Beer Run or Bar Stool Worthy: NFL Week 9 Preview

So far this season, there have been few surprises. But those surprises have left people talking up to this point. Today I introduce a new ratings system to determine which games are worth watching and which games should be avoided at all costs. But there is at least one guarantee this week: The St. Louis Rams and Miami Dolphins will not lose this week. Here's our rundown of this week's games.

One Mug Games

San Francisco vs. Atlanta

The Niners and Falcons would have been a good game if Alex Smith and Michael Vick were in them. Unfortunately, Smith is still nursing and injury and Vick is trying not to drop the soap. Truthfully, this isn't worth a one mug rating, but negative mugs are unacceptable. With Frank Gore not being the fantasy worthy running back we all expected him to be, and no legitimate receivers stepping up, it's hard to tell how this game will turn out. As for the Falcons, they had high hopes that they come back from the misery that occurred before the season even started. Unfortunately, the bug that was dubbed as "The Pit Bull" Virus has come back to infect and affect the entire Falcons team. In the beginning, this would have been a good game...but this isn't the beginning. For these two teams, this could be the end.

Final Score: 49ers 20, Falcons 7

Washington vs. New York Jets

The Redskins couldn't even get out of first gear against the Patriots last week. I don't expect that same result this week. They're playing the Jets, who have won once this season. The musical stylings of Eric Mangini have failed to get the Green Birds off the ground. Maybe he should try some heavy metal or old school Ice Cube. In any event, both teams are playing on Sunday, and there's nothing that can stop that. The Redskins have a legitimate threat in Jason Campbell, but Santana Moss is looking more like that receiver from the movie Necessary Roughness than an NFL wideout. Many teams used to fear Moss, but now, they just give him room to catch. That's because they know that he'll drop it anyway. The Skins will win this game, but if you have something to do, other than visiting your cranky mother-in-law, don't bother tuning into this one. Might as well watch some Nascar or something.

Final Score: Redskins 20, Jets 7 

Two Mugs

San Diego vs. Minnesota

The only reason this is a two mug game is because it is a showdown between two of the best running backs in the league: LaDanian Tomlinson of the Chargers and Adrian Peterson of the Vikings. Everyone has been wondering who will take the torch and run with it this season. This is the game where we find out if the Chargers are serious about making a run to Arizona. We also find out if the Vikings playing musical quarterbacks is a good thing. But no matter what the offense and defense for both teams does, it will come down to which running back wants it more. In the end, I can see the Vikings winning this, but if they can't stop LT or contain Phillip Rivers, expect this to be a one-sided game.

Final Score: Chargers 30, Vikings 24

Carolina vs. Tennessee

This was receives two mugs because it's old school vs. new school. Translation: 40 something year old Vinny Testaverde vs. 20 something year old Vince Young. Both teams have firepower on the offensive side, but their defenses haven't been able to win them ball games. This has proven to be a downside in most people's eyes, but if you ask either team their opinion, they'll just say that this is just the way they want to play. Both teams have decent records, one better than the other, but the Titans are tough to beat at home. The Panthers are just trying to win without Jake Delhomme under center which is no easy task. The Black Cats won't be winning this one, simply because younger legs will outdo experience 99.9% of the time. Why you think everyone was gameplanning around Michael Vick for?

Final Score: Titans 24, Panthers 14

Houston vs. Oakland

The Raiders have a first year coach and quarterback issues, so it's safe to say it's no surprise that they're 2-5. The Texans have a tougher quarterback and banged up receivers so anyone can see why they're 3-5. However, no one expected this to be a game worth watching. The reason this game is worth it is because the Texans are becoming a threat to the AFC and the Raiders are not out of the AFC West Race just yet. With the Broncos playing keep away with the third spot, Oakland can grab some much needed momentum heading into the tougher portion of their schedule. If anyone wants a nailbiter, then look no further than here. 

Final Score: Texans 27, Raiders 21

Cincinnati vs. Buffalo

The Bengals are downright terrible this season. The Bills are downright not. Shockingly enough, it's a reversal game on Sunday between these two teams. The Bills are finding ways to win while the Bengals are on the verge of throwing in the towel altogether. However, this should be a good game simply because while Mr. Ocho Cinco is getting the press, Houshy is getting the reps and the catches. Despite losses, TJ has stepped up big time and is starting to become Carson's Primetime receiver. As for the Bills, they have found new life and faith in Trent Edwards (by the way, anyone know who this guy is?) as quarterback. JP Losman will most likely be gone by the end of the season, but that's not for another few months. The Bills may not win the East, but at least they can say they're winning. Edwards outduels Carson in this one. Looks like Buffalo has turned tragedy into triumph.

Final Score: Bills 23, Bengals 10

Three Mugs

Seattle vs. Cleveland

The Seahawks are giving teams in the NFC West reason to like them. They are only one game ahead of the Arizona Cardinals, and the only team that can't catch them is St. Louis. As for the Browns, who would've saw this coming. Derek Anderson has become a premier household name in Ohio lately. No offense to Boeckman, but Anderson is getting it done any way he can. The Hawks lost Mack Strong to retirement, and Shaun Alexander is a game time decision. Matt Hasselbeck is a toss up. Seattle needs this win to stay on pace for another division crown, but Cleveland wants it more. Guess who takes the bulls by the horns in this one?

Final Score: Browns 24, Seahawks 13

Jacksonville vs. New Orleans

The Jags are showing why they chose David Garrard over Byron Leftwich. The Saints are showing why they are a dream team. The Saints are riding a three game winning streak after starting slow out of the gates. The Jags are trying to keep pace with everyone under Indy. After a bad loss to Indy, Jacksonville will try to bounce back in a big way. As for Nawlins, the Saints are looking tougher than before which is why I see them handing Jax their third loss of the season. Expect Drew Brees and Reggie Bush to handle things in the backfield while that phenomenal receiving corps handles things elsewhere. 

Final Score: Saints 34, Jaguars 20

Denver vs. Detroit

The Broncos are used to being at the top while the Lions are used to being at the bottom. My what a difference a year makes. After the guarantee and the draft, the Lions have stepped up whereas after giving Fake Jake the boot and the tragedies that ended their season, the Broncos have been getting bucked off their horse more times than Steve Spurrier. Detroit is sitting pretty at 5-2 while the Broncos are trying to catch the Chargers and (surprise!) the Chiefs in the AFC West. It's not going to happen in this game because the Lions are motivated and ready for the task of facing John Lynch and Co. After two bad losses, the state of Colorado is truly going to hate themselves after this one. And if you're wondering what those losses are, just hit yourself with a hammer.

Final Score: Lions 27, Broncos 17

Green Bay vs. Kansas City

The rematch of the century has finally arrived. Brett Favre was able to avenge his Super Bowl loss to Denver in supreme fashion, but now the Chiefs will be looking to avenge their first Super Bowl loss of their franchise. And this game couldn't have come at a better time. While everyone will be getting ready for the Game of the Week, Favre will look to teach Damon Huard a thing or two about playing field general. In the process, expect that defense to have this KC team for lunch. Green Bay will win this one and make it two in a row against the AFC West. Enjoy this one, because it should be a good one.

Final Score: Packers 20, Chiefs 14

Arizona vs. Tampa Bay

This one shouldn't be here, but it is. The Cardinals are one game out of first in the NFC West, while Tampa Bay's lead is shrinking due in large part to New Orleans starting to play ball again. With Cadillac nursing a flat tire and a majority of their receivers unable to get things done, it will be up to Jeff Garcia to make things happen if they intend to win this game. Kurt Warner has finally gotten what he wanted, much to the chagrin of Matt Leinart. Warner will have to win this one under pressure or he'll be riding the bench again. I think the Cards have enough juice to win this one...but someone better keep the duct tape over Brenda Warner's mouth on Monday morning if they lose.

Final Score: Cards 17, Bucs 10

Four Mugs Winners

Dallas vs. Philadelphia

Personal doesn't even describe this game. Terrell Owens returns to Philly once again and this time, he's ready. Romo has the Cowboys riding high, while Wade Phillips is looking like a genius. Patrick Clayton has settled in well in his role as backup to TO. As for the Eagles, well, they ain't looking so good right now. Donovan McNabb has handled the off field pressures well, and so has Andy Reid. But the Eagles don't have the necessary defense to counter Dallas's potent offense. Expect the 'Boys to win this one, and expect TO to show his appreciation to the Philly fans in royal fashion.

Final Score: Cowboys 45, Eagles 20

Baltimore vs. Pittsburgh

This is the first of many battles for the lead in the AFC North. With both these teams, as well as Cleveland sitting pretty well, something has to give. Willis McGahee has settled well into his new team while Big Ben is being Big Ben. Despite all the worries of bringing in a new coach, Pittsburgh is still as dangerous as they ever have been. Expect them to prove that theory correct on Monday night when they increase their lead over the two Cleveland teams. However, in the interest of fairness, everyone knows that anything can happen on Monday night.

Final Score: Steelers 27, Ravens 14

Five Mugs Champions

New England vs. Indianapolis

The second and final battle of the undefeateds is a rematch of last year's AFC Championship Game. How ironic that it is being played in the same building as last year with the same people. The only difference: No Dominic Rhodes, majority of last year's defense, and Randy Moss. Tom Brady is looking to avenge his second playoff loss while Peyton Manning is out to prove that last year's win wasn't a fluke. This game promises...and is guaranteed...to be an absolute barn burner as well as a shootout. Reggie Wayne vs. Randy Moss will be a good showdown as well. In the end, this will not come down to the kickers as it is Gradkowski vs. Vinatieri (who is a Colt this time around). It's hard to guess this game, so I won't. It's just that good. All I'll say is this game earns this week's GOMF award. So the question is: ARE YOU READY?