The Opening Drive: Week 10, 2011

Week ten in this still-evolving NFL season gives us several division contests that will give the winner a hold on first place and several games pitting garbage on garbage. Let’s run through what to expect from the weekend’s slew of games!

(6-3) New Orleans Saints at
(5-3) Atlanta Falcons

It seems like we get a match-up with the NFC South lead on the line every other week. Atlanta’s been charging up the standings as of late, putting pressure on the less-than perfect Saints. Falcons at home? I like ‘em.

It’s put-up or shut-up time for the Bengals, who after getting a favorable schedule in the first half of the season have four games against their divisional rival Ravens and Steelers. (Two each.) If they’re going to catch the Steelers napping… it probably won’t be this week. After losing to the Ravens last week, the Steelers will be out for orange-hued blood.

(1-7) St. Louis Rams at
(3-5) Cleveland Browns

In a week that is full of crap-on-crap and top-on-top match-ups, this game earns a very weak “Trap of the Week” status. At home welcoming a one-win team should be a recipe for success, but the Browns are absolutely woeful on offense.

This game is fascinating to me. The individual stars and egos of the Cowboys take on the unassuming but team-oriented talent of the Bills. I’m honestly not particularly sure who will win, as both need a win to keep up in their respective division races. So… go with the home team?

I’m only putting this game on the list because it’s being talked up as one of the only winnable games the Colts have on their schedule. While Jacksonville’s defense is really solid, their offense is something awful. I’d mark this as the “Trap of the Week,” but it can’t be a trap for a 2-9 team.

Speaking of the “Trap of the Week,” this was a lock for that designation before I learned that Rex Grossman would start for Washington. While that doesn’t mean the ‘Skins should be favored, it definitely means they’ll get points on the board, something that has looked nearly impossible with John Beck at the helm.

One of the games of the week, this game will go a long way in determining how good these teams can be. San Francisco’s been pounding on nearly every opponent they face, but can their defense hold down on of the best QB’s in 2011? After Manning’s miracle versus New England last week, I’m not sure he’s got another in him this week.

Ah Sunday night. I thank you. I’ll be curled up on the couch enjoying one of the best rivalries in the NFL, watching two coaches I absolutely loathe and squealing every time these pretty boy quarterbacks hit the turf. As sexy as picking the Jets appears to be, I’m nearly sure the Patriots will come out in a blaze of Brady-themed glory.

That’s all I’ve got for Sunday’s action! Get your football on!