Dallas Cowboys (1-7) at New York Giants (6-2): Interim head coach Jason Garrett is not only auditioning to become Jerry Jones’ next hire of the Dallas Cowboys, but has the challenge of motivating 53 men who have totally tuned out this year’s 2010-11 season. Can Garrett embody something that Wade Phillips wasn’t? Phillips in the past has been criticized of being spineless and avoiding confrontation with his former players. However, all is not put on coaches; player accountability needs to be factored in. Where is Jason Witten? Austin Miles? DeMarcus Ware? Jay Ratliff?
In the beginning of the season, many had written off the New York Giants. At 6-2, New York has emerged as one of the best teams in the league. Balance on both offense and defense has been the key to the Giants success. Eli Manning leads his second-ranked offense against while defensive coordinator Perry Fewell has the team playing smash mouth football. The Giants accumulated three sacks and seven quarterback hits -- including the hit that sidelined Tony Romo with a broken collarbone -- during week seven’s matchup at Dallas.
Prediction: Giants 28-14
Philadelphia Eagles (5-3) at Washington Redskins (4-4): Is it possible for Michael Vick to be considered for Most Valuable Player even if he has only played in a total of five games? Yes. Vick has emerged as one of the great comeback stories this season. The quarterback leads the league as the highest-rated passer (105.3) and seems to have gotten his legs underneath him. Vick’s mobility causes a problem for Washington’s 31st ranked pass defense. Look out for Eagles wide receivers DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin to make out big with Vick on the field.
Redskins quarterback Donovan McNabb returns to the starting lineup since being benched for Rex Grossman during a Detroit Lions loss in week eight. It is the second time he has faced his former team this year since being traded.
Prediction: Eagles 27-10
Tennessee Titans (5-3) at Miami Dolphins (4-4): Wide receiver Randy Moss – this year’s 2010 NFL traveling nomad – is now with his third team in less than two months. If there is anyone who can get through to Moss it would be head coach Jeff Fisher. Upon arriving at the Titans facilities, Fisher made it a point to meet with the misunderstood receiver to set rules and guidelines. It’s obvious; Moss likes a coach that knows what he is doing. Clearly, Vikings head coach Brad Childress did not have those qualities in Minnesota. Moss’ presence on the field instantly changes the dynamic of defenses. Running back Chris Johnson and receiver Nate Washington will reap the benefits of having this Hall of Famer on their team.
Longtime Packer Al Harris has found a new home in Miami after being released by Green Bay this past week. Adding the cornerback into defensive shuffle will give the Dolphins a chance to make plays. However, the biggest storyline is the changing of the quarterbacks. Veteran quarterback Chad Pennington starts in place of Chad Henne this Sunday in hopes to provide some consistency with the offense.
Prediction: Tennessee 27-24
Detroit Lions (2-6) at Buffalo Bills (0-8): As Chris ‘Boomer’ Berman would say, “No one circles the wagon like the Buffalo Bills.” This week I say they get it down against an up-and-coming Lions team. The Bills have lost three consecutive games three-point games and in the process have played with nothing but heart and passion. Something has to give. In order for Buffalo to notch its first win of the season, solid quarterback play is needed from Ryan Fitzpatrick against a Detroit defensive line that has compiled 20 sacks so far. Buffalo will also have something else working in its favor – the loss of Detroit quarterback Matthew Stafford. Stafford is out indefinitely with a shoulder injury. One thing is for sure, points will be plentiful as both offenses have no problem scoring.
Prediction: Bills 37-34
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