There is a crazy amount of parity in the NFL right now. Is there a single team that you really trust? I feel as though no team is a safe bet, no matter the matchup. Everyone had the Patriots as the No. 1 team last week, but clearly that isn’t the case. The Giants have looked fantastic against the Bears and the Seahawks, but what team wouldn’t? The Falcons are great at the Georgia Dome, but Matt Ryan looks lost on the road. Don’t be surprised to see a few teams like the Chargers or the Eagles rise up and win their divisions, because there aren’t any guarantees right now. Through Week 9, there are a few people enjoying success, while others not so much. Here are the guys I’m happy for, the guys I feel bad for and my Week 10 picks at the bottom. Enjoy.
Guys I’m Happy For
Eric Mangini. Going against his former team, the Browns came out and dominated the Patriots on Sunday. Mangini put together an impressive gameplan on defense, confusing Tom Brady with an “amoeba coverage” and holding the New England offense to just 14 points. Peyton Hillis was a beast, rushing for 184 yards and two touchdowns. The Browns aren’t the most talented team in the league, but they are well-coached and play hard. This was a big win for the Browns and an even bigger one for Mangini.
Jason Campbell. After coming to the Raiders this offseason, it seemed as though Campbell would be their offensive savior after the JaMarcus Russell debacle, but he was benched after only 6 quarters for Bruce Gradkowski. Given a second chance, Campbell has led the Raiders to three straight wins and they are currently a half- game back from Kansas City in the AFC West.
Chris Johnson. He must be thinking “FINALLY NO MORE EIGHT MEN IN THE BOX.” Now that the Titans have Randy Moss, defenses will finally start to take a bit of pressure off of Johnson, and allow him to start breaking off a few runs.
Dez Bryant. Yes, the Cowboys’ season is over, but that isn’t stopping the rookie phenom from wowing everyone on Sundays. Bryant started off quietly this season after being slowed by an ankle injury in training camp, but is starting to dominate despite the shakiness at quarterback. He has four receiving touchdowns (and a punt return touchdown) in the past four games, and hustles hard on every single play.
Darrelle Revis. He was hurt, people! Now that Revis’ hamstring is healed, he’s back in Pro Bowl form, and the media is finally giving him a break. In the Jets’ win over Detroit on Sunday, he held Calvin Johnson to just one reception for 13 yards. Revis Island is back open and accepting reservations.
Wade Phillips. The Cowboys were not the team for Phillips. He is a great X’s and O’s coach, but didn’t have the personality to handle that team or its owner. Now Phillips can relax, collect his paycheck, and go back to being a defensive coordinator, the job he is best suited for.
Guys I Feel Bad For
Matthew Stafford (and the entire Lions organization). Stafford hurt his shoulder–again–on Sunday, and is likely done for the season. He’s got a ton of talent, but just can’t stay on the field. It’s not as though he has been taking huge hits, either. He reinjured his shoulder on this soft tackle, so further injuries are very likely to occur.
Tom Brady. Think he misses Randy Moss? He’s thrown just five touchdowns in the four games without him, and I have to imagine he’s frustrated when he drops back to see Wes Welker, Danny Woodhead, Deion Branch and a couple rookie tight ends running routes. Brady looks very average these days.
The Bills. This team just cannot get a win. Week after week they put up a fight, usually against very good teams, but fall just short. Is Buffalo becoming “America’s Team”? I feel like I’m pulling for them almost as much as I am for the Jets, and that’s saying something. Please, just let these guys get one victory, they deserve it.
Larry Fitzgerald. Fitz is one of the most talented wide receivers in the NFL, but he can’t throw it to himself.
Week 10 Picks
NYJ (-3) over CLE
I can’t see Colt McCoy completing more than 10 passes against the Jets with the defense playing like it is right now.
HOU (+1) over JAC
Matt Schaub has looked pretty shaky over the last few weeks, but Arian Foster hasn’t. If they give him the ball as much as they should, he’ll single-handedly win Houston this game.
NYG (-13.5) over DAL
Eli Manning is playing out of his mind right now, and he will continue to light up the scoreboard at home against Dallas.