Three of the top NFL teams lost in Week 10–the Steelers, Ravens, and Giants–while the lowly Bills finally got a win. Michael Vick looked amazing, a last second Hail Mary actually worked, kickers forgot how to kick and JaMarcus Russell almost got signed to a practice squad. Here’s the rest of the rundown, and my Week 11 picks are at the bottom. Enjoy.
I was in shock and awe Monday night watching Michael Vick dismantle the Washington Redskins. It was, in my opinion, the best quarterback performance since Vince Young in the 2006 Rose Bowl. I never doubted Vick’s athleticism or arm strength, but I never thought he’d have the patience or accuracy to be a successful pocket passer. He’s proving that he can be. Vick has gone from jail to being a front-runner for MVP in two years–Oliver Stone should hold off on the Randy Moss movie I proposed and make this one first.
Dallas came to play in the Meadowlands this weekend, coming out firing and knocking off the New York Giants. Dez Bryant was a beast, Eli Manning threw a game-changing interception and the NFC East snow globe was once again shaken up.
Buffalo finally won a game, barely squeaking it out against Detroit when Shaun Hill threw the ball away on a two-point conversion attempt that would have tied the game. I guess some guys are backups for a reason.
I’m really surprised that Brad Childress remains the Vikings coach after losing to the Bears on Sunday, but maybe that’s Zygi Wilf’s genius punishment for him. Wilf is forcing him to play out the rest of the season with a losing team that can’t stand his presence.
The Chargers are winning the AFC West. And to further the trend they’ve followed the last few years, an early playoff exit is imminent.
New England destroyed the Steelers on Sunday night. Saw this one coming a mile away for multiple reasons. First of all, the Patriots don’t lose consecutive games. Secondly, the Steelers’ offensive line is so banged up they’ll be trying out civilians within two weeks. Lastly, the Pats play a style of offense that Pittsburgh can’t stop. The Steelers are still the best team in the NFL but they better hope they don’t see Tom Brady in the playoffs. I’d hate to be the Raiders going to Heinz Field this week–it’s going to be a blowout.
I may be doing a 180?? on the Bears. That defense looked great against Minnesota, picking off Brett Favre three times and holding Adrian Peterson to three yards per carry. Devin Hester is back as a premier kick returner, and Jay Cutler got sacked only once. They have a winnable game this Thursday against Miami, let’s just hope that Cutler has forgotten about his Thursday night debacle against San Francisco.
The New York Jets continue to win games in overtime and continue to give me heart attack scares. I don’t know how much more I can take. In all seriousness, this is a talented, well-coached and confident team that has the potential to make a deep run in the playoffs. Mark Sanchez steps up whenever the team needs him and is emerging as a highly motivational team leader. I give a lot of credit to the Cleveland Browns. Great defense, great running back, emerging quarterback in Colt McCoy (I was probably more down on him than anyone) and a smart coaching staff. It’s not a team any coaches are excited to see on their upcoming schedules.
Randy Moss opened things up for Chris Johnson against Miami, but he didn’t do much himself. He looks very disinterested on the field.
Week 11 Picks
DAL (-6.5) over DET
A little bit of a revenge game for the former Lions quarterback Jon Kitna and Roy Williams?
ATL (-3) over STL
An away game for Matt Ryan isn’t usually promising for the Falcons, but I put most of his road woes on outdoor play. This game is in a dome, and I think they’ll take care of the Rams.
NYJ (-7) over HOU
The Texans have a horrendous secondary and a sputtering offense. Please beat a team handedly, Jets. Enough of this overtime nonsense.
IND (+3) over NE
Honestly, I think this could go either way. It will be a good game, that’s for sure. In my opinion, this matchup has been the best NFL rivalry over the past 10 years.