If you would've told me before Labor Day that this NFL season was going to have as many ups and downs as it has, I would've called you crazy. Or at least I would've taken you to Vegas to help make me rich.
This season has had an unbelievable amount of twists and turns, surprises and shocks, questions and quandaries.
Alliteration aside, this has been one of the most interesting seasons in recent memory since nearly every team can consider themselves in the playoff race. There are only a few teams (Lions, Rams, Bengals, and Browns) that are truly done for. All the other teams have eyes on the postseason, and given the way that this year has shaken out, teams that are underachieving now may soon step it up.
A Few Observations from Week Five
Where did Jason Campbell come from?
At the beginning of the year, it was a foregone conclusion that the Redskins would finish dead last in the ultra-competitive NFC East. However, coming off of big wins at Dallas and at Philadelphia, Campbell and the Redskins are sitting pretty, having won their last four games. Campbell is playing beyond expectations and those people who were ready for Colt Brennan are going to have to wait a little bit longer.
Where did Chad Johnson and Braylon Edwards go?
These top 10 receivers have been absolutely abysmal thus far this season, frustrating millions of fantasy owners around the world (including myself). These two have been riding the pine for weeks now, as other receivers are starting to pass them by. Until they show us something, put them on your bench if you have them on your roster.
The injury bug just wont stop biting teams again and again.
Brian Westbrook returned from an ankle injury just in time to suffer two fractured ribs. Looks like it will be a game time decision for the gritty halfback. Of course, he is on my fantasy team.
Steve Smith aggravated his shoulder, Ben Roethlisberger is also nursing a sore shoulder, and Willie Parker has just started practicing again. Referees want to put all sorts of rules in place to eliminate injuries, but this year it seems that there are more injuries than ever. Hmmm.
The New England Patriots executed the perfect game plan against the 49ers on Sunday.
When it was made clear that Matt Cassel was going to be the Patriots' starting quarterback for the rest of the year, people knew that he wasn't going to win games by bombing the ball deep. Instead, he had to minimize mistakes, make solid throws, and rely on the depth at the running back position.
The Patriots absolutely murdered the clock on Sunday, controlling the ball nearly all game. Cassel was solid as he went 22-32 on his pasa attempts. I'll take that any day from a backup. The Patriots face a familiar foe this weekend in San Diego, and have to come out with a win to keep their season rolling.
Which brings me to the Chargers.
Where has LT gone this year?
The visor wearing, sideline sulking, Visio watching halfback has been a shell of his former self this year, averaging just 3.7 yards a carry. He has yet to develop any sort of rhythm, perhaps due to the effects of his injury. Either way, he could be at 100 percent and it wouldn't matter.
The Patriots will win Sunday, frustrating LT and Leatherneck Norv Turner.
Lets get to the picks shall we...
LAST WEEK: 10-4
OVERALL: 42-31
Week Six Picks (Home Team in Caps)
Chicago Bears (3-2) -2.5 over ATLANTA FALCONS (3-2)
Both of these teams are surprising NFL analysts, as Kyle Orton and Matt Ryan are exceeding expectations every week.
The Bears defense will play hard and contain Michael Turner, forcing the Rookie Ryan to beat them in the air, which could be tough. I like the Bears winning this one on the road by a touchdown.
Carolina Panthers (4-1) +2.5 over TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (3-2)
Everyone is forgetting about the Carolina Panthers who have been boosted by the play of Steve Smith and DeAngelo Williams. Their defense is no slouch either.
The Buccaneers are playing well, but may be without QB Brian Griese on Sunday, and if so, Jeff Garcia has to get ready to play. I like the Panthers to win outright, take them and the 2.5.
WASHINGTON REDSKINS (4-1) -13.5 over St. Louis Rams (0-5)
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