NFL Divisional Round Picks: Saturday

By Dan Rodgers

Early Game
(3) New Orleans Saints at (2) San Francisco 49ers (+3.5)

This is a game between polar opposite teams. The 49ers are one of the few defensive teams left in the playoffs, and the best defensive team in the NFC. They face the one of the best offensive teams in the Saints. Drew Brees broke the single season record for passing yards, and the Saints are still sixth in the NFL in rushing.

San Fran is the underdog and they are playing at home. There is one key to this game for the San Fran offense: score touchdowns, not field goals. David Akers broke a ton of records this season with all of this field goals for the 49ers, but that won't fly today against the Saints. If Alex Smith can get his team in the endzone, they will definitely have a chance because of their defense. The key for the Saints defense is clearly to bend but not break, something they've done fairly well this season.

The 49ers defense has to take away the New Orleans running game. I know you would think they should focus on Brees, but the running game is something that Brees uses to be so successful. If the 49ers front four can limit the rushing attack, they should see some success in slowing down Brees. The Saints should come out with play action and assume that the 49ers defense will immediately respect the run.

I think this will be a close game at the end even if it's not throughout. The Saints will probably win because they are more experienced and come up with big plays at big times, but I like San Fran at home with the points.

Prediction:
New Orleans Saints 24 San Francisco 23 (+3.5)

Late Game
(4) Denver Broncos at (1) New England Patriots (-13.5)

This is another game between two very different teams. The Patriots love to throw the ball and use that to open up the run game. The Broncos play decent defense and use a college-type option offense to run the ball well. The problem for the Broncos is they are extremely inexperienced and are about to play a team that is not injured or inconsistent on offense.

While I hate him, Tom Brady should shred this defense like he did in their regular season meeting in Denver. It took a little while for the Pats to get going, but when they did, Denver couldn't keep up with them. The problem with Denver falling behind is that they aren't built for huge comebacks. We saw them comeback down one or two possessions earlier this season, but the Pats won't let them stick around.

If Denver's defense wants to have any success they should rely on their front four or five to stop the run and devote everyone else into stopping the pass. Tom Brady will pick apart a blitz, so the most effective way to stop him is to clog to passing lanes and drop a ton of guys into zone. Brady's success is all about timing, so if you jam the receivers at the line or get into the passing lanes, he will have to adjust.

Regardless, I don't think it matters. I hate the Pats as much as anyone, and I think they are going to absolutely stomp the Broncos. Denver got lucky in their last game that it took Brady a while to get going and Denver's offense was functioning fairly well. However, they were kicking field goals and started turning the ball over. I think New England wins big, but I wouldn't be surprised if I got screwed by a backdoor cover by Tebow.

Prediction:
New England Patriots 44 (-13.5) Denver Broncos 17

Check back later today, tonight, or tomorrow morning for Sunday's picks.

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NFL Season Opener

By Dan Rodgers

I know I haven't posted anything in a while. I hope everyone stayed safe during the hurricane and the other terrible weather. Also, hopefully you got power back before me.

This will be a short game preview and prediction and I will finish some fantasy teams and further talk about the NFL in my next video.

Saints @ Packers

Line: Packers by 4

In case you don't understand spreads and other gambling terminology, I'll be posting a video about that.

The Packers won this past Super Bowl, the Saints won the one before that. Both teams got there and won with an explosive offense and a play-making defense. We will start by taking a look at both offenses.

Both of these quarterbacks are top five in the NFL, and they make the players around them better. Aaron Rodgers didn't waste the years he sat on the bench behind Brett Favre, and won the Super Bowl is just his third year as a starter. Drew Brees proved the Chargers wrong by leading the Saints to their first Super Bowl victory in franchise history.

Brees is getting old and on the way down (don't get me wrong, he is still a great QB). He is lacking the necessary playmakers on offense to truly attack the Packers defense. The Saints will hope rookie Mark Ingram will turn into their every-down running back, and tight end Jimmy Graham continues to work off of last season's success. However, the wide receivers have yet to develop as the Saints probably hoped.

The Packers on the other hand have proven stars on offense (Greg Jennings, Jermichael Finley, etc.) that Rodgers makes even better. Green Bay doesn't really need their running game, however, Ryan Grant is an above average back who is coming off of an injury and James Starks filled in nicely. Rodgers has been on point during the preseason, and the Pack look to be in prime position to defend their title.

I think the Saints offense will keep them within fighting distance, but their defense probably won't do them any favors tonight. Their defense continues to age as well and have never been that good. They do make big plays, but Rodgers is too good to let that beat him.

The Packers defense has been top five in the league since Dom Capers joined them two seasons ago. They look to continue that run against the Saints offense and get redeem themselves for the 51-29 loss the year before Capers took over.

Prediction: Packers (-4) 27 Saints 21

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Wild Card Saturday

By Dan Rodgers

This is an interesting year for the NFL because all four Wild Card teams have better records than the team that is hosting them, except one. The Jets have a better record than the Colts by a game, the Ravens by two games over the Chiefs, the Saints by four games over Seattle, and Green Bay has the same record as Philly but beat them earlier this year.

This means that if the team the better record (or tiebreak) were to host, all four Wild Card teams would be hosting the division winners this week.

Game 1

Saints (-10) @ Seahawks - This is an interesting game because everyone is all over New Orleans since Seattle is, record-wise, the worst playoff team in NFL history. A lot of the Saints offensive weapons are banged up, with TE Jimmy Graham inactive and RBs Pierre Thomas and Chris Ivory on IR. I don't think this will matter too much because Brees could turn me into a 1,000-yard receiver. I expect for Reggie Bush to make some big plays in the passing game on a few screen plays. The screens, dump-offs and other short passes will act as the Saints rushing game today because of the injuries to the running backs.

The Seahawks will look to run-run-run and keep Brees off the field. Lynch has had some fumbling issues this year as he did twice in the regular season game against the Saints. I don't think it will work because the Saints should force Hasselbeck to beat them...which he won't.

My Prediction: Saints (-10) 34 Seahawks 16


Game 2

Jets (+2.5) @ Colts - In a rematch of last season's AFC Championship game, the Jets look to avenge their loss. The Colts are definitely not the same team as the only playoff team they defeated this season was the Kansas City Chiefs. The Colts run defense has vastly improved in the last four games and will look to continue that against the smashmouth run game of the Jets led by Shonn Greene. The Colts will hope to stop him and LT to force Mark Sanchez to beat him like they did last season. Sanchez did have some success against Indy's defense throwing for over 250 yards and two touchdowns in last year's contest.

I think the Jets will find some success but the game will be determined by Manning. Reggie Wayne will take a vacation to Revis Island like he did last year, so Manning will have to use other targets like Jacob Tamme, Blair White and Pierre Garcon. Dallas Clark and Austin Collie are both out which should make the Jets feel a bit better.

My Prediction: Jets (+2.5) 24 Colts 23

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Saints win napping contest

By Dan Rodgers

So out of depression I'm not going to talk too much about this one. The Saints won 14-9.

They did nothing but throw the ball in the first half. The game showed promise as New Orleans scored in two minutes on their opening drive. Brees threw a 29-yard touchdown pass to Devery Henderson. Minnesota responded with a field goal in the second quarter, and then a touchdown to Shiancoe with under a minute to play in the half (XPT blocked).

The Saints punched it in again on a one-yard run by Pierre Thomas. Thomas got the bulk of the carries but Reggie had two carries and five catches.

Jon Vilma intercepted Favre on a play in which Brett got destroyed (see left). The INT didn't lead to any points because Hartley missed the field goal (46 yards). He missed another one in the second half (32 yards). Uh oh, issues in the kicking game?

Favre completed three passes in the second half, all on their final drive of the fourth quarter which amounted to no points. He was forcing balls into coverage and didn't seem to move around the pocket too well. It will be interesting to see if Favre continues to throw the ball 25+ times per game if he is having issues. AP only had 87 yards on 19 carries and three catches for 14 yards. Peterson will most likely see an increase in workload as the season progresses. Bodes well for fantasy owners.

Brees seemed to be mostly on point with his receivers. Checked down quite a bit but didn't take too many risks. He made a few really nice throws down field. One thing I did notice, the Saints had 25 carries. They seemed to want to pound the rock a bit more often than last season. It is a solid formula for victory, but they won't cover too many spreads that way.

Well, the rest of my week one picks end up a bit better than that.

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Opening Night: Vikes @ Saints

By Daniel Rodgers

Okay folks, the time has finally arrived! Opening night of the NFL season minutes from going underway and I couldn't be more excited. I have a few more days to wait until my Jets play the opening MNF game, but I just love football in general.

Spread: Saints -5.5 Over/Under: 48.5

The Saints are opening the 2010 NFL season at home against the Minnesota Vikings. Since the Super Bowl champs started consistently hosting the opening game in 2004, they haven't lost. I don't think New Orleans will break that trend.

Vikes: A lot of people are saying that the Viking defense is going to bring some payback for the beating that Brett Favre took during the NFC Championship game. I don't think too much will happen outside of the ordinary. In terms of the offense, don't be surprised to see a lot of Adrian Peterson. This means you could expect a lot of fumbles, we'll have to wait and see if AP made the necessary adjustments.

Nawlins: The Saints are coming off of the first Super Bowl in franchise history. They have a high-flying offense and a big-play defense. Their offense is compiled of Brees, and he just makes everyone better. There is no one special, Colston is a damn good receiver and they have other talented players. Reggie Bush, Pierre Thomas, Robert Meachem are nothing to brag about but Brees' ability increases their value. The same goes with their defense. Jon Vilma and Will Smith are good players but it's the big play they make that changes games. They don't shut teams down, they just force turnovers when necessary.

I like the Saints to repeat what they did in the NFC Championship game, just with a bit more authority. Look for the Saints to try to strip the ball like they did last season. The game will be a big test for AP. The Saints should cover the spread, but I think the over/under will be close because the odds maker people are good at their job.

My Prediction: Saints 30 Vikings 23

Saints -5.5 Over 48.5

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Elite QBs, not yet Joe

By Dan Rodgers

ESPN Analyst John Clayton came out with a list of the NFL QBs that he thinks are on the elite level, and I disagree with a lot of them. Let us break down the list and see where we stand.

AFC

• Tom Brady, New England Patriots
• Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens
• Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts
• Carson Palmer, Cincinnati Bengals
• Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers
• Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers
• Matt Schaub, Houston Texans

Tom Brady, unfortunately, is a three-time Super Bowl champ. So clearly, he should be on the list. However, Joe Flacco has two years of experience on a team that is built primarily on the rushing game. This will be an important year for him because of all the weapons he now has on offense (i.e. Anquan Boldin/Donte Stallworth). Flacco is just too inexperienced to be given a crown yet, sorry bud.

No one will argue with Peyton Manning, end of story. Carson Palmer is on the edge for me because he is so talented, but he has yet to reach the next level. He hasn't done anything in the playoffs or put up 4,000 yard and 30 touchdown seasons every year, so this will be a make or break year for him. Top 10 yes, but not yet elite.

Phillip Rivers is definitely one of the best young QBs in the league, and if I had a top 10 list he would be on it. However, if I had an elite list, he wouldn't be on it. Roethlisberger has to be on it because he is a two-time Super Bowl champ. Schaub is a tough one though. I love this kid and all the amazing work he did for my fantasy football team last season, but given a few wasted seasons in Atlanta and then back to back injuries in 2008 and 2009, he has only put together one amazing season (4,700 yards and 29 TDs). If he can do it again, and again, he should be on the list but not yet.

NFC

• Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints
• Brett Favre, Minnesota Vikings
• Donovan McNabb, Washington Redskins
• Eli Manning, New York Giants
• Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
• Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys
• Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons

Drew Brees is amazing and just continues to put down all of the critics, I absolutely love him. Favre, even though he screwed the Jets over, I can definitely admit is a great QB and most definitely elite when he is on the field. McNabb is someone you might not think about, but he only had one losing season his entire career in Philly and that should tell you something. He is a playmaker with his legs and his arm and will possibly bring some life to a dead Washington team.

Eli Manning I'm not really a fan of, but I do give him credit because he beat the Pats in the Super Bowl when people were talking about that New England team being the best of all-time. Not elite yet though...sorry. Aaron Rodgers is the man. He is a gun-slinger and reminds me of Favre. He is a playmaker and is only getting better, sitting on the bench behind Favre for a few seasons couldn't have hurt. He definitely belongs on the list.

Ever since Romo took over in Dallas he has done nothing but put up very impressive statistics, for an undrafted free agent nonetheless. The only question mark that could leave him off the list is what has he done for me lately...in the playoffs. He took it one step further last season and I think he belongs on the list because Dallas is a contender with him at QB.

Matt Ryan, see Joe Flacco.

So, in conclusion I've decided that John Clayton should be much tougher in his decisions and not just give it out to make sure the list if full. Just because a QB belongs in the top 10 doesn't mean he is elite.

Elite QBs:
AFC - Brady, Manning, Roethlisberger
NFC - Brees, Favre, McNabb, Rodgers, Romo

Top 10:
1. Manning - The Best
2. Brees - Showed he can play with and beat the best
3. Favre - Who knows how long he'll play
4. Brady - Shown can be beaten...and embarrassed
5. Roethlisberger - Gosh he is ruining his career
6. McNabb - Sucks he hasn't won a Super Bowl...and got traded to Washington
7. Rodgers - Arguably the best young QB in the league
8. Romo - Proved he can win the playoffs...kind of
9. Rivers - Can't take over a game...yet
10. Palmer - This is his year...or he could be done

Rising: Brees, Rodgers, Romo, Rivers

Falling: Favre, Brady, Roethlisberger, McNabb, Palmer

Rodgers That

NFL Awards Review

By Dan Rodgers

Here's a pretty little number on the 2009 NFL Awards and how I feel about them...

NFL MVP: QB Peyton Manning - IND
Manning won MVP in a landslide by taking 39 1/2 out of 50 points. Drew Brees was in second with a measly 7 1/2 points. I find it criminal that Chris Johnson did not receive any votes. Even though Brees and Manning led their teams to 13-0 marks, Johnson broke the NFL record for yards from scrimmage which included 2,006 rushing. Johnson is only the sixth rusher in NFL history to eccplise the 2,000 yard mark. I also believe that Brees was a more important asset to his team and had to accomplish more because the Colts have shown domination in the recent past. But congrats to Peyton for his fourth, only player in history to have won four MVP's.

NFL OROY: WR (R)Percy Harvin - MIN
I can't disagree with Percy winning the award, however, I do disagree with the list of votes and the landslide Harvin won in. I might be a little bit biased, but I feel like since Mark Sanchez led his team to the playoffs he deserved at least one vote. Harvin finished with 41 votes, Ravens LT Michael Oher finished in second with six votes. Jeremy Maclin, Knowshon Moreno and Mike Wallace all received a single vote. Percy had six receiving touchdowns, two return touchdowns and was selected to the pro bowl.

NFL DROY: OLB (R)Brian Cushing - HOU
The only thing I don't like about the way this award played out is that Brian Orakpo only received two votes. He had 11 sacks and made the pro bowl. I think his season was overshadowed by an absolutely embarrassing Redskins season. Cushing did have an impressive season, also getting elected to the pro bowl with over 80 tackles, five sacks and four picks.

NFL OPOY: RB Chris Johnson - TEN
Chris Johnson had an incredible, MVP worthy season, but for some reason he did not receive a single vote. He rightly earned offensive player of the year, but I would think that due to that and his breaking records he would be considered for MVP. I completely agree with this award, but I think that Johnson got screwed out of MVP consideration...that's my only beef.

NFL DPOY: CB Charles Woodson - GB
I am not going to pull a Rex Ryan, but I do believe that Darrelle Revis is the best cornerback in the NFL and had a much better season. Woodson was impressive with 80-plus tackles, three touchdowns, 21 passes defensed, four forced fumbles and was tied for the league lead in interceptions with nine. While all those stats are incredibly impressive, one "stat" that doesn't really exist is how well the opposing receiver does against you. Woodson constantly would give up big plays to his opposition. Revis faced the best receivers in the game (Moss, Owens, Colston, Andre Johnson, Steve Smith, Ochocinco, Roddy White, and Reggie Wayne) and shut every single one of them down. Not to mention he had 32 passed defensed and six interceptions. Oh and by the way, Revis' team is still in the playoffs because of good defense, and the Packers are eliminated because of record-setting bad pass defense.

NFL Comeback Player of the Year: QB Tom Brady - NE
This is kind of an easy one because he was an MVP candidate before he got injured, and now that he is back to relatively full strength it seems like it would be an easy choice. However, take nothing away from Cadillac Williams and Cedric Benson because they had great years. All-stars coming back from injury are easy choices for this award...nothing else to say.

NFL Coach of the Year: Marvin Lewis - CIN
This was fairly clear cut even though the Jets had a rookie head coach and rookie quarterback and made the playoffs, beating Lewis and his Bengals. The Texans also had their first above .500 year, but that is only a one game improvement from last year. If Josh McDaniels and the Broncos didn't choke at the end of the year, going 2-6 in their last eight, then he would have been a prime candidate for this award. Not to mention Sean Payton and Jim Caldwell did phenomenal jobs with the Colts and Saints, considering they meet in the Super Bowl. Congrats Lewis, the Bengals had an impressive year even through all of the tragedy.

NFL Super Bowl MVP: Drew Brees - NO
If you even watched the Super Bowl you would know that the only other player that could be considered for the award is Tracy Porter because he had what ended up being the game-clinching pick-6. However, Brees was responsible for giving the Saints the lead at that point and was sensational for the entire game. He also tied the record for most completions in the Super Bowl with 32. (Super Bowl XXXVIII)

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BREESing into Mardi Gras

By Dan Rodgers

The people of Nawlins will be celebrating Mardi Gras a week or so early as they rejoice in the streets because they just won their first Super Bowl in franchise history. Drew Brees was named MVP of the game as he tied a Super Bowl record with 32 completions. He also threw for 288 yards and two touchdowns and no interceptions.

Peyton Manning had one less completion than Brees but 45 more yards. However, he also threw an interception for Tracy Porter that was returned for what was the game clinching touchdown. To the surprise of many, Joe Addai had 135 all-purpose yards but the Colts couldn't seem to convert when necessary.

The turning point in the game, even though it was early, was when the Saints recovered an onside kick to open the second half. That gave them the ball down four instead of the Colts up four with the ball. Brees threw a touchdown to Pierre Thomas and the Saints stole all of the momentum. Peyton Manning looked out of rythym, Dwight Freeney was noticeably a nonfactor besides his one sack, and the receivers were surprisingly dropping passes.

Some might say the Saints won the game and others might say the Colts lost the game...all I know is that I should start going with what I want more than what I think will happen.

I thought: Colts 37 Saints 31

I wanted: Saints 33 Colts 28

It was: Saints 31 Colts 17

Well, all I have left to say is that I couldn't be happier for the Saints and Drew Brees. Personally, I think Brees is better than Tom Brady and he isn't even in the same conversation. Sure, Brady has won three SB's but he also had a stellar defense at the time. Brees just won the big one all by himself. Sure he got the pick-6, but the whole season he led his team and is putting up potentially record setting numbers with good players but nobody special. Brady put up above-average numbers at best until he got Moss and Welker. Not to mention he hasn't won anything since he got them which proves how important his defense was. Wow, didn't realize how much I wrote. Well that is enough on the QB discussion until later.

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Super Sunday

By Dan Rodgers

Hey everyone, sorry about my two week hiatus. I have been in school and getting myself on track, but no worries because I'm back.

It's the moment we've all the waiting for...the Super Bowl.

The Indianapolis Colts travel to Miami to take on the New Orleans Saints. Two of the best quarterbacks in the league face off in a game that looks to be an explosion of offense and a scoring fest.

The game features two elite quarterbacks in Drew Brees and Peyton Manning. Brees has revived the Saints after decades of turmoil and being devastated by Hurricane Katrina. The Saints enter their first ever Super Bowl in franchise history and the Colts head into their fourth total and second in four years.

Now don't get upset that I'm not mentioning much about other players on these two teams because this game is solely going to be decided by the play of the quarterbacks. However, don't be surprised by a turnover or two possibly going back for a score. But in the end, this game should come down to the final possession whether there is three minutes on the clock or 45 seconds.

Enough B.S. about the game, I'm sure if you're interested you have been watching ESPN and such for the past two weeks to get all of your facts and information.

Indianapolis Colts (-5.5) vs. New Orleans Saints

My prediction: Colts 37 Saints 31

Let it be known that I want to Saints to win but I am trying to leave my emotions behind me. I just don't see how Peyton Manning doesn't take over and dominate the Saints defense. Look for Manning to have a big day but don't count out the rushing attack (attack being used very loosely) for the Colts because the Saints will do whatever they can to stop the pass.

What I want to happen: Saints 33 Colts 28

Look for an update possibly closer to game time.

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Championship Sunday *Quickie

By Dan Rodgers

Hey all, I'm 20 years old now and I don't feel any different, oh what a surprise. I will be in Tennessee this weekend for a Bar Mitzvah so I am not sure if I will be back in time to write before the games.

NFC

Minnesota Vikings @ New Orleans Saints (-3.5)

The Saints offense proved last week that they didn't miss a beat after benching their starters and having a bye week. Even though Arizona's defense has been dreadful, you have to execute against bad defenses before you can do so against the good ones. Minnesota's defense was as good as can be against Dallas last week but I think Drew Brees can find any holes that might be in the defense. The Vikes have been stopping the run fairly easily so I see Brees throwing at least 45 times including an attempt to utilize Reggie Bush's unique ability in space by throwing some screen passes. Due to the Brett Favre factor the game will be close, but I do like the Saints to cover the spread in a game that might look closer than it is.

My prediction: Saints (-3.5) 27 Vikings 23

AFC

New York Jets (+8) @ Indianapolis Colts

The Jets have been hot as hell and with San Diego/Dallas out of the mix, they look to be the hottest team. The Colts looked mediocre last week against Baltimore, but came away with a win due to the ineffectiveness of the entire Ravens team. I look for the Jets to run the heck out of the ball not only to move it down the field but also to keep Peyton on the sideline. They should have a good day since Indy isn't to good at stopping the run, but might be in trouble if they have to throw. Sanchez has been playing well but the Colts have filled in their injury-shaken secondary nicely. Look for the Jets to cover the spread and the Colts to get demolished in the time-of-possession statistic. Shonn Greene and Thomas Jones should both surpas 75 yards while Peyton will throw a touchdown or two.

My prediction: Jets (+8) 16 Colts 20

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NFL Week 11/12: The Down and The Dirty *mini edition

By Dan Rodgers

What's going on everybody?

I once again apologize due to the lack of posts. It is crunch time for college students because finals are approaching fast. This will be an abbreviated version of Weeks 11 and 12.

Week 11

The Down

Unfortunately, I am going to be unbiased because this week's award definitely is going to my New York Football Jets QB Mark Sanchez. Once again, he had an atrocious game adding to his most-likely record setting interception pace with four more against the Patriots suspect defense. He did throw one touchdown but on many of his throws he did a nice job scrambling and just tried to do too much by throwing into tight coverage. In fact, a few of his picks didn't even look like a Jets receiver was in the area. Hopefully, he will get his act together, but what do I know? I'm a Jets fan...

The Dirty

I can't believe this, but somehow Brown's QB Brady Quinn has just beyond convinced me that he more than deserves his award. I don't even care that it was against the Lions because the fact he threw for 300 yards and four touchdowns. Somehow the Browns blew a 24-3 lead and lost on a touchdown pass by Matt Stafford with no time on the clock. Who knows if Quinn will ever have a game even close to that ever again, but props to him. I would also like to send a shout-out to Wes Welker who had 15 receptions for 192 yards, and to T.O. who had nine receptions for 197 yards and one touchdown.

Week 12

The Down

I am proud to say that this week's The Down goes to a player that faced my Jets. Jake Delhomme stole the award, just barely, from Matt Stafford. Delhomme threw four interceptions against New York, two to Revis and two to Rhodes. Revis, one of the best corners in the NFL, took one back to the house. Delhomme had to win due to him throwing for 83 less yards and Stafford at least had one touchdown. Delhomme was just all around awful and Carolina's defense actually kept them in the game for the most part forcing three turnovers of their own.

The Dirty

While some people might disagree with Brett Favre not winning the award this week, those people obviously missed the Monday Night Football showdown in the Big Easy. The unbeaten Saints took it to the Patriots by exploding on offense and embarrassing the normally fluid Pats offense. The Saints defense picked off Tom Brady twice but it didn't even matter because Drew Brees threw five (5) touchdown passes. He showed that the Patriots are more than beatable and just put on a clinic with his right arm. He shared the love because each touchdown was to a different reciever. Oh, he also threw for 371 yards and had a perfect 158.3 QB rating. Congrats to the 11-0 Saints.

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NFL Week 10 Preview

By Toddy. P

As I promised, my weekly NFL preview will highlight the great games, the sure things, and my own fantasy watch list.

My games to watch this week are Cincinnati vs. Pittsburgh and Philadelphia vs. San Diego. I predict them to be the most competitive and exciting for all 60 minutes.

The Cincinnati Bengals vs. The Pittsburgh Steelers- This is my game of the week. AFC North matchups, excluding the Browns of course, always turn out to be a battle. These games are always won in the trenches. Both teams come into this at 6-2.

The Bengals are undefeated in the division and are showing no signs of slowing down. Carson Palmer has finally stepped up to his true potential following that devastating knee injury. Cedric Benson has proven he is not just a talentless thug. He can actually run the football and really well. He has run for 837 yards and 6 touchdowns. Even more impressive is the teams he has ran well against. He rushed for 237 yards in two victories over the Ravens and 189 against the Bears. Not only have the Bengals been winning games, but they are doing so without having to score 50 points a game. Their defense has been shocking to the point where they are only allowing 16.9 points per game on average.

The Steelers started off nothing like you would expect from the Super Bowl champions. Troy Polamalu went down with a knee injury week 1 and missed the next four games. In the first three games, the Steelers barely snuck by the Titans, lost to the Bears and then again to the Bengals. Since then, they have won 5 straight, and are back to their normal Pittsburgh style of football. Their ground game is not what it used to be, but is looking better every week. Rashard Mendenhall has proven he has what it takes to be the feature back. He ran for 165 yards against a stout San Diego D-line and 155 last week against Mike Nolan’s revamped Denver defense. Big Ben has been Big Ben, and Hines Ward is still Hines Ward.

This game is crucial for both teams. If the Bengals were to win, they would not only be leading the division but they will have swept the Steel City for the first time since ’98. If the Steelers win they then take over the division and have a serious momentum with a 6-game winning streak. I am going to go with the last decade on this one. Pittsburgh scores another two defensive touchdowns and wins 28-21.

The Philadelphia Eagles vs. The San Diego Chargers- Best of the afternoon games. Both teams are extremely similar and show up when they feel like it.

The Eagles offense has been arguably one of the most inconsistent in the NFL. I just don’t understand how one week they didn’t get in the endzone against Oakland yet they can put up 40 points against the Giants. DeSean Jackson may very well be the key to this team. How about this stat from NFL.com: when DeSean scores, the eagles are 4-1 averaging 32.2 points per game, but when he doesn’t they are only 1-2 averaging 19.3. The Philly defense has been better than expected but not great. They currently stand 10^th against the run and 11^th against the pass. Another key to this game for Philadelphia could be how many touches Brian Westbrook gets. This will be his first week back from the concussion.

The Chargers are similarly inconsistent all around. The real game plan for them is 3 step drops for Philip Rivers and a quick release. The Eagles like to send chaotic blitz packages and constantly pack 8 into the box. If River’s can manage to get the ball out to Sproles quickly and efficiently, they should be able to control the pace of this game. Vincent Jackson won’t be much of a factor paired up against Samuel, so look for quick screens and short passes all game. The Chargers are ranked 5^th in the league and are getting healthy. Don’t expect them to give up much in any form.

I expect this to be the most exciting games of the week. Both of the teams are more than capable on scoring on the big plays. All 6 of DeSean Jackson’s TDs have came from atleast 50 yards out so I expect nothing less. Everyone knows what Darren Sproles can do in the open field so this will come as no surprise. My thoughts are that the Eagles don’t have an answer for Sproles and he runs for 1 TD and receives 2 more. San Diego wins a close one over Philly 34-31.

Sure Things against the spread:

Denver (-3.5) @ Washington

Kansas City (+2) @ Oakland

New York (A) (-7) vs. Jacksonville

Fantasy Predictions:

Start 'Em

Drew Brees against the lack of defense in St. Louis. I wouldn’t be shocked if he throws for 450 yards and 5 touchdowns. Expect huge production.

Ray Rice against Cleveland on Monday Night. In front of a national crowd, he will catch and run for possible season high numbers against the abysmal Browns.

Sit 'Em

Jason Campbell. Expect 2-3 interceptions and under 200 yards passing.

Mike Sims-Walker. David Garrard will have no time to throw against the Jets D and no time means minuscule catches. He better hope for some YAC if he wants any production at all. Good Luck.