scored (199) and are tied for first with 22 touchdowns this season. At 5-2, the Titans only two losses came against Pittsburgh and Denver. Who knows where'd they be if they didn't face issues at the quarterback position. But, if there's one thing I know it's that opposing defenses better look out with Vince Young returning to the lineup this weekend, and the Titans' remaining schedule looks to be in their favor.

4. Atlanta Falcons (5-2), first in NFC South

I know, I know, it seems very rare to see an NFC team being talked about this season, considering how poor the entire conference has played this season. It's almost as though the NFC has flip-flopped (Dallas, New Orleans, Minnesota and San Fran on bottom of divisions). But, thanks to some stellar play from wideout Roddy White, Atlanta's offense has managed to put up 27-plus points in three of the team's five victories. Fun fact: Atlanta's only losses were against Pittsburgh (5-1) and Philadelphia (4-3).

3. New England Patriots (5-1), second in AFC East

Due to a 28-14 loss during week two of the season, Tom Brady's Patriots do not have the tie-breaker over the New York Jets (see No. 1 ranked team for more info). But, the point is that the Pats' offense has caught fire even without Randy Moss. Deion Branch has stepped in and taken over for the now-Minnesota Vikings (again), and it doesn't seem like the passing game lost a step since his departure.

2. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-1), first in AFC North

Ok, I admit it. This past Sunday's 23-22 victory over the Miami Dolphins may have been a bit controversial, but the moral of the story here is that Big Ben Roethlisberger seems to be back to his mid-season form and is throwing as strong as ever. With the defense giving up a league-leading 13.6 points per game with 16 total turnovers, it seems like the offense may be able to relax a bit.

1. New York Jets (5-1), first in AFC East

You remember how the 'critics' were knocking on the J-E-T-S Jets, Jets, Jets after the team fell one point shy of defeating the AFC North favorites, Baltimore, in the first game of the season? Well, since then they have pulled off five straight victories, including three against division rivals.

Just missed the list: Tampa Bay, Seattle, Chicago, Houston, New Orleans, Washington

Photo Credits
Joseph Addai: AP Photo/Darron Cummings
Haloti Ngata: AP Photo/Michael Dwyer
Roddy White: AP Photo/John Bazemore
Ladainian Tomlinson: AP Photo/Joe Mahoney

Tough Life: The Story of the 2010 Buffalo Bills

As a crazy week seven Sunday wrapped up yesterday, the Chan Gaily-led Bills remain winless. Buffalo, who fell in overtime to the 5-2 Baltimore Ravens yesterday afternoon, are the last team in the league without a single win.

Carolina captured it's first win against the 1-6 Niners, but despite holding a 24-20 halftime lead over the ball-hawking Ravens, Buffalo gave up the lead in the third quarter and eventually fell to a Billy Cundiff game-winner in OT.

Buffalo's offense had a season-high 506 total yards and played it's best fourth quarter of the season, with 10 points, to tie the game up after Ryan Fitzpatrick led a late scoring drive with :04 remaining. Fitzpatrick's 17-yard touchdown toss to Lee Evans earlier in the quarter put them within three, and Rian Lindell's late 50-yarder sent the game to the fifth period.

Inside the Numbers:

*Buffalo's offense produced 1,255 combined total yards in the first five games of the season, but gained almost half that (506) in yesterday's three points loss.

*As a team, the Bills turned the ball over six times in the previous five games, but almost matched that in yesterday's game, with four turnovers.

*Clearly, Ryan Fitzpatrick didn't have much trouble moving the ball up and down the field, converting 27 first downs, but in his first game of the season, Baltimore's free safety Ed Reed picked Fitzpatrick off twice.

*Buffalo previously had forced just four turnovers before yesterday's matchup, but against Joe Flacco's Ravens, the Bills forced two turnovers, both fumbles.

*Buffalo's head coach, Gailey, is coaching his first NFL team since he spent two seasons (in '98 and '99) with the Dallas Cowboys. The then-47-year old went 18-14 with Dallas. But, now at age 58, Gailey has started his second head coaching stint with an 0-6 record.

*Buffalo's remaining schedule has a combined 33-29 record, including three more interdivsion matchups, which happens to be the final three games of the regular season.

*Buffalo's defense has allowed less than 30 points just one time this season (week one against Miami when they lost 15-10), and has intercepted just one pass from the opposing quarterback.

*Interesting fact: Ryan Fitzpatrick's numbers look pretty solid (63.3 comp %, 969 yards, 11 TDs, 4 INTs, 102 QB rating in four games. And, since letting go of Trent Edwards, who is now a Jacksonville Jaguar, the Bills' quarterback position seems to be a nonfactor when it comes to holes in the franchise.

*Buffalo's passing offense is tied for fourth with 11 TDs through the air, but has only gotten into the end zone on the ground once (Fred Jackson). Only two other teams have ran for just one touchdown this season: Miami and Dallas.

*Buffalo has allowed the second-most rushing yards this season (1,047). Only Denver has allowed more, and they have played one more game than Buffalo this season.

*Other defensive stats: Allowed third-most points (198), 12th-most total yards, tied for second-most passing TDs (14), least amount of INTs (1), third-most rushing TDs (8) and tied for second-least turnovers.

What have we learned? The offense has done all they can to win games, but the defense decides to give up 30 points per game, making it tough to win games. If you want to point fingers in Buffalo, please point it towards the defensive side of the ball. Thank you all.

Photo Credits
C.J. Spiller: AP Photo/Gail Burton
Paul Posluszny: AP Photo/Mike Groll

Game-Day Breaking News

Just over half an hour until the first slate of games begin, meaning news of who is starting and who will be sitting out today continues to come our way. Here's just a few game day headlines that have surfaced.

*Ed Reed to make first start of season for Baltimore (against Buffalo). Baltimore's 24th ranked passing defense could really use a boost from the ball-hawking Reed. Maybe not against Buffalo, but certainly for the remainder of the season.

*Michael Vick has been listed as the third quarterback by the Eagles for today's game against the Titans. Rather than being Kevin Kolb's backup, Philadelphia has rookie Mike Kafka as second string. Not real sure why Philadelphia would do this, but apparently they are trying to make a statement to someone, or something.

*Darren Sharper, New Orleans' safety, has also been activated for today's game and will be making his first appearance of the season, much like Baltimore's Reed. And again, much like Baltimore the Saints' 20th-ranked passing defense could use Sharper in the lineup and the difference will be very noticeable right off the bat.

*Kenny Britt will not start, but will likely still get a chance to play today against the Eagles after allegedly being involved in a bar fight earlier this week. Considering how productive he's been over the last few weeks I am sure he'll still see plenty of playing time.

*Falcons' corner Dunta Robinson will miss today's game against the Bengals after his helmet-to-helmet collision with DeSean Jackson last week left him with a concussion.

Week Seven Picks

Week seven signals the almost-halfway-point to the regular season. You know what that means? Well, I do. It means the playoff race can officially kick off! Some teams are in panic mode, others are on the brink of shocking the nation.

Sunday October 24, 2010

Falcons over Bengals

Steelers over Dolphins

Ravens over Bills

Chiefs over Jaguars

Saints over Browns

Bears over Skins

Panthers over Niners

Rams over Buccaneers

Titans over Eagles

Cardinals over Seahawks

Patriots over Chargers

Raiders over Broncos

Packers over Vikings

Monday October 25, 2010

Giants over Cowboys

I apologize that I discluded any and all analysis from this week's game picks. I promise that analysis and reaction will be coming your way tomorrow to make up for the lack of content on my blog this week. Stay tuned. For real, content coming your way as soon as possible! It's been quite a long week.

Monday Night Preview: Jags, Titans Clash in Division Showdown

In this league, almost all of the inter-division match-ups are great games and are decided in the last moments of the game. As odd as it may seem, the Titans/Jaguars showdowns are no different.

Both have young(ish) gunslinging quarterbacks under center with Vince Young in Tennessee and David Garrard in Jacksonville. Both have motivated, fiery head coaches in Jeff Fisher and the intense, yet professional Jack Del Rio in J'Ville.

Oh, wait. I almost forgot the teams' most well-known players: Chris Johnson, who became just the sixth player in league history to break 2,000 yards on the ground last season, and the stout 5'7'' Maurice Jones-Drew for the Jags.

Both are considered premier backs in the NFL and can turn a loss of three in to a gain of 85 in an instant.

Of course, according to my "Week Six Picks" article from the other day I have Tennessee coming out on top tonight, creating a three-way tie for first with Indianapolis and Houston. And I stand by my pick today. But, I've decided to add another dimension to this MNF preview.

I have brought in another source to create another opinion on the matchup. That source, as I am calling it, is Whatifsports.com: a simulator which allows any 'plain Joe' to simulate a matchup and get a winner, final score and box score for every simulated game that user runs through.

I noticed the simulator is a week behind (says both teams are  still 2-2), but it'll have to do.

WIS Says......Tennessee 17, Jacksonville 7

I was unable to post a link to the box score, but the truth of the matter is that Tennessee's defense shut down Garrard and the passing game. Tennessee's offense had the only turnover of the game (lost fumble) but Garrard managed just 124 yards through the air with no touchdowns as he completed just 13 of his 23 pass attempts.

Jacksonville's lone score came on a 16-yard run by Rashad Jennings. Tennessee's Vince Young, on the other hand, threw for 288 yards and a touchdown (65-yarder to Justin Gage in second quarter) on 17 completed passes.

Both Johnson and MJD were held to under 100 yards on the ground (65 for C.J. and 62 for Jones-Drew), were held out of the end zone, and caught just two passes each. Both head coaches knew exactly what to expect from their rivals and were able to stop it.

Although, Jeff Fisher did a slightly better job than Jack Del Rio.

Photo Credits
Maurice Jones-Drew: AP Photo/Mike Groll
Kenny Britt: AP Photo/Tim Sharp

Tweet of the Day: George Wrighster

I haven't posted one of these in quite a while. In fact, I've only done this a couple of times in all. But, it's back!

Today's 'Tweet of the Day' was posted just minutes ago by a player who could be considered an "unknown" player to the casual fan. George Wrighster, a former NFL tight end (for Jacksonville and the New York Giants), now plays for the Las Vegas Locomotives in the United Football League (UFL). Here's what he had to say about the Cowboys' performance from yesterday, which resulted in another heartbreaking loss:

"The Cowboys have 2 excessive celebration penalties after TDs but only 1 win...#BadRatio"

Ouch, that one had to hurt Big D. Wouldn't you agree, Tony Romo?

Week Six Fantasy Update: Start 'em Sit 'em

In the world of fantasy football, October means the heart of the season is well underway. Injuries vastly effect how fantasy owners' seasons unfold and since we're a month in to the season I can assure you that the injuries will continue to hit players hard.

Here's a few players you should start and, of course, those select few you should keep on your bench on this beautiful Sunday afternoon.

Start:

Mark Sanchez QB, NYJ (vs. DEN)

Sanchez has shown major improvement and maturity. With Braylon Edwards shining and the return of Santonio Holmes last week, New York's passing game will continue to thrive with Shonn Greene and Ladainian Tomlinson coming out of the backfield.

Drew Brees QB, NO (vs. TB)

Brees hasn't been quite up to par as compared to last year yet he still has the fourth-most passing yards in the league and has a convincing matchup with the Buccaneers today. It's not likely you would ever bench Brees, unless it's his bye week, but I thought I'd add him to the list just in case.

Ben Roethlisberger QB, PIT (vs. CLE)

Yes, I understand it's his first game since December of last season. But, he's been working out during his suspension, throwing 600-700 passes a week and seems to be in great football shape. Not to mention he's matched up with the hapless Cleveland defense. He may not even have to throw 30 passes today.

Brandon Jackson RB, GB (vs. MIA)

Aaron Rodgers looks to be making the start today, but if I was Mike McCarthy I would make sure I'm cautious with him. I don't expect him to throw the ball quite as often as usual, and giving Jackson (who is coming off a 115 yards performance vs. Washington last week) more carries.

Ryan Torain RB, WAS (vs. IND)

With the Colts giving up the third-most rushing yards in the league, I would expect the Skins to take advantage of that and run the ball more. Since taking over for Clinton Portis, Torain has yet to break 100-yards on the ground, but if he was to break 100, it would certainly be this week against Indy's weak run defense.

Hakeem Nicks WR, NYG (vs. DET)

Nicks has proved to be Eli Manning's go-to guy this season (has caught six of New York's eight receiving touchdowns). With Detroit's defense allowing the seventh-most passing yards in the league at this point, I expect Eli to throw the ball early and often, meaning Nicks will get plenty of balls thrown his way today.

Roddy White WR, ATL (vs. PHI)

White has played fantastic all season with three 100-yard games and three touchdown receptions so far. Philadelphia has allowed eight touchdowns through the air this season and Matt Ryan is poised for a big game in Philly. White is a must-start.

Steelers D/ST (vs. CLE)

This one seems a bit obvious to me. Pittsburgh is currently allowing the least amount of points a game and hasn't allowed a 100-yard rusher in 30+ games. With the combination of rookie Colt McCoy making his first career start, you've got an easy 20 points.

Sit:

Brett Favre QB, MIN (vs. DAL)

Favre is expected to make the start, but that doesn't mean you should start him. Favre's elbow is bound to bother him at least a little, plus DeMarcus Ware and Dallas' defense will hit him with every chance they get. I would expect him to be sacked a couple times and maybe even throw a couple of INTs.

Darren McFadden RB, OAK (vs. SF)

McFadden, like Favre, is likely to play (Favre will start, McFadden will likely just see playing time). But, with Michael Bush in the lineup, McFadden isn't likely to see too much of the field this afternoon as he tries to rest his hamstring. McFadden has played very well all season, but I wouldn't risk too much this week and just keep him on your bench.

Calvin Johnson WR, DET (vs. NYG)

Johnson is active for this afternoon's game, but he obviously isn't 100% and lining Shaun Hill up against New York's defense, Johnson may not even get many chances to show he deserves to be in your team's lineup.

Percy Harvin WR, MIN (vs. DAL)

Harvin had a spectacular 97-yard, two touchdown game last week against the Jets, but don't expect the same result this week with Dallas in town. Like I said above, Favre will be thrown around like a rag doll and Randy Moss may get most of the targets anyways.

Week six is just half an hour away. Enjoy the early slate of games and check back for recap and analysis later on.

Photo Credits

Drew Brees: AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin

Brandon Jackson: AP Photo/Evan Vucci

Roddy White: AP Photo/David Richard

Darren McFadden: AP Photo/Ben Margot

Week Six Picks

Sunday October 17, 2010

Packers over Dolphins...Chad Henne will continue to turn the ball over against Clay Matthews and Co. as the Pack puts up 30+ points against Miami's defense.

Chargers over Rams...After watching the Lions stomp rookie quarterback Sam Bradford and St. Louis last week, 44-6, I am very confident that San Diego can bounce back after last week's heartbreaking loss and win a game on the road.

Ravens over Patriots...Baltimore, sitting at 4-1, have already proven they can hang with anyone after defeating Pittsburgh and then going on to crushing the Broncos the following week. Flacco limits mistakes, Ray Rice has a solid day as well.

Steelers over Browns...Ah, yes. Big Ben's long-awaited return. He may start out a little rusty, but he always plays spectacular against the Browns, I don't expect Pittsburgh to have much trouble against Cleveland's offense since Colt McCoy will be making his career first NFL start.

Chiefs over Texans...Houston may have trouble bouncing back after being crushed by the Jets last week, giving Kansas City the perfect chance to shock the nation once again with a solid victory and improve to 4-1.

Giants over Lions...Despite numerous attempts at believing in the Giants, and having them embarrass me, I still believe Eli has the ability to take this team back to the playoffs. Detroit may have won big last week, but it lost legitimacy once people found out it was against rookie Sam Bradford in St. Louis.

Falcons over Eagles...Philly's quarterback controversy continues as Atlanta continues to heat up as they currently sit atop the NFC South with a 4-1 record. Atlanta's lone loss? The Pittsburgh Steelers back in week one. Atlanta is for real and wont have much trouble today against the Eagles.

Bears over Seahawks...Jay Cutler looks to be ready and back in action, which means an improved offense which, in fact, put up 23 points last week with Todd Collins under center. It was against the winless Panthers, no less, but hey, a win's a win.

Saints over Buccaneers...Drew Brees' and Co. are struggling to put points on the board compared to last year, currently sitting at 3-2 which is good enough for third place in the South. But if they can put pressure on Josh Freeman and force a few turnovers it could be a pretty solid victory for Sean Payton's Saints.

Jets over Broncos...New York continues to play solid football with a solid run game, defense and a more matured Mark Sanchez under center. Looks like Rex Ryan's team is playing up to their hype. So far at least.

Niners over Raiders...San Fran has yet to win a ballgame thus far this year, but they had the chance/ability to take home a couple different W's. But, unfortunately, Singletary's crew just couldn't finish the job. Here is the Niners' best chance at coming away with a victory right here today.

Cowboys over Vikings...Favre will likely start, but you know what that means. DeMarcus Ware and the rest of Dallas' defense will be coming for him all day long. If Romo can manage the game the victory should be in the bag with Dallas' defense on the field. Note to Favre: You're better off sitting this one out. It may pay off in the long run.

Colts over Skins...Peyton Manning has seemed to struggle a bit this season, but it's Peyton. He will bounce back and take Indianapolis deep in to the playoffs this year. Here's his chance to turn the season around in D.C.

Monday October 18, 2010

Titans over Jaguars...Someone else who has been a bit off their game: Chris Johnson. His numbers are much lower than we all expected, especially after all his talk of 2,500 yards in 2010. I guess we'll see if he can pick it up a little against Jacksonville.

Bye weeks: Bills, Bengals, Cardinals, Panthers

Photo Credits

Dexter McCluster: AP Photo/Michael Conroy

Mark Sanchez: AP Photo/Seth Wenig

Week Five Picks

Week five already?! Seems like the season just kicked off.
Sunday October 10, 2010

Jaguars over Bills

The Bills quarterback situation needs to be permanently fixed as soon as possible, but it may not happen until the draft in April.

Ravens over Broncos

After an impressive last-second win last week in Pittsburgh, it looks as though Baltimore can play with anyone.

Colts over Chiefs

Peyton and Co. will get their stuff together and hand the Chiefs their first loss of the season, meaning no more undefeated teams after this weekend.

Packers over Redskins

Clay Matthews, the NFL sack leader with seven, is poised for a big game against McNabb and Shanahan's Skins. Rodgers will have a big game as well.

Rams over Lions

Rookie quarterback Sam Bradford has impressed me so far, lets see if he can keep it going.

Panthers over Bears

Jay Cutler was sacked 10 times last week, on national television. That might be a little tough for Chicago to overcome considering he is inactive for today's game due to a concussion. Veteran Todd Collins will make the start.

Bengals over Bucs

Terrell Owens had a fantastic game last week, and I wouldn't be surprised if either him or Ochocinco had a great game against Tampa's young secondary.

Falcons over Browns

Thanks to some heads up play from receiver Roddy White, the Falcons shocked San Fran with a last-second game-winning field goal last week. Matt Ryan shouldn't have as much trouble against Cleveland's defense.

Texans over Giants

The New York Giants have been extremely inconsistent so far this season, and with Andre Johnson in the lineup for Houston and Mathias Kiwanuka inactive for New York, Schaub will have plenty of options on the offensive side of the ball.

Saints over Cardinals

It seems that every week New Orleans finds a way to come out with the win (well, three out of the four games anyways). With rookie quarterback Max Hall making the start this weekend, Arizona's offense will most certainly be vulnerable against the Saints' defense.

Cowboys over Titans

Chris Johnson isn't exactly having the season he was hoping to have, and Vince Young has struggled at times. This will allow Tony Romo to get his team back to .500.

Chargers over Raiders

It doesn't matter who is playing quarterback for the Oakland Raiders, they always seem to struggle to protect the football. The team's only win came in a game against the Rams in which Darren McFadden ran for 145 yards.

Niners over Eagles

After coming close to upsetting a couple of playoff contenders (Saints and Falcons) it seems as though Mike Singletary's Niners have the ability to hang with anyone despite their 0-4 record.

Monday October 11, 2010

Vikings over Jets

Another great primetime Monday night game is in line for us, and with the arrival/return of Randy Moss and his No. 84 jersey, looks like Favre could have what he needs to win some games in Minnesota.

Bye weeks: Steelers, Dolphins, Patriots, Seahawks

Photo Credits

Matt Cassel: AP Photo/Charlie Riedel
James Anderson: AP Photo/Bill Haber
Ahmad Bradshaw: AP Photo/Bill Kostroun

Week Four Picks

Ah, yes! Week four is upon us. The final game of both Ben Roethlisberger and former teammate Santonio Holmes' suspensions. Should be a great two days worth of games.

Sunday October 3, 2010

Jets over Bills

Bengals over Browns

Steelers over Ravens

Titans over Broncos

Packers over Lions

Falcons over 49ers

Saints over Panthers

Rams over Seahawks (UPSET)

Colts over Jaguars

Texans over Raiders

Eagles over Redskins

Chargers over Cardinals

Giants over Bears

Monday October 4, 2010

Patriots over Dolphins

More elaboration/comments/pre- and post-game talk/blogposts on week four and preview of week five still to come (tomorrow when I have more time), so stay tuned!

Photo Credits

Anquan Boldin: AP Photo/Rob Carr
Michael Vick: AP Photo/Perry Knotts

At 3-0, Roethlisberger-less Steelers Sit atop Power Rankings

Heading in to week four, the Pittsburgh Steelers, playing with its fourth string quarterback Charlie Batch, are one of the three undefeated teams remaining. What may be even more surprising may be who they beat, and how they won.

It's clear that Pittsburgh's "Steel Curtain" defense of old is back in action with the return of safety Troy Polamalu lurking the defensive backfield. Dick LeBeau's defense is ranked No. 1 in scoring, with just 11 points per game allowed, and fourth in the league in sacks.

Two of the team's three games were against possible playoff contenders, Atlanta and Tennessee, and the third, Tampa Bay, has gotten off to a surprising 2-1 start. Just two touchdowns allowed on defense and a week three blowout against the Bucs is what has the nation convinced that Blitzburgh is back in 2010.

With one last game without the suspended Ben Roethlisberger under center (Sunday v.s. 2-1 Baltimore), the Steelers have a shot at starting the season with a 4-0 record. And with Baltimore running back Ray Rice banged up, Pittsburgh shouldn't have much trouble keeping the Ravens one dimensional, meaning another victory in the 'W' column.

Photo Credit: AP Photo/Chris O'Meara