Week 9 NFL Preview

Last week's four big matchups for the most part lived up to the expectations. In what was expected to be a key NFC East showdown was more of an Eagles rout. The Eagles added to the Giants' recent miseries and failures. They were exposed again on defense and were turnover prone. The game was almost over at halftime; something not familiar in this rivalry. The Eagles' victory sets up another key divisional matchup with the Cowboys this week. The Broncos' perfect season came to a halt when they visited the Ravens last week. The game was a defensive low scoring affair in the first half, but the normally stifling defense of the Broncos' was worn down and the Ravens put up a lot of points in the second half. The Vikings under Brett Favre once again got the better of the Packers. The defense was swarming QB Aaron Rodgers and Favre threw four touchdowns. At times it looked like a possible Minnesota rout, but the Packers made it interesting in the second half before falling short. The Vikings now seem to be in firm control of the NFC North. In a rematch of the thrilling Monday Night matchup of three years ago, the New Orleans got the best of their divisional rival, Atlanta. The Saints again showed their balanced offense and ability to score almost at will. The Falcons gave them a good fight as HB Michael Turner was able to have a lot of success on the ground, but it wasn't enough.

The Texans continued their strong start, the Rams and Titans finally got in the win column, and Ted Ginn, Jr's two return TDs single handedly downed the Jets.

All and all, I went 11-2 last week and brings my total to 88-28 after eight weeks.

Now for Week 9:

Games of the Week:

Texans at Colts: The Texans have been the low team on the totem pole in the AFC South while the Colts have won the division almost every year that the Texans have been in the division. The Texans finally beat the Colts last year and now have a chance to knock them off at Indianapolis. The Texans are off to their best start and have a chance to get their biggest win. The Colts won a close one last week and find a way to win the close ones most of the time. The Texans give Peyton Manning enough time; he will make them pay. Pick: Colts

Chargers at Giants: The Chargers haven't come out of the gate in the first half as good as they hoped. The Giants started 5-0, but are 0-3 in their last three games. This is season making game for both teams that featured top 5 picks from the 2004 NFL Draft. The same two quarterbacks who were traded for each other. The Giants' defense and the passing game will need to be much better than recent weeks or they will enter their bye week barely above .500. The Chargers have a tougher road to the AFC West crown than expected with the Broncos at 6-1. This one could turn into a duel between the two quarterbacks. Pick: Giants

Cowboys at Eagles: The Eagles got through the Giants last week and now turn to their third straight divisional opponent and a chance to gain sole possession of the NFC East. They are at home again and are always fired up when the Cowboys come to town. The big play ability of the Eagles makes them dangerous, but QB Tony Romo and the Cowboys have gotten themselves into their own groove. This one should turn out better than last week's big divisional matchup. DeSean Jackson's big plays and Patrick Crayton's returns could shape the game. Pick: Eagles

Steelers at Broncos: The Broncos suffered their first loss against the Ravens last week and now prepare for the Steelers who have been on a roll of late. This is another test for the Broncos, who have answered quite for a questions up to this point. This one will probably be fairly similar to the first half of the Broncos-Ravens game. The Broncos will have to be careful in the second half and restore the defense we saw when they were undefeated. The Steelers capitalize on mistakes and QB Kyle Orton will have to do a little more than just manage the game. Pick: Steelers

Rest of the pack:

Redskins at Falcons: The Falcons have had a couple tough losses to very good teams of late, but they get a break when the Redskins come to town. Washington even in a bye week still had drama to address and will come in not focused enough. Look for HB Michael Turner to keep going and for QB Matt Ryan to limit some of the mistakes he has made in losses. Pick: Falcons

Cardinals at Bears: The Cardinals have played well on the road this year, but looked horrible last week getting run over and turning the ball over multiple times. The Bears have looked really good and have looked very bad. Both of these teams are fairly even in that respect. Which teams will show up this week? QB Jay Cutler will have to show up because QB Kurt Warner will probably not have a game like he did last week. Pick: Cardinals

Ravens at Bengals: These two came down to the wire when they met earlier this year. The Ravens know that they to win this game or fall behind in a division that is truly a three team race this year. The Bengals have been a little shaky after their strong start, but will definitely show up this week. The Ravens need to keep HB Cedric Benson under control. Neutralizing him will give them a huge edge. Pick: Ravens

Dolphins at Patriots: The Patriots had a bye to plan that much more for the Dolphins and their Wildcat formation. It was the Patriots that the Dolphins debuted the Wildcat on last year as HB Ronnie Brown torn the Patriots apart. This is a different Patriots team and they will ready for most of what the Dolphins throw at them. Ted Ginn, Jr will need to step up at wide receiver if the Dolphins are to add pressure. Pick: Patriots

Packers at Buccaneers: The Buccaneers are the only team yet to win this year. A bad time for them to be playing the Packers. Green Bay has beaten up on bad teams and will look to do the same this week. Pick: Packers

Chiefs at Jaguars: The Jaguars are going down the same road as last year: a mediocre team. Luckily for them, they have a struggling offensive team in the Chiefs this week. Pick: Jaguars

Panthers at Saints: The Saints are doing everything at a high level this year. Their defense has scored more points than a couple teams this year. SS Darren Sharper has made a strong case for Defensive MVP while Drew Brees has made a strong case himself for NFL MVP. The Panthers, though, will laid down in a divisional showdown. The Superdome is one of those special home fields in the NFL and it is tough for teams to win there. Pick: Saints

Lions at Seahawks: The Seahawks have been struggling without some their starters, but catch a break with a home game against the lowly Lions. QB Matt Stafford probably is still banged up and this team has not looked as hopeful as they did after the first couple weeks. Pick: Seahawks

Titans at 49ers: This game is important to both sides and is a must win for both. The Titans finally won last week and know what it takes to get it done. If the Titans can get more out of their offense besides HB Chris Johnson then they have a chance to win. The 49ers now have QB Alex Smith under center and the offense is finding a groove with him at the helm. They have to feel good after almost beating the Colts last week. Pick: Titans

As we move past the halfway point, teams will need to start to separate themselves. Will the Saints or Colts go down this week? Can the Buccaneers finally win? It should be exciting!