NFL

[cowboy_from_hell 2,390]

Vikes got real lucky today. Played like crap all day and with 2 minutes left we score 10 and win. Rodgers didn't play today. Christian Ponder kidnapped him and took the field as Rodgers. That's the only way to explain that. Denver probably does have the best pass rush in the league and they don't need Peyton to be a MVP they just need a solid run game and no turnovers. Vikes are 3-0 in the NFC North without playing green bay yet so I don't think we are any threat to the packers in terms of winning the division. Next week is a big game for Rams at Vikings both are in the hunt for the wildcard spot. Both play a pretty similar game so it should be good to watch.

[Dappa Dan 2,188]

We have a new leader in the tipping comp ... Gorgoroth was lucky enough to pick up 2 points whilst most of the rest were put out of the running for points by the Packers.

Devastated...

[Macca 16,173]

Vikes got real lucky today. Played like crap all day and with 2 minutes left we score 10 and win. Rodgers didn't play today. Christian Ponder kidnapped him and took the field as Rodgers. That's the only way to explain that. Denver probably does have the best pass rush in the league and they don't need Peyton to be a MVP they just need a solid run game and no turnovers. Vikes are 3-0 in the NFC North without playing green bay yet so I don't think we are any threat to the packers in terms of winning the division. Next week is a big game for Rams at Vikings both are in the hunt for the wildcard spot. Both play a pretty similar game so it should be good to watch.

The Vikes are playing well and the first of the Packers/Vikes clashes is in Minnesota (in a few weeks) ... even though Green Bay have played quite well all year Rodgers has struggled to find open WR's (highlighted in the game against Denver) Rodgers can thread the eye of a needle but it's a bit of a flawed strategy against the best teams.

Up until the Denver game our running game and defense has been reasonably good as well - but that part of our game hasn't previously been our strength and I'm not sure it can be relied on ... next week @ Carolina will probably test all facets of the Packers game. I'm much happier when Lacy and to a lesser extent Starks are impacting. Plus, we need to get much better on run defense.

The good news is that there are not too many really good teams in the NFC ... despite their W/L records, I'm not entirely convinced with the Panthers, Arizona or Atlanta. Others with poorer records might be more of a threat (Seattle, Giants, Saints) If Dallas sneak in they could be dangerous (Romo has been missed)

Both the Rams and Vikes have real opportunities to make the playoffs but as always, it's another fascinating season with any number of teams capable of making it through to January.

By contrast 3 of the 4 divisions in the AFC seem to be decided already & the Colts could conceivably win their division with only 8 wins.

Looking forward to today's game - hope it's close.

[Macca 16,173]

Well, we got a close one - Luck was awful early and then came good.

Newton was good without being outstanding ... ran with the ball well but he cops some hits.

The Colts now lead the AFC South with a 3 & 5 record. Panthers 7 & 0 to join 3 AFC teams with the same record.

[Gorgoroth 12,319]

Woo hoo! On top and we beat the niners!!!

The game between the saints and giants was amazing.

What a game. What a game.

Broncos played well, Rodgers looked a shadow of himself, normally so assured, I think Lacy needs to play well to give Rodgers more time without scrambling as much.

Luck was pathetic early on again, I was about to turn the game off with 5 to go but stuck it out, glad I did, Luck played bloody well after that.

On my Rams, still no decent pass game, but Gurley's ability should give more time to Foles. I'd like to see us play a lot more with two tight ends, and use Austin speed as one of the WR.

Now to try and keep my lead!

[Gorgoroth 12,319]

The good news is that there are not too many really good teams in the NFC ... despite their W/L records, I'm not entirely convinced with the Panthers, Arizona or Atlanta. Others with poorer records might be more of a threat (Seattle, Giants, Saints) If Dallas sneak in they could be dangerous (Romo has been missed)

Both the Rams and Vikes have real opportunities to make the playoffs but as always, it's another fascinating season with any number of teams capable of making it through to January.

By contrast 3 of the 4 divisions in the AFC seem to be decided already & the Colts could conceivably win their division with only 8 wins.

Looking forward to today's game - hope it's close.

Our division will be interesting, cards lead with Rams and Seahawks chasing, in the Rams favour is we are 3-0 in our division already with home game to cards and away to Seattle and niners to come.

[Gorgoroth 12,319]

Can't believe Kaepernick has been benched!

[Macca 16,173]

Week 9 games

7mate games (Monday)

5.00am - Packers @ Panthers

8.30am - Broncos @ Colts

12.30pm - Eagles @ Cowboys

Tipping Comp Points Table

5 - Gorgoroth

4 - JV7

3 - cowboy_from_ hell

Georgiou R.R. Martin

1 - titan_uranus

Macca

0 - Everyone else

.

Edited November 4, 2015 by Macca

[Gorgoroth 12,319]

Looks like a couple of safish games then tough games.

Packers v panthers should be a cracker!

I thought 7 were showing all niners games...

[JV7 2,339]

Packers

Giants

Falcons (kaeperbick benched for Gabbert, our record against rookie/back up QB is terrible, worried about this game)

And good to see that as soon as Hayne is cut to the practice squad 7mate start showing the better games!

Edited November 4, 2015 by JV7

[Gorgoroth 12,319]

I can't believe how poorly the niners are going TBH. Then they trade Davis... I don't get it.

[Cards13 9,117]

Gorg I don't think many will be surprised when they give Kap the flick as well. If they keep him on books they are on the hook for $16m next year for him I think.

[Gorgoroth 12,319]

He is playing like he is worth $16.00 so no, I'd be surprised you kept him.

[Macca 16,173]

A few of the pundits reckon that because Kaepernick is not great throwing out of the pocket, the other teams have stopped his run and have blitzed him more - I haven't watched the niners games but a similar tactic was used on RG3.

All the same, it's a remarkable fall from grace considering he took the 49ers to 3 x NFC Championship games and a SB.

He may or may not get back but Cards is on the money with regards to the 49ers almost certainly cutting their losses. It's not all his fault of course because San Francisco as a team are struggling in a lot of areas.

Not sure that Gabbert is going to make much of a difference.

[Gorgoroth 12,319]

Gabbo will prob do nothing either, the broom is going through SF and I reckon they will draft big next two years and try and get another big QB.

Def spying him much more and then taking away his runs as much as possible.

[Gorgoroth 12,319]

My tips

Falcons

Giants (not sold on this tho)

Broncos (not sold on this either )

[cowboy_from_hell 2,390]

I don't understand why coaches don't play to their QB's strengths. Kap and rg3 play well with the read option. Washington and SF have tried to morph their QB's into brady/brees. It's not that simple. It wasn't long ago Washington were leading in a playoff game against seattle before RG3 got hurt. It also wasn't long ago that Kap was killing it with his leg speed which opened up some big time throws. The playoff game against Green Bay would've given teams nightmares over Kapernick. He destroyed them that day. Now both will probably look elsewhere for a start and Kap has a huge contract which makes it worse.

Atlanta

Denver

Oakland

Edited November 5, 2015 by cowboy_from_hell

[Gorgoroth 12,319]

True CFH, all sports try and copy the best instead of playing to their own strengths.

[Gorgoroth 12,319]

Not a bad game today. Manziel finally looked like a good QB. I have been very underwhelmed with that he had shown, but today he was good.

[Macca 16,173]

Giants

Atlanta

Eagles

[Gorgoroth 12,319]

Giants

Atlanta

Eagles

Eagles over Cowboys... Tough one, hope the Eagles win, but a div game and Bradford still not fitting in 100%, Chip not getting Murray more north/south runs and he is struggling.

[Macca 16,173]

Eagles over Cowboys... Tough one, hope the Eagles win, but a div game and Bradford still not fitting in 100%, Chip not getting Murray more north/south runs and he is struggling.

Dallas without Romo are a below average team whilst the Eagles aren't too bad.

I wouldn't be putting any real money on Philadelphia though

Atlanta are probably the only road team who "should" win ... the rest of it is a crap-shoot.

[Gorgoroth 12,319]

Dallas without Romo are a below average team whilst the Eagles aren't too bad.

I wouldn't be putting any real money on Philadelphia though

Atlanta are probably the only road team who "should" win ... the rest of it is a crap-shoot.

Ha ha, completely agree.

[DeeSpencer 23,131]

I don't understand why coaches don't play to their QB's strengths. Kap and rg3 play well with the read option. Washington and SF have tried to morph their QB's into brady/brees. It's not that simple. It wasn't long ago Washington were leading in a playoff game against seattle before RG3 got hurt. It also wasn't long ago that Kap was killing it with his leg speed which opened up some big time throws. The playoff game against Green Bay would've given teams nightmares over Kapernick. He destroyed them that day. Now both will probably look elsewhere for a start and Kap has a huge contract which makes it worse.

Atlanta

Denver

Oakland

I'd stick with Kap for next year, but I've got no problems with them giving him some time off now to stop the punishment.

I doubt trying to change the way he plays is the entire problem. They've lost their QB guru coach. Most of their defense to lean on, their once league leading O line and veteran RB.

It's hard for any QB to get out of the pocket and run or pass when the O Line can't hold up and they don't have a running game. Obviously it's a round 1 aberration now but Kap looked fine against the Vikings in the first game of the year when they had a strong running game and the defense were making plays.

I'd keep him regardless of the contract but first I'd fire the hapless coaching staff and try to bring in some talent around him.

[DeeSpencer 23,131]

Thought about the Raiders, considered Philly and really tempted to go back to the wall with GB even though they let me down last week. But in the end:

Atlanta

NY Giants

Denver