The Hail Mary - Week 9

The last time the Dallas Cowboys ventured to Philadelphia was the last week of the 2008 regular season. Both teams had found out that a win would mean they were in the playoffs, and a loss would mean watching the playoffs. The Eagles came out inspired and played like they were fighting for their playoff lives. On the other hand, the Cowboys laid down like little b****** and were destroyed. They meet this Sunday night in Philadelphia and first place in the NFC East will be on the line. Will the Cowboys show up this time?

Games That I Will Be Watching

Washington (2-5) at Atlanta (4-3), Atlanta favored by 10

Redskins fans were spared a weekend of misery last weekend with the Skins bye. It was a nice one week sabbatical but reality returns on Sunday. The Redskins begin the murderer's row stretch of their schedule. I could easily see the Redskins finishing 3-13, with their only win coming at Oakland, and even that could be a loss. The Falcons have dropped two straight and will be thirsting to get back on track. Once again, the Redskins defense will allow them to hang around, but the ineptitude of the offense will never let any Redskin fan feel like they really have a chance.

Prediction: Atlanta 26, Washington 17

Baltimore (4-3) at Cincinnati (5-2), Baltimore favored by 3

The Ravens head to Cincinnati looking for revenge for their home loss to the Bengals. The Bengals can have a 3-game lead, counting the tie-breaker, over the Ravens with a win. Baltimore bullied Denver to their first loss and I expect them to show that same type of swagger at Paul Brown Stadium. The Ravens offense will keep playing well, and the defense will step up again.

Prediction: Baltimore 28, Cincinnati 21

San Diego (4-3) at New York Giants (5-3), New York Giants favored by 4 1/2

The Chargers have won two straight against cupcakes, while the Giants have lost three straight since their schedule turned from cupcakes to contenders. Giants QB Eli Manning has played terribly in those three losses. Interestingly, this game matches up Eli against the QB he was traded for in the 2004 draft, Philip Rivers. If Giants Offensive Coordinator Kevin Gilbride is smart, he will emphasize the run. The Chargers are weak on the their defensive line with the loss of Jamal Williams. I think RBs Ahmad Bradshaw and the disappearing Brandon Jacobs can have confidence building days. If the Giants lose this one their free fall will be complete, this is a must win.

Prediction: New York Giants 27, San Diego 24

Dallas (5-2) at Philadelphia (5-2), Philadelphia favored by 3

The Eagles have always been a tough team to figure out during the Donovan McNabb/Andy Reid era. They can lose to the Raiders one week, then destroy the Giants in another. The Eagles offense has become potent with WRs Desean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin stepping up. TE Brent Celek is a vast improvement over the waste of space that L.J. Smith was. The Eagles are expecting RB Brian Westbrook to return for this one, and they have a viable second option now in rookie LeSean McCoy. The Cowboys have been playing mistake free football the last three weeks but I expect that to change Sunday.

Prediction: Philadelphia 30, Dallas 20

Pittsburgh (5-2) at Denver (6-1), Pittsburgh favored by 3

After being one of their biggest critics, I had jumped on the Broncos bandwagon and thought they were the best team in the NFL. Then they got smacked in the mouth by the Ravens and the whispers of uncertainty returned. The Steelers have won four straight since a rough start to the season. I am not expecting a second half collapse from Denver, but with a loss here people will be quick to start the fraud talk.

Prediction: Pittsburgh 20, Denver 16

Rest of Week 9

Arizona (4-3) at Chicago (4-3), Chicago favored by 3

The hype machine was rolling for the Cardinals. After going to New York and winning they had been declared as contenders. Then QB Kurt Warner crapped the bed like only he can, throwing 5 INTs and fumbling once against the hapless Panthers. Knowing the Cardinals and Warner he probably will have the game of his life this week against Chicago. As a 49ers fan, I hope and predict he doesn't.

Prediction: Chicago 24, Arizona 20

Houston (5-3) at Indianapolis (7-0), Indianapolis favored by 9

I guess Vegas missed the Colts escape against the 49ers last weekend, as this line is completely ridiculous. Houston will be looking to make a statement in this game. A win and people will believe they have arrived, a loss and people will think its the same old Texans. I wouldn't be surprised to see Houston get the win but I can't pick them until they prove they can win this type of game.

Prediction: Indianapolis 31, Houston 27

Miami (3-4) at New England (5-2), New England favored by 10 1/2

The Dolphins had almost no offense against the Jets but behind two Ted Ginn Jr. kickoff returns were able to steal a win in New York. The Jets suck so the Dolphins need to have much more punch on offense if they hope to upset the Patriots. Dolphins QB Chad Henne has struggled since a promising game against New York a month ago. If the Dolphins can't get the "Wildcat" going in this game, they stand little chance of winning.

Prediction: New England 27, Miami 17

Green Bay (4-3) at Tampa Bay (0-7), Green Bay favored by 10

The Buccaneers start their third different quarterback on Sunday, as the Josh Freeman era officially begins. Freeman was a mediocre quarterback at Kansas State so honestly I have no idea what Tampa Bay sees in him. This will be a nice recovery game for Aaron Rodgers and the Pack.

Prediction: Green Bay 35, Tampa Bay 17

Kansas City (1-6) at Jacksonville (3-4), Jacksonville favored by 6 1/2

The Jaguars schedule rivals the Redskins for how ridiculously easy it has been so far. Much like the Redskins, the Jags haven't been able to take advantage of it. They will get a scare from the Chiefs, but unlike the Redskins will pull out the win.

Prediction: Jacksonville 24, Kansas City 21

Detroit (1-6) at Seattle (2-5), Seattle favored by 10

The Seahawks are just 2 games behind Arizona in the NFC West and with a win this weekend could be just a game out. The Lions hope to have WR Calvin Johnson back as without him their offense is anemic enough for them to lose to the Rams. Johnson or no Johnson, they won't win in Seattle.

Prediction: Seattle 31, Detroit 14

Carolina (3-4) at New Orleans (7-0), New Orleans favored by 14

Things are lining up for a very intriguing Monday Night game in a few weeks. The Saints could potentially be undefeated and hosting the last team to finish undefeated in a season, the New England Patriots. New Orleans needs to start limiting their turnovers, not many teams can win turning the ball over 4 times in a game, like the Saints have done in the last two. The Panthers kept their playoff hopes on life support with an inspired performance in Arizona. Dr. Jack might be ready to pull the plug after this game.

Prediction: New Orleans 34, Carolina 21

Tennessee (1-6) at San Francisco (3-4), San Francisco favored by 4

After losing a tough game at Indianapolis, a 2 game deficit in the NFC West was staring the Niners in the face. Then the football Gods shined on them and the Cardinals unexpectedly lost to the Panthers. With the way the schedule sets up this weekend the Niners could be back in first place. This is a great chance for San Francisco to end their 3-game losing streak. A win would recussitate the hope and optimism the team and fans were feeling a month ago. A loss would be demorializing and maybe season ending. I nervously think the 49ers are up to the challenge.

On a side note, interesting dynamic in the quarterback match up. Both teams QBs were high draft picks, given the keys almost right away, had some good moments, then struggled, were benched, and both have now returned as starters. Smith > Young.

Prediction: San Francisco 23, Tennessee 17

Last Week Against the Spread: 5-8
Overall Against the Spread: 61-54-1

Last Week Straight Up: 9-4
Overall Straight Up: 74-42