NFL

[Macca 16,972]

The Chiefs unstoppable The Browns really do have a pretty good defence this season. Patterson's run was great, he should be a good replacement for Harvin with a bit of development and without the character issues. Macca has been spoiled with the QB's at Green Bay. To me Rodgers is the man.

Yep, you're right. From Favre to Rodgers is an almost perfect changeover. Favre the gunslinger whilst Aaron is a bit like Brady (Tom is the best I've seen in recent years - obviously a number of past greats are in that League as well) Peyton is just a marvel.

What if the Saints go all the way? They're really capable and they've only lost one game. Brees would have to be a big player if that happened and he then might have to be viewed as a great (?)

It's fascinating seeing Eli and Big Ben in struggling sides. A pair of Superbowls each and when either of them are on their games, they are very very good. There's a stack of good QB's in the League right now.

Anyway ... here's the 'New York Daily News' power rankings for this week ...

... NFL Power Rankings: Detroit Lions claw their way into the Top 10; NY Jets tumble ... again

4. (4) Seahawks (6-1): Did Rams find the blueprint for stopping them? Eight men up.

7. (7) Bengals (6-2): They've been waiting for that blowout to happen. Dalton en fuego.

11. (10) Chargers (4-3): Could AFC West have both wild cards?

18. (15) Jets (4-4): From Andy Dalton to Drew Brees. Uh, oh.

29. (26) Falcons (2-5): They are worse than anyone thought.

[Macca 16,972]

TV games ... 7 games this week!

Friday

11.25am Cincinnati at Miami (OneHD & ESPN)

Monday

5.00am New Orleans at NY Jets (Fox2)

5.00am Kansas City at Buffalo (OneHD)

8.25am Baltimore at Cleveland (Fox2)

8.25am Pittsburgh at New England (OneHD)

12.30pm Indianapolis at Houston (OneHD & ESPN)

Tuesday

12.30pm Chicago at Green Bay (ESPN)

All the week 9 games

Tips ...

New Orleans

Baltimore

Indianapolis

[cowboy_from_hell 2,390]

Not so clear cut this week. There are a few to tip from but no rock solid tips.

The jags have a bye which doesn't help.

Bengals

Saints

Ravens

[pantaloons 2,019]

Indianapolis

New Orleans

Hmmmmmmm... I'll go KC. Buffalo has been a graveyard for us since '86 but, like half the teams we've fortuitously faced, they don't have their starting QB. I still think it'll come down to the wire. I was think of going Cincinnati but I hate picking against decent home teams when there are other options available.

[Gorgoroth 12,955]

Bengals,

Eagles

Kansas

Wish they were showing the Rams again, very interested to see if they hold some form.

[DemonDave 1,089]

Chiefs

Ravens

Colts

[Macca 16,972]

What a way to lose a game

Strafford, you must be annoyed at losing that game with a walk off safety. It was a reasonably entertaining game all the same with a couple of exciting TD's. Wasn't sure on the rules - is there a 2nd overtime these days?

The game had close finish written all over it but maybe the Bengals should have attempted that 57 yard field goal. Nugent had nailed a 54 yard field goal a little earlier. Hope the news on Atkins isn't too bad.

[cowboy_from_hell 2,390]

What a way to lose a game

Strafford, you must be annoyed at losing that game with a walk off safety. It was a reasonably entertaining game all the same with a couple of exciting TD's. Wasn't sure on the rules - is there a 2nd overtime these days?

The game had close finish written all over it but maybe the Bengals should have attempted that 57 yard field goal. Nugent had nailed a 54 yard field goal a little earlier. Hope the news on Atkins isn't too bad.

Bloody bengals! No double points for me. Bengals were pounded from the running game. Miami clued on pretty quick and kept running the rock. Losing in OT from a safety. I can't remember that happening for a while. Atkins is done for the year. Torn ACL. Damn thats a lot of injuries for all teams this year. If Green Bay lose another receiver I may get a call up. Wouldn't matter though. Rodgers would still throw over 300 yards and I would look like a awesome receiver. Then I would sign a big fat contract somewhere else with a spud QB and look stupid on the field. Sounds like a Greg Jennings story.

Edited November 1, 2013 by cowboy_from_hell

[Strafford 182]

Sadly the Bungles came to not play yesterday. Bad Andy returned, dropped passes, poor run defence, questionable play calling and unfortunately the Bengals injury curse struck again. Almost everytime we sign a good player to a big time contract they go down with a serious injury within a year...sigh. A.J Green better prepare himself for rehab early next year when he signs up for his big time contract. I would suggest booking a hospital room early...one with a view

For all that we were rubbish we still nearly won. A rubbish playcall on our last set in regulation, just before we kicked the field goal to take the lead, probably cost us a great comeback win...oh well we move on.

I had a bad feeling about this one, just as I did before the Browns game, so I decided not to pick them. One slight positive

Chiefs

Saints

Colts

Edited November 1, 2013 by Strafford

[Strafford 182]

What a way to lose a game

Strafford, you must be annoyed at losing that game with a walk off safety. It was a reasonably entertaining game all the same with a couple of exciting TD's. Wasn't sure on the rules - is there a 2nd overtime these days?

The game had close finish written all over it but maybe the Bengals should have attempted that 57 yard field goal. Nugent had nailed a 54 yard field goal a little earlier. Hope the news on Atkins isn't too bad.

As a Bengal I have seen all number of ways to lose a game...eeeek.

Atkins is done. Our two best defensive players in Atkins and Hall gone for the season...ouch. For on hour or two I was sitting in a corner rocking backwards and forwards. Thankfully I have now recovered

[Strafford 182]

Bloody bengals! No double points for me. Bengals were pounded from the running game. Miami clued on pretty quick and kept running the rock. Losing in OT from a safety. I can't remember that happening for a while. Atkins is done for the year. Torn ACL. Damn thats a lot of injuries for all teams this year. If Green Bay lose another receiver I may get a call up. Wouldn't matter though. Rodgers would still throw over 300 yards and I would look like a awesome receiver. Then I would sign a big fat contract somewhere else with a spud QB and look stupid on the field. Sounds like a Greg Jennings story.

I think we are now up to 6 season ending injuries. Next man up is becoming a bit of a health risk, a bit like going over the top in the first world war... in a totally sporting sense.

[Macca 16,972]

I think we are now up to 6 season ending injuries. Next man up is becoming a bit of a health risk, a bit like going over the top in the first world war... in a totally sporting sense.

It's almost getting to a point where the teams with the least amount of injuries will prevail. The Packers and Bengals are still doing well in their respective divisions despite all our injuries. Sorry to hear about Atkins - an incident like that often produces an all clear. Just really unlucky.

When I watch the Packers I just hope like hell Rodgers doesn't get hurt. It's not a great way to view a sporting contest but even though our offensive line has improved, they still can't be relied upon! (thank goodness we don't have to visit Seattle in the regular season - he got sacked 8 times there last season in that "Infamous" game )

[Macca 16,972]

Bloody bengals! No double points for me. Bengals were pounded from the running game. Miami clued on pretty quick and kept running the rock. Losing in OT from a safety. I can't remember that happening for a while. Atkins is done for the year. Torn ACL. Damn thats a lot of injuries for all teams this year. If Green Bay lose another receiver I may get a call up. Wouldn't matter though. Rodgers would still throw over 300 yards and I would look like a awesome receiver. Then I would sign a big fat contract somewhere else with a spud QB and look stupid on the field. Sounds like a Greg Jennings story.

And if you reckon any of us are going to capitalise on that, think again 'cfh'! I'm fully expecting another 2/3 week or perhaps even another one of those "zip" returns. There's an idea - a point if you get none right

Seriously, with your renowned marking ability (as reported from the footy forum games) you're an absolute shoo-in for a WR's role at the Packers. McCarthy is expecting your call !

[cowboy_from_hell 2,390]

And if you reckon any of us are going to capitalise on that, think again 'cfh'! I'm fully expecting another 2/3 week or perhaps even another one of those "zip" returns. There's an idea - a point if you get none right

Seriously, with your renowned marking ability (as reported from the footy forum games) you're an absolute shoo-in for a WR's role at the Packers. McCarthy is expecting your call !

My marking ability in forum games comes from being 6 foot 4 and I always line up on the most vertically challenged opponent I can find. The best sporting sledge I ever received was being called a goal post with a face during a district cricket game.

[titan_uranus 25,020]

How many injuries this season! I feel like the number of injuries isn't correlative to the size of the sport, just feels like far too many players going down.

Strafford, you must be annoyed at losing that game with a walk off safety. It was a reasonably entertaining game all the same with a couple of exciting TD's. Wasn't sure on the rules - is there a 2nd overtime these days?

It's just the one 15-minute period in the regular season. If there's no score after 15 minutes it's a tie.

Of all the ways to lose, to be sacked (just, mind you) is one of the worst, surely. Came about because of the drop on the previous Bengals possession. Had Sanu held that catch, they'd have been close enough to go for the FG.

Big result, that. Miami has games left against Tampa Bay and Pittsburgh, plus two games against the Jets, and the Bills as well. The division is not completely out of the question if New England stutters a tad, otherwise a wild card is achievable. As for Cincy, they've still got the Ravens twice, plus the Chargers and the Colts, so the door is open for the Ravens to snatch the division off them I guess.

[Macca 16,972]

Here are the TV games again along with Bill Simmons' column ... The Sports Guy's Week 9 Picks

Chargers (-1.5) over D.C. DACEYS

Sean Payton: Living proof that a good coach is worth five to six wins. Our Super Bowl Circle (the eight teams that can win the title if they can get to January) right now looks like this: Denver, Seattle, San Francisco, Indy, New Orleans, [VACANT], [VACANT], [VACANT]. You know who might grab one of those "VACANT" spots? The 4-3 Chargers!

TEXANS (+3) over Colts

Houston's next four games: home for Indy, at Arizona, home for Oakland, home for Jacksonville. They could be 6-5 heading into December with Case Keenum looking a little 2006 Romo-ish. It's just ridiculous enough that I have to pick them this week.

Monday

5.00am New Orleans at NY Jets (Fox2)

5.00am Kansas City at Buffalo (OneHD)

8.25am Baltimore at Cleveland (Fox2)

8.25am Pittsburgh at New England (OneHD)

12.30pm Indianapolis at Houston (OneHD & ESPN)

Tuesday

12.30pm Chicago at Green Bay (ESPN)

All the week 9 games

Obviously be tuning in to MNF but SNF should be a good game and the Saints at the Jets could be close - The Jets have bounced back all season and they are at home. Can KC keep the streak going in Buffalo?

Wouldn't be surprised if the Steelers do ok as well - the match-up against the Pats has traditionally been a good one. New England should win though.

[pantaloons 2,019]

Oh, I remember what this feels like. McCluster drops the most wide open TD pass of all time and the Chiefs are punting back down 10-3 late in the second. This after Bowe dropped a pass for a 1st down inside the Buffalo 10 on the last drive. Smith has thrown some unimpressive passes today, but two massive drops so far. Unforgivable.

[titan_uranus 25,020]

Bucs led Seattle 21-0. After the Jets beat the Saints and the Eagles put up 7 touchdowns today, I thought maybe they were a chance.

Nope. Seattle wins 24-21 in OT after Marshawn Lynch dominates their OT drive. Biggest ever comeback for Seattle.

They're not playing well but their next two games are at Atlanta and the Vikings.

Meanwhile, Jets beat the Saints (wtf) and the Eagles put 49 points up against the Raiders (wtf). Redskins over the Chargers too, which really helps the Jets in their search for a Wild Card.

Chiefs will be undefeated going into their SNF game with the Broncos. Huge.

And now Cleveland beats Baltimore for the first time in six years. They're 2 back in AFC North.

Edited November 4, 2013 by titan_uranus

[pantaloons 2,019]

Who am I?

• I am a professional football team
• In my most recently completed season, I won a total of 2 games
• I sacked my coach, and in the offseason quickly appointed a coach whose last tenure was one of the greatest in that club's history
• Already possessing a strong defence, I addressed my team's biggest on-field need via trade, taking that position from the worst in the competition by a mile to one of at least adequacy

I am the...

[Strafford 182]

Who am I?

• I am a professional football team
• In my most recently completed season, I won a total of 2 games
• I sacked my coach, and in the offseason quickly appointed a coach whose last tenure was one of the greatest in that club's history
• Already possessing a strong defence, I addressed my team's biggest on-field need via trade, taking that position from the worst in the competition by a mile to one of at least adequacy

I am the...

Hmmmm....thinking music... Nope I'm Stumped. Any chance of getting another clue?.....

[pantaloons 2,019]

Hmmmm....thinking music... Nope I'm Stumped. Any chance of getting another clue?.....

This football team has a twin.

Edited November 4, 2013 by pantaloons

[titan_uranus 25,020]

Who am I?

• I am a professional football team
• In my most recently completed season, I won a total of 2 games
• I sacked my coach, and in the offseason quickly appointed a coach whose last tenure was one of the greatest in that club's history
• Already possessing a strong defence, I addressed my team's biggest on-field need via trade, taking that position from the worst in the competition by a mile to one of at least adequacy

I am the...

Provided we can call Melbourne a 'professional football team', this is fantastic.

There's always reason to hope.

[cowboy_from_hell 2,390]

Vikings lose on the last drive of the game. Thought we had that game done and won but Romo finds a way. Did anyone see Houston's head coach collapse? He is in hospital now while Houston are still up on Indy.

[titan_uranus 25,020]

Vikings lose on the last drive of the game. Thought we had that game done and won but Romo finds a way. Did anyone see Houston's head coach collapse? He is in hospital now while Houston are still up on Indy.

Looks as though Kubiak will be fine.

Meanwhile the Colts came back from a 21-3 deficit to win the game, with the Texans' kicker missing a field goal on the final play of the game to force OT (his third missed FG of the game). Huge win for the Colts, keeps them two games clear of Tennessee (sounds ridiculous, but a loss would have only meant the Titans would be back one game!).

[Macca 16,972]

Luck does it again - those 4th comebacks are becoming his trade mark. The Texans looked home but those Colts sure know how to win. Gary Kubiak collapsing was a scary moment - looks like it's not overly serious but the details are still a little sketchy. Not sure about how the play calling works at the Texans but Wade Phillips is certainly a highly experienced coach who would have known what plays to call. Still, it might have thrown things a bit for Houston.

KC had a great come from behind win on the road and once again, they've kept their opponent to a low points tally (13) It's going to be fascinating to see how their defense holds up against Denver in 2 weeks time.

Not one team from the NFC East lost this week (the Giants didn't play!) Maybe that division can get a bit stronger after all. There's certainly some talent spread in amongst those 4 teams. Nothing would surprise me in the NFC East as all 4 teams are capable. (although the Giants do have a number of injuries)

The Panthers won easily again but how bad are Atlanta? Tampa nearly pulled off one of the upsets of the season and the Jets beating the Saints was somewhat of a surprise (the Jets are the most predictably unpredictable team going around!) Vikes and Rams went close and both teams were a little unlucky not to win.

Baltimore and Pittsburgh have fallen right away. With the Steelers, it's mainly their defense (which used to be immense) and with the Ravens, they're just a shadow of last years side. Cinci are at Baltimore next week in a game that Baltimore have to win.

There are a number of well credentialed sides that have performed well below their best this season. From one year to the next in this League, a lot can change. It's almost impossible to predict.