The only thing more frightening than the onslaught of awful Halloween costumes I saw over the weekend is the NFL schedule for week eight. I had to struggle to find five games worth discussing. Jacksonville-Dallas? Ew. Redskins-Lions? Gross. Bills-Chiefs? Really? Here are the games I'll be paying attention to this weekend.
(4-3) Green Bay Packers at
(5-1) New York Jets
Coming off their bye week, these loud-mouthed Jets will be welcoming back All-Pro corner Darelle Revis to their secondary just in time to take on Aaron Rodgers and the pass-happy Packers. Rex Ryan will need to let Mark Sanchez off the leash again this week if they're going to match points with Green Bay. Still, I'll give the Jets the edge the edge in this marquee match-up
(5-2) Tennessee Titans at
(2-5) San Diego Chargers
Don't ask me why I've still got games involving the Chargers and Vikings in the Opening Drive this week. The schedule is that weak. I expect Tennessee to run all over the San Diego defense, giving Vince Young a smooth transition back into the starting line-up. San Diego's already out of the hunt as far as I'm concerned and I don't see them going on a tear like they have in years past. They just don't have the talent.
(2-4) Minnesota Vikings at
(5-1) New England Patriots
News Flash: Brett Favre WILL start in New England today. As if there was any doubt. If it gets out of hand (which it very easily could), he'll sit eventually. New England has been getting timely turnovers and great special teams play the past few weeks, putting their opponents in early holes. While they're getting healthier (except Favre, natch) problems will arise in Minnesota if they drop to 2-5. Just wait for it.
(4-2) Tampa Bay Buccaneers at
(3-3) Arizona Cardinals
Blech I say. Tampa Bay is one of many NFC teams that are trying to lay claim to the title of "Best," but they're simply mediocre with a forgiving schedule. Arizona will likely start undrafted rookie Max Hall at QB again today, which might drastically improve the Tampa defensive statistics. I'd avoid watching this one. It might not be very good.
(5-1) Pittsburgh Steelers at
(4-3) New Orleans Saints
Halloween night in New Orleans! It's hard to believe the Saints could be 4-4 after tonight's match-up, but Drew Brees has not taken care of the ball as of late, tossing too many costly interceptions. Troy Polamalu and the Steelers will be all over those errant throws tonight, so keeping them at a minimum should be Drew's top priority. If not, Big Ben could leave Louisiana with a big win.
(4-2) Houston Texans at
(4-2) Indianapolis Colts
It's high-flying time in Indy Monday night as these two division rivals finish up their regular season series. Everyone has mentioned how the Texans are built to take on the Colts, but that's not how it looks lately. Houston has been giving up passing yards by the truckload and you know Peyton Manning will expose that secondary at every possible instance. Colts need this win and they should get it.
Happy Halloween everyone!
