Joe's Opening Drive: Week 10

There were a few games I couldn’t even pretend to drum up a story for. Monday night’s Baltimore v. Cleveland match-up is beyond ugly. Still, there's plenty of drama for the week 10 edition of the Opening Drive! 

(6-2) Cincinnati Bengals at (6-2) Pittsburgh Steelers 

Ready for an AFC North slugfest? Well, that’s what you’re going to get today in a noon start. If you remember, the Bengals shocked the NFL with a come-from behind win over the Super Bowl Champs in their earlier meeting. Carson Palmer and will be trying to finish the season sweep when they visit Heinz Field. Unfortunately for them, Troy Polamalu will be back on the field for the Steelers defense. I have a hard time believing Mike Tomlin’s squad will drop this home game.

(3-5) Seattle Seahawks at (5-3) Arizona Cardinals 

I only put this game on my list because it’s the last chance the Seahawks have to meet my division-winning expectations. A loss would put their playoffs hope in a coffin and their team under the microscope for next year. Even Matt Hasselbeck could be on the hot seat. In Arizona, the Cardinals haven’t fared as well as they have on the road with all of their three losses coming in front of their home crowd. Oh well, they still have Kurt Warner and a hella-explosive offense. This one may not last long. 

(6-2) Dallas Cowboys at (4-4) Green Bay Packers 

A four-game winning streak will be on the line for tony Romo and the ‘Boys when they roll into Lambeau Field today. The Packers have lost two in a row and are in danger of an injury to Aaron Rodgers with the way Dallas rushes the QB. Green Bay desperately needs a successful running game to keep that defense off his back. Mike McCarthy is certainly feeling pressure to get his team back to the playoffs and dropping to 4-5 won’t do his job security any favors. 

(5-3) Philadelphia Eagles at (5-3) San Diego Chargers 

In another 3:15 start, Philly goes west to take on the surging Chargers. This is one of those games I’d stay away from in Vegas. Both offenses make their living off the big play. McNabb has DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin and LeSean McCoy while Philip Rivers relies on Vincent Jackson, Malcolm Floyd and Darren Sproles. The Eagles’ defense will prove to be the difference if their blitzes can get to Rivers on a regular basis. If he doesn’t have time to get downfield the Chargers offense will grind to a halt. 

(6-2) New England Patriots at (8-0) Indianapolis Colts 

For teams that aren’t in the same division, these two sure play a lot! I love this rivalry, and it gets the national spotlight tonight on Sunday Night Football. Manning’s Colts have been undermanned for what seems like all season and there will be no difference tonight. Their secondary is banged up and missing key performers Bob Sanders and Marlin Jackson, so covering Wes Welker and Randy Moss downfield will be a daunting task. Still, they’ve got Peyton Manning and they’re at home. So they have a chance. A lot of folks are picking the Patriots to walk away with a victory, but I’m still not convinced their defense will hold up against Manning’s onslaught.  

Enjoy the games today everyone!