1. Yes, the Colts lost. But let me get this straight....Manning throws 6 INTs, the Chargers had a 23 point lead, Vinatieri misses 2 FGs (including a chip shot game winner), and the Colts STILL nearly beat a probable playoff team on the road? This game showed how far above the rest of the NFL the Colts and Pats actually are. My theory is this: Take away these 2 teams and the AFC and NFC are approximately the same strength. Think about it. Upper rung teams: Cowboys, Giants, Packers vs. Steelers, Chargers, Jags. Horrible teams: St. Louis, San Fran vs NY Jets, Miami. And in-between, a whole lot of mediocrity: Washington, Arizona, Detroit, the entire NFC South vs. Buffalo, Cleveland, Baltimore, Cincy, the entire AFC West (minus Oakland). The Chargers fit into both categories...mediocrity and upper rung. This team has the most wasted talent in the league. Nice job firing Marty. What'd we learn here? This is definitely NOT the Chargers year and the Colts are that much better than the rest of the league.
2. Dallas exposed the NY Giants. The Giants are pretenders and it showed last week. Yes, they'll make the playoffs...but look at their 6 wins. Philly and Washington are decent, but not great wins, the rest? Miami, NY Jets, San Fran, Atlanta! Let me get this straight, they get complimented for playing good defense against these teams. I call shenanigans. If this team was from any "normal" U.S. city, they would looked at the same way the Detroit Lions are. A team that beat up on soft competition and may make the playoffs, but will come back down to reality once the competition gets better.
3. Which leads to #3. I nearly bought into the Lions 6-2 record. Arizona dominated them...bringing them back to reality. Looking ahead to their late season schedule, 10 wins may be a stretch: Green Bay (twice), NY Giants, Dallas, Kansas City, at Minnesota and at San Diego. It's beginning to look like a 9-7 season at best. What'd we learn? Detroit is in trouble during the 2nd half of the season and Arizona is very well coached....possible dark horse to make a playoff run. Remaining Arizona schedule: at Cincy, San Fran, Cleveland, at Seattle, at New Orleans, Atlanta, St. Louis. If they can learn to win a couple road games, this team could sneak in to the postseason.
4. The Titans lack of solid QB play is finally catching up with them. VY needs to grow up and learn to not throw like a 15 year old girl. It was easy to be high on him when the Titans were winning, but the over-achieving defense can only carry the team so far. With that said, VY is still a winner in my book. He has the Titans at 6-3 and they remain one of the pleasant surprises in the NFL this year. If he can progress, the Titans could be a solid team for years to come.
5. The Saints, after thoroughly confusing everybody, appear to once again not have it this year. I'm going to discontinue wagering on or against this team in all capacities. They look outstanding for 4 straight games and get blown away by the lowly Rams at home? Obviously, they have serious defensive issues, but the offense should be able to carry the team....but somehow that's inconsistent. Again, stay away from wagering on this team.
6. The Ravens don't give up a TD and get blown out. This pains me to say it, but McNair has reached the point of no return. The Ravens are better off with Kyle Boller at the helm....I can't believe under any circumstances I just mentioned the previous statement.
7. If I've ever seen a good loss, it was Cleveland proving that they can hang tough with a good Pittsburgh team on the road. This turned out to be the best game of Week 10. Pittsburgh rallied from behind and then held off the Browns final drive in an outstanding divisional battle. 4 road games remain(Baltimore, NY Jets, Arizona, Cincy)....if the Browns can split these, San Fran, Buffalo, and Houston travel to Cleveland...a likely 3-0 there. We could be looking at a 10-6 Browns team that may sneak into the playoffs. What a surprise!
8. Green Bay is even better than we thought....completely dominant performance over Minnesota in Week 10. This team seems to be getting better as the season progresses. Dallas and Green Bay are the class of the NFC....look for the team that gains home field advantage to head to the Super Bowl.
9. Improbably, the Buffalo Bills are 5-4. Unfortunately for them, it's their turn to get stomped by New England next Sunday Night. Although they are 5-4, it doesn't appear their offense can carry them into the postseason. Also, they still have 4 very tough road games against Jacksonville, Washington, Cleveland, and Philly. So Buffalo, enjoy the good feeling while it lasts. 7-9 finish at best.
10. Oakland is now 2-7. If it wasn't for Buffalo, they would have the worst offense in the league. Now that they are clearly out of the picture, it's time to see what JaMarcus Russell can bring to the table. Oakland, now 3 games out of 1st, officially has nothing to lose. If for any reason we don't see Russell in the next game or two, Lane Kiffin will find himself on the hot seat.
Results from Week 10:
Midwestern Flavor 8-5-1
West Coast Style 6-7-1
STANDINGS
Midwestern Flavor 64-71-9
West Coast Style 72-63-9
Slowly, the competition is starting to heat up!
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