Week 9 in the NFL a Big One

Where to begin? So many five-star games this weekend in the NFL and it’d be a crime to not mention them all. Entering the weekend with a 12-7 record, the goal is still the same: a clean sweep in my predictions. Easier said than done. This week includes several games against equally-matched opponents where a coin toss could easily decide the winner. Don’t believe me? Check for yourself.

Dallas Cowboys (5-2) vs. Philadelphia Eagles (5-2)

This should be a simple prediction right? The Cowboys lost to the New York Giants earlier in the season. The Eagles just smacked those same Giants 40-17 last week so… well… things aren’t that simple. The Cowboys aren’t the same team they were six weeks ago and the Eagles have shown they can lay an egg at any time as evidenced by their loss to the Oakland Raiders. But Philadelphia will be all ears for this divisional rivalry on Sunday.

The Eagles are never out of a game with QB Donovan McNabb pulling the strings and he loves sticking it to Dallas. The last time Philadelphia met Dallas in a big game in Philly, they dismantled the ‘Boys 44-6 in demoralizing fashion and knocked Dallas out of the playoff hunt. The ‘Boys have had all summer to stew over that last game and should come out swinging against the Eagles on Sunday night.

Dallas has turned in their most complete performances of the season in their last two games, outscoring Atlanta and Seattle 75-38. Things have been clicking on all cylinders for the ‘Boys ever since third-year receiver Miles Austin started making big plays. Austin has restored the big play ability back in Dallas and the ‘Boys have been reaping the rewards ever since. His speed backs opposing safeties away from the line and with a few of the ‘Boys’ offensive stars getting healthy again, Dallas is becoming a scary team.

There isn’t a better receiver in the NFC East right now than Eagles’ wideout DeSean Jackson, and McNabb loves finding him. The play of Jackson and McNabb have compensated for injuries along the Eagles’ offensive line and backfield. Philadelphia may be without the services of explosive running back Brian Westbrook but rookie LeSean McCoy has played well in absence of the All-Pro. Between DeSean and LeSean, the future is bright in Philadelphia.

The Cowboys will arrive in Philadelphia as the healthier bunch between the two teams but the Eagles never lack for confidence. Both teams know each other well and the contest surely won’t play out like last week’s demolition of the Giants. Philadelphia fed off turnovers and a depleted secondary against New York but the ‘Boys have been playing turnover-free football the last few weeks while getting excellent play from their secondary and sophomore cover man Mike Jenkins, who has been extremely impressive. If Dallas refrains from turning the ball over, they have the weapons and too many healthy bodies for the Eagles to handle. Cowboys 30-20

Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2) vs. Denver Broncos (6-1)

Denver’s Invesco Field will be roaring for a home game against the defending champion Steelers on Monday night. The Steelers have had a week off to rest and have recovered nicely since a 1-2 start. Their pressure defense is legendary and it doesn’t help that the Broncos were exposed against a similar defensive scheme last week against Baltimore.

Denver endured their first loss of the year when Baltimore limited them to just 200 yards total offense in a 30-7 exposure. A second loss to an AFC North opponent wouldn’t completely cripple Denver’s 6-0 start but with the San Diego Chargers coming on, the heat would certainly be on Denver to finish strong. The Broncos need to rebound against the Steelers, who may come into the game shorthanded. Starting free safety Ryan Clark may not play for preventative measures after nearly dying in Denver a couple of seasons ago. His absence would be huge for a vulnerable secondary.

With divisional teams picking up steam, this is a game that both the Steelers and Broncos need to fend off their division brothers. The Steelers have lost the last two contests against the Broncos but have altered their appearance this year. The defense is still one of the league’s best but the offense has shifted to a passing-based scheme with a light emphasis on running the ball. Denver’s defense excels at stopping both the run and pass and their 3-4 setup could be problematic for the Steelers’ shaky offensive line.

Denver’s short passing game is designed to counter against Pittsburgh’s zone coverage scheme but the running