Nov 18 2008
Thoughts on Week 11 in the NFL
Everybody thought that this would be the week that the AFC South-leading Tennessee Titans would finally lose, but they once again found a way to stay perfect. The Titans rallied from a 14-3 halftime deficit to beat Jacksonville 24-14. Kerry Collins sparked the comeback with three second-half touchdown passes. It’s only a matter of time before they become the first team to clinch a playoff spot. The Colts also stayed alive in the playoff hunt as they held off the Houston Texans. I don’t know how much of a threat the Colts would really be in the playoffs, assuming they get there, but you can never count them out.
In the AFC East, the New York Jets have moved into sole possession of first place after their overtime win over the New England Patriots. I’ve been down on the Jets all season, but right now, they’re the team to beat in this division. I also don’t like the way that the Pats have been losing most of their big games with Matt Cassel and the fact that they have an absurd amount of injuries to many key players. The Dolphins remain a dark horse and, like the Jets, have also won four in a row. If they can complete the season sweep of New England this week, they would make a serious statement. On the flip side, the Bills’ season is spiraling out of control. They looked so good through the first five games, but ever since Trent Edwards suffered a concussion, this team hasn’t been the same. I think they’re done.
The AFC North continues to be a two horse race between Pittsburgh and Baltimore. Both teams have tough schedules the rest of the way, but the Steelers’ may be slightly easier. I think Baltimore is going to continue to struggle against superior talent because their offense isn’t good enough to keep up with a good team. I mean, how good can the Ravens be when their best win is against the Dolphins and they’ve lost to every other legitimate contender that they’ve faced? I like the way that the Browns look with Brady Quinn at quarterback, and I think they could maybe make a playoff run next year. The Bengals tied the Eagles, but more on that later on.
In the AFC West, the Broncos have opened up a two game lead over the Chargers, but Denver is so erratic that San Diego could steal the division crown at the end. All six of San Diego’s losses are by single digits. Five of Denver’s six wins are by single digits. It’s pretty clear which team has been catching the breaks in 2008. The Chiefs have been surprisingly tough the past few weeks with Tyler Thigpen, but still struggle to get into the win column. The Raiders also put forth a good effort, but still suck as well.
In the NFC East, it’s all about the New York Giants, who just keep rolling over and through their competition. In my opinion, they’re the most complete team in the NFL. The Cowboys were happy to have Tony Romo back under center and they rallied to score a huge win over the Washington Redskins. Washington probably has a slightly easier schedule the rest of the way than Dallas, but I think the ‘Boys are the slightly better team with a healthy Romo. Now let’s talk about the Eagles, who inexplicably tied the 1-8 Bengals. How can you even defend something that heinous? And how about Donovan McNabb not knowing that NFL games can end in a tie? Did he seriously say that? It’s inexcusable that he doesn’t know the rules. It’s also inexcusable that since 2005, in games decided by seven points or less, McNabb’s record is 6-14-1. I think it’s time for the Kevin Kolb era to get underway in Philadelphia. They’re just a disgrace. At least the Phillies won the World Series.
In the NFC North, Green Bay, Chicago, and Minnesota are all 5-5. These teams are all so even in terms of talent, so it’ll most likely come down to which team has the toughest schedule. I think the Vikings have the most difficult road, followed by the Bears and then the Packers. The Lions are still looking for their first win and could certainly be a spoiler in this race.
The NFC South would be considered the best division in the National Football League except that they can’t win on the road and can’t beat the NFC East. The Panthers are leading the pack right now, but these teams are so close that any of them could win it, especially since each team still has three divisional games left. I still ultimately think that Carolina will edge out Tampa for the division title, but I also think that the second place team will earn a Wild Card spot. You can’t really count Atlanta or New Orleans out since they’re right in the thick of things.
The Arizona Cardinals lead the NFC West with a 7-3 record. The 49ers, Seahawks, and Rams have combined for seven wins so far. I think that’s all you really need to know about this division.
Projected AFC Playoff teams through Week 11
East: New York Jets (Last Week’s Projection: New England)
North: Pittsburgh (Last Week’s Projection: Pittsburgh)
South: Tennessee (Last Week’s Projection: Tennessee)
West: Denver (Last Week’s Projection: Denver)
Wild Card: Baltimore (Last Week’s Projection: Baltimore)
Wild Card: Indianapolis (Last Week’s Projection: New York Jets)
Projected NFC Playoff teams through Week 11
East: New York Giants (Last Week’s Projection: New York Giants)
North: Green Bay (Last Week’s Projection: Minnesota)
South: Carolina (Last Week’s Projection: Carolina)
West: Arizona (Last Week’s Projection: Arizona)
Wild Card: Tampa Bay (Last Week’s Projection: Tampa Bay)
Wild Card: Dallas (Last Week’s Projection: Washington)
