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Review and Preview : Week 8

Review

On Monday we went through our weekly roundup.

On Tuesday we reviewed the first half of the season in the AFC.

On Wednesday we repeated the process, but for the NFC.

On Thursday we remembered all of the things we’ve learned but may have forgotten.

Preview

Normal Girl Game of the Week

Bears at Packers, MNF on ESPN

Not only is this game a classic rivalry game, but it’s also the only Week 9 matchup that features two teams with winning records. (Seriously. Week 9’s lame factor is a little on the high side.) The Bears will be facing the Pack at home without key starters on offense and defense (Cutler and Briggs, respectively), so it might be a bit of a lopsided affair – however, it’s not like the Packers are coming in with fresh starters, either. This should be a decent Monday Nighter.

Also on the Radar:

1. Two competitive divisional matchups that used to favor the other team: Falcons at Panthers and Colts at Texans. It would be a surprise if the previous (recent) underdogs – Carolina and Indy – didn’t come away with wins.

2. Speaking of competitive divisional matchups: Ravens at Browns is not the sure win for Baltimore that it once was. The Browns have a real chance to win this one.

3. Can the Chiefs stay unbeaten? They play the Bills in Buffalo this week. I would be surprised if this turns out to be an easy win for KC, but it wouldn’t be at all surprising if they do come away with a win to reach 9-0.

Halfway Point : All Of The Things

We’ve done a whole lot of learning in just 8 short weeks! Just in case you missed any of it, here are a few of the highlights:

10 Things You Need to Know to Watch an NFL Game

What’s Fantasy Football?

What’s a Touchback?

Ten Common Penalties Part I

Ten Common Penalties Part II

(Plus this handy Penalties Cheat Sheet!)

All About Conversions

Ashley’s Rookie Season: Round One, Round Two, and Round Three

How Do I Pick a Team?

What’s the Pocket?

Turnover vs. Fumble vs. Interception vs. Pick 6

The Difference Between Vs. and At

We’ve also learned a boatload of new vocab, which you can now find in the Glossary. And, of course, if you are looking for a specific post or need help with a specific topic, you can always check out the Archives and the Site Map.

Did you guys have any favorites so far this season? Anything you’d like to see in the second half?

Halfway Point : NFC

Today we’re moving on to the NFC, and unfortunately we have to start this party with the worst division in the history of ever: the NFC East.

NFC East

1. Dallas Cowboys (4-4)

There really are no words for this. One would assume that the Cowboys can’t stay in first place to win this division based on their wildly inconsistent play and propensity to lose games in the weirdest ways, but one has not surveyed the rest of the teams in this division yet. Just you wait.

2. Philadelphia Eagles (3-5)

The NFC East is a place in which you can lose ten consecutive home games and score zero offensive points in your last matchup…and still be poised to win the division.

3. Washington Redskins (2-5)

RG3 looks a little more like himself with each passing week, which should be encouraging for Redskins fans in an otherwise discouraging season.

4. New York Giants (2-6)

That the Giants lost their first six games, look like a hott mess, and still have a legitimate shot to get to first place in the division should paint an accurate picture of the NFC East. It boggles the mind. And then boggles it again.

NFC North

1. Green Bay Packers (5-2)

After starting the season 1-2 the Packers have bounced back and are on a 4-game win streak. They have a hospital ward’s worth of injuries to overcome, but with Aaron Rodgers under center the Packers always have a chance.

2. Detroit Lions (5-3)

Did you see the end of the game against the Cowboys? That’s how the Lions are doing right now. Which is to say: pretty darn good.

3. Chicago Bears (4-3)

Losing quarterback Jay Cutler to a groin injury was a tough break for the Bears, who were on a bit of a roll. He’s projected to be out for another few weeks…when they play two divisional foes in the next two weeks, the Packers on Monday Night Football and the Lions. It’s a tall order.

4. Minnesota Vikings (1-6)

Vikes = Yikes. It’s been a rough start for a team that made the playoffs that year.

NFC South

1. New Orleans Saints (6-1)

The Saints are marching into first place in this division and a consequent spot in the playoffs, barring a crazy turn of events in the NFC South.

2. Carolina Panthers (4-3)

This team is legit – two of those losses could have easily been wins. And their schedule for the rest of the season isn’t terrible. There’s definite playoff potential for the Panthers this year if they keep playing the way they’ve been playing.

3. Atlanta Falcons (2-5)

I’m not sure which perennial playoff meltdown is more surprising: the Giants or the Falcons. The wheels have really come off in Atlanta, which is really too bad to see in tight end Tony Gonzalez’s last season.

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-7)

It’s safe to say that between the MRSA outbreak and giving former starting quarterback Josh Freeman the heave-ho it’s been the worst of times in Tampa Bay. To make worse matters worse: The Bucs next game is against the Seahawks…in Seattle, where no visiting team has won this season…or last.

NFC West

1. Seattle Seahawks (7-1)

If the aforementioned Seahawks continue their home win streak and grab the top spot in the NFC for home field advantage in the playoffs, it’s hard to imagine a scenario in which they don’t go straight to the Super Bowl as a result.

2. The San Francisco 49ers (6-2)

These 49ers don’t look quite as dominant as the 49ers who went to the Super Bowl last year. The second half of their schedule is far from light, either – especially considering that every team in the NFC West is competitive.

3. Arizona Cardinals (4-4)

This Cardinals defense means business. And with a bye week then Houston then Jacksonville it’s completely possible that the Cardinals could be in contention for a wildcard spot come playoff time. Let’s pause for a moment and realize that three out of the four teams in this division are legitimate playoff contenders. The NFC West is no joke.

4. St. Louis Rams

The bad news is that starting quarterback Sam Bradford is out for the rest of the season. The good news is that the St. Louis Cardinals are in the World Series.

Ok NFC people, you’re up! How’s the season gone for you so far? Thoughts on the second half?

Halfway Point : AFC

We have arrived at the halfway point of the season, which means it’s a good time to reflect on how the first half has gone thus far. It’s also a good time to keep in mind that I’ll be increasingly more despondent with each week that passes, lamenting the fact that the NFL season is going by much too fast.

I mean, HALFWAY. It’s just too soon for that!

At any rate, it’s been a great first half of the season so far. Unless you’re the Jaguars.

AFC EAST

1. New England Patriots (6-2)

The Patriots are ruling the roost once again in the AFC East, despite the fact that almost no one from the original starting roster still plays for the team. Starters? Recognizable names? Hands in the shape of hands? Who needs ’em?!

2. New York Jets (4-4)

The Jets season has been considerably better than anticipated thus far – the all-out demolition the Bengals unleashed this past Sunday notwithstanding. And whenever a Jets season includes a win against the Patriots, it’s a good season. There’s a fair chance Rex Ryan may even earn himself Coach of the Year honors if they keep this up.

3. Miami Dolphins (3-4)

Those three wins came in the first three weeks of the season…a time of joy and optimism that feels so long ago for Dolphins fans.

4. Buffalo Bills (3-5)

I feel like I’ve said this a lot in the past few years…but the Bills aren’t as bad as their record indicates. There is a lot of talent on that roster, and they are consistently “in” games. And, once they get starting QB E.J. Manuel back, they have a chance to develop something special. Probably for next season.

AFC NORTH

1. Cincinnati Bengals (6-2)

That the Bengals two losses have come against the Bears and a legit Browns team and their wins have included outplaying powerhouses like the Patriots and Packers says something about their trajectory for the rest of the season. And having the ultimate clincher, Mike Nugent, at kicker doesn’t hurt either.

2. Baltimore Ravens (3-4)

In my opinion, the best thing the Ravens have going for them this season is the Mighty Wings commercial, which cracks me up every time. (If you’ve never seen the original NFL Bad Lip Reading do yourself a favor and watch it right now.)

3. Cleveland Browns (3-5)

Remember when the Browns traded their best player and everyone felt like the sky was falling? It seems a sad twist of fate that Cleveland was finally making progress in the AFC North after that and had found a spark at quarterback…and then lost him for the season. Still, this is another group that isn’t (quite) as bad as their record indicates.

4. Pittsburgh Steelers (2-5)

The Steelers are every bit as bad as their record indicates. And if I were Shaun Suisham, I’d probably start running right now. In whichever direction Mike Tomlin is not. (Although, to his credit, he did kick a nice game-winner against the Ravens the week prior.)

AFC SOUTH

1. Indianapolis Colts (5-2)

This Colts defense is scary good. As is Andrew Luck. I picked the Colts as my pre-season Super Bowl pick (against the Seahawks, with the Hawks winning it all) and right now I’m still feeling pretty good about that pick. They might not have the best record in the AFC but they sure do seem to have all of the components of a team poised to go all the way.

2. Tennessee Titans (3-4)

Look for the Titans to build on the good momentum they had going earlier this season before Jake Locker got hurt. Their next two are extremely winnable (at St. Louis and home against the woeful Jags) before they are tasked with facing Indy twice in three weeks to follow.

3. Houston Texans (2-5)

What happened, guys? You used to be so good! But defensive beast J.J. Watt is still so good – SO GOOD! – both on and off the field. He is the hope in Houston.

4. Jacksonville Jaguars (0-8)

There is no hope in Jacksonville. Only 190 days until the Draft, Jags fans. Hang in there.

AFC WEST

1. Kansas City Chiefs (8-0)

The Chiefs are the only unbeaten team in the NFL right now, and the only team to have gone from dead last the previous year to uncontested first the next. The addition of Andy Reid as head coach and the always-reliable Alex Smith at quarterback seems to have given their crazy talented roster the boost it needed to make the most out of all that talent.

2. Denver Broncos (7-1)

It looks like it’s going to be a fight to the finish between the Chiefs and the Broncos this season. They go head to head on Sunday, November 17th, and, spoiler alert, I can already tell you that will be the Normal Girl Game of the Week. It promises to be a great one!

3. San Diego Chargers (4-3)

The Chargers are far from out of playoff contention, although they will almost certainly have to fight for a wildcard spot if they do get in since this division is all Chiefs and Broncos. The key for the Chargers will be to stop losing games in the second half. It’s uncanny how frequently this happens to them.

4. Oakland Raiders (3-4)

When your quarterback can run a touchdown in from 93 yards out, you’ve got a fighting chance to win games in unconventional ways. Which is the method in which the Raiders might have to win the rest of their games.

Any AFC fans out there? Who’s your team and how do you feel about the season thus far? Playoff predictions? Let’s hear it!

At the Water Cooler : Week 8

Carolina Panthers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Panthers won, 31-13)

Who would have guessed at the start of the season that at the halfway point the Buccaneers would still be winless? It’s probably safe to say that things will probably get worse before they get better.

Dallas Cowboys at Detroit Lions (Lions won, 31-30)

I was watching the end of this game, rejoicing in the winning pick of the Cowboys that would give me the edge in our family fantasy league and an NFC North team loss, when the Lions charged down the field to score and win in the final minute of regulation. It kind of took the wind out of my sail…but mostly, it was awesome. That’s why we love football.

Cleveland Browns at Kansas City Chiefs (Chiefs won, 23-17)

Hail to the Chiefs, who remain unbeaten and are making a legitimate run at taking the AFC West title from the reigning Broncos.

Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots (Patriots won, 27-17)

Apparently Tom Brady started celebrating Halloween early with a freaky right hand. But because of his year-round magical powers, it didn’t seem to hinder him any.

Buffalo Bills at New Orleans Saints (Saints won, 35-17)

The Bills almost gave the Saints a run for their money there at the beginning, but the Saints are so hard to beat at home. Especially when the “limited” Jimmy Graham plays like a beast.

NY Giants at Philadelphia Eagles (Giants won, 15-7)

The Giants and Eagles practiced solidarity in this one. No one really felt like scoring offensive touchdowns, so they let their defense and special teams do all the scoring. Someone probably needs to go get Giants’ kicker Josh Brown an ice pack.

San Francisco 49ers at Jacksonville Jaguars (49ers won, 42-10)

We’re sorry, London. That was a rough one.

Pittsburgh Steelers at Oakland Raiders (Raiders won, 21-18)

Raiders QB Terrelle Pryor now owns the record for longest touchdown run by a quarterback with his 93-yard touchdown run on Sunday. He has taken this starting job…and is literally running with it.

(I’m sorry. I had to.)

NY Jets at Cincinnati Bengals (Bengals won, 49-9)

More Halloween fun in the AFC. This time, slaughter-themed.

Washington Redskins at Denver Broncos (Broncos won, 45-21)

This one was really close until the Broncos opened up a little slaughter fest of their own and scored 38 unanswered points in the second half in Coach Shanahan’s return to Denver.

Atlanta Falcons at Arizona Cardinals (Cardinals won, 27-13)

Even more surprising than the Bucs fall from grace is their fellow NFC South team’s demise. It’s shocking to see the Falcons at 2-5 on the season.

Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings (Packers won, 44-31)

Watching Aaron Rodgers throw a ball is an exercise in leaving your mouth hanging ajar. He’s just so good.

Seattle Seahawks at St. Louis Rams (MNF on ESPN)

Rams second strong QB Kellen Clemens will be meeting the Legion of Boom tonight. Chances are he won’t be looking to repeat the introduction anytime soon.

Bye: Chicago Bears, Tennessee Titans, Indianapolis Colts, San Diego Chargers, Baltimore Ravens, Houston Texans

Review and Preview : Week 7

Review

On Monday: We reviewed all of the injury-laden activity from Week 7.

On Tuesday: We talked about the controversial call that decided the Jets vs. Patriots game on Sunday afternoon.

On Wednesday: We answered three of your questions about real games.

On Thursday: We broke down the question you didn’t even know you had: the difference between vs. and at.

Preview

Normal Girl Game of the Week

Let’s call a spade a spade. Week 8 looks a little sparse as far as wow-factor goes. There isn’t really a marquee matchup, so I’ll vote for the game I have the most vested interest in: Green Bay at Minnesota, or the Greg Jennings reunion game.

Also on the Radar

1. This week we’ll all get to play the guessing game Who’s Under Center? because there are so many quarterbacks either benched or sitting out injured. For all we know, Brett Favre really will be out there on Sunday.

2. The Giants play the Eagles in Philadelphia on Sunday. The Giants would love another win, especially in-division, and the Eagles would love to break their 9-game losing streak at home. Surprisingly, seeing as how neither of these teams have looked anywhere close to good so far this season, there is lot at stake in this NFC East in this matchup.

3. One would think that the Broncos will easily bounce back from the loss at Indy last week in this week’s home game against the Redskins, but it’ll be an interesting game to keep an eye on all the same.