Hail Mary: Week 9
11.01.2007
I'm usually one to knock the hype of supposed "big" games, but I'm joining the pack this week. But I'm not joining the hype or overhype, but rather joining the legitimate praise of the Patriots @ Colts as its stands now. Sure it might change after the game is played, but for the past three meetings between these teams, particularly last seasons Colt's come from behind victory in the AFC Championship, the games have lived up to expectations. So why not start this Hail Mary by listening to the super-sized Game of the Week podcast. Then come back and checkout some news and notes from the other 30 teams that have no chance of winning the Super Bowl this season.30 and CountingLast week Peyton Manning became the first quarterback to beat 31 different NFL teams. He was closely followed by Tom Brady who did in during the second afternoon games. Now this week its the MNF proclaimed "living legend" Brett Favre's turn. He heads to Arrowhead Stadium to take on the Kansas City Chiefs and his chance at becoming only the 3rd quarterback to beat 31 different NFL teams. Favre was his usual self in the Packers MNF overtime victory over the Broncos. On the first play of OT, Brett pulled a classic gunslinger toss to a pretty well covered receiver. This time Faver and Packers won- 82 yards for the game winning score. But its the running game thats hurting the Pack, and its never easy to beat Chiefs at home. This could his only chance.Did I mention the Patriots are at the Colts this week in a game of undefeated teams whom have won 4 of the last 6 Super Bowls? Don't miss it.In a Monday night battle between AFC North rivals, the Steelers have a chance to cement their status as far and away the best team in the North. Sure the Browns have a great chance to move to 5-3 this week, but without the Ravens nipping at their heels, the Steelers should stroll to the division title. The Ravens are coming off a bye, and with the season half way over, this is a must win for the Ravens. The Ravens just don't have the offense to compete week in and week out in the NFL. Defense only goes so far. If the AFC North is going to be a battle for the remainder of the season, the Steelers are going to have to lose.8-0 Patriots @ 7-0 Colts Sunday 4:15ET CBS.In the Thick of ThingsDon't look now but the once 0-4 Saints are now 3-4 and have a good chance to move to 4-4 as the Jaguars with Quinn Gray at quarterback come to town. Sure Gray did win on the road last week in Tampa, but he was 7-16 and only 100 yards. But he didn't turn the ball over. But this is a really good Saints team that got off to one of the worst starts, for a contender, ever. It seems like Drew Brees and company are finally in sync and moving the ball well on offense. Getting to 4-4 would put them near the top of the NFC South and in the driver's seat considering the injuries to the Panthers and Buccaneers.
Week 9
Schedule
Sunday November 4thJaguars @ SaintsBroncos @ LionsBengals @ BillsChargers @ VikingsRedskins @ JetsCardinals @ Buccaneers49ers @ FalconsPackers @ ChiefsPanthers @ TitansSeahawks @ BrownsTexans @ RaidersPatriots @ ColtsCowboys @ EaglesMonday November 5thRavens @ SteelersByes: Bears, Dolphins, Giants, Rams
Week 9
Rankings
1. Patriots (9-0)2. Colts (7-1)3. Cowboys (7-1)4. Packers (7-1)5. Giants (6-2)6. Steelers (6-2)7. Titans (6-2)8. Lions 6-2)9. Buccaneers (5-4)10. Jaguars (5-3)11. Browns (5-3)12. Saints (4-4)13. Redskins (5-3)14. Bills (4-4)15. Chargers (4-4)16. Vikings (3-5)17. Chiefs (4-4)18. Texans (4-5)19. Panthers (4-4)20. Seahawks (4-4)21. Ravens (4-4)22. Cardinals (3-5)23. Bears (3-5)24. Eagles (3-5)25. Broncos (3-5)26. Falcons (2-6)27. Raiders (2-6)28. Bengals (2-6)29. 49ers (2-6)30. Jets (1-8)31. Rams (0-8)32. Dolphins (0-8)
Gridiron Challenge
The Picks
1. Gregory Dowell 83-47 (709)2. Matthew Dowell 83-47 (702 -1)3. Jeff Blackinton 82-48 (709 -0)4. Eric Mitterman 82-48 (694 -4)5. Rick Barritt 80-50 (607 +4)6. Gabe Dadi 77-53 (667 -6)7. Dan Audette 74-56 (620 +12)
Links
NFL.com Features
The 14 Days of Super Bowl
