Joe’s NFL Opening Drive: Week 8

This weekend Denver faces yet another stiff challenge, and four division match-ups make the Opening Drive! Oh yeah, and some guy named Favre returns to the second team he played for. No big whoop. Let’s analyze! 

(6-0) Denver Broncos at (3-3) Baltimore Ravens 

For the past few games, we’ve all said “this will be the week the Denver Broncos lose.” So far those prognostications have proved worthless, as Josh McDaniels’ team is still undefeated. Kyle Orton has played efficiently if nothing else with nine touchdowns and only one interception (a half-ending throw-up) to his credit. This Sunday he faces a Ravens squad who has lost three straight and is in danger of falling out of the division race. With Cincinnati and Pittsburgh both off this week, Baltimore has a shot to climb out of their hole, but they need to hold a team to under 30 points sometime this season. 

(2-4) Miami Dolphins at (4-3) New York Jets 

The Dolphins are certainly the best 2-4 team in the league. Unfortunately that doesn’t count for much in the NFL. After two consecutive victories, they lost a 21-point lead and eventually lost to the Saints by 12. Getting over that heartbreaker will prove much easier if they can sweep their green division rivals. If Rex Ryan hasn’t learned how his team should defend against Ronnie Brown and the Wildcat, it will be a long day at the Meadowlands. Mark Sanchez rebounded with a solid game against the Raiders, but what quarterback doesn’t? (Besides Donovan McNabb… that one time.)  

(5-2) New York Giants at (4-2) Philadelphia Eagles 

After failing against the Saints and Cardinals, the Giants’ once mighty hold (as much as it could have been a few week s in) on the NFC East is slowly slipping away. Eli Manning hasn’t played his best football lately and the only players Philly fans treat worse than their own quarterbacks are division rival quarterbacks. (I said it.) Tough stage for Eli, but he’s a Manning. They find a way. Meanwhile the Eagles and Cowboys are both 4-2 and salivating for a G-men loss.  Despite beating the “not ready for primetime” Redskins, the Eagles were sloppy and out of sync on Monday night. They need to bring it to take out the Giants and lay claim to first place. 

(6-1) Minnesota Vikings at (4-2) Green Bay Packers 

I hear this is a big game. Really. If it weren’t for the World Series, this game would be on Sunday night. (And would force MLB to move their game if it did coincide. There’s no winning against the NFL.) Favre returns to Green Bay wearing a purple #4 jersey. What better drama can you get? (Unless they met again the playoffs… can you say premature Super Bowl?) After a Favre pick and interception were returned for touchdowns last week by the Steelers, I think Brad Childress will maintain a healthy dose of Adrian Peterson against a still-gelling Green bay defensive unit. (Yes GB held the Lions and Browns to three points total, but I’m not sold yet.) 

Aaron Rodgers went for 384 yards in their week four loss to the Vikings, and as Minnesota will be without top corner Antoine Winfield, he’ll have another big day through the air. I would love another dramatic shoot-out in Green Bay. But this time, I want plenty of Favre-booing and a Minnesota loss. (My Bears need help!) 

(4-2) Atlanta Falcons at (6-0) New Orleans Saints 

Monday Night Football will be rocking at the Superdome! The offensive juggernaut that is the Saints welcome Matt Ryan and the Falcons for an important NFC South division showdown. If Atlanta is going to make a push in this race, now is the time. They can’t afford to fall another game behind the streaking Saints. If Sean Payton’s team can make it to 7-0, they have to be the clear favorites to win the NFC. With a remaining schedule that includes Tampa twice, Carolina twice, Washington and St. Louis, they have a great shot at 12-14 wins. Look out everyone else. 

Check back soon for my Bears Gameday preview! Enjoy week eight in the NFL! Be sure to follow me on Twitter @JoeAnello!